How to be anonymous

[Lysmata Debelius]

I've seen a number of people claim that it's "laughably" easy to find out who somebody really is, on a forum.
But as far as I can tell, only the forum owners and (possibly?) moderators can see our IPs
I'm probably not going to stay anonymous for much longer since so much of the usefulness of this forum is in showing who you are - book covers, descriptions, etc, but I'm wondering if it's even worth it to try.

The only compelling reason I've seen to be anonymous on here (as a writer) is not to become the victim of drive by onestarring. Is there any advantage to being anonymous on here? Is it worth it? Is it possible?

For example, can anyone figure out who I am?   
I hope I don't regret saying that! 

ETA: I've added my covers, so my cover is blown  

[Maggie Ann]

I've seen a number of people claim that it's "laughably" easy to find out who somebody really is, on a forum.
But as far as I can tell, only the forum owners and (possibly?) moderators can see our IPs
I'm probably not going to stay anonymous for much longer since so much of the usefulness of this forum is in showing who you are - book covers, descriptions, etc, but I'm wondering if it's even worth it to try.

The only compelling reason I've seen to be anonymous on here (as a writer) is not to become the victim of drive by onestarring. Is there any advantage to being anonymous on here? Is it worth it? Is it possible?

For example, can anyone figure out who I am?   
I hope I don't regret saying that! 

Hah! Easy Peasy! You are Lysmata Debelius. 

[Lysmata Debelius]

Curses! I am revealed!  :icon_mad:

[Denise]

I think being anonymous defeats the purpose of a forum like this.

That said, I don't think I'll  use my name or pen name on my profile on any forum ever again, because it can't be erased from the quoted posts.

I trust this forum, but I can't be sure that it won't be taken over by an evil overlord in 10 or 20 years... So I'd rather have a random name.

[Lysmata Debelius]

That's an excellent point, Daylight.
Just seen that in action when overwriting my posts over on The Other Place

[Demon_Lord]

I registered with one of my pen names here the first day, and coincidentally, I got two new one-star reviews that were not helpful at all.

I mean, once in a while, you get someone who didn't like your book and can rant about a few things, including some constructive ones. I listen when the person has a valid point, even if is harsh.

Anyway, it was the reason I went anonymous.

I've been a mod at a technology forum, and IP addresses don't matter much anymore. People who use their mobile data to connect, shared IP addresses with countless people, and the location is irrelevant. Not to mention those who are behind a VPN. That been said, in order to properly participate, I might share more of my true self in the future.

[Demon_Lord]

I heartily suggest installing a browser extension to block Facebook tracking pixels if anonymity is your goal

Great suggestion, thanks!

[Lysmata Debelius]

I heartily suggest installing a browser extension to block Facebook tracking pixels if anonymity is your goal

I already do that