The AnswerBank: Your best kept secret?

[AB Editor]

Morning,

I wondered if we could take a moment to talk about the way you use AB.

I've seen people post a few times that they wouldn't send their friends to AB because they've been using it fairly anonymously for years and, as such, have divulged things they wouldn't share with others in their life necessarily.

So, I wondered, in what circumstance would you introduce a friend to The AnswerBank?

And equally, why wouldn't you? What could we do to ensure that you could use the site as you want AND invite your friends to join in when they need a helping hand (or wish to be helpful)?

Thanks everyone, hope we like the new logo!

Ed

[The Builder]

Hi Ed ............... I'm the same as Trim, no secrets. I use the same avatar on FB, so easily identified.
I think that, outside of CB, anonymity isn't important......... except for personal, legal, medical problems of course. I'm often telling people about the site.
This came up recently. I live near the parents of one of CB's most "colourful" (and extremely lovely) characters. Her Dad wanted some Tech computer advice. As soon as I'd told him about Chuck etc, it did cross my mind that he might stray over to CB and catch his daughter with her metaphorical pants down.... :o((((

[daffy654]

All my family and friends know I use AB and they all know my username.

[ummmm]

I've sent links to my friends.....when I know they will know the answer.

I also have family on here, as you know. Seems my sons account has been deleted though....

Shame...he's quite funny.

[China Doll]

I've told people to use this site to ask questions on before including one of the docs I used to work for and friends as well as my mum and step-dad. My middle sister was also a member of the site for a while. So nah, not a big secret.

[daffy654]

I made my son leave after he joined without telling me and started asking questions he knew I would answer, he can be a little wind-up merchant when he puts his mind to it. :)

[pusskin]

i know 4 people personally on here, even though they are not around much. No problem for me , as I only speak the truth and nothing but the truth lol

[ummmm]

Probably thought it was of my accounts :-)

[Mamyalynne]

Same here am an open book and often share postings with family and friends, one Daughter is a member but rarely posts.

I say nothing here that I could not repeat to those I know. Yes have also recommended the site too.

[Frank97]

I've directed several of my friends towards the AB, weather or not they've joined I don't know as most of them seem to be technophobes.

[TOWIE]

I don't have a problem with others knowing I am on AB, in fact my cousin is on here. Perhaps some Abers feel this is their 'me time', without family or friends wanting every last bit of their time.

[pa___ul3]

my lass knows I come on here, but she leaves it for me to be my little space, just as she uses another place for hers, it's not because we put up stuff we really wouldn't like each other to see, just a mutual 'you have your thing' thing.

[AB Editor]

Morning All,

Thanks for your responses. Builder & Trim, this is more of an "Open Id" philosophy, rather than directly relating to any particular site: i.e. as long as you're in control of your image/persona you're happy.

"I think that, outside of CB, anonymity isn't important......... except for personal, legal, medical problems of course"

What do you think to Anonymous posting in, say, Relationships & Dating and Health? Obviously the user would have to be signed up and verified (maybe "extra verified"?) so that we could spot trolls etc.

[AB Editor]

Hmm, looking at all this maybe there isn't a problem of recommendation.

Do you think we could make it easier? A sort of "add your friends from facebook/gmail" thing where you pick out the friends you want to invite and they get an email with a link which pre-populates some of the sign up stuff?

[Arksided]

It's no secret that I frequent AnswerBank as I have been known to repeat a joke I've read or funny/unusual story etc... stating where I read it from, also two of my brothers are members but don't come on often.

[anneasquith]

maybe " introduce a friend " and get a wee bonus at the end of the financial year !