Real names in forums

[partridge]

So World of Warcraft has changed its rules on forum postings meaning that you have to use your real name. Some newspapers in the UK have also made this change to their forum, so no more hiding behind a cool username when you make those inflamatory posts!

How would people here feel about a similar change? I've always found this forum to be the most friendly, positive, welcoming and enjoyable forums I've ever used and I don't think it would bother me if instead of Partridge my real name appeared.

But what do others think? Does it stop people posting cr@p? Does it make them think twice before throwing insults at each other and getting into flaming wars?

Just curious, as it's something I've wondered in the past; what if, from the outset, the internet could only be used by registered users and everything they did in public forums, comments sections, etc, had to display their real name.

On the one hand what does it matter? A lot of people will have common names and a name on its own doesn't reveal much about you. On the other hand, all your friends will know that it was you that posted such and such, whereas they might not realise you are posting as "death-head3000".

Thoughts, views and opinions on what could be a new trend...