October 20, 2011, 8:45 AM —
flickr/Alan O'Rourke
For some, it was no issue, but others felt strongly the policy must change. And change it did, as Google executives announced at the Web 2.0 Summit that Google+ will allow non-real names "sometime soon."
Since other services allow obviously fake names (does ANYBODY on Twitter use their real name besides me?), the fact that Google held firm for a real name generated plenty of news. Even more news just a few weeks ago, when Google Chairman and ex-CEO Eric Schmidt said the policy will stay in place. Guess he missed the memo.
Now the race is on to see how much Google+ will change with the new policy, if any. Since Google+ gathered about 40 million users, all supposedly using their real names, in about a month, will signups increase, or will they decrease? And why aren't the commenters happier that the policy they didn't like has been changed?
About time
My theory was and will be that Google knew they would have to eventually allow other name types. Meanwhile, everyone that was on the fence, relented and used their real name.
Zhenya on news.ycombinator.com
If this is what it appears to be, congratulations to Google+ for turning around before going over the cliff. Yes, the preferences of a service’s users must come first, no matter how tempting a deal Big Brother may offer.
Trace Wallace on mashable.com
This should make everyone happy but the abuser, troll, dicks etc. who hide
behind masks. My 2 cents that I back up with my real name!
Robert Mitten on mashable.com
Still odd
It always seemed inconsistent to me that they would require real names on Google+ but not on YouTube.
suivix on news.ycombinator.com
Hmm. Not sure if this is good or bad. I guess in some cases, people have good reasons for using a Pseudonym..but it makes a lot more sense to use only real names.
sarahgraceguita on mashable.com
Still I think supporting pseudonyms is not a good idea. My point of view is — in Internet, we should be the way we are in real life.
Nure Alam Masud on mashable.com
Too late for me
This is promising, but I guess I should wait and see what Google actually rolls out before I go and start adding content again.
thristian on news.ycombinator.com
Google+ will be closed next spring when Facebook will reach 1,000,000,000 users and the Google clone only 100,000,000
SUPER PERKS for the FIRST ONES on allthingsd.com
Too little, too late. I've already migrated the majority of my services elsewhere due to Google's stance on 'the illegitimacy of pseudonymity'.
Swampwulf on allthingsd.com
Do you think the reason Google+ lags behind Facebook is because people don't want to use their real names? Or will this policy change have little or no impact on Google+ going forward?
