Ask MetaFilter is a much better Yahoo Answers, but I can be pseudonymous there. Also, my pseudonym is much closer to a real identity than what's on my driver's license.

I don't have any real reason to fear sharing my "real name" with Quora. I'm lucky. But I'm not the only person in the world. Good thing I'm not trans or a religious dissident. Good thing the only thing stopping me from contributing to Quora is my ornery nature. I would hate to for the world to miss out on my Quora contributions for a good reason.

Good thing Quora doesn't have my "real name" is all I'm saying. I have an interest in privacy, even though I use the same pseudonym as my identity on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And Ask MetaFilter. And so many other places. I shouldn't have to beg to use my preferred name on Quora's bulletin board, regardless of my reasons. It's none of their business.

There's nothing about a "real names" policy that automatically turns a shitposter into a quality contributor. There are plenty of reasons not to wear a target on your back and self-doxx. Today's misadventure is one very good reason.