Public or private

The web server at Griffin uses somewhat sophisticated access control mechanism. Certain web pages can be completely public (like certain teaching related pages) while some can be completely private, hidden from the general public. Some can be made accessible only to a few selected users.

The forum site is an important component of Griffin. At the time of this writing (Jan 2013), I am beginning to employ a more private setting for the forum. While questions can be listed by any one, only registered users can access questions.

Your user name in griffin

Your user name will be used throughout griffin for your identity. Please choose a non-offensive and reasonably short name. There is no rule other than this.

If you prefer anonymity

Perhaps, anonymity can become an issue when you like to actively engage in forum discussions, but you do not like to be identified by other people, e.g. your classmates if you are using my teaching related web sites.

I understand that this can be your preference. If this is the case for you, then I recommend you to do the following. Create a user name (like "slug1973") that has nothing to do with you, and post your messages with that user name.

In this case, you must let me know your real identity, however. You cannot choose to be not identified by me. This is necessary for the management of this web site. If your email address registered along with your account is a ucsc.edu email address, then I automatically know who you are. Your email address will not be, or should not be, readable by other users. If you use a pseudonym and a private email address, then you must notify me who you are. If you do not, then your account may be diabled.