Your user name in griffin

Your user name will be used throughout this web server as your identity. Please choose a non-offensive and reasonably short name. Some special characters may not be allowed (e.g., space character is no longer allowed, I think).

If you prefer anonymity (or not)

Anonymity may become an issue when you like to 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 anonymity 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 appears to have nothing to do with you.

In this case, you must let me know your real identity, however. You cannot choose to be not identified by me, if you are using for an official purpose, such as your course work. It is also necessary for me to know your identity for the management of this web site. If your email address registered along with your account is a ucsc.edu email address, or any email address that you gave me, then I should know who you are. In this case, you do not need to do anything. 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 disabled. Another reason for your account being disabled is if you choose an inappropriate user name.

Lastly, here are some words of advice. Although I understand your urge/worry to be anonymous, generally, my observation is that people do not seem to need the anonymity, after all. Students who choose anonymity tend not to be active, any way! It might even be that the anonymity prevents them from being active, because it is less fun to discuss, if people do not know who you are!

Why user name?

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.

While public pages can be read by any one, you will need a user name, to access non-public pages.

The forum pages are an important non-public portion. While questions can be listed by any one, only registered users can read, ask, or respond to, any question.

Ready to create one … or check your old account?

Please follow the “Login (or sign up)” button above. If you click the “more” button when you are in the login page, you can check if your email address is already registered with griffin.