Why do some users "Hide" on the forum?

[S-Man]

I've noticed that a few times that the little green "online" light next to some people's names will not be lit up when they JUST posted something.
There is an option "allow(s) others to see when you're online".

What would be the purpose of not having that checked?

I'm not upset about it or anything, just curious.

[jeffro20]

I've always wondered the same thing on a sports message board that I regularly visit and post. Several people perfer to be in "stealth mode". Perhaps they are afraid of a barrage of PMs from their fans.

[Truckman]

If you knew what I look like in person, you wouldn't have to ask why I stay invisible......Seriously, I admin a board and I've found the behavior level of members is more acceptable if they're not sure whether I'm around......Ben

[angiem357]

Depending on the board, sometimes I would get a ton of IMs after logging on. Honestly, I don't have time to just sit around and chat on a computer. If my machine's on, it's because I'm working on something! It's hard to read posts and reply to IMs at the same time. I suppose others' reasons could be different, though.

[ChristopherCoy]

I'm sure it could be considered a personal safety issue as well. Some folks prefer to keep themselves hidden so that no one knows they are home. By showing themselves 'online' it would allow a suspect who may be stalking them to know their location....

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Truckman

If you knew what I look like in person, you wouldn't have to ask why I stay invisible......Seriously, I admin a board and I've found the behavior level of members is more acceptable if they're not sure whether I'm around......Ben

Same here. I don't think I am hidden here, but I am on the board I am a mod for.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by groovyone

...but I am on the board I am a mod for.

Why do mod's hide???

[Wes]

For me, it's habit. I admin a couple other large bulletin boards on the web. Staying "invisible" allows me to more effectively moderate a board. People behave differently when they know there's an admin logged in vs. when they don't know.

[brad]

I just don't want anyone to know how much I'm here. LOL

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

Why do mod's hide???

Because. hahah

[Tom]

Maybe they dont want their Boss and/or Wife to see they are on here.

[Atfulldraw]

I'm hiding from my ex-wife.

If you knew her, you would hide too.

[J Eddington]

It could be so simple as they never notice the box. I have never notice it, but then again I have never looked at my account since signing up.

[ka5txl]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I'm sure it could be considered a personal safety issue as well. Some folks prefer to keep themselves hidden so that no one knows they are home. By showing themselves 'online' it would allow a suspect who may be stalking them to know their location....

So I'm safe if I'm at panera's having coffee while my stalker is at the house

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by ka5txl

So I'm safe if I'm at panera's having coffee while my stalker is at the house

uh! There's always one in the bunch.

You know what I mean!