I agree for the most part with what “charlie brown” is saying.
I think that some people may try to find out someone’s real-world name because they find the person interesting or have formed an online friendship, and are afraid that one day the person may vanish, leaving no way to ever be contacted again.
There are also those who “unmask” other posters just for the vicarious “gotcha” thrill.
In both cases, this is not right (although the first is a lot more understandable).
As frustrating as it might be, the best thing to do is view friendships and associations formed on this site as ephemeral – an enjoyable diversion, but nothing of real substance.
At least one poster on this thread has revealed something personal that would preclude him/her from ever meeting someone from this site in the real world and revealing their SN(I can’t say anything more for obvious reasons).
It may even be a good idea to have a throwaway SN, or if you slip and reveal something personal, to create a new SN and abandon the old one to preserve privacy.
I requested on another thread that the mods not “bust” multiple SNs with the same IP, because potentially real harm can be caused.
I’m sure anyone who causes tzar to another person by revealing info that unmasks and embarrasses them feels rotten – this is a serious issue and the fact that it is being addressed is appreciated.
Keep up the good work.