When I am in forums/threads where I am a pretty regular reader and/or contributor and have come to know members on a first name basis, I use their first names. I only use their member names if I want to tag them to the conversation or I go elsewhere where they may not be known. I have more trouble remembering spellings of member names so real names are so much easier. I would probably have muddled up Bev's, (websemps, websemp, webesemp, webesemps) Lynn and Bev are on that first name basis as are several other members here.

Mary, you wanted to know "Who is this 'Bev' that is so creative?" Bev replied so now you know who she is, you got your answer. Now you can explore all her contributions and photos. Not sure what additional 'points' are being missed.

If I am confused, my apologies, pain and meds is my excuse.

At this moment I feel more unwelcome on this thread than you (that is a plural 'all') can imagine. All I did was ask a simple question: "Who is Bev" and I added a nice complement to go with my question. Look at the responses you all gave. When I started to type my question there had been no response from 'Bev' yet so there was no way I could have checked the post before mine as I was busy typing and waiting for my internet connection. It sometimes takes me an hour or more to type my posts.

I have been told by dave himself that posts are supposed to be helpful for all members. It seems very 'clique' to have an informal chit chat on a public thread using first names when new people and like me, not so new people, have no clue who is whom. Adding Bev's screen name as an afterthought several posts down the page in the thread will not help someone who starts at the beginning as I did.

The banner is beautiful. The banner invites people to want to learn more about semps (I am abbreviating that as folks on this particular thread know how to spell it out in full). If webesemps/Bev had been identified in the beginning I would not have had to wonder and would not have had to ask. Oh, and by the way, I think that Bev's screen name is pretty easy to remember...we be semps. It's a good one.

What is the point of having screen names if we do not use them? This is another example of how we are not considering the many new members that we are inviting. When folks are too comfortable and casually friendly as to be on a first name basis it tends to omit information needed my others who want to be included. Almost like "we know who we are and we don't want you to join the chat".

Yes, I have my answer. I will know better next time not to ask.

Hi Greene - please don't feel bad about that! I didn't want to seem like I was talking down to you by saying the name is in the upper right hand corner - on every post and the screen name is in the upper left corner of every post - so I may have seemed flippant, I apologize! I have found ATP website to be very friendly and warm, and so yes I do fall into calling people by what I see in the upper right hand corner... I was trying to help you for the next time to be able to know who someone is talking about. I am very glad you keep responding though because I haven't interacted with you often, and so I do consider you new ish and therefor I take what you are saying seriously! This website should be a fun and inclusive place for all of us!!
Thanks for letting me know what helps you feel included!