\I[Childsplay?|By Alvin|Section: The Scene of Ours]
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We've now come to those that doesn't even own a computer. Many of these are girls. Girls in my class in school just can't see what fun you can have with a computer. First, they often think you're just playing games, which is totally wrong of course, and when they are introduced to the scene they can't understand why we spend so much time with our computers, doing nothing. It's sad, but true. I'm trying to show small pieces at the time, and they ask questions, but they aren't more interested than that. And often they wonder why we use so silly names. They wonder why there are so many disks on your table with strange names on. I think they somehow think of it as some ridiculous game. The same with computer magazines, for example. They can't understand why we hide behind silly handles instead of using our own name. And they're right. The use of handles often makes things look childish. The scene is built by guys who use handles, and therefore, the whole scene is strange, according to some people. They don't see the meaning with handles. And to be honest, I can't see it either. Why do we use handles? Do we use them to have something to hide behind? Hide from what? We don't have to hide from the law. They don't have anything against us anyhow, except for piracy, that is. People outside the scene just think it's stupid. And still handles are something we use to identify ourselves with in the scene, a name that gives you fame if you're good. But can't we use our real names instead? As Tobias 'Electron' Jansson stated in Oepir Risti, many members of the scene have used their real names. You can use your real name and become famous, you know (if that's what you're after). If you look for yourself, it's possible to see a movement towards using a real name, not a big one, but it's moving. I think it would be better for us to change our handles to our real names. After all, we are not ashamed of our names, are we? You might say: "Change yours yourself first!" Well, actually I have done so. My handle, or name is currently Alvin, which is my last name. Alvin might be a first name in some countries, but here in Sweden it's the last name for many people.
Do we want the scene to have a bad image? Do we want other people to think we are childish teenagers? I sure don't. I don't know about you. Do you dare to start using your real name? If not your first name, use your last name. We could get some real interesting names then, especially with guys from Poland, Italy, Germany etc., don't you think? It's time to do something new. Dare to do it! Dare to be yourself!
