Anonimity on the Internet... Youtube, Forums etc

[One Awesome Inch]

I noticed that many people, if not most, prefer to be anonymous when it comes to van dwelling and the internet. On this forum it seems that most people use usernames that are not their real names.

I am considering starting a youtube channel, well I already have one actually, that focuses on van dwelling. Its something I want to do as I think it would be enjoyable and I like to share what I know and my experiences.

That said, I don't want to show my face on any videos having to do with van dwelling. My career is one in which I am under a high level of scrutiny in general and if people find out I am living in a van, I could lose my job. It probably wouldn't come to that, but there is a remote possibility.

What is the likelihood someone would figure out who I am based on my voice?

Would a youtube channel chronicling vandwelling be less effective if my face is never shown?

Thoughts on this?

 

[Matt71]

It's a terrible thing to live in fear.

I think you'll be safe. The likelihood of anyone you're worried about even seeing the videos is slim.
The CIA will know though, but not much you can do about that.

 

[akrvbob]

My guess is you would be better off if you use your face--people relate better to real people and honest transparency.

But it would certainly be worth doing even if you needed to remain anonymous.
Bob

 

[SoulRaven]

I have declined many interviews and requests over the years to start a youtube channel, because I dwell mainly in cities, and I feel if they recognize either myself or my van, I could be more likely to become a target for thieves because they would know I have equipment on board.

When leaving my van for any reason, I also make sure that everything of value is out of sight before I ever arrive at a parking spot.

I guess you'll just have to weigh the risks against any possible rewards.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Doing an Internet search on somebody has become routine by personnel departments, at least if they are considering them as new hires.  A lot of people wind up losing out on jobs because of the idiocy they've posted on their Facebook page, etc.  Whether any companies run Internet searches on longtime employees, I couldn't say.

You need to balance risk vs reward.  What is it you hope to gain by posting about your van living on Youtube?  Is the reward worth the possible risk of losing your job?

Regards
John

 

[RVTravel]

Dear Mr. President, your secret is safe with us.

 

[LeeRevell]

Doing an Internet search on somebody has become routine by personnel departments, at least if they are considering them as new hires.  A lot of people wind up losing out on jobs because of the idiocy they've posted on their Facebook page, etc.  Whether any companies run Internet searches on longtime employees, I couldn't say.

You need to balance risk vs reward.  What is it you hope to gain by posting about your van living on Youtube?  Is the reward worth the possible risk of losing your job?

Regards
John

Exactly.  Many prospective employers now are even demanding the prospective hire's login and passwords to ALL online sites they have.  I personally would refuse this, as it is MY business and not theirs.  If that got my application declined, fine - there are other jobs.
This is only one reason I avoid what I consider the "teeny-bopper social sites', like farcebook, tweeter, etc.   Just too much stupidity on there, which I would not want to be associated with.  I am on many forums, for various interests I have.  That is enough social interaction for me.  Even then, though I use a few different "noms de guerre", I know I am on certain agencys' "list"......   I am highly Politically Incorrect on those sites.  That does get one noticed.   ALL websites are monitored by The Men In Black.  We have proven this on other sites.   Having an 'alias' does no good there, they just trace back your IP addy.  I can live with that.  Any surveillance of me online will be rather boring.  If they can see me by way of the laptop camera (currently covered), then they see an older fat guy in his skivvies typing this stuff out.  Whoopee. 
This is one of the few sites I use a login name similar to my real name.
 have not made any videos on youtube, though I do post replies.  But NO pics.
I have met a few forum buddies in real life, though not from this forum.  Once I hit the road more, I hope to change that.

 

[LeeRevell]

Take a breath of helium before narrating. Then call yourself "Alvin".......

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Actually I could use a voice changing app on my phone.

 

[MikeRuth]

You say you need to hide your identity to prevent a possible loss of work if found out. Then don't do it. Simple.
With that said if someone other than the government were actually trying to determine it was you, it's not all that likely unless you regularly visit Casinos. They are into facial recon big time!
Otherwise the government will id you with or without court order period if they want you.

Good luck.

 

[GrantRobertson]

As soon as people notice that you are trying to be anonymous, some assholes will dox you just for the fun of it. Out seems the mean people on the internet have unlimited time and energy.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

I dont work for any government agency and I really dont have anything to hide from the government.

Its really not that big of a deal.

 

[1977dodge]

T.O.R.

 

[vanman2300]

I plan to do the same and may risk losing my job. As long as you keep your face covered enough to hide identity you'll always have "plausible deniability" that it's you if asked. Mostly every employer will not fire based on a hunch and if they do you can fight it based on wrongful termination.....among other remedies you have at your disposal. With that said if they do ask you'll probably be wise to start a new job search in case they decide to take action over the ensuing months.

 

[flying kurbmaster]

I would fire you too, if I found out you made a 7 minute video about a lantern sitting on the roof of a car. pretty low budget 

 

[One Awesome Inch]

I don't think my employer would want to fire me. However, I have a suspicion they might be pressured to do so. Would they cave in to that pressure? I would like to think not, but can't say for sure.

 

[cdiggy]

Also of note is the facial recognition software in use these days. I think most states use it for drivers license identification. The gov't is all over this and I would assume corporate America is not far behind.