Force User to Use Real Name as Signature

[jpapadpapa]

First, I'll just get to the point. Is there some way to force users to use their real names as signatures on every post? I have first name and last name boxes on the user profile page that are required. Can something be written that would automatically add those fields as a signature? Or, as I'm thinking about it, would there be a way to add real names under the usernames so they were always visible? That actually might be a better option.

Now for the background info: I am setting up a forum for a local group of which I am a part and they have had issues with some members anonymously doing things outside leadership and causing problems. Because of this, they are very leery of letting people choose their own usernames and being able to act anonymously in any way. However, I, being more into forums and how they work, really do not want to force everyone to use their real names as usernames. That just kind of bugs me and I don't see the necessity when you can easily click on Member List to see who is who. I do understand their concern to a point, though. So, I am trying to come up with a good compromise.

Any ideas?

[Boofo]

What I do on my site is have them fill out their First Name in a profile field and add that to their post info. If you try to force people to use their real name, they will either use a name that is not really theirs or avoid going to a site that forces the issue. It's a no-win situation.

[jpapadpapa]

I know what you are saying, but we are in somewhat of a unique situation because it is a local group of 250 that are moving over to a message board for communication. We have group events, etc., so most would not have a problem sharing their real names because it is very likely we will meet one another in person anyway. Also, most of the forums cannot be seen unless a person pays for membership. So, we are not really out to gain more members randomly off the internet.

The leaders have let me do mostly what I want with the forums, but this is a sticking point and I need a solution. Is there some way to force real names somewhere in the post automatically?

What I do on my site is have them fill out their First Name in a profile field and add that to their post info.

Does this add it to the post every time? I guess they do that on this site. Is that something that is easy to do? Maybe I'll see it when I go back in the Admin CP and play around. I want it to be full names and forced, though.

[Boofo]

When you set up a profile field you can set it up to be required at registration there. Just set up a profile field for the first name and another one for the last name and make them both required at registration.

[jpapadpapa]

Yes, I have already done that. What I need is further "transparency" for the sake of the group leaders, who are really wanting things to be as open as possible. I know how simple it is to look someone up, but the type of people who will be on these forums will not. They also want to build a tight community and feel that real names are important for this. (I do understand their reasoning here). I really need a way to put the name right there in the post every time.

[skhms]

You could edit the postbit and/or postbit_legacy templates to show the real names field below the username.

In the postbit template find:

<if condition="$post['usertitle']"><div class="smallfont">$post[usertitle]</div></if>

Above it add

<div class="smallfont">$post[fieldx] $post[fieldx]</div>

Change the x to the id of the custom first and last name fields.
This is just an example, you can of course test to put the real name some other place.

Edit: Changed to what I think is actually the right variable...

/SK

[jpapadpapa]

Awesome! This is exactly the type of thing I was wanting! <Goes to try it out...>

--------------- Added [DATE]1204660534[/DATE] at [TIME]1204660534[/TIME] ---------------

It worked great and I know they will be pleased. This is the perfect compromise. Thanks again!

[jpapadpapa]

I did notice one problem today. I have the calendars integrated with our forums and when I did a test post in one of those forums, my name is not showing up. Where would I go to fix this (assuming I can)?