Respecting fannish identities and how not to fail

Just interrupting the quiet because this happened twice in last weeks.

You are communicating with someone who has split their fannish id or pseudonym from their real identity. You need to ask them something or mention them.

Stop.

If you are replying to a written quote on internet, make sure you reply to the name declared in that quote.

If not, think on which context you want to refer to that person in.

Then think on which name they use in that context: org, real life, fannish politics or whatever.

Use that name. If they switched name, follow the switch. Ask if you are not certain.

Do not comment on their fannish account publicly or friends locked, on a topic that they are associated with under real name or vice versa, unless they okayed it. Ask the person if you are not certain.

Your carelessness can cause someone to get harassed, lose their job or get arrested in some countries. So pay attention. Their safety is more important than you posting that status or blog post 2 min faster.