Google-
I realize that Google+ is a private service, and they can, ultimately, do what they like. However, their approach to identity is all but guaranteeing that it will not be the rich, encompassing service they’re trying to build. It is all well and good for a moderately well off white guy whose name is already public (and whose livelihood requires it to remain so) to insist that everyone should use their real name — there is very little risk for him that is not already inherent in his profession. For the abused, the stalked, the adopted, the ‘not white enough in name,’ the politically risky, and all other people who feel afraid that posting their real name might have drastic, real-world consequences - the risk is high, and the reward is little.
Google has a lot of ways to handle this, and as far as I can tell, has taken the extreme low road: Screw the little guy, we need their advertising data. Make sure we make exceptions for the super famous. God forbid anyone figure out what Lady Gaga or 50cent’s real names are (that’s what Wikipedia’s for, kids) It is no skin off of our nose if some girl gets repeatedly harassed by her abuser. (We’re not even going to make blocking work correctly, so she’ll have to keep seeing what they say in comments! It’s OK though, since we totes made him use his real name.)
