Ugh, tell me about it. I see no reason whatsoever for giving up my phone, this has been happening with gmail. It is already bad enough recieving messages from telemarketers, I wouldn't put it pass google to one day hand that information on to their "Trusted Partners." I'm on the "Do Not Call" list for a reason, and even that barely works. ><
Anyways, I think it is time to get away from google.
http://en.sevenload.com/
http://vimeo.com/
http://www.veoh.com/
Does anyone know any other good video sites?
<rant>
It is not that I'm against change, I am against random changes and changes that try to push me into giving up something (especially personal info) or receiving something I don't want. I use a screen name for a reason, mainly because I feel more comfortable being able to express myself without fear of
personal retribution.
Look at what is happening with facebook for an example of this, it is not unheard of for one little off-color joke or political expression to get people fired. These things have RL consequences and the worst thing is what you post may never go away. Even insurance companies are strongly considering factoring in what you post on social networks for what you'll pay. This is a serious issue. It is not that I'm doing anything wrong, it is because of how people may interpret what I say as being wrong.
When I originally set up my account, that was back when I was more naive about giving up my real name. I only give out my real name now if there is a legitimate reason for websites to need it such as shopping sites where they need it for billing info.
I know I went off the rails here, but Google is really starting to irritate me with their desire to merge my online and offline lives. I may one day set up a LinkIn account for job search purposes, but I will not set up a Facebook account and I do not want a Google+ account. I am a private individual, and what I do is no one's business but my own.
Now as for dealing with trolls, this is why mods have the power of the bam hammer. I think this community does a good job with shutting them down, even if people are a bit too zealous on throwing down the troll label. No community is perfect.
TLDR: Real life names are a liability, and uneeded
</rant>