[sellandb]

Really?? It is exceedingly clear in the Terms of Service that you link to, where is says to "use your full first and last name", that the name "Doctor Popular" violates the terms of service. I think it is pretty clear what Google is trying to do here and to try and make your self sound like the victim here is disingenuous at best.

At this point if you refuse to use your real name you are no longer being persecuted, but simply making a choice not to use their services because you don't agree with their policies. Don't look for other peoples pity "Doctor Popular".

[danielhunt]

edit: formatting

Ignoring the TOS for a second, isn't the main part of the complaint that his entire Google account is locked out?

This isn't just a 'please choose a "real" name' for access to G+ ... it's 'you can no longer access any Google service'

Granted, it's as a result of his choice of his name, but everyone affected by this is amazed by how their entire Google life is put on hold indefinitely due to someone not liking their chosen identifier.

[sixtofour]

And, as he points out, other people with "normal" (whatever that means) names, some of whom have supplied govt ID as proof), have still been denied their appeal.

What does it mean that Google is this insane about this one little thing? Yes, directed advertising is the obvious answer for an advertising company.

But you DON'T need a real name to have advertising directed your way, all you need is a record in a database. If I registered with G+ as John Smith (not my real name) they would be none the wiser, notwithstanding any correlation with my gmail and outside sources that they may or may not perform. The ads would still get to me.

However, if they were selling correlation to third parties ...

[Xlythe]

It has more to do with the atmosphere than ad targeting. Pseudo names, screen names, random characters that can't always be pronounced scare away people who don't spend much time online. In most social settings, it's common for people to share names, for it to be pronounceable, and for it to be familiar. Like the "Trash" icon being where you dump your unwanted files, or the "Magnifying Glass" being where you search, you want users to feel familiar with your product. Google+ is pruning away a bit of the geek subculture so it doesn't become a huge majority and scare away a much larger crowd.

If Google+ ever becomes a household name, there'll be much less emphasis on real names. The risk of a super majority on Google+ by a minority in the real world will be gone.

[docpop]

Aw bummer, looks like there's something wrong with your cut and paste. Here, let me help you with the rest of the TOS description: "... Google Profiles requires you to use the name that you commonly go by in daily life."

[sellandb]

Does your mother refer to you as "Doctor Popular"? How about your best friend? How about the telemarketers that call or your internet provider?