Question/answer » Why is my name shown with my comments and collections?

Do you post a comment on a record at Open Archieven? Then your name is shown with that comment. Do you make a collection public? Then your name is shown above that collection. Do you publish an index? Then your name is shown there too.

Why is my name there?

A comment on a record is often an addition or a correction. Other researchers use that information. They want to know who the addition comes from. That way they can ask you to explain. And that way they can value your help.

Is that allowed under privacy law?

Yes. We show your name because it is part of the service you use. Privacy law (GDPR) calls this "performance of the contract". You can read this in our privacy policy and in article 19 of our terms and conditions.

We never show your e-mail address.

Can I change my name?

  1. Go to My Open Archieven › Change name.
  2. Enter the name you want to show.
  3. Save.

Please note: with a comment you enter a name yourself. That name does not change along automatically if you change your account name later.

What happens to my old comments?

Your comments on records stay. We do not delete them. Other researchers benefit from them.

Do you no longer want your name shown with your old comments? That is possible. Send a message to privacy@coret.org. We will then replace your name with "Uitgeschreven lid" (deregistered member). The text of your comment stays.

You can also delete your own comment entirely.

May I use a pseudonym?

Yes. A pseudonym is allowed. Just your initials is fine too.

One thing is not allowed: using someone else's name. The name of a company or an archive is not allowed either. If you do so anyway, we will change the name. In case of misuse we can close your account.

Can I make my collection private again?

Yes. You decide whether a collection is public. Do you set it to private? Then your name disappears from that page too.


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