No, it isn't required. When you register you are a able to choose a "screen name". You can use your real name or a nickname or something entirely different. For example, I'm the "Peregrine Chick", whereas someone else may choose "Mary in Winnipeg" or "Mary Q".
Choose a name that is PG-13 and not too similar to anyone else's on the Forum, you wouldn't want to be confused with another poster!
