Please realise that not everyone who signs up to a forum is necessarily familiar with the internet. There are probably people reading this who are wondering how on earth they add their location to the green bar thing at the top of messages, let alone put funny little pictures in there. Also, some people have a very good reason to conceal where they live - a few throwaway comments, or even writing style, could be enough for someone's violent ex to recognise them despite code-names. You don't want that person to then be able to find them. Or people may want to post unflattering remarks about neighbours without being spotted if the neighbour also happens to use the forum!