Recently I had one of my Twitter followers make a tweet that said "Why do people blog under an assumed name - it's just wrong - learned that today." Well there were other issues with this follower so apparently she isn't following me anymore not by her choice but that is another story. Anyway, her comment could not be more wrong if she tried. There is absolutely nothing wrong or immoral or unethical about blogging using a pseudonym. A large number of bloggers blog under an assumed name. There are many, many reasons one may want to write using a pseudonym. When done properly the pseudonym (assumed name) becomes as much part of the blog as the blog itself.
The concept of writing under an alias or pseudonym is definitely not a new concept. It has been a widely accepted practice in the literary world likely dating back as far as writing on scrolls. Pseudonyms were used to hide gender and/or station when writing. So the precedence was set well before blogging came to be. I read about a female blogger who wasn't achieving the success she wanted so she took on a male persona and her blog took off. The reality of blogging is the only one who knows your real name is your blogging host providing you gave them your real name and not a generic John Doe name. The copyright remains with the author whether or not they are writing under a pseudonym providing there is an established link between the author's name and pseudonym but that can all be done behind the scenes.
Garden Gnome
©2009-2010
4 comments:
With a name like Jennifer, I might as well be anonymous. Even combined with my last name, there are a multitude of duplicates, including my own sister-in-law!
I agree there is nothing at all wrong with using a pseudonym - it is a pen name - writers have been using them for centuries!
"Emm" is my first initial. I kind of regret using it as it has caused confusion. I've met so many people through my blog and no one ever knows what to call me! And any idea of keeping it secret went out the window in the first week when I posted my pictures of a race I did with my colleagues. I would say: use a pseudonym if you think it sounds funky and cool, in other words if it fits in with your marketing strategy. But like Jennifer says, you'll be surprised how many people have your name anyway so sometimes there is no use being secretive!
Actually, you've reminded me now that i put my full name on Twitter because one of my followers complained that it wasn't a good sign not to. After reading this, I might just change it back to Emm. Will think about it.
I really do think it is perfectly acceptable to use a pseudonym when blogging if desired. One valid reason for not using your real name on your blog is if you discuss certain topics that you may not want your boss to know and that type of thing. There's already cases of people unintentionally incriminating themselves on Facebook, Twitter and on blogs.
@Jennifer you are right there are a multitude of duplicate names but some names are a bit more unique.
@pupski so true and there are benefits to writing using a pseudonym.
@Emm I really don't think it is a matter of being secretive. It's more a matter of what you are comfortable with.
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