Using Pseudonyms on Blogs to Protect Your Identity
In general, it is up to the individual user as to what they want to post on the blog, their real name or a pseudonym. More common now than years ago are fictitious names, such as book authors who write under the name of ‘pens. Some people now market their brands and post under their brand names and not their real names. Those who do not want their personal business to be broadcast will use assumed names, nicknames, or an alias. All are increasingly common in our society.
It depends on individual usage as to what information you want to make known on your blog. Making a list of exactly what your blog goals are may be the best determining factor as to whether you use your real name or a pseudonym.
It determines how much personal information you choose to give out and what type of content you choose to post.
If you’re running a blog about needlework, you might not want to use your real name. If you blog about political views, religion, abortion, releasing someone on death row, something that may seem like a hot topic of debate, then you may want to keep your name private.
You’ll need to ask yourself if the topic you’re blogging about might be ethically challenged by your coworkers or employers. Could your neighbor be offended by it? Would your mother approve? Unfortunately, people may disagree with some of your personal views and this has been known to reflect poorly on you in the workplace.
As you review your list of blog goals and possible content, it will become clearer what to use. I know many people who have more than one blog and use a name for each one.
If you are using a pseudonym, you are free to blog about whatever you want. Personal information will be somewhat protected, and opinions you may find questionable or inappropriate may not be a concern to your employer or other professional relationships. What is the best part of this? You can always change to your real name later when you quit your day job!
There have been many bloggers posting under fake names, only to reveal their true identities later. Perhaps one worth mentioning is April Winchell, a comedian who one night launched the blog (and site) “Regretsy.” This site was created to make fun of some of the items in the handmade community on Etsy. When the site gained thousands of readers in a short time (virtually overnight), she opened up about who she was, having originally used an alias. It is now a site with millions of thousands of followers and she is proud of her achievement.