Comments on: Why don’t you use your real name?

By: Eric Pratum

Eric Pratum — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:48:15 +0000

@Neal Definitely. As most of us know by now, anonymity can bring out the jerk in even the nicest people, and using your real name online makes your interactions more real… in that, you are representing yourself (or if you use your company name, a brand), and none of us would want an online confrontation to boil over into the ‘real world.’

As far as personal branding goes, I completely understand why many people do not feel the need to brand themselves online nor the need to make their presence known, but for those who do, I strongly feel that tying your name to a company is a big mistake.

Thanks for commenting, Neal.

By: Eric Pratum

Eric Pratum — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:44:12 +0000

@alias You make a good point about the problems that can come with using your real name. I guess that my issue is mainly that tying your name to a company is a bad idea since, when you part with the company, it will be difficult to take your connections with you… because after all, you chose to tie your name to the company. However, as you point out, not being anonymous online can definitely lead to problems…even if you have an effective filter.

By: Neal Freeland

Neal Freeland — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:49:38 +0000

I totally agree. This is a basic personal branding point. Anonymous aliases also seem more linked to troll-behavior, at least in my experience. Using your real name also encourages you to follow the best social norms of the internet: be polite, honest, transparent, respectful.

By: Alias

Alias — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:26:57 +0000

I don't see the point of using my name online.

I'm not trying to brand myself or "network."

I'm networking for new friends, to learn more, and to share my opinion. But, my opinion isn't necessarily connected to my employers, former employers, schools, etc. Putting your name out there can easily lead to too much info being shared, and potential issues (stalking, employer issues, etc.). If you say where you are ("going to H&M on 52nd St.") or "work sucks" with your real name, it could be more problematic than anonymous.

I give my friends my usernames and where to connect with me online. Better yet, they know my phone number and e-mail and can connect with me personally.

By: Connie

Connie — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:58:32 +0000

Perhaps there are a few of us that still believe in keeping personal information just that, personal. Or perhaps some of us are women who've been told not to open our doors to strangers and now on the internet we're being told to fling the door open. I say who cares if you're using a real name or not. As long as you're posting or tweeting responsibly I don't care what you call yourself. Start being a jerk and I'll block you or report you and move on.

Perhaps it's time we give up on the hangups of what name we use.