I wonder if blogging pseudonyms will become as passé as Citizen's Band Radio handles?
[7 September - a number of readers have asked me to change it back, so I have but with a new subtitle.]
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Congratulations! Would the internet be a pleasanter place if everyone used their real names?
I think there is a long and distinguished history of using pseudonyms in the mainstream media (e.g. the Pandora and Thunderer columns or even Staff Writer), this is often because they are trying to communicate a persona (as your's and Paul Staines aka Guido Fawkes aim to do) or to portray a single voice from many. I see no reason why such a tradition can't be successful on the Internet and indeed probably must be in order for the 'branding' to build successful blogs.
@Maxine - not if anonymity is the only real prerequisite for privacy both on- and offline, or a for not being fired from your job for speaking your mind on your blog or twitter. Or for not being stalked by nutjobs, or 4chan, or any other grudge-bearing internet weirdo.
And so on...
What is a pseudonym? I'm SBML, but I could have used Ernest Leslie Albright which is a proper sounding name (but not my real name) and no one would have thought it was a pseudonym as opposed to ErnestOfRochdale.
In these times when the internet never forgets there are times when making a mistake shouldn't be allowed to haunt you for the rest of your life. Nor should employers be able to use your private life against you.
I'm sorry to say, I preferred "Jack of Kent". It had a bit of a ring about it...
But, CB radio handles were so cool! I mean come on, that entire culture was wonderful, Smokey and the Bandit was a truly awesome film.
Seriously though, people get hung up over names and labels far too easily. As long as you're still blogging with such incredible quality and power people will flock to read it.
Hi David
At the risk of being just a tad hypocritical - I did like the historic romanticism behind the name “Jack of Kent” and being a fighter for justice for all!
Which you are of course
:)
Jack of Kent is definitely easier to remember and more catchy, although I applaud your openness.
And "Catdownunder" describes me - so I think I will continue to be just that! :-)
...and of course the prize you were so excited to be shortlisted for should be re-named the 'Blair Prize'.
Probably.... I shall change my blog name immediately to my real name.... HieranonymousQC :-)
Sorry, I prefer "Jack of Kent" instead of, er, what was your name again?
"I did like the historic romanticism behind the name “Jack of Kent” and being a fighter for justice for all!"
Amen.
Just because you've chosen to step out of pseudonymy doesn't mean the title of the blog has to change. 'Jack of Kent' is a great blog title, even if everyone does now know it is written by David Allen Green. My favourite blog is "Tetrapod Zoology" and it's not written by Mr Zoology (it's Darren Naish's blog).
I have been asked to change the name of the blog back by an number of people. So I have done (at least for now), but changed the subtitle.
However, I now intend to write generally under my own name.
Coming late to this.
I'd just note that a pseudonym - is "handle" a better word - is a brand as well as a name. Jack of Kent says, in 10 letters, something of the values you stand for. I think that is quite an advantage.
I think you're stuck with it, having given it to your home on the Internet as well as your character :-).
Coming late to this.
I'd just note that a pseudonym - is "handle" a better word - is a brand as well as a name. Jack of Kent says, in 10 letters, something of the values you stand for. I think that is quite an advantage.
I think you're stuck with it, having given it to your home on the Internet as well as your character :-).
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