Ethics and legal issues with using pseudonyms?

[Dist]

I'm only relatively new to IM and one area that I feel stuck on is choosing to use my own name/picture for some of the products I want to promote.
I want to act in a completely legal and ethical manner, however I also don't want my identity sprawled all over the internet in a time where I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to track me down on Facebook or other social networking sites.

What have you guys done to get around this? Using a pseudonym instead of your real name? Using a picture of someone other than yourself?

[JohnnyPR]

I have many pseudonyms in different niches that I'm in, its perfectly fine and if you're going to get involved in more than one niche its critical and i'll tell you why..

You dont want to get followers from the wrong kind of people ie your competitors.

Its very easy to just google your real name, and if you've used your real name across many niches, then they'll know all the niches you are in and can try to outrank you and steal your traffic.

Dont create footprints and stick with pseudonyms

[Jeff Henshaw]

one area that I feel stuck on is choosing to use my own name/picture for some of the products I want to promote.
I want to act in a completely legal and ethical manner

Personally, I use my own name and picture.

Using a pseudonym is fine, if that's what you want to do. Use whatever picture that you like too. Just don't take someone elses name and certainly don't download a picture that is owned by someone else (that is the picture is copyright).

I also don't want my identity sprawled all over the internet in a time where I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to track me down on Facebook or other social networking sites.

I would love my identity to be 'sprawled all over the internet'. Why does that seem a problem for you. If you are in business, then you need exposure - big time.

Just my thoughts,

Jeff.