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Testimonial Question

by DIABL0
10 replies
Can a testimonial use a pen name if the actual person doesn't want their real name used?
#question #testimonial
  • Profile picture of the author nicolasmd2112
    Originally Posted by DIABL0 View Post

    Can a testimonial use a pen name if the actual person doesn't want their real name used?
    The point of a putting a name to a testimonial is to provide some sort of legitimacy. Technically, the visitors on your sales page wouldn't know the difference, between the reviewers real name or pen name, but then if that's true, then do you really need a pen name?
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    • Profile picture of the author DIABL0
      Originally Posted by nicolasmd2112 View Post

      The point of a putting a name to a testimonial is to provide some sort of legitimacy. Technically, the visitors on your sales page wouldn't know the difference, between the reviewers real name or pen name, but then if that's true, then do you really need a pen name?
      I follow what you are saying. I was just curious if anyone knew from an ftc standpoint if the situation was to come up, where someone didn't want their real name used.
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  • Profile picture of the author marguerite
    Personally I am more concerned about the veracity of the testimonial than about the actual identity of the person giving it. I understand why people want to keep their identities private on the internet and I respect that.
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  • Profile picture of the author Importexport
    Originally Posted by DIABL0 View Post

    Can a testimonial use a pen name if the actual person doesn't want their real name used?
    I display testimonials on my website and use initials or sometimes first names because most people don't want their name published on the internet.

    In some way that is similar to the use of a pen name, but on my reading of the FTC rules there is no problem with that. I have never been reported to the FTC or any fair trading authority in other countries, but I scrupulously keep records of the actual testimonial so that I can prove authenticity.

    On Warrior Forum I sometimes quote what amount to testimonials in posts. These are in the public domain and nobody could complain because they are on the forum for all to see anyway.

    Provided the testimonial is genuine and file copies that can be substantiated are kept, I see no problem for the OP in using pen names.
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    • Profile picture of the author DIABL0
      Originally Posted by Importexport View Post

      Provided the testimonial is genuine and file copies that can be substantiated are kept, I see no problem for the OP in using pen names.
      That is what I was thinking.
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  • Profile picture of the author LesterRussell
    I dont think using your real name for testimonial on the internet will cause any implication to your real life, with the exception for a couple of niches out there that you wouldn't want your friends knowing you are on.

    But more important than a pen name or real name, if that identity you are using has influence behind it, it doesn't really matter which is being used.

    People respect the identity linked to that name, so whether or not that is whats actually written on your identity card makes no difference to them.
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  • Profile picture of the author TexasSteve
    That would definitely make you lose your credibility.

    Testimonials are to show people that something is real.

    If you use a fake name for a real testimonial, it means nothing.

    Might as well use a fake name with a fake testimonial.
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