Your real name vs a pseudonym

87 replies
I'm curious, are any of you uncomfortable about using your real name in Internet promotions, on web pages instead? Do you use a pseudonym to keep yourself more anonymous or maybe shield yourself from liability.

I'm not doing anything shady - I'm just more concerned that if I produce a product that is perceived as crap (not my intention) that the stigma and odor may somehow stick to me. Also, I have a day job that I love and don't want my employer to grow concerned if they begin to see me, which my beautiful picture showing up in online marketing.

#pseudonym #real #real name
  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by PalmBayChuck View Post

    I'm curious, are any of you uncomfortable about using your real name in Internet promotions, on web pages instead? Do you use a pseudonym to keep yourself more anonymous or maybe shield yourself from liability.

    I'm not doing anything shady - I'm just more concerned that if I produce a product that is perceived as crap (not my intention) that the stigma and odor may somehow stick to me. Also, I have a day job that I love and don't want my employer to grow concerned if they begin to see me, which my beautiful picture showing up in online marketing.

    Chuck, every name I use is real - just not the one I was born with...

    (BTW, the name I use here IS the one I was born with.)

    No one - strike that - almost no one sets out to sell a crappy product under their own name. Yet, if you do it enough. you will have a flop. Look at Ford Motors. They continued to sell Fords long after the Edsel flopped; by all reports it wasn't even a crappy product, people just didn't want it.

    My reasons are closer to your second one.

    Putting my birth name on everything I'm involved with would both dilute any authority I built (avoiding the "jack of all trades, master of none" label) and provide easy intelligence to my competitors.

    Depending on the niche, I usually end up with one or two personae that I'm active with.

    (Here's a little secret. Sometimes it can be very profitable to compete against yourself. Kind of like being a bookie - do it right, and you don't care who wins. You make money either way.)
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    • Profile picture of the author myob
      I would NEVER use a pseudonym; it seems so fake and shady. Everything I write is done with pen-names, except here in the WF.
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      • Profile picture of the author Rixter
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        I would NEVER use a pseudonym; it seems so fake and shady. Everything I write is done with pen-names, except here in the WF.
        Isn't a pseudonym the same thing as a pen name?
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        • Profile picture of the author myob
          Originally Posted by Rixter View Post

          Isn't a pseudonym the same thing as a pen name?
          They're really not exactly the same thing, although my comment was just to be silly.

          The word "pseudonym" (literally, false name) has a much broader meaning than "pen-name" which is more in the context of an alias or "nom de plume" for a writer.

          For example some famous pen-names are Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens), Lewis Carroll (Charles Lutwidge Dodgson), and Stephen King wrote some works under the name Richard Bachman. Such usage is not at all uncommon.

          The famous writer Voltaire was the pen name for François Marie Arouet. Also an historically well-known combination pen name, "Publius", was used by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, in writing The Federalist Papers.

          The full definition and meaning of "pseudonym" includes not just pen-name but also in a broader sense stage name, alias, etc and others including nefarious connotations for concealing identity.
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        • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
          Originally Posted by Rixter View Post

          Isn't a pseudonym the same thing as a pen name?
          Yes. I assume he was implying that the word pseudonym is arguably less palatable than pen-name, due to the origins of the former being in French and Ancient Greek words which, when translated into English, mean "false name".

          ("False" is quite a strong word, of course, and often carries negative connotations.)
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      • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
        Originally Posted by myob View Post

        I would NEVER use a pseudonym; it seems so fake and shady. Everything I write is done with pen-names, except here in the WF.
        LOL... isn't a pseudonym a pen name? They both have the same meaning...
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  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by PalmBayChuck View Post

    I'm curious, are any of you uncomfortable about using your real name in Internet promotions, on web pages instead? Do you use a pseudonym to keep yourself more anonymous or maybe shield yourself from liability.
    Like many (most?) affiliate marketers I use a pen-name in each niche, not to shield myself from any sort of liability (I do nothing for which I'd need any kind of "shielding" and neither should any internet marketer), but to prevent my potential customers from discovering that the "niche expert on cauliflower soup recipes" is also the same person as the "niche expert on domestic desalination technology", just in case their learning that might detract in their minds from my credibility on either subject.

    There's nothing wrong (illegal/unethical/immoral) with using a different name as long as your identity isn't "material" to the hoped-for transaction or to any representations you make concerning it (for example calling yourself "Dr" if you weren't one would be very material and very wrong).
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    • Profile picture of the author Larry Edlarry
      Banned
      [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author masterjani
    Using Different name is good for some reasons and bad for some other reasons.But if you are legit no need to worry about names.
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  • Profile picture of the author Steven Miranda
    I use my real name as it shows I am a real person and not just some username. I think it makes people trust you more.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Steven Miranda View Post

      I think it makes people trust you more.
      Steven, please excuse the observation that you seem to be comparing here a situation in which people know your real identity with one in which they know you're concealing it. But the purpose of a pen-name (as opposed to being "anonymous") is precisely for them not to know that.

      If they can't tell the difference between a real-name and a pen-name, why would they trust a pen-name any less than a real one? :confused:
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  • Profile picture of the author Rixter
    I would think that one would want to stick with any given name for a particular niche. I know I will Google people with whom I am not familiar.
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  • Profile picture of the author Brother Yasin
    Personally, I choose to use pen names.

    The reason being I am involved in a lot of business online and my methodology is (I believe) quite unique. Because I am an entrepreneur who also has a passion for creative writing and design, I use pen names within my creative writing.

    I guess I am saving my real name, and the reputation of my name from being tarnished. For example, when using a controversial and heated topic and conversation to gain traffic, I believe it wouldn't pay for people to know that "I" am involved within that debate: it could bring a negative vibe to my name - and as so much in business is about reputation, I wouldn't want to do anything unnecessary to tarnish my name.

    As it goes, few people in the "online world", being the general forum scene, even know that I exist, which is the way I have liked it for some years.

    Although I am well known by other names, I have never let the names become linked, because there is no reason too.

    Why should I let my competition know that the same guy who made a killing in X niche is also putting a lot of work into Y niche?


    Ironically though - I started "sales and marketing" 5 years ago as a door canvasser for a windows and door company (don't trust any of them now I know how they work, bunch of bloody crooks the lot of 'em).

    Because there is simply no work where I live, in a small town in England, and due to the fact that I am creative and have immense belief in myself and my various abilities (thanks be to Almighty God), I noticed a few years ago that I already have the skill sets which are required online, and I enjoy doing those select things, such as Copy Writing and Graphic Design and my personal favorite: Digital Product Creation.

    I have a passion for making everything better - and that's why many can spot my eBooks even though they are not in my name, because the pages are styled clear and crisp - professional designs are used through-out to make my eBooks look like something you would actually buy in a shop. (For example how the "for Dummies" series use "Example" images and boxes for their content - if you currently aren't doing this; it makes a world of difference).

    I am now 21 years old and I've decided to make it big - make my own business, both online and offline. For 5 years I've been doing things purely on a commission basis by writing Sales Copy or designing etc. but now that I understand the game - I'm thinking bigger.

    This is why I've decided to come out and use my real name now: Yasin (pronounced Ya Seen).

    I'm sorry to use your thread as a small introduction to who I am - but I believe my experiences relate to your topic and answer your question, so forgive me if this sounds like a "me,me,me" post.

    But in short: yes, I always use pen names - but now I am focusing on establishing an honorable and purely ethical business and reputation - so I am using my real name.


    I hope I answered your question,
    Peace be upon you,

    Yasin
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  • Profile picture of the author iuditg
    I use my real name everytime as it builds trust and my clients don't think I am a scammer. I do use a short version of my name which I love using
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by iuditg View Post

      my clients don't think I am a scammer.
      Neither do the clients of people using pen-names. Why would they? They don't know that they're pen-names, clearly ... that's the whole point ... :confused:
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      • Profile picture of the author Brother Yasin
        Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

        Neither do the clients of people using pen-names. Why would they? They don't know that they're pen-names, clearly ... that's the whole point ... :confused:
        Alexa - respect to you for actually conversating in the thread, most people these days (by the looks of it) do not read the thread they simply reply to the OP.

        I believe that pen names make no difference in the online world depending on what you are doing. What is important is the reputation that comes with that name. For example Steven Weigenham has a strong reputation within the Article Marketing area of expertise. This is (I believe) his real name; however if he was to use a different name but done everything the same to get his reputation then the only difference is that "stevens pen name" would have the reputation rather than his real one.

        In the offline world though - and indeed the online world once one become more serious about business - then using the real name is important.

        For example: you wouldn't see Alan Sugar using pen names. How would you sign a contract? What would happen when your clients discover you've been using a pen name? How would you show ID?

        These are all important things to consider.

        And therefor, IMHO, in my eyes: using a pen name is fine if you are a writer, a marketer, a designer, etc. However if you are serious about stepping your game up as I am now, and you want to be a successful entrepreneur then using your real name is a must; along with establishing a strong honest reputation along with it.

        The beautiful thing is that if your character is good: you are honest, ethical, hard working, loyal and sincere about your business, then your name will gain a good reputation naturally. (This doesn't mean you don't need to put in the hard work in all areas of life and business of course).

        But you are correct, as far as real names and pen names go, especially online on forums like these: how is anybody to know the difference?

        Yasin
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  • Profile picture of the author RussRuffino
    I use pen-names for everything EXCEPT Internet Marketing, and I have a feeling that's what 99% of the people who are making money on this forum do.

    Russ
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    • Profile picture of the author Brother Yasin
      Originally Posted by RussRuffino View Post

      I use pen-names for everything EXCEPT Internet Marketing, and I have a feeling that's what 99% of the people who are making money on this forum do.

      Russ
      I have the same impression IMHO.

      Yasin
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  • Profile picture of the author Anup Mahajan
    Agree with Russ.. I use pen names in other niches but my real name in IM.
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    • Profile picture of the author Brad Pollina
      With Internet marketing, it makes sense to "brand yourself" and ideally use your own real name. But with writing books, magaizine articles, etc. it sometimes does make sense to have a pen name. Great discussion! Let's keep it going!
      Signature
      "Be patient with me....God isn't finished with me yet!"
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      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by bpollina View Post

        With Internet marketing, it makes sense to "brand yourself" and ideally use your own real name.
        Why "and ideally use your own name", Brad?

        Why not brand the pen-name?
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  • Profile picture of the author CheapTrafficDude
    I always went against using my real name in any niche for several reasons...

    #1- Who.is- If someone calls my phone and addresses me with the name on the who is database then I know it's a scam artist who fishes inside the who.is pool for victims and yes, it does happen.

    #2- Who's business is it really what my real name is, I'll say right now that CheapTrafficDude IS NOT my real name I prefer to keep my private life private, it's no one's business what I do on or offline.

    #3- Using your real name works if what you're looking for is fame and recognition. However, usually, network marketers will use their real name, I guess it's the "real estate agent" mentality. If you have offline clients well, you want to use your name on your cheques and might rise suspition if they write it to a different name that previously stated. Other alternative, get a company name.

    #4- As Alexa has stated, you don't want to be the same expert in too many different niches, it's just a hassle if you have to explain yourself, save the headache before it becomes a headache.

    #5- Sometimes, competitors will go the extra mile is eliminating the competition and will do everything they can to take you out and is kinda hard to fight back against someone who got deep pockets and start a tarnish campaign against "Your Real Name", then it's not just your business that suffers but your own reputation as a human being.

    The online world's a freakshow, you have to do anything in your power to protect your own personal and private life. Domain privacy and a pseudonym (pen name) is an easy way to do it.
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    • Originally Posted by CheapTrafficDude View Post

      I always went against using my real name in any niche for several reasons...

      #1- Who.is- If someone calls my phone and addresses me with the name on the who is database then I know it's a scam artist who fishes inside the who.is pool for victims and yes, it does happen.

      #2- Who's business is it really what my real name is, I'll say right now that CheapTrafficDude IS NOT my real name I prefer to keep my private life private, it's no one's business what I do on or offline.

      #3- Using your real name works if what you're looking for is fame and recognition. However, usually, network marketers will use their real name, I guess it's the "real estate agent" mentality. If you have offline clients well, you want to use your name on your cheques and might rise suspition if they write it to a different name that previously stated. Other alternative, get a company name.

      #4- As Alexa has stated, you don't want to be the same expert in too many different niches, it's just a hassle if you have to explain yourself, save the headache before it becomes a headache.

      #5- Sometimes, competitors will go the extra mile is eliminating the competition and will do everything they can to take you out and is kinda hard to fight back against someone who got deep pockets and start a tarnish campaign against "Your Real Name", then it's not just your business that suffers but your own reputation as a human being.

      The online world's a freakshow, you have to do anything in your power to protect your own personal and private life. Domain privacy and a pseudonym (pen name) is an easy way to do it.
      I agree with each and every point, CheapTrafficDude. And, btw, Brad armPitt isn't my real name, either.

      It amazes how much information some people give out about themselves online. A shady person could troll through this forum, collect this info, and make a lot of member's lives very complicated, very quickly.

      I figure if someone here has a need to know my real name for some reason, all they have to do is ask me in a PM.

      Nothing shady about using a pseudonym in and of itself. I'm just protecting myself, my family, and my business.

      That being said, there are obviously thousands of people that use them in a nefarious fashion, which is why some people look at them suspiciously. It's kind of a Catch-22, I guess.
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      • Profile picture of the author Nadias
        Originally Posted by Brad armPitt View Post

        I agree with each and every point, CheapTrafficDude. And, btw, Brad armPitt isn't my real name, either.

        It amazes how much information some people give out about themselves online. A shady person could troll through this forum, collect this info, and make a lot of member's lives very complicated, very quickly.

        I figure if someone here has a need to know my real name for some reason, all they have to do is ask me in a PM.

        Nothing shady about using a pseudonym in and of itself. I'm just protecting myself, my family, and my business.

        That being said, there are obviously thousands of people that use them in a nefarious fashion, which is why some people look at them suspiciously. It's kind of a Catch-22, I guess.
        Completely agree! And Nadias is not my real name either. A shady person needs a very small amount of information to be able to wreck havoc.

        I have an additional reason for not using my real name. I own a business offline and I do not want my businesses co-mingling. Plus I could be googled and found very easily if I used my real name. I don't want IM customers showing up at my door.
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  • Use your own name, build a reputation online, become a celebrity in your niche and you'll do well!

    Your real name makes it 10x more personal, you treat your customers as friends, they see you as a friend and it works wonders.

    I really wouldn't have it any other way!
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by Daniel_James_Warburton View Post

      Your real name makes it 10x more personal
      How does it make it more personal, Daniel, when your customers don't know whether it's your real name or a pen-name? Why is it "more personal" for you to use the name Daniel rather than the name Richard (to take a random example)? ... :confused:

      Originally Posted by Daniel_James_Warburton View Post

      I really wouldn't have it any other way!
      I understand completely that it feels more personal, and more comfortable, to you: but how does it make any difference to your customers if they don't know anyway? If you used the name Richard Whatever instead of Daniel James Warburton, wouldn't your customers have exactly the same feelings toward to "Richard" that they now have toward "Daniel"? What's the difference? :confused:

      You take my point, I trust? If you used the name Richard they'd have no way of knowing that your real name's Daniel, just as now, when you're using the name Daniel, they have no way of knowing whether you name might really be Richard and you're using a pen-name, do they? Why is one "more personal" than the other, to them, when they can't distinguish between them anyway? :confused:
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  • Profile picture of the author BigDogSeoForum
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Yasin, I follow what you are saying. I would just like to add this...

      I do believe it's possible to use an online persona for a product, site or niche and still be taken seriously by other businesspeople in the real world. The trick is not passing yourself off as the persona in person.
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  • Profile picture of the author Olson Mino
    Personally I use a lot of pen names and the reason is that I have many websites in different niche markets… Now, if I used my name on all of them then my competitors could easily track me down and find all my profitable niches websites that it took me time and money to discover and build.
    I don’t think at all that by writing under pen names is shady... as long as you don’t do any shenanigans of course ….I would like to be a bit discreet on the internet as well as protect my online businesses.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Meaney
    Real name here, at least in the IM niche.

    Although in some niches I use pen names because the last thing I want is someone copying my entire structure.
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  • Profile picture of the author ladywriter
    After reading about "James Chartrand" from Mens with Pens, I wonder sometimes if it is smart to not only use a pen-name but to get a sex change as well.

    My nickname is fairly unisex and people respond to me differently online when they don't know I'm a woman. Or at least I think they do. I haven't purposefully concealed my gender yet though.

    And I don't know how many women are going to buy tampons from a man named Mike.

    Do people file their taxes under their pseudonyms? Are you 'DBA Joe Schmo'?
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    • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
      Originally Posted by rosegrower76 View Post

      After reading about "James Chartrand" from Mens with Pens, I wonder sometimes if it is smart to not only use a pen-name but to get a sex change as well.
      Some days I wish I'd concealed that... I wanted to start another account on the WF as a man and see whether it truly is easier to get work... a "tell all" case study of sorts. Sadly, the Help Desk's answer to my question about multiple accounts shot the idea down.

      I regretted using my real name for business when some personal issues came up, given how unusual it is. :rolleyes: Based on great feedback from people here, since I didn't want to lose all the feedback and reputation I'd accumulated, I decided to just drop my last name and brand myself with one name... like Pink, Madonna, Prince, you name it. :p

      Don't you feel the urge to get my autograph?
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      • Profile picture of the author Brother Yasin
        Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post

        Some days I wish I'd concealed that... I wanted to start another account on the WF as a man and see whether it truly is easier to get work... a "tell all" case study of sorts. Sadly, the Help Desk's answer to my question about multiple accounts shot the idea down.

        I regretted using my real name for business when some personal issues came up, given how unusual it is. :rolleyes: Based on great feedback from people here, since I didn't want to lose all the feedback and reputation I'd accumulated, I decided to just drop my last name and brand myself with one name... like Pink, Madonna, Prince, you name it. :p

        Don't you feel the urge to get my autograph?
        For some reason the "Thanks" button isn't showing up, so this post is my "thanks" to you

        Yasin
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      • Profile picture of the author Tom Goodwin
        Originally Posted by Zabrina View Post

        Some days I wish I'd concealed that... I wanted to start another account on the WF as a man and see whether it truly is easier to get work... a "tell all" case study of sorts. Sadly, the Help Desk's answer to my question about multiple accounts shot the idea down.
        On the flip side, no doubt being a girl with a cute avatar no doubt increases the list of WF "Friends" over a typical male account on this forum, sometimes exponentially so.
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        • Profile picture of the author Zabrina
          Originally Posted by Tom Goodwin View Post

          On the flip side, no doubt being a girl with a cute avatar no doubt increases the list of WF "Friends" over a typical male account on this forum, sometimes exponentially so.
          Does that affect my business? I don't think so, and that's what I'm here for.
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          • Originally Posted by Studio13 View Post

            A brand centralized around a proper-noun creates an individualized brand, and "you" literally become the symbol. Tony Hawk, a professional skateboarder has build business around his name because he was world champ at a time. The Tony Hawk story is a symbol of the small man overcoming the odds and making it big. Quite simply, it's our favorite "Hero" motif. If you attempt to brand your name without a powerful back story you'll be fighting an uphill battle, and your audience will secretly distain you until you prove yourself. You need a 'legend' tied to your proper-noun brand name. Get it?
            And what was the 'legend' behind Rosanne Barr and Martin Sheen before they became famous?
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            • Profile picture of the author Studio13
              Originally Posted by Brad armPitt View Post

              And what was the 'legend' behind Rosanne Barr and Martin Sheen before they became famous?
              Do you have a time over fame scale you could refer to tell me exactly when these two people 'became famous'? They were comedians who got their start in coffee shop stand up, and eventually made it on television. They overcame the slow start up and their persistence paid off. No different than any other heros journey motif.
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  • Profile picture of the author alcymart
    I use my Real Name. In fact, thats how you can Brand yourself!

    Bernard St-Pierre
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  • Profile picture of the author snakeplissken
    I use a single pseudonym for all my online businesses. I feel more comfortable with and even more encouraged to experiment new earning techniques both online and in my real life business. At the same time I do not allow my failures in one field to affect my performance in the other field. So....no fame no shame!
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    I successfully invented this older guy with such a name that nobody can really pronounce it correctly... hey, I even came up with some strange background story for him, originating the guy from Dracula-land ---

    Well, it worked: everybody bought into it; some people would swear they met him personally.


    :p :rolleyes:
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    • Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath View Post

      I successfully invented this older guy with such a name that nobody can really pronounce it correctly... hey, I even came up with some strange background story for him, originating the guy from Dracula-land ---

      Well, it worked: everybody bought into it; some people would swear they met him personally.


      :p :rolleyes:
      OK, you've got my curiousity piqued, Istvan. Are you actually from Transylvania, or are you just pulling our collective chains? I have met a few Romanians over the years, but never anyone from Transylvania.
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  • Profile picture of the author joymarino
    I've always been a pretty transparent person and a huge fan of 'personal branding'. There is a reason we say "Band Aid" instead of bandage..."Coke" instead of cola, etc.... branding is (in my opinion) very important.

    Those that do not want to put their name out there have their reasons, I am sure. However, I believe in people getting to know, trust and like me...they are more likely to buy from me.

    As you can see, even my 'handle' here, is my name.

    Good luck!

    Joy
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  • Profile picture of the author Istvan Horvath
    Brad,

    Yes, of course, this guy is a Hungarian-speaking Transylvanian... (notice the subtle differentiation and separation on both sides? = he's not a Hungarian like those from Budapest and he's definitely not a Romanian, even if he was born in a territory that, incidentally, belongs to Romania)

    That should be enough for now... as hijacking the thread
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  • Profile picture of the author raj5
    Like people have said I use my real name in the IM niche and pen names in other niches.

    People have said that using your real name helps brand yourself and build trust etc. But there is no reason why you cant BRAND a pen name.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Lamb
    To be honest, I've seen no reasons given for using your real name that wouldn't work for using a pen name.

    You can build credibility with a pen name.

    You can brand yourself with a pen name.

    However, using a pen name has advantages that using your real name doesn't have:

    You can build a "personal" back story suitable for your niche.

    You can assume a gender suitable for your niche.

    You can give yourself one or more degrees of separation from your real identity. It's easy to shed a persona if things go sour in a certain niche. It's much more difficult to do that with your real identity.

    You can protect your family and property from disgruntled customers and predators. I can't believe people who show pictures of their children on their websites while also displaying their home addresses on their websites and who.is records. Does that demonstrate credibility or stupidity?

    Pen names give you plenty of advantages and none of the disadvantages. I have no idea who's name is real on the WF and who's is not (other than the obvious ones) -- and I don't care. If someone is selling the information I want and they offer a solid guarantee, I will buy it. Their social proof (other than customer reviews) is meaningless to me. I just assume it's fake.

    A couple pieces of advice for those who choose to use pen names:

    Choose a fairly common Caucasian-American name. Face it, a lot of potential buyers are prejudiced. It also foils snoopy Googlers when they see results for hundreds of different people.

    Make sure no criminals or other undesirables show up on the first page of Google for your chosen name. That could be a rather inconvenient discovery somewhere down the line.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by David Lamb View Post

      To be honest, I've seen no reasons given for using your real name that wouldn't work for using a pen name.
      Nope ... none at all.

      Not even a little one.

      But this has also been the outcome of every other long-thread discussion of the subject here: the thread fills with posts saying "I prefer to use my real name because ..." and then there follows a reason which applies equally to both real names and pen names.

      It always reminds me of the discussions of "whether it's better to be a vendor than an affiliate" in which all the vendors so often list their reasons for preferring to be a vendor ... only usually they're nearly all things that apply just as much to affiliates, too.
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      • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
        Originally Posted by businesswarrior121 View Post

        i prefer to use real name, but pen name is also good. if your are legit then you should surely use your real name in the IM.
        Are you trying to tell us that your birth certificate actually reads "businesswarrior121"? :confused::p
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        • Profile picture of the author abdulquddus
          Real name builds your own brand value.....That's it!
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  • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
    it depends, some people prefer using their real name some not but i guess using real name is better for brand.
    Signature

    Blogger at RicherOrNot.com (Make Money online blog but also promoting ethical internet marketing)

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  • Profile picture of the author cellington
    It all comes down to "A rose by any other name, would smell as sweet."

    Having said that, does anyone remember Joan Rivers getting kicked off an international flight because of her name issues?
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    • Originally Posted by cellington View Post

      It all comes down to "A rose by any other name, would smell as sweet."
      Apparently, even Shakespeare recognized this 500 years ago.
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      • Profile picture of the author surflongdude
        I put up a niche site a couple of years ago under a pen name. Logistically, it was a big pain in the butt.

        I figured if I was going to do it I might as well do it all the way, so I got my domain name info hidden.
        But I was using a Business PayPal account, which required my real name (and a real postal address - not PO Box - and phone number) which meant anybody who bought my product could easily have seen my real name after ordering - if they were that interested.
        I couldn't do videos, even though I wanted to, cause people would've seen who I was.

        It was a cloud of frustration and paranoia.

        I know for some it is not like this. I must have been missing something. I'd be interested to know the nuts and bolts of how you actually keep your identity anonymous without buying a special superhero suit and mask.

        I might use a pen name in the future but for my current site I'll be using my real name, even though it's a niche that would probably warrant not wanting to be known
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        • Profile picture of the author John Broberg
          Originally Posted by surflongdude View Post

          I put up a niche site a couple of years ago under a pen name. Logistically, it was a big pain in the butt.

          I figured if I was going to do it I might as well do it all the way, so I got my domain name info hidden.
          But I was using a Business PayPal account, which required my real name (and a real postal address - not PO Box - and phone number) which meant anybody who bought my product could easily have seen my real name after ordering -
          Philosophically, I'm all for using pseudonyms. However, those logistical pains with PayPal do make it troublesome. You might be able to use an intermediary like e-junkie.

          Has anyone else come up with a good solution for getting paid while maintaining the same identity during the checkout process?
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          • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
            Banned
            Originally Posted by John Broberg View Post

            those logistical pains with PayPal do make it troublesome.
            They do if you're using a personal account, because that's an account in your own name.

            No problem with a business account, though.

            Originally Posted by John Broberg View Post

            Has anyone else come up with a good solution for getting paid while maintaining the same identity during the checkout process?
            Business accounts. You can have these almost anywhere, I think - you may need to have a bank account in the name of the business, if the "payee name" has to be the same as the "account name", but that's hardly a problem. Plenty of other businesses trade under their business names. Why shouldn't internet marketers?

            Originally Posted by abdulquddus View Post

            Real name builds your own brand value.....That's it!
            That's it? But why is that better than building your own brand value under a pen-name?! One is no more or less brandable than the other, is it? :confused:
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            • Profile picture of the author surflongdude
              Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

              They do if you're using a personal account, because that's an account in your own name.

              No problem with a business account, though.

              Business accounts. You can have these almost anywhere, I think - you may need to have a bank account in the name of the business, if the "payee name" has to be the same as the "account name", but that's hardly a problem. Plenty of other businesses trade under their business names.
              Yeah, that's what I didn't have - a separate bank account in my business name. Are you saying you have a different account for each website you have?

              And what about videos - do you just stick with power-point w/ voice-over style? Or what?
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              • Profile picture of the author surflongdude
                It occurred to me that if I was going to be marketing myself in the 'how to make money online' niche (which I'm not), it would make business sense to recommend to others to use a pen-name, following the reasons that many have mentioned here; that is, so competitors, customers or anyone cannot see that you're an 'expert' in many fields, along with general privacy (and any others).

                It would make business sense because then nobody could track/verify how many successful sites you actually have outside of the 'how to make money online' niche - if any!
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  • Profile picture of the author celente
    remember david deagelo and eban pagan...they are one in the same thing. The david name was just a pen name.

    I think it has worked in his favour now, because eban has gone on to make truck loads in the IM world and in the dating world (david deangelo)

    What I have found is that most people cannot give two hoots about a name, they just want quality info, and stuff taht will give them results. Think to yourself for a second, dont you think this is the most important thing? YES! results first....a name is just that....a name!
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  • Profile picture of the author Transcripts
    As I start article marketing for myself and others I think it's actually less confusing to use a pen name instead of writing a bunch of different articles in several different unrelated areas all under one name.
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  • Profile picture of the author Naanajud567
    It depends on what kind of site I am dealing with. If I am involved with something I know for sure to be good and legitimate then I have no problem using my real identity. If you will ask me if I use fake ones at times, yes I do. Of course, not here in WF.
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  • A superhero suit and mask! What a perfect idea for branding! It would have to beat that awful looking suit Matthew Lesko always wore... and it would hide your identity.
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  • Profile picture of the author armadillo
    I would never reveal my own name. Not because of what I'm doing, but because of YOU.
    I've been doing customer service for 30 plus years, and some customers are simply mad dogs. I've been through the whole stalking thing once before. Never again. If this upsets you, my deepest condolences.
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    • Profile picture of the author unclepennybags
      I think it is very common for IMers to use different names for different niche markets but use their real name in the IM niche. That is why article sites have the multiple pen name feature.

      I remember reading a post on Copy Blogger about a woman writer with a man's pen name. She did it because she did not get the respect she deserved as a great writer because she was a woman. I know this is a little off topic but here is the link if anyone is interested.
      Great read.
      Why James Chartrand Wears Women's Underpants | Copyblogger
      Signature

      "The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." - Bruce Lee

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    • Profile picture of the author Black Hat Cat
      Banned
      #4- As Alexa has stated, you don't want to be the same expert in too many different niches, it's just a hassle if you have to explain yourself, save the headache before it becomes a headache.
      I have no problem with folks using pseudonyms, or pen names, or whatever, but of all the reasons to have a pseudonym, this one is, frankly, the silliest.
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  • i prefer to use real name, but pen name is also good. if your are legit then you should surely use your real name in the IM.
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    • Originally Posted by businesswarrior121 View Post

      i prefer to use real name, but pen name is also good. if your are legit then you should surely use your real name in the IM.
      So what you are saying is that those of us who use pen names are not legitimate business people? If you are legit, as in not trying to rip people off or deceive people, then it really shouldn't matter what name you use. Bernie Maddoff used his real name and look how big of a thief he turned out to be.
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      • Profile picture of the author ScottGordon
        Originally Posted by Brad armPitt View Post

        So what you are saying is that those of us who use pen names are not legitimate business people? Bernie Maddoff used his real name and look how big of a thief he turned out to be.
        Excellent point.

        Also, it's helpful to remember that Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Woody Allen, Alan Alda, Anne Bancroft, Larry King, Gary Hart and Jack Benny, Tina Turner, Meat Loaf, Boris Karloff, and Martin Sheen are also pseudonyms.

        Check out dozens of others...

        The Celebrity Almanac
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  • Profile picture of the author ScottGordon
    I use pen names for many of the reasons others have mentioned (keeping competitors from searching and finding all my sites; privacy, etc.) I also usually use some sort of privacy on my domain names so that people can't see what other domains I own.

    The main thing your customers want is to be able to trust you and your advice. They really have no easy way of knowing if your name is your "real name" or not.

    So simply treat them well and with respect and create a consistent personality for your "pen name."

    Regardless of what name I'm using, I build the personality for that name from real fragments of my life. In other words, I don't pretend to be a father of 3 of I'm not. I don't claim to be an expert in something if I'm not. Keep it real. Keep it based on reality so that there's integrity there.

    And remember, if you're uncomfortable with using a completely fictitious pseudonym, you can create variations of your real name. Use nicknames. Use your middle name. There are probably a dozen different variations of your name that you could legitimately go by in real life. John, Jack, Jon, Johnny, Jackie, Jonathan, J, etc. etc.

    J
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  • Profile picture of the author Joewriter
    What is your real name?
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  • Good questions and plenty of good answers. I didn't know I could use my real name in this forum otherwise I would have chosen it. Perhaps I should ask the Admin to change it to my real name.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by sandrostudio View Post

      Good questions and plenty of good answers. I didn't know I could use my real name in this forum otherwise I would have chosen it. Perhaps I should ask the Admin to change it to my real name.
      Just submit a ticket to the Help Desk. They'll change it for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author nick1123
    Originally Posted by PalmBayChuck View Post

    I'm curious, are any of you uncomfortable about using your real name in Internet promotions, on web pages instead? Do you use a pseudonym to keep yourself more anonymous or maybe shield yourself from liability.

    I'm not doing anything shady - I'm just more concerned that if I produce a product that is perceived as crap (not my intention) that the stigma and odor may somehow stick to me. Also, I have a day job that I love and don't want my employer to grow concerned if they begin to see me, which my beautiful picture showing up in online marketing.

    I use my name and an older picture of myself. But I don't give out my phone number anymore and I have a different e-mail address for my business.

    With the chances that your boss is going to come across your bright smiling face and that it will negatively impact your employment?

    Or could you use your real name online and just not show your picture?
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  • Profile picture of the author Studio13
    A brand centralized around a proper-noun creates an individualized brand, and "you" literally become the symbol. Tony Hawk, a professional skateboarder has build business around his name because he was world champ at a time. The Tony Hawk story is a symbol of the small man overcoming the odds and making it big. Quite simply, it's our favorite "Hero" motif. If you attempt to brand your name without a powerful back story you'll be fighting an uphill battle, and your audience will secretly distain you until you prove yourself. You need a 'legend' tied to your proper-noun brand name. Get it?
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  • Profile picture of the author niftydirectt
    A lot of people ask me if they should blog under a pseudonym. They ask me because I started writing under a pseudonym eight years ago, and it ended up being such a mess that I turned it into my real name. So I advise everyone to start out using their real name. Here are the reasons why:
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  • Profile picture of the author brik2500
    Originally Posted by PalmBayChuck View Post

    I'm curious, are any of you uncomfortable about using your real name in Internet promotions, on web pages instead? Do you use a pseudonym to keep yourself more anonymous or maybe shield yourself from liability.

    I'm not doing anything shady - I'm just more concerned that if I produce a product that is perceived as crap (not my intention) that the stigma and odor may somehow stick to me. Also, I have a day job that I love and don't want my employer to grow concerned if they begin to see me, which my beautiful picture showing up in online marketing.


    Chuck,

    in your case I would use a pseudonym, if you're concerned about your

    day job,etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author premiumplr
    Lost privacy is irretrievable and what you put online stays with you forever.

    Some may not think that matters much now but situations and goals change. The "let it all hang out attitude" may become problematic down the line.

    The more money you make the less inclined you may be to have your real name associated with it. In our litigious society true wealth can be more bane than blessing.

    Even innocent people run the risk of being targeted by unscrupulous competitors and people with nothing better to do.

    There is nothing wrong with branding your pen name. Brand it, incorporate it and it is valid to use for your contracts or whatever.

    For me it isn't an issue of honesty, it's about protecting yourself.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bill Guthrie
    You should use a pen name, unless your parents named you Palm Beach Chuck. That name, in any niche, will definitely get you attention!


    Bill
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  • Profile picture of the author mach12324
    I think it is better to use pen names instead of the real name.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ben Gordon
    It really matters where and when. Sometimes I put false names, but at times I put real names.
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  • Profile picture of the author cellington
    All this talk about "personal branding" begs the question... what ever happened to "brand branding"?

    Tony Robbins is a personal brand, and he has difficulty getting crowds unless he personally runs the seminar. Gene Simmons is a personal brand, and he has the same problem. Crowds come to see him, but won't come if he's not personally in attendance.

    On the other hand, Ron Popeil has made products like the "Pocket Fisherman" and "Mister Microphone" household brand names. He sold his company "Ronco" for over $50 Million. Now someone else can run/manage the business while he enjoys life in his mansion.

    Forget about branding your name - brand your company!
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    • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
      Originally Posted by cellington View Post

      All this talk about "personal branding" begs the question... what ever happened to "brand branding"?

      Tony Robbins is a personal brand, and he has difficulty getting crowds unless he personally runs the seminar. Crowds come to see him, but won't come if he's not personally speaking.
      This is so true. Over the last 2-3 years he has been working on fixing this problem.
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  • Profile picture of the author MBizInc
    I like using my real name and the company's name too.

    Roxana
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
    It really depends on what your outcome is? If you want to brand yourself then use either your real name or what ever you are branding yourself as example Dr. Phil, Oprah, Dr. Oz, Dr. Dre.

    I personally use Dr. Dan, The Real Love Guru, and RockStar In Life instead of just using my full name Daniel Ardebili or Dan Ardebili.

    But that is for my own personal products etc.

    For my businesses I brand them by the names like my newest one: Offline RockStar Academy. That way I can include guests and its not all about Doc Dan only.
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  • Profile picture of the author DIGITALCHAMELEON
    Though I am using pseudonym I still prefer to use my real name, because I am proud what i am doing and I am very proud about this blog.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kevin Tan
    I think you should use your real name. I believe people prefer to deal with people who use their real names as well.
    Signature

    Let emotions serve you and not enslave you.

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    • Profile picture of the author DireStraits
      Originally Posted by Falcon28 View Post

      I think you should use your real name. I believe people prefer to deal with people who use their real names as well.
      They can't prefer you to use your real name if they have no reason to question whether it's your real name in the first place. If you're consistent in where you use the pen-name (i.e. by using it for everything you do in a particular niche), no-one will be any the wiser.

      Which is why all this talk of "pen-names being less effective" is absolute rubbish. :p
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      • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
        Originally Posted by DIGITALCHAMELEON View Post

        Though I am using pseudonym I still prefer to use my real name, because I am proud what i am doing and I am very proud about this blog.
        Good for you.

        Sadly I still don't know who you are or what the blog is that you're talking about and if it's the links in your signature, I still have no idea what your name is.

        To me, you are a lizard that likes digital stuff.
        Signature

        Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

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