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using aliases

by avraham
25 replies
do people use their real name in building their website?
or some do some don't?
i feel a bit apprehensive about putting my name out there, especially as a newbie who doesnt really know what hes doing - just wondering what others do.
#aliases
  • Profile picture of the author john1818
    Hi,

    Do you know that putting false names on every material can get you into jail? If you're living in the US it is much more likely that you're state applies this law. There's nothing wrong in putting up your name on the net. Just don't put everything about yourself.

    Another thing is that, you cannot get your payment, buy stuffs, or even sell items without using your real name. As an Internet Marketer, using false names will get your reputation tarnished as a Seller.
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    • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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      Originally Posted by john1818 View Post

      Hi,

      Do you know that putting false names on every material can get you into jail? If you're living in the US it is much more likely that you're state applies this law.
      Where did you get this little piece of fiction?

      OP: Of course you can use aliases. Many people do. I don't. Don't use fake testimonials with fake names though. That can get you into trouble with the FTC.
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      • Profile picture of the author john1818
        Originally Posted by sbucciarel View Post

        Where did you get this little piece of fiction?

        OP: Of course you can use aliases. Many people do. I don't. Don't use fake testimonials with fake names though. That can get you into trouble with the FTC.

        Hi there, It's not fiction. Have you read the news lately? Police Blotter: Is it legal to use an alias anymore? - CNET News

        Prison Guard Arrested for Posing as His Boss on Facebook

        Also, here's another link about " Computer Fraud and Abuse Act"
        United States Code: Title 18,1030. Fraud and related activity in connection with computers | LII / Legal Information Institute

        Though, the examples there are on the extreme level I suggest that be careful in using Aliases. You may unintentionally steal another person's name or unknowingly violated a certain act or a law. Some states in the US are "freaking weird" when it comes to their rules, acts, and laws.

        Of course there are exceptions on these, but there are lots of cases, wherein people get into jail by using aliases and false names WITH or WITHOUT intent of FRAUD.

        So do a little research first in my advice.

        Cheers,

        John
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        • Profile picture of the author MakeMoneyJames
          Originally Posted by john1818 View Post

          So do a little research first in my advice.
          Hi John,

          It would be wise to take your own advice.

          Both links you provide have nothing to do with creating aliases in a legal business sense. The Arizona guy committed fraud creating new name and SS# for credit.

          A new alias can be created with a DBA.

          Do they have that in the Philippines?
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          • Profile picture of the author john1818
            Originally Posted by MakeMoneyJames View Post

            Hi John,

            It would be wise to take your own advice.

            Both links you provide have nothing to do with creating aliases in a legal business sense. The Arizona guy committed fraud creating new name and SS# for credit.

            A new alias can be created with a DBA.

            Do they have that in the Philippines?
            Yes Indeed,

            You can create fictitious names with DBA but still you cannot avoid the risks involved.

            Also, that's why I put "Extreme Level" If you want to read my previous posts.

            Those are some examples. My point is people can get into jail by using Aliases. I knew some guy who are sued just by using another unknown name to register on some social media site. He posted something that aroused people's curiosity (controversial).
            The name that he used on other hand is the exact name of a Doctor.

            When the Doctor read the news he immediately filed a case against that guy.

            Fact: They are living in USA.

            Some laws in the USA about the internet is too vague or somehow complicated. THERE are RISKS in using Aliases because there are number of people who had been sued because of this. Though there are lot of exceptions with these, there are still a few people that's being sued simply by using an alias. I hope you get my point.

            Cheers,

            John
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            • Profile picture of the author MakeMoneyJames
              The OP is talking about creating an alias in a legal business sense with a website. That can be done.

              Your first reply to the OP is not totally correct. Legally you can do business under different names. He is not talking about committing fraud. And Legally you do not need to use your real name to buy or sell things online.

              kindsvater is a US Lawyer. He has more authority than anyone , or atleast most on this board to talk on this subject.
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              • Profile picture of the author David Keith
                Originally Posted by MakeMoneyJames View Post

                The OP is talking about creating an alias in a legal business sense with a website. That can be done.

                Your first reply to the OP is not totally correct. Legally you can do business under different names. He is not talking about committing fraud. And Legally you do not need to use your real name to buy or sell things online.

                kindsvater is a US Lawyer. He has more authority than anyone , or atleast most on this board to talk on this subject.
                selling stuff is much more difficult under a fake name unless you have the proper documents filed to show you have the legal authority to do business under another name.

                try providing fake info to paypal, clickbank or definitely any true merchant account provider without the proper documents and you will find out just how legal it is.

                the OP didnt ask if he could legal do business under another name, he asked about using an alias to remain anonymous since he was a newbie by his admission. that certainly lends itself to many of us thinking his intentions were never to follow through with legal stuff, but rather to just put an alias up as the site owner.

                i have no idea what the true intentions of the OP are, but just assuming an alias is probably not the best of ideas for a whole bunch of reasons.

                and on the off chance things go well and a local tv guys wants to do an interview, then what, does he come out and say "i was using a fake name all this time, but my real name is"

                using fake names will most likely put you in a bad spot my friend. i just would not suggest it. be who you are, be real, a few mistakes at IM wont kill you.
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                • Profile picture of the author MakeMoneyJames
                  Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

                  selling stuff is much more difficult under a fake name unless you have the proper documents filed to show you have the legal authority to do business under another name.
                  Thats right. Just need documentations.

                  Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

                  try providing fake info to paypal, clickbank or definitely any true merchant account provider without the proper documents and you will find out just how legal it is.
                  That would be fraud, and obviously people do it. You can create new paypals legitimately, just takes work.

                  Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

                  the OP didnt ask if he could legal do business under another name, he asked about using an alias to remain anonymous since he was a newbie by his admission. that certainly lends itself to many of us thinking his intentions were never to follow through with legal stuff, but rather to just put an alias up as the site owner.
                  The OPs concern in his own words is "i feel a bit apprehensive about putting my name out there"

                  He didnt say he needs to commit fraud with merchants. He just doesnt want his name out there and its easy to create a pen name.
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              • Profile picture of the author john1818
                Originally Posted by MakeMoneyJames View Post

                The OP is talking about creating an alias in a legal business sense with a website. That can be done.

                Your first reply to the OP is not totally correct. Legally you can do business under different names. He is not talking about committing fraud. And Legally you do not need to use your real name to buy or sell things online.

                kindsvater is a US Lawyer. He has more authority than anyone , or atleast most on this board to talk on this subject.

                I'm not debating on kindsvater or to anyone for whatsoever. I just want to prove my point.

                If my memory serves me right I said "There are some cases"

                Yes, for a business website.
                Though my examples are a little bit off, I just want to prove that there are certain circumstances wherein using an alias over the net can cause you problems. Whether if it's for business, personal or whatsoever.

                I'm not telling that It's Illegal, I'm just telling that "IT CAN GET YOU into jail" There's a HUGE difference between those two statements.

                Also, have you tried buying into Paypal using an alias? I hope you get what I mean.

                Yes, there's a difference between an "alias" and a "fake name" but most of the times it goes on the same line. That's why I'm advising the thread creator to be careful in using an alias because there are RISKS involved in doing so. There are people getting sued, getting in jail, and other problems that may occur in doing it.

                To end this discussion, It's not my intention to create an argument to anyone. I just want to prove my point that "There are risks involved whether Intentionally or Unintentionally creating an Alias over the net" It happened to some people and it might happen to him if he's unaware of those risks.

                I'm just trying to help.

                Thanks,

                John
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    • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
      Originally Posted by john1818 View Post

      Do you know that putting false names on every material can get you into jail? If you're living in the US it is much more likely that you're state applies this law. There's nothing wrong in putting up your name on the net. Just don't put everything about yourself.

      Another thing is that, you cannot get your payment, buy stuffs, or even sell items without using your real name. As an Internet Marketer, using false names will get your reputation tarnished as a Seller.
      None of this is true. None of it.

      John Wayne. Mark Twain. Richard Bachman. Neil Diamond. 50 Cent. Andy Warhol. David Copperfield. Elton John. Dr. Seuss.

      Did they spend their lives rotting away in jail because they did not use their birth name?

      As for reputations, nothing will sink you faster on the forum than making ridiculous legal claims like this.

      .
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      • Profile picture of the author john1818
        Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

        None of this is true. None of it.

        John Wayne. Mark Twain. Richard Bachman. Neil Diamond. 50 Cent. Andy Warhol. David Copperfield. Elton John. Dr. Seuss.

        Did they spend their lives rotting away in jail because they did not use their birth name?

        As for reputations, nothing will sink you faster on the forum than making ridiculous legal claims like this.

        .

        Hi,

        You've mentioned actors, and writers right? Of course you can use screen names, pen names, but it's a different case.

        Given the fact that they are famous, they only use their aliases when they are on the screen or in the book wherein they cannot pose any threat to anyone.

        Internet on the other hand is at very large scale. Using Aliases on the net can be quite a risk. Just research around the net and you'll see a few people that had been charged by a crime just by using an alias.

        Also, you may be interested in reading this. Michigan man arrested for using cafe's free WiFi from his car

        It's absurd and weird but I'm telling you. There are tons of laws, and acts that are too vague in the United States.


        Cheers,

        John
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    A lot of people do, especially those that are in many niches. Those that are in a lot of niches tend to use a different name for each that way they can become known as an authority in a single niche under each name rather than a "jack of all trades."
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  • Profile picture of the author castaway
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by castaway View Post

      Most people do it. But personally, i do not use aliases. How can you gain trust to people especially your clients if your name itself is fake?
      Oh the irony.

      I can see it now in the maternity ward "I know, we'll call him....Castaway".

      :rolleyes:
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    • Profile picture of the author Samrath Gupta
      Originally Posted by castaway View Post

      Most people do it. But personally, i do not use aliases. How can you gain trust to people especially your clients if your name itself is fake?
      Hi castaway- You raised a good point but I personally don't agree that Clients will not trust !!

      As much i know Clients come to you by watching your work not by watching your NAME !! The only thing your clients want is work satisfaction that's it !!

      ---Just my thoughts ---

      Regards
      ~Sam~
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  • Profile picture of the author Samrath Gupta
    Well, Even movie actor's change their name to be suited as Star name and you are talking about IM. Of'course you can pick any random name like- John Doe,etc or you can set yourself as brand name too... Just remember if you choose one name then just stick to it
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  • Profile picture of the author mskerry
    I always use my real name I can understand why people might be reluctant in providing that information especially in this industry whereby some people simply pedal rubbish.
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    • Profile picture of the author avraham
      Originally Posted by mskerry View Post

      I always use my real name I can understand why people might be reluctant in providing that information especially in this industry whereby some people simply pedal rubbish.
      interesting point -
      so...from what little i do understand though - you dont always know what youre selling. most affiliates as far as i can tell do not try out the product first. and yet you are willing to put your name out there.
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  • Profile picture of the author A.Green
    Yes, a lot of people use an alias or pen name to avoid looking like they're trying to be an "expert" in 20 different niches. Others simply don't want their real name out there. They may have a crazy ex stalking them or something. One thing you can do is use a sort of nickname like "Tom the Dog Training Guy" so people know right away it's not your real name. That can also help with branding if you choose something uncommon.
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  • Profile picture of the author maribelle
    Originally Posted by avraham View Post

    do people use their real name in building their website?
    or some do some don't?
    i feel a bit apprehensive about putting my name out there, especially as a newbie who doesnt really know what hes doing - just wondering what others do.
    In my case I am planning to put my real name if ever I will decide to have one. I think it will depend on you; if you're much comfortable in aliases then go ahead.
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  • Profile picture of the author braincandy7
    Using your name online is fine. If you think about it your name is almost certainly already online............Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Mine is on the website of the company I work for and so on.

    Just don't put delicate info online if you can help it and be careful on sites like Facebook. Don't accept friend requests from strangers if you have things like DOB, address, email, phone numbers on your profile.

    If you have nothing to hide from your audience then you should use your name. It helps build trust with your prospects.
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  • Profile picture of the author absolutelee
    There's nothing wrong with an alias. Writers use them. Actors use them. You're not hiding from anyone, or pretending to be someone you're not. Everyone could get to you through the contact form on your site, for instance. So, I don't see any real problem with it. Having said that, I don't do it a lot because I don't work in multiple niches that often.
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  • Profile picture of the author addison.agnote
    Many people use aliases on the web . I don't see anything wrong with it, it is like a pen name and many writers use pen names for them to freely express their thought while protecting their identity and privacy.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    with the tracking and such on the internet, i dont think it is ever truly possible to be completely anonymous these days. especially if you are going to be taking payments. heck, even something very simple like your ip address can give people a lot of information these days.

    you can make it pretty difficult for people, but you are never going to be truly hidden. using an alias to remain anonymous is a little like locking your car doors. it will keep the honest people out, but if anyone really wants in, the door lock is not a hard obstacle to get around.

    if someone really wants to know who you are, its not hard at all, they could even use the legal system in any civilized country to make you show yourself if they wanted to.

    even google is making it very difficult to deal with them if you are using fake information.

    i dont really have a huge problem with it, but dont think for a second you are actually hiding yourself from anyone who actually wants to know who you are if they are willing to spend some time and maybe a few bucks.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Keith
    "Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name"

    this is a quote from sba.gov
    Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name | SBA.gov

    however, when registering your name with the proper authorities, it will also make you completely trackable to anyone who wants to know who you are.

    in truth, you should not be a "newbie" at whatever you are selling. if you are, you are going to get found out. its ok not to be an internet marketing expert...unless of course you are claiming to be to sell your wares.
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    • Profile picture of the author MakeMoneyJames
      Originally Posted by David Keith View Post

      "Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name"

      this is a quote from sba.gov
      Register Your Fictitious or "Doing Business As" (DBA) Name | SBA.gov

      however, when registering your name with the proper authorities, it will also make you completely trackable to anyone who wants to know who you are.
      There are ways to make it harder to get that information and having a DBA is just one way. Doing things internationally can make it harder, using people as proxies, there are ways to make it difficult.

      Im sure this guy just wants to avoid simple google or SE searches, not the feds. He just doesnt want to "put his name out there" and most likely a simple DBA should be okay.
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