8 replies
Hi folks

I'm thinking of starting an online article writing service. As I work as a magazine editor in my day job, writing is pretty much something I do everyday.

My question might seem an odd one, but should I use my own name or a pen name? I only ask because when I was considering submitting articles for syndication on article directories, the concensus seemed to be that pen names are the way to go. Can someone shed some light on this for me in terms of the pros and cons?

Many thanks
YC
  • Profile picture of the author WhiteDove
    I can’t answer that. I would say it’s a personal decision. Some people just don’t like their name and prefer to use one that makes them feel better about themselves; it can give them more confidence.



    I changed my first name from Diane to Dianne. I added an extra n in my name. Why, well I think I felt that Diane with one n was too common. Silly stuff…


    It’s also a thorny decision that you don’t want to take lightly. And it’s not a new problem. People have used pen name for varied reasons. To set boundaries would probably the most used reason. People also change their name for marketing and branding reasons.



    They may use them to separate themselves from a product, business ventures. Pen names have also been used for security reasons, or to hide one’s identity, some is to get away from the law, persecution, prejudice and I’m sure there are plenty of other reasons. So my final thoughts on this is that it’s really a very personal decision! Good Luck!
    Signature

    Dianne
    WhiteDove
    War Room Member

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5650437].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Carlton Johnson
      Yep, it is a personal thing and it depends what your goal is long term.

      Even some very famous writers are better known as their pen names.

      If you want to really build something big and you know you are creating something that is going to be quality then it might be good to use your own name. However, it is a personal choice.

      I know when I write something and my own name is at the top then I make sure it is excellent.

      However, occasionally when I have done stuff for various niches under pen names, it hasn't always been top quality, simply because the motivation to make sure it is top quaility is higher when your personal name is on it. Well that is what I find anyway.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5650560].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Yellowcake View Post

    My question might seem an odd one, but should I use my own name or a pen name? I only ask because when I was considering submitting articles for syndication on article directories, the concensus seemed to be that pen names are the way to go. Can someone shed some light on this for me in terms of the pros and cons?
    I don't think it's an odd question at all: I think it's a realistic and important one.

    With all my niche articles for syndication, I use a different pen-name for each niche, for the reasons given in all these threads: http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...ml#post5649754

    But running your own article writing business is a whole different cage of lobster. When I had an article writing business, I used my own name, mostly because it's also the name I use in forums so I had a bit of "advance publicity" that way, but also because it's the name on my PayPal account. It would have been really tricky to use a pen-name for the business but still to be paid as "Alexa Smith" (which I effectively had to be!).

    I suppose you might get round that with a PayPal business account in the name of a limited corporation, or something ... :confused:
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5650605].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Yellowcake
      OK lads and lasses, thanks for your replies. Can I ask a kind of related question? What's the best payment method/procedure for articles? Do you guys use Paypal?

      Thanks
      YC
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5650889].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Yellowcake View Post

        What's the best payment method/procedure for articles? Do you guys use Paypal?
        I always did, because I felt that not taking PayPal payments was going to lose some of the customers. It's simply "how most people expect to pay". And that way you're covered for both credit-card and PayPal payments. I think that whatever other methods you have available (I had both AlertPay and MoneyBookers, as well), if you're unable to collect fees by PayPal, you're effectively putting yourself at a big disadvantage.

        Even getting your own merchant account is going to lose the "PayPal only" customers.
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651044].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PlatinumLady
    Paypal is my preferred method of payment whether buying or selling. It is also more popular with online buyers.
    Signature
    You won’t believe this amazing source of 100% free PLR content! I was gobsmacked! So will you!

    If you know What & Why you will surely know How to fix it. Find out here


    Your Attitude will Determine your Altitude. Choose wisely!

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651296].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author lint631
    I third the paypal payment option. I recently setup a mobile template store and am using paypal. For selling online products I use ejunkie. They are awesome and it's super easy to setup.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5651308].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author ScouterGuy
    Originally Posted by Yellowcake View Post

    My question might seem an odd one, but should I use my own name or a pen name?
    I would actually suggest neither. I think you should build a brand. Register a company and decide on a name for your service. I am sure there is some sort of spin to the type of content that you provide, create a brand around that which signals to potential customers that you know their niche and can be trusted with their business.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[5652097].message }}

Trending Topics