A Pet Peeve... Not Using Your Real Name Or Photo Online

by Willie Crawford

Posted: 7 years ago 17 replies

OFF TOPIC

Roughly 20 years ago, I was prompted to post my actual photo online and use my real name.

The lady who prompted me explained that not everyone will relate to you positively, but then again, not everyone is your customer.

She explained that it really doesn't matter what race, nationality, religion, age, or gender you are... you need to let potential customers get to know you.

Back then, a lot of women actually used male names or initials because there was a perceived gender bias in the online business world.

Today, when interactiing with people online, I do look at their social media profiles, etc. I want to deal with people who allow me to feel connected.

I know that a lot of people still use OLD photos. I don't. I'm 57... turning 58 in March.

We all age. SO WHAT. I think that that beats the alternative.

Your thought on this?

#online #peeve #pet #photo #real

David Beroff 7 years ago

I personally agree with you, Willie. (As for my own WF avatar, specifically, I had taken that down after some serious drama with the new owners, but that's more of an exception to my general rule.)

It seems that a lot of people disagree, though; many people seem to want to hide their name, their picture, anything else that can identify them. Maybe they're hiding from their ex-partner, or the government, or their creditors... but I think a lot of them are specifically hiding from their potential customers. Too much snake oil around, especially in WF's niche.
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- Willie Crawford 7 years ago
  
  Nice hearing from you David. It's been years... since back when you use to build custom email list for clients.
  
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  David Beroff 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Willie Crawford
  
  Nice hearing from you David. It's been years... since back when you use to build custom email list for clients.
  
  Thank you, kind Sir! You've always been the gentleman! We really should do some business together. Do you know anyone who could use professional voiceovers on their business videos?
  
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socialentry 7 years ago

The internet was better when people had nicknames like

Dark_knight78
Wan_punch_man
Duk3Nuk3m_4_da_winz
Germany_is_for_n00bs

It's people like you that makes the internet terrible.
Make the Internet Great Again!
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tagiscom 7 years ago

I don't age, probably because l don't listen to mass media, medical tripe.

But that is just me!
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BigFrank Banned 7 years ago

We've had this discussion over a hundred times, but people still don't seem to understand that when you post a photo and your name, outside of friends and family, no one knows if the photo and signature are real or not.

This is an absolutely meaningless issue, but you will see folks argue over it until the cows come home, because they are too thick to grasp a very simple reality.

Signed - William Shakespeare and yes, that is my real name. Oh, you don't think so? Prove it's not.
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Frank Donovan 7 years ago

Depends on the business. I buy tons of stuff from Amazon but I wouldn't recognize Jeff Bezos if he stood on my foot. And back in the day, I've sold websites to buyers who didn't know me from Adam.

But if a business relies on personal contact, or if it's based on a one-to-one relationship, then yes - that personal touch (or the illusion of it) is a definite asset.

And I would always name my pet.
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- BigFrank Banned 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Frank Donovan
  
  (or the illusion of it)
  
  Is that another way of saying no one knows ifr the photo and name used are actually real? lol
  
  Frank, uh, I mean - William. Yeah - that's the ticket - William!
  
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  Frank Donovan 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by BigFrank
  
  Is that another way of saying no one knows ifr the photo and name used are actually real? lol
  
  Don't spoil the illusion, Mother.
  
  But yes. You posted your response while I was writing mine.
  
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yukon Banned 7 years ago

Everyone knew Dodgson and nobody cared.

We've got Dodgson Here - YouTube
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hardraysnight 7 years ago

is privacy no longer allowed
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myob 7 years ago

Originally Posted by Willie Crawford

Back then, a lot of women actually used male names or initials because there was a perceived gender bias in the online business

This is still true today. Not only is there a strong gender bias, but also a strong (although perhaps quite subtle) affinity bias for just about any ethnicity, dialect, or personal characteristic.

I market in dozens of widely disparate niches within many cultures and socio-economic levels. It is essential to have matching perceived personas, styles, and even eponymous pseudonyms to effectively compete in such divergent markets.
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Jonathan 2.0 Banned 7 years ago

Personally I don't see anything wrong with using a Pen Name.

BigJonathan
(Hehe)
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- BigFrank Banned 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0
  
  Personally I don't see anything wrong with using a Pen Name.
  
  BigJonathan
  (Hehe)
  
  Listen up world. This issue has now been formally resolved and need never be broached, again.
  (Hehe)
  
  Frank 2.0 :-)
  
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- lanfear63 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0
  
  Personally I don't see anything wrong with using a Pen Name.
  
  BigJonathan
  (Hehe)
  
  That's settled then, from now on you will be known as Frank's Papermate
  
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  Feel The Power Of The Mark Side
  
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  Jonathan 2.0 Banned 7 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by lanfear63
  
  That's settled then, from now on you will be known as Frank's Papermate
  
  Lol.
  
  https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/i...Oravo-qYVp0wKI
  
  (Frank and Jonathan.)
  
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Karen Blundell 7 years ago

I feel it's to each their own
- if people don't want to use their real photos that's their choice.
Who am I to judge?
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