Can A Blog With My Real Name Hurt Me

Just recently, it was revealed that J.K. Rowling of Harry Potter fame had written a crime novel under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Quite a few reknowned writers have done that actually. Actors and actresses quite often adopt a stage name or screen name which is catchier or easier to remember or just sound better than their real name. And this got me thinking.

blog using a real name or pseudonym

Do you use a real name when you blog or do you too, use a pen name or pseudonym? Should you use your real name?

I'm one to talk aren't I? No one in their right minds would think I was really named "Paris B" LOL! 😀 My parents just weren't that imaginative thankfully! I might have been laughed out of school and developed a complex. Or I might have been the coolest kid in school. Darn! 😛

But "Paris B" is what I blog under and the nom de plume I have been using ever since I set up my first blog over 7 years ago. It was a little more elaborate than this before, but Paris B will do for now 😉 There were reasons why I chose to adopt a nom de plume and why I will continue to use my nom de plume which I'll share with you. There is no right or wrong way. Just your way.

So, I'd love to hear the story behind your blogging identity and whether you have chosen to use your real name or adopt a pseudonym 🙂 Here's why I use a pseudonym.

A pseudonym helps with privacy

In my case, I chose to adopt a pseudonym because I wanted to keep my non-blog life private. I am a private person as I've shared before this, and I like to keep it that way. It's ok for me if no one recognises me on the street. I don't crave that sort of publicity. I suppose I am more like a writer and less of a public figure in that regard. I let my words do the talking, not me.

I have opened up a little more than usual in the past few years, but for the most part, I prefer to keep my cards close to my chest. I'm not embarrassed about my real name, but I know how easy it is to track down a person and their personal details just using their full name and I'd prefer not to go there.

When the pseudonym fits the blog personality better

The other reason I choose to blog under "Paris B" is because it just felt right for a beauty blog. A little glamorous, a little mysterious and a little fun. My real name isn't half as much fun. I don't think my parents planned for me to be an actress that's for sure! 😛 When pressed, I go by the name "Sue" which isn't half as glamorous, I think you'd agree 😉

I like to think of "Paris B" as my social face, and I can keep my real name and identity for my professional face. I dare say, it is rather awkward when the two worlds collide, which thankfully has only happened once or twice todate 😛 It surprised us both, that's for sure!

The pseudonym could take on a life of its own

Does it bother me that "Paris B" is associated with My Women Stuff, or that I may not be receiving the accolades (or brickbats) due to me personally instead of letting "Paris B" take all the credit (or flack)?

Well, no it doesn't. I suppose "Paris B" has evolved into a character and personality of her own, infused with a lot of my traits and values but with a more interesting name to front the blog. Paris B sure has a lot more fun than plain ol' Sue 😛

Be sure to use a name to identify yourself

Whichever route you choose, I will highly recommend that you pick a name to identify yourself when you start blogging. Having a name, real or made up, makes you easier to relate to and for people to find some affinity with you. It is easier for me to relate to a "Paris from mywomenstuff.com" than to relate to "that blogger from mywomenstuff.com" or just "My Women Stuff". The last has a faceless, flat tone to it and can make it harder to warm up to the person behind the blog because there doesn't seem to be one behind the blog at all!

How do you pick one? Well, there's always your real name if you're stumped and aren't as paranoid as I am. Or you could use a nickname or maybe a name you'd call yourself if you could.

Real name or make it up?

I've noticed that many bloggers I associate with go by their real names. A couple don't but it hasn't cramped their blogging style. The common thread is that almost everyone has a name, real or made up. It makes it easier for us all to relate to each other and to identify each other. Yes, I answer to "Paris" these days as much as I answer to my own name. You could say, I've grown into my "Paris B" persona. She lets me do things I might never do, and go places I could only dream of going to. I have a lot to thank her for! 😀

If you blog, do you use your real name or a pseudonym? As a reader, does it matter to you either way and do you find yourself identifying more closely to someone with a name?

It doesn't bother me if a blogger doesn't use a name, but it does make me feel a little more detached from them. Interacting with a blog doesn't feel like interacting with a person if you have to refer to them by their blog name, unless of course they adopt a spin on their blog name for themselves. But it doesn't always work 🙂 Your turn!

Paris B

Simple Blogging Tips are some simple tips I have for fellow bloggers, based on my own experiences. I'm no 'guru' but I hope they will help you. You may read up on previous Simple Blogging Tips here or please feel free to ask your question in the comment box or in email.