It depends on the community. If other members are using pseudonyms, then I generally think it's a good idea to follow suit.
Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
151–160 of 307 posts
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#152depends on what do you mean by "real." Who am I, really? Do we exist? Where are we heading? WHAT IS THE DESTINY OF HUMAN RACE ?! \ಠoಠ/
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#153I use the same tech handle across all message boards/forums I visit except for a couple Mac related ones I signed up for years ago. No real reason why I still use it over my name aside from inertia.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#154Yes, and for almost[1] all other things on the internet for that matter. "We should try to be happy, if only to set an example." -Jacques Prévert I try to be as open and plainly honest as possible, and I think using my real name keeps me from being inflammatory, and I think it also keeps other from doing the same to me (at least a little). Put another way, I think using real names makes an atmosphere of more empathy…
I especially like what you said about making your facebook 100% public to rid yourself of the illusion of privacy.
I agree. If I am going to put something online, I expect it to be in the public domain.
I do however try to keep all my online identities, although all real, separate. For example, I don't link my reddit account on my facebook. It's like having different groups of friends, you don't want to force them to hang out together, it would be awkward.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#155Yes, and for almost[1] all other things on the internet for that matter. "We should try to be happy, if only to set an example." -Jacques Prévert I try to be as open and plainly honest as possible, and I think using my real name keeps me from being inflammatory, and I think it also keeps other from doing the same to me (at least a little). Put another way, I think using real names makes an atmosphere of more empathy…
An alternative could be to stick to a given nickname in related communities. HN, r/programming, and one's tech blog could form such a cluster. Sure, it's not your "real" name, but it will get a reputation regardless. Pseudonym or real name, people will shun you if you displease them too much. Simply remembering that may be just as effective as keeping one nice.
To make that even more effective, one could even make a point of using that same identity even when physical presence is required. Many video game players actually do this, and it seems to be mostly working.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#156Yup, I do. I use my real identity almost everywhere on the web. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, everywhere. I think it's important to be humble and helpful, no matter the medium.
I find it very interesting that others in this group make their Facebook profiles 100% public, because I have always done the same thing. Not only does being transparent and public online help me build a personal brand, but it makes me think twice about posting something inflammatory or plain rude.
Once you put something online, it's nearly impossible to completely remove it forever. Whether it's stored on a company server or indexed by Google, it's there. Be humble, helpful, and transparent.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#157yup!
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#158For some reason I'm extremely hesitant to post things under my real name. I don't really care if people know my name on an individual basis (and it's not like I'm a high profile poster anyway), but I am squeamish about it generally, and feel too self-conscious to post anything if my name is associated directly with it. I've tried blogging under my real name and always went back and deleted everything, it caused me to…
I feel much the same way, but go ahead and use my name in order to "force" myself to think a little bit more before posting on things, and I think it really helps the quality of my posts.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#159I don't want to be tempted to use my posts here or elsewhere to try to make money or gain social credibility. I don't particularly want to know who else is posting either. I am not trying to monetize my internet presence, best to stay pseudonymous if not anonymous.
Re: Poll: Do you use your real identity on HN?
#160No, but you can email me and find out my real name. Though it is a very common name. My handle (orangethirty) is unique. So, its not like I'm being very paranoid or anything. I use an internet handle because I can. It is a freedom that I support, and am including in all of my projects. Privacy is required in the world.
Same here, I am attached to the romantic notion of pseudonyms in terms of freedom/privacy and the spirit of judging content for what it is and not the name behind it.
With that being said my pseudonym is attached to my real email all over the internet and my email contains my name, so it's not like I am hiding behind it.
I actually find some of the comments in this thread against pseudonyms strangely similar to the reason of why people don't drink because they are bad drunks. If your being a dick under a pseudonym that means you might be and a dick regardless.