Now when I check the popularity meter — Google Search — with Howard Dratch there are many notes about my posts, pictures, etc. There are a multitude of more impressive ones that are his since he is a Hollywood producer and documentary director. It would be depressing but at least I will have added to the list that goes with my real name. Who cares what Alpha might have written when I go to the great search engine in the sky.
What have I proven? That I needed to re-appear under my own name because I decided that I could no longer even try to hide behind a screen name (which I wasn't doing very well once I linked BC to my blogs and photoblogs). On the other hand, as always, the bottom line is freedom. Those who like a screen name or need it to protect their jobs or real lives should do what they wish and the writing will speak for itself. But, after much virtual soul searching I have emerged, butterfly-like, as myself. Elvira Black recently wrote a post on Blogcritics about her need for an alter ego, My Blogging Doppelganger, where she quotes Johnny Cash that I "haven't seen the sunshine since I don't know when." She and I have wrestled with the same question and made different decisions. Perhaps with the same demons and found different ways to deal with them.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
Well written piece. Hope it works out for you.
2 - Lisa McKay
Welcome to the light of day, Howard. Your words here at Blogcritics are warmly received regardless of how you choose to call yourself.
I made this decision a while back, too. I cast absolutely no judgment on those who choose to do otherwise, as there are many valid reasons to choose anonymity online, but in the end, my ego got the better of me. No ill effects as of yet.
3 - DJRadiohead
What's in a name, right? A DJRadiohead by another name would... nevermind.
Nice piece.
4 - Elvira Black
Hey Howard...so nice to meet you!
You said:
"The problem is that writing is the end of anonymity. Pen name or not, screen name or not, the writer craves attention and recognition."
You've hit the nail on the keys as far as I'm concerned. Ms. X did get some checks for her freelance writing using her--er, my--real name, but it was really all about getting my name (real or assumed) out there. Now I'm so used to being referred to as Elvira and writing "Elvira Black" in the name box that I don't even think about my "real:" name in the Blogosphere anymore. Maybe is is a bit like being a "double agent" or having a split personality--or something.
In my case, I have what I consider valid reasons for using my "nom de keyboard" (love that phrase!). And you certainly had yours and then some. I was horrified to read what you'd been through with that troll-scum you mentioned.
Fabulous piece, Howard! And, um, a big thank you from me and especially from Elvira for linking to her post--craven publicity whore and blog slut that she is (lol).
5 - Squire
A Doppelganger "by any other name" !