Anonymous Press

Aug 31, 2006 Author: Larissa | Filed under: Blogging, Me

In the September issue of Washingtonian magazine, there is a story about the relationship between fathers and (grown) daughters. I was interviewed for that months ago, and it’s finally been printed. I filled out a survey online and then received a phone call asking asking for an in person interview. Although I asked that my real name not be used, I could tell what portions were my story. It was a great article and I enjoyed being a part of it.

People ask me sometimes how come I don’t use my real name when I blog, or for certain situations like that article. They point out the fact that I have accounts on MySpace, Facebook, and Friendster – which has my information all over it…but that I don’t want my real name used for something like an article or on my blog. Perhaps they have a point.

But the reason I never have my real name on my blog is because I don’t want it to ever be traced back to me. Especially from a professional standpoint. I mean, unless I start getting paid to blog (haha), I’m not giving up my privacy. (Besides, enough of you know all too much about the “real” me!) I don’t want future jobs to be able to Google my name and come up with a blog I wrote about my sex life or what I look for in a man. Yeah, no thanks.

A good benefit to blogging (at least for me) IS the anonymity. You don’t have to worry about what you say and who you may be offending. And, if you do offend someone, who cares because they don’t really know you.

I guess it does kind of suck, when I’m occasionally mentioned on DC Blogs or even the Express, to not be able to share it with everyone. Sometimes it does make me wish that my real name was attached with my writing. But, I know it’s for the best that it’s not.

What are your reasons for or against using your real name?

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No Response for "Anonymous Press"

O-FACE August 31st, 2006 at 12:49 am 1

……I know who you are!!!!!! Muhahahahahahhahahahahhahahhahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahaahhahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahaha
Kathryn August 31st, 2006 at 2:13 am 2

Actually, MySpace, Friendster, FaceBook, etc. are not safe. There are now companies who search those sites for their clients’ prospective employees. Firms say, “we’re considering hiring [Asian Mistress]” and they look up your real name on each of those sites… all of which show your profile on full-name searches… and send all info to the employer to do with what they will.

Just so you know.

In case you’re looking for a job or anything.
Asian Mistress August 31st, 2006 at 7:55 am 3

Kathryn – yeah I know I have looked up people on them before

I am usually pretty sparse on those kind of sites though information wise…at least it’s not as much as my blog I mean!
Paige Jennifer August 31st, 2006 at 9:33 am 4

I straddle that anonymous fine line, using my first and middle name but dropping the last (though I have surely mentioned it in one of my earlier posts). I’ve noticed it (a) is easier for me to keep straight (yes, I’m that easily confused) and (b) keeps me from being found via Google (because potential suitors have admitted to coming up empty handed). My rule – it it ain’t broken, don’t try and fix it.
holiday August 31st, 2006 at 10:32 am 5

I prefer anonymity. That’s why I’ve never been to a blogger happy hour, but I guess as a commenter it’s easier for me to have that luxury.
MKD August 31st, 2006 at 11:18 am 6

I don’t use my real name anywhere (even on MySpace – which I was forced to join – I know your real name though cuz we have mutual “friends.”).

We typically search emails and names with MySpace, Friendster, Facebook, and Google before we hire.

But I hear you on the wishing more people could love you for being awesome in the blog world. Sadly, I’m just another set of initials.
Leaf August 31st, 2006 at 2:22 pm 7

I deleted myspace and friendster and I just googled myself. I am still fairly anonymous. I only come up 4 times where its actually me on the search. I think people should blog anonymously out of necessity. Most people who do this clearly arent trying to hide things, but you also dont want it creeping into other areas of your life. This way I am still safe to bitch about my job and talk about the girl on my team who takes naps at her desk without getting busted.
the one who writes about science September 1st, 2006 at 10:24 pm 8

I’m a reporter (sometimes) and I don’t want people I interview for stories to be able to read about me. Or themselves. (Usually I don’t blog about people I interview, though, because that’s what work is for.)