Are Using A Pseudonym In Writing?

mitan143

Yes, I am using an alias, pen name, pseudonym, or whatever you call that thing. I'm used to having a pen name because, first of all, my real name is really common and I believe using your common name is not appealing to the readers at all. Also, I don't want to let people know my real name because I guess giving such a mystery for your pen name is also a good way to attract more readers if you are a successful writer who has a lot of followers and readers.

7 years ago

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fishbate

I agree there is a certain level of mystery with using pseudonym which somehow entice or make people curious. Actually pseudonym is being used on many platforms or media to somehow protect a certain level of privacy. Also i think its been used for generations in a different manner.

7 years ago

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jaybee19

I definitely agree with her about the mysterious effect that pen names give to the readers and I also agree with you with the privacy matters. Having a pen name/pseudonym is actually what the Philippines' national hero Dr. Jose Rizal did in order to protect himself from being executed by the Spaniards during that time. He revolted by writing numerous novels and articles to fight against the occupation of the Spanish subjugators.

7 years ago

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DenisP

"…my real name is really common and I believe using your common name is not appealing to the readers at all."

You know, after stumbling upon this post, I sort of began to ask myself what purpose would a pen name actually serve to a writer. I never really looked into why certain writers wrote under pseudonyms when they started out writing.

Your reason in particular is a pretty good one. This is obviously an uninspired example, but I'd definitely feel less inclined to read a book by someone called John Doe as opposed to a more exotic-sounding, mysterious name.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

I do agree that a good pseudonym gives an air of mystery to the writers persona. Also it gives the writer the freedom to write about anything and to comment harshly without being afraid of being sued.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Your quite right about getting more attention by using a charismatic pen name. It also hoses my identity that minimizes the risk of having my reputation tarnished by opinions and negative commentaries and reviews.

7 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

I am not using pseudonym in my writing. I want people to know who am I when I write. I believe those who are doing it just wanted to hide who they are. they might be afraid to be known as the author. They might have fears of rejection or failure.

Its also good to in one way. You got freedom in writing. You just keep on writing. Anyway nobody will know who you are. They will not have the access to your identity. I think privacy also is one of the many reasons.

6 years ago

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mitan143

I see. I get your point. Maybe you are right when some writers use pen names different from their true name is to get their privacy intact. But If my writings has a great impact to most people and if they really want to know who I am then I can introduce my self. Or maybe you are right as well that maybe I think I'm just afraid of rejection when my works did not go well.

6 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

Thanks for your comments. Thank you for agreeing with me in my points why they are using pseudonyms in writing. I really appreciate your reaction to my comment.

6 years ago

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treecko142

I use a pen name as well, simply because I want to explore various types of literature in writing which I feel that I can't achieve when using my real name since I would be just bottled up and associated to a single form of writing.

7 years ago

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Barida

This is really good, and the good way to remain anonymous as you journey through the life of being a writer. The other situations where I can use my real name in working as a writer is when I'm getting a quality job from a firm that I know we like to use my face as their publisher in some magazines and newspapers. So on that note, there is need to make use of my real name in writing for them.

7 years ago

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treecko142

Yeah, It's better to use your real name in magazines and newspapers as it helps make your story more credible, and it appears more professional.

7 years ago

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aeon

Agree with that. Sometimes using this pen name is also the chance for you to have a new Identity which is very different from your personality. Using pseudonym or pen name is not a simple name, It's also sometimes the chance for us to think outside the box, or outside the personality we have.

7 years ago

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treecko142

Yeah, you change the tone of your work from time to time and dabble in other forms of literature you're not good at without ruining the reputation of your work in other genres.

7 years ago

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aeon

And for me, the other meaning of this based on your explanation is, you are just protecting your self for possible failure, am I right? Using another Identity to hide our self is just something like, we are afraid that, someone from our friends or relatives might recognize us from what ever we are doing.

7 years ago

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treecko142

Yup, I don't like being recognized by people I know in real life regarding my online work so I try to hide it as much as I can through pseudonyms.

7 years ago

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aeon

I'm doing the same things. As long as I can, I will hide my identity, and honestly, even in the social media account. I have private account for my relatives and friends only, and the other one is just for something like I can do everything I want.

7 years ago

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treecko142

True, I don't even add my relatives on Facebook, lol. I just ignore their requests and set my profile to private. I just don't want them posting on my wall and messaging randomly and judging my posts every family gathering.

7 years ago

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aeon

Yeah, I really hate the tags. But I have no choice if they tags me to some of their post. Even I set my profile to no tags or review before they able tags me. I know exactly they attitude, refusing their tags means hurting their feelings.

7 years ago

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treecko142

I filter the tags as well, especially since they share a lot of fake news articles or viral videos which do not have any place on my wall. I rarely use Facebook anyways, I open it once in a while just to check messages.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

Me too, I use my pen name for all my blogs and articles. I never use my real name to protect my identity

7 years ago

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EfficientNinja

I'm not a writer. But if I were, I'd use a pseudonym. It would make me and my writings more mysterious.

It would add a secretive feeling or atmosphere to my articles. Also, I like being anonymous and discreet.

7 years ago

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Barida

The other people that enjoy using names that are not their own when they write and the good thing about it is that people won't know where you are coming from and the issue of coming from one region of the other will be eliminated since people will judge you from what you write and not where you come from and how the people of where you come from behave.

7 years ago

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EfficientNinja

I feel like the person could express himself better. By using other names they would enjoy fewer consequences with what they write and could say what he/she really feels.

I'm with you with the region thing. People can be racist and they tend to disregard the opinions of people that they think are inferior to them. Anonymity can pass through that barrier easily.

7 years ago

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fishbate

I use them both, for different reasons. I use my pseudonym more often because i want to have a little privacy and its a great way to separate work and real life. I don't know if people agree with this but this method works for me. Its my own way to have a boarder line in writing.

7 years ago

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aeon

Yeah, that's right, and it's a great feelings if ever that you heard from someone, talking about that pen name saying a lot of good stuffs about that name, and deep inside you know that you're behind that works.

7 years ago

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treecko142

Yeah, I never use my real name when working online because I really enjoy my privacy and I actually don't want to mix my real life friends and online friends (aside from those already on Facebook).

7 years ago

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aeon

Well In that case, all you have to do is change your privacy settings, if you don't have a choice because they are already in your friend lists. You can choose your audience there. That's what I'm doing to hide all my post to my relatives and close friends.

7 years ago

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treecko142

I don't mind having online people as Facebook friends if I know them sufficiently, but some people who just see your name on some of your work just randomly add you on Facebook then get hurt when you don't accept them.

7 years ago

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EfficientNinja

I feel the same way. I have more freedom when I voice out my opinions anonymously. I can't seem to express myself well if I will use my real identity. With an anonymous persona, I will be able to express my genuine feelings on any given subject.

7 years ago

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DenisP

When it comes to the freelance writing I do, I typically use my real name. More often than not my name isn't even posted when a site publishes the work, so I have no real need to use a pseudonym, alias, pen name, etcetera.

However, I'm in the planning stages of starting my own website and am working on an eBook, and I'm considering using a pseudonym for those cases. I'm not entirely sure why I'd even want to, but I feel it might be if my endeavors fail, my real name isn't tied to previous failed attempts that may hinder future attempts at success.

It's probably entirely unnecessary, but I'm one to take unnecessary precautionary measures in all aspects of my life, ha.

7 years ago

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aeon

Yes, I will use pseudonym if ever, and I think using pseudonym is good for the readers to easily remember the name of the author of the story, specially in some bookstore because they are always asking about who's the author if you're looking for a book. It's also better if your pseudonym is unique and easy to remember because this is almost the same as to the name of the product.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

The "You" is missing in the title and I don't know why?
I use 2 pseudonyms one on my major works and one for online jobs. I really do think having and using multiple pseudonyms are better because. I could protect my professional works by ensuring that all of it has good quality.

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

It's probably just a mistake. I'm sure we have all mistakenly not added a word from time to time lol. Could I just ask what the need for 2 pseudonyms is? Wouldn't it be better to just have 1 for certain things and then just use your normal name for others? Wouldn't using 2 pseudonyms be too confusing for both you and your readers?

7 years ago

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DarthHazard

It depends on what type of site or blog you have really. For certain topics or niches, I guess using a pseudonym is a good thing because it can create a sense of mystery and awe for the reader which can be really beneficial for you. Other times, it may not be a good thing because it could result in your users having trouble trusting you or even creating a relationship with you.

7 years ago

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SiamSEO

I do. In fact apart from my own personal website (which is essentially a resume) I never, ever use my name or anything that might identify myself online. There are no people with the same name, so I really don't want anyone to be able to track everything I have ever done online like that.

7 years ago

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treecko142

Yeah, there are a lot of cases of online harrassment just by people with their details online, and especially having a personal website where people can track you, it's important to hide your online activity through pseudonyms.

7 years ago

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Judas2018

I think most people who write use a shorthand version of their name or maybe a nickname. I think it gets a bit dicey though when you go overboard with a whole new name entirely.

7 years ago

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SiamSEO

Using multiple pen names is a good thing for a writer who deals in multiple subjects though. If you're releasing books in education and adult fiction, you really want to keep those two completely unrelated for the obvious reasons, so using two very different pen names is easily justified in that case.

7 years ago

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Steve5

I only pseudonyms when I'm writing for fun. I usually use my name for my work. I can't use anything else because I won't get paid if my information's incorrect. People do find it interesting when you nail your name like that.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

One of the reasons I'm using a pseudonym is because if someone Google's my pen name, he/she would almost instantly see my works because my pen name is unique. Unlike if someone googles my true name people would have a hard time finding me because there's a lot of people who have the same name as me.

7 years ago

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jaymish3

I also use a pseudonym. I love my privacy and I don't want to be trolled. When you put yourself in the public you open yourself up to all kinds of Rubbish from people. My role model is SIA the musician. She is one of the biggest artists on the market at the moment. However she never shows her face and hires people to do her dancing because she wants to keep her privacy. And you're right when you use a pseudonym, you can write as many books as you want without having the bias of your previous work in the way.

7 years ago

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mildredtabitha

I have been using my real names throughout. I still think pseudonyms are better. Pen names make you mysterious especially when you become successful in your work and people just want to know you.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

I use Pseudonyms because I would like to build a reputation in a certain genre and I can do that by adopting a pen name relative to the specific genre. By having a new name to work on, it eliminates many risks that might affect my professional career.

7 years ago

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aeon

Well aside from being mysterious, using Pseudonyms sometimes is the best defense mechanism also. If no one appreciate your works, or no one interested about your story, your identity is still safe. You still able to walk and make an eye to eye contact with other people.

7 years ago

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Judas2018

People on the street very rarely recognize authors. Authors mostly do press tours to certain outlets, news shows, and locations when they're peddling a new book or piece of literary work. After that, they vanish for a bit to reap the benefits of their sales or to start working on their next masterpiece. Unlike actors or musicians who're constantly in the public eye for everything including and outside of their actual work.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

That's quite right it's like having an Avatar while playing network games, noone knows your real identity and you can live a new life online, without any connections with the real you.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

It's great to use pseudonyms if your successful in one field and you're venturing in a new niche which you're not really comfortable about then it's better to use a pen name so that your reputation wont be tarnish in the event of failure in your new niche.

7 years ago

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Tronia

Yes, I do use a pseudonym. Why? I am not sure but it gives you that weird, mysterious feeling that comes with having a unique name that you can give yourself.

A good name can actually attract the readers way more compared to some standard one. It's worth using a pseudonym if you ask me.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

An air of mystery always attracts the attention of more people and a mysterious sounding pseudonym can give a person the charisma he needs. Also a pseudonym should be somehow connected to the chosen niche, example I'm using Kakashi because im into animes and I have several anime sites, Kakashi's character, personality and traits are he loves reading books, he always completes his mission, he's a copy ninja and he can copy peoples appearance, speech and personality and adapt to different situations, I also use it in writing because I usually do ghostwriting sndin Japanese "Kakashi means Scare Crow.

7 years ago

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aecel

I never use my real name in the online community for security reasons. Using Pseudonym depends on what kind of articles are you writing on. If you're a news writer then you must use real names because you must establish a good integrity and it will start by giving your real names but if you're just writing random topics then using Pseudonym will do.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

From what I understand with people using a pseudonym in their writing, it's either they want to hide their real identity or they just want to look mysterious to readers especially when the pseudonym is not a common name. Like mine, Corzhens is not a common name and although it is coined from my real names, it is a good pseudonym for me simply because it is not common. When you search the internet and that name appears, it is me and no one else.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

One should always use an uncommon name that is easily remembered and spelled for recall purposes. So that when someone Google's your name, your content and profile can easily be found.

7 years ago

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fishbate

I agree, sometimes you need to use pseudonym just to make sure that your identity is differentiated among others. This somehow make you unique and authentic in a way that you can be identified easily.

7 years ago

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coolavender

One of the writing sites I've joined required me to provide a pseudonym. There were combinations of names to choose from and the name I've chosen as my pseudonym didn't exactly represent who I am. As a content writer, I don't ever get a byline because my written work belongs to the clients. Hence, I never had to use a pseudonym. As a blogger, I prefer to use my name because it's the best way to impart credibility to my personal finance blog.

7 years ago

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Martinsx1

I make use of pseudonyms on sites that I work on but I always try my best to have a touch of some part of my real name inscribed in the pseudonym because it gives me some kind of unique personality and it looks cool to have a touch of my real self in anything that I'm doing.

7 years ago

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peachpurple

I use pseudonyms in order to hide my real identity from online users. One has to be careful when online because there are too many hackers, spammers that might misuse real names, personal particulars and get into trouble.

7 years ago

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Corzhens

I agree that you can use pseudonym to hide your real identity in the internet. But maybe that's only for the social media. With serious writing like articles, I guess it is better to use your real name if you don't have a catchy pseudonym on hand. And for using your real name by spammers or hackers, I don't think it will be a problem if it's not really you because your name can be found in the internet no matter how you hide it.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

I use different pseudonyms for different niches, because it makes things safer for me and it's also beneficial to build individual reputations using different pseudonyms in different niches and platforms instead of just using your true name or just one pseudonym for all niches. And besides this will also be safer for me when I'm making some critiques.

7 years ago

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amelia88

I keep my first name, but change my last name on writing I do online. Part of me just likes to keep some level of anonymity, and these days everyone searches your name online if you're going for a new job or something like that. So I just prefer to do it that way, and minimize my online footprint, I guess!

7 years ago

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Steve5

I want to use one right now. But it's hard to decide on what to use. Because your pseudonym will be associated with your works once you use it. That's why I need to be sure once I put my own pen name.

7 years ago

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ballyhara

Using an Alias have helped people through hard moments, like when women started writing for newspapers, or when researchers showed their results for the first time, also it kept many people safe during war times. Definitively, I feel attracted to the idea of using an Alias, and in fact when I was younger I used to do some writings and signed them with fake names. It also brings some mystery, and that way people will feel more dragged into reading your work.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

I do agree that pseudonyms and alias have their benefits and as such can be really helpful in creating a new career. By using it, one could start a new career without any connections to ones past its like a blank piece of paper or a fresh start.

7 years ago

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theresajane

I agree with you. Pseudonyms have really helped people who are very creative but are not that confident to expose their identity in public.

6 years ago

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ballyhara

Exactly. When you use an Alias you are more creative, because you don't have the potential fear of exposing yourself, and that makes your writing more interesting. Also, if people find out you are using an Alias, it will make your work more attractive, because that kind of mystery always pick the curiosity of people.

6 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Pseudonyms are like your gaming avatars in a way, by using one you could be whoever you like without the risk of people judging your true self. It's also a secret way to express yourself that's why almost all the time pseudonym users are more passionate in what they do.

7 years ago

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theresajane

I like how you compare pseudonyms to a gaming avatar. It may be because you just want to hide your identity from the public, but your pseudonym still represents you perfectly.

6 years ago

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Vinsanity

I have always wanted to have a pseudonym that's unique, short, can be understood by most and has strong appeal. I was not able to have one but I have thought of I think appealing and understandable pseudonym, pluma. Plum is a Filipino word for a pen. I think that this alias is cool and I have been using this since high school. I was a campus journalist back then and whenever I write a feature article, I always use my alias pluma.

7 years ago

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Steve5

I feel like pseudonyms work better if you get it right. I used to have one. It felt clever and unique at the time. But looking back, I think I was wrong. It's best to ask someone's thoughts on how it sounds.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Using a Pseudonym is a good way to keep oneself and family members from being targets of bad commentaries, reviews and just plain bullying.

If you're not certain that you're going to be good in a certain niche more so if you're a newbie in a field, it's better to use a Pseudonym because it would make you fearless because people are not judging the real you.

7 years ago

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vivalavanda

Using pseudonym is fun! It adds some mysterious effect on the author and I really liked it if my readers are curious about me. I am still thinking of my pseudonym, I want it to be unique and mysterious. Having pseudonym makes me more carefree about writing things because no one knows me, I can do the things what I want on my story and I can use some of my friends' story but they will not know, and that's the fun on that.

7 years ago

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Russet

I think it has a huge benefit in separating your private life from your writing brand. A different name naturally separates my emails social media and such int different streams. The people in each area are not bored by stuff they are not interested in and I find the connections and communications I need easily. My friends are mostly not interested in my writing and my readers are mostly interested in see 1000 pictures of my dog, so everyone is happy.

7 years ago

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mdayrit

I do not use pseudonym when writing but I don't also use my complete name. I usually just use the letter of my first name and last name. I am just not that comfortable using my full name in any online site unless asked to do so. Thinking about it, I could have used a pseudonym instead to make my pen name more catchy and fun. Might try it the next time I sign up for other writing jobs.

7 years ago

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cmoneyspinner

No I don't. But one time many years ago I did. It was for a newsletter and I published articles under a pseudonym. I just wanted to try it out. It's OK. But when I started publishing online I used my real name and my account may have a user name but my real name is always made known in my profile. Pen names are for really important authors. Not a nobody like me.

6 years ago

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beerthooyah

Pseudonyms added an air of mystery which make the readers more curious abot your work. It really depends on what kind of article you are writing about. If you are writing a fiction, its best to aliases but if your writing a news. I think its a good idea to use your real name for honesty and integrity of your work.

6 years ago

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jaymish3

I use a pseudonym when I write on websites online. I think that most people take their digital footprint for granted yet it is really important. These days your activity online is used to determine what kind of person you are. For example it is not uncommon to see your potential employer trying to research your online activity before making a hiring decision about you. What if you write an article that your potential employer does not agree with?For example you are of a different political affiliation. This can cost you a potential job.

6 years ago

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romyter013

Yes I do have alias name too. My real name is kinda long and common but I what I really want is something simple, short but unique somehow. I guess its still up to the writer, authors on how they want people notice or know them by using their code names. I guess some doing these to hide their identity or perhaps some do this to stay unknown or just to be low profile in life.

6 years ago

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Aeolos

I think using a pseudonym helps build a name for yourself in the writing industry. You are also not afraid to share your content online since nobody knows you. Writing under fake names frees you from limitations that you usually put when writing using your real name. Its like another version of yourself in another world which you can build a character on your own. Personally, I think using a pseudonym lets you keep a fine line between your real and writing career.

6 years ago

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mark8625

It could possibly helps them to be more inspired by hiding their true identity. I read many books and some of them were wrote by a screen name or not real name. I have no exact idea why they did that, one thing that might possible reason is that they wanted to be private.

6 years ago

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jpk0007

I have never used my pseudonym while writing anything so far but I think it's a great idea to use a pseudonym. I have never used my complete name while I write. using a pseudonym does give you complete freedom of choosing and writing about all the controversial subjects that one might have stayed away from. It can give you some form of protection from online haters and abusers when you write about an extremely controversial and taboo subject. I would definitely try writing with a pseudonym in the near future.

6 years ago

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Jeane

Many online freelance platforms compel everyone to use their real names so most of us don't have a choice. We have to use our real names 'else complications will arise when you try to withdraw your earnings.

Some writers use a pen name because they want their identity to remain a secret so though at the present conditions stand against it, when I start writing ebooks, I'll use a pen name.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

I am using screen names in my article. Not because I am afraid of criticism and they'll directly send it to my social medias but I am afraid that ny friends will find out that I am writing article. I am not ashamed of what I do, but I am not comfortable on telling then what I do.

6 years ago

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theresajane

Yes, I do have my pseudonym. It's not because I am afraid of people criticizing my work. I just want to keep my identity a secret because I believe that it's more fun. I also believe that it will help the readers get curious about a writer and want to ask for more.

6 years ago

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nrnlss

I used to write poems in a name "Casse la Memoire" it means broken memories. I never used my real name when I write articles and poems before.

6 years ago

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WordClerks

Are Using A Pseudonym In Writing?

Are Using A Pseudonym In Writing?

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