So, if I use a pen name instead of my legal one, I am less a "real" blogger than those brave souls who let it all hang out?

Pshaw and feathers.

Lots of radio DJ's don't use their real names, but we all know who they are, i.e. Wolfman Jack, Delilah or Bob & Tom?

But, some truth to your words, Sir Serotoninrain.
The Merchant of Venice | Homepage | 10.30.05 - 6:39 pm | #

He didn't pose the question to me, but I'll give an answer anyway. Anonymity makes him no less a "real" blogger but his opinions become less credible.

But, that's just me.
Eric | Homepage | 10.30.05 - 8:01 pm | #

Merchant,

Do I know you?

With all respect, I think you're reading too much into what I wrote. Absolutely no implications regarding genuineness were intended.

Some of the blogs on my roll are written by authors using pseudonyms. But that's not a reflection on their credibility or their quality as far as I'm concerned.

I do believe that a great deal of thought should go into posting anonymously, this would be especially true in blog comments, but also for blog authorship. There certainly are good reasons for remaining anonymous as a blog author -- I can think of a few, and I assume the pseudonymous (which is actually a little different than anonymous -- as your DJ example points out) authors in the roll had good reasons for their choices. You'll note if you read some of them, that none have the "lynch mob" mentality decried by the Forbes article. Furthermore, all of the authors have email addresses listed on their blogs and one in particular was kind enough to share their real name with me in an email exchange wherein a mailing address was required. Truly anonymous folks wouldn't do such a thing and I probably wouldn't keep them on my roll if they did.

What I meant (and perhaps didn't say clearly enough, my apologies) was that true anonymity should be a carefully considered choice. Sometimes, second and even third guessing our motivations can be a good thing.
Jim | Homepage | 10.30.05 - 8:44 pm | #

Point taken.

Said recipient of said mailed gift had best be putting the pedal to the metal on a sewing machine soon and make proper use of such wonderfully thoughtful gifts, else Sir Shylock rethinks his actions and requests a refund...
Merchant of Venice | Homepage | 10.30.05 - 9:51 pm | #

I'm sure the joy was in the producing and sending of said gift, whatever becomes of it. Truly.
Paperback Writer | Homepage | 10.30.05 - 10:00 pm | #