To alias or not to alias, that is the online identity questi

[Sparky]

Do not list your aliases here, but just tell me how many of the following you use on the internet or in your life:

- alias names (ie, distinct usernames)
- email addresses

For me:

- I store 211 web site account usernames and passwords
- If my e-mail address is not the username, I tend to use one of three different usernames for gaming and non-gaming profiles
- I have maybe ten e-mail addresses for unique purposes

[Vegerot]

I mean, I don't count, but I have a LOT.

[TaxiService]

- at least 2 current aliases (and some obsolete ones)
- 2 current email addresses (and many obsolete ones)


the reason for having two emails is because i am planning to ditch gmail for another email service. But their online mail browsing page is a pain in the ass to use, and I can't get myself to start using Mail! >.<

the other alias is the one i use on irc channels that aren't mgm's.

[Amy]

Meh, I sort of use an alias. I mean I go by my first name but nothing else, and I don't use my real email for stuff.

[Smythe]

Meh, I sort of use an alias. I mean I go by my first name but nothing else, and I don't use my real email for stuff.

I go by my last, which is weird, but Smythe sounds so much better than Oliver.

[Kayar]

I'm choosing the second option in the poll, but I'm technically saying "yes." I'm choosing the second option because I don't exactly "like social rolls," and also because I view my alias as an extension of myself and my own definition of myself.

Edit: Misread the first option, second option still makes sense over the first though. I don't view the alias as a social roll, more as a pen-name and, as I said, an extension of myself.

[Vegerot]

- at least 2 current aliases (and some obsolete ones)
- 2 current email addresses (and many obsolete ones)


the reason for having two emails is because i am planning to ditch gmail for another email service. But their online mail browsing page is a pain in the ass to use, and I can't get myself to start using Mail! >.<

the other alias is the one i use on irc channels that aren't mgm's.

I have always hated Mail, but ever since Lion came out I can't help but use it! Apple really perfected Mail in Lion. It's actually the best mail viewer ever!!!

[Moxus]

Moxus is pretty much about it; I value my alias, but I also value having a united appearance online. I've got four different e-mails, but they're mainly due to utilitarian purposes.

-=Moxus=-

[Sparky]

I mentioned social roles because my decision for using pseudonyms began with learning that they can be created through copyright forms, when applying for copyright for something you've done.

Anyway, I decided to use different names for different social tasks so that I don't end up having them influence each other; what I mean is that I don't want someone thinking of Halo games when I am using the name I use for legal advice in my conversations. (Legal advice was meant to be a random practice for this example; I'm not a lawyer.) Or when people ask me what I do, I can decide what to tell them based upon which name of mine they know. Since I'm a musician, here's a practical example: when you think of Beethoven, you think of a musical composer. You don't think of a business owner or a scholar or a performing artist or whatever else. So I have a separate "Beethoven" name for composition which differs from the name I use for online computer gaming. That way, when someone searches online for my name, they will find a streamlined set of information rather than a large variety of themes.

This should clarify the purpose for the first option in the poll.

[Kayar]

Ah, okay. Thanks for the clarification.

As "Kayar" is both a pen name and the name I use when I play video games, and as I see it as an extension of myself, I do not use any other names unless "Kayar" is taken on whatever web site, online game, etc. that I may be registering on, in which case I will be "Kayar13," or some other variation. I use the same name for all social roles save for in-person interactions, in which I use my given name.

[Vegerot]

Wait, you guys, like actually have real names? Wow... I thought everyone on the internet was just an AI!

[Moxus]

Wait, you guys, like actually have real names? Wow... I thought everyone on the internet was just an AI!

Har har.

-=Moxus=-

[Sven]

.

[Devious]

Devious, or tehDevious are the main two, though Indefatigable is an appropriate substitute if I ever need it.

I have at least 4 emails, and many old screen names that I never use.

Of course in real life I have 3-4 official titles. Most come with my role, however I use my family's hereditary title with the up-most taste and discretion. I don't have one. But its still Lord Devious to you.

[Sparky]

Listen to this sermon, because it is directly related to this discussion:
Our True Self