I think I want to blog but need feedback on an identity mini-crisis

I'm interested in starting a ylf blog. I'd like it to be public because I have non-ylf friends that would likely want to follow.

Abie isn't my real name. It's a shortened version of an internet handle I used to use when I started doing internet stuff back in 95 when people didn't use real names. I do have many real life friends that I've met online over the years that call me this though so it's kind of like a second name to me. I use it in many communities I'm part of.

My real first name is very unique. So unique that until the past few years if you searched for my first name anywhere you only found stuff about me. I had to be extra careful when I used it online. Then luckily they named a Pokemon after me so those hits come up first now.

Would it be lame or disingenuous to call myself Abie on my blog?

I don't want to do something completely anonymous because I don't want to hide but I also don't want to be so out there that people in my non-fashion related career so easily stumble on my fashion blog. This would be a no brainier if I were a Jennifer or Lisa or anything else even somewhat duplicated.

I'm likely over-thinking this, any suggestions or food for thought?

13 years ago

Aida

Veteran

Call yourself Abie for your blog! Plenty of bloggers don't use their real name, nor should they have to if they don't wish to.

Transcona Shannon

Ditto what Aida said - do what makes you comfortable.

Abie

And for funsies, here's my pokemon =)

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

Oh thank goodness! I was worried it was Abomasnow (yes, I love Pokemon!), yours is much better

Vicki

(website)

Aida gave you good advice. Now, I'll have to figure out your cute Pokemon image and there are sooooo many!

marianna

I'm super curious to figure out what your name is now.

Do what makes you most comfortable. I think it's as simple as that.

Teehee Aida, that would be a tough one. My name is actually pretty awesome. When I was pregnant I kept anonymously dropping it as suggestions in a baby names forum but I don't think it ever stuck.

Oooh, I figured it out! I LOVE your name! Very pretty.

Good sleuthing!

I will tell you, I don' think this post will bump up the search hits too much =) It's Starly.

And I just did some googling and there is a sandal with my name too!

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/je.....al/3224077

Thanks for the feedback, I feel a lot better about it now. I will use Abie =)

bj1111

i have different names for different parts of my internet identities. dont get hung up on what your handle is...go with what feels natural and blog away.

Diana

I think you should use whatever name you are comfortable with here. I go by my real first name here on YLF but it is not very uncommon. Honestly, I think my "internet name" is probably more unique than my real name. If I had a very unique real name, I probably would not use it on the internet either.

Deborah

Such a pretty name. I agree with the others you are free to use what every name you wish to go by on your blog.

Ana

Oh good! I think using 'Abie' is fine. Can't wait to see your blog!

goldenpig

Oooh, I love your real name! But Abie is fine for the internet!

Oh, your real name is beautiful!

You are wise to be careful with your real name in the crazy world of the interwebs.

ManidipaM

What a beautiful name, Abie --- but completely understand and agree with the decision to go with a 'less unique' handle.

Btw, like Diana, I actually often use a handle that is *more* unique than my real to avoid confusion with other people with the same name. My name's not very common, so the confusions are often worse --- especially as I went to university with another girl who had the same first *and* last name. But of course the handle only traces back to as much as I choose to put out there; not my whole life or anything!

cheryl

Love your name!

velvetychocolate

Personally, I think it's totally ok to use whatever name you want to for a YLF blog. I don't use my real name here, and if I ever started up a YLF blog, I probably wouldn't use my real name for that either.

catgirl

Now I'm guessing Pokemon names. Dialga? Giratina? Rayquaza?

KIDDING! I think you should just use whatever you're comfortable with - no one expects you to be more public than you want to be. And Abie is a nice name too.

christieanne

Stick with Abie. I think quite a few people use monikers on the internet - I have fb friends who use "net name" there to keep their professional lives away from fb. Things can get a little weird and too close you know.
My screen name here is my real first name combined with my middle name - the only person who calls me that in real life is my mom and only sometimes and she hasn't been THAT mad at me in years) but my first name and other nicknames were taken. Plus, I wasn't feeling creative when I created my screen profile so there you go.
It is great that you want a YLF blog - look forward to it.

MsMary

I was gonna guess Rumplestiltskin...

I think it's fine to use a pseudonym for a blog!

Category