Pseudonyms

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Pseudonyms are invented names, which, like initials, can, if they are neutral, ambiguous or contrary to conventional use, allow an author to pass for the other sex as well as disguise their identity.

Pseudonyms are frequently used online to separate a person's offline identity from their online words. Common reasons for this are the desire to avoid the threat of murder or rape[1], and the desire to avoid losing one's job as a consequence of speaking online (being "dooced"[2][3][4][5].) People may also speak online pseudonymously or anonymously in order to be offensive without harming their own reputation[6].

Internet pseudonyms may be otherwise known as "online handles" or "screennames".

Authors who have used pseudonyms


Further reading

References

  1. The Attack on Kathy Sierra, SF Chronicle
  2. Dooced: Macmillan English Dictionary Resource Site
  3. Doocing: Wikia Technology
  4. 'Bridget Jones' blogger fire fury, CNN
  5. Digital citizens: the blogger, BBC
  6. John Gabriel's Greater Internet Fuckwad Theory, Penny Arcade


External links