Since then I've been a bit inconsistent, sometimes I continue to use my initials so as to make it easier for others to cite me in the thread, but more recently I've started to use my whole name which matches the name of my web site.
I've become a "brand".
I added the middle initial when I discovered another person with the same name as mine living a few doors down on the same street. He's since moved further away so I no longer get his mail (and vice versa).
I have a philosophical issue with screen names, especially on political sites. I think one should be willing to stand behind one's opinions openly. I'm willing to grant the need for some to remain anonymous when there are privacy issues, especially for whistle blowers. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
I'm willing to back up my words but I'm not willing to make myself vulnerable to some nutter taking a dislike to me and harassing me for it. My name is not common and it is easy enough to find me. Stalkers are not fun. Ad astra per aspera
I can understand people in certain professions being required to suppress their own personal opinions. Two that come to mind are the staffs of legislators and judges, and military officers.
Having said that, I think being required (even implicitly) to hide one's identity because of fear of interference with one's employment shows a defect in current employment arrangements. Unfortunately I see no practical way to fix this.
Perhaps the limits on one's personal liberty would be a topic for a future discussion. Policies not Politics ---- Daily Landscape
But that still doesn't solve the issue of my personal online safety should some troll or person with a grudge decide to harass me. Ad astra per aspera
