Protecting You Identity Online When Blogging: Why You Should Use a Pen Name

I was pondering the reasons why I use a pen name or pseudonym when writing articles or blogging online and realized how practical the idea is. Attaching my pen name to my writing adds a much appreciated layer of security to me while I express my views. If you are not a professional writer of make your living from being a writer, it's really the only logical way to write.

Pen name reason #1 - You have another job

I work at a company on a full time basis. This is an overwhelmingly important reason to use a pen name. I am excellent at time management and give 200% effort to my full time job. However, some days are extremely slow and other times I write articles while multitasking.

I don't want my employer or any future employer to know about my secret side career as a writer. For this reason, I recommend using a pen name.

Pen name reason #2 - Privacy/Security Issues

Using a pen name allows a writer to express his or her views on controversial topics, without off-centered, maniacal readers trying to personally contact them with threats or even worse, physical harm.

I think it's important to have a wide range of opinions and topics covered through web content. However, there is no reason why the writers have to use their real names when addressing issues such as pro life/pro choice, religion and politics.

Famous authors such as Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain and the romance writer Nora Roberts romance writer Nora Roberts use pen names. An online writer, Penelope Trunk, author of the blog Brazen Careerist (http://blog.penelopetrunk.com) also uses a pen name.

Pen name reason #3 - Don't reveal too much

My internet writing projects are part of my way to give back to society. I think of it this way and not in monetary terms. The information and opinions that I write about are deeply personal to me but can also be of value to others.

I do not want my writing efforts to be judged by family and friends. I choose to remain anonymous because I value the freedom of speech that is granted to me through the online world. If I revealed my real name in my writing, I think that many of my friends would be shocked to know of my alter identity.

They may also start to have an altered opinion of me and though I am proud of my beliefs and opinions, I don't think they have to be revealed to everyone who knows me.

There are many other valid rationalizations for using a pen name but the three I analyzed are the most popular.