Do you think that HubPages should require author names like Jane Smith or Joe Sm

1. 85

   rachellrobinsonposted 12 years ago

   Do you think that HubPages should require author names like Jane Smith or Joe Smith to write,
   
   In other words would HP be more legitimate if we all had to write under a first and last name like some other writing sites?

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2. 92

   Jeannieinabottleposted 12 years ago

   No, I don't necessarily think we should ever do that.  Plenty of people write under a false name to remain anonymous.  That is part of what I like about Hubpages.  I don't want everyone figuring out my last name.  If I was forced to use a last name, I would make one up since I don't believe everyone needs to know my full name on the internet.  I just like my privacy to a certain extent.

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3. 61

   Pollyannalanaposted 12 years ago

   We can write under first and last if we wish but I think once a place such as HubPages gets too many rules it may turn off many authors. So far HubPages is number one but the more rules they get the more I hear complain. Surely there are online sites striving to equal HP and if they turned up today...well, some things are better left as is.

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4. 0

   Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

   How can you require this of Hubbers when most of the writing submitted to HubPages is written under pen names?  Having a pen name or a legal name is considered a choice when you write for HubPages.  I don't see anyone wanting to change to a first and last name when they've already established their pen names and have been writing for a long time.  There's nothing to make a site "more legitimate" when it comes to online writing.  Everyone is an expert, and it is the reader who decides which information to use.

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5. 60

   miccimomposted 12 years ago

   I also agree with not showing our First and Last Names.  I like my privacy.  If HP made this necessary, I would probably sadley close my account.  So hopefully this won't happen!  I am not in HP for a popularity contest, I am here to write.

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6. 69

   thebeast02posted 12 years ago

   I prefer the pen name or alias system. When Joanne Rowling was writing Harry Potter, the publishing company actually told her to create a pen name because her real name was too feminine and would deter the younger male audience.
   Plus the anonymity is pretty nice.

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7. 75

   FitnezzJimposted 12 years ago

   I think it would be a bad idea for HubPages to require real name over a screen name or pseudonym.  Further, I would conjecture that there are folks who would be forced to stop writing if they were required to use their full names.
   For example, consider writers who work for large companies, or writers who are in the military.  Their employers are likely to require that whatever they write not be associated with who they work for.  Forcing those writers to use their real name would allow those who disagree with them to put two and two together, claim that they are representing for their organization, and fabricate an appearance of misconduct.  The result would be that they have to stop, and we as a community would lose their somewhat unique and valuable perspective on whatever question is being considered.  In my opinion, this defeats the greatest emerging advantages of the internet, the ability to quickly share diverse perspectives on issues in a manner of civil dialog and civil exchange.  This is consistent with what some of us in the U.S. regard as guaranteed by our Forefathers under our Constitution.
   Those who resort to name-calling and finger-pointing in this media create their own legacy, no matter what screen-name they use.  Further, with respect to accountability, I believe the worst members of the community are dealt with appropriately by the HubPages staff.

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8. 75

   ThoughtSandwichesposted 12 years ago

   I would be pretty bummed...I like the name ThoughtSandwiches.

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9. 60

   whoisbidposted 12 years ago

   HubPages would probably lose most of it's contributors if it forced people to use their real names. There is far too much stalking going on in the internet and I think that the way they do it right now is the best way and has people's personal safety in mind.

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