Pen name or real name?

1. 91

   Just Ask Susanposted 11 years ago

   Pen name or real name?
   
   When replying to a comment and you know the authors real name do you use their real name or their pen name? Authors: Would you prefer people to use your real name when they know it or would you prefer them to use your pen name?

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2. 78

   rahul0324posted 11 years ago

   I always look for real names! If I can find them by any source possible
   
   ~ They usually write it in their bio
   ~ Links like blogs or websites or facebook or twitter pages
   
   I really like connecting to the person whom I address and respect in my comment... and I feel knowing the real name helps me in achieving that satisfaction!
   
   Regarding receiving feedback...... It's the same.... would like it in my name...

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   1. 79

      kwade tweelingposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This makes it sound like you "out" people to get your jollies. I don't think that is your intent. I also consider adhering to someones wishes a sign of respect. Please consider this before hunting down someone.

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3. 88

   JKennyposted 11 years ago

   If I know their real name, I'll still refer to people by their pen name on HP, as they may wish to keep their real name a secret on Hubpages. It's best to play it safe. Personally I don't mind people using my real name, I have nothing whatsoever to hide

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   1. 91

      Just Ask Susanposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I tend to call them by their pen name until I see others using their real name. I agree it is safer to play it safe.

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4. 83

   Becky Katzposted 11 years ago

   If it is common knowledge, in their hubs or bio, I will use real, otherwise pen.

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5. 72

   dahoglundposted 11 years ago

   When I started here I used my workplace ID which was dahoglund. People used some rather creative variations of it when commenting. When I used my name for copyright identification some people started using my first name-Don. Either is fine with me.  I generally go by what I think the person wants to be called which means what they use themselves. People in the off line world often call me Donald because they assume that is my name, but it isn't. So I don't change other peoples names.

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6. 82

   Seeker7posted 11 years ago

   I tend to use their pen name until they sign a reply/comment with their real name. Then I use that afterwards. For me I don't really mind whether they use Seeker7 or Helen. I have my real name on my profile as well as my pen name so I let other hubbers chose which one they prefer. Usually after knowing some of them for a while, it tends to be real names.

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7. 83

   Riverfish24posted 11 years ago

   As an author, I'd prefer people addressing me by my pen name and would appreciate people not using my real name even if they know it.
   I am of the opinion, if an author has revaled his real name, you may address them as such, else there is a good reason why some prefer and have created a pen name in the first place.

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8. 79

   kwade tweelingposted 11 years ago

   As others have said, if someone want's their offline name known, they will make it plainly available. As a matter of respect, I would only use someones offline name at their preference.  I would ask my choice also receive respect.

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9. 93

   bankscottageposted 11 years ago

   I use the pen name because that seems to be what the author wants to be referred by on HP.  I would prefer others to refer to me also by my pen name.  I have not been on HPs very long so, unless the name associated with your Hub or question is your real name, I probably wouldn't know it anyway.

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10. 93

    spartucusjonesposted 11 years ago

    Because I am a writing luchador from parts unknown it is important that I protect my identity. So if people will to reveal my identity there could be serious consequences.

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11. 76

    silverstararrowposted 11 years ago

    The fact that a person builds a website/hub on his/her penname implies that said person would be more comfortable if they were addressed by their pseudonym. Over time, you may develop a close relationship with the writer and he/she may even give you freedom to use their real name. But I still feel that we should respect the privacy of those who prefer it. Nothing wrong though, with using the given name, if the author is comfortable with it and does not take offence.
    
    Playing safe is the best course of action.

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12. 64

    shrubberposted 11 years ago

    I don't think it really matters to the writer but I may be wrong.

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    1. 80

       JamaGeneeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       When I joined HP 4 years ago, screen (pen) names were encouraged over real names. The pendulum has swung the other way since then.  I do genealogy in my jammies, so JamaGenee actually describes me much better than my real name would.

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13. 0

    Marntzuposted 11 years ago

    Pen name, but my real name isn't a secret.

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14. 73

    videogamevikingposted 11 years ago

    The pen name of the author is usually best to use if you are uncertain.

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15. 85

    Denise Handlonposted 11 years ago

    I usually use a real name if I know it.  As an author with my real name out there already I prefer that over any derogatory term, hahaha.

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16. 60

    wisdom25posted 11 years ago

    As an author I prefer my pen name. The only reason is because of identity purposes. I don't want people looking me up; especially if that person is into identity theft, stalking etc.

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17. 0

    kelleywardposted 11 years ago

    If I know they use their real name I will often use their real name but most of the time I use their pen name because I'm horrible with remembering names ha ha. I use my real name, just to keep it simple!

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18. 66

    Clive Donegalposted 11 years ago

    Pen name.
    When I was a relatively respectable editor, I started using pen names so that my own name wouldn't be everywhere and I could reserve the original for pontificating and making an effort at being taken seriously. Each of my pen names had an individual perspective and writing style. I need help keeping them straight, and referring to them by the appropriate name does that.
    For friends and family who know my multiple personalities--which seems to give them great pleasure by the way, referring to each by pen name has always seemed to be natural, and I never thought much about it.

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