Which Niche Sites Require "Real-Sounding Names"?

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   EricDockettposted 7 years ago

   I'm asking for some clarification on HP's editorial policies.
   
   I assumed the editors for Owlcation were requesting writers use "real-sounding names" in order for their work to be moved over, but I've seen some things lately that make me wonder if that is the case. Healdove and Remedy Grove have this listed as part of their policies, but not Owlcation.
   
   The reason I ask is because I am considering adding content to one of my accounts where I use a fake-sounding pen name and some of those articles may be appropriate for Owlcation. I have no intention of changing my pen name on that account at the present, and if the editor tries to force me to do so the whole thing will be a waste of both of our time.
   
   I'd like to know for sure ahead of time, before I write the articles.

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      watergeekposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I have articles on Owlcation and Remedy Grove (in addition to other niche sites) using my pen name of "Watergeek." All articles under that pen name relate to water in some way. I also have articles posted many places under "Sustainable Sue." All those relate to sustainability in some way.
      
      I don't necessarily hide my real name, but I do use those pen names to keep the major topics separate, and keep myself disciplined. (Otherwise, I'd be writing about all kinds of stuff all over the spectrum.) Between those two pen names I have articles posted on 10-15 niche sites. They're both respectable names and related to the topic, as Paul suggests below.

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2. STAFF

   Paul Edmondsonposted 7 years ago

   We think real names are best. Ones that can be verified. Some people use handles/pen names and those can be fine as well when they build a reputation.
   
   Some of the guidelines for structured data require a real name. I’d prefer that if these requirements expand, we are positioned well for the future.

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      EricDockettposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your reply, Paul. I can understand why HP would prefer real names. And, in some circumstances, I agree.
      
      However, I'm not 100% clear on your answer here.
      
      Are you saying that real names are a requirement to have content moved to Owlcation?
      
      Once again, I am looking for back-and-white clarification on the policy before I write the content.

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   Jesse Drzalposted 7 years ago

   The only reason I pen name is so when I share on social it looks less as if I am ''self promoting''.

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   Robinposted 7 years ago

   Real names are not a requirement at this time for Owlcation. However, Owlcation does have high standards and the editor may feel that a username that doesn’t garner trust should be changed. Imagine if you were reading an article as a reference for a history paper and the username of the author was fatlossguru. Are you going to trust that author?  I’m almost positive the owlcation editor will ask you to add a real or pen name in this case. I would make every effort to have a real-sounding name for articles on Owlcation because a policy for all authors on the site to have a real name could happen.
   
   A real name is a first step in establishing EAT:  expertise, authority, trustworthiness. I can almost guarantee that this is going to become more and more important—as it should be!

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      EricDockettposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for clarification, Robin. That makes total sense and I agree with you in regard to Owlcation.

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         Jonathan Wylieposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Maybe HubPages will switch to using real names for niche sites instead of names like Owlcation

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         1. STAFF

            Paul Edmondsonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Hey, I like that name owl (symbol for wise) + cation (part of the word for edu-cation).  Owl-cation is all about education:)

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            1. 87

               Jonathan Wylieposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               Yeah, I get what they were going for. It just seems a bit random for me, so maybe it is just me. I’m sure other people love it and think it’s clever wordsmithing
               
               Opinions. Everyone has one, right?

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   jimmythejockposted 7 years ago

   I like to use jimmythejock, I know its a mouthful, but although highly improbable I share my real name with a really famous Author and wouldn't want folks to be disappointed if they are searching for him and find wee Jimmy fae Scotland lol.
   Jimmythejock has a reputation too and he has been cited in two prestigious prize winning essays on World War One. I would like to keep that name on all of my writing.
   p.s My real name is James Paterson as in the Alex Cross series of books

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