Anonymity.

[rhythmaning]

When I started writing this journal, I was moderately concerned about anonymity. We all know the internet is a scary, scary place, after all.

So I think I followed frankie_ecap’s form of using people’s initials to protect their identity. (I think she had her own reasons and habits for doing this, and it seemed to work.) Even the cats...

There are some people I asked explicitly if I could use their name – their first name – for specific posts. (I tend to ask friends if I am posting something about them which might be private, as well.) Whenever I have done this, they’ve been happy about it.

I was thinking about this today. I was having lunch with three people who are former colleagues (and whom three people on my flist know; but two of those haven’t wandered by in the last six months). And I was thinking about writing something about it – and juggling with four different initials. It just didn’t work for me.

I reckon that I may well start using first names for people I see, just because it is easier. I can’t see that it causes any harm, and it may make sense – and even help.

I’ll stick with LJ user names anytime I write anything about someone with an LJ account (but hey, I may not even know!); but otherwise, I’ll just stick to first names. So, so much easier.

Comments

[unblinkered.livejournal.com]

Well, luckily the name isn't that unusual in Germany so a straight google for my first name won't get you far...but my full name and an idea of what I do and where I live will!