When I started writing product reviews seven years ago, I used my online screen name in the by-line. Looking back, I probably couldn’t have picked a worse name if I tried. My screen name is “playafly187″, which is based on a local Memphis rapper named Playa Fly. I was big into rap music back then (and still am to a certain degree), hence the name selection. I added 187 to the end, which is the police code for homicide. Great name choice, eh? I’m in no way a “player”, I can’t “fly” and last I checked, I have never killed anyone!
I used this screen name exclusively for several years, and only started using my real name in the by-line within the past year.
If you want to be taken seriously as a blogger (or a writer in general), it is imperative that you use your real name. Using your real name gives you instant credibility and shows that you are proud of your work. Many screen names that I have seen (mine included) tend to give a negative impression about you and the type of person you really are.
It’s a miracle that I was ever able to get any sponsors to donate review items for my site when using my screen name in e-mails. I have no doubt that I could have secured a ton more sponsors had I only used my real name when initializing contact with a potential sponsor.
Keep this in mind the next time you make a blog post or publish any other written material online.
