It's probably late to start using a nickname given that I've been writing for 2+ years under my real name. Anyway, I don't see why I'd do that. But thanks for the advice. Let it be an option I could benefit from in the future if need be.
I chose Shlee because my name’s Ashley and my nickname’s always been Ash. But a few friends back in the day thought it’d be funny to use the last half of my name instead, and it stuck 🤷♀️
That was an interesting read. I see how that can certainly add freedom to how you express. I did that at the beginning of my career (with a different intention) but people people I knew quickly discovered me because of their interests. Also, I think it works great for writing but it’s not easy to stay anonymous when you show your face online🙃
I use a nickname online and honestly, I’ve never thought about it quite like this, but I really found this to be useful moving forward. It’s acting in a way, but it really channels that old notion of fake it til you make it, or pretend your confident and fearless and one day you will be. Great work
Tim, I am assuming using a nickname is not for everyone?…
What if you simply are not “afraid” OR don’t give a sheet about using your “real name”?
Mine is: Christopher J. Lamarca and my “nickname” is CJ Lamarca.
If I was going to use another name, I was thinking of using “Dr. Benjamin Dover” and help all the folks who always think they are getting “screwed” in life because I would always have an audience…but I am not “afraid” nor do I care. I love your writing and advice Tim, keep it all going! Hugs and High Fives, CJ
You have no profile picture, letters after your name, and initials of CJ. This doesn't follow the format that works online. You still look and sound like AI.
Ooh, now this I like. Thank you. I'm recently diagnosed autistic. That led me to the revelation that while I succeeded best in my previous professional life I was masking. In fact I've discovered most of my life has been behind a mask, whether the right or wrong mask, a mask nonetheless. But this. This makes absolute sense to me.💡 Time for deep thoughts .....
I already do this on some social media accounts. I have a variation on my real name that I use so I can still run business pages, but I don't have to wade through the cesspool of personal social media with all the distracting, annoying requests from former schoolmates, co-workers or other people I have no interest in contacting again. No one has any clue what I do day to day unless I talk to them on the phone, like it's pre-internet days. It's great!
It's probably late to start using a nickname given that I've been writing for 2+ years under my real name. Anyway, I don't see why I'd do that. But thanks for the advice. Let it be an option I could benefit from in the future if need be.
Great article,
Who doesn’t want to be a. Super hero! 😊
There’s a lot of freedom in writing under a different name
I chose Shlee because my name’s Ashley and my nickname’s always been Ash. But a few friends back in the day thought it’d be funny to use the last half of my name instead, and it stuck 🤷♀️
I hate needles, too. I’ve never passed out but have come close
Freedom is telling the truth and taking accountability. Be who you are.
Another liberty is to use a nickname, alter ego, or an alias.
No old baggage and no cultural strings attached.
You start fresh like an actor who dresses up and becomes a character in a play.
The audience experiences the character's point of view and actions.
That was an interesting read. I see how that can certainly add freedom to how you express. I did that at the beginning of my career (with a different intention) but people people I knew quickly discovered me because of their interests. Also, I think it works great for writing but it’s not easy to stay anonymous when you show your face online🙃
A nickname is sometimes more than a disguise; it can be a fresh canvas to paint who we are.
It's interesting to think about how many people, silenced by fear, could use this strategy to finally create with more courage.
Love this. Now I just need a name!
I use a nickname online and honestly, I’ve never thought about it quite like this, but I really found this to be useful moving forward. It’s acting in a way, but it really channels that old notion of fake it til you make it, or pretend your confident and fearless and one day you will be. Great work
Perfect advice. We all carry so much of this baggage and finding ways to escape in our minds is liberating!
Tim, I am assuming using a nickname is not for everyone?…
What if you simply are not “afraid” OR don’t give a sheet about using your “real name”?
Mine is: Christopher J. Lamarca and my “nickname” is CJ Lamarca.
If I was going to use another name, I was thinking of using “Dr. Benjamin Dover” and help all the folks who always think they are getting “screwed” in life because I would always have an audience…but I am not “afraid” nor do I care. I love your writing and advice Tim, keep it all going! Hugs and High Fives, CJ
You have no profile picture, letters after your name, and initials of CJ. This doesn't follow the format that works online. You still look and sound like AI.
Thanks, Tim. This post is a game changer for me.
Sincerely, The Anonymous Columnist
Ooh, now this I like. Thank you. I'm recently diagnosed autistic. That led me to the revelation that while I succeeded best in my previous professional life I was masking. In fact I've discovered most of my life has been behind a mask, whether the right or wrong mask, a mask nonetheless. But this. This makes absolute sense to me.💡 Time for deep thoughts .....
I already do this on some social media accounts. I have a variation on my real name that I use so I can still run business pages, but I don't have to wade through the cesspool of personal social media with all the distracting, annoying requests from former schoolmates, co-workers or other people I have no interest in contacting again. No one has any clue what I do day to day unless I talk to them on the phone, like it's pre-internet days. It's great!
True. Being invisible helps you get out of fear and do what you actually want.