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RSSWhat’s in a (nick)name?
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Geekery, Musings alias, avatar, nickname, online, persona, twitter 6 Comments
My recent online activities (Twitter; Google Groups etc.) have got me thinking about just how unimaginative I am when it comes to choosing usernames.
I only really tend to use two (rossedwards and rosspix) but both of those are obviously derived from my real name; as is the domain for this site.
Why can’t I come up with anything… good? I seem to get some kind of “bloggers’ block” that somewhow prevents me from choosing something different, yet memorable. Many of my friends have splendid aliases (you know who you are earthman, mudshark and spaghetti) and, quite honestly, I’m a tad envious of their ability to come up with these “alter egos”, seemingly on a whim.
Some might say that I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to be worried about nicknames; or that I may have something to hide if I want to use an alias online. But actually, no – it’s part of a greater longing, to be seen as a creative, imaginative individual rather than one that just follows the herd.
I haven’t had that many nicknames in the past (and even those weren’t exactly original), so what am I to do? Is there a successful formula for developing one’s own avatar?
(At this point, I’d like to apologise if I’m sounding a bit out of sorts – regular bouts of listening and reading Stephen Fry can do that to a man.)
Maybe I should have a competition? Those that know me (and those that don’t) can suggest a few alternatives in the comments below. I look forward to your contributions.
R.
Feb 11, 2009 @ 13:20:22
I’m sorry, but as far as I’m concerned these days Stephen Fry is just a poor substitute for Douglas Adams.
Feb 11, 2009 @ 13:36:54
Adams & Laurie were great!
Feb 12, 2009 @ 07:46:28
Nickwnames are surely only required when your name is not distinctive enough?
However, I will now refer to you as “Mr Redwoods” until you beg me to stop.
Feb 12, 2009 @ 17:29:57
My chief problem of late is that I have too many. I am now variously known as earthman, axemonkey, Tommi Starr, and Bob Solid.
And those are the ones I’m willing to admit to.
Oh and Steve Dix – you honestly couldn’t be more wrong if you tried and tried and tried.
–c.
Feb 16, 2009 @ 10:38:26
Having a common name like Steve had me reaching for a nick – as Justin suggests – when I first went on IRC. I’m a Zappa fan so mudshark seemed appropriate at the time. When I joined #ukmg I just didn’t get round to changing it.
Nowadays I’m also SteveShark.
Apart from those two I haven’t had any nicknames since college – a loooong while ago.
Feb 19, 2009 @ 11:28:57
Due to severe thrash metal and alcohol abuse in the 1980′s,I have enough trouble remembering my birth name.Let alone a nickname.