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.

Follow my trains of thought at http://twitter.com/rossedwards