© 2007 - 2011 Allan Cockerill All Rights Reserved
I’ve been online for a number of years now, and have only used two usernames in that time.
I changed to my present one some time back, and I use it everywhere.
A good name can help you stand out from the crowd, especially if it is easy to remember!
Along with this name, I make sure that people can identify me by including my real name where I can, and as a result, my ‘alias’ has become as much a part of me as my real name.
Playing around with Google on the weekend, my user name came up with about 3,000 results.
On sites such as Twitter, Plurk and FriendFeed, I make sure that my real name is there along with the user name, so that I can be clearly identified.
With the continued evolution of Web 2.0, and the interaction that it brings, transparency is important.
Choosing A User Name
While many will say that a user name needs to be unique, it is very hard to come up with one that no one else is using.
Many people simply use their first and last names as one word, or misspell their first name.
Others use their surname, plus their zip code to differentiate themselves.
Which ever way you choose to go, it is important to choose a name that you are comfortable with, and that is easy for others to remember.
Remember too the old proverb: ‘..A good name is more desirable than great wealth…’ (Proverbs 22:1)
Once you’ve chosen a username, you need to protect it as you would your real name.
How Do YOU Choose A User Name?
I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this.
A lot of people don’t like to reveal too much about themselves online, and so rarely let anyone know who they are.
Others still take the view that because they are doing business online, that they should use their real name.
Where do you stand on this?
It ties in with my other favorite topic, profile pictures.
I have a couple of friend requests on Facebook that I am “toing and froing” about at present.
One is from someone who looks like a push bike, the other a question mark.
I can’t identify the gender of either, nor tell if they are real people or not!
What would you do in this case?
Update To Changes At Coffee With Allan
Over the next week or so, I will be moving all social media and networking blogs to YellaGatr.com
While there isn’t much happening there at present, plans are well under way.
The site will feature content from a number of writers, and content will cover social media topics, applications and reviews.
I hope to see you there. In the meantime, history and some other categories will be moved to another blog shortly. More about that later!
© 2007 - 2011 Allan Cockerill All Rights Reserved
