Leadership Do you post as 'you', or stay behind the curtain?

[Al]

This is an interesting one, and stems from when I looked over at @L3gacy's Red Dead forum. He uses a name based on the site name, whilst here at Administrata, @Cedric and I use our real names. I even use my real picture. I think it's important that members can see 'the person behind the account' but there is the risk that it's 'too personal' and less official.

How do you strike a balance? Do you use your own name or a username? What works best?

 

[Cpvr]

I use an alias, it’s been my online identity for 25 years, and it suits me best. It holds personal meaning since it represents my dad’s country(Cape Verde) and I prefer using it over my real name. It can also be considered a shortened version of my actual name, especially since my name starts with a ‘C’.

 

[Cory]

I used to use random usernames on old Yu-Gi-Oh message boards, but once I dived into creating message boards I started using my real name. I feel it conveys a sense of "you" instead of anonymity.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I only use my username on forums. Some people know my real name and I'm okay with a few people knowing it. I like having a username, and I like the anonymity of having a username on communities.