From the title of this post you know that no matter the name, I’m a nerd. I thought the Star Trek reference was better than a closet one. All kidding aside, today I decided to reveal my true identify.
This is a big decision to bloggers that begin writing anonymously and one that can’t be reversed. I started thinking about it after reading Ryan’s thoughts @ Cash Money Life. I began mulling over the reasons why I started out with my pseudonym and if they were still factors.
Blogging Anonymously
I started my blog without a long term plan. I felt compelled to start it but didn’t know if that motivation would last one week. A year later I know it’s something I enjoy and want to continue. It would have been embarrassing to put my name out there and quit after such a short time.
Another fear related to relationships with friends, family, coworkers and customers. I didn’t know at the time how my writing would describe these people (if at all) and if there would be fallout. To my delight, everyone has been supportive and find it interesting (or at least they pretend to).
Why Reveal Identity
There are two major reasons I decided to reveal my name at this point. The first is that I have begun to receive opportunities for monetization and working with PR publicists that would be easier if not trying to hide my identity. I had to list my real name so many places for payment that it was getting confusing.
I used my “real” name when meeting the DC Bloggers and got the taste of being known as so-and-so who publishes Bucksome Boomer. I did the same thing last month at the Savvy Blogging Summit.
Who Am I
So, hi my name is Kay Lynn Akers. It’s a two word first name which may seem southern, but is not in my case. That picture above is from my birthday dinner last year. I’m really glad to know you all and let you know me.
Everything I’ve written about my experiences, family and finances are real. Now you just know the name behind the writing.
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Hey Bucksome (or should I say Kay now!). Great to see you for real.
I use a nickname but it’s easy to track the real me down!
Forest, I’ll continue to use Bucksome Boomer as a nickname, but am happy to not worry about revealing it and sweating over if I used the wrong email address!
Hello, Kay Lynn! Nice to meet you! 😉
My great-grandmother had a two name first name – Ollie Mae, which I absolutely adore. Congrats on taking this step! By the way, I think it’s cute that you and your banner avatar look so much alike. I always wonder if people look like their avatars. 😀
Mrs. Micah told me I resembled my avatar when I met her in May. The only problem is the avatar doesn’t have graying hair!
Congratulations! How does it feel? Is it liberating or do you feel you have to be more guarded?
Now, when you go to BlogHer, everyone will be looking for the real you and the not the gravatar!
Love the photo 🙂
Mandy, good question. I feel freer in my communication because I’m not trying to mask my identity. However, I definitely will be more guarded regarding times away from home (when no one will be here) and other personal details.
Wow, so nice to meet you Kay Lynn. That is a big step and one I have yet to make. I don’t know what I am afraid of though.
Congrats.
Kristia, it got to the point where I didn’t see the advantage any more. It’s not like I have rabid fans who will try to visit me:).
Nice to meet you Kay Lynn! And my first thought when I saw your pic….hey, her icon on her banner looks just like her! You are so pretty!
I am staying in the closet for now…but good for you for coming out!
Mysti, one of my friends read the post and said “that’s a really good picture of you”. My reply was “that’s why I picked it”. It was flattering and before I gained back 25 pounds, LOL.
Revealing your identify is one of those things you should re-evaluate once in a while. You’ll know when, if, it is time to come out!
Hi Kay Lynn,
I have a sister whose name is Mary Lynne and who bristles when anyone tries to get by with “Mary”.
I feel like I already know you, but it is nice to have a name to put with the blog. Speaking of your blog, congrats on getting your Alexa score under 100,000. I was tracking with you for a while, but you just kept on improving while I started backsliding. Keep up the great blog work!
Joe, I must confess it irritates me when people leave the second part off!
Thanks for noticing my Alexa ranking was down. It was down below 100,000 in early July but only for 3-4 days. I’m hoping it sticks this time! I think it’s a matter of time for you.
Must be liberating coming out! Congrats! Whoever did your gravatar and logo did a great job!
Sam, it is a nice feeling. I did both myself and am working on a new logo this month. I was in the queue for a web designer who decided to not work for a while.
Congrats on coming out! I hope one day I can do it too
Evan, hopefully you can; it’s something to consider every once in a while.
Great job Kay Lyn! I’m glad there’s another Star Trek fan in the PF blogging realm. 🙂
Elle, I am a big sci-fi fan and Star Trek was the first show I watched with that bent. However, I won’t go to Comi-con in my own hometown. It’s too big!
Count me in. There was a time I could here one like of dialogue and tell you the title of the Trek episode it was from. (TOS, I was less obsessed as I got older.) I remain beside myself that the recent movie messed up the time line. Hoping they fix it, I have enough anxiety to contend with. My first kiss? A fellow Trekkie whom I met at a convention. TMI, I know.
Congrats on the coming out. I have a very few people who know my secret identity. Will keep it that way for a while.
Joe, glad to know you’re a fellow Trekkie! I did like the new movie, but you just have to forget about the series when watching it.
Live long and prosper!
ack. typo above, “here one like” should be “hear one line.” too much Saurian Brandy yesterday…
Congrats on being free! There were plenty of times when I wanted to hide my identity, but in the end I thought it would just complicate things. It always feels a little more personal for me when you the mystique of the pseudonym is gone. Friendly Regards,
Shawn
I think it’s great that you made this decision. I also love that the gravatar of you and the real you match! Do you feel liberated?
Well, good to formally meet you Kay. For now, I am going on a first name basis on my blog, but maybe I’ll follow in your footsteps some day. Keep us appraised of anything that changes now that you are public.
Congrats on de-cloaking! I found it much easier to write once I had done so for some odd reason.
Kay Lynn, I’m still leary of decloaking. I guess if I got as famous as you I might be brave enough to try it.
Maggie, I swear I became better known after revealing my name. It really has been good for me at work too because I’m known as a social media “expert” now.
Well Kay Lynn sounds a whole lot better than buck. Hi Kay
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