If you look closely, you will notice that Military Finance Network has a new author listed for all of the articles. What’s going on, you might ask? Well, we’re having an unofficial change of command ceremony. It’s unofficial because the author is actually the same person that has been here all along. For the last few years I have been using my middle name as an online pseudonym for my blogging endeavors.
Blogging under a pseudonym
Lot’s of folks use a pseudonym online. I started it when I began writing my other personal finance blog, Cash Money Life. When I started blogging I was new to online communities. I primarily used the internet for e-mail, shopping, and online banking. I was unsure about creating a website that deals with financial topics and using my real name. I thought it might make me a target for identity theft or give friends and coworkers too much information about my financial situation. There were also many other bloggers who were anonymous when I started blogging, so I thought that even if it wasn’t what everyone did, it was acceptable. And it was, and still is acceptable to be anonymous online. But I have reached the point where I prefer to use my real name.
Why I chose to use my real name
The main reason I am now using my real name online is for transparency. I want people to know the information they are reading is coming from a real person and not an anonymous “internet writer.” There are other reasons for the change as well – juggling two identities was cumbersome. I had to use my real name when dealing with advertisers and other professional interests, then use my middle name for writing, answering comments, and other issues. Explaining the use of two names was tiresome for me and confusing to some people I dealt with.
What changes?
Nothing. I am still drawing on my military and personal finance background to offer you information that will be helpful to your financial situation. The focus will be core financial concepts and military and veteran benefits programs to help you maximize the money in your wallet.
Should you blog anonymously?
This is a broad question with a lot of ramifications. Before jumping in, look at your situation, what you will be blogging about, your goals, and other factors such as your work arrangements, policies at work, intended audience, etc. I wrote more in depth about the topic at Cash Money Life, and you can read my thoughts on blogging anonymously for more information.
As always, feel free to reach out with questions or comments and I will get back to you as quickly as is reasonable. Thanks for reading, and thanks for your service!
