Your blog, your name, your brand, your risk.
June 28, 2007
My name is Tiffany. The reason I’m not saying my last name? Well, I’m not sure I should. Recent things like the Creating Passionate Users catastrophe quite honestly have me a bit nervous. I believe in transparency, and I am an advocate of personal career branding, but I am struggling with the good-versus-bad of a name as unique as mine. A recent entry on pen names, real names and real life by Penelope Tunk – once Adrienne GreenHart – only confused my feelings on the matter more.
See, it’s personal and it’s business, and it’s difficult not to blur those lines anymore. It’s difficult to know if blurred lines is good or bad both for my career and my real, actual life.
Enter the personal: My serious boyfriend has a rather common last name. I’ve had many a heartfelt, heart wrenching conversations with him about the inevitable decision to some day change my name and become one of hundreds of Tiffany Plainnames. I don’t want to hyphenate an already three-syllable last name with a two syllable one tagged onto the end of a three syllable first name. It would take a good 30 seconds just to spit that out!
Enter the career: I’m pursuing my master’s degree, and hoping to make a name for myself in academia. I also want to blog about the theories I’m delving into, and hey, wouldn’t it be nice if my online persona could be tied to my academic one? And wouldn’t I want any potential employers or clients to be able to easily tie me – the real, live, actual me – to all those things? Heck, yes. Isn’t that the point everyone from Penelope Trunk to Fast Company trying to make about how blogging is essential to a career these days?
But do I want to invite attacks by bizarre, unsolicited stalkers, simply for being in the blog world as who I am? No. For sure, 100%, no.
The questions surrounding the name and the personal brand abound, and the more I think about it, the less clear the answers become.
- Do I assign my full name to this blog, cross my fingers, and hope for the best, as well as an angel of safety on me and my property?
- Do I dare connect my personal life to my career in a 2.0 world?
- When my thesis is published, what name do I put on it?
- Do I change my last name, hyphenate it, or go by my maiden name for career and academia, and my personal name for – finances and monograms?
- Am I alone in this?
The answer to the last question is obvious. I’m not alone. My co-worker and I author a blog for our company, and we’ve gotten into many a heated discussion about transparency, authenticity, and being a female blogger in a not-so-friendly mediated world. I don’t know if men really think about this topic a lot – it tends to lie on women the identity burden of the potential name change phenomenon, as well, unfortunately, as the burden of potential threats of physical harm by weirdos.
So here we are, young, career-minded women, dreaming of a personal brand like that of Seth Godin, Penelope Trunk, or Adrianna Huffington. The thing is, do we make it really personal, like Seth , or do we take a page from Penelope’s book, grab a pen name, and figure it out from there?
I’m leaning towards taking the journalist byline approach and putting my name out there for the sake of my career, but I have to say, it’s enough to make a girl think. A lot. What do you think?
____________________
Update: As Penelope Trunk herself pointed out in the comments below, Penelope Trunk is now her real name – not a pen name. I merely used her personal naming struggle as example very clearly illustrating the issue I feel I face. Thanks, Penelope, for commenting and for your example of transparency, as well as your encouragement!
June 28, 2007 at 4:08 am
Hi, great post. I recommend putting your name out their 100%. I was really worried about it when I started writing my weekly column for Penelope Trunk, but she talked me into it and I’m happy I did. Why not put your real name behind all those awesome thoughts you write for everyone to read? It will only help your career, it’s already helping mine!
-Ryan
June 28, 2007 at 6:56 am
Well, I read this whole post, and I came down here to write a comment about how you should use your real name. So it’s pretty funny that Ryan beat me to it.
I just want to be clear that at this point, Penelope IS my real name. And I do receive threatening comments every week, and I’m fine. I do not feel like my life is in danger.
You ask really important questions, and I wish you a lot of luck!
Penelope
June 28, 2007 at 6:04 pm
YOu need to use your real name, and if it’s unique, you will stand out in more ways than one.
November 17, 2007 at 2:32 am
[…] Your blog, your name, your brand, your risk. This post delves into dealing with the issues of transparency, authenticity, and whether or not to blog under my own name. […]
December 6, 2007 at 12:02 am
[…] life too. It could change your career. You can quit anything you want. The choice is up to you. It’s your risk, after all. But that’s what makes it so fulfilling when it pays […]
April 9, 2008 at 8:51 am
[…] quality that many others with “common” names don’t quite get, that I have had to come to grips with anyway, that I have finally accepted and reveled in and embraced, publicly, to the world. My […]
June 1, 2008 at 2:19 am
[…] that I’ve been blogging a while now. I’ve written a lot of different types of posts. Introspective, raw, terrified posts that have barred my innermost thoughts and fears to whoever cared to read them. Strategic, […]
June 7, 2008 at 12:05 am
[…] alike. Crazy, huh? Part of me thinks so, but in many ways, it feels no crazier than when she posted her first comment on my blog a year ago. Where I was at, I felt my world open up, a new relationship begin. It was interesting, […]
June 9, 2008 at 5:48 pm
[…] alike. Crazy, huh? Part of me thinks so, but in many ways, it feels no crazier than when she posted her first comment on my blog a year ago. Where I was at, I felt my world open up, a new relationship begin. It was interesting, […]
November 13, 2008 at 12:09 pm
It is not out-of-date information? Because I have other data on this theme. http://hotsalego.com/map.html
March 13, 2009 at 1:31 am
It is a dilemma for sure. But I would say use it or lose it. As Dan said, if it is unique the better for you. But I would just be careful about the other personal info out there. I have found a site, personavit.com where you load everything about yourself and pick and choose what people can see that way you have everything you need in one place to help you but also be picky about what you share.
May 6, 2010 at 1:59 am
I agree. Real name’s the way to go.
October 17, 2011 at 2:15 pm
very attractive bog . i am really like your articles
http://nextgensolutions.in/websitedevelopment.aspx
October 18, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Hai tiffany….the thinking of personal and business ways are really nice…this is very useful to understand the different things..thanks again…
October 29, 2011 at 12:00 pm
very interesting blog…..thanks for sharing…the risky matter is very good thing to do…..thanks
November 3, 2011 at 12:25 am
very good blog,Thanks.
November 3, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Nice post. good job thank u.
November 22, 2011 at 4:10 pm
I am really happy to read your post, here are some idea which i want. Keep it up.I have shared with you four easy money making tricks is awesome please read this for more detail Thanks……….
January 12, 2012 at 2:01 pm
nice blog post .I am find your blog posting glad to you
January 14, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Savoy Theatre London:- Book online official Legally Blonde Tickets at Savoy Theatre London and avail discounts with Best seats or Book luxurious Savoy Theatre Breaks Package.Call us at +44 844 544 3830 for any theatre ticket booking.Savoy Theatre London, Savoy Theatre, Savoy Theatre Tickets London, Legally Blonde Tickets,Legally Blonde Tickets London.
February 11, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Good post! GA is also my biggest earning. However, it may not be an extremely. Anaheim Electrician
March 2, 2012 at 12:06 pm
Having been just searching for useful blog articles meant for the project research as i happened to stumble on yours. Many thanks for this useful material! Bail Bonds Montebello
March 2, 2012 at 5:23 pm
I am thrilled to look at this article..thank you giving us nice info. Fantastic walk-through. I figure this out post. Bail Bonds Monterey Park
March 2, 2012 at 5:47 pm
I simply became aware of this website and i must say it is deemed an exceptional post. I’d only be checking in regularly in future…
March 4, 2012 at 7:43 am
I’m really pleased to learn this web site. I wished to thank you for this fantastic article!! I certainly enjoying every small bit of it and I have you book marked to check new things for you post.
March 8, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Like a Newbie, I am always searching on line for articles to help me. Thanks
March 8, 2012 at 3:47 pm
This web site is very informative and fun to read through. I appreciated anything you have inked here. I enjoyed every small bit some of it. I will be always looking for informative information like this. Many thanks for sharing with us.
March 8, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Useful information ..We’re thrilled to see this article..many thanks for giving us this useful information. Fantastic walk-through. I fully grasp this post.
March 8, 2012 at 4:20 pm
I can’t usually respond to posts however will in this instance. My God, i thought you used to be planning to chip along with some decisive insght by the end there, not get out with ‘we allow you to definitely decide’.
March 13, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I stumbled upon it is really an informational message and interesting, well, i imagine that is extremely helpful and knowledgeable for me. I would like to i appreciate you for the efforts they’ve meant to write this good article. If you can, just like you gain expertise, are you able to updating your web site with a lot more information? This can be very helpful for me. Los Angeles Plumbing
March 13, 2012 at 4:44 pm
I admire the valuable information you offer inside your articles. Let me bookmark your blog post and have my children check-up here often. I will be quite sure they will learn plenty of new stuff here than anybody else!
March 21, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for sharing such a valuable information.
June 6, 2012 at 6:33 pm
nice blog nd this is http://www.packersjaipur.in
June 8, 2012 at 6:54 pm
hey..
nice blog and good information given by you.thanks for posting.
Movers and packers in Charbagh
June 9, 2012 at 3:40 pm
hey..
nice blog and good info given by you.thanks and this is http://www.delhiescortspoint.com/about_us.html
Delhi independent escorts
June 11, 2012 at 2:13 pm
hey..
. this is really a nice post thanks to u for posting on this topic and this is http://www.mumbaiescortspoint.com/about_us.html
Mumbai escorts sex
July 11, 2012 at 6:53 pm
nice joke and good post
Thank you
May 16, 2013 at 4:00 pm
Hi there would you thoughts letting me know which web host you are working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I should say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a great web hosting provider at a sincere price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
July 8, 2013 at 10:34 am
That is why it is better to think it over and over before naming your company infographic. But do not be afraid to fail as it is next to success.
July 27, 2013 at 7:25 pm
I read this article fully about the difference
of most up-to-date and preceding technologies, it’s amazing article.
November 28, 2013 at 11:23 am
9999 The modest details, this sort of as cloth bows or embroidery enable them to offer a particular evaluate of panache towards the most common every last outfit. We ended up like “ok, it is easy to marry Harry!” May she one day be Prince Harry’sthen? “Nah! No!”.
authentic louis vuitton luggage for sale http://www.finnishtimberframes.co.uk/louis-vuitton-luggage-for-sale-c-7.html
January 11, 2014 at 9:09 am
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all folks you
actually realize what you are speaking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly also talk over with my site =). We can have a
link alternate agreement among us
January 11, 2014 at 3:58 pm
You need to take part in a contest for one of the finest websites on the web.
I’m going to highly recommend this website!
January 14, 2014 at 4:44 am
Hi there, I check your new stuff on a regular basis. Your humoristic style is
awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
February 2, 2014 at 3:26 am
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
April 21, 2014 at 10:39 pm
I’m curious to find out what blog system you happen to be
working with? I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest
blog and I would like to find something more secure.
Do you have any solutions?
June 28, 2014 at 6:56 pm
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here.
The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish.
nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following.
unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same
nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
July 11, 2014 at 10:56 am
I read this paragraph fully concerning the difference of most recent and earlier technologies, it’s amazing article.
August 19, 2014 at 2:59 am
Usually I do not learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up
very compelled me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has
been amazed me. Thank you, very great article.
September 10, 2014 at 10:49 am
What’s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively helpful and it has
helped me out loads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different customers
like its helped me. Good job.
September 10, 2014 at 11:33 pm
Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is important and everything.
Nevertheless think about if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your
posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site
could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its field.
Wonderful blog!
September 23, 2014 at 1:58 pm
Yes! Finally something about real property.
September 26, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Jе suis entièrement d’acсߋrd aveс toi
September 30, 2014 at 3:22 am
Good day! I know this is kind of off topic but I
was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and
I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
October 3, 2014 at 7:50 am
Bon ce poste va aller ssur mon blog
October 3, 2014 at 10:47 am
Hi! I jhst wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?
My last bllog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing
several weeks of hard work due to noo data backup. Do you hazve any methods to stop hackers?
October 8, 2014 at 10:34 am
The web has truly changed the way we communicate and
made it far easier to stay informed about the lives of
our loved ones. A VPN creates an encrypted connection to a third-party
server, and all your Internet traffic is routed
through that server. The Unit is powered by the Main chip adopting the CORTEX A8 core Sam – Sung S5PV210,and CPU frequency up to 1GHz, Memory
512MB, internal 2G memory space for TV and Internet
integration.
October 12, 2014 at 10:41 pm
Bon јe n’ai pas terminéde regarder tօutefois je passerai après
October 14, 2014 at 7:25 am
Рoste follement intéressant !!!
October 15, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Je cοmptais justement rédigeг un petit pοst ρareil à celui là
October 19, 2014 at 12:39 am
Je suis еntièrement d’accord avec vous
October 21, 2014 at 8:31 am
Vouѕ rédigez sans cesse des ɑrticles intéressants
October 21, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Jе vais terminer ԁe jeter un cօup d’oeil à tout ça dans
la journée
October 21, 2014 at 7:23 pm
C’еst constamment un bonheur dde passer sur votre blog
October 22, 2014 at 7:51 am
Ɍudement attraƴant, je crois que cе post intéresserait mon mec
October 23, 2014 at 12:54 am
Fοllement fascinant, mon ƿetit doigt me dit que ce post intéresserait mon ami
December 8, 2014 at 11:25 am
Sսperbe poste : une fois de plus
January 21, 2015 at 7:25 pm
Ϲ’est un vrai bonheur de lire cce site
May 15, 2015 at 12:33 am
Due to recent rise in food technology, plenty of artificial foods are being
given to us daily with your current fast trends
of living a fast life of patronizing take out centers so that
you can focus on our busy schedules or rushing to the
work places or businesses without taking thinking to the effect who’s the food consumption can cause to health inside the
long run. That’s why people who fast as a way of shedding pounds shed
weight fast then how much remains flat and soon after months, it starts accumulating again. By monitoring how
much calories you might be consuming during the
day you should understand the volume of calories you might have already
consumed and how many more you happen to be allowed to have at any point in the day.
May 24, 2015 at 3:20 am
Будто похудеть при помощи шоколада?
Любителя сладкого, желащие сбросить лишний
вес, коктейль chocolate slim отзывы знают,
насколько сильной делается тяга к
лакомствам, когда ей объявляется бой.
и все же имеется возвожность баловать себя сладким и
сразу освобождаться от жировых отложенией – шоколадка для похудения ChocolateSlim
сбивает противоречие меж,
казалось бы, несовместимыми вещами.
Чтобы выписать Шоколад про заполните
фигуру и надавите клавишу “Заказать”.
С вами свяжется свой клерк про уточнения условий доставки
Состав и лечебные свойства
Какао.Основным компонентом любого
шоколада считается какао. Чем его более, то есть, чем чернее шоколадка, тем лучше.
В шоколадное дерево держатся препарата, которые положительно
влияют на работу сердечно-сосудистой системы и
нормализуют влияние.
недавно испанские эксперты
провели исследование, касающееся капиталом самочувствия подростков от 12 до 17, коие придерживались разнообразных диет и водили здравый стиль жизни.
В итоге оказалось, будто у
любителей шоколада количество жирных отложений имелось значительно далее, чем около
других. Объясняется таковым, будто шоколадка убыстряет метаболизм.
Даже несмотря на высшую ценность, дьявол не
дает возможности жиру осесть в организме
в качестве отложений. А также один
увлекательное наблюдение.
June 17, 2015 at 6:24 am
He spotted a Sears snow cruiser that was only made from 1965 to 1972
and is truly a collector’s item. * Edwin Hubbel Chapin once said,
“Every action of our lives touches on. The most popular types and styles of these include the following:.
June 19, 2015 at 12:07 am
As a homeowner, you will have maintenance and other related costs to keep your drain system running efficiently.
Most of the time, when the topic is all about
wastewater and sewage, the image people often get is that of
bad smells and all that grime. In fact, there would be plenty of
surplus water to irrigate the garden or sell to other consumers.
July 8, 2015 at 11:57 pm
Brain O Brain capsules tackle stress and produce high level of energy, the herbs used in the preparation of these capsules contain iron in high amount which enhances the capacity oxygen carrying of the blood by increasing the number of red blood cells.
Its member companies manufacture popular national brands as well as the store brands marketed by major supermarkets, drug stores and discount chains.
To attain this level in the blood, most people must supplement with an additional 4000 to
5000 IU of vitamin D3.
July 26, 2015 at 2:05 am
I know this web page provides quality based posts and other stuff, is there any other web site which presents these kinds of information in quality?
August 16, 2015 at 2:32 pm
I have fun with, cause I found just what I was having a look for.
You’ve ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Havee a nice day.
Bye