Should I Use My Real Name?

Transparency! We all need to be transparent!

Do we? Do we really? What if that transparency actually holds people back from contributing?

namesake.com provided this post and great graphic called ‘Are You Who You Say You Are?‘, to raise the issue about online identity, comparing Facebooks stance on using real names, with 4chan’s stance towards anonymity. Who is 4Chan? You might ask. Don’t ask. Let’s just say they are a very influential (and somewhat powerful when mobilised) sharers… who happen to like remaining anonymous.

I digress.

What I love about this graphic is the balanced argument for anonymity.

Check out the positive benefits for anonymity above. Depending on your objectives, your business may actually benefit from encouraging community members to select a different name to their own. Whilst this flies against everything I generally tell people, I can see the need to remain anonymous too. How? Lets break the ‘benefits’ down:

Allows Expression Of Opinions Without Repercussions. 
Many companies I work with, have trouble getting other staff or external contacts to do anything social. The fear of repercussion, or pointing and laughing when someone gets something wrong is high. Maybe anonymity could be an option for those lacking confidence? At least until they feel OK about their contributions.

Fuels Creativity And Experimentation
Once we know our revealed identity won’t lead to us getting laughed at, we relax, contribute more and do so without fear. This is why Samaritans operate anonymously. This is why Doctors practice in complete confidentiality and why some people want to exercise in the dark.

Encourages Authentic Content Sharing
People will share content based on their strength of feeling, knowing that they won’t be judged for it.

Focuses on Content not Creators
Think about how influential certain individuals in the business are. If a CEO sends around something, who is going to disagree with them? If a receptionist (or cleaner) sends around a great idea, I’m guessing many will not take them seriously. Job title has weight. Removing the name, changes the balance of influence one has on others.

Collaborative Thinkers That Want A Shared Experience
If the one above refers to individuals, this point refers to teams of people, groups or departments (maybe offices on different continents?). In fact any ‘collaboration’ whereby the interpretation of that ‘experience’ could be swayed by the individuals in it. Eg.: HR coming up with a tech solution as opposed to the IT team. Or a situation whereby the effect, or end result becomes the focus instead of the individuals involved. Eg.: Humanitarian efforts like Search and Rescue, whereby identity becomes irrelevant.

Whistle Blowers Who Want Protection
This is a no-brainer. Why? Because we’ve all seen and used those anonymous feedback forms in hotels, or suggestion boxes at venues. Sometimes we want to tell people something, but do not need to be identified.

(I’m not going to explain the benefits for using real names, as I think the text speaks for itself, however lets remember many web ‘guru’s’ started out being anonymous first on forums and sites, before all this ‘real name’ stuff came in. No wonder I/we/they find it so easy to adopt.)

OK, now to address what most people reading this will think.

‘Surely anarchy will ensue without identity?’

My answer? Just because you can think it, that doesn’t mean it will happen. Make decisions out of research and testing, not out of fear and assumptions. In some cases, anonymity may be the solution to your problems.

What Can We Do?

1. Encourage people to use their real names first and foremost & tell them why.
2. Permit people to just use a first name if you sense discomfort at the first option & encourage change over time.
3. Allow people to operate anonymously if they wish & encourage first name usage over time.