Blogging hidden–or in full view?

A lot of bloggers choose to blog anonymously, using a pseudonym or part of their name instead of their full name. Others choose to blog in full view, using their real names.

In Anonymous Blogging 101: a Quick and Dirty Primer – a  July 2010 guest post on Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger –  Treacle from The Lingerie Addict expounds on three reasons for anonymous blogging

1. Privacy & Safety
2. Honesty
3. Personality and character

Treacle also also writes:

The only foolproof way to keep from being found out is to never blog at all. Therefore, you should start blogging under the assumption that you’ll be discovered one day. It’s depressing, I know, but it’s important to think about. One day, someone will recognize you and very possibly expose you. So, before blogging about anything, think about the potential consequences of that exposure. Whether it’s losing your jobs, losing your kids, or losing your freedom be prepared for the worst possible outcome.

Anonymous blogging is not a free pass to be an asshole. Aside from the possibility that you’ll eventually be found out (see above), you are what you blog. Nice, nasty, or in between the people you attract are going to reflect what you write.

When I first started blogging, way back in 2004, I did like many others, posting my blog anonymously.  Then, at some point, I decided to use my name instead.  I remember reading the pros and cons of anonymous blogging and came down on the side of blogging in full view.

So far as my personality and what I’m willing to say online, I’ve found that there is very little difference in how I blog now compared to when I was blogging anonymous.

I’d be interested in hearing the thoughts of others on anonymous blogging.