To follow up on my morning post about naming weblogs: Being anonymous shouldn’t
mean having no personality, and the name of a weblog can help create a consistent
identity, while its author remains nameless. [see Craig and Evan on weblog-building.]
Although I prefer weblogs with identified proprietors, a good pseudonym seems like
the answer for those desiring to remain unknown: As Wikipedia notes
“The main difference between anonymity and pseudonymity is that while
in anonymity the identity is not known, in pseudonymity, there exists a
separate persistent “virtual” identity but it cannot be linked to a physical
person, persons or organization.”
Adopting a pseudonym – and a pseudo-eponymous name for a weblog — is far more
interesting than sticking the word “anonymous” next to some generic role or title.
Story of O, decided not to use the titles “Anonymous Novel,” Anonymous Non-
Fiction Book, or “Anonymous Biography.” They wanted to keep their own identity
hidden — not the identity of the publication.
So, unless you’re trying to corner the service-mark on a term that uses “anonymous”,
spend a little time coming up with an interesting and revealing title for your weblog
(or, you’ll end up like this weblog, confusing the hell out of people).
Of course, if you’re merely trying to get good placement in
alphabetical listings, you should use the tried and true ad
strategy: Make it: ”AAAAnonymous Weblogger.”
Don’t forget to “Google” your proposed name before launching.
update (Dec. 10, 2004):
asks what her readers think about the issue. Let her know. (via Legal Blog Watch). As
I told da Scold, law students and associates (and all weblogging lawyers) would be better
off assuming that they will eventually be identified, and they should therefore write only
what they are willing to have attributed to themselves (including saying only things that
an identified attorney can say ethically about their clients, partners, etc.).
its name tag blowing
in the winter rain…
bag of rice
mountain temple–
the little priest’s name
on his fan
ISSA, translated by D. Lanoue
There’s also a big advantage to the legal profession from having weblogs that
eschew generic lawyer and judge names and images: they will help remind the world
that there is no generic lawyer — we come in many varieties, playing many roles, and with
many levels of skill and ethics.
Then, maybe lawyers will stop lumping themselves together as victims,
Lawyer. Keeney bewails the attacks in Election 2004 on “trial lawyers”
and insists “An attack on lawyers and judges is truly an attack on each
of us.” Sorry, John, no matter where you come down on the issue of
perpetuate that notion with your whining (such as last month, when you
pledged not to laugh at lawyer jokes; prior post). Even when someone slurs or
jokes about “lawyers” in general, a lawyer who has used his or her law degree
honorably should feel no insult - there are more than a million of us and only a
moron thinks we are all knaves or fools. Prior related posts:
update (Dec. 20, 2004): Evan Schaeffer turns his acid pen to the topic of the
the overall image of lawyers, he’d be even more fun to meet at a party.
of a new NYSBA survey of lawyer income, described here. The average solo lawyer
in Central NY has an income of $50,000. As I point out in a lengthy comment at
Carolyn’s site, this modest income level makes claims rather weak by assigned
counsel here (and in Massachusetts) that the real market value for their services
is much higher than government fee levels. Many NY law firms said there are too
many lawyers in the State; and 1% said there are too few.
In case you missed it, here’s what
Barack Obama said about the Ukraine election:
[at the Gridiron Club, Dec. 4, 2004, via
Rick Klau]
“‘Well, President Bush said he wanted to export American-style democracy
and, by God, I think it’s working.”
