I think pseudonyms are a good idea. When I first used the internet, I did use my real name, and found that (because, like Ruby, I'm in the phone book, probably a mistake) I had unwanted people getting in touch suggesting visits or meetings. There was nothing sinister or dangerous about them, but I found it a nuisance. I decided not to use my real name after that, and I don't regret it or apologise for it. I just wish I'd been a bit more inventive with the name I chose!

I also quite frequently post about personal things, my family and problems. This is a public forum, and I simply don't want anyone and everyone to be able to read those things and know who I am.

If it gets blown, it gets blown.  That's no reason for not having it in the first place.  I don't post anything I consider offensive or highly sensitive so if my cover is blown and people subsequently go back over my posting history all they will find is that I, under a pseudonym, told an amusing or illustrative anecdote about an unnamed person.  I think that person would forgive me, even if their name could easily be infrerred after my real identity was revealed.  If, however, I was posting under my own name, exposing myself to casual monitoring by people whose hobby is idle gossip it would be a different matter.

Pure whimsy - see the spec. of the Ratzeburg Cathedral organ. Rauschwerk is 'a stop which when pulled opens a small drinks drawer'. If ever I were to sit at the console of that magnificent instrument, that's probably the first stop I would try, out of curiosity.

That rather reminds me the printed notice that Sorabji headed
and which contains the words
"It is also stated that my name, my real name, that is the one I am known by, is not my real name"
and which ends
"Insects that are merely noisome like to think that they can also sting".

Bra straps, perhaps? And wasn't/isn't there already a member of this forum whose alleged cowardice prompts him to hide behing the pseudonym "Chafing Straps"?...

Nor do I, but then that is at least in part because I do not actually believe that there are any.

Indeed it is not - but I do also think that it's something that almost inevitably happens to many composers at various stages of the creative process, be they Bartók, Barraqué, Barry or Barrett.

It would be hard to argue against that...

This was my original posting here, split off to the other thread (I have edited out the bits relevant to the debate there):

When I hesitatingly joined the BBC 3 board it asked me to use a pseudonym, presumably to keep me safe from stalkers and blackmailers.  In 30 seconds I thought of the campest character in opera to my mind, Don Basilio in Mozart.  Afterwards I realised he was also a priest, which pleased me.  I am not a bitchy and gossipy old thing, really (I have been called a figure of stern authority lurking in the ecclesiastical shadows,) but it is a part of my personality and I think if I acknowledge it, then it is a side of me that will not slip out when not expected.

I have been to several meet-ups and met many regulars.  Some people are happy to use their pseudonym there, and if that's what makes them comfortable, fine.  I certainly NEVER want to be called Don, and I always introduce myself by the name on my passpor (but not on my birth certificate).

I originally posted on the R3 boards under my real name, quickly abbreviating my surname to an initial. During a bout of 'musical connection' silliness, martle made some comment about me being a 'scholl' teacher, which led to Schollmeister/ Herr Doktor Scholl gags, which shortly led to the name change, given some of the teasers set there and the Opera Quiz threads!

He may be hiding from you, GG, but here's still clearly visible at Castle Dough.