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This is probably my 6th or 7th account here. I switch accounts frequently. I prefer anonymity but also have an account with my real name. I visit HN every day
by bl4k 16y ago
This is probably my 6th or 7th account here. I switch accounts frequently. I prefer anonymity but also have an account with my real name.
I visit HN every day (since the very early days) and don't like the idea of every one of my comments from my entire history here being linked and available to anybody.
- portman 16y agoWould you mind expounding a bit? What, in particular, makes you uncomfortable enough to take on the burden of cycling through accounts? Are your concerned about your safety, politics, job prospects, family? I'm genuinely interested in people who prefer anonymity, because I have a hard time identifying with their emotions. (Please note: I am NOT saying it's an invalid or "wrong" opinion to have, it's just one that I struggle to wrap my head around.)
- bl4k 16y agoBecause if you assembled my years worth of comments you could probably work out who I am, which would negate being anonymous. Might seem a bit paranoid, but I have been anonymous and using aliases on the web since the mid-90s, which mostly came from being involved in the security/hacking scene. I do have an online profile with my real name as well, I just don't get them mixed up. It also frees me to write what I really think, with no pressure of reputation etc. No karma baiting (couldn't care for karma - obviously). There are advantages and disadvantages to being anonymous - it is up to each person to decide which suits them more.