Using an assumed name is, for some, a safety measure. They worry about stalkers, psychos, and the like. I worry about neither of these. I'm not terribly stalkable, and I'm not a small guy, either, so I have very little to fear.

But getzburg isn't my real name.

I like the feeling that comes with having multiple identities. I like having a score of other people I can be at different times, in different situations. Those of you who have read any Eddings are probably thinking about Silk right now, and you're right on the money. He was always my favorite character for that reason.

It's difficult to (legally) have several identities in the real world, but on the net it's easy as all hell. So I revel in my multiple-ness, and to hell with my real name. :-)