I've wondered a few times as to what names may be behind the pen name. I haven't a problem with it as long as someone's not using it for deception or an "alter ego" having their real selves co-existing in the forum with their real names. It adds a bit of intrigue which may actually motivate that person to step out of perhaps there ordinary personification. People do it for a reason obviously--some may be good reasons, others perhaps not, but "privacy" is a right I suppose.

I use a pen name "steady-eddie" but always include my real name--"my choice." I just do it for the fun of it as songwriting is just one facet of my life. The nick name "steady-eddie" was given first to me by my golfing buddies years ago, don't play much golf anymore and decided to use the nick name for my songwriting. "ED" just sound too much like that hyena from "Lion King." There aren't a lot of "ED's" anymore, but everyone knows a couple I suppose. My first name is actually "Carl," but only use that for legal signatures.

Happy Holiday all,

steady-eddie.