Written on October 19th, 2008 at 12:10 am by Darren Rowse
What Name Do You Leave Comments on Blogs Under?
Here’s a question for discussion this weekend:
Do you use your real name when leaving comments on a blog or do you use ‘keywords’?
I was moderating comments last night here on ProBlogger and noticed almost a 60/40 split between these approaches (with 60% using ‘real’ names).
My personal preference is to leave my real name – that’s partly because I feel it is more personal and also because I guess inadvertently over the years my name has become a brand of sorts – so it makes sense.
My personal preference for people leaving comments on my blog is also for ‘real names’ – although I’ve not moderated comments based upon people using keywords.
A Spectrum of Approaches
There is a spectrum of approaches that I see people using when it comes to what ‘name’ they leave on comments:
1. Key Words Only – For example some people are obviously just using words that they are attempting to rank for in Google. In my mind when you leave a comment under the name of something like ‘Bad Credit‘ or ‘Interior and Exterior Painting‘ or ‘Steel garages sheds‘ or ‘revenue‘ (all names used here on ProBlogger in the last 48 hours) you’re coming close to looking like you are spamming and doing it purely for SEO, even when your comments are on topic and genuine. I don’t honestly see the point in doing this. Most blogs (including ProBlogger) have nofollow tags in their comments so your links and the words you use have no SEO benefits what so ever. I doubt you’d get many people clicking on words like those either.
2. Brands/Site Names – Also on the spectrum but more acceptable in my mind are people who use keywords in more subtle and in ways that help brand themselves or their blogs. For example ‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy‘ who is a commenter on ProBlogger. I don’t mind this type of approach because it is more personal and is tied to his brand (rather than just being an attempt to rank well for certain keywords).
3. Brands and Personal Names – The next step along the spectrum is people who use their name AND a keyword of blog name. Examples including ‘Vered – MomGrind‘ and ‘John Hoff – eVentureBiz‘ and ‘Janice (5 Minutes for Mom)‘. To me this works reasonably well as it gives a personal touch as well as some branding benefits.
4. Personal Names - The lastly there are those who leave just their name. This is my personal favorite and I find myself much more drawn to reading and interacting with these comments. I can understand that some don’t like to use their name as they want some level of anonymity – but for me a name actually makes me feel like I’m interacting with a human being.
Of course there are other approaches. Some use pseudonyms or nick names – I’m sure others will tell us about other options that they use too.
The above spectrum and ordering are based upon my own personal preferences and approaches – but I don’t have a monopoly on the truth and am interested in your personal approach.
What name do you leave comments by and why?
250 Responses to “What Name Do You Leave Comments on Blogs Under?” - Add Yours
Karen Putz/ DeafMom
October 19th, 2008 12:58 am
I mostly use my real name (with a last name like Putz, that’s eye-catching itself!) and sometimes I’ll add the DeafMom Twitter handle as well. There’s not too many Deaf Moms out in the blog world, so I’m branding myself with that as well.
Traci
October 19th, 2008 12:59 am
I use my real name in the name field. ;) Depends on the subject matter as to whether I would leave any KWs in my comment that are relevant to my blog.
(In this reply: no relevant KWs posted. ;) ).
Nathan Rice
October 19th, 2008 12:59 am
I leave my regular, personal name. The reason being, I place a high value on my own personal brand, and the brand equity and name recognition that I can build.
So, leaving my personal name helps me accomplish that.
Lisa B @ simply His
October 19th, 2008 1:00 am
I prefer, like you, to use my personal name. The problem with that is I have a pretty common name. Lisa and Boyd are both common, and as I shared with a friend recently, there are at least 4 of us in my general area (much less the internet!) with the same first/last name.
So, I add in my blog name. Not because I’m trying to get people to come to my blog, but because it distinguishes me from all the other Lisa’s :)
Daniel Richard
October 19th, 2008 1:01 am
I’d use my real name. Used to use the name + brand approach of “Daniel Richard | Winning Everyone”, but after it can get tiring after awhile. Anyways, the name is already associated with the brand / site, so it wouldn’t have mattered for me at all. :)
Sue Waters
October 19th, 2008 1:02 am
My personal name because it’s important for building online identity, brand and helps others connect with you. As you say it helps others see you as a human being and aids interactions.
Many of the edubloggers when they first start out initially feel uncomfortable using their real names and use pseudonyms. Which are really hard and often a mixture of numbers and letters. Try making responding back to a bunch of numbers and letters feel like a personal connection :)
Ed Shaz/NextInstinct
October 19th, 2008 1:02 am
I have nearly used my own name with a link to more info.
But I also started the concept of signing off
@NextInstinct ,
knowing Twittr was going to become ubiquitous.
:~))
You heard it hear first. (no really, I posted that idea here last year)
John
October 19th, 2008 1:02 am
real name 90% of the time.
Louis Liem
October 19th, 2008 1:02 am
FIRST!! :D kidding..
I use my name since the textbox above says “Name” instead of “Brand”. Although, I don’t mind people using keywords when commenting on my blog.
Alex Cristache
October 19th, 2008 1:03 am
Most times I use only my real name. Some times, I go for a name + brand combination like: Alex (Blogsessive), but never use keywords.
Even if the website has do-follow comment links.
It’s disrespectful. Just like going around on the street and seing people you know only from an industry they work in.
How about calling a guy from the other side of the street: “Hey! Hey, ’s*x toys sale’! How are you doing today?”.
Pretty crazy right? Conversation is between people or people representing brands. Not between keywords.
I’ll never answer a comment on my blog if it uses a keyword for name. How to address that person? Better not address him/her at all.
Kimberlee
October 19th, 2008 1:05 am
I’ve always used my name, but since I’m a freelance writer, my name is my brand. I never considered using anything else. On my blog, most use real names, but one uses their blog name exclusively. It doesn’t bother me, because their blog is such a big part of who they are, that I consider it to be the same.
I also sign my comments with my name. I consider it to be an equivalent to email. Just because your name is known (either in the From: field of the email, or the comment field on the post) doesn’t mean you shouldn’t personally sign it. Common courtesy can be translated to online communications.
Kimberlee
Carla
October 19th, 2008 1:05 am
Hi Darren,
I agree! Leaving your name is more personal and that is what I do. It gives for a better impression to the blog writer that you are there to really comment on their blog and not just go after the SEM/SEO benefits.
We have so many other avenues for that and if you are properly sourcing those avenues then leaving your name on a few blogs without the SEO benefits won’t hurt.
If a person really is thinking outside the box then email the blogger and ask if it is okay to link with their site. Now that really exciting, huh?!
The Social Reformer
October 19th, 2008 1:06 am
The reason I use the above name is as follows:
1. It defines what I am attempting to do and what I would like to be.
2. Its a eye catching
3. It builds my brand (i.e. Problogger)
I never thought about the SEO aspects of it, but like you mentioned it really doesn’t affect anything. Either way, this article was informative and I really liked it.
I enjoy following you on twitter
Rob Kenny
October 19th, 2008 1:06 am
Depends on the location, if it was hobby related then I use my nickname, otherwise I use my real name. Whenever possible I try to keep the two ‘identities’ separate, it is a bit like Facebook (friends, people from work I would socialise with) and LinkedIn (business, work colleagues and customers).
Christian Decker
October 19th, 2008 1:08 am
I always use my real name since I don’t try to build a brand, but instead try to promote myself as a person.
Wayne Liew
October 19th, 2008 1:08 am
It is always a rule of thumb for me to use at least one name for every blog of mine, even if it might be a pen name. The web is moving towards human interaction and I guess most web surfers want to see a site with a face, or at least a name.
One clear example that Web 2,0 (even the comments section of blogs) is moving towards interaction between human beings will be the introduction of Gravatars in the comments by WP. See, we want names and face. :)
Wayne
http://www.AffBoom.com
bugsy
October 19th, 2008 1:08 am
Bugsy. It’s the name I live by. My real name is Justin, but I’ve been known as Bugsy my whole life from teachers, bosses anc coaches all the way back to elementary school.
Many of my college professors know me as Bugsy even. It’s just the way it is. And there may always be other Justin’s commenting, but odds are there is only one “Bugsy” which gives me a great chance to build my personal brand…. and years ago I started my website which is http://www.bugsyrocker.com.
One of these days when I’m rich I’ll buy bugsy.com
Emon
October 19th, 2008 1:09 am
I use my real name because, as you pointed out, it’s more personal. I think of it as me, Emon, visiting Darren as guest. Not some entity trying to get his foot in the door and try to solicitate others guests.
Jaffer
October 19th, 2008 1:09 am
Heh Heh Heh – I see more personal names now in these comments !
I always leave my first name when commenting and I use my first name when interacting with other bloggers as well.
I do it mainly because I happen to bump into many of them in real life.
It would turn many heads if someone saw me into the street and called out “Hey ! Raving Maniac !”
Andrea_R
October 19th, 2008 1:11 am
IMO, #1 is always a spammer. They are getting sneakier every time, and even thought it *seems* genuine and legit and even manually typed, the chances are good the site owner paid someone to sit there and leave that comment.
It’s a growing tread, and I always mark such comments as spam.
#2 & #3 are different, like you said. :)
Kate Saltfleet
October 19th, 2008 1:12 am
I use my real name because I like to be identifiable online in different communties like blogs and forums as the same person.
Plus I have the fortune of having a unique name, if my name was Sarah Smith I think I would have created an online persona.
Using a keyword as your commentator name is just a tad naff and pointless in my opinion.
Cigar Inspector
October 19th, 2008 1:13 am
Sometimes I use my first name, sometimes a brand name (like here at Problogger). I think both are good (obviously!), but I am totally against using keywords.
Marija
October 19th, 2008 1:13 am
I agree with all the points you made.
Using keywords only can look spammy, I agree. However, if there are only, let’s say 2 keywords, and they are related to the topic of the blog you’re commenting on, and if your comment is valuable, then it can be fine.
Still, I always use my real name, and that approach is my personal preference.
Mike
October 19th, 2008 1:14 am
I feel Lisa B’s pain. Can’t get much more common than “Mike” around my area. But that’s usually the name I use, with no branding / KWs.
Then again, until recently, my site has mostly catered to friends and family and I hadn’t even THOUGHT about branding.
On the otherhand, if I’m posting to a blog/forum that is centered on video games, I tend to use “penitentman” as that is what I go by “in game”.
Nathan
October 19th, 2008 1:15 am
I always use my name. Whenever I see comments under someone’s blog name or keywords, I feel like it has less value. It’s almost like the only reason they’re leaving a comment is self-promotion.
tacogirl
October 19th, 2008 1:17 am
I leave the name tacogirl for branding reasons. I use it on sites such as Ambergris Caye message board Stumbled Upon and Squidoo. If I was messaging someone direct though I tend to sign my real name.
Hussein
October 19th, 2008 1:18 am
I use personal name. I want to be popular!
Scott Purdie
October 19th, 2008 1:19 am
il always leave my real name. I think it shows I’m willing to stand by my opinions and add value! When my business launches il add it’s name so people can associate me with it!
The Style PA
October 19th, 2008 1:20 am
I always use ‘The Style PA’ as that is who I am on the web. My social networks all use this name rather than my personal name (apart from Facebook) so this makes sense.
I prefer that people use the name that identifies them best if they comment on my blog. It encourages me to network with them, but the thing that surprises me most is that some people who comment and have their own blog, don’t always enter their own web address. A missed opportunity I think!
Marisa
October 19th, 2008 1:20 am
I’ve always used my real name when commenting on blogs, regardless of which of my URLs I link.
When I started blogging 8 years ago (this month!) it was all about community and friendship. I “knew” my commenters by their real or screen names, not by keywords. I’ve edited commenter names on my blogs to remove keywords or to delink the keyword from the URL. (Not always, but when it’s a blatant attempt at SEO benefit.) It just seems rude, like coming to my party or backyard cookout and trying to sell my other guests encyclopedias or something.
Oh, and on forums, I use scorpy01. Not trying to hide my identity, just that my name is often already taken and that one isn’t.
Mitch
October 19th, 2008 1:22 am
Once again another straight forward yet so insightful article, you truly are the “pro” blogger. I never thought of this but of course I actually think about it all the time. I use mitch but i used to use miami mitch, I think people know me equally by either name.
Cat Laine
October 19th, 2008 1:25 am
I tend to always use my name unless it’s something that I definitely don’t want coming up in a routine search. In those rare cases, I use paintedfoot.
Joi
October 19th, 2008 1:25 am
I use my first name and I have to say I agree with Nathan completely.
However, if my name were more common, I’d probably add something like a last initial or Joi from Kentucky, Joi keeps Starbucks in biz…
Mia
October 19th, 2008 1:26 am
I leave comments with my blog name. Besides always being confused about who I am (if I were to do it differenty), I’m also trying to build a brand and need to keep it consistent.
Sarah H.
October 19th, 2008 1:27 am
It’s so interesting that you wrote a post about this topic because I was just evaluating my approach to how I leave comments on other blogs. Up to this point I have been using my real name, because I too feel that it seems more personal. However, I like the method you spelled out in point #3 (and I agree with Lisa B. @ simply His…my name is very common too!). Maybe I’ll try that in the future and see how it fits. For now, I’ll just stick with my name. :)
Rizwan
October 19th, 2008 1:28 am
On the basis that people often look up names for recruitment or professional purposes, I often use my full name for comments I want to be associated with when people search my name on Google, for example related to professional work. For anything personal I only use my first name as it’s sort of anonymous but still genuine.
Nice post though.
Rizwan
http://www.urbansurvivalproject.org
Ian David Chapman
October 19th, 2008 1:28 am
I use my real name, many of my friends read the blogs that I visit and know me from Facebook and Twitter,
I want to be as transparent as possible and also be able to stand behind anything that I write.
When people comment on my blog I want to be able to respond to them directly, person to person thats why I love the widget by mybloglog, I get to see peoples faces.
I like what Ed said about signing off, I think I am going to adopt it from now on. Everyone knows what it means, I don’t have to shout “hey guys come and follow me on Twitter” and leave a clickable link, its a bit more discreet.
I am always looking for interesting people to follow and if someone makes a good comment I would take the trouble to check them out
@iandavidchapman
Brad Isaac
October 19th, 2008 1:29 am
I am glad you posted this. I struggle with the question on my blog every day with regards to keyword names as posters.
Right or wrong, I do not allow these posts to get through. I just delete them. Someone with the name “replacement shutters” has no credibility in their reply because they are seeking first to help themselves through spamming keywords. Since that is their goal, their comments are usually weak and lack relevance.
I’d love to hear arguments against my philosophy.
BTW I use my real name.
Christopher James Clayton
October 19th, 2008 1:30 am
im going to change my name to “Credit Card” soon.
=D lol
I never leave my keyword in a comment section. i only put my name or brand name.
Sandeep
October 19th, 2008 1:32 am
Mostly my real name, otherwise I use my IRC nickname ‘d1g1t’ :P
Julia @ Hooked on Houses
October 19th, 2008 1:35 am
I have to agree with the other commenter who said that she uses her blog name to distinguish herself from other people with the same first name (I don’t put my last name online). When I sign comments as Julia @ Hooked on Houses, then people know which Julia I am. Never thought about it for SEO or branding purposes, and it never occurred to me that some people might think I was only commenting for that purpose. You’ve made me think about this is an entirely new way.
(I’ve enjoyed following you on Twitter!)
Carla - Green and Chic
October 19th, 2008 1:40 am
I normally use my personal name only, but I just posted using my personal name and website. :) I guess on many blogs I post on, its not really necessary to to it this way. I think I will stick with my first name only.
Amit Bhawani
October 19th, 2008 1:41 am
99% of times my real name because i link to my personal blog itself. Dareen how about adding Gravatar feature in the comments section?
Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy
October 19th, 2008 1:42 am
Interesting points there.
I don’t mind commenters on my blog leaving keywords as their name, but your right, it’s really not preferable and I tend not to engage those folks….mainly because I’m sure they’re only leaving comments to generate traffic to their site, not to contribute to the discussion.
For my commenting, it’s all about brand awareness. I have almost 75% more click-through’s when I use Your Friendly Neighborhood Computer Guy as opposed to my name. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not commenting JUST to get click-thru’s, because I normally only comment if I have something to add to the conversation. Plus, my blog name is also a phrase that describes me. But the fact that people click on my name to go to my blog 75% more when I use my pseudonym means that it’s eye catching and sparks curiosity. Perfect Example…you used my name as an example in this post
Plus, it doesn’t help that my name is Matt. I just get lost in the shuffle of other Matt’s… ;-)
Pete
October 19th, 2008 1:50 am
I use my real name, for the simple reason you mentioned above : ‘makes me feel like I’m interacting with a human being…’
John Smulo
October 19th, 2008 1:51 am
I’ve always used my first and last name. I do this because I’ve been public about who I am on my blog, and because I think it’s more meaningful to be transparent when interacting in the blogosphere by leaving comments.
LGR
October 19th, 2008 1:52 am
I use my initials, it is also my site name/brand so I guess I cover two bases at once.
I know on my blog if people are using their keywords I am more likely delete their comment unless it is really good. The whole keyword thing is just a little spammy IMHO. I have occasionally edited the name on a comment to Anonymous if they used keywords but I liked the comment, but the delete button is faster.
Mike
October 19th, 2008 1:56 am
With Comments that I leave on this site I use my name beacause I am not linking to specific content on moneysaving mom when I leave a comment it is with a title I think she uses mister linky which agregates a list of links so the name is your only chance to define what the link is to
Ben Collins | GoodBlogGuide
October 19th, 2008 2:03 am
I try to use both as although i’m wholey against spaming anything, you have the opportunity for some branding.
You can either choose to brand your name or your site. For a relatively new blog it’s important to begin both. I say as long as it’s not offensive using both is fine.
Vintage Mommy
October 19th, 2008 2:04 am
Hmmmm . . . well you can see I’m using my blog name, which happens to describe me very well! I’ve never considered using my actual name (first and last). I have used Ann at One Bag Nation (my other blog) when I comment on productivity and simplicity sites where some people know me by that name).
This is an interesting topic; what about asking readers what prompts them to click thru to someone’s blog when they read their comments here or elsewhere?
Wayne Tully
October 19th, 2008 2:05 am
I always use my real name on professional blogs such as this one, but often I go through the keyword route on related blogs and their comments boxes that are new or the ones that seem like they aren’t sure what they are doing, so I can get a few quality backlinks in there (even though they may not update their blogs enough!).
I mix up this approach with writing good comments or my opinion on professional types of blogs and the amateur looking blogs too, because there are some good blog starters out there who may not know how to drive traffic or other things but they still have a good content base and a growing community of sorts.
Plus when I need to plan a promotion I also go through the keyword route for my blog comment name about a month or two before the promotion ends, so I can sort of leverage some extra windows for my affiliate promotions (halloween mainly!)
David
October 19th, 2008 2:14 am
Darren, on the few occasions I’ve commented here at ProBlogger I’ve used my real name, a bit like Ryan McLean does, except I don’t then go on to say “in my financial blog…” every time. Although I note it’s an entrepreneur’s blog now! Only kidding Ryan… Actually…., it annoys me just a bit, but I don’t hate you for it and I can hardly blame you, you’re just doing your thing. :)
I might start leaving my blog title though because I’m convinced so few people read ALL the comments from the popular sites as there are so many, but I do think they pick up on a blog or site name as they scan down – and if it stands out, people are more likely to follow through with a click IMHO. And that’s what we want isn’t it??
Hey Ryan, we can still be friends can’t we? ;)
Dave.
infmom
October 19th, 2008 2:21 am
I have used this nom de screen for years now. It links to my web site and turns up in Google searches. I have also been active online since 1983 with my full real name. So for me, both approaches work.
The only time I have a problem with people not really identifying themselves is when they use their feeling of anonymity to engage in the kind of jerk behavior that’d get them punched right down to the Mohorovicic Discontinuity if they tried it in person.
Marte, aka infmom
Gaurav Sikka
October 19th, 2008 2:22 am
This is something I’ve been dealing with recently. I used to use the pseudonym “gsik” for the longest time but now moving towards using my real name everywhere.
Debo Hobo
October 19th, 2008 2:35 am
I simply use my blog name-Debo Hobo- and sometimes I’ll either link to the home page or a particular post title.
anant shrivastava
October 19th, 2008 2:39 am
i always comment by my name but the thing that i do change is the website that i put at various sites
Beau
October 19th, 2008 2:39 am
I go back and forth between using my real name and my brand depending upon the content of a given post. Personally, I’m opposed to the use of keywords.
Graham's Travel Blog
October 19th, 2008 2:44 am
I have been leaving my actual name here, I forgot to change that, but on other sites I’m been using Graham’s Travel Blog which is the name of my site. I used to use just Graham but I’ve found that within my niche I get far more visits from comments if they know what kind of site I run.
I will consider Graham of Graham’s Travel Blog but that doesn’t quite sound right. I think that something of this approach would have been very useful for the Social Media Love-in so that you could see what kind of site people are running easily as opposed to clicking on the links one by one.
Graham
Rajaie AlKorani
October 19th, 2008 2:44 am
I like using my real name, but only because I can’t use a brandable one, such as: ProBlogger
Marie Beausoleil
October 19th, 2008 2:55 am
I use my real name, and link it to my own blog. I wouldn’t use keywords and I certainly wouldn’t click on keywords. I quite often discover new blogs by clicking on interesting comments, and so I hope others do the same with my name.
Jonathan Hunt
October 19th, 2008 3:03 am
First time commentor on your blog… but for everywhere else I always use my real name.
It’s not very unique at all, but I believe it to be more personal as you say.
TheAndySan
October 19th, 2008 3:06 am
I like to use my online name TheAndySan mainly because there are a ton of Andys out there and several AndySans, but to my knowledge, there’s only one TheAndySan.
It has my real name in it anyway so I don’t feel like I’m concealing my identity from my audience.
I also like to add my website’s URL underneath my name as well. That does wonders for increasing my site views, but I did get a nasty comment about it recently. What do you guys think about doing that? Is it too spammy or is it fair play?
TheAndySan
http://www.theandysan.com
Alli
October 19th, 2008 3:08 am
My problem is my name (Alli) is also a keyword for a weight reduction drug. So my comments sometimes get sucked into spam because I use my real name. But I never have thought to do anything else, but you have given me something to ponder. I don’t think I would use a keyword because I don’t really work that way in my blogging. I could start using “Alli (Fuller’s Mom)” or something.
Elizabeth Potts Weinstein
October 19th, 2008 3:10 am
I use my name, but that’s also because I do have a personal brand, and it’s distinctive. I guess if my name was Jane Smith it would not work, but Elizabeth Potts Weinstein is pretty distinctive.
I have started signing comments with my twitter username, since that’s what I use on many social networks (where my full name is too long).
I think using keywords is strange, because it’s a comment by a human being, not a keyword. If we are having a conversation in real life, you don’t introduce yourself by saying “Hi, I’m digital photography.”
~ @ElizabethPW
Ali Hale (from Alpha Student)
October 19th, 2008 3:13 am
Hard lines, Alli! I’m glad I’m a letter short… ;-)
However, since one of the blogs I run is a diet/health/weight-loss blog I do wonder whether people googling “Ali” and “Diet” get typoed weight loss drugs results…
Anyway, on topic; as you can see just to the left, I tend to use my real name plus the name of my blog (Alpha Student in this case, as it’s newly launched!) I’m more likely to click on someone’s name in a comment if there’s something unusual or intriguing in it, and I’ve tried to give my blogs vaguely interesting titles (The Office Diet & Alpha Student). As others have said, it’s about building up a brand, but also encouraging curiosity.
That said, I can see how it might seem spammy. That’s never been my intention!
Thomas
October 19th, 2008 3:20 am
I use my real name. Generally, Thomas. Sometimes I use my full first and last name, but only when commenting on a friends’ blog.
Of course, I have to include a link to my blog in my comment, either in the field marked website, or as part of my comment text; this I’ve found is what gets me the most traffic.
I dislike it when folks use “handles”, trade names, or website domain names as their names in comments. It makes it all seem too impersonal.
MiniMage
October 19th, 2008 3:22 am
I almost always use the handle I chose for myself in 1995. I suppose it’s my brand, although I feel a little arrogant trying to claim I have a brand.
Patrick D.
October 19th, 2008 3:30 am
Great article!
I use my real name (with my last name as a letter for some small degree of security). I can’t stand people who use Real Estate as their name or some other annoying keyword. In rare circumstances, I don’t delete it, but most of the time, it’s out of there.
Nicknames, on the other hand, are fine.
Blinoff
October 19th, 2008 3:34 am
wow,
I see almost nobody uses keywords as a name for this topic comments,
what a lucky day! :)
impNERD
October 19th, 2008 3:41 am
Brand. Not necessarily a reason. I also use my real name from time to time. Some people just know “me” by it, just as I’m sure more people know Darren Rowse by “ProBlogger”.
Bamboo Forest
October 19th, 2008 3:43 am
I use my name.
redwall_hp
October 19th, 2008 3:47 am
Usually I use my handle “redwall_hp.” Most of the people who follow my blogs recognize it as me, it’s unique (really, it’s an older gamer tag that kind of stuck…), and it’s kind of a personal name *and* a brand.
dandellion Kimban
October 19th, 2008 3:53 am
I use pseudonym. dandellion is name I use on web since 1996 and it’s (in cyberspace) more personal and more me than my given name, especially because my given name is a bit hard to pronounce if you’re not Slavic. And Kimban is my last name from second Life, which I happen to like and it makes me a nice brand :)
Mitch
October 19th, 2008 4:10 am
When I first saw this question I thought it was odd, then realized that people do indeed leave some strange names on their comments. I was talking with a guy a few days ago who said every blog he ever makes a post on gets shunted into the spam filter first. I told him his name looked like spam initially, and he changed it, and suddenly wasn’t in spam filters anymore. Great post.
Mike Goad
October 19th, 2008 4:12 am
Real name. I also use it on my blog. I feel that, for some, you come across as more authentic if you’re not “hiding” behind some made up name.
C.J. Harley
October 19th, 2008 4:19 am
I use my pen/blogger name when I post a comment and when I write. I prefer to use a pen name to keep aninimity on the internet and I use my pen name to stay consistant so people will recognize me when they visit my blog.
Vered - MomGrind
October 19th, 2008 4:21 am
I do the “Vered – MomGrind” thing because in the blogosphere, I’m not “just” Vered. I’m Vered of MomGrind.
There’s definitely a branding benefit here and I also see it as a way of encouraging people to check out my blog. My assumption is that “Vered” will not cause too many people to be curious about my blog and click over, while “Vered – MomGrind” just might.
Lady Maksima
October 19th, 2008 4:25 am
Real name – more personal, I think author of blog, where I live comment be glad to see a real name. Keywords looks like spam and comments looks like from robots.
Kelvin Kao
October 19th, 2008 4:29 am
I like using my own name. I think, one, it’s more personal. Two, it has more of an element of mystery and intrigue. If I see “Mark Theodore Smith” (I made that name up), I would wonder who that is and what the blog is about. If I see instead “custom steel bed frames”, I think “oh okay, I don’t care.”
Since many blogs use nofollow, it doesn’t help with SEO. But even with blogs that use dofollow, I still would like to use my real name. My blog name is already the first search result on Google for the phrase, but my name isn’t. So even on the SEO point of view, using my real name is a good thing.
Robert MacEwan
October 19th, 2008 4:31 am
Real Name only though I do alternate between http://www.macewan.org and my http://www.macewan.tv domains.
Dave Adams | FlickerLister Blog
October 19th, 2008 4:39 am
Its an interesting topic, although the answer to the question itself is actually 95% obvious. The real grit to this lies in the way the blog owner interacts with the comments based on the name used, and the way other visitors to the site interact with the commentator based on the name used.
As you can see, I use a combination of my real name (pretty common first and last names) and (one of) my website names. Why do I do this? Well, its probably easier to explain how I read the comments on blogs such as Problogger.
If the post is one of interest to me, and it has upwards of 80+ comments, I tend to want to read other peoples views on the topic – after all I might be in the dark about it, have a pre/misconception about it, or just want to see who agrees with my (right) opinion.
So I scan down the comments. Comments with no website link tend to be ignored – the author is either afraid to voice their opinion and back it up with their web location, or have some other reason to remain anonymous. Is this person going to contribute greatly to the debate? Probably not.
Any comments left that are only a line or two in length, probably skipped over – I don’t need to read ‘great post’ with no other expansion on the topic.
Longer comments indicate the author has (possibly) spent some time considering their repsonse, so its more likely to have something of interest to say. Before reading however, I then look at the name of the person who has posted – do I recognise the author? Is it a real name? Is there a website name in there as well? Yes – I’ll read the comment more thoroughly. If there is a website name there as well as the author name, I’m likely to click the link and check out the website, especially if I like what the person has said.
If there isn’t a real name, or the name is obviosuly keyword led, then I might read the comment, but I’m very unlikely to click the link and visit the site, regardless of how thoughtful, insightful or troll like the comment.
Just my opinion of course, and I may be missing out on valuable content, but when time is precious, you have to be selective.
Hayley
October 19th, 2008 4:44 am
I use my name. Occasionally I’m quasi-Hayley as that’s my livejournal name or Niuserre which is my Internet nickname from back in the day.
I much prefer actual names – a blog is like a conversation and if you were talking to someone you’d include your name even if you said your brand as well.
dena
October 19th, 2008 4:47 am
I leave my first name only. I feel it’s more personal that way and I only comment on posts I really appreciate or find interesting.
feathermaye
October 19th, 2008 4:51 am
I also use my nickname/brand, as they are one and the same and exclusive to me.
Suziebee
October 19th, 2008 4:52 am
I feel uncomfortable putting my full real name, but just a first name can be confusing, especially on a blog like this with a lot of comments – after all, there are a lot of Amys and Johns out there! Maybe a first name and an initial is a good compromise, like mine (Suzanne B –> SuzieBee). However, I can well understand those that like to use their blog/writing name. I’m always known as Suziebee on the internet (and that’s what my blog was called), and people like The Masked Millionaire seem to have the same thing going on.
Thomas Flight - Netager.com
October 19th, 2008 4:53 am
I usually use a pseudonym. My first name is the same as my real name but I’ve changed my last name. I use Thomas Flight all over the internet and sometimes Netager.com
Nancy
October 19th, 2008 4:57 am
Real name…though, in a sense, my real name is part of the “brand” as well (my site is titled Nancy’s Baby Names). So maybe this is more of #3 than #4? Not sure…
PlasticPilot
October 19th, 2008 5:03 am
I leave comments as “PlasticPilot”, because this is part of my branding. It’s the name of my blog, and domain name, and e-mail as well.
My name (Vincent) is public on my blog, but not my surname, for privacy reasons. Leaving comments as “Vincent” would be much less noticeable than as “PlasticPilot”. A variant like “Vincent @ PlasticPilot” is also meaningless, as I’m the sole author.
Dan tanner
October 19th, 2008 5:09 am
I have never thought about SEO aspects when posting here.
Its very clear most postings on blogs have a “NOFOLLOW ” tag. That is fine. I come here because I enjoy reading and interacting and mixing with others and the posts are great.
On my blog everyone is welcome to leave ” Keyword enriched” link. It also has ” FOLLOW ” TAGS which may increase your search engine rankings. If you did not do that I may beat you with a stick for being so naive.
http://www.indexoptionstrading.alliancemtg.com
I am for the free world where we help each other and improve each other and if you can benifit from our blog in some way even just by visiting or getting a ” FOLLOW” link back to you -that is awesome.
I think if everyone did the same and (you can take a survey) it will be a vastly improved system in my humble opinion.
Tressa
October 19th, 2008 5:21 am
hi, I use Tressa, I still get the person touch with my name, but I am not fully identified. You make some excellent points, I did notice the long in names, and you have helped keep my reference of using my first name.
Thanks
T
Mike
October 19th, 2008 5:23 am
Hey Rajaie AlKorani you are a brand It all how you market yourself
izzat
October 19th, 2008 5:28 am
i use my name, just my first name, because that what people always calls me, they call izzat not izzat aziz, but my blog name is izzataziz.com not izzat.com :D
Mark Dykeman
October 19th, 2008 5:34 am
Without fail I use my own name. Consistency of online identity and branding.
Jay | Wealthy Affiliate Insider
October 19th, 2008 5:42 am
I use my real name which is Jay and the name of my blog “Wealthy Affiliate Insider” which could also be descriptive or branding of myself.
If you visit my blog, I also post as Jay but I’m looking at using my entire name for personal branding reasons.
Adrianos
October 19th, 2008 5:45 am
I use my first name because it is a particularly unusual first name (Adrianos) and for branding purposes. How many people do you know with my name? It also fits with my lawyering style, which is relaxed and personable. I do include my last name sometimes, however.
David
October 19th, 2008 5:45 am
@Plastic Pilot: I might add that your method would appear to work. I saw your name and clicked through because I love flying (pilot being the obvious connection of course) – but I probably wouldn’t have done so based solely on your comment (relevant and logical as it was). I’m happy because I’ve got a new site to read.
:)
Christine B.
October 19th, 2008 5:45 am
I also use my own name, but like some other people commenting here I do it because if it promotes me as a person/professional, it’s a bonus. In addition, I agree with you that using keywords doesn’t get people to click on them (I wouldn’t), and in my line of business I wouldn’t mind a few extra visitors to my site. Sometimes I could use a site name, or work title, depending on whether it is relevant.
John Lacey
October 19th, 2008 5:53 am
I use my real name. I guess I just lack imagination. ;)
Alan
October 19th, 2008 6:11 am
That’s a smart question and I think I’ve tried them all to be honest.
I’ve often wondered which is best.
Davina
October 19th, 2008 6:13 am
I like my real name. I use my real name. Blogging wouldn’t feel authentic otherwise. I’d feel like I was keeping some kind of secret and that would alter my voice and the message.
Jonathan
October 19th, 2008 6:14 am
I use my real name, as I have here. I agree with the “personal” feel it gives. Also, when I leave my real name, it makes me feel like I actually care about what I’m commenting on and what I’m blogging about.
I’ve been tracking this blog for a while, and this is the first time I’ve commented. It “feels” like you care about what you blog about. That’s why I keep coming back to this blog. You have great insight on the blogging world, and I think it shows through your interest in what you write.
So yeah, real names work best for me!
Lisa Jeffries
October 19th, 2008 6:18 am
More often than not, I use my full name for many reasons: local familiarity (if it’s a Raleigh-based blog or site) and the additional credibility.
With that said, I’m not one of those folks who runs around online spouting off awful comments without thought, so I’m not worried about tarnishing my reputation.
Otherwise, I often use “ncsulilwolf” which is my “registered username” on many sites, similar to my AIM screenname, etc. for familiarity and branding, too.
I will most likely use my business name in conjunction with my real name (as the principle owner of the business) in the professional arena.
Great topic for discussion!
Simon Gould
October 19th, 2008 6:37 am
All of a sudden your comments links are filled with personal names ;)
Andrew
October 19th, 2008 6:42 am
I use ‘Andrew’, I am trying to establish myself as a single-namer in the same way as Madonna, or Sting.
I don’t like Keywords or even site names. It seems false to me when people do that they just create barriers.
Keith Cash
October 19th, 2008 6:42 am
I would say 99 percent of the time I use my real name, over the years I might have tried a keyword or two but mostly my middle name.
Neeshes
October 19th, 2008 6:51 am
My parents were cruel. This is my real name. Ah, not really.
Rhys - Retro Garden
October 19th, 2008 7:10 am
Either Rhys or Rhys – Retro Garden. Nothing new there, it’s a pain that I have a “Brandable” name (in a bad way). Some guy thought I was a product just commenting under “Rhys”, so that explains the name!
Gary McElwain
October 19th, 2008 7:11 am
I use my real name, which is my blog name. If people choose to cick on my comment they know who it is they
will come across. Although I think the name “Joe the Plumber” will start showing up a lot more for a couple of weeks. Speaking of keywords
Gary McElwain
virtual voyage
October 19th, 2008 7:12 am
I used my first name initially, but decided to change to the name of one blog as I have a number of family reasons for making personal identification less likely. Also, I find that with a common first name, the blog name gives better continuity of recognition if/when I have a break from blogging. Agree with you that the personal touch is more desirable, and am considering going back – maybe with a gender specific nickname. Sometimes I sign my name ‘at VV’.
AW
October 19th, 2008 7:24 am
I’ve always use the shorthand / full nickname which I also use on other web sites. The only problem is a lot of people think I’m a guy when they saw the nickname. :)
Yogesh Sarkar
October 19th, 2008 7:31 am
I almost always use my own name while leaving comments, like you said, majority of the blogs are nofollow anyway so it just doesn’t makes any sense to use keywords.
Rúben M.
October 19th, 2008 7:31 am
I always sign with my name, my name is my brand in the internet, of course i have a site, but i do not like it to use the url as a name, is strange e not very personal.
Chris
October 19th, 2008 7:40 am
My first name always–unless I’m at a site that prompts me to login with my username, which is not my first name. It feels more personal and real to me when others do likewise.
John Wang
October 19th, 2008 7:42 am
Real name. Makes much more sense and feels more authentic and personal.
Charlotte
October 19th, 2008 7:48 am
I use my first name. I hate the human comment spammers that leave keywords. They usually end up being deleted or, if they leave a decent comment, I’ll strip out their url.
Ray Ebersole
October 19th, 2008 7:48 am
From the years reading your blog Darren, I use my real name. As you have stated many times your name is your identity and you should have an “About (Insert Your Name)” page on your site. If you want legitimacy, while using common sense and courtesy when posting online you shouldn’t be afraid to use your name.
Stephanie
October 19th, 2008 7:54 am
I do a mixture, as I do have a common name. As others have said, it’s kind of a pain being mixed up with all the other people who have the same first name.
Some places when I comment, it’s name only. Other times it’s name – website name. No focus on keywords. I really don’t like the spammy look of that.
It’s mostly a matter of how I’ve gotten into the habit of referring to myself for a particular site. No solid rhyme or reason to it.
Kathy @ Virtual Impax
October 19th, 2008 8:29 am
I use a “hybrid” of my name + my business name.
I used to just leave my business name, especially when I was on an “all boys club” blog. Then, I got “banned” from commenting because the blogger told me I was trying to “SEO Optimize” for keywords.
SNORT!!! My business name hardly qualifies as a highly searched keyword! Then again, this guy’s blog was an “all boy’s club” and when I commented on earlier posts (using another blog where my email was “info@”) it wasn’t a problem. (Oh, and the other blog’s name was FULL of highly desired keywords – Niche Marketing! ) Seems that when he saw I was a girl, THEN it was a problem.
I’ve since decided that anyone who has a problem with my gender doesn’t deserve my RSS subscription. There are too many great bloggers out there to fight with the few jerks!
Andy Bailey
October 19th, 2008 8:35 am
I always leave my full name, always have, always will!
I think it’s more polite that way, I’d never go into someones house and introduce myself as “wordpress plugins” lol!
Kin
October 19th, 2008 8:38 am
My nickname, Kin, was bestowed upon me 10 years ago by my flower girl and now online and offline I’m often known as Kin – even Aunty Kin to my nieces and nephews.
Kin is also part of my brand at kinshome.net and kinsmoney.com
I reserve my real name on the internet for paid work related purposes.
Mary Corbet
October 19th, 2008 8:45 am
My name. Always. It’s more personal.
And besides, if anyone googles it, they’ll probably end up at my website, anyway, so what’s the diff?
MC
Roy Scribner
October 19th, 2008 9:08 am
When I can teach my Blog to comment intelligently on other’s Blogs, I will allow it to use its own name :) I prefer to use my name, because a comment is personal. Likewise, I fill-out the website link in case my comment has piqued someone’s interest and they want to find out more about me. Marketing has a place, and in general we’re not nearly conscious enough of the times when it is not appropriate.
Ryan McLean
October 19th, 2008 9:14 am
I used to use my name and branding
Ryan @ Smarter Wealth
by now I just use my name Ryan McLean
I want people to know me and my name and that is better branding than anything else
shawal
October 19th, 2008 9:25 am
I’m always use my name….
Its make me more human……
Rick
October 19th, 2008 9:37 am
I have always been reluctant to leave my real name. But the bottom line is If I have nothing to hide what difference does it make, And besides I’ll bet there’s at least one more Rick out there.
Nancy McCord
October 19th, 2008 9:39 am
I leave my real name. You know I have never thought of using keywords or a tag line. Hmm, maybe I should think of that – no just kidding.
You would be surprised at how many “SEO” firms are still telling clients that comments on blogs help build links and search engine capital. Google, Blogger, WordPress, and Typepad did away with that over a year ago!
Personally I like the tag line too as branding is a part of who you are.
So in that vein…
Signing Off,
Nancy McCord
http://www.mccordweb.com
Where the focus is on your success!
Joel Drapper
October 19th, 2008 9:39 am
I use my name mostly. There is no point in commenting with keywrods here because you don’t have the dofollow plugin installed.
I like blogs that use keyword luv. (You can enter Your Name@Your Keywords) and the result is Name from Keywords said: with “Keywords” being the link.)
Syed Balkhi
October 19th, 2008 9:55 am
I leave my real name because I want people to know who I am because I have too many projects going on… can’t just change names everywhere.
Chris M
October 19th, 2008 10:22 am
I don’t think I’ve ever left a comment without “Chris M” in my life and I’ve been blogging since about 1997 :)
My website is iMod.co.za, so I often thought that perhaps I should leave my name as Chris iMod, which is clever I guess, and if the person doesn’t have nofollow setup, it would help in SERP rankings.
Deb - Mom of 3 Girls
October 19th, 2008 10:34 am
I use a combination of my first name and my blog name. Mainly though because I know of several other ‘Deb’ bloggers so I want to distinguish myself so people know who’s commenting. :)
Great post – I’d never really even thought about it this way before!
Rob O.
October 19th, 2008 10:55 am
Always my real name “Rob O.” – just with the last name abbreviated for brevity – and I got tired of encountering webforms that choked on the apostrophe. Albeit that was long ago, I occasionally still find some of those flaky input forms.
thefencepost
October 19th, 2008 11:10 am
I usually leave my twitter/plurk name. People know me by that online and it let’s others know what I blog about (not many fence bloggers out there).
Certainly something to consider.
Keith
penitentman
October 19th, 2008 11:16 am
Ok, now this post has me thinking. A couple other Mike’s already posted. I may have to start using my blog name!
Ooh.. I know. I’ll use my blog name in the “name” field, but then hand sign my comment!
So there!
-Mike
Geek's Dream Girl
October 19th, 2008 11:46 am
I leave my site name because it’s more recognizable as me. My “real real” name isn’t on my blog because of my day job (teacher), so everywhere on the web, I’m either Geek’s Dream Girl or E.
Lin Burress
October 19th, 2008 11:47 am
Darren, I’m so glad you’ve done this article on using names or keywords in comments. It annoys the H*** outta me when people use keywords instead of their name.
For a very brief time, I would email the keyword commenter and ask for their name and refer them to my comment policy if they had any questions. Lately I don’t do that anymore. I’m much more willing and LIKELY to delete as spam without hesitation, even if the comment is relevant.
It’s getting harder and harder to detect real people leaving comments vs the spam bots (or jerks who only comment on Do-Follow blogs), and I’m fed up with trying to decipher it all the time.
And as you said very eloquently, using real names makes it much easier to build relationships of trust with readers/visitors, that keyword names do not accomplish.
Luis Cruz
October 19th, 2008 11:53 am
I use my name – like you, I tend to view comments with keywords as spammy.
MLS RUmors
October 19th, 2008 12:14 pm
Being that we are a blog which deals in anonymous tips and rumors, and being that the blog itself is run by multiple contributors and editors, many of whom would rather not face a retaliation by those whose secrets we reveal, we found it best to band together under our brand, MLS Rumors or MLSR when posting to other blogs. Our blog itself is a niche within a niche within a niche. An sports site which specializes in Major League Soccer anonymous rumors so its best that we build the overall brand rather than any one particular contributor, though some of our contributors have signed off on their individual posts, they are all under shared MLS Rumors or MLSR accounts.
Ned Carey
October 19th, 2008 12:16 pm
I have been using my real name. In part because I want to brand myself. I have considered using keywords and actually adding a signature with my real name in the post itself.
Since many blogs I comment on are follow blogs this would help. Also when I check links in Google webmaster tools it shows nofollow links. I wonder if Google’s algorithm actually gives some credit for “NoFollow” links that they believe to be legitimate.
Ned Carey
--Deb
October 19th, 2008 12:57 pm
I always use my real name, but I always put the “–” in front. Partly because that’s the way I always sign my name–whether typed or handwritten, I put a dash before my name; partly to differentiate myself from all the other “Deb”s out there. Besides, I leave comments on a variety of blogs and link back to one of three possible blogs of my own, depending on the type of blog I’m commenting on. By always writing my actual name correctly, if I goof and fill in the wrong web address, at least the blog-owners where I regularly comment can figure out it’s me!
Jason the TVaholic
October 19th, 2008 12:58 pm
I personally like the name plus blog name/brand, especially on a blog like this that has people covering all kinds of topics. It gives you a mini preview of what that person’s site is about and you can find others with similar interests. Plus, it feels like you are conversing with a real person.
I don’t mind if you are using a pseudonym or some other name or nickname that you are known by, cause you still feel like you are responding to a person.
What I don’t like is comments that just use keywords, cause I’m not responding to them and tend to not even let them be published. Most of them are spam anyway, so it doesn’t happen often.
But, what I really don’t like is the leaving of signatures at the end of a comment. Your name is already a link and I don’t think you need a second one, let alone a tag line and salutation. This isn’t an email or a forum post. Adding 2-5 extra lines to each comment just expands the page more than is needed in my opinion.
Rahul
October 19th, 2008 1:06 pm
I used to leave my the keyword as my name or rather is this not even a keyword. And now-a-days I use my nickname. But, this is because I started doing so. But, I plan to change it to my personal name i.e., “Rahul”.
Hamdani Amin
October 19th, 2008 1:46 pm
I leave my name on the comment field. I leave the brand or promotional excessive, at my blog.
When I put down my comment on any blog, I am interacting with the owner which happen to be a human being and a person.
It is the blog’s owner decision to click or visit my blog from the comment I leave because I don’t intend any comment I leave as a promotion or linkback to my blog.
Potato Chef
October 19th, 2008 1:52 pm
Darren your name is a brand to itself. So it makes sense to use it. My name means nothing to anybody…except possibly on a good day, my mother and my wife.
I use “Potato Chef” becasue it tells people what I’m about and it is a name that people stop at when they see it. If thier choice to notice the name “Bill” or the name “Potato Chef” I guarentee that Potato Chef wins out.
Also because the name is descriptive people click on it out of curiousity.
Keral Patel
October 19th, 2008 2:27 pm
I leave my own name :) as left here in this comment itself.
Marc Rohde
October 19th, 2008 2:34 pm
I always use my own name. What use is trying to build brand and community if you are trying to be anonymous.
Own your thoughts, own your comments, own your brand.
Natasha @ Maw Books
October 19th, 2008 3:19 pm
I always use my name and my blog name. I feel like it brands myself as an individual and my blog. The book bloggers are a pretty tight niche community but many of them have the same name. I always have two Trish’s, two Sarah’s, two Jen’s leave comments quite regularly and at a glance I can never tell who is who. When I am blog hopping and see that they have left a comment. I’m always asking myself, now which Trish is that? I finally had a Rebecca realize that there was another Rebecca and when she started branding her blog name I was ever so grateful.
Tyler Ingram
October 19th, 2008 3:36 pm
I use my real name. Why not? I find it more personal and when people see that I have commented on their site they head over to my site and check it out.
Besides I like to stay #1 in google for my name ;)
Dilip Shaw
October 19th, 2008 4:22 pm
Real Name and Real Website.
http://www.DilipShaw.com/
Though I agree in some posts I do use my other website keywords.
David
October 19th, 2008 4:29 pm
I mainly use my real name to comment.It makes the blog owners feel like they are interacting with human.
~Kat~
October 19th, 2008 4:43 pm
I have enjoyed reading the comments almost as much as reading the post! I use my nickname with a swoosh~ (or whatever that’s called!) It is my name and my branding. And just like another commenter I have more than one blog I may choose to link to, so by making my name distinctive people know it’s me!
I think that it is very interesting that while you say your commenters split about 60/40 on the real name/keyword, in this comment thread it looks like very few who use keywords for names are commenting!
Eli
October 19th, 2008 6:52 pm
I always prefer using my real first name, nothing else. Using ‘keywords’ just smells like spam. I normally approve comments using keywords/website titles as the username though.
Tom Hanna
October 19th, 2008 6:57 pm
I occasionally use something after my name to give other readers an idea what I write about, but generally I go with just my name. I started blogging for reasons other than making money directly from it and one of them was to get some name recognition, so signing with my name seems to make sense.
Shafar
October 19th, 2008 7:33 pm
Usually I leave comments as my real name and link to my homepage.
Russell Coker
October 19th, 2008 7:44 pm
http://etbe.coker.com.au/2008/09/13/not-all-opinions-are-equal/
In the above blog post I explain my opinions regarding the identity of a commentator and the value I attribute to the comment. I use my real name (which can be verified by a google search or by clicking on the URL I submit with the comment) and give a greater weight to comments from people who do the same.
People who write anonymous comments on my blog tend to be unsuccessful when they are trying to convince me of something (which happens often – I regularly write posts which take a stand on an issue).
Madeira
October 19th, 2008 8:04 pm
Lol – well if the comments are no follow then like others have said then people will just sign off as follows:
http://www.capitaldrinks.com
Bob Firestone
October 19th, 2008 8:16 pm
If it is just key words then I always consider it spam. The only exception is if the comment is mind blowing good.
music. marketing. management.
October 19th, 2008 8:42 pm
Yay, devil’s advocate!
Man there are a lot of cats here with . . . I guess what I could describe as normal kinda samey anglo sounding names just like mine and I have no clue what their blogs offer. If I saw any other music or musicians or music marketing bloggers here I’d at least click through.
I guess I’m not changing the autofill just because there’s no SEO benefit to it here specifically. This isn’t my community. I just know Darren is a respectable info source and occasionally I come by and comment. Often I comment other blogs just for the do follow link.
It’s so I can get higher ranks in Google for my keywords, and convert that into revenue, and y’know what? I’m okay with that.
Andreas from Xavier Media
October 19th, 2008 9:32 pm
I use my first name and my company name i.e. “Andreas from Xavier Media”.
/Andreas
Lee
October 19th, 2008 9:41 pm
I always use my real name, but mainly my first name only, not that I’m concerned but if I commenting on someone’s words then that’s what I’m there to do, not to promote myself so much.
I don’t mind what name people use on my site as long as their comment is on topic and they’ve actually read the post (you can tell).
BiteTheDust
October 19th, 2008 9:59 pm
I use my “brand”/business name as the name but always sign off with Robbo.
I can’t use my first name where I am for cultural reasons so everyone I deal with uses my nickname, even up to state manager level in government departments
.
Most wouldn’t even know my real name.
Robbo
Teach My Children Well
October 19th, 2008 10:20 pm
This is the first time I’ve used the name of my blog. Until now I’ve always used my first name here and my first and surname elsewhere. That’s mostly because the blogs I comment on are friendly community based sites where it’s easier to be accepted if you appear to be genuine.
However on sites like this where there are so many comments (this is 160ish) that very few people bother to read them all, it’s like p*ssing into the wind.
I’ve left two comments above under my real name and in both of those I tried to reach out to other people – without response (so far).
Darren, your site is terrific but it doesn’t exactly feel like it’s a community here in the comments (no offence intended), it feels more like people are advertising.
So why would I want to leave my real name in the clickable link? All it does is make me feel like I’m even more anonymous (amongst this huge crowd) when no one follows the link anyway.
Unless you’re very insightful, very entertaining or very annoying, people aren’t going to click through. So you might as well leave your brand for those who like to skim. No one is going to click on all 160 links so you might as well make yourself stand out from the crowd and at least have a chance. Those who wouldn’t click because it looks spammy wouldn’t click anyway. Like I said no one clicks all 160 links.
I must stress I’m not having a go at you Darren. I’m not trying to insult you or anyone else. I guess It’s just the nature of popular sites.
Cheers
Dave
Angel Cuala
October 19th, 2008 10:53 pm
Hi Darren,
In case you did not noticed, I am the “Guardian Angel” but now I am using my real name in everywhere I post (except for forums) about 3 months ago since I had my own domain.
I am supposed to use Father Blogger since it is also the name of my blog, but forum members call me father. I feel like a priest then, lol!
I also click some of the commentators’ link hoping to meet other bloggers, but I read their comments first. If I feel that their comments are useless, I do not click them even if they are using their real names. I feel that they are only promoting their blogs and that annoys me a lot.
Ann
October 19th, 2008 11:19 pm
I mostly leave my personal name with a slight changes in it ;) . Sometimes depending on the topic I post & content I post I might use my pseudo handle alternatively. Real Name or Pseudo as long as the message is conveyed I guess that would be it!I make it a point to leave personal name when I think its right :) like here !!
Pangeran | PANGERAN.ORG
October 19th, 2008 11:23 pm
Hi, Darren, I use my real name since the beginning of my blogging activity…
But, as I am growing to have more than 1 blog, I want to be identify as someone from which and which blog depends on the relativity.
For example, commenting on blog like Problogger.net I will use the name as it above.
While if I comments on other blog that is related to my other blog, I’ll use the name of that blog instead behind my name and separate it with a “|”.
I don’t care if it a dofollow or nofollow.
i just want “sell” my name and the blog name that are related to the blog I am commenting…
Sincere
October 19th, 2008 11:32 pm
I definitely use my name, for the most part. I feel name is my brand. However, I may put my cause/moniker in parentheses, for example: Sincere Hogan (The People’s Fit Coach).
I never thought of the SEO you mentioned. Yet, I feel the tactic is a bit dodgy. In most cases, I think if you post a comment of interest to other blog viewers, they will click on your name and visit your blog, in order to learn more about you.
Nate Zhuno
October 20th, 2008 12:19 am
My name is partially my own and a brand name…
It is funny you should mention that this is no follow site because I do tend to comment on site that I know that I am going to receive some SEO benefit from. I don’t think that is wrong – it is all just part and parcel of making sure that we all benefit each other.
I monitor all of my comments so I have officially made my blog a DoFollow site due to the fact that I see no reason to prevent people from getting a benefit from it (unless of course they link my site to a banned website). I am currently ranked at zero but that is not the point – we all start somewhere and I will not remain there long because I know the importance of making sure that I get backlinks.
My last post is actually about No_follow and DoFollow blogs.
Schan Ezan - Marketers World
October 20th, 2008 12:35 am
Hi Darren,
I used to leave comments with keywords.
The reason is, sometimes I elaborate some portion of the original blog in my blog post, and I want people to come and see the elaborated version. I was thinking that by leaving comments with keywords related to the topic I elaborated, it might increase tendency for people to come and read it.
But I do agree with you that using keyword is closer to SPAM. And now I am not so sure whether to use keywords or not?
What do you think?
Lee Ann/Beyond Belief
October 20th, 2008 12:43 am
Thanks for making me think about being strategic with something as seemingly simple as what name you use when you leave comments.
I have never left a comment with anything other than my real name – until now.
However, that said – I will click through to someone’s site that leaves a relevant, thoughtful and thought provoking comment whether they use their name or a business name.
Darren Cronian
October 20th, 2008 12:46 am
I always use my full name. If I am replying to a comment within my niche then I would leave the URL. Where the niche is not related to mine, then I usually don’t bother.
Laura @ Practical Homeschooling
October 20th, 2008 12:47 am
Well I USED to only leave my name (Laura). But since you’ve mentioned it, I think that adding what I’m about might draw more interest in what I blog about.
When I sign off Laura, they just look at my comment (which is my intention to begin with), but I guess that by doing a little innocent branding, I can get extra views from those who might be interested in homeschooling.
Darla ~ Sassy Homemaker
October 20th, 2008 1:00 am
I agree with Julia @HOH. I don’t ever use my last name online so I use my blog name along with my first name.
vanae
October 20th, 2008 1:37 am
bonjour darren,
i always use ‘vanae’, my real name.
when i leave a comment, it’s because i have something genuine to share and i want to have a dialogue with the blogger.
also, i’m in the process of branding my name.
thanks darren!
vanae
Mik
October 20th, 2008 1:39 am
I use my first name and if the site has gravatars, my image has the name of my blog in it.
Tracey Tarrant, Virtual Assistant
October 20th, 2008 1:48 am
I actually do both. You’ll notice I have my name and then Virtual Assistant which is the most common keyword for my industry.
Tracey Tarrant, Virtual Assistant
Ajith Edassery
October 20th, 2008 1:50 am
I use my real name (First name + Last name)… Though it may not be SEO friendly, I still want to avoid admin or DollarShower (domain name), or tagline
Ajith
Victor
October 20th, 2008 1:52 am
The majority of foolish and ignorant bloggers out there have no clue as to the value of a good comment! Who gives a rip about what name they leave. What matters is that they leave me a comment of substantial length that relates to my post and maybe even uses one or two of the keywords I was targeting.
You know what that is? FREE CONTENT!
So, to all you spammers out there: as long as you leave good free content for me, I will always approve your comment, no follow or do follow.
BTW–a link is a link folks!
Victor
Shoto Azikuri
October 20th, 2008 1:54 am
I use my real name and my real name is title of my blog too :)
and sometime i use my nick name “shotazi”
Nicole
October 20th, 2008 1:57 am
I use both depending on if there are any goals that I want to accomplish by leaving the commment. Usually, I use my name, but if there is a post that I really want to promote heavily, I use the name of my blog. If I am running a contest or some type of interactive event, I use the title of that event. My varied approach has also been the result of me trying to figure out what would work best in getting some type of response either on the blog that I am commenting on OR on my blog.
Also, since my name is pretty general, I may leave the name of my blog to differentiate myself from someone else who may have commented with the same comment title. This is a rare occurence, but to me it is worth considering, especially if the comments have clashing perspectives.
Adele - Yoga Babe Cafe
October 20th, 2008 2:24 am
Now I’m confused. I am fairly new to Blogging and in the overwhelm stage of learning, as you recently wrote about. I always used my real name when blogging until this week when I read that it helped with SEO to use key words when leaving a name. So I started using the name of my Blog which I kind of liked because it told more. But if you say that it doesn’t help with SEO then I guess it doesn’t matter. Maybe for me the best thing would be that combination of both which I’ll try here.
Jodith
October 20th, 2008 2:39 am
*laughs* I use my name, although the name I use depends on where I’m commenting. I have several blogs, one of which is personal. I use a pseudonym on the personal blog. So if I’m commenting on a blog that is more of a personal interest than professional, I use my pseudonym with the link to the personal blog. Other places, like ProBlogger, I use my real name with my professional blog address.
Especially on my professional blog, I want to tie my identity to the blog. I am Administrative Arts. The whole point of the site is to share my experience with others. So using my name, to me, is as important as using the site name. Because I am the blog.
Surender
October 20th, 2008 2:43 am
Hi dareen,
I feel some visitors comments in different name.But You are right.We should leave comments using real name.
See my name is Surender.But some time i tried for comments iBOOZi. this is the name of my blog like http://www.iboozi.com
But i feel guilty here.Sorry next time never repeat.
Waken | NetBizSimplified
October 20th, 2008 3:07 am
I like to use my real name and my site name as what you can see here.
Dan tanner
October 20th, 2008 3:17 am
Good to see everyone using their own names. But be honest don’t you want a link back to you? Sure you do. But this post has made you self conscious because..of some guilt.
I think that we all should have Keyword rich anchor texts and do follow tags so we can benefit from each other. nothing wrong building a solid community.
Notice I am not putting a link. I still enjoy coming here.
Haroun Kola
October 20th, 2008 3:38 am
I enjoyed this post and everyones responses and ideas. I’ve always used my full name or nickname and engage better with people who do the same on my blog for exactly the same reason you do, Darren, personal interaction with another living, breathing and warm being behind that keyboard.
Egirl
October 20th, 2008 3:47 am
I prefer to use my nickname rather than my “real” name. A few years ago I was a victim if identify theft and stalking so it was necessary to change some things to gain more security.
Womanistmusings
October 20th, 2008 3:49 am
Well it depends on where I am leaving the comment. If I have become a regular commenter on a blog I use my name Renee, because I have associated my name with with my blog. If I rarely comment on a blog I use womanist musings because it is the name of my blog. I have learned that both names are associated with me and serve the purpose of efficient blog branding without and in your face reference or link back to my blog.
The more comfortable I feel commenting on a blog the more likely I am to use my name. Using my name means that I want to engage with the blogger in question.
Nate Zhuno
October 20th, 2008 4:05 am
This is a reply to Dan Tanner… you know you really should have put a link because I agree with what you are saying there and probably would have clicked through onto your site!
I have now specifically downloaded a plugin to make sure that my site is Do Follow directly because of reading this post. Just because people do expect to have an SEO benefit from a link does not mean that they will spam some rubbish in the comment box.
I say we should afford people the ability to gain some SEO benefit.
Taylor Blue
October 20th, 2008 4:08 am
I use my blog nick name. I think it’s a lot more personal and doesn’t seem like I am selling something. If you wanted to you could click on my name to see my site…so I hope my comments are good enough for you to want to see more of what I do.
Winagain -This is an advertising!
October 20th, 2008 4:08 am
I always use my nick name (have had if for years) and it’s easier for me to remember than trying to put a link to my sites in each comment, wich by the way, I know doesn’t generate “link juice”.
Real estate investing
October 20th, 2008 4:49 am
Nate,
Scroll up Dan Tanner commented earlier and had his link in it.
Ned Carey
David B Katague
October 20th, 2008 5:22 am
I used my real name about 90% of the time and chateaudumer my brand name another 10%.
Angela (Cottage Magpie)
October 20th, 2008 5:52 am
As you can see, I use the combo method – Angela (Cottage Magpie). In my case, most of my comments are to fellow category bloggers–it is something I do to reciprocate/pay my dues with other bloggers in my category. So it’s important that I include my blog name for that reason. Plus, I don’t think most people would know who it was if I didn’t leave my name! :-)
~Angela :-)
Germán
October 20th, 2008 6:02 am
I use my name, think this is a conversation and I like to be called by my real name.
:)
Davina
October 20th, 2008 6:21 am
@ Teach My Children Well (I know you!) Wow, you’ve made an excellent point here! Seems there are a lot of factors involved here and you’ve just pointed out a big one. There are a lot of comments here and sometimes a name is just a name.
@ Dan Tanner, a couple of months ago this would have been true for me. I was a new blogger and the only way to get noticed was to leave comments. Now, I’m honestly here because I enjoy the reading and like to share the conversation. I’m not traffic hungry. I’ve got enough on my plate at the moment ;-)
Chris Smith
October 20th, 2008 6:49 am
I always use my name! I don’t see any reason to use “keywords” that is just lame.
I’ll concentrate on my content and not use “smoke and mirrors” to get readers.
Maree Harris
October 20th, 2008 7:21 am
Darren, I have often wondered about this being a relatively new blogger. I always use my real name, both first name and surname. Its partly because I actually want to build a relationship with people on the net – if I spend so much time there. I want something real and I can’t see how I can do that if I’m not being who I really am. I do sometimes wonder if there is a risk of some kind, but I usually only think that way after I’ve read someone telling me there is.
The second reason I use my real name is for the same reason you do. I want to build my brand. I want people to know who I am and to identify me, my name and my brand with quality comment.
So thanks for this post. It gives me confidence to continue the way I have started.
Nukirk
October 20th, 2008 7:50 am
I use my nickname for a few reasons. The first and foremost is because I like to brand that name. It’s a name no one else have or uses, and it sound like a variation of a real name.
But I’m also real about what I said/saying.
I only use my real name under certain posts… like, guest blogs.
Teach My Children Well
October 20th, 2008 8:47 am
@ Davina (I know you too!) I might be in danger of shooting down my own argument but I saw your name earlier. I didn’t know it was you for certain (not enough detail) so I clicked through anyway. And there you were!
Heidi
October 20th, 2008 9:02 am
Well, I was known only by the handle “Anemone Flynn” online for a long time. Since starting my copywriting business I’ve moved to my real name and using the business email and website, simply for continuity’s sake.
When I’m somewhere completely unrelated with my work, or where I don’t want to spread my real name, I will comment as Anemone. But it was going to be way too confusing to keep Anemone Flynn and Punctuating Reality in the same circles. So … real name wins out for me, here and in most places now. I’m sad about the alias, sometimes, because it’s been my favorite for a while. But efforts at recognition win over fun and confusion in this case, I’m afraid.
Heidi
Marvin Macatol
October 20th, 2008 9:20 am
The question is a real issue to me. Frankly I didn’t know for sure. But upon reflecting on the different ways posted by Darren, I’m settling with posting my full name :) This is the thing that’s most consistent with my long-term objective. I started blogging only recently, and my blogs are of a personal/family nature–fatherhood. You would certainly want a real person behind those posts :)
Boss
October 20th, 2008 9:28 am
I generally use my nickname, Boss, and it’s what I will put on everything I sign up for. Sometimes someone already has Boss and I have to add “1345″ which is my initiation number for my fraternity.
Using keywords in the “name” box seems a little disrespectful, as I have seen a few people say on these comments.
Leaving your name and then the name of your blog wouldn’t matter to me as long as they leave a decent comment. I would leave the name of my site too but it’s long and I don’t want to always type that whole thing.
Lindsay
October 20th, 2008 9:41 am
I just use my first name.
When people leave comments on my blog and use keywords or their company name, I usually just delete the comment, since it’s clear they’re only there to promote their own stuff (and I think those types of comments look spammy when other non-internet-marketing types see them). Sure, we’re all looking to be noticed when we leave comments, but there’s something to be said for being subtle and at least *pretending* you’re there for the conversation.
CHVNX
October 20th, 2008 10:03 am
The name I use is an alteration of my nickname in the non-digital world (which serves as a mononame name, like ”) and also serves as my domain name for my Tumble Log (wikipedia-link).
However, I do not use this persona to make money online so I don’t consider it spamming. I don’t usually comment on the blogs, I read and I guess that hurts my reader numbers.
While my blog is nearly a year old, I did not have comments installed. I now have Disqus’ commenting system installed and I have been receiving a few comments a week. Since I do not track my website’s Google Analytics data as often as I should, I basically have no idea who is coming to my blog. With the ability to leave comments on my blog also came the ability to know who was reading it.
Sandwiched
October 20th, 2008 10:27 am
I use a pseudonym, also my Twitter handle: Sandwiched. It’s also the name of my blog (hence, “branding”). I chose to remain anonymous for a couple of reasons: the first being security for my family when I blog about them, and the second being that since I occasionally use my blog to rant, I (hopefully) protect the innocent.
That being said, I do like the use of real names, although after frequenting certain blogs and social media like Twitter, it IS possible to make your pseudonym just as welcoming and friendly as a “real name” (cases in point: Dooce, Fussypants, RocksinmyDryer, etc.).
Bob- Farmidable
October 20th, 2008 10:44 am
I often leave both my name and the site that I’m from. I want people to know who I am and what I represent. My Friend and I run a design/illustration blog and we could use the traffic, but in the end I don’t want to deceive anyone. I don’t think you get good traffic from being a jerk or trying to trick people into clicking over to your site anyway.
Jon Sollie
October 20th, 2008 11:14 am
My preference at this point would be to use my real name. I can understand why some would prefer to go the anonymous route for security, and even legal liability purposes!
Branding has to be a long drawn out affair, so why not use
every available means?
All the best,
Jon
Voyagerfan5761
October 20th, 2008 11:57 am
I comment under this pseudonym, Voyagerfan5761. It’s become my online identity over the last several years.
Planet Malaysia
October 20th, 2008 2:14 pm
Of course I will use Planet Malaysia – http://www.planetmy.com to promote Malaysian Blogger. Read Malaysian Blog, Read Planet Malaysia.
Thejesh GN
October 20th, 2008 3:08 pm
I use my real name ( use my OpenId if it is supported).
Nikke Lindqvist
October 20th, 2008 8:27 pm
I always use my own name – both in my blogs, when commenting in other people’s blogs, in forums, when microblogging and in all kinds of social media sites.
I find it increasingly difficult to have an intelligent argument with someone calling themselves Planet Malaysya or Sandwiched and it always turns out that these people, when interacting on a more personal level, need at least one or two emails to establish the name they suddenly start using.
I also use my own face in avatars and gravatars and try to keep it updated as times go by.
uncle wilco
October 20th, 2008 9:23 pm
Online, I use my online persona, as that’s what everyone knows me as.
of course this was broken last year when the Press Association interviewed me and printed my real name.. and was pick up offline…. but at least my mother was happy
Steve
October 20th, 2008 9:32 pm
I always use my real name – it just feels too spammy to use a keyword. I wouldn’t want keyword-named comments on my blog and I guess other people wouldn’t want them on their blog so I don’t do it.
Having said that, I can see why people do it – especially on blogs that don’t have no-follow on the links. I have found it hard to get links using my target keywords and putting it in blog comments is an easy option.
From looking at Google Webmaster tools I can see that Google has picked up a lot of the comments I have left on other blogs and used the keyword of “Steve” from the link – so Google is thinking that my blog has some info about “Steve” which isn’t really true and if somesone searches for Steve and lands on my blog they will be dissapointed.
So, using real names looks better. Using keywords looks spammy. But from the search engine point of view the keyword is probably the better option.
Teach My Children Well
October 20th, 2008 10:15 pm
The conclusion I’ve come to is it doesn’t matter what name you use. I’ve used ‘David’ and ‘Teach My Children Well’. (David brought two clicks and TMCW brought none.)
If your comment is lost in amongst 210 others you can write an essay and nobody will click through because nobody sees it.
Seriously, Darren – Can I ask what value you get from a post like this one, because honestly, I feel like I’m talking to myself.
I’m stiil noy having a go, I’m just asking. :)
Cheers
Dave
Mary
October 20th, 2008 10:51 pm
I use my first name, Mary, which is common enough to still lend a sense of anonymity. I’ve never thought about SEO on my comments. Rather, I focus on being part of a conversation. I would prefer the sense of community and friendship to any furthering of my website(s). If I get hits from this comment, great. If not, I still feel I learned something and contributed in some way.
Shanita
October 20th, 2008 10:53 pm
I mostly leave my personal name always as a trademark!! Sometimes I tend to leave my fancy name depending on the topic I post & content I post . Real Name or handle as long as the message is conveyed I guess that would be it!I
Carl V. Natale
October 21st, 2008 12:04 am
That’s my real name. I’m trying to build upon the brand of me so it doesn’t do me any good to go with a pseudonym. And I have pride in what I write.
I also am afraid that someone will infer nefarious motives to my pseudonym. Maybe I’m trying to make it look like someone agrees with my opinions by spreading comments around blogs.
I believe in transparency and encourage others to use their names. But everyone has their reasons and I don’t reject pseudonyms. They can make that choice. This is mine.
Carl V. Natale
October 21st, 2008 12:07 am
Oh crap, I almost forgot I do have a professional pseudonym – Duke of URL. I couldn’t resist using it since my boss wouldn’t let me make it my job title. But I make sure I either use my photo and/or real name with it. I’m not trying to hide anything. I’m just trying to be clever.
How well I succeed is up to you.
KimC
October 21st, 2008 1:27 am
I alternate between using just my name, and using my name and blog title, depending upon the circumstances.
I tend to attach my blog title when commenting on a blog where I might not be immediately recognized by name but my blog might be familiar – e.g. other mommy blogs.
If I’m somewhere that nobody is likely to recognize the title of my blog (like here on Problogger), I generally use just my own name – though I might add my blog title just because I’ve been told that it’s a very good and unusual title.
CoolProducts
October 21st, 2008 1:27 am
I think that as long as you are an actual person, with your own informed and useful opinions, then it automatically distinguishes yourself from your run-of-the-mill spammer. I use my companies name, but I am commenting on this blog as myself.
CoolProducts
October 21st, 2008 1:28 am
“My name (Vincent) is public on my blog, but not my surname, for privacy reasons. Leaving comments as “Vincent” would be much less noticeable than as “PlasticPilot”. A variant like “Vincent @ PlasticPilot” is also meaningless, as I’m the sole author.”
This is exactly the reason why I go about using CoolProducts as my tag. I completely understand where you’re coming from Darren, and on my blog (much smaller blog) I prefer for people to leave comments using their “names”. Here’s the thing though.. look @ it with the example of the yellow pages (a big yellow book of company advertisements in alphabetical order). It’s full of different advertisements, etc and like the ProBlogger comment section, there is never a lacking in content. Now, you may have the best quality comment on the post, but as people are scanning through the comment section, they see names.. and all the “personal” names tend to blur together until you hit a name that stands out. So basically you could say I am using a tactic to help draw eyes.
Genlisae
October 21st, 2008 2:26 am
Your post has really got me thinking.
I use Genlisae 100% of the time and it never occured to me to use my real name. Sometimes I will sign my name (Kate) to a forum post, sometimes I will sign an abbreviated Gen. The thing for me though is I have been “Genlisae” for so long that about half of the people that I talk to on a daily basis in person call me Gen. I am not sure some of them even know I have a different name.
This brings up an interesting question: Is my nickname, which has become as much a part of my identity as my given name, any less personal? I don’t believe it is, esspecially since the given name that I am identified with is actually an abbreviated nickname of what my birth certificate says.
Then again, Genlisae is a brand of sorts, it is how all of my artwork is signed making it my personal brand. It would seem that I have, in a sense (though definately not a negative sense), been taken over by my branding. While this was not intended, I can’t say I don’t welcome it and embrace it.
Kate is a very common name, Genlisae is distinctive. Genlisae will not get mixed up with someone else. It is unlikely I will ever hear “I’m sorry I seem to have contacted the wrong Genlisae.” and in my case, Genlisae is very personal, which brings me right back to the point of your post.
For the most part, I agree, I preffer a name rather than keywords or branding in my comments and I leave a highly personal name whenever I comment. Where I differ slightly in distinction is between most nicknames and real names. Some nicknames, like those with lots of numbers, will of course never be personal and you will never feel you are connecting with a human being. On occasion though, a nickname can be as personal as a real name, even more so. In instances like that, perhaps the nickname can provide more of a connection than using thier real name could have.
timmy
October 21st, 2008 2:46 am
I use either my name or my blog name. Since my blog name contains my name, my real name is sort of a brand anyhow. I do prefer using “timmy” as opposed to “tim” because that’s the form used in my blog name.
Georjina Sinese
October 21st, 2008 5:33 am
I use my name because it’s the easiest to remember:) Seriously, I’m the one leaving the comment and whether anyone else visits my blog or not is on them. Besides, I might meet you in person at an event and I really don’t think I’d want to introduce myself as ‘Bubble head didn’t have a clue online dot com’:)
BloggerNewbie
October 21st, 2008 5:39 am
Apparently this post is causing a little controversy! 222 responses…
I like to use my blog name or username because that is my pen name so to speak, BloggerNewbie is listed as the author of all my posts as well. But I am not trying to hide, my name is Dee Langdon, THE Dee Langdon. :)
JR @ IM Do-Follow Blog
October 21st, 2008 10:23 am
I use my name @ Blog name or keywords, this is good for the personal touch as well as the use of my keywords, I usually sign my first name after comment as well.
If blog comments are in part used for link building, which is almost always the case then it is stupid to use just a real name, no one will ever search for your real name when looking for a product or blog subject, so why would you want to rank for your first name?
Stacy
October 21st, 2008 10:56 am
I like to use my trade name Stacyknows . i nthink it is good for branding.
226 comments. totally impressive.
Awangku Yusli
October 21st, 2008 11:22 am
Real name, coz I’d like to think that it makes the other person feels he/she is talking to a real person.
Teach My Children Well
October 21st, 2008 4:20 pm
You know, I feel like I’ve wasted my time here. I mean completely wasted it.
Durkin - Go Holga
October 21st, 2008 9:25 pm
I try and vary what name I leave a comment under, but you have made me think about just using key words. It does look rather spammy.
Wintermute
October 21st, 2008 11:25 pm
If I’m commenting somewhere that my real name will be recognized before my handle, I’ll use it. But I’ve been using my handle for so long (since the BBS days) that it’s part of who I am.
Jonathan Drain, Dungeons & Dragons Blogger
October 22nd, 2008 5:42 am
At first I left comments under the name “Jonathan Drain’s D20 Source”, the title of my blog, then “Jonathan Drain’s D&D Blog” when I realised I needed higher rankings on the “D&D” keyword.
I realised though that people don’t all appreciate keyword stuffing, so I took the more appropriate measure of signing posts under my name rather than my website’s name, which made little sense. Anywhere my blog title is relevant, I sign as “Jonathan Drain, Dungeons & Dragons Blogger”.
letalouise
October 22nd, 2008 9:04 am
I use a pen name – like what Wintermute calls a “handle” – for all my online activities (like how Elton John is really Reg something). :-) ea/
Christopher Ross
October 22nd, 2008 11:33 pm
Hey Darren, I’ve always used my real name. To me blogging is about forming relationships and building communities, not keyword spamming on other people’s hard work. You do a great job here, I always assume that if you read my comments you’re likely to see my work and if that results in you RSS’ing me then great, I’m lucky to have you as a reader.
Deanna Castro
October 23rd, 2008 12:55 am
Interesting topic Darren. I like to use my real name. I am working on making my name my brand is the reason.
Even before I was branding myself, I would just use my first name because I always thought of blogs as being personal.
Takumi86
October 23rd, 2008 3:35 am
haha i never leave any brand name or something like that, just my Nickname thats all. But i think its quite helpful if you leave your name like, “Earn $100/month by this site” because thats the only thing to drag ppl attention.
jennine
October 23rd, 2008 6:55 am
this is good timing, because for the longest time i’ve been using an alias because i thought people would think of my blog when they saw the alias…. lady coveted from the coveted…
but… now i have two blogs, which overlap, but not always… and i’ve been finding that lady coveted sounds a bit… well, cheesy. so now i’m going to my original name, a name not many people have.
and no one in the whole world, or to googles knowledge has my full name… so that’s a brandable name.
Serge
October 23rd, 2008 9:29 pm
I’m leaving my real name and website when commenting. Because I’m a freelance photographer, you never know that clients will follow the link and become interested in working with me.
Chris Guthrie
October 24th, 2008 2:10 am
I just use my name because I’m trying to build my personal name up as a brand. This is because ChrisGuthrie.net is my blog and as such it makes sense to just post in this manner.
That and I’m shooting for name recognition. So that when people read a comment from me they see that it’s from Chris Guthrie and may think to themselves “He made a decent point there. I think I remember seeing his blog a while ago, let me check it out again”
Sort of like how you use Darren Rowse because it’s sort of grown into a brand (but to a much lesser extent obviously as I’m still building my blog up).
Steven-Sanders
October 24th, 2008 7:04 am
I don’t think Keywords are very ideal. Most comments are nofollow anyway, so it’s not helping for search engines.
Using your own name, or the name of your blog persona is probably more personable.
I’ve also seen people leave comments with their gravatar as something beside themselves. (i.e. a sexy woman wearing a bikini).
This may work for people clicking through to your blog, but it may not be so great in the long run.
I’ve written a post about this on my own blog.
If you’re interested in reading it, visit my blog and search for “sexy girl with big boobs”.
Byron Steele
October 26th, 2008 1:38 pm
I use my real name, its more personable and just plain easier than trying to think of something funny. Can’t stand it when people use trading names as handles. I usually use the same avatar when too when the forum allows it. Feel free to post thoughts on my blog:
http://webaesthetic.wordpress.com/
paranoid
October 28th, 2008 9:53 am
i prefer putting my name which i use as alias.!!!
and i keep it common everywhere with the same image..!!!!
coz it gives my consistency
i understand using yor blog name or brand name…helps you to boost your traffic..!!!
But i believe giving personal touch to your comments are btr then promoting your blog or brand!!!
Karen Leaves
October 29th, 2008 2:01 am
All the information that I found in this place is great!! Keel going ahead.
Karen Leaves
http://www.timeofplay.com
Joe M.
November 24th, 2008 2:56 pm
Here I’m using my first name, last initial. I’d like to leave my full name, but I have been noticing that things like that get indexed in Google. I basically write blogs as a hobby, but have been struggling using my name in my posts and comments on other sites because of my full time job. Anyone can be looked up on Google these days, but if you put your full name in forums, blog posts or comments, you may hear from your boss one day, “I looked you up on Google and noticed you’ve been quite busy writing about this and commenting about that”. I don’t want to slip up online and jeopardize my job in anyway. Maybe I’m being paranoid.
Toronto condominiums
December 11th, 2008 8:18 pm
this is good timing, because for the longest time i’ve been using an alias because i thought people would think of my blog when they saw the alias….
Car Insurance
January 29th, 2009 4:09 am
I use different names for different sites, but usually post as anonymous when I’m telling someone off :P
George Borton
February 17th, 2009 7:13 am
Nice post added you to my FeedReader and looking forward to more interesting posts.
Loan Modifications
April 11th, 2009 6:17 pm
Very well written. This is the kind of information that is useful to those want to increase their SERP’s. Keep up the good work.
Hanna @ Mermaid Costumes
May 19th, 2009 3:25 am
Putting a personal touch to anything one does, including blogging and Internet Marketing, is always preferable. But there is such a thing as over-doing it and it can, therefore, potentially cause a few problems. I vote for the right balance between the personal and the protected alias.
Digital Imaging Reviews
May 29th, 2009 6:42 am
This information will definitely help people rank higher. You might consider adding the keyword luv plugin to your blog so that people can be personal as well as promote their blog!
Hanna @ Conquest Authority Bonus
June 10th, 2009 12:15 am
I’ve been using my own name with an added twist as follows:
“Name @ Site Name”. This way readers know my personal name but they also know my site’s name which is a good identifier.
Comments will be closed off on this post 90 days after it is published. Apologies to those this impacts but it's a regrettable and temporary measure to combat a growing comment spam problem. See our most recent posts where you can comment here.