I Asked, You Answered – Are Handles Unprofessional?

I’ve never really done a followup posted based entirely on reader feedback, but a post I did yesterday really got a good amount of not just responses in general but very good ones. I asked are handles unprofessional? Here’s what some of the readers had to say.

Rehuel says:
I think it’s important to chose 1 handle and stick to it. Make it a unique handle, one of which people will know that there is only one person going by that handle. I think what you have to say is far more important than the handle you use to say it, but being consistent in using the same handle will give authority to that handle.

I think Rehuel makes a great point about branding. The point of using your own name isn’t entirely just for the professionalism but also for the personal branding. Maybe the same can be said for using a handle. As long as it’s consistent I don’t see any reason why you couldn’t turn your handle into a brand.

Leftblank says:
I’m nearly always using this handle, unless its really personal or professional (business related), simply because I don’t want my name all over the web. Combine that with having a horrible long and very un-English last name and I think I’ve got enough reason not to do so

Another awesome point, especially when he mentions the “un-English” last name. What is the point of using your real name to brand yourself if (no offense) most people won’t be able to remember it? I have no idea what Leftblank’s name is, but if it’s very “un-English” I can see myself struggling with it unfortunately.

Jack says:
I am definitely one to quickly judge a person based on their name. Anything anime related, more than 2 numbers, has the word gamer, leet, 1337 or an “s” replaced by a “z” is pretty much an immediate write off. Simply using your name, or a slight variant, or a catchy one word name is usually most effective.

It seems like Jack represents the other end of the spectrum of people who do think handles are unprofessional. He brings up a good point (and one that I actually touched on a bit on my original post) that many people with handles are either young guys, gaming nerds, or were at least involved in that community at one point in their life and just held onto the handle. Is this group necessarily professional or unprofessional? I’m certainly a gaming nerd, and I post with a handle, so my opinion might be biased. I’ll let you be the judge!

Thanks everyone for your great comments I really enjoyed reading them all. There was a lot of good feedback that I hope I’ll keep getting from you guys!