Just found out something interesting about private domain registration.  I've always paid the extra $10 a year to keep my name and address off spam lists and it looks like some others in this thread do the same. 

But I just spoke to an SEO expert the other day who suggested that was a bad idea in terms of SEO.  Apparently, there's a school of thought that Google may apply a small search penalty if you use private registration since that's what many spammers do to hide their names.  So when my domain renewal is up, I'm strongly considering getting a P.O. box and listing that address.  It can't hurt much and I'd like to avoid any potential penalities from the Big G.

 

If that's a big concern, there's always the option of business registration, but your identity can be discerned from that too since incorporation documents are public domain.

I use my real name too, and rightly or wrongly just don't worry about it. I figure I'd use my real name if I published a book or were a newspaper columnist, so why not with my blog? I used to blog anonymously and feel a lot better being myself instead :)

 

This pretty much sums up my thoughts. I connect a lot more with blogs where the blogger uses their name and photo, so I decided to go that route too.

Plus, I've gotten a couple of freelance writing gigs (US News and Nickelodeon Parent's Connect) through my blog and I doubt that would have happened if I wasn't using my name. Like Jackie said, if I was an author of anything other than a blog, I'd be using my real name.

Having said that, I do think it's prudent to pay for Whois anonymity (I need to check and make sure I did that) and take other simple steps. I should probably unlist my home number and address from directory listings.

I did get an anonymous call from a male reader a few years back and that kind of freaked me out. He seemed harmless, but still. I don't think personal finance bloggers are a big target for stalkers however.

But I just spoke to an SEO expert the other day who suggested that was a bad idea in terms of SEO.  Apparently, there's a school of thought that Google may apply a small search penalty if you use private registration since that's what many spammers do to hide their names.  So when my domain renewal is up, I'm strongly considering getting a P.O. box and listing that address.  It can't hurt much and I'd like to avoid any potential penalities from the Big G.

As a side note, I know of at least one artist with nationally known music who's in the phone book. He's not SUPER famous, but still, I don't think he's harassed -- otherwise he'd get an unlisted number and address.

 Once in a while I google my name just to see what pops up.

Yeah, I do that regularly as well.  I also Google my wife, kids, parents, etc. just to make sure nobody else close to me is getting a bad rep. :)

I use my real name and don't have private registration of my domains although I do have a PO Box. I have actually had people call me after finding my phone number on my domain registration.  That was a bit unsettling but not a big deal.

 

I don't write anything on my blog that I'm not willing to have attached to my name. There are risks with having your identity known but I think the risks are overblown. 

Same here.  I don't write anything that I wouldn't attach my name to.

Once in a while I google my name just to see what pops up.

I don't write anything on my blog that I'm not willing to have attached to my name. There are risks with having your identity known but I think the risks are overblown. 

But, I don't give specifics about my finances or my online business.

I use private domain name registration.

I never say what city I live in. 

 I actually have crossed off a number of article ideas because I know writing about certain topics could easily be looked up to get more detailed information about where I live.  I don't mind letting people know what state I live in.  Michigan has a lot of people so good luck :)

I do go by SavingMentor on my site mostly because I was concerned using my real name would worry my wife. Turns out she's more ok with it than I thought and I've loosened up a bit. Now I'm absolutely positive someone could find out my real name without much work. Someday I may switch to using my real name on my site, but I like SavingMentor for now.

I too keep my shotgun nearby just in case.

I have passed on two high-profile interview requests because of this, but it's not in my family's best interest.

 

freeby50,

How do you handle if an advertiser wanted to send you a check?  Or if you have a new partner and they wanted you to create a profile on their site?  Name, address, etc.  How would you deal or would you just not take the opportunity?  Just curious.

For legit companies like Google Adsense, Amazon, etc I do give them my real info,, but I'm not worried about that.  

For other misc. ad solicitations I get from random people from little companies sending email I stick to Paypal.   Nobody has suggested anything else.

If anyone insists on me posting my full name / address for some reason I'd just pass.   Nobodys wanted that so far except US News and I passed on them, regrettably.

I doubt anonymity is limiting me much.   Its a little bit of a hassle is all.