What’s in a Name? An observational rant
What’s in a Name?
Throughout my youth my parents stressed the importance of making a good first impression. Basic things like shined shoes, clean clothes and neatly combed hair were a given.
Of equal importance was bearing. Look a person in the eyes when talking, stand proud and erect, don’t mumble. Be proud of who you are. Tell people your name.
Neither of my late parents ever used a computer. For them socialization was a Sunday visit to family and friends, or a phone call. Keeping in touch with distant friends and relatives was done by writing letters. Twitter was something birds did; a forum was something from ancient Roman history. “On-line” was standing behind someone at the grocery store while waiting your turn to be checked out. They would have difficulty with parts of today.
Particularly the part with names. Mom would never have introduced herself as “tickedoffteenie” or dad as “muddledmurray”. They were proud of their names.
In many respects communication has changed from my parents day. Online you can’t see if my hair is combed (it is); if my shoes are shined (I’m wearing slippers) or if I’m typing in my boxers. For the record I’m wearing clean jeans and a pressed shirt. My fedora hangs on the rack until I go outside.
Its been said, “first impressions are lasting”. Online our first impression is frequently made with our “user name”. What immediately comes to mind when you see user names like, “PMSPam”, “angryAnDy”, PO’dPat” or “annoyedAnnie”? Warm and loving, friendly folks, right? Just the kind of people you want to hang out with?
Suppose these folks or people with similarly interesting names are trying to sell you something–and, isn’t everyone? Does “Jerry_the_Jerk” really inspire confidence?
Granted, online anyone can “be” anyone, but initially the impression you make is dependent on the perception of your reader.
Your chosen “user name” is important!
Tagged with: Elmer Hurlstone • twitter • user name
Filed under: About Writing & Writers
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Sometimes those crazy names can be strategic.
They make people take notice and maybe even take a look.
Remember “The Rich Jerk” program? Who doesn’t? He has (and still has) quite a following.
Thanks for the comment, Jason.
I completely agree with “strategic crazy names” being a useful and valuable aspect of branding.
That, however, is a horse of a different color to the, sometimes soul-baring, self-deprecatory names often used in an ill-thought attempt to be “cute.”
Elmer,
Speaking of names, you have a distinctive one. (Not a lot of Elmer Hurlstones out there.)
Do you think that is an advantage or disadvantage in life?
Re: usernames, I always enjoy it when someone starts a forum thread about how nothing works for them, and their username is something like “loserinlife”
I wish that I would have done a better job at teaching my 15 year old how to give a good first impression. Seemed like he was going to be ok about 3 years ago and now he has become someone I don’t even recognize. I wonder if other mothers feel the same way. I hope that he can find a place online to fit in and the good thing is that no one will see if he combed his hair!!!
Trina,
I suspect many mother’s have the same concerns that you have. As a long-time dad I know I do/did.
Just remember that at 15 you were not all you were going to become and neither is your son.
Do your best and hope and pray for the best.
Thanks for dropping by the blog…
I agree that online media has brought down barriers and the anonymity can cause problems.
However, what is interesting is the face to face difference between cultures is just as problematic.
In New Zealand, with a high number of Polynesians, cultural differences can cause some interesting issues. Basically for Polynesians it is considered disrespectful to look or sit in front of your elders or superiors.
Obviously this cultural difference can have ramifications when dealing with the police, or even at school or job interviews. What Europeans take a someone being dishonest or evasive is actually a sign of respect.
The world of diversity is a wonderful place.