Pen Names

Pen names are useful.  They were used extensively in our history, when the true identity of the author might result in his being beaten or murdered for expressing his ideas.  They also serve to focus the reader's attention to the idea being expressed, rather than distracted by THE personality expressing the idea.  The author is not subject to personal attack, retaliation or humiliation.  Oftentimes the author has lived a past that is inconsistent with the ideals being expressed.  He has made mistakes that he regrets, but does not have to endure the additional humiliation of being exposed as a hypocrite.  Sometimes he fears the economic retribution that may result, or the social disfavor, or he may wish to spare himself,  his friends and family the embarrassment and/or scorn that may accompany an "unpopular" idea.

Of course, pen names also limit the credit that may accrue to the author of a popular idea.  The authors ego is not publicly recognized unless he unveils himself.

For the purposes of this web-site, contributors will be required to enter into a "Contributor Agreement", in order to have their article published, and to protect the owner of the web-site from libelous action.  If the contributor identifies himself as a "pen name", an additional agreement will be made to assure his "confidentiality", and to protect his "exclusivity" of the use of the pen name.

For more general information on pen names, click here for legal limitations and considerations click here.

If you would like to submit an article, using a pen name, please click here, and identify the pen name you wish to use and your e-mail address.