A Note On Pseudonyms

[redbrunja]

 nimblnymph  was commenting about sexism in language, and it got me thinking about usernames. Specifically, (and I know I have people on my flist who do this and I don't mean to be insulting, this is totally just my opinion) how much I hate it when people use some part of a character's name in their username.

You know.

Mrs_Hatake

I_heart_hakkai.

Anything with Snape or Severus.

Even more subtle references: blooming_sakura or whatever cause me to twitch.

First, I always wonder how long you are going to like that character enough that you want them to be the most visible part of how you present yourself online. Secondly, I make the assumption that you are fourteen and feel the need to wave around your fictional boyfriend or (also fairly common) your OTP like a banner. I also (despite knowing really excellent writers who do this, and often aren't writing about the character referenced in their handle) assume that your fanfic is not worth my time.

Comments

[tobu-ishi.livejournal.com]

Lord, yes. Exactly. I went on a few dates once with a fellow otaku who was clearly trying to date Rinoa Heartilly and using me as a conveniently physically similar substitute, to the point of calling me his "sorceress". It spooked me off very, very quickly.

That sounds kind of dirty.

Erm. >.> It's a Scottish tradition and my family has Scottish roots. It means to have a bagpiper lead the way either from the bride's home to the church, or from the church to the reception hall, or both. Kirk is Scots for church.

Bagpipes being a love 'em or hate 'em sort of instrument, it would take a pretty saintly groom. XD;

[redbrunja.livejournal.com]

I went on a few dates once with a fellow otaku who was clearly trying to date Rinoa Heartilly and using me as a conveniently physically similar substitute, to the point of calling me his "sorceress". It spooked me off very, very quickly.

That is because you are a sane woman with a sense of self-worth.

Bagpipes being a love 'em or hate 'em sort of instrument, it would take a pretty saintly groom. XD;

I'm sure your groom will either a.) love them or b.) more importantly, want you to have the wedding you've dreamed of and agree that bagpipes should be involved.