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JFB's avatar

Personally, I think that choosing to use a pseudonym allows the writer to project something. Your choice of John Carter says something about you. Those unfamiliar can read Princess, which I enjoyed immensely many years ago. My opinion about those who are criticizing your pseudonymity (?) is simple: They are not your friends. Why do they want to know who you are? Either they are so naive as to be useless, or they have an agenda. If they want to send flowers, provide them with a P.O. box address. Otherwise, nunya. Thanks for another episode of philosophic adventure!

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Clever Pseudonym's avatar

"The author of a good book should remain anonymous, for it is to his work, not to himself, that admiration is due." Auden

I vote for pseudonymity, because I'm only interested in your words and ideas and how you present them (no offense).

Also, in my Substack wanderings I enjoy writers like NS Lyons, El Gato Malo, Eugyppius etc and I have no clue if they're male or female or young or old or black or white etc, and could care less.

I consider this a refutation of the Identity Cult and its elevation of the personal characteristics and pet grievances of an author over their individual talent, ability, intelligence, style etc.

Once a book, essay, painting etc exists it has no need of its creator anymore—its creator can be anyone or no one.

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