Many in the past have produced works of great impact under names that are not theirs. They assume a name and write under that name for many reasons; some to avoid political victimization under repressive regimes.
We have the example of the Bronte sisters who wrote a whole body of prose works under pseudonyms in order to save the works from gender bias. This was because at the time of writing Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and other novels, fiction writing was male dominated.
Musicians and writers criticizing repressive regimes dare not use their real names on protest works for fear of personal safety.
Researchers crossing national and political divides contribute scientific findings to intellectual knowledge through journal articles written under pseudonyms in order not to be accused of betraying trust or serving valuable findings to the opposition.
WOULD YOU FOR ANY REASON CONSIDER PUBLISHING ANY WORK UNDER A PSEUDONYM?
I always publish my academic works under my real name. However, if I planned to publish a fiction book, I would consider to do it under a pseudonym in order not to mix this additional writing actvities with my academic duties which are the main ones.
Thanks Prof Piotr, that surely is a ‘clean’ motive and one more reason we may all consider to publish under pseudonyms.
No, I would not. I think it is important for a researcher to stand by their convictions. If that researcher is unwilling to associate themselves with a particular stance, why should anyone else either?
I would not, no. But then, I am not in the time/danger/political zone of the people you mention.
Hi,
One of the most important function of publishing scientific results is to communicate these results to the scientific community and interested audience. Publishing under different name hinders the communication effect of science , since we do not know who are the creators of these results and the whole effect of the results is lost. Also, paper published under pseudonym cannot be cited., so they are losing visibility.
Mohannad, what would have motivated you to do so or you just found publishing annonymously exciting?
Dear Prof. Adewale,
I have personal beliefs and opinions which I honestly stand by them. I know I am accountable to anything I do and I don't wish to hide my identity for any reason(s). What I have honestly researched must be made know to the world and they should know the researcher who toiled for the findings. Why run away from these findings via pseudonym? For security reasons you say?
Pseudonym publishing is rather dangerous because when you are found out, the world wouldn't know why you were attacked. Publishing highly contested but honest political research puts you in a social spotlight, difficult to be harmed because you are a public eye.
I cannot publish peer-reviewed journal under a pen name or pseudonym for any reason. It takes pain to construct a robust article and when this is achieved, my name must be clearly stated as the author and not as anonymous.
Obviously the need to write is strong in some individuals and if those with extraordinary talent opt to publish under a name they are comfortable with, the law recognizes it as their right as well.
Dennis
Dennis Mazur
Besides the need to write, in some, there is the need to "try" to write and the individual may not want to be embarrassed if the trial does not go well. Thus, the individual may want to write under a pseudonym during this trial period.
Dennis
Dennis Mazur
This has happened in the past when female English writers used male names to get their work due attention &consideration.I would only do that if publishing under real name stops my findings from reaching the world.
Otherwise , I would be proud to be known for my work.
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