I first tried using my real name back when blogging started (around the same time as Journaling file system buzz on Linux). It was difficult to switch gears from attention seeking.
I "lurk more" when using my real name since I try to use communities where other people are more insightful than me.
Also I noticed a common pattern of "20 questions" when I was using aliases about innocuous Questions Answered Frequently that over time eroded my confidence in my anonymity. e.g. vim versus emacs is one of the 20.
"I try to use communities where other people are more insightful than me"
Those are the best kinds of communities! Maybe that's part of the reason why I use my real name here: this community keeps me honest (and on my toes). I'm not sure whom to attribute it to, but the old quote applies: "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."
Let's just say that, on HN, I never feel as though I'm in the wrong room. :)
I "lurk more" when using my real name since I try to use communities where other people are more insightful than me.
Also I noticed a common pattern of "20 questions" when I was using aliases about innocuous Questions Answered Frequently that over time eroded my confidence in my anonymity. e.g. vim versus emacs is one of the 20.