As a programmer, do you see any professional or other advantage in using your real name in online discourse, versus an invented handle? I've always gone by a single username and had my real name displayed whenever possible, for a few reasons:

• My interests online are almost exclusively professional and aboveboard.

• It constructs a search-friendly public log of all of my work, everywhere.

• If someone wants to contact me, there are many ways to do it.

• My portfolio of work is all tied to me personally.

Possible cons to full disclosure include:

• If you feel like becoming involved in something untoward, it could be harder.

• The psychopath who inherits your project can more easily find out where you live.

• You might be spammed by people who are not worth the precious time that could be better spent writing more of the brilliant software you're famous for.

• Your portfolio of work is all tied to you personally.

It seems, anyway, that a vast majority of StackOverflow users go by invented handles rather than real names. Notable exceptions include the best-known users, who are typically well established in the industry. But how could we ever become legendary rockstar programmers if we didn't get our names out there? Discuss.