Should I use my real name in my open source project?
- by Jardo
I developed a few freeware programs in the past which I had signed with my pseudonym Jardo. I'm now planning to release my first open source project and was thinking of using my full real name in the project files (as the "author"). I thought it would be good to use my name as my "trademark" so if someone (perhaps a future headhunter) googles my name, they'll find my projects. But on the other side, I feel a bit paranoid about disclosing my name (in the least case I could be getting a lot of spam to my email, its not that hard to guess your private email from your name).
What do you think can be "dangerous" on disclosing your full name? What are the pros and cons? Do you use your real name or a pseudonym in your projects?
I read this question: What are the advantages and disadvantages to using your real name online? but that doesn't apply to me bacause it's about using your real name online (internet discussions, profiles, etc.) where I personally see no reason to use my real name...
And there is also this question: Copyrighting software, templates, etc. under real name or screen name? which deals with creating a business or a brand which also doesn't apply to me because I will never sell/give away my open source project and if someone else joins in, they can write their name as co-author without any problems...
