I'm an occasional guest, a nobody in terms of the music scene. I've never performed in public, never organised an event, never managed or promoted an artist, never published or researched on folk music. In short, I am not in a position of power so I might as well just use my real name.

Well, no. I share an uncommon surname with someone well known and in real life I have often found myself being regarded as a representative of that person. I'm not, I'm me, but it happens.

Tom Bliss makes some very good points, as always, but his is an unusual name. I wonder how happy he would be if a real person also called Bliss posted comments he disagreed with on Mudcat? I think he might end up wishing that person had used a pseudonym.

I use a nickname because it's kinder to my namesake and a little easier to be the real me. And no, my name's not Bliss!

Incidentally, like many others I've sometimes felt bullied and insulted by a particular contributor. Knowing she uses her real name doesn't make any difference. I still haven't a clue who she is.