(Suibhne, I remember the days when most Chanson performers actually smoked while singing. Ashtrays were rarely used. Then sublime, now ridiculous, for those who escaped lung cancer.)

Any mentioning of a full name at Mudcat, as a nick or in the text of a message, allows anyone to find it via search engines.

Most of us will claim to have nothing to hide. But assume you are applying for a job or a bank loan, would you like the clerk to know everything you wrote here, including your opinion on BS matters and details about your involvement in music?

This is of course irrelevant to those whose Mudcat contributions are part of their public appearance. They had best use the name by which they want to be famous.

A good nickname should give a hint about the bearer's gender and cultural background, to facilitate communication.