Pseudonyms to protect authors of controversial articles

Re:Pseudonyms to protect authors of controversial articles by chroma on Monday November 12, 2018 @11:30PM (#18438609)

I use pseudonymous accounts (such as this one) for things I can't say.[1] I work at a very progressive tech company, and I certainly would be fired if my true beliefs were known by my coworkers.

For uncontroversial stuff, I use my real name. That way I can get credit for useful technical ideas while avoiding having my career ruined. If you don't believe that can happen, I don't know what to tell you. There are plenty of low profile cases that don't make the news, but I'm sure everyone's heard of James Damore.

1. http://www.paulgraham.com/say.html

Edit: I'd also like to pat myself on the back for recognizing this trend toward intolerance back in 2010 (when this account was created). Finally, my cynicism and pessimism pay off! And if you're wondering why my comments aren't always controversial, it's because I also use this account when I'm drunk and/or high.

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Re:Pseudonyms to protect authors of controversial articles by notbrian on Tuesday November 13, 2018 @04:02AM (#18439653)

> I certainly would be fired if my true beliefs were known

I've gone into work some days and there's been lines of cocaine railed up ready to go. (I haven't taken any drugs in over a month, for perspective). I sometimes hate my job, but I'm terrified of moving company to a culture I can't stand.

I made a throwaway account, for the future.

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Re:Pseudonyms to protect authors of controversial articles by roel_v on Tuesday November 13, 2018 @06:23AM (#18440183)

"I made a throwaway account, for the future."

Yeah, well, you're not fooling anyone around these parts, Brian.

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Re:Pseudonyms to protect authors of controversial articles by asianthrowaway on Tuesday November 13, 2018 @08:02AM (#18440597)

To whom should I send my resume?

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