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Serious byline question

Discussion in 'Journalism topics only' started by SoSueMe, Apr 9, 2007.

  1. SoSueMe

    SoSueMe Active Member

    Okay, for years now I've been contemplating using my full first name and middle intial in my byline.

    Do any of you do that? Is it pretentious?

    I have no idea why I want to do it, but I've always considered it.
     
  2. Willie-Butch

    Willie-Butch Member

    I've never understood the middle initial thing. Yuck.
     
  3. Freelance Hack

    Freelance Hack Active Member

    I've always thought your byline should be the name you go by in real life.

    My full first and middle names are Stephen Patrick, and I sign papers and such Stephen P. But my byline is always Steve, because nobody (aside from my mother and my wife when they're pissed) call me by my full name.
     
  4. loveyabye

    loveyabye Guest

    I think it's only permissible if you have a common name, John Smith, etc. Otherwise it's pretentious.
     
  5. FileNotFound

    FileNotFound Well-Known Member

    I used my middle initial in my byline. I always said I did it to distinguish myself from my dad, who has the same name but didn't use the middle initial. In reality, however, I was simply being pretentious. :)
     
  6. Angola!

    Angola! Guest

    Is it safe to assume your name isn't really Stephen Patrick?
     
  7. Freelance Hack

    Freelance Hack Active Member

    Maybe.
     
  8. SoSueMe

    SoSueMe Active Member

    See, I kind of think it makes your name stand out. Not sure if that's good or bad, though.

    Yes, yes, enter "your work makes you stand out" comments here.
     
  9. Angola!

    Angola! Guest

    SoSueMe - You've always stood out to me because you've never owned a cell phone or a video game system in your 31 years of life. Maybe that could be your byline, or a note at the end of each column.
     
  10. jgmacg

    jgmacg Guest

    Why just the middle initial?

    O. Henry
    R.W. Apple
    MFK Fisher
    I.F. Stone
     
  11. Shaggy

    Shaggy Guest

    Yes it's pretentious.
     
  12. SoSueMe

    SoSueMe Active Member

    I'm seriously proud of those things Angola!

    And I do like the thought of "SoSueMe is a sports reporter at the Podunk Press. He doesn't own a cell or play video games. Reach him at SSM@PodunkPress.com"
     
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