why a nym?

[nobody@rosebud.ee.uh.edu]

Arthur Chandler asks why run a nym --

>    Isn't it tough enough to build up a rep under our real names? What is
> the point to using a pseudonym? I can think of some bad reasons; but I
> can't come up with any good ones, except for "fun" and "just to see what
> it feels like to put out opinions not my own."  I'm sure I'm missing the
> point; so, before you jump on me as a Clueless Newbie, can you run by
> the reasons why you want to have alternate personas on the NET?

I had a nice long message composed in response, explaining my own
circumstances, but on review, it's clear that I can't explain
without revealing personal information, threatening exposure.
Sorry.

But use your imagination.  There are plenty of uses, such as speaking
out and whistle blowing, and cypherpunks are interested in anonymous
digital economies, so running a nym is good for practice.  If you
listen to some cypherpunks, there are research questions, too.

Anonymous