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What’s Your Usual Handle in a Chat Room?

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Lockergnome is a nickname that I kind of gave myself, but I can’t take full credit. My college-prep writing teacher called me the Gnome. Then one day, I told my friend Dave that I am the Locker Gnome. That’s how I got it, and it stuck. TuxedoJericho sent in his top five list on how NOT to choose a handle.

  • Choose a name that suits you. You must also choose something that is somewhat honest. If you are joining a chat room in order to ask simple questions about computer, you shouldn’t choose a nickname with the word ‘techie’ in it.
  • Choose something that is easy to spell and/or say. When it’s hard to say, people will more than likely shorten the name when they type or spell it. My name, TuxedoJericho, has been shortened by people to things like TJ, Tux, and TJer.
  • When joining a chat, please be sure to check and see that your name doesn’t contain strong language or sexual references. This can get you the boot from the chat as soon as you enter the door.
  • You should probably not use your real name as your chat name. Some people do this, but it could potentially lead to danger. If you’re smart about hiding pertinent facts of your life, this shouldn’t be an issue.
  • Don’t pretend to be a famous person. This is especially true on tech chat’s like Chris’. For instance, Steve Jobs isn’t likely to enter Chris’ channel, and speak like a total n00b.
  • If you’re going to choose the name of a famous character, be prepared to answer questions constantly if you really ARE that person. I use the name DrHorrible at times. People constantly ask me if I am Neil Patrick Harris, and are disappointed to find out I am not.

I have to agree with all of those tips. Be smart when choosing a nickname before you enter a chat room. You never know if you will end up sticking around to become a part of the community. You wouldn’t want the other members to remember and judge you by a poorly-chosen name, would you?

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