A rose by any other name

Howdy...linked in here from elsewhere and wanted to broach the subject of handles. What of the names we choose to use (such as my own) when we choose to mask ourselves under a pseudonym? Is this ripe for deep analysis, or would it be so much bandying and little return?

I'm pretty fascinated by the names people use to portray themselves, as well as the commonality of names. Seems to really point up some interesting archetypes. I'm also amazed at some of the truly self-deprecatory names that are sometimes chosen (such as "Loser") - why choose to be perceived with an automatic pejorative when so many other choices are possible? Low esteem? Masochism?

• re: roses by John Suler, 1/5/98
• &lllaos;A rose by any other name&lllaos; by MysticWarrior, 4/9/98