So I've got a bit of a dilemma.
Several days ago, I posted THIS on Facebook. Just a funny little thing I'd found, adding the circle around "novel reading" because of its pertinence to all-things-bookish. Not a big deal.
It's sort of gone viral. At this writing, it has 535 likes and 199 shares. And they keep coming in. Seriously, I've never had this kind of response on ANY Facebook post, on either of my accounts (Authoress or Real Life). Fun, yes?
Except, it must have flagged me somehow, because a couple days after this thing blew up, I got a wee notification from Facebook, asking for proof that my name is really my name.
Okay, game's up. My real name is not Authoress.
So I chose a link that said "special circumstances", which led me to several choices, including "are you gay/lebsian/bisexual/transgender" and "are you being abused". I chose "other", and then typed out a brief explanation of why I go by "Authoress", including links to my blog and Twitter account.
The next day, I received a stock response from Facebook, thanking me for working with them and asking me to scan a photo ID.
Um. I really don't own any photo IDs that say "Authoress". Yanno? Thing is, I had already explained myself, but apparently nobody was really paying attention. So I calmly explained myself again.
Here's the thing. I've had this Facebook account since 2009. I've never abused it, never posted anything inappropriate or worthy of account termination. But if this not-your-real-name issue isn't resolved, they are going to lock me out of my account.
I'm still waiting to hear back.
I get that they don't want to host creepy people hiding behind fake names. I get that they want to protect users from abuse. I GET IT. But I am not a creepy creeper. And I'VE HAD THIS ACCOUNT FOR ALMOST 7 YEARS. Suddenly I'm on the radar, which makes me...a threat?
Over the past few days, I've also been receiving a steady stream of friend requests, as people see this post and figure they ought to friend me (I guess?). This morning when I checked my FB, I had 29 friend requests waiting. And that was before 8 am. I'm also getting all sorts of notifications of people liking and sharing other posts--some from a year or two ago.
I'm sure it'll die down. But whether it does or doesn't, I've still got this issue with FB, and I'm not sure what's going to happen.
Maybe they'll want me to turn it into a page. But can you imagine starting from scratch after building a friend list for almost seven years? I can't even.
And, too, we've got a private MSFV Success Story Author page, headed by the illustrious Peter Salomon. Losing my Authoress account would mean losing access to that community as well.
So there you have it. This is certainly a first world problem, and I'm not overly stressed. I'm just...annoyed. Facebook is a great platform for authors, and now I'm facing having my account shut down. I'm not going to reveal my name just to keep my Facebook account open.
But.
Probably the time is nigh. Probably there is no reason to continue hiding behind the Authoress moniker.
I've been tired of the anonymity. It's interesting, though, because I've always been so transparent here. I'm as "real" as I can be, and what's in a name, anyway--right?
Still. I'm pretty sure I'm ready to create a beautiful author site (I've had the domain parked for years) and transition over.
What do you think?
Is it time?
Do you want to hear the real story?
Should I put some real time into the "reveal" story I started working on over a year ago?
Maybe this FB situation is really a nudge for me to move forward, dropping the red hat and joining the ranks-with-faces. And names.
Yes?
No?
I'm listening!
Yes! It's time!:)
ReplyDeleteDon't let them bully you into make a move you're not ready for. That being said, it sounds like YOU may be ready. You've got the website. You've been planning a reveal post. It sounds like you might be ready to drop the anonymity. If that's the case, then I say go for it. I don't think any of your followers are going to drop you just because you tell us your real name.
ReplyDeleteIt's time I'd say although only you know for sure. We'll love you as Authoress or as _____ It's not like you've been pretending to be something you're not. Everyone knows straight up you are withholding your name. So it's all good. That being said don't do it if your not ready just because of FB.
ReplyDeleteReveal if you want, don't if you don't. Authoress could access that group via a different account with a name like "Jane Authoress" if you end up having to get rid of your Authoress FB page.
ReplyDeleteI agree that if YOU are ready, then do it, but not if it's only because FB is pressing the issue.
ReplyDeleteI stand with @Gabby above. And remember, this is the community *you* built, and whatever you decide, we will support you!
ReplyDeleteIt's up to you, but it sounds like you're ready to drop the mask and reveal your beautiful self.
ReplyDeleteLike the previous posters, I think it's totally up to what you feel called to do. Have you tried writing out a pros and cons chart? We'll love ya either way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cluster**frig!! I can go either on your disclosure...I respect your anonymity and enjoy the faceless authoress venture. Yet, we won't love you any less if we know the real you. Your call!! I trust your judgement critiquing my work, I certainly leave this one up to you.
ReplyDeleteI so dislike the idea of Facebook forcing you to do something rather than you making the choice. Of course, I'd love to know the real name and face behind Authoress, but mysteries are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteIf you are ready, otherwise if you haven't read already. http://www.thewriterschallenge.com/2015/05/using-author-pen-names-on-facebook-and.html
ReplyDeleteIt's about Shoshanna Evers story.
I've heard this kind of horror story before. I'm curious, but also happy enough relating to Authoress. Give yourself a moment to decide whether you're truly ready or whether you're being driven to a premature reveal by what sounds like a bureaucratic entity.
ReplyDeleteFacebook is so odd that way -- the things they'll make a fuss about! And it's not as if a quick look through that account and links to your other sites wouldn't show exactly what it's about and that there's nothing untoward going on. I'd be willing to bet that these things are automatically generated and no one with an actual brain has even looked into it yet; I would doubt they'd go so far as to close your account, but who knows?
ReplyDeleteThat post is certainly hilarious anyway -- and the funniest parts are the comments. :D I was laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes!
As for the big reveal question, I agree with what everyone else said -- do it if you're ready, not because anyone is pressuring you to, and of course we'll all support your decision 100% either way. :)
I agree with everyone else here - it's a shame that the evil FB empire is forcing you to do something you may or may not be ready to do, especially since your anonymity is not at all a nefarious thing. There are many more actual offensive things on FB every day! That said, it sounds like you were already considering the big reveal. Of course, if you're not ready, maybe a fake ID is in order? I'm just saying...
ReplyDeleteI second everything said above. I think you should be able to do the reveal the way you planned and keep your old page. If they let you set up the page, they should honor their own agreement.
ReplyDeleteYou know, that's a good point. They DID let me, and it's been almost 7 years.
DeleteI'm now wondering if maybe someone "flagged" me?
Don't do anything you're not ready to do. On the other hand listen to the universe. If it is telling you to move forward, then do so.
DeleteDecide extremely fast. Facebook is known for cutting people off without further notice and not allowing any appeal.
ReplyDeleteYes. Pull back the curtain! (And then I'll find out I already know you from a con or something. :)
ReplyDeleteI think you already know which way to go. Listen to your inner voice/gut/intuition/whatever you want to call it.
ReplyDeleteEither choice, we'll still love you just the same :)
Hmm, I'm torn. I like anonymous accounts with the mystery and all, you know. It's fun. But you should always follow where your gut leads!
ReplyDeletedo it. being anonymous is so 2008.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry you're facing this frustrating situation. I write under a pen name and struggled with the decision to make an account under my pen name and risk being locked out someday or settling for an author page linked to my real identity and decided on the latter. I once had a photographer tell me that in the age of social media, you have to put yourself out there with your clients to connect, and if they feel like they know you it makes them want to do business with you. You've done a great job at connecting with your audience while remaining anonymous, but if you reveal I'd think the connection would only become stronger and your fans even more loyal. Good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteNothing but support, here, for whatever you choose to do. I hate that Facebook might force your hand, and I hope you can ignore that pressure and just listen to your own inner voice. But if you're ready for the big reveal, it could be quite the adventure!
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why you hid anyway. You are a lovely person, and you do good things for this community of YOUR friends. And when you are ready we will be there with you. I think Jennie Cruisie does it very well. Just post about you, your writing life and all the things we all, as writers, feel in the same way you do. Sorry I have to post as anon because I am not in the other things... this is Zara Penney
ReplyDeleteAnd this is the reason I still haven't joined FB! I can't/won't use my real name (romance author & teacher - not gonna happen).
ReplyDeleteTake your time, do what's right for you, not what's right for the bloggyverse! You'll know when it's time :)
It's one of the reasons I hate the current state of Facebook. I'd never give my real name for my personal account. I have an author's page but I hardly ever log in on that and I have opted not to link it with my personal account.
ReplyDeleteAre you sure you can't change the personal account you have with that name into an author's page? Have you asked them about it?
I think you should reveal who you are now, while you are still on the journey. If you wait until after you get a publishing contract, it would feel too much like saying "hey, now that I need all of you to buy my book, here's my name." I was hoping it would not happen like that...
ReplyDeleteYou know, Amy, I never even thought of that. What an awful perception that would be! Thanks for pointing this out. :)
Delete"Fear of a name only increases fear of the thing itself." -Hermione
ReplyDeleteEmbrace your name and let the writers who follow you rejoice in your journey!
I think you should do whatever makes you happiest. I will follow. Yeah, I'm one of the ones who recently sent you a friend request. Yes, your asylum post grabbed my attention, but your page held it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marianne -- that's good to know! :)
DeleteWhatever you decide to do is good with us, AUthoress. And if it means keeping a valued FB account (if the FB control-freaks don't want to adapt), then COME OUT, yes, embrace your moniker! :) Looking forward to your decision.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes
Sheryl from Australia
I'd love to know who you are -- but as so many others have said -- it's entirely your decision. But it could also be time.
ReplyDeleteI'm with the mindset that we follow you because we love you and that isn't going to change either way - reveal or not. But if I find out you are actually my younger sister, I'm really gonna be ticked!
ReplyDeleteNo. There's something to be said for remaining anonymous (at least until you have a publishing contract. What's to be gained? Loss of privacy.)
ReplyDeleteMaggie May