There’s a lot of things that define our online identity - the way we play, the look of our character, or the way we communicate.  But despite all these things, our online name is arguably the most important.  It gives people an impression before you’ve even opened your mouth or fragged your first enemy.  It’s how people remember you. 

It’s always a bit exciting when you create a name, isn’t it?  Whether it’s a gamertag on Xbox Live, an identity on World of Warcraft, or a log-in on SOCOM 3.  Real names are mundane and selected by one’s peers.  Now you have the chance to really give yourself a bit of creative flair - or, in the case of SmallPoopShoot, just to let people know you have a tinier than average anus.

I always have to smile whenever just let me die logs onto Xbox Live ("Hey!  It’s justletmedie!  I wonder how he’s feeling today?"), or I read a gamespot forum post from Poshkidney (doused in expensive whiskey, perhaps?) Some IDs just want to get across a dominating passion, like FFObsessed (FF as in Final Fantasy) or INUYASHAFREAK (Inuyasha the anime series), and some are just puzzling, like CombedCarl (why has he combed?  Who combed him?  Did they do a good job?) and Protector of Window (did it ever need protection in the first place?) Others are awash with numbers, like D34dly N1nj4 or Lord_of_Darkness1986 (the last bit of that name rather dillutes the sense of awe, doesn’t it?) And a few names are just unpronouncable - try asking for a spare grenade from GNFETWKR_2116.

Anyway, must dash.  I’m scheduled for a debate about the innner workings of the human psyche with doctor knockers and SirJacksALot in an hour.  I was supposed to be meeting Str8 up k1ll3r, but he’s at home petting his kitten.