I'm torn.
As I move more into blogging, and as I prepare to move over to WordPress, I'm presented with a bit of a problem, and a decision must be made.
It's my name.
I've used “Libis” or some variation of it, for as long as I've been online (way back in the mid-1990s. Seriously.) It's what my sister has always called me (Well, that and “Bibis”) because she couldn't say “Elizabeth” when she was 2, and that's what my parents called me until I was old enough to choose Liz instead (And then Lizz, but that's a whole ‘nother post!)
Libis has been with me for a long time, and now I'm thinking about leaving her behind. I have met some incredible friends under the guise of this name, befriended some amazing women. But I've also had some of my absolute darkest days, gotten some of my harshest criticism.
From a branding and self-marketing standpoint, it makes more sense for me to have my blog (www.morethanthursdays.com) and Twitter handle match, or at least coordinate. As it is now, @libismorgan, it matches my current blog, but once I move to WordPress, every URL will be under my own domain, my own hosting. In short, I'm taking control of my blog. There are a couple of variations that go with my blog name, that are available as I write this, but I can't bring myself to click the button.
I'm kind of proud that I've kept the name as long as I have; when I got caught up in some drama last year, I kept it. I didn't run and hide, or try to eliminate evidence of Libis, I just removed myself from that situation and moved on with my life… knowing that *I* know I'm a good person, and that misunderstandings and a lack of the big picture can't take that away from me.
It didn't even occur to me that this would be hard; leaving it from my blog URL is easy; I'm so thrilled to have my own domain, to be moving to the next big thing for my blog, that it's a non-issue. But my Twitter handle? I have a group of friends now, who know me as @libismorgan, and I think part of me worries they'll lose track of me if I change my identity.
Sigh.
So, what do you think? Should I get over myself and move on, or is there a good enough reason to keep Libis alive?
Have you purchased your domain yet? Since Libis is so important to you have you ever considered changing your blog name to reflect this instead if the other way around?
This is a hard one. I think that your twitter handle should match your blog in some way. But if you do change it make sure you leave your avatar the same for awhile while everyone gets used to the change in Twitter name.
The way you explained it certainly makes it hard. I've always though that your twitter handle should match your blog in some way. Did you already purchase the URL? Could you use libismorgan instead?
If you do change your handle, follow what Stephanie said. Keep your picture the same for a bit until people get used to it.
From a branding/ marketing standpoint, I'd definitely match blog name to URL/ domain name to Twitter handle.
In your case, if you have a sentimental attachment and practical reasons to stick to libismorgan, then do that, and adjust everything else around it.
People will probably be a little lost at first when you make the change, but as Stephanie said, keep your avatar consistent during and after the change, and soon enough, everyone will be caught up!
I'll be the voice of dissent here and say that i will keep my same twitter handle and not have it match my blog. maybe one day after ive stuck with a blog name for more than a year, ill make a switch.
I agree to match your blog name and twitter handle. Check out the post about how to do it yet still keep your current one so no one else can take it (and for sentimental reasons. I'll RT it to you now.
I've always liked the "story" behind Libis, but have never understood "am I a funny girl" (though I've never asked). So, I would go with Libis, for both. It's more personal and people like that. Right?
I'm just catching up and have to say, I've kept my name on all my stuff. I figured from the get-go, I'd be honest about who and what I am. But, that was my choice.
So, I've always been Sarah Lipoff, even though the name is a bit tricky. But, my blog is titled, "So says Sarah…"
I love WordPress and find it so easy to work with and make changes/adjustments as needed. But, I totally agree, BUY your domain. It's the first thing I did. I figured if my blog ideas changed over time, I would always own my own http://.
I think it totally depends on what you would be changing either to. I am in a position where my blog name, my twitter handle and my url (which if I were to get my own domain, I would be torn to give up) are all different… but they all identify me. You have good content. That's what matters in the long run anyway. So I am of no help 😛
I think you go whichever direction speaks loudest to you. But, I do agree that having your blog name, url & twitter handle all matching makes it the easiest for others to remember you and head your way.
I don't think changing your twitter handle will be that big of an issue, if you choose to. Keep your current profile pic on there for awhile (til peeps & tweeps get used to associating the pic with your new name), and send out a few tweets at different times during the day (so tweeps who are on at different times are more likely to see it) alerting them to the change. And get chattier than usual for a few days. People will make the connection.
Honnestly, I connect more with a person's pic than I do their name. It's when a pic is changed that I get into hot water! lol
Oh man this IS a tough one. Ahh. The story behind Libis is a great one and maybe you could/should switch your new URL to fit that? I'll think about this more.
I think you should keep your name as its unique to you! Don't change.
Have you considered combining the two. Like maybe @Libis_FunnyGirl or @FunnyGirlLibis? I know it adds a couple characters and in tweeting it's all about the characters, but I think it's possible to merge the two and kind of "combine" your identities. Just food for thought – good luck deciding.
I'm thinking about changing mine, too. I have had my blog longer than my twitter account, so I'm probably going to make the switch. I had an old handle (still do) that I haven't connected to my blog or twitter. If I can let that go (I've used it all over the Internet since 1995ish), I can let CrunchyNavyWife go.
I realize that was no help for you. I am firmly on the fence. It will help marketing & branding if your handle & blog match.
Ooh I like @FunnyGirlLibis
I started out with WordPress, and I love it. My domain name there is my pseudonym, AmyBeth Inverness. The nice thing about WordPress is that it can be a whole website, with pages and multiple blogs. I have 2 blogs there, one is a normal bloggedy blog, titled "The Inverness Press" and the fiction blog is called "Under Loch and Key".
My twitter handle is US_Nessie. Most people understand the association of Nessie (The Loch Ness Monster) with Inverness (The largest city on Loch Ness). US_Nessie works well for twitter because it is so much shorter. I also use USNessie (With or without the underscore) for e-mail and game handles. Although it makes good marketing sense to choose one version of the name, I'm trying hard to make sure the pseudonym and the 'handle' are closely associated.
I've been thinking about this all afternoon and I really don't know. I was all for changing it until I read this, and now I see your dilemma. I had used the same online name for years as well (since about 1999) and I still do in some places. I didn't feel too sad about letting it go, but that's probably because I started my now-blog with a totally different focus (and at first I actually didn't want it to be connected to my other names).
Hmm… What's the origin of the funny girl name? I do think Angie has a good idea – a combo of the two might work.
I fully support your metamorphosis, and in fact, think it's healthy, and often necessary, to leave behind personas we create to be able to grow and learn from experiences.
And besides… you'll ALWAYS be "Bib" to me.
Love you.
After reading all of the comments, I'm just wondering if you changed your mind, or if some of these other suggestions may work instead. I appreciate your dilemma, and I'm not certain what I would do—but I think you got some really great advice.
I'm another who thinks you should be libismorgan.
My official stance is all your stuff should be Lizzy Butt, since thats what I call you anyway! 🙂
Really no matter what you decide i think you will have followers. And we can figure it out. Even if you change it to PrincessFionaDonkey, or Consula Bananna Hammock.
Love , Falynn