Nome de Plum
According to Webster’s Third International Dictionary (BTW, when do you suppose they’ll publish a Fourth edition?) the definition of a nome de plum is: "a pen name; nome de plum or literary double, is a pseudonym adopted by an author or their publishers to conceal their identity." In those parts of the world where expressing one’s opinion can result in serious jail time (or worse) the use of a nome de plum is de rigueur (necessary according to etiquette, protocol or fashion). Under those circumstances, concealing one’s identity is literally a matter of life or death. Here on the Bodybuilding web site, the use of nome de plums takes on an entirely different perspective. Some folks, I’ll warrant, truly want to conceal their identities. I believe those folks fear rebuke or riducle. Some may be fearful of losing their jobs. (In my opinion, though, if you feared losing your job because of something you posted on Bodybuilding.com, then you are working for the wrong employer.) Others, however, (and I believe this comprises the vast majority) simply wish to append a title to themselves that speaks to their inner being.
My Bodybuilding.com name for example speaks to my love and fascination for the game "Pente". An offshot of the Asian game, "Go", Pente is played on board on which a grid of 19 x 19 lines has been drawn. Players take turns playing stones on the intersections of the lines. The first player to place five (penta) stones in a row, or who has captured five pairs of his opponent’s stones, is the winner. The game was quite popular in the 80’s. It is easy to learn, fast to play, and yet has the same level of skill and tactics found in chess. I was very, very good at this game. In fact, I placed high enough in the rankings to compete in the tournament to crown the world’s Pente champion. Sadly, a combination of factors (some professional, most largely personal) prevented me from realizing my dream. But I have no doubt that had I devoted the necessary time and energy to the game, I could have been champ. My Bodybuilding nome de plum is a memory and tribute to the game that I once loved and played so well.
Why have you chosen the particular name that graces your Body Space page? Regale us with your story. I’d love to hear it.
