I chose to use my real name for a couple of the reasons you mentioned: freedom of subject matter and the air of (hopeful) familiarity, and I would add a sense of authenticity. I've only been on Steemit a short time, but I would say authenticity is at a premium. Personally I most value the posters I read who seem like real people who are communicating things they really think and believe in, and I see a lot of posts/accounts that seem to be spam and money-grabs and go beyond just not contributing worthwhile things to adding junk to the stream of content. But I guess that's the kind of thing that happens when money is more-or-less a factor.
Anyway, yeah, I wanted to do whatever I could to encourage being seen and appreciated as a real person, and although I kind of cringe at the wording I'm about to use, I wanted to use my real name as an attempt at helping to "build my brand." I consider myself an artist and most of my other online presences are under my real name too, and I want to do everything I can to not get in my own way.
Love your response, I've also found that the best conversations I've had with posters who seem like real people with thoughts and ideas. I don't like all the spammy accounts but that comes with every social network so I don't think it's a flaw in Steemit's system. Looking forward to seeing some of your work!
Thank you, I appreciate that! I agree that it's not a flaw in Steemit's system. I think it's more something(s) about human nature. I think the fact that there is a direct potential to make money here increases the sort of ravenous and persistent nature of a lot of the spam. You're right, of course, that it happens in every social network (and for similar reasons - money, fame leading to money, etc). But it's whatever. I'm happy because I've been finding more users who post really creative stuff. I've had ideas here and there about how to use Steemit that I've been noticing other people have already been doing for a year or more. So that's great.
The way I'm intending to use Steemit is maybe a little more ridiculous and abstract than others, and kind of a slow burn, and potentially messy. But it all makes sense in my head, and it'll be fun.
Haha, looking forward to seeing what you come up with!