I've been known as Dobe Doinat for about 20 years. I had a web presence throughout the late 90's known as "Dobe Doinat's Punny Name Archive" and all of my family, friends, and co-workers call me Dobe (Doe'-Bee). (If you google Dobe Doinat, there's only ONE, but if you google my Real Name, there's thousands!)

At some point during this time in my life, I got tired of being called one name by everyone, except anything legal, having to do with my given family name, such as paychecks, taxes, job applications, or legal papers of any kind.

I remember asking my elderly parents, quite seriously, if they would mind if I changed my name, legally, to Dobe Fugin Doinat!

As they were both in their 80's, they kind of looked at each other and then, almost as one, said, "Could you wait until we die?".

I promised, and waited, but now I have a gnawing itch to Become Dobe! (Hey, I could have a "Becoming-Out Party").

Well, I'm of a split mind (so to speak) on the subject now, having grown older (and perhaps more cautious?).

On the minute hand, it seems like it would hardly effect me, personally, at all, since everybody calls me Dobe anyway!

On the second hand, it would be a matter of changing all my paperwork with the American government [*] and The Powers That Be, but maybe it's worth the hassle?

Please, I would welcome any input on the pros and cons of legally changing my name. What do YOU think?



[* A Government that sadly Neglects The People, in Favor of The Vast Corporations, and Who will, no doubt, "Expect All Forms To Be In Triplicate"! (This is so that they can lose two copies and still make one copy "Top Secret"!)]