Real names attached to unpopular commentary = danger.
For example, if you're in a conservative town and you're using your real name while arguing for civil rights for homosexuals, you might draw nutcases tracking you down and harrassing you for your simple viewpoints instead of engaging you in the medium you participated in. This isn't a matter of not owning what you say, but a matter of putting a layer of insulation between yourself and immature idiots.
Another issue with real names comes from identity theft - using real names makes the process a little easier. Real name + known site hack = half the job done.
Pseudonyms aren't just about trolling, they're also a social firewall.
For example, if you're in a conservative town and you're using your real name while arguing for civil rights for homosexuals, you might draw nutcases tracking you down and harrassing you for your simple viewpoints instead of engaging you in the medium you participated in. This isn't a matter of not owning what you say, but a matter of putting a layer of insulation between yourself and immature idiots.
Another issue with real names comes from identity theft - using real names makes the process a little easier. Real name + known site hack = half the job done.
Pseudonyms aren't just about trolling, they're also a social firewall.