Pseudonym names, does anyone else use one?

[tskatie]

I always wondered if it was just me who used a pseudonym name.

When I first started out on AW 3 years ago I was determined that I had to keep my true identity a secret from everyone, including my closest of friends. Sex work and private life had to be worlds apart in two different galaxies, if you get what I mean. So I created this fake name and never let on to anyone connected to me through AW as to who I really was or my exact location. If it ever got out it could have drastic affects in my private life (ex partner, kids etc). Most of my work in the last 17 years has been working in schools which I have, on the most part, thoroughly enjoyed. If my "extra curricular" work got out I'd never be allowed to do that sort of work again. This includes never doing incalls or even giving out my mobile number, especially as I only have one number. Maybe I should get another phone?

Maybe if sex work was seen as an actual profession (public service etc) in this country there wouldn't be such an issue with it all, and we'd all be better off anyway.

Does/has anyone here ever created such a huge wall of protection around them, or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks, Katie xx

[amy]

I think you'll struggle to find anybody who doesn't use a stage name, although it would be a pretty good double bluff .

[tskatie]

Just had me thinking of Katie Price/Jordan. Thanks x

[BibiofLeeds]

You really do need to get another phone for your work.All of us have a working name and keep our personal life private.In our line of work discretion both ways is key,regardless of stigma etc our clients don't need to know our history and private details,that's just good common sense.

[Mariah]

You really do need to get another phone for your work.All of us have a working name and keep our personal life private.In our line of work discretion both ways is key,regardless of stigma etc our clients don't need to know our history and private details,that's just good common sense.

+1
Having a 'stage' name is the industry standard and the 'norm' not the exception. I wouldn't advise anyone to work from their personal number. You need to keep your working life and personal life totally separated. What happens if you switch on your phone at work expecting a call related to your day job and it's a punter?! Someone could recognise your phone number and 'out' you. What happens if you mistook one of your personal life callers for a punter. There's too many things that could potentially go wrong.

[tskatie]

Thanks for the advice ladies, for a newbie such as myself it's very much appreciated getting all the help I can get.

I've not gotten myself a seperate phone yet although since I originally posted this topic I do now have a new number. I came across an android phone app called "TextMe" and it allows you to have a free UK mobile number, I think it works pretty mucuh the same as WhatsApp. Until I get myself a seperate phone that I can figure out how the hell I manage to keep it well hidden from everyone else then I'm stuck with it for now.

I noticed another post on here talking about Backpages and advertising on there. I've had two calls for work today, the first I was stupid enough to say it was short notice and coudl we manage tomorrow or another day, 2 hours worth of work down the drain. Then another client called me, also from the Backpages ad wanting for 2 hours this evening. This will be my 2nd client in as many weeks as a working girl, really excited. Not sure if it's the thrill of the danger or the sex lol x

[Kay]

What Bibi said.

The danger of having one phone is that if you use anything like Facebook, Gmail or LinkedIn on it, it can link you to clients' accounts. I would get a separate phone, and on a laptop I use separate browsers (Chrome for sex work, Firefox for everything else).

[tskatie]

Ok, Ill get another phone then, seems easier I guess. Yes I use different browsers too. Chrome for everday use and then Firefox for all the other stuff, so much easier that way.

[Kendall]

All it takes is someone googling your number for your 'worlds' to collide, I've had an influx of newbies suddenly wanting to know my name I fob them off with a Welsh one they'll never remember. I had one ask and I just said I don't give that out he replied oh don't worry you don't have to tell me your surname 

[Lucie268]

SIMs are free, and you can get a super cheap phone (I just have a really old style brick phone). Saves the hassle.

[MelissaS]

I have a fake real name aswell as my stage name. There has been a couple of occasions time where returning clients have pushed for my real name so I shut them up with my fake real one.

Be very careful using your personal number, definitely use a second phone. You can buy cheap throwaway ones for about ?4 now if you don't want to spend a lot.

A client managed to get hold of my personal number once (that's another story) and he put it into Facebook and didn't hesitate one bit in finding out everything he could about me and my personal life. He didn't do anything malicious with it but it was enough to shake me up and I've refused him service since. Had it been somebody else, it could have been a complete and utter disaster.

You'll be surprised what your personal number is connected to. I'd look into it and unlink it from as much as you can just to cover your back incase you have a problem like I did. Even if it is unlikely!

[washingline]

Lots of people use pen names / nick names / stage names etc.  Authors, film stars, pop stars, models and working girls. Mine is Aurora Reynolds.  Some people have more than one pen name.  Your choice of stage name, could dictate the kind of client your after e.g. Camilla = posh and royalty. Brandi or Shantelle does not. (Apologies to any real Brandi's or Shantelle's out there). Kindness from washingline.

[Mirror]

I think you'll struggle to find anybody who doesn't use a stage name, although it would be a pretty good double bluff .

I have known two sex workers who did use their real first names for work.

[tskatie]

I have known two sex workers who did use their real first names for work.

Yeah I know one on FB who is all over the internet with it. I guess it depends on how you value SW though. A sleezy world that you try to stay hidden from, or a professional job that holds to you as much value as a 9-5 job and nothing to be ashamed of. I think you have to look at it from a different perspective. We all sell ourselves, whether it's behind the wheel of a bus/truck/van, behind an office desk, or underneath the sheets somewhere. We all sell aspects of our bodies in order to make money, and I guess if you've got it, flaunt it.

[amy]

I don't use my legal name for no reason other than that I don't want oddballs I don't know pestering me; my name is unusual and whilst most people in my experience have more sense than to think it's OK to make inappropriate contact with complete strangers, some do not.

It's approaching personal safety with common sense and not just relevant to prostitution; when I worked in a department store years ago I refused to wear a badge with my full name on it and after managing to get a sensible line manager to listen to my objections (and those of other women), the rule was dropped and we got first name only badges which I wore upside down .

My service is also the only thing that's for sale. I need my body for non-work stuff and it categorically belongs to me at all times