#cptnrandy

What name do you use on the Internet?

cptnrandy

Do you keep the same name everywhere?

Pretty much, other than when I use my full name.

Where did it come from?

I’m not entirely sure I can figure it out myself. I’ve been on the internet since 1985 when I got my first post-college job. It was at Bell Labs and I instantly fell in love with the net, although it was mostly used at that time to discuss Star Trek and had absolutely no cat pics.

For some reason at that time when I set up my first email address, outside of my work addresses I picked out “cptnrandy.” I initially thought it was because of my Star Trek fascination and I do have a certificate declaring me a Star Fleet Captain, signed by Gene Roddenberry (or at least he signed the original and I got my name printed on a nice copy).

But I am also reminded of a childhood toy that always played a big part in my imaginative play. It was an “action figure” the size of the original GI Joes and called “Captain Action.” Captain Action’s special ability was that he could dress up as superheroes. I only had the Batman costume, but that was still pretty cool.

But if I dig further into my psyche I find that there’s yet another captain down there, and he’s probably the root of this madness: the kindly and gentle Captain Kangaroo.

So, no, I have no idea why I picked that name. But I am allowed pudding on Wednesdays if I behave myself.

What does it mean to you?

It is an ironic/non-ironic wink at authority, which I both have a problem with and aspire to.

Why did you choose it?

See above

Do you ever think of changing it?

Far too late for that, mate.

Why do you / don’t you use your real name?

I do use my real name and make no effort to disguise the fact.

What was your first internet screen name?

That’s the one.

What is your favorite name you’ve seen in your travels across the net?

greatdismal, but only because that’s William Gibson’s handle.

Whose origin story would you like to hear next?

Mine, if someone could explain it to me better.

Now that people have heard your story, where can they go to find out more about you?