[tseabrooks]

I can't help but notice that you self identify as "jsmeaton" on HN. The name you didn't like, or choose, initially.

What happens over time to change how we perceive ourselves?

[jsmeaton]

I noted that when writing my comment too. I think, in my case, the annoyance stemmed from change or being forced to change. It's not really that I didn't "like" jsmeaton.

I think your question is a good one though. I change my online identities subtlety over a fairly long period of time - and they seem to be converging towards my actual name and away from anonymity.