What’s In a Name?

I guess it’s time I told everyone the story behind the name that no one seems to be able to spell.  I’ve seen people spell it Sebastin, Sebastion, Sebastard, and Sebasturd.  Unlike some folks, it’s not my real name.  I have chosen not to reveal my real name, not because I’m private, or afraid of anyone, but because I don’t want employers, potential employers, or coworkers finding out what I do in my spare time.  Also, it would totally ruin my fantasy of someday meeting Ed Rendell, or any of the other politicians I regularly impugn, and have them say something like “Well, it’s been nice talking to you.” then hit them with “It has?  Ha ha!  I am your arch-nemesis Sebastian.”  Well, OK, that will probably never happen, but I can dream can’t I?

When I was in college, I was a member of a group called The DUsers, which was a MUG (Macintosh Users Group – we were the first in the country actually).  A bunch of DUsers and former DUsers (pronounced ‘doozers’ or ‘d-users’, your pick) ran something called a MUD (Multi-User Dungeon).  When I first went to sign on to play, I tried to use my middle name (John), which was taken, so next I tried my middle name in German (Johann), also taken.   Being a classical music fan and pianist (at the time, I stopped after college, and it ain’t like riding a bicycle), the next thing I tried was Sebastian, after Johann Sebastian Bach, and that one was free.  I’ve been using the moniker for anonymous internet purposes since 1994, and have gotten so used to it, I’d probably answer to it in public.

The MUD that we ran was called The Dragon’s Den.  It’s still operating today, though no one really does much on it these days.  We have a few players left, but it’s mostly a means to communicate with my old college friends; the instant messenger of the early 1990s.  You can still log on.  I’m still Sebastian, and sadly, still follow my habit of logging on whenever at computer.  Old habits die hard I guess.

As for the blog: my college friend and MUDder, David (a.k.a. Zeron), picked out the name.  I thought it was appropriate, because I always thought it would be a cold day in hell before I would start up a real blog.  But someone managed to talk me into it.