I would like the ability to play under a pseudonym...like say..John Smith. I enjoy playing VS very much, but I also enjoy not having my name (or picture!) in google. I would like it to stay that way but can not if I am listed in a tournament or in a featured match (I am not planning on "going pro" till I'm out of college). AFAIK the only thing preventing someone from playing under a pseudonym right now is that it says at an event they may ask for identification. It would be nice if I could get some sort of UDE letter which says "A B is authorized to play as C D". I emailed some of the UDE addresses I found about this a while back but never got a reply.

John

Well, unless you want to commit tax fraud don't play in any money prize events and you can say your name is Freedom McGee and no one will know the difference.

-Mike

Mike: I don't think you actually understand how it would work. I can obviously not go to a bank and cash a check as John Smith. I would simply sign a check over to my real name. Banks do not question such transactions unless the originating party (in this case John Smith) contests it. Therefore winnings are accounted for as normal income to my real name. Your assumption of fraud strikes me as astoundingly ignorant. You can not understand the concept that some people who work for some companies or governments do not want their names and pictures splashed around the internet?

Dunno, it'd be pretty easy to deposit in foreign accounts etc. Anyone wanting to play under a pseudonym that badly probably has something to hide or some scheme planned. Regardless, it's unlikely for you to get your picture taken or what not unless you "go pro", so don't sweat that part. There's clearly something shady you're wanting to do, or there's some reason you're banned from certain groups or what not. I don't buy your reasoning and doubt UDE should either.

johnQsmith is obviously bulk lao who intends to play under a pseudonym and dress up as a bananna so no one recognizes him at events.

Sure, no one should be afraid of Identity Theft.

It's not like they've made a bunch of commercials with the sole purpose of scaring the HELL out of people re: that topic.