There are many reasons why someone would want to blog anonymously. Before the digital age plenty of prolific writers preferred to remain anonymous due to the dangerous nature of their writing, for example the revolutionary pamphleteer Thomas Paine. Other writers used pen names for various personal reasons, which was much easier in the old days because only the book publisher needed to know your real identity.
But in today's digital world it has become very difficult, almost laborious to figure out how to conceal your identity and prevent your Internet service providers (ISPs) from storing all of your records. The entire Internet is filled with sophisticated technologies that track every move you make on the web, including your mouse movements. The panopticon has penetrated our day-to-day lives so seamlessly and thoroughly that any enhancements to your digital privacy may even seem futile. If you come away from this list just using a few of these security tips then you're well on the way to total digital privacy.
Once you choose a pseudonym you must take great caution when creating new Internet accounts that you do not cross-contaminate your old identity with your new one. If at any time your two identities are linked in any way, mainly by email, then the jig is up. That is why you should use separate computers for each identity. Having a safe and secure laptop or other device just for your pseudonym-trolling needs will be the easiest way to prevent any cross-contamination.
Your unique IP address is the first method snoopers will use to track you across the Internet. Any service you use will have this IP address logged into their system and this meta data can be easily tracked by any third parties (including governments.) That is why I would recommend using an IP-protection service such as a VPN for daily browsing, or the TOR Network for even tougher security (although the VPN should suffice most cases.) Hot tip: When you sign up for the VPN do yourself a favor and make sure you choose one that not only does not log, but also does not ask for any identification whatsoever.
ProtonMail is a great option because it is free and holds a top priority on security. Dedicate this new account to your fake identity. Don't cross-contaminate any services from your old identity!
Steemit is a great choice to protect your identity on the block chain, but if you wanted to create your own blog website then it's important to find a web host that does not require personally identifying information like a credit card or bank wire.
These steps are just the beginning but they are a great start to taking control of your Internet security and privacy.
