I just finished responding to a poll on artists changing names.... and I guess I got carried away with my comment on it. Here it is, if you are interested

I think that sometimes artists forget that their ... 'fans' for lack of a better term.... usually do not know them as a person. They come to appreciate the art and over time they can become friends... but they seldom get to know the reasons for the names that are used in the first place. When an artist changes names, those that enjoy the art do not know that the artist associates his or her 'known' name with an ex, or that it was something that came from a now half forgotten RP, or whatever. All they know is the name they knew is going away. They may very well watch the new account and enjoy the art there-in, but in many ways the new name is a NEW PERSON to them. They miss (insert old name here)'s work even as they are learning to like {or not} (insert new name here)'s style. In short, if all you know is the name, then leaving the old name behind often leaves behind the old relationship. Now I am not saying that if I had started posting art at 12 and had outgrown the previously peachy name of 'DaFlyingToe' or something that I would not want to change it. What I am saying is that sometimes we change our names too easily and with too little concern for those who might morn its passing.

Just my 2 cents, don't throw banana peals.... though if you want to throw me a carrot, welll, I guess I could live with that.