What is the purpose of a pen name? Does anyone here use one?

What is the purpose of a pen name? Does anyone here use one?

I used to use one because my real name "Jackie Wilson" belongs to a singer from the 1960s LOL..but now I just kinda figure wtheck and use it anyway..

I think if i was to use one it would be because my name is boring and unwriterlike :P

I'm presently looking for one. The reason is because I want to preserve my anonymity.

I may choose to write on a sensitive topic or include some semi-autobiographical information in my work, and I don't want it immediately associated with *me.*

I still plan on having a job and doing regular everyday stuff, even if I do manage to get published. And I want to keep the two worlds separate so I'm not defined by either one of them.

I plan on using one as I want to stay anonymous.

My handle is obviously not my real name but I daren't use that because it's just so damned silly! :D

Currently thinking of one.

I'm thinking of one as well, because I was planning on using different names for different genres. If I was to use my real name on a book, it would probably be on my non-fiction.

My name here is my Penname. I've been writing as KaitonLocke since I started. Was a kewl name, least thought so, and so I decided to use it wherever I go. So, the majority of my forum names are KaitonLocke or Kai-locke. Lolz