How to write an online screen name in dialogue?
Might be a bit nitpicky - but I really want to get the formatting correct - especially because this is one of the first lines in the script. The screen name is: ArgyleMan29
Like this?
JACK: Online I’m ArgyleManTwentyNine.
Or
JACK: Online I’m Argyle Man Twenty Nine.
Or
JACK: Online I’m Argyle-Man-Twenty-Nine.
Italics?
Thanks!
This post was sourced from https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/37024. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
2 answers
Names should always be written as they actually are. Because they are names, unless of course, the pronunciation of the name or the format makes it difficult for the reader to understand or convey it correctly. In that case, the first time it's used (not in dialogue, but in notes or direction) the pronunciation should be dealt with.
ArgyleMan29 would likely be exactly what it would look like on a computer screen. I don't find it difficult to read, especially with the in-capitalization giving the pronunciation clarity. Do not type out the numbers in words.
No need for italics, it's a proper name that happens to be online, indicating a person. I have never seen a correct instance where a person's name was italicized--nicknames or screen names, unless to differentiate fonts as a style flair.
This is how it should look:
JACK: Online I'm ArgyleMan29.
This post was sourced from https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/37029. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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This is my opinion; the first option, capcase run together, is preferable. But sites vary, some let you use spaces in your name, some won't let you mix cases, etc.
Edit: I skimmed over the fact that 29 is not written out in the user name, I agree with Totumus's comment; it should be used as numbers, not written out.
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