You never know who is behind the pen name.

Why wouldn't I? If a name was not attached would you be able to tell if the writer was published or not? Would you with any accuracy be able to guess their age? I read what is posted here and it rivals if not surpasses so many authors I have tried to read. I love the rawness of the voices. The ability to put yourself out there even if you are scared of the reaction. I think there is an innocence and genuine sincerity that some accomplished authors seemed to have lost along the way. They are able to write a wider range of pieces and explore original ideas that a person with a well known pen name may not be able to without angering their fans. In short I think there is less holding them back and they tend to allow more of their own voice shine through. And it is beautiful.