Personally, I'd rather be Katherine. I think it sounds more friendly and approachable (which I aim to be). Plus I think of myself as "Lawson" (maiden name) when I'm talking to myself, so seeing myself referred to as "Vaughan" is always a bit jarring. Even after 10 years of marriage and quite a lot of proffessional/academic life!

Perhaps this is just something you should ask each designer to include in our initial files? I realize that would be yet another thing to keep track of...

Someday I will be known by one name - and then you won't have to worry on my behalf. I just hope I get to pick which name that is (and that it can be said in front of my children)!

Julia, I guess it just boils down to formality and the image you want to project with Patternfish. Using someone's last name is a little more formal, polite, of a more journalistic style and seems more professional. When referring to someone by his/her first name gives a vibe of familiarity and approachability.

It does not really matter to me which style you use, whether you refer to me as "Anne" or "Lukito," but I would want to see a site stick to one rule and maintain consistency. Of course, if a designer changes what you wrote, then I suppose there isn't anything you can really do about that.

Julia, I'm comfortable with either coming from the corporate world as I do however, what about the fact that Deb & I both have the same last name ... just to throw in a tiny wrench in there :)
-Lynda

OK... so far we've established that Katherine is going to be one-named in ten years (like Cher or Elvis), and Anne Kuo Lukito wants one OR the other but not both, and Deb and Lynda Gemmell might be worried about being mistaken for one another (though sisters, they look nothing alike).

So far I'm feeling that we'll go with last names unless the designer wants to choose to alter the description by inserting her first name (Pax Lukito!), which we would then leave as is... but further discussion is welcomed. Anyone?

Julia, Like everyone above, I'm comfortable with whatever you decide for PF. I do agree with Anne's point, though, that "someone's last name is a little more formal, polite, of a more journalistic style and seems more professional".

This is totally subjective and probably culturally ingrained, but in reading the examples in your first post, Julia, to me there is a definite difference in tone between the two examples. While I think we all like to be seen as approachable, friendly and helpful('cause we are!), I think this can still be accomplished in a slightly more formal presentation.

Julia, I think you already know my feelings. That is why I posted on my blog over a year ago, citing you as ‘art gallery curator’ of knitting pattern.

http://jackie-es.com/musings/art-gallery-curator-of-knitting-patterns.php

I think that whatever you do to hold to your vision ... "I’ve long thought that if patterns were described the way fine garments are in catalogues, people would respect them more." ... is what brings the special touch to Patternfish.

From a customer only, perspective. I like the use of the last name only. I'm used to it from work. Also from my own writing.

Great! A customer! As a friend of mine would say, "it's the only opinion that really counts." We do seem to be developing a consensus, but more input is always welcome.

Think last name is fine once the whole name is mentioned. Blended style from the PM is fine too!
About the millionaire thing... I realize I am getting off to a turtlish start, but watch out!

I like last names. The first time I read it, it caught my attention enough that I thought about it. In the end, I like that it makes the whole endeavour more serious. Actors, artists and musicians are all referred to by their last names (once the whole name has been stated). We should be as serious.

From another customer's perspective, I prefer last names as well. Never mind I still use my maiden name legally, along with a nickname and a married name and other combinations thereof, so obviously I'm not hung up on one name. However, I agree with another blogger that raising the professional bar, so to speak, to a more formal approach does imply this is not just a homemaker hobby in which we endeavor.

Liking the trend here, but it's obvious why! We'll start with last names, but if the designer changes it, we'll leave it that way.

I'm new to the site and when I noticed the use of last names for the designers I thought it was modern and professional. The language used to refer to the designers' work is always supremely respectful and highly complimentary, so the use of their surnames cannot, in my opinion, undermine the other positive aspects of the comments on their work.