First you can have more than one Skype name although it requires some tricks to log in on more than one name at once. It is not like YahooIM that enables you to chat with different named profiles concurrently. In Skype it is one name at a time. As Skype acts like a phone the question is how do you want to be listed in the directory and what identity and profile information do you want to broadcast with calls.

Choosing Your Name:
Choosing your name for day to day use has implications. First you will have to fill in a profile, the Skype profile will be searchable by other Skypers. So if you want absolute privacy then no names, and no profile data. However, your friends may not know you, and they won't be able to search for you etc. However once they have added you they can always give you a proper name to "Secretive Tom" by renaming your ID in their buddylist.

Note when registering your "skype user" name you will also be asked for a password. Use good password practice and put in an e-mail that works. Otherwise later you may find you can't log back into your name and can't retrieve the password.

If you choose to register under a "handle" or nickname and then fill in your profile with your own name, you will make it easier for people. Name recognition when the call comes in is much more powerful than number and no name. Similarly leaving out a name when one could be given suggest that you are not serious. When you Skype them with your real name showing it gives more people confidence to answer.

Note: Are we thinking about an adult or a child here? If you are registering a name for your child you may want to put in a fictitious handle and first name only in the Full Name box. More importantly you may want to set the "privacy" settings to block everyone not on their buddy list. Kids are smart, they soon learn how to work the system.

Own Your Identity
If you register your own name and variations of it you are reducing the chance that someone else might register it. There are many John Smiths, however if you have something a little more unique you may have a chance to register your name. Just because you get a call from "john_smith" doesn't mean it is "johnsmith". You will know if it is your buddy and you authorised them. However, you could still find yourself chatting with the wrong "john smith". Managing privacy setting can assist but not guarantee the caller you are chatting with is really the person on your buddy list. Now you probably know them by voice. That's an easy check. This is no different than someone no me calling you from my cell phone and pretending to be me.

In time Skype systems will evolve to improve the "reputation" and profile information. Now your profle has SkypeId and Name fields with similar information. This may also be important if you have a company. If you will use Skype for more than just social use you should add in that business phone number, a link to your website, and other details that may enable the call receipient to quickly check your profile. Add a polite message and have a complete profile and you are much more likely to get answered.

Completing Your Profile:

How you fill in your profile is important to how people respond. Here is my profile. Note I don't see why I should broadcast my age. I have a business phone listed and link to webpages. I've also made a request for some context for people trying to contact me the first time.

Add a picture and add one with a smile. You only see pictures from people that are authorized buddies. All others are "black" heads. A picture is worth a 1000 words. It further personalizes the inbound call.

There may also be times when you want to call without revealing your identity. In Skype you can log off as one user and log in as another. File/Log in as new user/create new user/ Exploring a new dating site could be an example.

Note: you can have more than one Skype Account. However I do know of people that have created one name, then logged into another bought SkypeOut minutes and then later when logging back into Skype with the first name wonder where the SkypeOut dollars are. Note SkypeUser names are independent of each other. Currently you can't share SkypeOut dollars across multiple accounts.

Privacy:
Is it important that people not on your buddy list can get ahold of you easily?
Are you female?
Are you willing to purchase voice mail?

Answering Skype calls.
Don't feel obliged to answer a call from someone you don't know. Push them to voice mail, if it is important they will leave a voice message. Concurrently, look at their profile is it filled in? If the profile is complete it's more suggestive that they are a real person (although no guarantee)then my approach is to send them a text message and ask for context for the call. Now you are in control of whether you will speak to them or not. Serious people add the links to their profile to give it crediblity.

In Skype you can control privacy setting. Tools/Options/Privacy/. You can make setting for both Calls and Chats. Depending on how you work, this may be important to controlling interruptions as well. You may also effect how you are contacted by managing your status eg online, away, do not disturb etc.

How much of the profile do you fill in. Your full name is covered above. Filling in that you are female and your birthday may get you more call than you desire. It helps to put in your Language and Country. Up to you if you put in your phone numbers. It does establish more credibility for the profile. Plus, unknown Skype callers are not that likely to start calling your landline numbers when they can connect for free. If you have a blog or webpage link add it. It obviously adds more credibility. Then in the about section put in something about yourself or how and for what you might like to be contacted. Mine simply says "Please send a text message first if I don't know you and your profile is incomplete or lacking details. Thanks."

Hope this helps? Have other tips? Additions? Please let us know. Thanks.