The goth scene and the rap scene actually have a lot in common. We both like skulls on our clothes and jewelry, we both like songs about substance abuse, sex, and death, and we both like to pick absolutely ridiculous nicknames.

Don't worry, if you don't pick one yourself someone will do it for you, as you can tell by my byline. I can't speak for why rappers do it, but goths... actually, I can't explain why goths do it either.

So what's behind all the little monikers that goths choose for themselves? To answer that I summoned the Gothic Council. With us this week is DJ Regen Robinson, author of the Encyclopedia Gothica Liisa Ladouceur, model Scarlett St. Vitus, stylist Carol Simmons, and Toby Rider of the darkwave band Ending the Vicious Cycle.

Regen Robinson: Not sure about the rapper's excuse for this but I think it comes from having such a close knit scene where everyone knows each other at least on some level. Everyone gets a scene name just so people know who you are talking about without having to go into great detail.

I never really got one, but according to this goth name generator my goth name is Kittie Corpse Regen. Fun.

Gothic Council: I keep meaning to ask... is Regen a goth name or just an unconventional spelling of Reagan?

Regen Robinson: No "Regen" is the correct "normal" spelling. The goth version would be Reagan... which was the exorcist.

Liisa Ladouceur: I've known people who've taken to calling themselves Creepy, Panther, Hellbat, Morpheus and the like. So be it. I wasn't born with two Is in my name, so as you wish. Perhaps goth scene names are passed down from example of Andrew "Eldritch?" (Author's note: Born Andrew William Harvey Taylor). And most definitely popularized by the net.goths.

Regardless of origins, I see pseudonyms as another tool in defining one's self, not unlike tattoos and dress. But once it sticks, it doesn't really belong to you anymore, and it's hard to shake it. Ask Puff Daddy. If Andrew really wants to distance himself from the whole Goth thing, he should get a new stage name. Maybe even a rapper one.

I've never used a pen name other than my own, goth or not. Didn't feel the need. That Goth Generator is suggesting Death Dealer. Must say, I'd prefer Lisa Simpson's: Ravencrow Neversmiles.