Sometimes I run across an artist who uses multiple names across several different art platforms (for example: johndoe1 on Furaffinity, johndeer5 on Weasyl). Should I tag both names as the artist or choose one? If the answer is the latter, how do I choose?

Sparklepaws said:
Sometimes I run across an artist who uses multiple names across several different art platforms (for example: johndoe1 on Furaffinity, johndeer5 on Weasyl). Should I tag both names as the artist or choose one? If the answer is the latter, how do I choose?

Generally, I'd go with whichever tag has been used the most so far for them. I think either would be fine as long as you make sure to give a proper source link to them. You can also put in an alias request.

Other notes to keep in mind -- do they sign with one name over the other? does one website seem to be more favored than the other? (10 on one site, 100 pictes on the other?)

Sparklepaws said:
Should I tag both names as the artist or choose one? If the answer is the latter, how do I choose?

Common practice is to choose one and use it for all posts regardless of the source site. Quite a few artists have mismatched accounts like that on different sites. Some artists change accounts so end up with an old and a new name. It's not unusual at all.

One exception worth considering: the accounts are clearly separated (like one is SFW and another NSFW) but it's the same person behind both. Then, maybe, two tags.

Good advice, thanks everyone!

Tag both names. Then suggest an alias from the less used name to the preferred one.