Food is definitely cross-cultural and ageless, isn't it?  

I don't speak for others, but in my perspective, my image and content has been all over the internet since 1999.  It's not "required" to verify your ID with a picture and the date - ***but it certainly helps***. It gets the attention of people who are trying to find flesh & blood creators...and isn't the bottom line to build a good following to earn some decent money?

Here's another way of looking at "shout-outs".  There are so many initiatives from people who want to find good quality creators and give them exposure: robinhoodwhale, nameinlights, and projectnewbie to name a few.  We shout them out and call attention to them.  When they link to our things, we consider it a very good thing - a blessing and a gift.  

But when we are called out because our identity is in question, it is shocking and hurtful, especially if you're not a bot.  *But here's why I think this experience may be a very good thing for you.*

Let go of the pride associated with feeling like you've been attacked.  You were indeed called out and you've responded so we know you're human.  

I was in the newspaper business for 7 years and I can tell you "bad news" sells better than "good news."  I wouldn't be surprised if you've gotten an influx of people viewing your posts - maybe even a few new followers - and hopefully no haters.  Haters suck.

***You've currently got an audience reading your responses.  Will you overcome adversity and be seen with grace and dignity?  What you do from here is entirely up to you.***  

### To err is human, to forgive - *Divine*

Why are some of your posts written in fluent English--like that of a native English speaker, and your comments written very much like that of a person...who is not entirely fluent when it comes to syntax, sentence flow, overall flow? I know you're a real person judging by your comments but I'm pretty sure you didn't write some of the blog posts. Work for hire? Totally legit to hire someone to translate your work into English so I don't think you should feel ashamed to admit that. As for proving your identity with a photo I agree with you. I'm not ever posting my real name or a photo--because I have a right to privacy especially when the things I share here are not necessarily topics that I want to share with family or colleagues in real life.