Identity: Searching For Oneself Online

We’ve all done it—searched for ourselves to see if and where we exist online. I remember the first time I searched for my name in Alta Vista! I was the only one with my name out there!

Alta Vista? It was ’98, and the internet was a vast, uncharted frontier. I was the only Michael Forman who appeared in any search result. It was a peculiar feeling—being the sole digital footprint of my name. Now, numerous Michael Formans populate the web.

Like many authors, I search my name to stay informed about my online presence. It’s a way to ensure that my professional and personal information is accurately represented. However, with so many namesakes, there are at least five other notable individuals named Michael Forman:

1. Michael Forman – Chairman and CEO of FS Investments, a Philadelphia-based alternative investments asset manager.
2. Michael Forman – Corporate speaker and consultant specialising in business networking and strategic engagement.
3. Michael Forman – Managing Director and Partner at Howden Capital Markets & Advisory in New York.
4. Michael Forman – Management Accountant at Seles Ltd in London, with a history in financial services.
5. Michael Forman – Minister of Religion at the Baptist Union, based in Chelford, UK.

These are just the first few, not the entire offering (And I was a long way down the list). It’s intriguing how each Michael Forman has established a unique presence in their respective fields. This exercise helps me stay updated and reinforces the importance of maintaining a distinct and accurate digital identity in an increasingly connected world.

Although I didn’t appear in the first ten, I found this online:

“As of April 2025, Michael Forman, the Australian author known for his psychological thriller SEETHINGS, maintains a modest online presence. His work is featured on platforms like Goodreads, Booktopia, and Medium.”

I’ll take it!

-Michael Forman (Author of SEETHINGS. Downloadable and free for a limited time.)

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