Pen names - Why?

The author may not want to reveal his identity because of his current position. He may also want to select a name that would be more easily remembered. He may not want to jeapordize his career because of a seemingly controversial subject.

Oftentimes, it is because of discrimination that still exists today.  For example, JK Rowling used the letters JK instead of Joanne because it was said that if people knew from the start that she was a woman, people would have been less interested in reading her books.  Also, the same has been done by Jewish people, and other groups that have been discriminated against in history. 

Sometimes though, people just think that a name sounds better than their name.  It is similar to an AIM name that you create.  not everyone wants their screen name to be their real name.  

I found authors changing their names because they don't want to associate themselves with failiure.  The other fact is the long name.  Catchy is the name of the game too.  Now the rule of thumb is, You take the first pet you ever had and then the first street you ever lived and that makes a great pen name.  I am Missy Malone. lol is I was a writer that would be good don't cha think?