Anonymous animosity

I've been approached about speaking at BlogHer Nashville.   I think I could share an interesting perspective, as could most of us, but I wonder about shedding my cloak.

There's no rule that says I have to use my last name, but I'm out there for all to see, to judge.

As bad as a comment might be, it's forgotten, maybe deleted.  If someone says something to your face, it would be much harder to forget. 

Am I brave enough to come out of hiding?  It's one thing with you, you read and comment, or email, and we have a connection.  Those whom I've met or spoken to,  I trusted you enough to do so.  Revealing myself to a larger audience is both daunting and exciting.

Do the benefits outweigh the consequences? Or would participating mean I'm just indulging my ego?