Bitcoin Forum

I use a new address any time I request a payment and I also mine at Eligius. The address I use at Eligius is the first address my wallet ever provided to me and has received many payouts. Is this a bad idea? Should I occasionally generate a new address for mining to keep my identity somewhat private?

It's an interesting question.  You could switch addresses on Eligius by using a new one as your user name.  However, you'd have to catch it every time you crossed the minimum payout threshold if you wanted to ensure you don't reuse an address.  Not a big deal, just annoying.

I will typically create new addresses when requesting a payment or mining on a new pool; however, I don't typically change those addresses afterwards.  For example, I generated an address I use here on BTC Talk for things like signature campaign payouts, tips, etc.  I haven't changed it, yet I've received a number of coins at that address.  Could people tie it together with some of my other addresses?  Sure, if they wanted to go through the blockchain and do the research.

I do not have an opinion in a mining pool, however i have a strong opinion in addresses.  I think you should assign addresses to each service you are using.  When I make loans, I assign an address to that loan, so that I can always track it and know that is only what it was used for.  I also assign different addresses to different websites and different devices. I should not use a different address every time you use a transaction with a company you have delt with before, because you can keep better track of things if you assign different addresses.