I agree ND but there are alot of people who can figure us out on the internet that are really savvy (sp). I already took some stuff to the Williston Police Station. I will not do Banking on line nor buy on line. Some people who are nasty would never do that under real names. Either way - Good Information whomever sends it is good. Nasty People are just that. And we all have to use Caution when on the internet.
Anonymity seems to be the subject of the day in the Herald guest book.I’ve read the posts and just wanted to weigh in on this subject.
The main reason that I use a “nic” rather than using my real name is Internet safety.Over the years, I’ve read many articles warning people not to post their real names or personal information about themselves on the Internet.Because both the Herald and this board already tell people that we are in Williston, I try not to put things out there that could lead directly to me.I don’t mistrust the people who post here.I’ve talked to a few of you in person many times over the years and the rest of you seem to be very nice people also.If the regular posters on this site know who I am, I’m perfectly fine with that.However, the Internet is available to the entire world.While I'm not paranoid, and I don’t think that some psycho is going to show up in the night and shoot me because they disagree with my opinion, I do think it is a good idea to heed the warnings, (women especially).
Do opinions carry less weight without a face? I don't know. I would hope not. Drawing on what little I can remember form sociology 101 and psych 101, (a hundred years ago), it's entirely possible that a "mindset" is formed when seeing the name of the poster, before actually reading what the person has written. A reader might brace themselves to begin looking for an opposite opinion. It's also possible that when seeing the name, if it is someone that they always admire and usually agree with, they may go into reading the information written with a more positive attitude looking for ideas to agree with and support. I don't think we do this purposely, but i do wonder if it's possible to avoid it subconciously.
Any thoughts?
Yep! you said, what I was trying to say, only you said it a lot better than I could a had of. I used to be pretty unwavering on the idea of posting using your name, but a number of people told me about the same thing you say....soooo..... it's all copacetic... ;o)
Anonymity seems to be the subject of the day in the Herald guest book.I’ve read the posts and just wanted to weigh in on this subject.
The main reason that I use a “nic” rather than using my real name is Internet safety.Over the years, I’ve read many articles warning people not to post their real names or personal information about themselves on the Internet.Because both the Herald and this board already tell people that we are in Williston, I try not to put things out there that could lead directly to me.I don’t mistrust the people who post here.I’ve talked to a few of you in person many times over the years and the rest of you seem to be very nice people also.If the regular posters on this site know who I am, I’m perfectly fine with that.However, the Internet is available to the entire world.While I'm not paranoid, and I don’t think that some psycho is going to show up in the night and shoot me because they disagree with my opinion, I do think it is a good idea to heed the warnings, (women especially).
Do opinions carry less weight without a face? I don't know. I would hope not. Drawing on what little I can remember form sociology 101 and psych 101, (a hundred years ago), it's entirely possible that a "mindset" is formed when seeing the name of the poster, before actually reading what the person has written. A reader might brace themselves to begin looking for an opposite opinion. It's also possible that when seeing the name, if it is someone that they always admire and usually agree with, they may go into reading the information written with a more positive attitude looking for ideas to agree with and support. I don't think we do this purposely, but I do wonder if it's possible to avoid it subconciously.
Any thoughts?
-- Edited by nd.citizen on Tuesday 17th of March 2009 12:26:44 PM
