Personally, I think it makes your life a little simpler if you put your name to a post. We all pretty much understand that if you post something on the inernet, it is not private...someplace, somewhere, somebody, somehow, can find who wrote it.
So, if you sincerely don't want anyone to know you wrote it, you'd best not say it on-line.
Having said that...this is not an old argument. I have a number of friends who post anonymously, and we have debated this with some passion. I do know the pen-names for some, but not for all of them, and they generally make a reasonable and logical argument for remaining anonymous, so I have come to a better understanding of that mindset.
However, these people are the ones who will not post an evil or mean-spirited post; rather, they will make heartfelt observations and comments.
It is the ones who use their "anonymous name" to spout some miserable comment in a mean-spirited way that you have to despise.
R
-- Edited by rwaitman on Monday 30th of January 2012 02:57:02 PM
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
As far as the Herald comments, based on her (appalled) comments about the vector discussion, I now know who I'm dealing with. Her comments are always odd. I respect them none-the-less.
I would be willing to bet if she ever met me...she would like me.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
This thread isn't a means for me to make a "holier than though" statement so please don't look at it that way.
Recently I've been called out on the Herald e-edition for my comments about posting anonymously. Apparently my comments on the Herald have been "snide". While a realize I make comments that are a bit harsh sometimes, I don't recall being malicously derogatory towards anyone.
That being said, I'm curious as to whether anyone here agrees with my sentiments about the potential atmosphere posting anonymously can present if not moderated appropriately. I'm on record in recent comments on the Herald stating that I believe posting comments behind a pseudonym can lead to angry rants, factless claims, and a hateful atmosphere since posters are not held accountable due to the stained glass they post behind. Of course, I believe this only to be true in arenas that are not moderated appropriately.
I have been extremely fortunate here on this forum to have subscribers that are good natured and have the common decency to be fair and kind and willing to adhere to the board rules. So please don't think for a second that I think all anonymous posting is bad. If you're not comfortable using your name, I feel it's good to post under a pseudonym. Great comments and ideas have come from many that post this way.
Myself, I use my real name due to the fact that I don't want the personal burdon of having insulted someone, caused hard feelings between people or groups of people or perhaps even started rumors due to commenting on a whim knowing I don't have to face up to mistakes due to lack of research. It's merely a personal standard I choose to live by.
I'm very curious about what all of you think on this topic.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. – Philippians 2:3-4
It takes a special courage to put your name on the an opinion board like this. Not because safety is violated by doing so, but because it opens yourself up to criticism that continue even after you log off. So I applaude Clarke and Steve and Randy and all those who are willing to do that. I’m not there, at least not yet, but I do appreciate that those on this board to not begrudge me the right to that Chinese screen.
-- Edited by Sigma on Thursday 26th of January 2012 04:19:09 PM
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Science can purify religion from error and superstition. Religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world. A world in which both can flourish.
