Keep those anonymous comments coming
Anonymity stays.
That's the consensus of the many people who responded to my question in an earlier post about the value of anonymity in commenting on our Web site.
I and others were impressed by the thoughtful responses. The post generated a record 76 comments and counting - most ever for one of our blogs. I cheated by posing a provocative question, but I'll take feedback any way I can get it.
Speaking of feedback, some posters expressed their dislike of anonymous comments for obvious but good reasons: If you're willing to say something in a public forum, you should be willing to be identified and stand behind your comments. As the son of a newspaper editor who never allowed anonymous comments of any kind in his publication, I understand where those people are coming from.
But it's a new age, and I think it requires new thinking. Anonymity has been a cornerstone of the Internet since the beginning, and that won't change any time soon.
Clearly, it frees people up to speak their minds when they otherwise would be reluctant. Many posters made that point eloquently. They had different reasons for wanting their identities kept secret, but their arguments were persuasive if we're interested in bringing as many people and viewpoints into our discussions as possible.
I read most of the comments on our Web site, and I've gotten pretty good at quickly filtering through the pointless posts or those mostly intended to attack. Mixed among them are valid and valuable viewpoints.
As for Wisconsinheat's question about why we initiated an online forum, I'd say yes, yes and yes to his three possible reasons: to draw Web traffic, to generate revenue and to provide a forum to discuss issues.
The traffic and revenue goals are more long term. Traffic to our site helps us sell advertising. We need eyeballs, and we hope advertisers see the value in getting those eyeballs on their ads.
As much as that, though, I like the idea of the Gazette and Gazettextra being the place people go for local information of all kinds. The discussions clearly offer additional information that people can take for what it's worth. The comments have proven to be a big challenge to monitor and manage. And the feedback and criticism often directed at the Gazette are sometimes hard to take. At times, I ask myself what we got ourselves into and why.
But overall, I strongly believe the benefits outweigh the trouble. And if we want the site to continue to flourish and grow, continued anonymity of comments is clearly the way to go.
Apr 30, 2008 at 11:53 a.m.
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I am a firm beleiver that if you can't put your name on it and hold yourself accountable for what you say, it is not worth saying. I have no problem sharing my opinion and I proudly put my name to it.
That way those who know me and those who don't can either find my comments credible and valid or many may think I'm a nut case and my opinion doesn't mean much. Too many times those who know they are speaking without others knowing who they are most likely can make things up and then never have a source to go back and verify and ask for clarification. Just my opinion but if someone feels comfortable not giving their name, who am I to criticize. I tend to not give much credit to people who do not identify themselves.
Jason Dowd
Feb 1, 2008 at 11:24 a.m.
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Gee,I hope that Senator Stevens doesn't discover my true identity as I cower behind my monitor, a sniveling, pathetic excuse for a man, lacking in courage and true conviction.
Feb 1, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
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I don't think that our "Founders" had access to the internet unless it may have been that series of tubes discovered by Ted "High Tech" Stevens, the esteemed republican senator from the great state of Alaska. However, pamphlets and leaflets did exist at that time and were widely circulated and full of fantastic lies.
Jan 31, 2008 at 11:34 a.m.
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I personally don't have a problem with people knowing who I am. I have no problem being responsible for what I say, and I'm sure most of us don't. There are several people that know who I am and have asked me about my comments here.
However, there ARE people on here where being anonymous has helped the rest of us. For example, we have police officers on here that can offer us opinions, confirm policies, etc., and they don't have to worry about jeopardizing their career due to their comments to the public. If it weren't for their position, I'm sure they'd have no problem showing their face. Personally, I think it's a benefit to the rest of us.
-Paisleys Daddy
Jan 31, 2008 at 10:44 a.m.
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While I certainly respect the editor's decision to continue allowing anonymity in these discussions, I still maintain that such forums will remain little more than amusing sideshows in the realm of public discussion.
If you truly wish to be an instrument for progress and change, you step forward with conviction and courage. Our Founders did not hide behind screen names.
Jan 30, 2008 at 10:52 p.m.
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(((golf clap)))
Jan 30, 2008 at 9:36 p.m.
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daveBob and sloback:
The hypocrisy of your posts is laughable.
davebob: Your leading by example eh?
Jan 30, 2008 at 9:14 p.m.
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davebob and sloback: If you are against anonimity, why didn't you sign your full name to your blog entry?
Jan 30, 2008 at 7:43 p.m.
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I disagree. Anonymity breeds a visciousness in that nobody is accountable for the comments they make. I do not care for the call-in comments in the print edition either that allows people to state opinions without having to stick their name to it.
Jan 30, 2008 at 7:37 p.m.
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The prosecution rests it's case.
Jan 30, 2008 at 7:33 p.m.
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I like the though of anonymity. It allows you to speak your mind,provide postive or negative feedback without retailion from others. as long as i'm not violating any laws why would anyone need to know who i am?
Jan 30, 2008 at 6:51 p.m.
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Yeah, that's it, this blog is an example as to why the young people of this country are screwed-up -sarcasm intended.
Consider this: Maybe the problem with the young comes from the brutalization of the sylogism when cockeyed conclusions are drawn from misplaced premises.
Jan 30, 2008 at 5:38 p.m.
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All this forum allows for is the gutless cowards to vent, say what they want, and not have to take responsibility. People wonder why the youth of this country will not take responsibility for thier actions, how can they when those they are to look up will not.
Jan 30, 2008 at 2:48 p.m.
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In this day and age whether you like it or not, anonymity on the internet is here to stay. Even if you forced names, fake ones could be made up, proxy servers could be used, Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo will always exist to some extent. The Gazette does a fine job of monitoring what stays up on their site, much better than 95% of sites that I visit daily.
And about supressing persons or ideas, either can be depressed with anonymity. There is a current attack at a large church group in America by an annonomous group, and it is making a toll. Government can do the same, even easier.
Jan 30, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.
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Anonymity is the enemy of repressive government. It allows an idea to exist without being attached to a person. It is much easier to suppress a person than an idea. This is the same reason that bullies are critical of anonymity. Let's let ideas exist and see if they can survive.
Jan 30, 2008 at 11:32 a.m.
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This is good news! Web anonymity is a hot topic today, and there are forces in this country trying to legislate the end of it. Even though these forces have the best intentions, they are misguided. Just today in the news there are reports China is yet again clamping down on dissident posters, and we should take this action as the wrong way to go. We shouldn't be following China's lead, we need to show China it's error. After reading the comments for many months now, I'm continually amazed at how civil they are overall compared to comments on the Internet in general. One point everyone should be made aware of however; If you post something that a judge could consider unlawful, like threats of violence, or slander, they could issue a subpoena against the Gazette, and your Internet service provider. The Gazette would be asked for your IP number, and they would ask your ISP who that number belonged to at the time of the post. This could very likely allow law enforcement to obtain your name, and address so they can take appropriate action against you.
Jan 30, 2008 at 11:24 a.m.
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Scott, can we be given the opportunity to comment on all stories? local, state and national.
thanks again Scott!
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