Goodbye, Anonymous?

When I like this blog best is when conversation takes place among blog contributors and commenters.

One barrier to conversation is the tendency of some to move quickly to judgement, rejecting different opinions and perspectives. But other than encouraging people to keep an open mind and listen to others' ideas, there is not much we can do about that.

Another barrier to conversation is the habit of many to comment as "Anonymous." I understand why people comment anonymously: for some it is because of technology issues; for others out of a need or wish to remain anonymous. But in both cases, nothing prevents you from creating an identity for the purposes of discussion on this blog.

For example, if you comment as "Anonymous" because of technology issues, you can still sign your name at the end of your comment, as Gabrielle, Leslie, and several others have been doing recently. And if you comment as "Anonymous" because of a wish to shield your identity, just create a blog identify, whether it is another person's name or a made-up name, and use that consistently when you comment.

If everyone identifies themselves in comments, whether by a real or fictious name, it will make it much easier to respond to individual comments and maintain a feeling of conversation in this online discussion place.

Comments

Anonymous said…
I used to post with my name until someone took my comments, twisted them around and judged/labeled me in a way that was so far from my character. It was a complete misunderstanding between my words and how this person read my words, and they later apologized, but I was afraid from then on whenever I posted my name, I would become...I wish I remember the words they used...elitist, full of themselves, whatever. I feel more safe posting among another sea of anonymous posters because even if someone might recognize me by the child I refer to or school I mention, I feel less obvious to label and attack. Otherwise I might feel so inclined to no longer post. If people were a little more careful with their words and not too judgemental/harsh based on someones comments, maybe if would feel like a safer environment to post by name. Just my experience...
2/19/07, 8:40 PM
Anonymous said…
yes, anon in the first comment, I understand. especially since kids are involved and because people can be petty. But here's what I think Beth is saying. Not that you ought to use your real name, but that if you would please use some name, consistently, then the rest of us could follow along also.

Just because one person twisted your comment doesn't mean other readers would. I think the thing is, if the rest of us readers were able to track who is writing what, we would be better able to give more credence to those who speak up in a thoughtful manner. As it is right now, some anons are thoughtful, some just snark. (And even then, folks don't always agree on who to listen to. One person's Maureen Dowd is another person's Ann Coulton)

If each anon commenter used some sort of identifier, readers would decide who is offering food for thought and who isn't.

Especially if someone has something important but perhaps challenging that they want to persuade folks to believe. If it is from someone completely anon with no history of commenting, then it's too easy to believe that it's just a troll with a hidden agenda.

This doesn't wholy help, someone trolling or being unreasonable for other reasons could just use different names, but it would be better than a whole slew of anons.

In choosing an identity, I click on the "other" button and type in my first name. Now that I think about it, while this is better than being anon, it leaves me open to two problems. A. someone else could comment using the same name, either because they share the name or want to be damaging to me. Well, Melissa and Charlie both know me, so I might be able to get that sort of thing addressed. B. I cannot edit my comment. With a blogger identity, one can edit or delete their comment after it's been published.
2/20/07, 7:21 AM
Anonymous said…
The intelligent, well informed parents and citizens that post on this blog come with some strong and often well researched opinions. Most of us are open to listening and learning but if we don't care for an idea or differ strongly in opinion, you will see it reflected in our posts on this blog. I hope you don't read this as rejection, or as passing judgement, but rather as part of the open conversation process. It's not a barrier to conversation, rather, it is real conversation. I think the real issue here is manners. We can strongly differ in opinions, And still remain polite and respectful of one another. We can also continue to remind ourselves to keep an open mind and consider other perspectives. As for posting anonymously, it allows people to express their true candid opinions, without fear of being labeled or judged. The idea/words may be judged, but not the individual. That being said, I love Beth's idea of making up a name that you use when you post here. You are still anonymous but for the purposes of conversation it is much more efficient.
2/20/07, 7:36 AM
Anonymous said…
I bet the number of harsh, ill willed, bitter know-it-all comments will decrease, if the no-anon policy is observed. Sunshine is a great disinfectant.
2/20/07, 7:30 PM
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