The Price of Internet Anonymity

We've talked about it here a few other times. Basically, I think there are legit reasons for anonymity online. Not in every case, but in some. (Mayor Buckwheat is a good example of this maybe...)

What the CEO did, though, was wrong - on a lot of levels.

I try to make sure people who post to the 'stories' section here use their real names - or that I at least know who they are.

In the blogs section, though, things are a little more lax. Although we still do get great posts like this one.

To be honest, I think why MFP doesn't have a lot of troll problems yet is that we don't have a LOT of users. Heh. There are things in place to take care of trouble makers, though.

If you take a look at this post by Larry Riley over at TSP, this issue comes up. I think he handles it well. (And yes, I did try to get Riley to blog here. ;)

Anyone else have any thoughts? Comments on how community happens here at MFP?

Thanks, Bob.

-kpaul  

I think it's great if someone wants and feels comfortable using their realy identity online, but that's not for everyone. In my opinion, saying that online users should use their real identities to ensure honesty and cut down on instances of hostility is like saying you shouldn't object to the government placing a surveiliance camera in your house unless you have something to hide.

Innocent until proven guilty, remember?

Removing online anonymity might reduce some of the instances of hostility that take place, but it would also silence many honest users who fear the repercussions that may come with expressing their views while using their real identity. In today's technological world many employers have been known to google the names of prospective employees and it's not uncommon for people to be refused employment based on those results. The world of politics can be a nasty environment and there are many who don't want to work with or hire individuals holding different political views.

Of course, there are also a lot of safety issues and those alone are enough to hide one's real identity.

Too late for me, I guess! ;)

Good thoughts, though. Anyone else care to join the discussion?

-kpaul  

As I've stated in previous discussions, I'm a fan of real identities. I won't say anything on a blog that I wouldn't say in person, and I take a lot of pride in my beliefs, so I don't mind if people know what I say and think.

That being said, I'm self-employed, so I don't worry about a job, but I do understand why some people might feel the need to conceal their identity.

I have found that in a couple of other forums I take part in, the most rude,  vulgar and unfounded comments come from people that use ficticious names.

Bob Hertzog

I guess if a person really felt threatened by posting under her or his real name, that would be a reason for a screen name.  Certainly in other countries that don't value free speech as we do, anonymity might be necessary.  Both "Common Sense" and "The Federalist," I'm told, were first published anonymously.  However, today in the U.S., I would guess there is less need for that.

Bob Hertzog

Paul, I really like Riley's idea.  Perhaps, MFP might devote one blog on a given thread for people who are willing to post under their real names.  The other blogs will still be available for people who want to post anonymously. 

Let me grok this idea for a bit. I like it, but I'm trying to think of the best way to do it.

More later,
kpaul

However, today in the U.S., I would guess there is less need for that.

....Yeah because the government already knows who we are! ;-)

Seriously though, I used to post using my real name on an internet forum until someone took the liberty of tracing me down and then threatened my family. After contacting the authorities, I was told that nothing could be done until that individual acted upon their threats.  I was then advised by the authorities not to use my real identity online and since then I have not.

Ask and you shall receive. I'm not sure if this is the best way to do it, but for those using their real names, check out this page. You can add content (that only people who are using real names will be able to see and respond to...) on this page (which should be under the 'create content' menu now ... if I've given you 'real name status.'

I'm thinking now I should have a section for only anonymous people so they don't get mad/jealous? ;)

Again, thanks for the idea. Let me know what you think. Open to suggestions on how to do it better.

Your friendly and accessible publisher,
K. Paul Mallasch

Bob Hertzog

Okay, I'm anxious to see how it works out.  How do I get "real-name status?"