http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414 The Tehachapi News now has the ability to stop people from being able to comment anonymously on blog posts. Now, before we go on, let's be clear about this --- we're talking about those comments that come from people where at the top it reads "anonymous", not something where people cannot use their profile names. As members of the blogging community, do you feel it's time to get rid of the ability to post comments anonymously? Let us hear your thoughts. The Tehachapi News now has the ability to stop people from being able to comment anonymously on blog posts. Now, before we go on, let's be clear about this --- we're talking about those comments that come from people where at the top it reads "anonymous", not something where people cannot use their profile names. As members of the blogging community, do you feel it's time to get rid of the ability to post comments anonymously? Let us hear your thoughts. en-us I feel two things, which isn't gonna help you at all.  I think people should be able to make original posts anonymously.  I also find it irratating.  What I really don't like is anonymous comments to someone else's original post. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120920 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120920 I feel two things, which isn't gonna help you at all.  I think people should be able to make original posts anonymously.  I also find it irratating.  What I really don't like is anonymous comments to someone else's original post. No, keep that option. If someone wants to keep their privacy, it is their right to do so. Besides one must register with the site to post, even if it is anonymously, so it's not like spammers and their like can come and mess with the blogs and whatnot. In the online world of today, if someone makes a contriversial comment on one of the posts and other bloggers know who he/she is in real life then they might take it personally and the discussion might escalate offline, so anonymity can play a role in keeping the peace. Also anonymity usually brings out the true nature of people especially online (the site already has safeguards against personal attacks), so there is less fear of speaking up even if everyone else disagrees. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120925 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120925 No, keep that option. If someone wants to keep their privacy, it is their right to do so. Besides one must register with the site to post, even if it is anonymously, so it's not like spammers and their like can come and mess with the blogs and whatnot. In the online world of today, if someone makes a contriversial comment on one of the posts and other bloggers know who he/she is in real life then they might take it personally and the discussion might escalate offline, so anonymity can play a role in keeping the peace. Also anonymity usually brings out the true nature of people especially online (the site already has safeguards against personal attacks), so there is less fear of speaking up even if everyone else disagrees. Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority.... It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation-and their ideas from suppression-at the hand of an intolerant society. The right to remain anonymous may be abused when it shields fraudulent conduct. But political speech by its nature will sometimes have unpalatable consequences, and, in general, our society accords greater weight to the value of free speech than to the dangers of its misuse. -- United States Supreme Court decision No. 93-986 April 19, 1995 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120933 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120933 Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority.... It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights, and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation-and their ideas from suppression-at the hand of an intolerant society. The right to remain anonymous may be abused when it shields fraudulent conduct. But political speech by its nature will sometimes have unpalatable consequences, and, in general, our society accords greater weight to the value of free speech than to the dangers of its misuse. -- United States Supreme Court decision No. 93-986 April 19, 1995 I feel everyone should be able to post things anonymously but everyone should have a porfile that is their own. We should not be able to set up numerous profile hiding behind other people pictures. Register at the news for a blog show ID keep your personal info private. Post a picture or a name then make comment anonymously. Question, Are they anonymous or does the news know what profile they came from? It is anonymous post. It will not look like four profiles posting comments to support one issue and they are all the same person. That is the anonymous part I have a problem the most with.... http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120946 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120946 I feel everyone should be able to post things anonymously but everyone should have a porfile that is their own. We should not be able to set up numerous profile hiding behind other people pictures. Register at the news for a blog show ID keep your personal info private. Post a picture or a name then make comment anonymously. Question, Are they anonymous or does the news know what profile they came from? It is anonymous post. It will not look like four profiles posting comments to support one issue and they are all the same person. That is the anonymous part I have a problem the most with.... Administrators of the blog site are aware of which profile is posting, even if it comes up as "anonymous" on the site. People may have multiple profiles. There is little to stop that from happening, as there may be several people using one computer (say, a computer that is in the home). Also, with options like free email accounts from Hotmail or Google, there is little that can be done to stop people from setting up several accounts using several email addresses. It is our experience that, despite differences in perception, that few people go to the trouble of maintaining more than one profile, nor do we see people who post, then comment, either anonymously or with another profile, in support of their own post. Hopefully this brings a little clarity. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120979 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_120979 Administrators of the blog site are aware of which profile is posting, even if it comes up as "anonymous" on the site. People may have multiple profiles. There is little to stop that from happening, as there may be several people using one computer (say, a computer that is in the home). Also, with options like free email accounts from Hotmail or Google, there is little that can be done to stop people from setting up several accounts using several email addresses. It is our experience that, despite differences in perception, that few people go to the trouble of maintaining more than one profile, nor do we see people who post, then comment, either anonymously or with another profile, in support of their own post. Hopefully this brings a little clarity. I feel that when a person blogs or responds to blog anonymously it weakens their stance.  If that be the case then I say go ahead and let them be 'anonymous'.  According to Merriam-Webster if you are anonymous you are;  lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability. I would hate to go through life lacking any one of those three characteristics. P.S.  *wink*  Nice fonts kc *wink* http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121026 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121026 I feel that when a person blogs or responds to blog anonymously it weakens their stance.  If that be the case then I say go ahead and let them be 'anonymous'.  According to Merriam-Webster if you are anonymous you are;  lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability. I would hate to go through life lacking any one of those three characteristics. P.S.  *wink*  Nice fonts kc *wink* I think anonymous posting is ridiculous.  Why is it such a big deal to use a screen name?  The point of having a screen name is to differentiate posters from each other, not to learn exactly who they are or where they live .  Do you remember a while back some anonymous poster was trying to explain that they were different from some other anonymous?  Are you kidding me?  Just use a screen name, because as Beamer says, anonymous posting completely weakens the argument.  Why should anyone give any credence whatsoever to someone who won't even give a screen name?  I think it is time to stop people from throwing rocks from behind the bush and make them differentiate themselves from others. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121072 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121072 I think anonymous posting is ridiculous.  Why is it such a big deal to use a screen name?  The point of having a screen name is to differentiate posters from each other, not to learn exactly who they are or where they live .  Do you remember a while back some anonymous poster was trying to explain that they were different from some other anonymous?  Are you kidding me?  Just use a screen name, because as Beamer says, anonymous posting completely weakens the argument.  Why should anyone give any credence whatsoever to someone who won't even give a screen name?  I think it is time to stop people from throwing rocks from behind the bush and make them differentiate themselves from others. Personally, I think people should be willing to "sign" what they write.  If one feels strongly enough to write it, let people know it's you!   Just my thoughts, that  and a dollar just might buy you a cop of coffee? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121096 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121096 Personally, I think people should be willing to "sign" what they write.  If one feels strongly enough to write it, let people know it's you!   Just my thoughts, that  and a dollar just might buy you a cop of coffee? I wouldn't consider myself an "active blogger". I don't say much, but I do read most of the blogs. I agree with GregL. It does get confusing to have multiple "anonymous" posts. It's not a big deal to sign-up for a screen name. I mean, come on.... if it really bothers someone that much to give their personal info... they can sign up under a "pen name".  Correct if I am wrong, but to submit an editorial or opinion piece to the paper, you have to give your name. How is this a whole lot different? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121101 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121101 I wouldn't consider myself an "active blogger". I don't say much, but I do read most of the blogs. I agree with GregL. It does get confusing to have multiple "anonymous" posts. It's not a big deal to sign-up for a screen name. I mean, come on.... if it really bothers someone that much to give their personal info... they can sign up under a "pen name".  Correct if I am wrong, but to submit an editorial or opinion piece to the paper, you have to give your name. How is this a whole lot different? I totally agree with GregL and Sunshine. The only reason anonymous comments bother me is because there isn't a "name" to attach it to. You can have a totally private profile. I've noticed that with some profiles you can't even click on their name so I think something like that would work well. Less confusing IMO. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121123 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121123 I totally agree with GregL and Sunshine. The only reason anonymous comments bother me is because there isn't a "name" to attach it to. You can have a totally private profile. I've noticed that with some profiles you can't even click on their name so I think something like that would work well. Less confusing IMO. I don't comment but I do read as often as possible so here's my 2 cents.     I feel that the word/name "anonymous" shows a lack of imagination.   I'd have trouble taking any posts too seriously from someone who signed "anonymous".    Goodness,  a person can use a name/nickname which gives a bit of information about themselves or no info at all.   I use my nickname and year of birth which I feel is all anyone actually needs to know at this time.   If I start commenting on any subjects, I'd feel obligated to add a bit more to my profile to help qualify me as someone with a valid opinion or knowledge of the subject. Multiple profiles?  I'd probably name myself "orca the dorka" if I had 2 ! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121154 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121154 I don't comment but I do read as often as possible so here's my 2 cents.     I feel that the word/name "anonymous" shows a lack of imagination.   I'd have trouble taking any posts too seriously from someone who signed "anonymous".    Goodness,  a person can use a name/nickname which gives a bit of information about themselves or no info at all.   I use my nickname and year of birth which I feel is all anyone actually needs to know at this time.   If I start commenting on any subjects, I'd feel obligated to add a bit more to my profile to help qualify me as someone with a valid opinion or knowledge of the subject. Multiple profiles?  I'd probably name myself "orca the dorka" if I had 2 ! "Anonymous" has irritated me so many times I lost count.  I think hiding behind an anonymous title is cheap and without class.  With that said.  My thoughts have been challenged on more than one occasion by an anonymous blogger.  Each time I have been frustrated, but ultimately, I have grown from each anonymous post directed towards one of my own.  I don't think anonymous blogging should be done away with.  I do, however, challenge, and appreciate much more, every blog post done with a user name and profile. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121170 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121170 "Anonymous" has irritated me so many times I lost count.  I think hiding behind an anonymous title is cheap and without class.  With that said.  My thoughts have been challenged on more than one occasion by an anonymous blogger.  Each time I have been frustrated, but ultimately, I have grown from each anonymous post directed towards one of my own.  I don't think anonymous blogging should be done away with.  I do, however, challenge, and appreciate much more, every blog post done with a user name and profile. I think people should continue to post anonymously.  Some seem to abuse the system by posting scurrilous things, but some have privileged or inside knowledge and need to post anonymously or not at all.  I would rather err on the side of having to skim over the occasional crackpot remarks than lose a source of information. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121175 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121175 I think people should continue to post anonymously.  Some seem to abuse the system by posting scurrilous things, but some have privileged or inside knowledge and need to post anonymously or not at all.  I would rather err on the side of having to skim over the occasional crackpot remarks than lose a source of information. I vote a resounding YES to disallowing a post as "anonymous". They can get a screen name which is just as effective at HIDING their true identity. The difference is, we can see who is posting what under the screen name. As "anonymous" they can post any vast number of posts and might all be the same person...or not. There is no way to tell. Jim Richards http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121183 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121183 I vote a resounding YES to disallowing a post as "anonymous". They can get a screen name which is just as effective at HIDING their true identity. The difference is, we can see who is posting what under the screen name. As "anonymous" they can post any vast number of posts and might all be the same person...or not. There is no way to tell. Jim Richards Well I don't post  that much and I come and go to this blog when I am not busy,  I seem to read more than I post, and I have often wondered about who is the anonymous posters are. However; I realize they are posting under the protection of anonymous because their comments are somewhat controversial and unpopular. Therefore; they need to hide due to fear of being attacked by others if they use their real screen names which by the way is somewhat anonymous. Personally I don't care weather they comment or not because I feel it's a weak reply and I don't take to heart what they post. So for me I don't care if it stays or goes, I don't use it, but if there are others who feel better being anonymous then so be it. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121187 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121187 Well I don't post  that much and I come and go to this blog when I am not busy,  I seem to read more than I post, and I have often wondered about who is the anonymous posters are. However; I realize they are posting under the protection of anonymous because their comments are somewhat controversial and unpopular. Therefore; they need to hide due to fear of being attacked by others if they use their real screen names which by the way is somewhat anonymous. Personally I don't care weather they comment or not because I feel it's a weak reply and I don't take to heart what they post. So for me I don't care if it stays or goes, I don't use it, but if there are others who feel better being anonymous then so be it. Anonymous posting = liberty in America http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121283 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121283 Anonymous posting = liberty in America I think the point about people from positions within government, fire or police .... whatever .... making a post but really needing to be anonymous, is an excellant one. But - blogging anonymously on someone else's post .... I don't get it.  I guess I have to defend the right to do so.  As you can tell from most comments here, anonymous responses to a post don't get much attention, or respect. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121311 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121311 I think the point about people from positions within government, fire or police .... whatever .... making a post but really needing to be anonymous, is an excellant one. But - blogging anonymously on someone else's post .... I don't get it.  I guess I have to defend the right to do so.  As you can tell from most comments here, anonymous responses to a post don't get much attention, or respect. Simmons, can you please explain how requiring someone to use a screen name while keeping their real name private violates "liberty in America"? http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121325 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121325 Simmons, can you please explain how requiring someone to use a screen name while keeping their real name private violates "liberty in America"? "Anonymous posting = liberty in America" doesn't necessarily mean that disallowing anonymous posting (requiring the use of a screen name) violates liberty in America. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121490 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121490 "Anonymous posting = liberty in America" doesn't necessarily mean that disallowing anonymous posting (requiring the use of a screen name) violates liberty in America. I would never hide behind "anonymous" while posting my thoughts. My wife told me a long ago that if I am not doing anything wrong that I should be proud of myself and to never hide. So it makes me wonder what  a person is ashamed of when using "anonymous".Be proud of who you are and post your screen name, or real name. I for one wiil support you no matter what your views are. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121735 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121735 I would never hide behind "anonymous" while posting my thoughts. My wife told me a long ago that if I am not doing anything wrong that I should be proud of myself and to never hide. So it makes me wonder what  a person is ashamed of when using "anonymous".Be proud of who you are and post your screen name, or real name. I for one wiil support you no matter what your views are. Pride has little to do with anonymous postings as most seem to be made by people who claim to have "facts," usually related to city business, fire or law enforcement issues. Yes, some are childish digs that are generally dismissed as such. As Lori pointed out above, sometimes bloggers cannot reveal themselves  due to their positions of employment or roles in the community.  Don't forget the value anonymous sources have made to history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and  continuing through Watergate and  Scootergate. Whether you believe the results are good or bad, this issue dances around the Constitutional right to free speech. We're not talking about rocket science here, we're just bloggers discussing experiences that affect us individually and as a small community, which ends in "unity" for a reason. The site's rules and ultimate authority and accountability provide the requisite checks and balances.    http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121746 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121746 Pride has little to do with anonymous postings as most seem to be made by people who claim to have "facts," usually related to city business, fire or law enforcement issues. Yes, some are childish digs that are generally dismissed as such. As Lori pointed out above, sometimes bloggers cannot reveal themselves  due to their positions of employment or roles in the community.  Don't forget the value anonymous sources have made to history, beginning with the Revolutionary War and  continuing through Watergate and  Scootergate. Whether you believe the results are good or bad, this issue dances around the Constitutional right to free speech. We're not talking about rocket science here, we're just bloggers discussing experiences that affect us individually and as a small community, which ends in "unity" for a reason. The site's rules and ultimate authority and accountability provide the requisite checks and balances.    This is a very small town and if you want people to make truly free speech comments without fear of retaliation in the community then keep anonymous posts available.  http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121791 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121791 This is a very small town and if you want people to make truly free speech comments without fear of retaliation in the community then keep anonymous posts available.  Thank you to all who have responded. Your thoughts on this matter are important, as you are the lifeblood of this community. As it appears that the majority of responses were in favor of keeping anonymous comments on the site, we will keep that option available to you. If you have other thoughts, ideas or suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email. It's easy. Just go to the "admin" profile and click the "send a message" button. We always enjoy hearing from the community. Have a wonderful weekend. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121846 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121846 Thank you to all who have responded. Your thoughts on this matter are important, as you are the lifeblood of this community. As it appears that the majority of responses were in favor of keeping anonymous comments on the site, we will keep that option available to you. If you have other thoughts, ideas or suggestions, please feel free to drop us an email. It's easy. Just go to the "admin" profile and click the "send a message" button. We always enjoy hearing from the community. Have a wonderful weekend. OK, since Admin. is going to keep the "anonymous" (which I voted against) handle, I have one question. Why should anyone else give their name and/or handle when "anonymous" is even easier to use without getting personally attacked? Sign me, Anonymous http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121916 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121916 OK, since Admin. is going to keep the "anonymous" (which I voted against) handle, I have one question. Why should anyone else give their name and/or handle when "anonymous" is even easier to use without getting personally attacked? Sign me, Anonymous I agree!  My new screen name is 'anonymous' (Maybe it is just my imagination but it seems more people voted against being able to use anonymous than those in favor. The way I count 'em it turns out 5 in favor, 1 neutral, and 8 against, the remainder of the 22 responses sent in before admin made their decision were either from admin or repeat responses from members who had already voiced their opinion.)  If you can't beat 'em....join 'em  Ha! Ha! http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121970 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_121970 I agree!  My new screen name is 'anonymous' (Maybe it is just my imagination but it seems more people voted against being able to use anonymous than those in favor. The way I count 'em it turns out 5 in favor, 1 neutral, and 8 against, the remainder of the 22 responses sent in before admin made their decision were either from admin or repeat responses from members who had already voiced their opinion.)  If you can't beat 'em....join 'em  Ha! Ha! Tehachapi News provides this blog to us for free, they can do what they like with it. Some of us post as anonymous due to work. If you look at most "handles"  most are a fake pic and a nick name. That is anonymous as well. So post with a real pic and your 1st name if you don't like anonymous blogging. http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_122001 http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/Blog/admin/12414/#c_122001 Tehachapi News provides this blog to us for free, they can do what they like with it. Some of us post as anonymous due to work. If you look at most "handles"  most are a fake pic and a nick name. That is anonymous as well. So post with a real pic and your 1st name if you don't like anonymous blogging.