Should Anonymity be allowed on the board?

[wonkaticket]

Jodi my full name is known by most and Leon has all of my contact information and if I ever cross the line into bad land I'm sure Leon will use my info correctly. In fact Leon and I talk from time to time as well.

Do I need you to know my entire info heck no...no offense I don't know you from Adam. And I don’t need to know all of yours either Jodi.

"Anonymity and accusation make strange bedfellows, even if your opinion is the one I side with! Your point is quite valid, but so is mine."

Don’t accuse anyone of anything Jodi, posted an email where Kevin admitted in his own words to shady stuff, called out a bogus sign and helped bring to justice a counterfeiter in Chan. No accusations just facts you draw the conclusion.

This forum is not anonymous Leon has our information there is no real reason for everyone who pops on here to know all about everyone it serves no purpose.

More bad can come from full open disclosure than the system that's already in place.

Nothing against the guy with the bad choppers but I don't think he needs my phone number and full name, or as some folks have said to know about their business outside of the hobby. We have seen many times before on this board when people have personal information on you they get personal.

Lichtman is accused of getting killers off, Leon is a drug dealer, Jim Crandall has a huge loss with Lehman it's just not cool.

So if you’re offended by the teeth joke just imagine the personal attacks that follow when forum members get to know you a little better Jodi….

P.S. I think I'll be going on record soon with Jim and I in the upcoming Old Cardboard mag on the Chan case...my full name will be in there is that on record enough for you? Also when I worked with the FBI on Chan pretty sure I was on record they also did the standard background check so I think I'm plenty on record at this point.

[cfc1909]

Very good reasons are posted for anonymity and I think they have changed my mind. Leon has the info and that should be good enough. Leon just has to make sure the info is good. example-Scott Bob

JR cfc1909

[Leon]

Again we see eye to eye......I want to solicit more opinions but the ones that are "for" allowing anonymity are strong enough, in my mind, to not change the current rules. As I tell folks over and over....our rules are time tested. Almost every single time we review a rule it comes out that it is a good rule, even if not the absolute most popular. I am still open but am leaning towards letting the rule on anonymity be the way it is....I still think this thread is very valuable in letting folks have the other points of view. As I told someone this morning, via email, the best thing I got out of college was understanding that, even though I can't imagine how something I feel so strongly about could be different, intelligent people/friends might have other views AND they might actually make more sense than my own!! best regards

[Leon]

In your last scenario I would divulge those names to the one being accused of something or ragged on. If those names and numbers turned out to be false then I would ban that person(s). ...... This is a tough call....but my last response sums up my feelings at this moment. regards

[makersmarkambassador]

I voted no, but I can see why this is a touchy subject. I put my full name in all of my posts. Always have and I always will. I voted no because I do not have a problem putting my full name in posts. I think being anonymous is fine, but once a subject becomes heated or other issues arise, then posters need to be identified.

[wonkaticket]

I guess what I’m trying to say is we’re not all mature enough to handle that kind of pressure…LOL

With great information comes great responsibility…

If I know you are a male dancer in an all male dance review (Chippendale’s) because I googled you and found your facebook page….and you post in the BST

“I’m looking for a really nice Johnson somebody please help”

Please don’t put me In that position because I’ll have to make a joke….it would kill me not too!

[Mr. Mitt]

Originally Posted by cfc1909

Very good reasons are posted for anonymity and I think they have changed my mind. Leon has the info and that should be good enough. Leon just has to make sure the info is good. example-Scott Bob

JR cfc1909

Holy $#*%!!!! I flipped Jim... the whole system is going to fall ! ! !

Similarly, I agree that at least a first name should posted along with a username so people know how to address each other, so I've added my first name to my profile.

It's a tough question to answer, not everyone is going to be happy with everything. Debate and the free exchange of opinions is a good thing, though.


Jerry

[Jacklitsch]

While I may have an idle curiosity about who three25hits is, with his snarky posts, or dstudeba, whatever that is, or Wonkaticket, now there's a handle for you, it really doesn't matter to me whether someone is anonymous or not.

Me, I'm not so important that I have people out there searching me on google so I have no problem with people knowing who I am.

[barrysloate]

This is one of these issues that we will always have differing opinions. I just made the decision years ago that I would include my name, and stand behind all of my posts. If I say something inflammatory I'm willing to take the heat for it. If I am fortunate enough to express a wise opinion, then hopefully I will be looked upon kindly. But I chose from the start not to be anonymous.

[dstudeba]

Barry -

The difference between what you are saying and what I am saying is that you are talking about your own posts whereas I am talking about other people's posts. I cannot control what other people on the board say, so I choose to not post personal information.

[barrysloate]

Dan- I know there is a lot of fighting that goes on, but it's usually among lawyers. My best advice is don't become a lawyer, and you will do fine.

[T206Collector]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

This is one of these issues that we will always have differing opinions. I just made the decision years ago that I would include my name, and stand behind all of my posts. If I say something inflammatory I'm willing to take the heat for it. If I am fortunate enough to express a wise opinion, then hopefully I will be looked upon kindly. But I chose from the start not to be anonymous.

My point is that since this is an internet chatboard, your decision to "stand behind" all of your posts is really just a decision to remain consistent with a collection of letters that happen to spell "Barry Sloate". You are as much a real person on here as anyone who posts under the same assumed name every time.

[barrysloate]

But if I say "the sky is blue" I want people to know that Barry Sloate said it, not just some guy on the internet. In that sense I am a real person. I'm encouraging others to form an opinion about me. If it's a good one, it will be beneficial for me down the road.

I would hate to be the guy who unlocked the mystery of the universe, and nobody knew I was the one who figured it out.

[Leon]

I don't think Barry S is just a bunch of letters behind a screen. Actually he has a lovely wife and was a great host when I went to New York a year or two ago. I stayed with him for a few days and had a simply wonderful time. I felt sort of like I was on Seinfeld (being in NY and all)!! The hobby was fine before the internet, or this board, and it would be fine without them. As I mentioned I think this thread has validated our anonymity rule and has also shown a few members there can be a different, intelligent reason, or way of thinking other than their own. Rarely is anything "black or white". This is one of those cases.....thanks for all of the good responses so far. best regards

[Mr. Mitt]

Originally Posted by T206Collector

My point is that since this is an internet chatboard, your decision to "stand behind" all of your posts is really just a decision to remain consistent with a collection of letters that happen to spell "Barry Sloate". You are as much a real person on here as anyone who posts under the same assumed name every time.

I'd like to expand on this a bit. If a new person stumbles on this forum and wants information about T206's, perhaps they'll look for posts where T206Collector is involved. If they're looking for information about a Draper Maynard G41 Ruth, they may seek out Mr. Mitt. If they want chocolate or any information on Agustus or Veruca, they might assume Wankaticket may have a little knowledge. Not many Barry Sloate collectors out there. But, I digress.

Seriously, As you said Barry, over time, they read what you have written and begin to understand your points of view and trust your opinions. Now, at the same time, T206Collector and Mr. Mitt and Wankaticket post and their opinions become as trusted and respected as BarrySloate. Why would you assume that we wouldn't take pride in our posts, or stand behind them, or take the heat when we are incorrect? It comes down to vanity. You said in your last post referencing the mysteries of the universe. I don't need to have the world know my accomplishments. It's just not that important... it's a hobby, not splitting the atom! Does it really matter that Mr. Mitt questioned the authenticity of the Cobb advertisement and that Wankaticket provided visuals that damn near proved it without a shadow of a doubt? Would it have been any different if Jerry XXXX and John XXXX did the same thing? Does it matter to me that Jerry XXXX is going unrecognized for this very minor accomplishment? Not at all. As T206Collector said, if I can add some value to the forum as Mr. Mitt, it's just as important to me as using my real name.

[Mr. Mitt]

Steve... Even if you searched me on Google, you still wouldn't have any idea who I am. It's not an issue of fame or vanity, it's simply an issue of privacy. Let me pose a few scenarios for everyone. Though probably unlikely to occur, you can't say, given the world today, that these situations are impossibilities:

-A perspective client searches your name and, along with your professional data on the web, views a substantial amount of information about your involvement in baseball memorabilia. The client finds it juvenile and goes elsewhere.

-You work for a conservative firm and they, given the current economic conditions, are looking to downsize. They perform background checks on employees that include cursory web searches. They see your involvement in this hobby and 1) think you're spending too much time on outside interests and let you go or 2) see what you have recently purchased on a thread and decide that you have enough disposable income where letting you go won't adversely affect your lifestyle.

-A lurker on the forum reads that you have recently won an expensive item in an auction or you reference an item you already have and, because full names are mandatory, he easily locates your home via the web. Perhaps a burglary ensues or a kidnapping.

Outlandish? Perhaps. But not out of the realm of possibility. I, for one, will chose privacy each and every time because, above all, my family's safety and my livelihood are of the utmost importance. This is a just hobby and more than enough personal information is provided to the people in charge. If something illegal is done, this information should be used appropriately. If you are a "member" in good standing, you should be able to remain anonymous if you so chose, for whatever reason, without having to justify it to the community.

It's been mentioned that this isn't like splitting the atom. I concur, wholeheartedly. It's a hobby, plain and simple. Actually, this forum is a side effect of a hobby. If I were to prioritize my interests, as mentioned earlier, family and profession would top the list. My interest in memorabilia would be a several notches below that. Further down the list would be this forum. That's not a low blow to Leon or the rest of you. We all can still enjoy this hobby without the forum. Hell, most of us fell in love with this stuff long before the internet came along. This forum is an enjoyable outlet loaded with information, but not necessary to collect trinkets. I am afraid that a substantial portion of people would cease to post if anonymity were to become mandatory.

[wonkaticket]

Jerry 100% on the money.

Or what if you employed dozens of folks and recently denied a few raises around the office due to business being down as a whole...but a few employees stumble upon this forum and an item you won out of your own savings.

Wouldn't be hard for a few workers to become upset and think he can afford Ty Cobb cards but not my raise!

This kind of stuff could affect ones business and or someone’s work environment if one works for someone else does Bob really need that raise? He seems to be doing just fine I dont have 10k to spend on a silly baseball cards says employer to himself and he needs a raise?…

And Barry we all decided to not remain anonymous when we reregistered with Leon for this forum we provided him an email and number. Much more than we ever had on the old Net54...

[three25hits]

Originally Posted by Jacklitsch

with his snarky posts

Anonymity should certainly not be allowed on your blog, Strand deserves much better.

[Fred]

I don't care either way.

Leon, if someone doesn't register does that mean they can't post?

I wouldn't like it if you couldn't post unless you first register because we could be missing out on lurkers that may actually have something positive to contribute but they just don't like to register for anything. Personally, I hate registering on websites. This website is different because it's actually something I really like and I feel like part of the community.

I'm going to venture to guess that if registering is a prerequisite to posting then the number of posts have decreased.

I don't care if someone is anonymous because if I don't like what they say I just ignore it. If they become a nuisance then Leon (and the mod dudes) can take care of it.

[Leon]

Registration is mandatory to post and will continue to be....We got away from 100% anonymity due to many reasons, Trolls being the main one....There can still be one on this board but the back end security makes it fairly easy to deal with. Too many issues the other way.....

[Mark]

"This forum is not anonymous Leon has our information there is no real reason for everyone who pops on here to know all about everyone it serves no purpose. "

This is true enough, John. And, as others have said, I, too, prefer that those who know me professionally remain unaware of m interest in baseball cards et alia.

In my view, the best policy is to keep things steady as she goes.

[wonkaticket]

Mark we have a meeting with the "Bob's" in 20 are you coming?

[wonkaticket]

Yeah but Jodi there are no real places for anyone to hide. Leon has done a good job to get folks info for the very reasons you outlined.

He just keeps that info to himself until it is needed etc. You want all the info on the table and I see no need.

The fact is if anyone really wanted to fiind out about any of us one could easily do so. But I see no reason to make it so easy as to anyone passing thru can say ahhh Jim Thompson just bought himself a 100k set I wonder if it's the same Jim Thompson who lives at 100 Evergreen Terrace etc. it must be the phone number matches.

Hey let's google earth him wow nice house....see where this is going.

Most of the time it's harmless but what about the one time it isn't?

Or the day when someone gets heated and says hey Jodi don't you have burgers too flip at Burger King vs. posting on here (not saying you work at Burger king and if you do hook me up!)

But trust me if folks know it will go there sooner or later...

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

"No accusations just facts you draw the conclusion."

Accusation, fact; although they ARE words with different meanings, semantics come into play in this instance. Either way, you are bringing the actions of others to light in a public forum. As stated, I think that's fine if it serves an honorable purpose. People do have a right to know the identities of those who make bold statements. Is there any middle ground where most would be happy? I'm certainly open to suggestion at this point, whereas I was not originally.

I find that anonymity is detrimental to the degree of seriousness in which a public forum is to be considered. For instance, let's say a well-known dealer/auctioneer posts something using his real name. Three people using aliases decide to post scathing/snarky/accusatory replies. Is this fair to all involved? Regardless, it's immature and dampens the air for the rest of us.

I was only using a couple of your cases as examples because I was quoting something you wrote and said instances are of recent memory.