Should Anonymity be allowed on the board?

Mr. Mitt · #1 05-28-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

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.

barrysloate · #2 05-28-2009, 02:58 PM

It's not vanity in my case, it's wanting people to know that I've been around a long time and know a little bit about baseball cards. I have to tell you that being on this board for so many years and posting regularly helped my business tremendously. I decided a long time ago that having my name here in print was important. That's all really. I decided early on the being anonymous would not have been a good decision. You obviously feel differently.

Mr. Mitt · #3 05-28-2009, 03:36 PM

I'm glad that it has helped you in your business, Barry, I truly am. I'm just not sure about my case, though. I see a greater chance of it adversely affecting me than helping. I like the fact that we have a choice.

barrysloate · #4 05-28-2009, 04:15 PM

Exactly.

Jay Wolt · #5 05-28-2009, 04:29 PM

Anonymity doesn't bother on this board, good hobby content keeps me coming back,
regardless if I know who the poster is.
I place my name on each post, so I won't forget who I am.

Bob Lemke · #6 05-28-2009, 04:50 PM

Several have expressed perfectly valid reasons for not wanting their name to be associated with their presence on this forum. Unfortunately, there are others whose preference for anonymity is more about avoiding accountability for their words than anything else.

Regardless, I think this forum has always operated fairly well with Leon being the arbiter of when anonymity becomes malevolent and I trust him to continue to do so, especially now that he has more information on all registered users.

I know when I'm assessing the credibility of any post, a person whose name is right out front gets bonus points.

jmk59 · #7 05-28-2009, 06:26 PM

No. Sort of. I thought the policy of the old board was simply perfect. Good concept and good execution. You can be anonymous and happily read and post and do whatever you want in total privacy, until you decide you want to post something controversial or inflammatory.

That means that anonymity is completely within the control of the member. Want to be anonymous forever? You can. But not if you want to be confrontational. I think that's a fair tradeoff.

One of the big knocks on chat boards is that anyone can be brave from behind a keyboard. Having to put your name down is just one small thing that says you have to be willing to stand by your controversial or slamming comments. I don't think that's too much to ask. It's kind of a way of life for me.

And it is so easy to defeat search engines, I can't see how that can be a factor at all. Jo@nn K!ine. As to the very good point about OTHER people using your name in inflammatory posts, that would be easily addressed by a board rule - simple to understand and enforce - that says you cannot use a first and last name in a post. Or at least not without the engine-defeating mechanisms.

I think the registration process that requires valid info is a good improvement in terms of overall security. But I also think the board lost something when that became enough.

So ... how do I vote? Not quite 'no'. Not quite OK to put info in Profile area - why can't someone that posts only non-controversially have the option to stay completely anonymous?

Guess I'll vote 'no' as my closest choice.

J.o.a.n.n

wonkaticket · #8 05-28-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Lemke

Unfortunately, there are others whose preference for anonymity is more about avoiding accountability for their words than anything else.

I know when I'm assessing the credibility of any post, a person whose name is right out front gets bonus points.

Bob I really hope that isn't directed towards Jerry or I in reagards to the Stall & Dean thread.

As it's known by Leon and most others who we are plus you can always contact me directly as my email is right next to my name as I'm sure Jerry's is as well if you have issue with what we posted etc.

Cheers,

John

T206Collector · #9 05-28-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Mitt

I'm glad that it has helped you in your business, Barry, I truly am. I'm just not sure about my case, though. I see a greater chance of it adversely affecting me than helping. I like the fact that we have a choice.

I can actually see very little good coming from using a real name on a public internet chatboard unless it also helps support one's business that also contains a real name.

View Poll Results: Should Anonymity be allowed on this board?
Yes	39	22.41%
No	99	56.90%
Yes, but names should be shown in full, elsewhere in contacts, but not required in threads	36	20.69%
Voters: 174. You may not vote on this poll