I love when a post sparks great debate. It's one of the main reasons I started this blog: I wanted people to think about why and what they believe instead of just regurgitating facts or the talking points of others.
So it really pains me to write this post because I really and truly don't want to do anything to stifle the flow of debate. However, I've become increasingly annoyed with readers who are leaving anonymous comments. I understand that not everyone who reads has their own blog usernames, but I'm going to request that if you leave an anonymous post that you at least sign your name at the bottom.
I have a strong hunch that some of the comments are being left by people who do have blogs and therefore don't need to leave anonymous comments. If I'm describing you, please stand by your comment. And we don't care if you're a guy; this blog has a lot of readers who are men so don't let the name of this blog keep you from participating. We want P4M to be a site where anyone can learn and challenge each other.
I really hate having to add this guideline but it's hard to have a respectful discussion with nameless comments. Please continue to add your challenging and well-thought out comments, just add your name.
So it really pains me to write this post because I really and truly don't want to do anything to stifle the flow of debate. However, I've become increasingly annoyed with readers who are leaving anonymous comments. I understand that not everyone who reads has their own blog usernames, but I'm going to request that if you leave an anonymous post that you at least sign your name at the bottom.
I have a strong hunch that some of the comments are being left by people who do have blogs and therefore don't need to leave anonymous comments. If I'm describing you, please stand by your comment. And we don't care if you're a guy; this blog has a lot of readers who are men so don't let the name of this blog keep you from participating. We want P4M to be a site where anyone can learn and challenge each other.
I really hate having to add this guideline but it's hard to have a respectful discussion with nameless comments. Please continue to add your challenging and well-thought out comments, just add your name.
3 comments:
Natalie -- I think it's only a matter of common courtesy to leave a name and url if possible. The only valid exception that I can think of is if you want to share sensitive information about a private person you want to protect (and then you have to really consider if that's appropriate to do; I can think of some instances when it might be, but not really for a political blog).
I am torn on this post. It is a blog and the option is there to be anonymous. Although I do understand the common courtesy of leaving a name. Hey, you never know about the anonymous posts, they may be from either polical camps trying to spark up debates. I am sure they have people combing the blogs doing this. Since you oversee the blog, you havr the right to take the comment off. I guess that is a way of stopping it but I am not sure about not using anonymous. And I always use my name. Just my opinion.
Thanks for your comments. Trust me, I was torn about writing this post. The last thing I want to do is stop people from engaging in healthy debate. I also don't mind pot stirrers. But when it's done anonymously it actually takes away from their comment and undermines their credibility.
I think on a blog of this nature it is especially important to stand by your comments and engage in forthright debate. It's easy to put out opinions and challenges anonymously, but it makes people be more responsible with their words when they have to attach their name.
We'll see how it goes.
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