I wonder if anyone else questions the reason that most members of Wacco participate using a handle that provides anonimity. When I read letters to the editor, I always note who the sender is. This allows me, if I know or know of the writer, to evaluate the letter in context; that is, I know, to a large degree, the agenda of the writer.
Would Wacco readers like to be able to have this same information? Let's have a "show of hands" on this. :nod:
Barry
09-15-2006, 08:36 AM
I wonder if anyone else questions the reason that most members of Wacco participate using a handle that provides anonymity. When I read letters to the editor, I always note who the sender is. This allows me, if I know or know of the writer, to evaluate the letter in context; that is, I know, to a large degree, the agenda of the writer.
Would Wacco readers like to be able to have this same information? Let's have a "show of hands" on this. :nod:Good question, Helen!
Let me add some technical background:
Most, but not all, users have been kind enough to enter their real name into their profile during the registration process. You can see the member's profile of any post online by clicking on the Username in upper left corner of each post and then selecting View Public Profile. Some users have written some pretty interesting stuff there as well as including their picture. You can see all their prior posts as well which can also be interesting.
It’s necessary for each user to have unique user name. This gives users another level of personal expression to create their cyber identity. They can be their real name, as you have chosen Helen, or something informative (such as a business/organization name) or something creative and witty!
It's possible to automatically display the user's real name in the posting header. My sense is that displaying a user's chosen Username on the post and having a user's real name available to look up strikes a good balance between privacy and transparency.
I am also curious what the community's take on this is and I think a "show of hands" is a good idea. I'll add a non-binding anonymous poll that will stay open. Please vote and feel free to post your comments to this thread!
Barry
RecycleSonomaCounty
09-15-2006, 12:56 PM
I have some experience in and running public forums over the past 12 years plus, the most important aspect to all of this is that the Moderator/owners know full names of all of its members. This is a way to try to assure that everyone that belongs to the forum is accountable. I respect anonimity as long as that guidline is followed. Unfortunatly on a Yahoo type of Group this is nearly impossible,but for a group like this that is soley owned, it is fairly easy to track who's who.
I guess what I am saying is,,, Not a big worry for me. If there is a problem, Barry and the other moderators can track a persons IP and work on the issue directly. No waiting around for Yahoo/Google or some other huge conglomerate to help out.(joke)
So I do not care if a person uses there "real" name or not here. Hey if someone wants to be private, Oh well thats that. If you need to check references... ask around. This is a small pool. :wink:
Just my 5 cents,
Ann
PS... as far as a public "letter to the Editor" seems to me, using ones "real" name is a given requirement. Or it can be withheld if the Editor agrees.
I wonder if anyone else questions the reason that most members of Wacco participate using a handle that provides anonimity. When I read letters to the editor, I always note who the sender is. This allows me, if I know or know of the writer, to evaluate the letter in context; that is, I know, to a large degree, the agenda of the writer.
Would Wacco readers like to be able to have this same information? Let's have a "show of hands" on this. :nod: