CampaignAdvertisements.com: Digital Consulting & Ad Strategy.

Content and organizing – Billions and billions served

If I Don’t Know Who You Are, I Don’t Care What You Say

Why do you care what an anonymous commenter says on the Internet? I don’t, and one of my goals as a Government 2.0 advocate is to end the practice of any serious site condoning a culture of anonymity.

If Web 2.0 is to flourish into a lasting culture, it must lead to true transparency and reject the valueless commentary of people who think they should be listened to just because they know how to shout. It must become about integrity.

I’m not joking here. The Founding Fathers knew when they signed the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrant. Anonymity is not a protection (just ask the reckless kid who hacked Palin’s e-mail). It is a crutch, and one we must knock away if we are to run.

ED: This post is getting major comment traffic over at GovLoop.com. Join the discussion.

adrielhampton

Adriel Hampton is a writer, strategist, and sometimes mindfulness practitioner.

,

10 responses to “If I Don’t Know Who You Are, I Don’t Care What You Say”

  1. I couldn’t disagree with you any stronger, Adriel.

    Since you brought the Declaration into this, I’ll raise you the Bill of Rights and a little thing called Freedom of Expression. Who am I to dictate feedback must be in the form of a registered voter’s name?

    I have a blog policy that restricts anonymous commenters, but I do allow people to create fictitious names if they choose. People commenting on a presidential Youtube video should be granted the same rights.

  3. Adriel, I couldn’t agree with you more. Anonymity encourages people to say things they would never say and in such a manner as they would never consider if their names were attached. It discourages civil discourse and polarizes people with opposing viewpoints rather than encouraging them to find common ground.

  6. I disagree and I am asking myself if I disagree just for the sake of disagreement or if it is truly to protect the notion that we can operate anonymously at times but still add value to a conversation. According to Webster anonymity is just another word for someone who is nameless or without identity. In some instances especially in my business it necessary to have anonymity for protection. In fact it can be so important, that people come up with a pseudonym to replace their name within the confines of a lawsuit. Anonymity is important for victims; it allows them to come forward in situations where they would not normally do so. With the overwhelming deluge of social media hitting us from all directions I cannot help but wonder if the meeker individuals who have been abused within our different systems feel like they have no choice but to be anonymous or someone with no name or identity. Maybe the outlet of social media will eventually provide a safe place for someone to be transparent.

  8. I have seen positive and negative anonymous comments. The negative attack, mean, ugly, cowardly stuff is unfortunate. Others just don’t have logins and have valid opinions which can add to the discussion. Not cut and dried I think.

    I think it is up to the site owner to set an appropriate policy that meets their comfort level and site objectives. You can always monitor and delete.

  9. You should look into other blogging platforms, wordpress is getting slower and slower these days, I really like the site tho so its worth the wait!!

Leave a comment