A couple days I put a little note up under the Quick Thoughts category about e-mail addresses on the comment form. Simply put, I modeled it after the policy in place over on The Roundtable Blog. It simply states that a valid e-mail address is required on the comment submission form.
I didn't think it was that big of deal, but a co-worker has since called it a "rant" and another guy sent in a note claiming I was stifling his 1st ammendment rights. (I think he may have been yanking my chain, but couldn't quite be sure.)
Maybe I'm being too sensitive but this has been bothering me.
I know assumed anonymity (I say "assumed" because, as most of you know, it's pretty easy to track down all but the sneakiest and smartest tech geeks in Cyberspace) is one of the appeals of the Internet. So while some people have no problem posting full names with their comments, many people want their opinions to be seen but don't want those opinions attached to their real names.
I've got no problem with that. It probably helps spur more interesting debate than we'd have if we required, as we do for letters to the editor in the newspaper, a valid name and hometown (and a phone number for verification).
That said, I promise you it's REALLY EASY to post a comment with a valid e-mail and still remain anonymous. As I wrote in the Quick Thought note, the e-mail won't be made public. It won't be accesible to spambots. Etc. Just put "Billy Bob" in the name section and that's what your comment will appear under.
I really don't care who you are. So if your regular e-mail address contains your name and you don't want me (or another site administrator) to see it, it's also REALLY EASY to create a valid e-mail account with any number of services (such as yahoo or gmail) for anonymous posting. Heck, I've done it. After the Nebraska Huskers pulled a trick play on my alma mater while leading by something like 30 points in the second half, I posed as an idiot Nebraska fan and had a lot of fun posting on Husker fan sites.
The fact is, the vast majority of posters here are totally cool with using a legit e-mail address with their comments. So this policy will affect very few people.
Now, it will \probably affect one group -- the animal rights folks who get on here from time to time. They rarely use valid e-mail addresses. I guess they don't trust me to keep the address private. Maybe they're afraid I'm going to form a posse to track them down.
I suspect the requirement will cut down on comments from them, and I have mixed feelings about that because I have to admit that those back-and-forths can be pretty entertaining.
On the other hand, some of the animal rights comments can be pretty outrageous, bordering on personal attacks. I'm not one to stifle free speech, but I don't think it's unreasonable to ask them to at least be willing to take a little responsibility for what they're typing.
So, I guess what I'm wondering is what other folks think about it? Is the policy reasonable? If not, why not?
I could be convinced to go back to the Wild West if someone presents a compelling enough case.
Comments
[June 21, 2008 6:24 AM]
Allen Lazenby AKA MoeMark As you know Im on this site everyday of the week checking for interesting blogs and great pictures of fish and deer etc. I dont always type or say sentences correctly or put my periods where they belong but Im sure my point gets across to most people with any common sence at all. The way I see it is Im not a english teacher and never really done very well in english at all or any other class as far as that goes but I did get my G.E.D I was raised to say what I think and believe in what i say. So I do and I post my name to all my comments and all of my blogs that you have used of my trophies. The people that dont want you to post there name or E mail is probably the same people that would or will talk about you behind your back. So in short terms I guess Im trying to say I agree 100% on having to use your Valid E-mail address and also a full correct name.....Stand up for what you believe in, This is America and GOD bless our Troops for keeping it our America........P.S. Keep up the great work Mark
[June 21, 2008 8:02 AM]
v allen esquireMark You are 100% right in requiring a valid email address.
[June 21, 2008 8:48 AM]
Mark TaylorThanks for your support, guys.
Moe, I know you're a regular and I really appreciate both your keeping up with the blog and providing hero shots now and then.
Again, thanks.
mt
[June 22, 2008 7:50 AM]
BacklashWhat's wrong with not making your ideals and thoughts legit... Those who truly seek anonymity usually have agenda of their own.
For all those positing positive ideals and verbiage, MC Hammer said it best.
"To legit, To legit to quit!"
[June 24, 2008 6:58 AM]
KikiWill you track every email address to see whether it's valid? If your purpose is to ask us to take responsibility for our words, I think it's reasonable...
[June 24, 2008 6:32 PM]
Tommy Nunley : →http://tommynunley.blogspot.com/I don't see any kind of problem with it at all... also congratulations on being elected to the National Outdoor Writers Board!
[June 24, 2008 7:00 PM]
Russell AbbeyMark, I tend to lurk in the background. I enjoy your articles and blogs. You have the right to require an email or even a real name. (please!) I get tired of the anonymity that people think they have a right too and take no responsibility for their thoughts. Thanks Russ Abbey Check, VA
[June 25, 2008 11:24 AM]
Sam DoyleI have to agree with you and those that have answered. If you make comment stand behind what you say and put your name on it and include a valid email.
[June 26, 2008 1:40 PM]
ReaderPersonally, I enjoy this blog for the pictures and stories of the outdoors around my home town. It takes me back.
The current issue being discussed at length here doesn't really mesh well with the theme of this site. A valid topic, perhaps, but not headline material.
Keep the outdoor articles coming!