Letter to the Editor: There's no reason for anonymity
Thursday, June 9, 2011
To the Editor:
I am disappointed in your decision to allow anonymous comments. What exactly do you hope to accomplish by encouraging folks to hide behind a nickname? Responsibility? Fairness? Transparency? Credibility? Hardly. Why would you want to encourage statements in print that individuals would not say face to face? Is this how your news organization will encourage civility, honesty, and deliberate discourse? Or are you only looking to encourage clever word games and underhanded attacks. Do you want serious exchange or a three ring circus? The kind of people you attract and encourage is up to you.
The only reason I can think of for anonymity is fear for one’s life or job. In those rare cases, the editor, if not the public, should at least have the contributor’s identity in order to direct them to appropriate assistance.
In order to gain at least this reader’s respectful attention for your publication, I encourage you to rethink your policy
Myra Gamburg
Lake Forest Park
Posts
4 comments:
Why should SAN be any different than any major newspaper? Have you ever read the comments on Seattle Times? http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/reader_feedback/public/display.php?source_name=mbase&source_id=2015279772
I kind of doubt that somebodies mother named them "catspit" or "whileimhere" or "BeerEngineer". At least I hope not.
Seems pretty anonymous to me.
Dear Myra; welcome to the internet. What "Just sayin'" says is correct - people are going to be anonymous no matter what. There's no way to check someone's driver's license before letting them post. We live in a world where the definitions of both privacy and anonymity have changed. Anonymity allows for a wider range of opinions, and more spirited discussion. And if the SAN is smart, they will continue to encourage free discussion without restraints. It increases readership and promotes repeat visits.
What exactly has been the problem with anonymous commenting on SAN? Has there been offensive posts or libel? I don't think so.
Some of us don't trust our politicians and would-be leaders to act fairly, and with good reason! Those who criticize anonymity want to silence us.
I'm in the minority among ShorelineAreaNews contributors.
I like to see a name -- even a phony one.
I'd rather respond to a comment from "Just Sayin'" or "Beer Engineer" than a comment from "anonymous No, 1."
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