Re: Nice. - Pipedot

Nice. (Score: 2, Insightful)

by Anonymous Coward on 2014-05-02 12:18 (#1AN)

This is a very nice move on your part, Bryan. I have an account, but post (and even submitted a story that was accepted) as an AC because I'm at work. Absolutely no resentment that I'm not getting a USB drive, just wanted to let you know that you are a class act.

Keep up the great work. I'll keep contributing.

Re: Nice. (Score: 3, Interesting)

by zafiro17@pipedot.org on 2014-05-02 13:22 (#1AR)

Wow - even the ACs are cooler here than on Slashdot :) When is the last time you ever saw an anonymous cow-herd say thanks anywhere? Nice one, AC.

Proof, I suppose, of the other side of the argument about anonymity. There are so many different ways to run forums out there and there is a prevalent train of thought that anonymity leads to abuse and anti-social behavior. That may be true - hell, I've been on Usenet long enough to see it happen there - but some forums that allow anonymity also permit people to contribute who would otherwise be reluctant to do so. That's an interesting observation.

Likewise, forced use of real name (Facebook, G+) was supposed to make people more civil and stand behind their comments on the Internet. But in practice that hasn't happened either. Look at the comments on Youtube these days: even though accounts are tied to G+ accounts now there is still a surprisingly high number of asshat posts out there, despite usage of real name. I conclude that asshats will be asshats, and even anonymous cowards can be forthright and decent contributors.

Does this mean the debate on anonymity in forums has just been rendered null and void?

Re: Nice. (Score: 1, Insightful)

by Anonymous Coward on 2014-05-02 14:05 (#1AS)

No, there are still plenty of points to be debated about anonymity. But it's existence in certain places is certainly important.

I think posting with a name actually opens up more opportunity for abuse. As an AC someone can attack your post, but as a user they can attack you. There's a lot less pressure to fit in to the popular opinions when you won't make any lasting enemies.

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