Should anonymous comments be allowed?
This blog moderates comments -- that is, every comment is read to decide whether to post it. Very rarely a comment is blocked because it is gratuitously offensive or wildly off topic. Mostly, we take the view that readers of this blog are grownups and can take it as well as dish it out.
We allow commenters to choose to remain anonymous; to keep from jeopardizing their jobs, for instance. That can't be taken as a license to slag someone else from under cover (hence the moderation), but it means people sometimes write things they wouldn't sign. A few people have questioned whether this is a good idea. For now, we think it is, but would be interested to hear from readers about whether they agree.
We allow commenters to choose to remain anonymous; to keep from jeopardizing their jobs, for instance. That can't be taken as a license to slag someone else from under cover (hence the moderation), but it means people sometimes write things they wouldn't sign. A few people have questioned whether this is a good idea. For now, we think it is, but would be interested to hear from readers about whether they agree.
Labels: commentary
posted by D. B. Scott at
12:10 am
10 Comments:
Keep it as is. Those few people are twits.
As someone who has worked at a few independent publications I have to say anonymous comments are completely necessary. The local small press world is incestuous, and a tiny comment on a blog can spread like wildfire, making it near impossible to speak freely without suffering the consequences. Frankly, you have a drink at a bar and say too many things you're generally marked for death within minutes.
Case in point: an ex-managing editor of a mag I worked for posted a blog comment that started with the phrase "I used to work for a mag like that..." and then went on to critique how poorly run it was. It didn't take long for that comment to be forwarded around for the amusement of current staff members.
Not wanting to suffer the same fate, I comment anon if only to ensure that I keep working in the industry...take that option away and I'll likely silence myself.
I agree, many of us need to stay anonymous to protect our jobs or careers in this industry.
For the few people who choose to be difficult, just delete their posts or don't post them in the first place -- problem solved.
Is this even legal???
You must include the following stats with photo:
A one page biography and description on why you should be a model for Sir John Magazine.
Age - Height - Weight - Chest - Waist - Hips - Dress - Shoe - Hair - Eyes - Ethnicity
I was under the impression people weren't allowed to ask these types of questions when hiring (even as contract work). I don't know, maybe it is different for the fashion business?
I think you should consider that people posting as anon are still being honest in their posts, even if they are critical (or what some might perceive as difficult).
I think anonymous posts are important. Though I wish people would make up a name (even something generic, like Dave -- it's is MY name) so that responding to someone is a little easier.
If you take away the 'anonymous' option you'll probably find that very few people will be willing to share their opinions - this would be a great shame.
Anonymous comments are absolutely critical in ensuring that individuals can express their thoughts and feelings without any potential risk.
I'm willing to bet that contributions to this blog would suffer tremendously if we couldn't submit anonymous comments.
I consider any comment I might leave here to be personal, and not representative of the organization I work for - the option to be anonymous makes me feel a lot more comfortable.
I think this blog might consider adopting what I take to be the standard of most (other) journalism: limit anonymity to people whose comments are clearly in the public interest and could cause significant trouble to the person making them. I'd trust the administrators to make those judgements.
Those wishing to post anonymously could include a note at the end of the post, for the administrators' eyes only, briefly explaining their reasons, and including their contact info if they wanted to be contacted in the event the post was turned down. That would preserve the cover of anonymity for those who need it and curtail personal axe-grinding. It would mean more work and responsibility for the administrators, but it would improve the credibility of the posts.
Standard caveat: these are my personal views.
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