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RICHMOND WATCHDOG OPEN FORUM
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| Subject: ethics of anonymous posting |
Author: Andrew McBrain
Date: 10/16/2001 8:04 am WEDT
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A number of posters seem to disdain anonymous postings. However these should not all be seen in the same light. The reasons why posters may conceal their identity are varied. I would divide them into three categories.
1 Posters are breaching a contractual relationship with the Council in their posting.
2 Posters may be concerned regarding libel laws.
In either case we may debate whether the ends justifies the means. Our conclusions may vary from case to case.
3 The poster may not be under any contractual liability to the Council but the nature of their relationship may still be such that they wish to conceal their identity. I have heard (from a reliable source) that in Guernsey people are unwilling to complain openly about the Council for fear that planning permissions may be refused. There are literally hundreds of reasons why people may wish to retain anonymity and surely they cannot all be dishonourable: they may be involved in all sorts of legitimate dealings with the Council which they feel may be prejudiced if they post under their own names.
In all case Letters appear in newspapers either ‘name and address supplied’ and under pseudonyms which are not recognised by the editors.
It’s actually more honest to send a letter from ‘anon’ than to assume a false but genuine-sounding name. However I suspect many readers may be more ready to read and respond to posts sent under convincing as opposed than obvious pseudonyms. I’ve used a genuine-sounding pseudonym in the hope that more people will read this far, if any reader feels less likely to respond now that I’ve admitted to doing so they should consider whether they disadvantage me for being honest. My reasons for concealing my identity fall under 3.
I did check in the phonebook first but nonetheless I offer my apologies if there is anyone else in this borough called
Andrew McBrain.
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| Topics |
Author |
Date |
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ethics of anonymous posting |
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Andrew McBrain |
10/16/2001 8:04 am WEDT |
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R H |
10/17/2001 0:34 am WEDT |
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Andrew McBrain |
10/17/2001 3:28 pm WEDT |
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Trevor Clarke |
10/17/2001 4:23 pm WEDT |
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Trevor Clarke |
10/18/2001 6:06 am WEDT |
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Sexist, Racist, Rude or unnecessary messages will be removed. Tolerance to anonymous messages will be at the discretion of the administration body. Anyone who insults the owner of this forum will be barred for life. No adverts permitted. |
