Marty: Anonymously yours

People post anonymously because they want to remain anonymous,
to paraphrase Paul Newman from the movie
”
Absence of Malice.
”
Did anyone think it ironic that so many comments on whether a
political email is private came from people posting
anonymously?
People post anonymously because they want to remain anonymous, to paraphrase Paul Newman from the movie “Absence of Malice.” Did anyone think it ironic that so many comments on whether a political email is private came from people posting anonymously? By remaining anonymous, those contributors ensured their privacy to a degree; they were not taking any chances. The Hollister Free Lance allows anonymous posting on its website, but should it?

That is the paper’s policy; it could be to generate hits for advertizing, to encourage free speech or to promote wider participation – perhaps all those reasons. I do not post anonymously on the Free Lance website because I write a column and an occasional news story. More importantly, I’m a member of the editorial board. When Internet problems prevent me from signing in, I come on as a “Guest” and sign my name. However, I have posted anonymously on many other websites and blogs.

Anonymity is a multi-edged sword; it allows people to feel protected. Your real name and email address may not show; however, you may not be as anonymous as you believe. If hackers can steal identities and credit card data – as they so often do – they may be able to find out more about you.  Then there is always the government and the legal system – need I say more? Posters often ignore the fact that the electronic curtain has many holes in it and protection is neither absolute nor guaranteed, you post at your own risk.

A false sense of security also tempts some people to go too far and spew things they should not; things they would never say if they were face to face with their targets. Here is a good rule, don’t write any words you would not be willing to deliver in person – just make believe your real name is on the post before you hit send because you can’t get it back once it’s gone.

Comments are displayed while that story is open unless they are completely off topic, reckless, dangerous, make irresponsible charges, or exceed some very difficult to define limits of civility. Like that famous line from United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart – the moderators know violations when they see them. It requires some judgment and like any human, the moderators occasionally make mistakes. They do not review every post, neither is the paper responsible for what you put up – you are – it says so in the Terms of Service.

Then there are always the Internet trolls. A troll is someone who posts just to get an emotional response or merely to disrupt things; a troll is an electronic vandal and instigator. The only thing you can do about trolls is ignore them; they won’t go away even then, but responding to them only stokes their purpose, which is to say, “look at me, I can get a rise out of you.” Trolls need anonymity for two reasons. One is for physical protection; without anonymity, trolls would probably be punched in the nose several times a month. The second is that trolls often change their screen names to keep their ‘victims’ off balance.

What concerns me most with anonymous posting on local issues is the inability of the reader to determine personal bias, self-interest, orchestrated campaigns and/or the stuffing of the electronic ballot box. In general, the more time the author spends hurling insults the weaker their argument. My only advice is view all online comments with a critical eye whether the author is identified or not.   

Marty Richman is a Hollister resident.