Anonymous Or Not?
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Am I the only one who has a problem with those commenting on letters to the editor being anonymous and the writers not having this option?
I copied the following from The Pilot’s Web page: “Letters must bear the name, address and telephone number of the writer. Therefore, each field below must be completely filled out for your letter to be submitted and considered.”
Mary Chapman
Pinehurst
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Comments
dustyrhoades 11 months ago
Am I the only one who has a problem with those commenting on letters to the editor being anonymous and the writers not having this option?
No.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
Welcome to blogging, Mary. There are many GOOD reasons why we prefer to remain unknown, probably the main one being that in reality there is no freedom of speech. I am an arch conservative and let's say that I work for a flaming liberal...get the idea? I have had a good number of people in the emergency services of Moore County tell me that I am simply saying what they CAN'T say publicly. And there are a fair number of liberals who post in these blogs that simply refuse to remain courteous and when they can't think of a good answer to a blog they resort to calling names. JimT and JD and Clarabelle among others come to mind immediately. There have been several comments in the Pilot blogs that under ordinary circumstances could call for a good ass whuppin...I would say that, Mary, but then JimT would call it a threat and try to get me banned...get the idea?
teufelhunden 11 months ago
Such is the nature of the blogosphere. Some people have to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
moonchild7 11 months ago
Mary Chapman, have you ever written to The Pilot before? Have you ever commented on here before? No matter, I'll just tell my story again. Back in the 70's I wrote a "regular" Letter to the Editor to my local paper. This was without computer's or the Internet so it was pen to paper and then stuffed in an envelope with a postage stamp. It was required for me to use my REAL NAME and the TOWN that I lived in at the time. My Letter was an "Anti-War", as in Vietnam, type response to an article they printed in a SUNDAY edition. The paper was BOMBARDED with responses to my Anti-War stance. Any way, I wrote another Letter to the Editor letter to respond back to them, again having to use my real name and town. Within a week I started to receive (thru General Delivery) NASTY, LIFE THREATENING LETTERS. When they say the Post Office delivers they actually did mean it in those days. The Post Office knew my Street Address but at least the HATERS who wrote to me didn't know where I lived. Of course I became very scared because I then knew that if the Post Office knew where I was then the HATERS wouldn't be far behind. I had to buy a GUN. A couple of the Letter's had no return address. All of this because of a few words of PROTEST I was allowed to write under our FREEDOM of SPEECH AMENDMENT. It didn't take long for those RIGHT-WINGED MORONS to make it so that I never wrote another Letter to an Editor until about 2 yrs ago here at the Pilot...since I can write ANONYMOUSLY. Threats from people with names or without names are the problem when they want to take away a persons FREEDOM to have a say. I was under the impression, I think from Dusty, that the Pilot went thru it's "Commentors Names" and took out any ANONYMOUS Posters who couldn't be traced back to "LEGIT" emails. Is that right Dusty? I know you don't like this but at least after about 35 yrs I can have some sort of say. I might do a bit of name calling but in a "childish" way I guess, not a threatening way. The disscussions have become quite childish recently, I wish that substance could return. We'll see.
DoubleHeroides 11 months ago
Skylinefirepest’s opening arguments are sound in that using one’s real name is something that could result in unintended consequences for careers. Mr. Rhoades I’m sure has people that read the newspaper that consciously choose not to use his services when they need a lawyer based solely on his politics, that is an unintended consequence that he may be willing to accept that others are not. Further, as indicated by skylinefirepest, there could be worse ramifications for jobs and livelihoods. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects our freedom of expression only from the government and there are people that are in positions where the expression of certain ideas or thoughts could result in their termination by an unsympathetic employer. The risk aversion of the poster is demonstrated in their choice of nom de guerre (so to speak) for online debate. As for allowing anonymity in a printed letter to the editor that practice went out the window in the 70’s and 80’s for an overwhelming majority of the newspaper industry. The issue at stake is the liability that the newspaper takes on when printing an anonymous letter that may contain libelous content. Without the attribution to the letter’s author it could result in the newspaper being sued. The First Amendment only protects you from limitations upon your expression by the government, not by other people or organizations.
The_AnonymusProfit 11 months ago
Poor mooney
herecomesthescience 11 months ago
You have options, Mary! 1. Buy computer, get internet connection, comment away and use your name or not, your call. 2. Don't read the online edition of the Pilot, then the internet comments won't bother you. 3.Don't write letters or blog. See? Easy as pie.
dustyrhoades 11 months ago
Mr. Rhoades I’m sure has people that read the newspaper that consciously choose not to use his services when they need a lawyer based solely on his politics, that is an unintended consequence that he may be willing to accept that others are not.
OTOH, I've had some people hire me who said they first found out about me from the columns. So I call it a wash.
I just believe that a person should take responsibility for his or her words, and the consequences thereof. I've been called names, I've been physically threatened, but hey, free speech isn't for wimps.
herecomesthescience 11 months ago
With all respect Dusty, both of your jobs are not really harmed by you making comments in here, they if anything help your media job, and your legal job as well. Very different story for somebody who may work for a boss who is set off by a comment they don't like that they see in here, and could decide to fire a worker that they feel is against their own point of view. You are being ignorant by suggesting that not using your real name is "for wimps". Not everybody can be a self employed law jockey or opinion column hack.
herecomesthescience 11 months ago
Having said that, I do like the option of writing a pen and ink letter to the pilot and using your real name (as I have done). It does seem to have a more "for the record" feel to it, and it is the best way to get across a serious point and make your opinion heard.
It always cracks me up how seriously some regular posters here in the comments section take this stuff...and constantly refer to it as a "blog". At the end of the day it is a comments section of a small local paper, not a blog that people follow and subscribe to in order to read what we (the random posters) have to say.
JD 11 months ago
when they can't think of a good answer to a blog they resort to calling names.
And in the next line he calls names for the same thing he just cried about... Pest is what he is. Notice he starts name dropping and cries. Really he does not want co workers to know what a whiny lil child he acts like when trolling.
JD is my name and what my friends call me. Sorry you have no friends and are called a pest in general.
Let's see if pest calls out his buddy lackofscience for name calling DR. No? Figured not. I didn't even feel like commenting, but since you brought it up Pestilence.
herecomesthescience 11 months ago
Internet ProTip: usually if somebody consistently types in all caps or EVERY other WORD in call caps, good chance they are a looney.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
Wow!! JD has jumped into the fray with both feet...and immediately started with the name calling for no reason at all. As Dusty would say, JD, "I rest my case!!"
JD 11 months ago
Right over your head. Glad your hitting that F5 button Pest. It's in your name how is it name calling? I may not always agree with DR, but your imitation just displays your lack of imagination and poor understanding. I posted this elsewhere but it bears repeating: Pest is a Pestilence to these boards. Debate? Debating you is like playing chess with a pigeon. I can win in chess, but the pigeon will just knock over pieces, crap on the board and prance around like they won.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
Believe it or not I actually respect Dusty's decision to post his real name...but then he is self employed and the only person that could fire him is HIMSELF! Not true for others working for bosses who might not appreciate their comments. Dusty should realize this as he is really an intelligent person but he insists on calling others wimps when they don't feel secure risking their livelihood. And I can tell you for a fact that those of us in Emergency Services are not encouraged to be too public with our comments.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
Unfortunately JD fighting a battle of wits with you is fighting an unarmed man. Not much fun because all you can resort to is name calling. You are completely outclassed by Moonchild!!
JD 11 months ago
Nice double post Pestilence did it take awhile to find your Pee Wee Herman insult guide? And my analogy was better. Sorry you like to hide, whine and unable to be self employed. Just be happy we job creators pay taxes for you to have a paycheck to have internet. Your post usually translates too:
Thatcher 11 months ago
I suppose I can see the points made by the letter writer, DR, and MC7 (and others). But how does posting anonymously prevent someone from being civil on these threads? To me, it does not. Sure, some post vile comments here, but they are typically removed. Others post childish insults and engage in name calling, but for the most part, they are ignored. And as far as DR's posts having a negative effect on attracting clients, if I had a traffic ticket or other legal problem, I'd probably hire him...not because he's a liberal, but because he's a good lawyer. If DR made good furniture, I'd buy that, too...not because he's a liberal, but because he's good at what he does. I would not vote for DR for elected political office, because I disagree with the policies he supports. You can disagree with someone's politics but still hire/retain their services on other matters where they excel. And since I've heard that DR is a very good lawyer, I'd hire him. My two cents. Cheers!
rocket71 11 months ago
DR a good lawyer??? now this posting thing has really gotten out of hand. LOL
Thatcher 11 months ago
Actually rocket71, I've seen DR in court before, and know many people who have seen him far more than me. He is a very good lawyer. I'm not sure whether your post was meant to mock me or DR. Either way, I choose to be civil. Cheers.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
Just for your record, JD, since you are very uninformed, I ran a business for over thirty years and I'm now retired and playing on my computer making your life miserable. Sorry about that...no, not really! Incidentally, I'll be glad to match "job creation" with you since I had employees through the years. What have you done to improve society?? Seems to me that you were one of a couple that was whining about the military a few days back, right?? Shame that you decided not to serve your country in any meaningful way...course the stripe down your back shines in the dark so you can't hide real well.
Bentpan 11 months ago
skylinefirepest 25 minutes ago Banging your head against a rock doesn't hurt the rock just gives you headache, besides Stuff SGT.Vipers days a numbered, all garbage, no real contribution, ignore the little troll. There are plenty of educated decent folks to talk to on these threads, Be honest, other than here would you even allow yourself to be bothered to give this person the time of day?
Yukonjohn 11 months ago
Thatcher, you are a wise man. DR and l do not agree alot either, but my family that is still there have known him for many years, and they share the same image of DR as you. If l ever need an attorney in Moore County, he would be the first on my list, just because my family has known him for so long.
Now about being annonomous on here....l will have no problem with anyone knowing my name and what l am doing, once l am retired. ln my current position, it could possibly be a detriment to my empolyeement, or at least l think it could. For that reason, l choose to use my "chat" name.
And l consider you wise due to your civility you always show on here. I appreciate that in people's opinion, whether l agree with them or not. Best Wishes Thatcher!!
Yukonjohn 11 months ago
employeement, dang, new spelling to that word.
JD 11 months ago
Ok let's take it from the top: playing on my computer making your life miserable My life is great, you think I worry about a nobody like you? Sorry small son I just read comments from a putz with an over inflated and undeserving ego. Please cry some more on an internet board and refer to the video above. Thanks for keeping you blood pressure up Pestilence.
Be honest, other than here would you even allow yourself to be bothered to give this person the time of day?
Yet you are my biggest fan Bedpan. I'm a troll? That's a laugh glad I could teach you a new term.
besides Stuff SGT.Vipers days a numbered
Uh oh internet tough guy alert! Posting veiled and empty threats oh no! Who are you talking about? This is your go-to insult and it is lacking. You are the worst offender on this site for pointless posts besides your buddy Pestilence. Are you senile in your old age and in a blue pill stupor? Tin foil hat on too tight? Cognitive dissonance much? Or just umadbro?
dustyrhoades 11 months ago
Thanks, Thatcher and YukonJohn. Much appreciated.
The_AnonymusProfit 11 months ago
As to DR's Lawyering ability, his name is always among the top 3 or 4 in moore county for criminal defense. As to his political beliefs, hes kind of a mix of over the top liberalism with common sense blue dog democrat thrown in with the occasional republican cherry, I actually think he would make a much better leader of the party them Jimmy.
I dont think he worships obama like some here (moon child cough cough) do.
Bflat 11 months ago
@DR_ It's nice to see such wonderful compliments that emcompass lifetime achievements. The DR Fan Club is showing an all time high on the approval rating scale. :))
dustyrhoades 11 months ago
I actually think he would make a much better leader of the party them Jimmy.
The fact that I'm registered as Unaffiliated might disqualify me.
The_AnonymusProfit 11 months ago
Lol bflat
Thatcher 11 months ago
Yukon!! Thanks for the shout out, and for the kind words! Bass fishing with my boys tomorrow (girls are shopping with their mom)...wish you could come! Cheers!!
Thatcher 11 months ago
BTW Yukon, my mom will be in your neck of the woods next week...the Alaskan cruise thing with her brother (my favorite uncle). They promise lots of pics. Can't wait to get up there myself and catch your fish with my kids! (My wife will not touch a live fish). Cheers!!
Yukonjohn 11 months ago
I dont get on much at this time of year, but l am sure encouraged with the civil tone to threads here recently!! With a few exceptions, l think many on here have shown that we can disagree without being disagreeable! Best Wishes to ya'll from the sweltering north!! (It was hotter the last two days here than it was there....85-87 for the last two days!!
GoldenDreams 11 months ago
Mary, I agree with you in theory about giving your name, but I stand with MoonChild on this one because of like experiences. I gave a few opinions at work that were not popular and the reaction was terrible. People staring at me, refusing to talk to me, and even not getting important work information although I could never prove it. I was called some nasty names behind my back. Religion and politics really seem to stir things up and it's better to just keep your mouth shut at work. Other people I know have been ostracized socially, or worse, their children paid the consequences. That should never be but it happens and it's very unfortunate.
jimt 11 months ago
pest is one of the people who threatened Dusty. Surprise, surprise.
DaveyNC 11 months ago
Well, since I prefer anonymity, I try really hard to not be too incendiary and I certainly don't engage in name calling as happens here so often. (AFChief? You there?) I try to keep my comments on point and specific to the discussion at hand. Maybe one day I will step out from behind the veil, but for now I prefer to stay anonymous.
However, props to those here who post under their real names. Some are more comfortable in the public eye.
skylinefirepest 11 months ago
JimT....stop with the lies. I've never threatened anyone on these comments and you keep spouting that crap as if it were the truth. You're getting as tiresome as JD with your lies.