I made the decision before I wrote my very first blog post that I would use my own legal name, not only at my blog but also on any comment I might leave on another blog.
There are reasons to use a pseudonym, of course. But this little effort is a bit more important to me than just a simple hobby, so it seemed important to take responsibility for my opinions.
One of the chances that every blogger takes when they put their thoughts out there for all to see is that they might find that a vile, hate-filled comment was left by a reader. In fact, I think that just about everyone who blogs about politics has enjoyed this blogosphere version of a turd.
That doesn't happen here too often, mainly because I rarely write about politics and this blog only has a limited readership. (I like to say that my readers are "discerning".) But the high-traffic blogs, particularly those which present Conservative views, soon have their comment sections swamped by the most puerile trash.
Dean Barnett has posted a pretty good essay about the subject. I think he starts off strong and finishes weak, but I particularly liked what he said in the middle....
"WHAT KIND OF PERSON MAKES COMMENTS ANONYMOUSLY that he wouldn’t dare directly utter to another human being? A coward. And that’s what makes so many comment boards so utterly distasteful."
It is worth your time to read the whole thing, weak finish or not.
(HT to Glenn.)
Comments (5)
Needless to say, I made the same decision you did.
Posted by Steven Den Beste | March 26, 2007 12:20 AM
Posted on March 26, 2007 00:20
I comment anon always using Diamondback as my username mainly to protect myself and my family from gun grabbers and theives. I also don't reveal anything too personal in these posts. I don't engage in flames or insults as well... that's just childish and bad manners as is criticizing grammer and spelling of the host. "Gee thanks for inviting me to dinner! Mind if I wee on the carpet?" I also don't nit pick other commenters on things that are irrelevant to the topic at hand. I've been invited to your party and will always act accordingly.
Thanks for the invite,
Diamondback
Posted by Diamondback | March 26, 2007 2:34 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 14:34
It should be noted that Diamondback and I are not anonymous, but nicknonymous. I for one have an established identity built up over time, which would be harmed if my posts get too stupid. In my case, among the reasons for seperating my online persona from my True Name is the fact that my family and neighbors are far to the left of me, and since I'm not going to change their minds I prefer not to ruin the relationships.
Posted by triticale | March 26, 2007 6:46 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 18:46
I've never really thought about the anonymity aspect of it, but I do enjoy using a handle. I almost feel like I'm carrying on the tradition of the old bulletin board systems this way.
Posted by Mulliga | March 26, 2007 10:52 PM
Posted on March 26, 2007 22:52
I think staying far, far away from politics keeps the troll quotient at bay, as you mentioned in your post.
I still can't believe how many trolls I attract and my site is teeeny tiny in the big picture.
Posted by Dan from Madison | March 27, 2007 7:43 AM
Posted on March 27, 2007 07:43