ask the administrator to do away with the ability to post anonymously. Everyone wishing to post, would have to register, and at least use a screen name. I've checked, you don't have to even register using your real name, but, you have to fill in the blanks at least. It wouldn't stop those from writing anything they already have, they would just have a name tag attached to it. Some may want to use their actual name, some may not.
You could even register ten times if you wanted to, that way you could carry on your own conversations, but, you'd have to remember all those passwords and user ID names.
I completley disagree, the entire purpose of this site is to get folks to engauge and discuss. Sometimes Great threads and posts and other times silly stuff that has no meaning, BUT, the name of the game is to spur critical discussion of which the Democracy was founded on.
To many times on this site people have demanded Names, this trick is as old as time itself, instead of defending, debating & discussing issues the converstion turns personel which in turn is designed to take the real heat off of the subject.
Yes Folks, it's a Subject changer. This is and old trick used many times especially in small town areas to keep power boses in control and limit information, the more the Public knows the harder it is to operate behind the scenes. If names are tracked and constantly data mined as to WHO is saying what, instead of what was said and the Solution(s) this Web Site would cease to exist.
Jefferson & Adams both said in November of 1798 that people with something to hide will shy away from free speach & open debate!!!!!!!
Posting anonymously is just much easier than logging in.
Most of the sarcastic comments would stop, as when a guest made a smart a&% statement, then later on, when that person wanted to make a sincere and genuine remark, they would then be torn apart as well.
I say require user names. You're still anonymous to a point, but you'll have a name all can relate to. You can still post your opinions and thougths and ideas, but, we'll have something to call you.
I'm involved in about 15 other message boards of all types. This is the only one where you've been able to post a totally anonymous message. I was surprised. And, the first one where you were not approved by someone to post.
bluegrassprep and other high school sports boards are some examples. I'm on several NFL boards, they all require usernames, and approval.
Free speech isn't the issue here. You can still speak your mind.
Sure, I think the postings will decrease, but the ones that do post will be better quality, and more true to the community.
Still on the name game and not the Issue Game, folks could have Multiple ID's here anyway so all your points are completley Moot!
My advice is to get the facts, research details and then let folks decide whose right for themselves. The real Facts will always win!!! having ID's adds Zero value and Proves absolutley nothing
If you want to give your ID, give it. Some people may legetimately fear reprisal if they give their identity. I can understand that. Like it or not, this Board has given alot of people an outlet to vent, the big and the small.
You're exactly right, previous poster who will soon have a screen name or two or three or four.
So, it doesn't seem to matter to you, so I guess that's a yes vote.
I'm sorry, but I don't understand why there's a need for multiple screen / usernames. Your username still protects your identity does it not? Right now there's no way to reference a post from someone.
I'm fine with being anonymous but would welcome user names. I agree with ?? this is the only message board that does not require the use of a screen or user name.
Why do you need a Reference Point to debate an Issue? Names and Reference Points have nothing to do with details & facts about any subject.
The Reference Points dbeated should be Issue oriented, then there is No need to have to answer any Point of Reference, just respond to the Issue.
I've seen Dozens of Boards where the Issue is ALL that can be discussed, any other points NOT pertaining to the Issue are the ones that should be deleted.
I vote for the usernames, and an example is the person that was exposed in another thread or two using the IP router program.
If they don't like the issue of registering, then get the heck off the board. You don't even have to list your real info on the registration, you could register as George Bush is you wanted to.
I guarantee, all these that are touting the free speech issue, if the subject matter interests them enough, then they'll register to have their say.
Your back to the name game in the end, who cares if an iP Router is used or where the signal is coming from???? I thought this was an issues board, no one has explained the need & value to having a Username other being able directly respond to a fictional character anyway, so why have it???????
This all goes back to the ole "Who is It" game and the need to try and make the issue personal instead of debating the Facts, if folks want to sign up for something then send Don Estep a "letter to the editor" , sign your name, and be done. We are back to square one.
The very reason this board is a success is the Freedom it allows, if folks want to sign their name then do so, it's interesting the last few posters want Names and Usernames then why would they not go ahead and do so, nothing preventing them from doing it now????
Your Gonna find yourself outfoxed again when folks use Muliple usernames, Multiple IP Address's, different computers, a Host of different things that can make you think your addressing one person then another can lead down a different path, only to know in the end it was the same person.
Folks, the easist thing to do is stick to the issues and drop the name game, your chasing Ghosts and not Facts & Details. I think Jr did his homework on this subject and clearly knew it was a waste of time requiring user names, that's why he made it optional in the very beginning, stick to the Issues.
I guess I'm the dumb one here. I just think it would be easy to say "I agree with the post by User name" as opposed to "I agree with the post four above" etc.
The user name can be fictious as pointed out earlier. I'm not seeking to discover the identity of a poster.
Because it's a Non-Value Added and Extra step that solves nothing, so why do it? Does doing this add any Value of any kind, does it enhance anything other than to respond to a Possible reference point that is most Likely Fake anyway?
Then why get wraped around the Axle on a step that adds No-Value?
If it solves nothing, or theres no added value, or doesn't enhance anything, if the reference is fake, so why does it matter if we DID require a user name. It goes both ways.
If it don't matter, then why not require a user name.
It's Bob Jr's board, so if he decides to require it, we'll do it or not post anymore.
Terry is right, it adds convinence to posting a reply to someones statement.
Also, those proxy servers and IP bouncers can be tracked by the government, as that's how terrorists do their communicating.
The Banned IP guy may get a knock on his door by the black helicopter group, wanting to know why his emails to this lil ol message board is coming from Iran and North Korea. Don't think for a minute the government don't track that kind of activity.
