Dear anonymous…

Just as webinars are not quite the same as a face-to-face workshop, online conversations are less satisfying than diner chats and backyard fence conversations. Aside from the lag time between comment and reply, and the absence of facial expression and body language, a lot of people neglect to introduce themselves. That would be you, dear Anonymous. On NCPR blogs and at other visitor comment locations, fully 45% of the conversation is posted by you.

While creating a certain air of mystery has its appeal, and some people have legitimate reason to conceal their identity, I can’t believe that nearly half the people who comment need to do so anonymously. Or is it one person typing maniacally through the night? Who can tell if Anon 9:14 pm is the same as Anon 3:27 am?

Why does it matter? Folks who follow the conversation need to be able to tell one voice from another–even if they don’t know who it actually belongs to–so they can reply specifically and intelligibly. So please, unless you want to be not only unidentifiable, but indistinguishable from all the other unidentified, don’t click “Anonymous” on the comment form. Instead select “Name/URL.” Name can be anything you like, from “G” to “greatsatan2012,” and the URL (web address) can be nothing–it’s optional. Just as with “Anonymous,” you don’t need to register anywhere or log in to use this option. And for those of you comfortable with using your real name, please do so. I always do; it makes things more friendly.

Dale Hobson, NCPR web manager