Using real names
September 10th, 2007 by 
Alica
Do you think people should use their real names when they post on the blog?
And what are your reasons for your opinion?
One advantage of people using their real name might be that they will be more careful to back up their opinions with facts.
A disadvantage might be that they would be less likely to state their opinions.
An advantage might be that their opinion might be more (or less) likely to influence someone else, depending on who they are. But that same thing might be a disadvantage.
An advantage might be that people would be less likely to revert to mud slinging and name calling.
What other advantages and disadvantages can you think of? And what are the reasons you already do (or don’t) use your real name?
I use my real name because I’m employed by the Argus Leader and I’m moderator of this blog, so posting to the blog is part of my job. But I’m also a long-time Brandon resident and have voiced my opinions publicly many, many times over the years, even before I worked for the newspaper. For me, using my real name is the right thing to do.
Posted in Uncategorized | 
September 10th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Todd’s Top Five Reasons for using my name:
5. I believe that I would not blog anything that I would not be willing to say to somebody personally.
4. I believe it allows people to understand / object / respect your opinion to the blog topic.
3. I think it helps create a dialogue to certain topics.
2. Alica, you have ALOT of people reading but less blogging. I think that will slowly change. I hope more people will take the few minutes to blob their opinions. (Hi Dawn)
1. I can’t spell Anoyooomoouuusss!!
Can’t wait for tomorrows topic !!
September 10th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
I’m not sure I like anon, but it is the easiest to use. No passwords, no traceability that I know of.
I like the ‘handle’ option - you’re still anon., but you can establish a dialogue and eventually you establish a pattern/trend/style that will be recognised by other people. Do you limit the number of ‘handles’ a person can have - would prevent someone from trying to sway opinion by talking to themselves (not that I think that occurs…)
I also wouldn’t say anything in a blog that I wouldn’t say in person, but I’d rather recognise the person when I meet them on the street!
I think using names can lead to politically correct opinions, not necessarily the ones your really have.
September 10th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
I think using names is fine if you feel comfortable. But…there are those in a small community like this that will definately hold things against you if you disagree with them publicly. They also treat your kids/family in a biased way in school or activities. Sad but very true.
I’m okay with agreeing to disagree without retribution, but I have experience with those who take it out on others.
I think if you use tact, fact and respect while using “anonymous” it’s okay. If you can’t control yourself then it’s not okay.
September 11th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I feel that allowing anonymity allows more open and frank discussions. What disturbs me is people who use their real names for their own self-interests and/or blog under false pretenses. An example of this would be giving opinions about issues that affect the taxpayers of the city of Brandon, yet the blogger doesn’t even live in Brandon. Why would anyone make it sound like they are a Brandon resident when they really don’t? An ulterior motive, maybe?
September 11th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
fj
Now this is what I am talking about. I have no clue who you are but you are assumming that I have NO interest in the City of Brandon because I don’t live IN town.
My most precious assetts (children) are in town every day. I worship at Brandon Lutheran Church. I am a shopper in Brandon stores.
I have many friends who reside in the city limits that I care about.
I would guess that my children will graduate from BVHS , get married @ BLC and probably I will get buried someday in the area BUT I have no interest in the city??????
You on the other hand can continue to be disturbed about my blog posting but I am having FUN and only post what I would be willing to same to you in person. It is a low cost , effiecient , rapid way to communicate interesting topics throughout the community.(I’m sorry if you would like just w/in city limits.)
Keep blogging anonymously, under secret (fj) code or with your name just pass on the site to your friends and neighbors because this is the new communication tool the Argus will continue to use for some time.
Lastly, if you create a forum for healthy dialogue on topics that improve our lives , towns , or communities then Brandoninfo.com (The nasty Argus)is accomplishing
exactly what they would have envisioned.
Good for them !!
September 11th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Todd, I haven’t been known about this site for long, but I don’t see where fj was talking about you. Maybe you two have sparred in this forum before, but fj certainly could have named you if he/she wanted to. I didn’t catch any hint that they were talking about you, but then I am new to the forum. Opinions are always interesting as long as they are thoughtful ones and not just shouting slogans.
Anon 3’s comments disturb me a little. My wife worries about the same things. I was hoping she was way off base in her fears. I truly don’t care what people think of me, but I would not like to adversely impact my children.
Anon 2 (sort of like signing it
)
September 13th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Todd, don’t feel too privileged, I was also accused of this very thing by Nancy in a blog over Husets.
What those people all would like to forget is that we also pay real estate taxes that go to the Brandon Valley School, we pay sales taxes that go to the City of Brandon, we pay a wheel tax to the county that helps pay for the roads running through town, but yet we should have no opinion when it comes to the “City of Brandon”, they would like to forget the “larger community” that also calls themselves citizens of Brandon.
I can understand those not wanting to use their names, there is that petty mentality of holding things against people if someone disagrees with them, but to those that do not use your names, please do not insult us that do believe in using our names.
September 17th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Roger,
I appreciate your comments. I probably should not think the above comment was solely for me.(haha)