Anonymity

The word, "anonymous," is defined three ways by www.m-w.com:

1. not named or identified;
2. of unknown authorship or origin; and
3. lacking individuality, distinction, or recognizability.

Recently I have experienced a rash of anonymous commentators on my blog. For whatever reasons, these individuals make comments that they do not wish to be attributed to themselves. Rather than boldly standing behind the veracity (or lack thereof?) of their comments, they instead protect their identities by using the shadow of namelessness. I find this phenomenon somewhat disturbing.

In most cases, if something is worth saying, it is also worth attributing to the author. Likewise, if something is not worth attributing to the author, it is probably not worth saying (a paraphrase of a timely statement made by my good friend and roommate, Shannon Moeller). Although I readily admit that there are occasions when it is completely acceptable to remain anonymous (whether for propriety's or security's sake), I also assert that such occasions rarely appear within the realm of blog comments. Instead, the authors of anonymous blog comments generally are trying for the "cuteness" approach to commenting without being willing to "face up" to their statements, or they are actively engaged in the pursuit of frustrating others and are making their attacks (in fun or otherwise) from behind the protection of an impenetrable mask. In either instance, what has been authored is likely not worthwhile to have been said.

I say all of this, not to dampen the jovial spirit of my blog commentators, nor to dissuade the use of witty repartee in the future. My personal approach to blog commentary, whether on my own blog or others, is quite often one of witticisms, wisecracks, and waggeries (albeit always with a name attached). However, I would ask that my commentators take responsibility for their comments, unless they have good reason not to do so. I leave the term, "good reason," to your discretion, but I do ask that you exercise said discretion.

Philippians 1:9-11

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.