Should Anonymity be allowed on the board?

[barrysloate]

The one defense I accept for anonymity is that if one Googles his name, posts from this board will show up. I think there are easy ways to prevent it.

If I am not mistaken, if I added a period or two and identified myself as "Bar.ry Slo.ate" wouldn't that keep my name out of standard searches?

As far as arguments such as Mr. Mitt made that posting on this board would adversely affect his business, you lost me. Why? Post intelligently (not saying you don't) and it may even enhance your image. People will see that you are knowledgeable, and that can only help. I actually made the decision that by offering information I was actually enhancing my business, not taking away.

[Doug]

For the people worried about their names coming up in searches a first name could be required with the last name being optional.

[dstudeba]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

As far as arguments such as Mr. Mitt made that posting on this board would adversely affect his business, you lost me.

There are several instances on this board where arguments have included questioning or belittling another member's ability in their profession.

Edited to add: This practice is the primary reason I post less than I used to.

[wonkaticket]

On the fence...

But agree with Jerry 100%, Leon has our info that should be enough do we really need the guy with bad teeth getting a hold of someones business number and calling us up because you butt heads with someone.

Besides all it takes is one person with a grudge. For what some of you guys call a no big deal to become a real nightmare dont think I'm right Google Leon's name....

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...&q=leon+luckey

People know who I am at least the people I want to know that is.....that should be enough. In the end what do we really know about folks on here other than we all like cards...you really want anyone on here to know your business or home address????

My gut feeling Leon has enough of our info to protect us from blind posting..

Also not me but I'm sure some folks work for other folks and may post or check the forum while at work...hate to have somebody's boss pull them in and say Barry Sloate I thought you were working on those TPS reports at 2:13pm today...not discussing Pud somebody!

[barrysloate]

I don't even know what a TPS report is...I'll just say I was busy putting paper clips on piles of papers, and removing staples with my handy staple remover. After all, isn't that what most people do in an office anyway?

[wonkaticket]

People who post on here, folks who post pickups of 4-5 figure cards and pics of their kids and loved ones..please put your full name and contact info next to your post....So I can google you later...perhaps I'll stop by your home or business for coffee sometime.....

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

"...do we really need the guy with bad teeth getting a hold of someones business number and calling us up because you butt heads with someone."

Or, do we really need to belittle and poke fun of everything and everyone, or could we pick ourselves up by our seats and try a more professional approach (note the "we" )?! John, while I applaud most of your recent actions, I do think it fair that, for you to go on record with certain statements should also require your full name to be added to each post. Anonymity and accusation make strange bedfellows, even if your opinion is the one I side with! Your point is quite valid, but so is mine.

[GoldenAge50s]

I think there at least be a first name and last initial available, if not on the post at least in the Profile.

As Barry says, quite often I have no idea who I may be replying to, so I click on Profile & find nothing there either, so I don't bother replying at all.

It seems to me having at least a first name gives a bit of credibility to any post--even if it's a bogus name!

[wonkaticket]

Jodi my full name is known by most and Leon has all of my contact information and if I ever cross the line into bad land I'm sure Leon will use my info correctly. In fact Leon and I talk from time to time as well.

Do I need you to know my entire info heck no...no offense I don't know you from Adam. And I don’t need to know all of yours either Jodi.

"Anonymity and accusation make strange bedfellows, even if your opinion is the one I side with! Your point is quite valid, but so is mine."

Don’t accuse anyone of anything Jodi, posted an email where Kevin admitted in his own words to shady stuff, called out a bogus sign and helped bring to justice a counterfeiter in Chan. No accusations just facts you draw the conclusion.

This forum is not anonymous Leon has our information there is no real reason for everyone who pops on here to know all about everyone it serves no purpose.

More bad can come from full open disclosure than the system that's already in place.

Nothing against the guy with the bad choppers but I don't think he needs my phone number and full name, or as some folks have said to know about their business outside of the hobby. We have seen many times before on this board when people have personal information on you they get personal.

Lichtman is accused of getting killers off, Leon is a drug dealer, Jim Crandall has a huge loss with Lehman it's just not cool.

So if you’re offended by the teeth joke just imagine the personal attacks that follow when forum members get to know you a little better Jodi….

P.S. I think I'll be going on record soon with Jim and I in the upcoming Old Cardboard mag on the Chan case...my full name will be in there is that on record enough for you? Also when I worked with the FBI on Chan pretty sure I was on record they also did the standard background check so I think I'm plenty on record at this point.

[cfc1909]

Very good reasons are posted for anonymity and I think they have changed my mind. Leon has the info and that should be good enough. Leon just has to make sure the info is good. example-Scott Bob

JR cfc1909

[Mark]

"This forum is not anonymous Leon has our information there is no real reason for everyone who pops on here to know all about everyone it serves no purpose. "

This is true enough, John. And, as others have said, I, too, prefer that those who know me professionally remain unaware of m interest in baseball cards et alia.

In my view, the best policy is to keep things steady as she goes.

[BillyCoxDodgers3B]

"No accusations just facts you draw the conclusion."

Accusation, fact; although they ARE words with different meanings, semantics come into play in this instance. Either way, you are bringing the actions of others to light in a public forum. As stated, I think that's fine if it serves an honorable purpose. People do have a right to know the identities of those who make bold statements. Is there any middle ground where most would be happy? I'm certainly open to suggestion at this point, whereas I was not originally.

I find that anonymity is detrimental to the degree of seriousness in which a public forum is to be considered. For instance, let's say a well-known dealer/auctioneer posts something using his real name. Three people using aliases decide to post scathing/snarky/accusatory replies. Is this fair to all involved? Regardless, it's immature and dampens the air for the rest of us.

I was only using a couple of your cases as examples because I was quoting something you wrote and said instances are of recent memory.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by barrysloate

I don't even know what a TPS report is...I'll just say I was busy putting paper clips on piles of papers, and removing staples with my handy staple remover. After all, isn't that what most people do in an office anyway?

Barry
There are new cover sheets on the TPS reports. Didn't you get the memo?
M