Anonymity vs Privacy on the Net54baseball

[hangman62]

I vote for no name.... Its a baseball card blog site !

I dont feel a full name is of any real value, although it would make many think twice before sending off a hate note !

Id be concerned with fear of being labeled a 'baseball card nerd"

I think Leon should continue to rule as he sees fit..after all...its his site

[Rich Klein]

If you just post on the non-controversial threads, you can remain as unknown as that comic was on the Gong Show.

However, if you do post on the threads which are bringing the heat; it is only reasonable to ask that you put your name out there so anyone can know whom is making the comments.

The privacy issue is fine but it's your choice, and I think everyone is clear on that, make comments on subjects such as thoughts on 67 Topps Hi # Short Prints/Double Prints -- and you can be as unknown as you wish

Post on threads such as the recent suit against REA (Rob Lifson) and you better be willing (And I'd bet Rob would make sure of that) to put your name with your post.

No one is saying you can't stay private and no one is saying you have to put your name out there -- but what is being said is that if you put your opinions into controversial threads -- then your identity is being required to be known. Thus, if an issue to you, stay out of the controversial threads -- and I also said if a war breaks out after you make a post in what was intended to be a non-controversial thread and then as long as you were not involved, you don't get damaged in the cross fire.

But, if you saw something construed as controversial, THEN you need to realize you need to take responsibility and be able to called out if needed by name on your views.

I do get the privacy issue, so --- protect your privacy and don't post on certain threads.

Rich

[Rich Klein]

And this is sort of related, but not quite exact.

Back in the early 1990's, when I started at Beckett, the leading way for dealers to communicate with each other was a bulletin board known as sports net. It was a precursor to the hobby boards of today but obviously not as dynamic in terms of immediacy.

One of the more interesting aspects from our end at Beckett was how many dealers at the time would put up posts which could be construed as inflammatory (I may have, but don't think I still do) a sample year's worth of posts about Beckett.

But, the most interesting part about many of those threads was how many people would post whatever they wanted BUT when they actually had to see you face to face, then everything got a bit nicer. That's something else to remember as well, that just because you are not saying something in "3D" to someone's face, that you might not someday see them.

Just a point for anyone who wishes to post in these types of threads

Rich

[Jewish-collector]

Rich,
I will be sure to tell you to your face what I think of you.

[PolarBear]

I think you should require everyone to refer to themselves in the first person.

[GoldenAge50s]

I think you should require everyone to refer to themselves in the first person.

We completely agree.