Anonymity vs Alias

The Internet, and especially the blogosphere, is full of people who, for one reason or another, choose an alias by which to be recognized, or choose to be anonymous.

There are several reasons for using an alias.

Some people are extremely shy and would be embarrassed if anyone who knew them read anything that they wrote.
Some have jobs that would be affected if their true identity were revealed.
Some are people who are not able to be themselves around others, and an alias allows them to be free to express themselves honestly.
Some are fearful of others. Quite frankly, that’s not an unrealistic reason. There are all types of people on the ‘net, and all of them are not nice people. You read stories all the time about predators, stalkers, and criminals seeking their next victim online.

There is one thing about people who choose an alias. You know where they are. You know where they stand. You can visit their place. They have a home base. They are knowable, even if their true identity remains veiled. I frequent other blogs, and sometimes post comments. Though I use an alias, anyone who wants to can follow me back to here, my place, and see who I am and where I stand. I'm not hiding who I am, because my name is not who I am.

There are several reasons for anonymity. Some of the reasons listed above apply.

However, there is at least one additional reason that doesn't fall into the categories above.

Agenda.

One thing about most people who choose anonymity. They are hiding. They don’t have a home base. They are unknowable. You can never be sure which “anonymous” you are dealing with unless you have some sort of tracking software that lets you know who is visiting your site. The truth is, the most vicious, the most aggressive, and the most volatile online are more often than not in the anonymous class. Anonymity to them is power. It gives them a strategic advantage, moving in and striking quickly and then retreating into the background, watching and hoping their attack did some damage. Most anonymous posters have very little positive to say about anything or anyone. They are not constructive. They are destructive.

There are a few exceptions, like Herm, and Mom2, and some others that I know frequently visit here. They are consistent. They always let us know who they are. They are knowable. They aren’t hiding anything.

I’ve always allowed anonymous guests on this site. This decision is similar to what the Bible says about grace.

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid... ”

What Paul is saying here is that just because we who have been born again are saved and no longer in condemnation, secure in our salvation for all eternity, that does not give us a license to sin and take advantage of that grace.

In other words, if you try to post here anonymously, remember that just because I allow anonymous posts, that does not mean it gives you free license to say or do whatever you choose. Mind your manners.