March 22, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
Are anonymous blog authors as credible as those who write under their real names?
A pair of philanthropy blog authors — one who uses his name and one who doesn’t — are debating that question.
The debate started when Tom Belford, a fund-raising consultant who helped found the fund-raising blog The Agitator, aim at the credibility of those who anonymously post critical blog comments, YouTube videos, and other content online.
“Anonymity used to attack or manipulate springs from cowardice and/or malice,” writes Mr. Belford. “It is the antithesis of integrity. It is the enemy of authentic discourse.”
The anonymous author of Don’t Tell the Donor, another fund-raising blog, was quick to disagree.
“I think Tom is wrong,” wrote the blogger, who signs every post as “a fund raiser.”
“I believe users of Web 2.0 need to be granted the ability to create online identities to protect their real names while still ensuring an authentic discourse backed by the reputation of that identity.”
Where do you stand? Are people who post anonymously less credible than those who create online content under their real names? Click on the comment link just below this posting to share your thoughts.
