Here's a hopefully clearer explanation of this blog's policy on commenting. Thanks for reader feedback on this issue.
I do accept anonymous comments, which means you can comment without signing your full name.
I do not accept unsigned comments, which means you have to sign it with something, even if just your first name or a nickname/pseudonym.
If you sign in via a Blogger account, that is sufficient.
If you do not have or wish to create a Blogger account, you can still post. Under 'Choose an Identity,' click 'Name/URL'. The URL is optional. But under 'Name,' you can include your full name or your first name. If you wish, you can also comment under a nickname/pseudonym.
Regardless of which you choose, I just ask that you use the same handle each time you post, so I can follow your line of reasoning.
Comments signed with a full name, first name or nickname/pseudonym will be accepted.
Comments that are completely unsigned will be rejected.
All signed comments will be published unless I consider them potentially libelous or defamatory or if they are spam/ads. If you are going to make serious allegations, you are strongly encouraged to provide evidence or attribution.
Obviously I ask readers to keep their comments pertinent to the topic of the essay in question or to the posted comments. In the unlikely event I reject your comment, you are welcome to contact me and ask why.
I received a note (asked to be unpublished) from someone who signed only their first name respectfully disagreeing with that policy. I'll call that person M.
ReplyDeleteThere is only one person who regularly comments on this blog who signs that name.
So because he's a friend, I sent M. a message on Facebook explaining my position and why.
M. replied that s/he did not actually leave that message and that it must've been someone else with the same first name.
Seems to illustrate my point quite well that my policy offers plenty of anonymity.