Non-anonymous SID Discussion

There have been quite a few comments made regarding anonymous posting, mostly negative. As much as I think blogging anonymously can be fun, refreshing and even informative, I do see the benefit in having certain discussions among identified individuals.

As Bruce Schneier said in column titled Anonymity Won't Kill the Internet, "The problem isn't anonymity; it's accountability. If someone isn't accountable, then knowing his name doesn't help. If you have someone who is completely anonymous, yet just as completely accountable, then -- heck, just call him Fred."

If you feel you - and those you talk with - can only be accountable if you know whom you are talking to, then a forum, which discloses everyone’s identity, is the place for you.

Thanks to Mr. Ticknor, he has created such a place. He posted about it in another thread, but I didn't want it getting hidden. As I post this, there have already been 88 SIDs to register on his forum in a little under five days.

[...] I was wondering if anyone out there might be interested in joining a moderated, private (only registered users may read and write posts; users must register with a .edu or other non-anonymous e-mail address) discussion board for SIDs.

I've got no problem with this blog and understand the desire for anonymity when it comes to some hot-button issues.

The discussion board I have in mind is more about just the dry, every-day aspects of the profession (a place for shop talk if you will).

I've actually already set up the board on a free discussion board hosting site and was debating whether or not actually running with it. If I can get some interest from the readers of this blog, I'll spread the word on a larger scale. If it becomes popular, I'll be looking for some volunteer moderators as well. If it flops, it flops.

Here's the link. The terms of use/rules forum is open to be read by unregistered users.

http://sid.s10.forumsplace.com

Phil Ticknor
Sports Information Director
Washington College