General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Adios Huffington Post [View all]I agree that there are some horrendous things posted on the internet under assumed names. However, I believe that the value of being able to speak one's mind without fear of retribution outweighs the alternative. For instance, I am a Liberal and a supporter of most of President Obama's policies (TPP notwithstanding). However, my employer is a proud Republican who makes no bones about his contributions to conservative groups and causes, and who frequently makes disparaging remarks about anyone who shows support for the President. If I post a long, well documented and factually correct blog about President Obama's accomplishments, he could go straight to Facebook, look up my (and every other employee's) posts, and fire those who are too strongly in support of the President. That's why I don't post much of anything that's political on any site where I am identified by my real name. I feel as though I cannot speak my mind fully and honestly because it could cause some sort of retribution.
If someone posts something truly inappropriate - like death threats, for instance - every website knows the address of every user, and the authorities can in most cases trace back a post to its owner if necessary. Not to mention that most discussion sites, like this one, are pretty good at policing their own posts and deactivating users who abuse the site.