Anonymous Comments: To Post or Not to Post?

"I have been reluctant myself to enter any conversation on the website because of the free reign for destructive anonymous comments. I wonder if you might have more conversations on-line if people like me felt more comfortable contributing."

We received the above from a former school board member who urged us to rethink our policy on permitting anonymous comments on the site. Since the launch of Scarsdale10583.com, nearing six years ago, the posting of anonymous comments has been a hotly debated issue.

Even a former mayor, sent us harsh words about the comments that were posted on the site during Hurricane Sandy when many were without power for almost two weeks. Defending her performance during the storm, former Mayor Flisser warned, "If you get your information from ill-informed websites frequented by cyber trolls who are encouraged or even wholly created as sock puppets by anonymous bloggers you'd get a skewed view of the Village's response to the crisis."

Those who favor the policy say it gives them free reign to state what's on their mind without fear of repercussions while those who are against it say anonymous posts allow community members to attack one another without assuming responsibility for their statements.

As the site administrator, I see that the comments offer a glimpse into what people are really thinking. Who knew that 1,700 people would vote to turn down the first Scarsdale school budget in 40 years? The disgruntled failed to express the strength of their numbers at school board meetings and caught many by surprise. A careful reader of the comments on the site might have picked up a wave of dissent. On the other hand, some of the comments that are submitted are too pointed and put us in the uncomfortable position of moderating nasty debates.

We asked some of more involved users what they thought about the policy – and it's a mixed bag.

Here is what you said:

Michael Otten, a former member of the Scarsdale School Board said, "Why are so few willing to put their names on their comments? The site says "Name (required)," but obviously most of the comments do not include a real name."

Jeff Blatt, another former School Board member is passionate about this issue. He said, "Anonymous comments on 10583 are the height of cowardice and are typically supplemented by the same anonymous poster publishing almost identical comments under multiple anonymous names. This has the effect of making it seem as if many share the same view when in fact the commentary is all coming from one individual. I try to teach my children that free speech is a right to be used responsibly and with integrity. Both of these principles are violated by anonymous posters. If an individual is unwilling to stand tall behind a comment, then a strong case can be made that the comment should not be published by a web site that purports to provide a forum for civil and progressive dialog. I am willing to say whatever is on my mind precisely because I am willing to sign my name to my comments. I often am counterattacked by the anonymous. Such attacks roll easily off my back. I am only offended by the fact that I have such cowardly neighbors. For the few who have responded and signed their name, thank you for engaging.

But Bob Berg, currently the President of the Scarsdale Forum, and one who enjoys debate has another view. He said, "The bottom line for me is - who cares? As the butt of many comments, occasionally positive, but often vile, on your website, both anonymous and purportedly named, I certainly don't care. I'm probably in the minority. But I know others who have been verbally abused who now have retired from public participation in important community discourse. That's sad and unfortunate since your website should be a forum for reasoned debate, even if posted without attribution. And the blame has to lie with you for posting ad hominem attacks. So the solution is simple -- you just need to exercise a modicum of judgment and not post inappropriate comments."

We also received this unsolicited comment from someone who calls themselves "Scarsdale Teacher" and believes that anonymity is necessary to protect teacher-student-parent relationships. Here is what he/she wrote. "I appreciate Mr. Otten (and others) who post under their names. I wish I felt able to do so. But in trying to provide a teacher's perspective on issues that relate to the schools (note that I have made no comment at all on the wisdom or fairness of the reval itself), I must be mindful that I teach the children of other commenters in this forum. I do not wish to prejudice my relationship with any of my students, either because they know I agree with their parents or because they know I do not."

So where do we come out? We agree with Berg that it's up to us to be judicious about which comments we post. We should refuse to put up comments that include personal attacks, low blows and unproductive criticism but permit those that engender community conversation. We promise to do our part to be more effective moderators and ask that you, our readers, do your part to maintain our forum. Here's how you can help.

-Include your name when you can
-Avoid personal attacks and naming names
-Make constructive comments that move the dialogue forward

Comments about comments? Please send them to us in the box below.