re: Mary Souza's response to Jane Q. Citizen re: blog anonymity

"Jane, That's a cop-out! I don't care what your position in the community, Mayor, CEO or server,if you can't put your name to your words, you should not voice your opinion. There's no integrity in throwing insults and judgements without standing by what you say. Perhaps your real identity lacks much veracity and power so the pseunonym gives you the facade of importance. It's OK, Jane, you can be yourself and we will all accept you as such. Just step away from the mask and let's have an honest discussion" -- Mary Souza.

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DFO (to Mary Souza) as you know by reading this blog and my print writings through the years, I prefer signing my name to my thoughts. I fought long and hard against the newspaper move to publish unsigned editorials. However, cyberspace is different, especially Coeur d'Alene cyberspace. HBO wouldn't have the dynamic dialogue it does if everyone was required to sign his/her name. In this town, where you constantly have to be careful not to upset the vindictive Powers That Be, several people who post anonymously here simply couldn't for fear of repercussions. If the Hagadone Corp. knew who posted here and who blurked here, for example, it would order some to stop. Some of the names behind the pseudonyms are among the best and brightest in this community, spilling over into Washington. Your opinion re: anonymity is legit. Editorial Page Editor Doug Floyd shares it. However, it wouldn't work here. As long as I know who writes behind the pseudonyms, I have leverage to keep them in line. But I do give extra wiggle room to those who post under their own names. And I congratulate you for doing so.

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