h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I've reverted to using my real name on H2G2, because I feel that the right to Free Speech implicitly contains the obligation to associate yourself with your speech. If a person won't put their name to their comments then doesn't that devalue those comments?

Does anyone else have opinions on this? The floor is open....

Interesting idea. But I hope this doesn't mean that people who wish to remain anonymous should be considered to forfeit free speech.

All I can say is that when people started signing the petition with their real names, it was very moving to me. People with whom I had had long conversations under pseudonyms were willing to kill their anonymity just so the petition would be a little more credible.

"But I hope this doesn't mean that people who wish to remain anonymous should be considered to forfeit free speech."

No, of course not. Free Speech is Free Speech. However, it doesn't mean people have to listen. It's undeniably easier to have controversial views when you don't have to be identified with them.

Is it then right to give less credence to views expressed anonymously? Hmmm...

This is a new train of thought for me, which is why I want to explore it:- Should anonymity devalue a person's opinion in the eyes of others? And whether it should or it shouldn't, does it?

If a person uses an obvious pseudonym and acts like a troll, you can still see when s/he's being trollish. Other people use pseudonyms or remain anonymous and carry on perfectly intelligent conversations or debates. You make a good point that anonymity can be abused, but people can still carry on thoughtful conversations without revealing their names.