The passing of Anonymous

Posted by Iannucci | 8/26/2009 | , , | 13 comments »
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Forgive the brief administrative note, but after much consideration it has been determined that the time has come to pull the plug on the Anonymous family's contributions here at My Name Is IRL.

When your humble host first started this site it was a means to a conversation, and so I figured I would allow comments from readers who wished to remain Anonymous. It's all about sharing and inclusion among race fans here, even if that means correcting the host when he is in error, and if Tony George or Roger Penske or even Jim Nabors wanted to contribute something to our discussion then I wanted to offer them an option that allowed them to add something without feeling the need to reveal their super-stardom.

Unfortunately it hasn't worked out that way. While this site has been blessed with an amazing number of meaningful contributions by those have identified themselves, those comments by "Anonymous" have all too often featured personal mud-slinging at me or others. The tipping point for this decision was a recent post that featured multiple Anonymous readers arguing ridiculously with themselves in the comments section. (Seriously. As if we don't have enough message boards in the world for that kind of nonsense.)

So, my dearest Anonymous readers, it has been a fun ride, but it's over. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt these past few years, but from here on out if you want to continue being a nattering nabob of negativity then you're gonna need to find yourself a moniker.

13 comments

  1. Allen Wedge // August 26, 2009 7:36 AM  

    I was very tempted to go to my profile and change it to Anonymous... hehe

  2. Brun@ // August 26, 2009 7:38 AM  

    Many people don't know how to use some rights. Wise decision.

  3. Anonymous // August 26, 2009 7:39 AM  

    Good for you. I had a similar day on my site a couple of weeks ago when things got ugly. There are too many sites that seek out the smash-mouth trash-talkers. my site isn't one of these and neither is yours. Good for you!

    George Phillips (Oilpressure)

  4. TJ // August 26, 2009 7:39 AM  

    You really didn't know what you were in for when you added me as an author, did you? ;)

  5. Jennifer Coomer // August 26, 2009 7:54 AM  

    Jeff,
    I fully support your decision to pull the plug on the Cowardly…er, uh…I mean Anonymous commenter.

  6. Will-isitmayyet.com // August 26, 2009 7:57 AM  

    Dear Jeff,

    Please be careful with my breakables as you toss them from your second story window. The popcorn machine is very dear to me.

    Ann Onymous.

  7. The SpeedGeek // August 26, 2009 8:38 AM  

    Bravo, Jeff. I've actually thought about commenting an appeal to ban "anon" commenters a couple of times in the last couple of weeks (actually, in response to the guy who bashed you yesterday for "making fun" of Leilani Munter's umlaut) but couldn't bring myself to contribute in any way to the drama of the whole thing.

    Blogs are supposed to make the sport more fun to follow. Largely, they are, but unfortunately there are some folks out there who seem to want to whiz all over the fun parade. [Insert your own joke about Snorenoma here.] That sucks. Anyway, thanks for taking back your corner of the IndyCar world from the nega-nellies.

  8. The American Mutt // August 26, 2009 8:49 AM  

    I wonder why people feel the need to hide behind a name to bash others. The American Mutt doesn't feel the need to hide when he bashes a certain driver he has nothing but disdain for. Good call Jeff.

  9. Unknown // August 26, 2009 9:31 AM  

    Right on, Jeff. I totally agree with the decision. I frequent the blogs because I want to hear meaningful conversation, news, or good old fashion humorous observation, not mud slinging nastiness!

  10. Anonymous // August 26, 2009 10:15 AM  

    Good decision, Jeff...

    glad you're back too...

    You going to Chicagoland this weekend?

  11. CurlingRacer // August 26, 2009 10:40 AM  

    Jeff,
    Great decision. Keep up the great work.

  12. Pat W // August 26, 2009 10:42 AM  

    Good decision, Jeff.

    I think there are two types of anonymous posters:
    1 - the person who wants to make a legitimate comment but can't do so under their own name (i.e. per the examples you gave, or people who are worried it would get 'em fired).
    2 - the troll looking for a fight, or at least to stir up a bit of trouble.

    Everyone has the right to remain anonymous and most in 'group 1' are able to think up an online handle/username distinct from their real name and have interesting things to contribute. As long as they don't link it to any kind of profile their anonymity is pretty much assured.
    People in 'group 2' just use it to throw rocks. Dump 'em.

  13. Unknown // August 27, 2009 5:45 AM  

    You mean this isn't in response to the lawsuit forcing Google to out an anonymous blogger???

    http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/08/25/new.york.model.blogger/