Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?

[Ryan]

Dear SPSS-L,

 

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

 

So why go anonymous?

1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.

2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.

3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.

 

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.

 

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.

 

Ryan

 

 

[Ryan]

One more reason for going anonymous (for me)--I teach a fairly large number of graduate students on a regular basis, and although I can't pinpoint exactly why that factors into the equation, it does. If I were not teaching, I think this would be less of an issue for me. I'd love to hear from others who teach on a regular basis, as well as from anybody else who has an opinion on the matter!

 

Ryan

On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 6:19 PM, R B <[hidden email]> wrote:

Dear SPSS-L,

 

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

 

So why go anonymous?

1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.

2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.

3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.

 

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.

 

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.

 

Ryan

 

 

[David Marso]

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

[Jon K Peck]

I don't like the idea of anonymous postings.  How would you feel about journal articles with anonymous authors?  When a poster is identified, it says something about willingness to stand by the post - and conversely.  And regular posters come with reputations that add context to the posts, whether it be the thinly veiled Neila Nessa or someone more normal.

IMO, if you are not willing to put your name on it, with whatever disclaimers are appropriate, don't post it, unless you are being persecuted by an authoritarian government that might put you in jeopardy for the post.


Jon Peck (no "h") aka Kim
Senior Software Engineer, IBM
[hidden email]
phone: [phone]




From:        R B <[hidden email]>
To:        [hidden email],
Date:        03/14/2013 04:40 PM
Subject:        Re: [SPSSX-L] Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?
Sent by:        "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

---

One more reason for going anonymous (for me)--I teach a fairly large number of graduate students on a regular basis, and although I can't pinpoint exactly why that factors into the equation, it does. If I were not teaching, I think this would be less of an issue for me. I'd love to hear from others who teach on a regular basis, as well as from anybody else who has an opinion on the matter!
 
Ryan
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 6:19 PM, R B <ryan.andrew.black@...> wrote:
Dear SPSS-L,
 
I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.
 
So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.
 
Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.
 
What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.
 
Ryan
 
 

[Bruce Weaver]

"Some of you old farts probably remember those days!"

Gee, thanks David.  You've put us in a no-win situation.  If we acknowledge that we remember, we're old farts.  If those of us of a certain age claim to have no recollection of it, we're even older farts with memory loss.  

I always wondered how you came up with NEILA.  (I suppose it's purely coincidental that if you arrange the letters in reverse order you get ALIEN.)    

;-)

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

[Bruce Weaver]

Oops...I forgot to add that I agree with the comments from David and Jon.

Bruce Weaver wrote

"Some of you old farts probably remember those days!"

Gee, thanks David.  You've put us in a no-win situation.  If we acknowledge that we remember, we're old farts.  If those of us of a certain age claim to have no recollection of it, we're even older farts with memory loss.  

I always wondered how you came up with NEILA.  (I suppose it's purely coincidental that if you arrange the letters in reverse order you get ALIEN.)    

;-)

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

[David Marso]

I always wondered how you came up with NEILA.  (I suppose it's purely coincidental that if you arrange the letters in reverse order you get ALIEN.)    "

How perceptive ;-)
Yep ! Neila = Inverted Alien!
The Nessa part came from my ex who was a veritable lioness.
You could say I was pussy whipped!

@ Jon,  I don't know about 'thinly veiled'  
It took Raynaldo 2 years to remove Neila from his short list of SPSSers.
I'm sure some mistook Neila as David's evil twin!
--

Bruce Weaver wrote

"Some of you old farts probably remember those days!"

Gee, thanks David.  You've put us in a no-win situation.  If we acknowledge that we remember, we're old farts.  If those of us of a certain age claim to have no recollection of it, we're even older farts with memory loss.  

I always wondered how you came up with NEILA.  (I suppose it's purely coincidental that if you arrange the letters in reverse order you get ALIEN.)    

;-)

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

Bruce Weaver wrote

"Some of you old farts probably remember those days!"

Gee, thanks David.  You've put us in a no-win situation.  If we acknowledge that we remember, we're old farts.  If those of us of a certain age claim to have no recollection of it, we're even older farts with memory loss.  

I always wondered how you came up with NEILA.  (I suppose it's purely coincidental that if you arrange the letters in reverse order you get ALIEN.)    

;-)

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

[Ryan]

Jon,

 

Were you asking me a direct question about how I feel about journal articles with anonymous authors? Frankly, I had never given it any thought. Moreover, I do not equate posting to this list as publishing an article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. I'm not implying that one is superior to the other; I simply view them as distinctly different. I suppose if I had to choose between an individual who prefers to publish work that clearly moves the field forward anonymously over not publishing at all, then I would clearly go with the former option. For me, again, this is quite different from posting to SPSS-L. I really do not want to open up the debate regarding anonymous publishing in scientific journals; at least I will not partake in it beyond what I have just said.

 

I think the list should be open to individuals who prefer to remain anonymous. There are posters on SAS-L who use the some obvious fake name, if you will, and have contributed a great deal to the list. They, too, have built reputations over the years due to their *substantive* contributions and as a result are highly regarded, despite the fact that we do not know who they are. In a similar vein, I would hope that those on SPSS-L would prefer anonymous *substantive* posting over to not posting at all. 

 

Regardless of the decision I make, I must state unequivocally that if somebody is considering posting to SPSS-L, but would prefer to do so anonymously, to go right ahead and do so. Of course, if you choose to end your post with a very silly or offensive name and/or use a silly and/or offensive email address, then regular posters may not take you seriously. I would include myself in that camp.

 

At any rate, thanks to you and others for responding.

 

Ryan

On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 7:29 PM, Jon K Peck <[hidden email]> wrote:

I don't like the idea of anonymous postings.  How would you feel about journal articles with anonymous authors?  When a poster is identified, it says something about willingness to stand by the post - and conversely.  And regular posters come with reputations that add context to the posts, whether it be the thinly veiled Neila Nessa or someone more normal.

IMO, if you are not willing to put your name on it, with whatever disclaimers are appropriate, don't post it, unless you are being persecuted by an authoritarian government that might put you in jeopardy for the post.


Jon Peck (no "h") aka Kim
Senior Software Engineer, IBM
[hidden email]
phone: <a href="tel:[phone]" target="_blank" value="[phone]">720-342-5621




From:        R B <[hidden email]>
To:        [hidden email],
Date:        03/14/2013 04:40 PM
Subject:        Re: [SPSSX-L] Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?
Sent by:        "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

---

One more reason for going anonymous (for me)--I teach a fairly large number of graduate students on a regular basis, and although I can't pinpoint exactly why that factors into the equation, it does. If I were not teaching, I think this would be less of an issue for me. I'd love to hear from others who teach on a regular basis, as well as from anybody else who has an opinion on the matter!
 
Ryan
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 6:19 PM, R B <[hidden email]> wrote:
Dear SPSS-L,
 
I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.
 
So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.
 
Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.
 
What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.
 
Ryan
 
 

[Jazgul Ismailova-2]

Hello,

Thank you for your mail. I am out of the office till 18th of the March. 
If urgent, please call or send a text message to [phone].

Best regards,

Jazgul Ismailova
LynxEye AB

[Jon K Peck]

Ryan,

There is certainly no prohibition about posts from anonymous or obviously fake ids, but I think such posts are given and deserve less credibility.  I'm also puzzled why someone would want to be anonymous when posting on topics relevant to this list.  I don't think readers expect internet posts to meet the standards of a peer-reviewed journal.  I know, for example, that when I see your name on a post that it is worth reading or puzzling through while I might not take the trouble with an anonymous post.

As for Neila Nessa, the pseudonym was immediately obvious when I saw the first name years ago.  It could only have been one person.

OTOH, maybe if I posted anonymously people would get my name right :-)

Jon Peck (no "h") aka Kim
Senior Software Engineer, IBM
[hidden email]
phone: [phone]




From:        R B <[hidden email]>
To:        [hidden email],
Date:        03/14/2013 09:19 PM
Subject:        Re: [SPSSX-L] Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?
Sent by:        "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

---

Jon,
 
Were you asking me a direct question about how I feel about journal articles with anonymous authors? Frankly, I had never given it any thought. Moreover, I do not equate posting to this list as publishing an article in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. I'm not implying that one is superior to the other; I simply view them as distinctly different. I suppose if I had to choose between an individual who prefers to publish work that clearly moves the field forward anonymously over not publishing at all, then I would clearly go with the former option. For me, again, this is quite different from posting to SPSS-L. I really do not want to open up the debate regarding anonymous publishing in scientific journals; at least I will not partake in it beyond what I have just said.
 
I think the list should be open to individuals who prefer to remain anonymous. There are posters on SAS-L who use the some obvious fake name, if you will, and have contributed a great deal to the list. They, too, have built reputations over the years due to their *substantive* contributions and as a result are highly regarded, despite the fact that we do not know who they are. In a similar vein, I would hope that those on SPSS-L would prefer anonymous *substantive* posting over to not posting at all. 
 
Regardless of the decision I make, I must state unequivocally that if somebody is considering posting to SPSS-L, but would prefer to do so anonymously, to go right ahead and do so. Of course, if you choose to end your post with a very silly or offensive name and/or use a silly and/or offensive email address, then regular posters may not take you seriously. I would include myself in that camp.
 
At any rate, thanks to you and others for responding.
 
Ryan
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 7:29 PM, Jon K Peck <peck@...> wrote:
I don't like the idea of anonymous postings.  How would you feel about journal articles with anonymous authors?  When a poster is identified, it says something about willingness to stand by the post - and conversely.  And regular posters come with reputations that add context to the posts, whether it be the thinly veiled Neila Nessa or someone more normal.

IMO, if you are not willing to put your name on it, with whatever disclaimers are appropriate, don't post it, unless you are being persecuted by an authoritarian government that might put you in jeopardy for the post.


Jon Peck (no "h") aka Kim
Senior Software Engineer, IBM
peck@...
phone: <a href="tel:[phone]" target=_blank>720-342-5621




From:        R B <ryan.andrew.black@...>
To:        [hidden email],
Date:        03/14/2013 04:40 PM
Subject:        Re: [SPSSX-L] Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?
Sent by:        "SPSSX(r) Discussion" <[hidden email]>

---

One more reason for going anonymous (for me)--I teach a fairly large number of graduate students on a regular basis, and although I can't pinpoint exactly why that factors into the equation, it does. If I were not teaching, I think this would be less of an issue for me. I'd love to hear from others who teach on a regular basis, as well as from anybody else who has an opinion on the matter!
 
Ryan
On Thu, Mar 14, 2013 at 6:19 PM, R B <ryan.andrew.black@...> wrote:
Dear SPSS-L,
 
I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.
 
So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.
 
Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.
 
What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.
 
Ryan
 
 

[elle lists]

Just an observation. When one posts to SPSSX-L, the email address is displayed in the posted message. So although one might use an Anonymous/pseudonym login name, the person could still be identified by the email address unless the address is similarly nondescript.  I think there’s a miscellaneous setting on the SPSSX-L to conceal one’s email address (managers of the list serve can provide further info) but this along with setting up a nondescript email account might preserve a higher level of anonymity.

 

From: SPSSX(r) Discussion [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of R B
Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 12:19 PM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Somewhat OT: Thoughts about anonymous posting?

 

Dear SPSS-L,

 

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain, would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

 

So why go anonymous?

1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.

2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.

3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a bit more direct.

 

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer with my posts.

 

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more towards anonymity.

 

Ryan

 

 

[Bruce Weaver]

"These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days."  

Okay, fine.  But if you were considering it, I would suggest that you post as The Marsonator.  You'd need to wear appropriate shades in your profile pic, of course.  

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan

[David Marso]

How about "The Evil Rotanosram"  That has a slightly thicker veil than Neila Nessa.

Bruce Weaver wrote

"These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days."  

Okay, fine.  But if you were considering it, I would suggest that you post as The Marsonator.  You'd need to wear appropriate shades in your profile pic, of course.  

David Marso wrote

Well,
Back in a former life I adopted a nom de plume (Neila Nessa) so I wouldn't have to deal with possible repercussions if the views stated and defended were somehow 'against the grain' of the dominant paradigm of my employer at the time (ie SPSS).  I posted from work as David Marso and from home as Neila Nessa.  Sometimes I would even argue with myself to make a point ;-).
Some of you old farts probably remember those days!
--
These days? Well I'm just me!  I wouldn't think of going anon these days.  
Why? Well, I have a long history and when people need to hire an able bodied hard-core SPSS programmer I tend to get offered the work.  
I am not terribly cube-farm friendly so I usually insist on doing it remotely (or double my normal rate to show up)!
There is the other side of the equation to consider:
When someone posts questions under a weird moniker, I am less likely to put a whole lot of time or effort into responding.
David

Ryan Black wrote

Dear SPSS-L,

I'm curious...What are people's thoughts about posting anonymously versus
self-identifying. Because much of what I post on list-serves ends up in
some way, shape, or form in a peer-reviewed journal articles, I have toyed
with the idea of posting from an anonymous email. Those who have followed
my posts, I hope, notice that I always make a concerted effort to be
respectful, and I take validation of whatever statistical method I propose
for a particular research question very seriously. This, I am certain,
would not change if I were to switch to an anonymous email.

So why go anonymous?
1. Right now, if someone were determined to find out exactly where I work
and what I do, it wouldn't be all that difficult (I know this to be
true--don't ask...). I enjoy my privacy.
2. Often, I think that if I want something I have written to be attached to
my name that could potentially be on the Internet FOREVER, I would prefer
that it go through the peer-reviewed journal process.
3. While I would remain respectful, I would feel more comfortable being a
bit more direct.

Frankly, I post to this list because I enjoy doing it, hoping that what I
post proves useful to the OP and others. Having my actual name connected to
the post is less important to me. And I ought not forget to state that I
learn much more from others' posts than I know I will ever be able to offer
with my posts.

What do others think about anonymous posting? For me, this is not a black
and white issue. Having said that, recently I've been leaning more and more
towards anonymity.

Ryan