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
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