.... Understand we create ... part of the problem by tolerating a lot of anonymity. ....
Interesting choice of words, Michael.
Since I am one of several who uses a "forum name" and not my
full name to communicate here I want to present the other side of this coin.
We live in an age where "privacy" has lost its status as something one should protect and treasure. Many of us when we are young wanted to "stand out" and be "recognized", a trait that diminishes for most when we grow older. Not for all, of course, actors, politicians, so-called entrepreneurs, etc, thrive in the public limelight and do everything to stay there. Companies are now doing their best to entice young people to remain "publicity hungry" forever because it brings in $$. To quote:
Facebook’s director of marketing, Randi Zuckerberg, poured digital napalm over the ongoing debate concerning online anonymity. “I think anonymity on the Internet has to go away,” said Zuckerburg. Of course, privacy is the antithesis of Facebook (and the NSA).
Thus, the reason why we
allow people to remain private when they join SL113.org should not be some false pretense of "tolerance" but because some prefer to stay in the background, while still contributing their knowledge and participating in group events if they desire to do so.
When Peter asks
"Add a picture of yourself. We are real people, and have real names. When we meet you at an event (PUB or elsewhere) we'd like to know you, so we can make you feel welcome." that should not be taken as an indication that you are NOT welcome when you show up at a PUB or European event without having first divulged your vitals for the world to see.
When I introduced myself at the first PUB that I attended as "I am 66andBlue" the response was always a smile, sometimes laughter, and I made many friends nevertheless.
Lastly, did
we really create a problem? How many times do trolls invade our space? And do not forget some make a distinction between "constructive trolls" and "negative trolls":
http://thenextweb.com/insider/2012/10/27/the-problems-with-anonymous-trolls-and-accountability-in-the-digital-age/When I was really young I very much liked to read fairy tales of trolls and witches and I am still not afraid of them.
