X-Message-Number: 32658 Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:52:33 +0000 (UTC) From: Melody Maxim <> Subject: Anonymity - Response to Freeposity (message 32653) Freeposity writes: "I always use a psuedonym. It seems to me that anonymity is a right and disparaging its use because you choose to expose yourself is a little disturbing." I sincerely apologize to anyone who took my comments, regarding anonymity, as disparaging. My complaints were directed at the person who identifies himself as "Finance Department" on Cryonet, and "FD" on Cold Filter. That person, frequently, uses his right to anonymity, to post blatant lies and wild speculations. I believe he is smart enough to know the information he posts is false, and that he makes his remarks with malicious intent, rather than with the goal of intelligent discussion. While I can respect anonymity, I suggest that anyone prone to malicious speculations, or posting false information, should not be allowed to hide behind a pseudonym. It's one thing to be concerned about one's career and/or private life, when posting on a forum that involves a topic some people might be critical of, but it's quite another thing to use anonymity to spread lies. As for "exposing myself," ;) while I could have made my comments anonymously, I think they would have had little impact, without confirming my identity, education and work-related experience. I'm not really happy knowing that anyone who ever "googles" me may judge me on my involvement with cryonics, but the opinions I've wanted to express are more important, to me, than the opinions of people who don't really know me. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=32658