Jeffrey L. Seglin
  

Sound Off

A POST WITH NO NAME

Last month, because of a technological glitch, the anonymous book reviewers on Amazon.com's Canadian Web site suddenly had their names revealed. Turns out that famous authors were giving their own books glowing reviews. Others were anonymously refuting bad reviews
their friends' books had received.

The issue isn't limited to Amazon.com. Many product-review Web sites allow anonymous postings. It's also possible to send anonymous e-mails to a boss _ perhaps to trash a colleague _ by simply setting up a free e-mail account under a fictitious name.

What do you think? Is it OK to hide behind anonymity when voicing
a complaint or criticism?

Send your reponse via e-mail to rightthing@nytimes.com.

HERE'S WHAT READERS ARE SAYING:

There may be times when anonymity is preferred either to save the complainer embarrassment or through fear of reprisal. That said, I believe anonymous complaints tend to fray our moral fiber. It's not always easy to stand up for one's convictions, especially if those beliefs and opinions contradict those whose approval we desire. Before deciding whether to express an opinion anonymously, there should be some thoughtful self examination. What is my motive for sending this e-mail? Am I trying to make a situation better? Provide information that the recipient needs? Or, am I simply being vindictive? Are my fears of reprisal and/or embarrassment justified? Only after one carefully considers these questions, should an anonymous communication be considerable a viable option. While there are times when the need for anonymity is valid, each time we do not take responsibility for our words and actions, we take another step closer to moral cowardice.

Sincerely,
Joanne Smalley
Atlanta, GA

To me it is certainly unethical for the authors to give themselves glowing reviews.

This is first class cheating. In general, there are times when you may
generate a lot of flames with a review (good or bad) and you could end up with a lot of unwanted email response. In this case, if you are being honest, posting with no name would be acceptable.

P.S. I look forward to your column in the Santa Barbara News Press. This
country needs a whole lot of ethics. We are falling in to an abyss of cheating and lying at high levels of business and government. If it isn't stopped we could lose what we call America for the people and by the people.

Gene Saxby

Anonymous criticism is perfectly fine in many cases. For example, I
found a web site about a year ago where people can provide reviews
and ratings for apartment complexes they have lived in). People can
then search through the site to check if others have reviewed a
particular location in which they're interested in moving to. I
have found it very instructive and helpful in the past.
Unfortunately, in the case of my current apartment community, there
weren't enough reviews to give me a true sense of the place. I
moved in, and found I'd made a terrible mistake. I anonymously
posted a review of the complex to the web site so that others might
think twice about moving here. Short of telling all my friends not to
live here, this was the only constructive way I could think of to
voice my discontent (as the management seems totally uninterested). I
know for certain that if I were to have used my real name, I might
suffer some kind of retribution - whether overt or subtle - and
I'd probably have little recourse as Texas is a very
landlord-friendly state.

There are apartment communities where
it's obvious the management found out about the site and they
posted reviews so glowing and so fabulous (and usually the same day
or a day after a negative comment) that it's pretty clear most
of those are set-ups, but most people can see through those. I dare
say that if I had to post my real name, I wouldn't have felt
comfortable posting my review until after I'd moved at the end
of my lease. The sooner I was able to post my review, the sooner I
might dissuade someone from making the same awful mistake I did.

Sincerely,
Robert Hansen
Austin, Texas

 

No, it is not OK to hide behind anonymity when voicing a complaint
or criticism? We are constitutionally protected with the right to
face our accusers. I think that would also include our detractors, it
seems to me to be a matter of semantics. I think freedom of speech is
a great thing but one should not be able to hide when making a
statement. If you've got something to say, then say it loud
enough to be heard.

Don Taylor

I found your query interesting. I also find that anonymity can be
helpful and destructive. That said, I feel within me that honesty is
best. Too much unfair damage is done under this flag. When we have a
grievance with another we must take it up with them first. Trashing a
colleague using this cloak is akin to writing and scratching on the
bathroom stall. If authors use this to promote their own work, what
are they saying about their talents? If they like another authors
work then say so! If not, then say that too or say nothing. But be
honest! Tact is a very important tool. Use it! Those who trash with
anonymity are debasing themselves. What ere thou art, act well thy
part.

Janise Woolstenhulme Witkowski
Sandy, Utah


The internet has brought about a revolution of identity. One can
surf the net anonymously. Lurk in newsgroups and online chats. Doing
hundreds of things with no one the wiser. When it comes to complaint
and criticism or even praise, there is an expectation that you come
out from behind the curtain. It may be old-fashioned, but there is
something to the saying, "If you have something to say, say it to my
face." Hiding behind a screen name robs you of your credibility.
The anonymity that allows you to speak without fear of reprisal also
removes any restraint. And your just taking potshots at someone and
not giving them a chance to address the real issue. In many cases
anonymity is a non-issue (with millions online, don't know who
you are anyway). To hide behind it, however, is unethical. While
anonymity may give you a sense of invulnerability. It robs your
victim (and yourself) of any chance at resolution. They can only
respond to what issues you raise, but never to you. And until they
can address you directly nothing good can come of it. Best of all, if
you never hide behind anonymity, you have nothing to fear when the
curtain is drawn back and your true self is revealed. While for many
of us that day may never come. Those who are revealed may come to
regret their caviler attitude in light of the heartache and
embarrassment that is sure to follow.

David Snider
Utah
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