Could a completely anonymous forum work nowadays?

Obviously, a marketplace on a purely anonymous forum is an awful, awful idea. Then again, it could be worse. Could be a marketplace on a purely anonymous forum aimed at users from [insert third world region here] under the age of 13. That'd be the worst possible situation for monetary dealings...

But I disagree that anonymity is a bad thing like people here seem to believe. For one thing, keep in mind many people are not particularly confident socially with the whole 'real name and picture' thing, and the anonymity of the internet is kind of a good levelling thing for these people. Indeed, I have to say I really like usernames and pseudononymous systems because for me, they're easier to use than more 'open', real world conversations. No problems with tone of voice, body language, posture or focusing on people's appearance or personal characteristics instead of their contributions. And it raises confidence more. It's a really good thing for anyone who is either somewhat shy/unconfident, is on the autism spectrum or has no interest in the whole 'virtual high school' thing that the internet seems to be resembling nowadays (with all the gossip, focus on the individual rather than their actual contributions and general vanity).

In fact, do you know why I personally stay anonymous at all costs?

Because it means people have to focus on what I say and have no material to fall back on for personal attacks or ad hominen arguments. It was mentioned by a (fairly anonymous) blogger whose work I sometimes read, and I have to say I kind of agree with the concept.

I also don't think real names do much to take away anonymity to be honest. Oh sure, some people with overly unique names might feel worried. But how exactly is say, 'Bob Smith' gonna care? It's not like his 'real' name is any easier to track than his username. In fact, I'd say his username is probably easier to figure out his identity from, because it's likely more unique and trackable across multiple websites.

Same with pictures, general locations, etc. It's not like many large cities have a tiny population where everyone knows everyone, and a lot of people both look alike and have similar names. So if this 'Bob Smith' is from New York, that doesn't exactly narrow things down much...

But those are just my thoughts on the forum anonymity thing.

 

@CM30 - I hear what you're saying and understand most the points you put forward. however, There's not many serious businesses that will invest into anyone they can't verify or at least feel somewhat assured they can locate them if a deal goes south. Sure the $5 to $50 purchases may still occur on an anonymous account since it's a small enough investment that it won't hurt to bad if the deal goes bad. However, I wouldn't count on any $500 to $10k transactions happening anonymously, that's just too much for most professionals to risk losing without added security or at least knowing where you actually live so they can call the cops to pay a visit & get their money back.

As others pointed out, it's impossible to establish any authority or trust without a branded name of some kind (real name, or nickname, or business name).

Unless of course you just want to be anonymous to engage in heated debates but not conduct any real business. That's probably the only logical use for being completely anonymous.

Eric Lyon

 

When people believe that they are anonymous, they are more likely to demonstrate extreme personalities and actions.

 

I'm not sure I like the idea of a anonymous forum, it could encourage spam, because the users are anonymous, and won't really have to worry about their site's reputation.

It also wouldn't really feel like a community, because you'd never know who's posting a discussion.

 

I really enjoy complete anonymity on the Internet. I find that people offer more insight, truth and interesting things to say when they don't have to tie their identity or even the same user name over and over to their posts. I don't even think that IP addresses should be attached to Internet postings. That type of anarchy has always appealed to me. So, yes, I think that a truly anonymous forum could be successful and I am sure that many others agree.

 

What should stop them from saying these things, when they are known to others to be who they are?

Scott

 

I've run three sites that were all classed as 'anonymous'. Users had the option to sign up but could do guest posts without registering. IPs have to be logged, one way or another. For spam prevention, to prevent cross posting, to check against blacklisted IPS online, for all sorts of reasons.

Some people are paranoid that their information will be registered in some database up in the ether and all the agencies will have access to all the mean, racist, bigoted or misogynist things they've been saying.

Which is true.. except it ain't me who's been doing it! Thank the NSA! And if you can't trust an institution of that stature with transparency, well what harm is a small lowly site admin going to do?