OK, everyone, I know some people have an ongoing issue about the use of anonymous names on here.
I have in the past said that I am fine with people using anonymous names, as long as they continue to use the same anonymous name all the time (thereby allowing other users to get a sense of who they are, even if they don't actually know who they are, if you get my drift)
However increasingly people seem to be posting under various aliases. This came to my attention while reviewing the comments under another post, because someone posted a comment early this morning using a name which is virtually identical to that used by a regular contributor.
On doing some digging, I determined the early-morning comment was sent from an IP address which has been tied to at least seven different -- but all anonymous -- user names.
I haven't yet asked our IT department to track the comments back for the purposes of blocking certain users, but I don't think it's fair to impersonate someone else here and would ask anyone doing so to stop it.
Thanks.
I feel so violated ... ;)
Posted by: D C | January 26, 2012 at 02:23 PM
Unfortunately DC is one of the ones I slagged, not really my fault as I didn't know that it wasn't him (or her), but still makes me feel bad. Sorry.
Posted by: Dis-a-Ray Antiques | January 26, 2012 at 02:51 PM
Ray - On further look j and frosty were also names associated with that same IP.
Posted by: Scott Tracey | January 26, 2012 at 03:00 PM
But DC is a real other person. Are j and Frosty real other persons I have to appologize to as well? I'm so confused.
Posted by: Dis-a-Ray Antiques | January 26, 2012 at 03:19 PM
Which j, Scott? I promise to one and all that I've never posted under any other name. And I hope nobody's hijacked my handle!
Posted by: j dimontino | January 27, 2012 at 02:57 PM
I'd like to know what your blog rules are, as I don't see them posted anywhere. What are your commenting guidelines, and your privacy policy. Is it fair to say that since this blog is owned and staffed by the Guelph Mercury that it is governed by Metroland's privacy policy?
Posted by: john | January 29, 2012 at 12:48 AM
I never got a response about your privacy policy, any comment?
Posted by: john | March 14, 2012 at 12:29 AM
John,
This place is the Wild West. Only the brave... or foolhardy (?) post under their own names. Far easier to let rip when you are shrouded by anonymity!
Of course, it would be kind of nice to know the "at least seven user names" tied to the same IP address.
Reminds me of the last municipal election campaign when two prominent Guelph citizens, one former and one current city councillor, posted under multiple aliases.
At a time when campaign dirty tricks are the issue de jour it's perhaps worth remembering that. All's fair in love and war... and politics!
Well, not quite... there are still quite a few of us around who are determined to see fair play!
Posted by: Jan Hall | March 14, 2012 at 12:42 AM
I agree Jan, candidates posting under multiple aliases was not a good idea and the anonymity on here doesn't help anyone. But, if the Mercury is going to allow it, they have no right to violate peoples privacy by posting their real names and email addresses.
All I'm asking for is for Scott or the Guelph Mercury to clarify what their privacy policy actually is.
Posted by: john | March 14, 2012 at 01:14 AM
I can't help but think I'm being purposely ignored. I asked a fair question over a month and a half ago and still no response as to what the Mercury's privacy policy is. Is there a reason you aren't responding?
Posted by: john | March 18, 2012 at 12:28 AM
Still no response!
Posted by: john | March 22, 2012 at 11:22 PM
john,
Sorry, I just picked up on this thread again. To be honest I have been seconded to other things (Rome, robocalls) for more than a month and have not been giving this blog or the City Hall beat the attention I should.
I will find out the answer to your question and post it here.
Posted by: Scott Tracey | March 23, 2012 at 08:26 AM
thanks Scott, except it's been two months and I haven't got a response yet.
Posted by: john | March 31, 2012 at 12:06 AM
2John: The privacy policy of the Guelph Mercury is the same as the privacy policy of the parent corporation. Link (click/url) to the info shown below is at the bottom of the front page of the Mercury site.
Privacy Policy
Privacy Code
Our commitment to privacy: Metroland Media Group Ltd. ("Metroland") knows that protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal information is important to you. This Privacy Code governs the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in any form, whether written or electronic, by Metroland and its affiliates. The collection, use and disclosure of your personal information is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (the “Act”), and any applicable provincial legislation. This Privacy Code explains what personal information may be collected from you and how it is used. It also explains how you can ask questions, make suggestions, and express concerns about our privacy practices.
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Customer Service can successfully deal with many issues. If you prefer, or if after contacting Customer Service your concerns or questions have not been resolved to your satisfaction, you can contact Torstar Corporation’s Chief Privacy Officer in writing as follows:
Chief Privacy Officer
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M5E 1P9
Fax: (416) 869-4183
This Privacy Code was last updated on February 9, 2012
Posted by: Edward Pickersgill | March 31, 2012 at 12:42 PM
The privacy policy does not address issues related to anonymous blog posting nor to the issue of blogging under pen names or misleading identities. Honesty can be maintained by use of a regular pseudonym, as Samuel Clemens would likely attest.
The following excerpt from a Globe & Mail article on a possible coup in China and an accompanying state wide crack down on internet users is of interest (to me at least) in this context: A new rule requiring social media users to register accounts under their real names and identity card numbers by the middle of March failed to deter the rumours over Bo or a coup. See http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/coup-rumours-after-bo-xilais-firing-spark-chinas-internet-crackdown/article2388253/
When I post here my email address is available to the Mercury. I'm fine with that and would be fine with every poster having to do the same. As for the misbehaviour of some in creating misleading identities and multiples there is probably not much can be done in terms of a policy. However, once such behaviour is identified it could be that a poll be done by the Mercury through its assigned responsible blog operator. A solid "jury" could be drawn from the Mercury's Community Editorial Board.
Just some thoughts on this crap.
Posted by: Edward Pickersgill | March 31, 2012 at 02:03 PM
Thanks Edward. I am aware of the Metroland policy, but I was looking for confirmation from the Mercury that it applies to this blog as well. I'm not sure what your affiliation is with the Mercury, and I'm wondering what the official policy is and would like clarification from Scott Tracy or one of the editors. If you are an official spokesperson for the Merc, I apologize as I was not aware of that.
I'd also suggest that 59 Carden post a link to their privacy policy on the blog as that is standard practice among blog sites.
Posted by: john | April 03, 2012 at 12:18 AM
Is there a specific concern/question you have, john? Perhaps that might be more efficient.
Posted by: D C | April 03, 2012 at 10:01 AM
2John: I am not now nor have I ever been... etc.
Basically just a person who likes to search out answers for himself and compare same to the answers provided or not by others.
PS. there is no privacy on the net, in blogs or otherwise. That being said I think the actual issue here in 59 Carden is fraud not privacy. Not financial fraud but fraudulent comment by bloggers who hide melodramatic snipes behind one or more faked identities.
Posted by: Edward Pickersgill | April 04, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Im curious, Edward ... do you think I am guilty of fraud because I (consistently) use only my initials to post my melodramatic snipes?
Posted by: D C | April 04, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Im curious too, Edward...
Ok, so we all post using our real names from now on. So what? What changes? How would that realistically change anything (except for your subjective perception)?
Posted by: ernie | April 04, 2012 at 12:46 PM
2DC: of course not. You are consistent.
2ernie: my pint was simply aimed at the malicious anon ones... well not really "aimed"... just remarking on or referencing a style.
Posted by: Edward Pickersgill | April 04, 2012 at 02:39 PM
I think Ed's point is that posting under a single pseudonym is okay, but posting under several different names in the same thread or impersonating others (e.g. posting as "DC") would be fraudulent. I agree.
Posted by: Steve | April 04, 2012 at 04:18 PM
There is only one D C (D space C) and I'm sure D C would object quickly enough if someone masqueraded as DC (D nospace C).
Posted by: Edward Pickersgill | April 04, 2012 at 08:43 PM
Indeed, the raison d'être for this thread, Edward.
Posted by: D C | April 04, 2012 at 10:45 PM
I only have one question, and that is what is this blogs privacy policy and is it the same as the Metroland privacy policy you post on your website (maybe that's 2 questions). It's been over 3 months and you still haven't given me an answer. It should be a pretty simple response.
Posted by: john | April 24, 2012 at 11:48 PM
The borrowers are able to take the fund with no burden of credit checking also because unsecured loans do not include the credit history verification.
Posted by: credit reports from all three bureaus | December 19, 2012 at 01:56 AM