Jim, I've mentioned this in the past, and recent events make it worthwhile to bring up again.

I believe that many of the problems we've experienced on this message board could be stopped by requiring that all posts display the full name and email address of the poster.

There is no good or honorable reason for someone to post anonymously; indeed, allowing anonymous posts enables people to post irresponsible, abusive or downright trashy material.

Those of us who were properly reared consider our reputations to be sacrosanct -- most of us still believe in personal honor. Anonymous posts permit people to post things that would sully their reputations if their names were known. Free speech is not "free" -- it thrives only when accompanied by personal responsibility and accountability. People who hide in the bushes cannot be held to account for their words, which puts the honest majority of us at a disadvantage when challenging or debating them. We are constrained in our responses by honor and reputation. The anonymous posters have no constraints.

I know that one of your concerns is that requiring people to identify themselves might deter some people from posting. Jim, that's the whole idea. Those who lack the moral courage of their convictions, those who suffer from paranoid delusions of persecution, and those who just like throwing rocks from behind a wall have nothing to say worth reading or discussing.

I believe that participation on this board would actually be enhanced by an anti-anonymity policy. We both know many people who have said that they are intimidated by bullies hiding behind stage-names.

It's your board, Jim, but many of us consider it to be too valuable to allow it to continue to be used as a mud-wrestling pit. It's in that spirit that I once again offer this suggestion.

Thanks for listening.