Kuro5hin allows posts by non-account holders. They used to show up in comments as the generic username "anonymous coward." I think that may have changed to something a little less offensive now. So I know anonymous posts by visitors who do not have an account is at least possible.
But I'm not sure drive-by comments by one-time or first-time visitors is a good thing. The thing I treasure most about ET is the cordial, friendly atmosphere that prevails here. Over time I've gotten to know, at least a little bit, many of the regular posters here. I enjoy the many thoughtful insights by regulars from all over the world who come here to share their points of view. I learn something new and useful here almost every day. I count some of you, most of you, as friends even though we never have, and probably never will, meet face to face.
I'm not sure how long that atmosphere would last if anyone who wanted to could post anonymous comments. There are many out there who do not share the attitude of civility and mutual consideration for alternate points of view which seems to characterize the present ET community. There are some who seem to be motivated by the urge to sow dissent and discord, even hate. I'd rather not give those folks a free and anonymous forum.
If someone posts one or several inflammatory posts as anonymous there is no way to know if those are by one or several visitors. If user kcurie or ignorant bystander posts a number of such posts, we can all draw our own conclusions about the wisdom of engaging in conversation with such a user.
Personally I do not find it an unreasonable burden to go through a registration process, possibly including a brief waiting period, before being allowed to post on a forum such as ET. Personally I would prefer that those who wish to join this wonderful community take a least a little time to get acquainted first. I do not think that is too much to ask. IMHO, of course. Somewhere in cyberspace, the ghost of de Chardin is smiling.
It just made me think if there could nto be anintermediate option..
I was wondering if we could work out an intermediate option.
For example,a t least the post a comment option always visible and then telling the user to creatan ccoount.
Or make it possible to make anonymus posts but not diaries until some delay time.. or just via mail.
Comments could be done inmediately nad ban inmedaitely if they are spam?
In Spain everything works like not-anonymus but inmediate...so I understand his point of not wanting to get ivolved..
I see both points. Thanks bystander
A pleasure I therefore claim to show, not how men think in myths, but how myths operate in men's minds without their being aware of the fact. Levi-Strauss, Claude
I do think it would be good for the "post a comment" link to exist even when one is not logged on, but to take the reader to the "create an account" interface. "It's the statue, man, The Statue."
I think kcurie has gone a long way towards explaining why, despite my best efforts, I have not been able to attract new Spanish users. I can sometimes bring in a dozen readers from escolar.net with a well-placed comment linking to a bilingual diary, but I doubt they ever get as far as to comment. "It's the statue, man, The Statue."
Third... "mail? receiving a mail to activiate account?". He did not like to wait for a mail for posting just a comment (actually I do not mind that much).. which he was ready to do despite the language...In spanish blogs comments are that easy. Clik "post a comment, create an account on the spot and just comment". According to him, they should be just as easy here...
Before I go: I think registration is a good thing, but lack of information isn't. When locusts move on, they leave nothing behind
Definitely agree.
As fast-track as possible, both in presentation (simple, big title saying this will only take a second) and in fact (immediate e-mail). When locusts move on, they leave nothing behind
If it is not there.. they quit.
So why not a post comment link and then a declaration on how to log in... We can decide how the process should be.. via mail, anonymus, instantaneous.. this is a process we can discuss... but from what I have heard the "post a comment" link for anyone as an introductory option is a no-brainer for my friend even when you are not logged.. and he thoroughfully convince me (you know it when you just do not know what to say).
In Spain there is always an option to post a comment, you click and if you are not loged-in then in the same page you are offered the option to log-in or just create an account in the same page..
I have no problem whatsoever with that. I read in haste, as I too often do, that visitors should be able to post comments without having an account. Like afew, I shouldn't comment when I'm short on time. Somewhere in cyberspace, the ghost of de Chardin is smiling.
