Require Registration for Posting?

[Anonymous]

Just a suggestion: I'm new to the board and haven't set up an account yet, but might it be a good idea to require registration for posting? I think that might tame some of the unnecessary rancor and judgment on the forums. When allowed to post with no accountability, even just the ability to be blocked, people feel like they can say anything. I'll hang around for a bit longer, but I'm a little disappointed with what I thought would be a great parenting resource.

[Anonymous]

Hey Newbie!

This has been raised a bunch of times with Jeff (administrator/creator of DCUM). If you go to Website Feedback there is probably somewhere in there a good discussion of the pros/cons to the site.

FWIW, I've been on here for YEARS now (ebbs and flows). Yes, people are certainly much harsher b/c they are anonymous. You also get some sock-puppeting. But try to ignore the meanies and you'll see that it *is* a good parenting resource especially if you can be somewhat thoughtful of both the nice and mean posts.

[Anonymous]

I personally wouldn't want to register because this virtual world and my day to day world are likely to collide, and I don't want to amass a record of all my questions and comments that people could connect with me.

I really don't want people to be able to figure out that I'm "RaggedyAnn" through some assortment of details I mention--because then you will also be privy to the fact that my son was badly constipated last week, that we are having a terrible experience at his preschool and are looking for a new placement, that DH and I have having sexual issues, and that I think my MIL is passive aggressive. You get the picture.

[Anonymous]

I'm not registering-I've had some bad experiences with nuts on the internet and I choose to remain anonymous. Unfortunately, until the internet is better policed (and I'm not so sure even that would a good thing except in extreme cases like child pornography), I wish to participate and still maintain my privacy and safety, if such a thing is possible.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just a suggestion: I'm new to the board and haven't set up an account yet, but might it be a good idea to require registration for posting? I think that might tame some of the unnecessary rancor and judgment on the forums. When allowed to post with no accountability, even just the ability to be blocked, people feel like they can say anything. I'll hang around for a bit longer, but I'm a little disappointed with what I thought would be a great parenting resource.

PS-this IS a good parenting resource but you kind of have to look at like a thrift store-you gotta shop around a little and know what to avoid.

[Anonymous]

I don't think I would stay here if we had to register. I have offered plenty of helpful feedback about resources, schools, etc (or so i think, maybe I'm an egomaniac) and I have gotten lots of helpful input too. I don't think I have done a hostile post to anyone. I think the cost of making people register is people will be too afraid to speak the truth because the doctor, school, whatever might come after you. As much as I hate to see the trolls and angry people posting, it's a price i am willing to pay to get good info. Yes, people will sock puppet and some may have an ax to grind, but I have to say I have found the advice I have gotten here solid and it has really helped me to access the right resources for my family. It is also helpful to see you are not the only one displeased with a school situation, practice, what have you. Often when you give feedback directly to the organization they tell you that you are the ONLY one to complain. Here I have learned I am not alone.