is there a way to publish a post -- either blog or discussion - and remain anonymous? if not, can that be made part of the website.
there are often repercussions when making comments ... that can back to haunt ... or that someone else comments on your comment.
thanks ...
Comments
Thanks, Carol, for backing us up on the posting as yourself. I really think it is important plus it lends more credibility to what the person is saying, because you may be meeting that person soon at an event. I guess that is another reason for no anonymity -- because although this is an online community and on many of these communities the people are just that "virtual communities" and never have the chance to meet one another. Whereas artists are a real community who on this site happen to meet virtually.
No...you haven't. I was only writing about another group that did allow that, and how destructive their decision has become. And what most likely was started with good intentions has gotten too crazy and out of hand. I was trying to explain that what we have here is a good thing, sometimes there will be the errant person who may "read" more into what someone wrote and have a moment where they have probably been sniffing too much paint fumes...I have that with "supposed" potential customers that literally hang onto every single word I say and the conversations become tiresome because they are the knitpickers (somehow thinking I am enjoying their behavior). I have finally learned to dislodge such conversations in person - they keep wanting to either beat you up and hanging on for whatever reason, or read something into what you wrote that you didn't write. Now, when I sense the conversation is going that way in person I simply look at my watch, look around the booth and then look back at the person and say, I feel this conversation is going the way of what I provide in a private consulting session, how about you sign up for a consultation with me. It only costs XXX. Not one has gotten angry with me, they apologize, and complete the purchase or move on. Many people mistake my politeness and friendliness for more than what it is, usually through excitement of finding someone to bounce ideas off of. That costs me precious time I need to be making money, not discussing theories and probabilities that is not free either but not for sale during a show.
Gosh - Carol -- viciousness is the farthest thing from my mind. I had posted something on a subject, someone asked me about something else, I replied with what I felt was an honest answer and the discussion went back to the original. Now I find out that what I said has come back to haunt me ... I still believe these words to be true ... and I would never deliberately say or do anything to hurt or offend anyone -- and if I have, I am truly sorry.
This statement I wish to clarify ...but this group as a whole... I am referring to Art Fair Insiders, just wish to clarify as I see it wasn't clear which one I meant in the original sentence, my apologies.
And when I see a recognizable face next to a post, I always feel like I have just talked to my next door booth neighbor....
I belong to a large group similar to this - only all related to fiber/yarn/etc over I believe 2 million members. They do allow and encourage anonymity by allowing people to use fictitious names, have more than 1 account, and along the bottom of each individual's posting the opportunity to "vote" including "disagree" with what someone writes - ALL anonymous. I find it one of the most offensive groups to belong to. The arguments, hurt feelings, everything has spilled over into public venues. Many of us with businesses have requested they change some of the practices due to all the hurt it causes, and they refuse. I "only" use that site to promote my business - that's it. I see tons of posts of people requesting help or more information, or what have you, and like the majority of the members - we don't, the abuse is just not worth it - all anonymously. I have no idea the attraction except that it was a first of its kind, was initially a place to share ideas, patterns, sources, what have you, but the forums are so vicious...and it has gotten to a point where they finally had to implement banning which has only been in recent years, but this group as a whole is so helpful, the tolerance of differing ideas and opinions, what is typical among highly creative people - we learn from each other. I may not agree with someone - however - if that person posts in a way I can learn from their perspective, they have given me the privilege of seeing another way to look at things. And sometimes they have actually changed my beliefs which for as old as I am .....that is pretty major. I hope this gives you some food for thought and I am sorry that you may feel like you have to post anonymously for whatever reason. I always look forward to everyone's posts no matter how I feel, and I bet the majority of people here feel the same way. If we were all the same - we wouldn't be artists for sure...we wouldn't all see the world slightly different from each other and what have you.
Hi -- when this site was started we clearly decided that anonymity was not our plan. You need to know that the person writing is a real person. We are all adults and should be willing to represent ourselves without resorting to subterfuge to get a point across. It is the best way to keep the information transparent. I agree with Robert and Larry's points above.
Profiles created with a single name or fictitious names are deleted (which removes the content) if they are found out.
This is Connie's web site so she should really be answering.
Larry Berman
There are reasons that people want to be anon, and not all of them are malicious, but I can see why it is discouraged.
Are you allowed to sign in once with another name to post?
Not trying to stir up trouble.....
As long as you're writing about the truth there is no need to worry about repercussions. Think about it; if you're writing about a terrible show or one poorly run by an arrogant ass of a promoter, do you really care if you go back? Worries about blackballing are minimal, if a promoter doesn't listen to the artists, do you think they listen to each other that much? Just remember, it's not slander if it's the truth.
Posting anonymously is not part of this web site. Too many times, anonymous posts have caused artists to leave the site.
I suggest writing your post in a plain text editor, like Notepad. Then go over it and make sure it's what you want to say. Also there are more editing options if you post on one of the forums instead of as a blog.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100