Yes, it's a provocative title :-) But it is how I've always felt about anonymous accounts on forums.

I posted something about this on another thread. Rather than derail that thread, I thought I would post a separate topic for it here. I'm curious what some counter points would be (and I'm sure there will be counter points).

I understand the desire for anonymous accounts on websites. It is one of the perks of the internet. You get to participate in discussions within online communities without having to deal with the drama of retribution for your comments, or personal attacks in response. There is also the issue of someone's post not being taken seriously if they are seen only as a beginner in the sport, or not a fighter.

There is also the simple convenience of not having to fill out a profile. This is probably the number one reason why I've had anonymous accounts before on other websites. I just don't want to bother with it.

Anonymous posting is, in the least, lazy. In the worst case, it is cowardly. Even when there is a legitimate reason rationalizing it, the conclusion is that it is a cowardly thing to not tie your own thoughts and opinions to your identity. They are your thoughts and opinions. You should own them without hesitation, reservation or apology. You should take ownership for your own thoughts.

The reason I'm even bothering to raise this topic on Ax is that we're talking about the fight business here. Fighters, regardless of how you feel about them, risk a lot. They run the risk of permanent injury or losing in devastating fashion in a public venue, and they do it openly, without hiding behind any false identity. They open themselves up to scrutiny each time they perform.

But anonymous posters are the exact opposite. For anonymous posters to criticize a fighter, it just doesn't add up to me. They're not risking anything. They could say the most outlandish things and there is no (or very little) consequence. Not to mention, the legitimacy of the criticism, no matter how insightful or well-written it is, will always be questioned when it is done by an anonymous poster.

There are a lot of downsides and very few upsides to anonymous posting on fight forums. In the worst examples, they lower the quality of an online community.

I've seen one example where anonymity was theoretically justified. Without naming names, a lot of people in a certain region were being legally threatened for criticisms they were saying online about a certain individual. Only a handful of people in that situation had a strong enough will to post criticisms under their own name, regardless of legal threats. I still don't think that scenario is a very decent justification for anonymity, but it's the best one I've heard thus far. I know what I would have done in that situation. I'm not afraid of owning my own opinions (as many of you know).

So let's hear your thoughts (pro and con) on anonymous accounts.