Day 151 - November 12 - Who Is This Anonymous Person Anyway?
Judging from the comments that make up so much of the ConnorWatch blog, you'd think that the most common name in America is "Anonymous" or that "Anonymous" has nothing better to do all day than comment on the ConnorWatch blog. Based on the last few days, it looks like more than half the comments on the blog are from someone named "Anonymous". Given his/her ubiquitious popularity, why didn't we elect him/her president? Who is this "Anonymous" person anyway?
Now, I know that's not quite an accurate portrayal, but sometimes sarcasm helps us see things more clearly.
What I'm getting at is that the ability to post anonymously is there for someone who genuinely needs to remain unknown. I recognize, at some fundamental level, that philosophy is contrary to Scripture and the community we find ourselves in here at ConnorWatch, but I haven't turned off the ability to post anonymously so that folks who don't share the same worldview, or have chosen a different path can still comment on the blog without fear of abuse, retaliation, or even a barrage of well-intentioned critical observations. (Yes, it does happen.) I want them to feel welcome, even if unknown.
So what I'm asking is that all of you (except for you who really needs to remain unknown) post your comments using your name, or at least your user name. Many of you include your name in the text portion of the comment anyway, so I know you aren't trying to remain anonymous. Specifically, what I mean is checking the appropriate box at the bottom of the comment form when you generate a comment.
After you write your comment, before you hit 'Publish Your Comment', CHOOSE YOUR IDENTITY. If you have a Google/Blogger or OpenID account, that is an easy one. If you don't then click the button beside NAME/URL. I know it sounds scary, but the URL is optional - leave it blank, and type your name or user name in the "Name" blank. Then publish your comment.
Just don't click Anonymous, unless you well and truly intend to remain anonymous.
Now when we look at the comments, it will say something like "Brad said..." followed by my comment, instead of the generic "Anonymous said..." See how much better that is for our community?
If you need more help on commenting, log in to ConnorWatch, and go to the FAQ page, "How do I post a comment on the ConnorWatch Blog"
We are more than anonymous - we are people, and we are a community of believers that have come together to carry some of our own through difficult times. Our words are our own, they have value, and are a reflection of ourselves. Most of us do not know each other except through the words we share here. Let us respect and encourage each other by sharing who we are when we share what we think. We will be the stronger for it.
Brad
Michigan
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posted by Brad Williamson @ 9:35 AM
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12 Comments:
Well said, brother of mine!
I adore being able to respond to people personally, like I did in the previous thread. Lisa S. asked a legitimate question, and I gave her my best answer. That builds community, which is what ConnorWatch is. Hiding in anonymity hurts that effort. So I really appreciate the folks who "show their faces", as it were.
The other benefit gained from a name is that it gives the words value. That's good for everyone.
One thing I would add to Brad's post, and I know he didn't leave it unsaid intentionally - our community here also has those who are unbelievers, ex-believers, or atheists. They are welcome here, too.
Eric
Brad and Eric,
Thanks for the re-welcome. I'm still watching and caring, and I don't post very often, sometimes because I don't want to offend anyone, and sometimes because I don't want that barrage of well-intentioned comments and suggestions. I know this community cares about me and other un- or ex-believers who come on this site, and it's natural for you (y'all) to want to reason with us "pagans" who for some unfathomable reason do not think and believe as y'all do. Sometimes it's fun, too, and at times it relieves the stress of more serious concerns, such as Connor's needs.
Uh-oh, I gotta run. In spite of my desire to remain anonymous, because some of you know me, out of respect for your wishes, I'll attempt to be known.
Wierd, the word I have to type for verification is "weered."
Brad,
Perhaps you need to think of the option that there are many shy people even when it comes to "tapping" a sweet message. Some do not want to be recognized to add "umph" to their words, as if God has spoken through them to the Williamsons. Some of us just do not want to hear later, "I can not believe you said that on the blog!" By being anonymous you remain and keep it simply a thought from you to the family.....not to the world! (does that make it a bit clear)
We want to share thoughts, wishes, and comments between the family and us, This is the only way some of us get to "speak" our thoughts to this family. Please let us remain silent in our names and just wish this family well and pass along our thoughts to them!
Let me see if I can make this thing work. Many of my posts are anonymous because I can't get around the technology. I always thought you had to have a URL of your own to use the Name/URL button. I have all of my "stuff" saved on a couple of the computers I use regularly. And on others I don't.
After admitting my lack of technical savvy, I am nearly afraid to list my name.
But I will ;)
Now I can finally leave my name.
Jeff
and just in case you didn't know
the previous post was a joke.
At the risk of seeming somewhat recursive if not downright obsessive, I'll dare commenting on my own blog entry.
Anonymous Unbeliever, and others out there in ConnorWatch land that share the same perspective, one of the things that we as a group of people who testify to being followers of Christ really wrestle with is the desire of our hearts to have others experience what we do with the same degree of satisfaction and reward.
The mistake we make is thinking that the way we do that is by reason, or rational thought, or by forceful discourse, or, well, the list goes on. We are victims of our own thought processes, and like fish who don't know they are wet, think that the way we think about things is the way God must think about things.
This results in the 'piling on' of well intentioned folk who hope that the right words, the right argument, the simple rational appeal, or the complex intellectual revelation, will somehow connect you with the God we have come to know, love, and serve.
Somehow, in all our 21st century confusion, it is easy to miss what God Himself emphasized.
"Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself."
I encourage you to feel loved, and welcome, and appreciated for your wisdom, insight, and experience, even when you feel 'piled on'.
We would say that God has brought you to this community for a reason, one perhaps we do not know, but in doing so has blessed us. We only hope, as much as we try, to reciprocate.
Proud to be silent, and others out there that use a 'user name' as opposed to your real name, that's OK, too. User names, though they don't reveal the person, do allow us to connect with the threads of your thought and comments. Thank you for sharing your insight. By being "proud to be silent", you do give us a way to recognize you amidst all the clutter, and I appreciate that.
My heartfelt thanks to all who journey with us. You, anonymous or not, will probably never know how much this has meant to us.
Brad
Brad - I understand; I've been there.
I've only posted a few times, but check almost daily. But...I also didn't know exactly how to post with "Name says....". I will see if I did this correctly.
God bless your family. I am praying for you all. And Connor, I wish I could know you personally. Hang in there. Looking forward to you eventually posting as well with your dad. Making it to church this week was awesome! And keep working with that thumb! Next, it will be the hand!
I know your friend Drew and his family from church. And that is how I became involved in the ConnorWatch. God is working and moving....I have NO doubt.
Love,
Kathy
Oh, I get it. I didn't understand that URL thing either. Anonomous Jeff Slavich, you're not alone.
It worked! But dang, now everyone knows Donna can't spell "anonymous."
Oooo! And now I got that blogger thing to work. Thanks to Connorwatch, I learned another new thing.
:)
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