Addition to presbymergent Guidlines
In keeping with the spirit of Adam’s latest post on increasing authenticity, and as a result of some ongoing discussion among presbymergent.org editors, we have decided to add the following paragraph to our posting guidelines, which can be found on the About page of this site. As always, your thoughts and comments on this policy addition are welcome and encouraged — just make sure to leave your name, too!
4. The Party Isn’t A Masquerade — Authentic Conversation
The best conversations (at parties or otherwise) are honest, personal, and direct. While face-to-face communication isn’t always possible in an online community, we think it’s important for participants to at least identify themselves by their real names, unless a valid reason for anonymity is given. More information and a tutorial on how registered users can set their names to display on posts and comments can be found here. We ask that visitors and unregistered users respect this desire for authenticity when commenting, as well.
Comment by Reyes-Chow on 11 March 2007:
Yes, I agree, plus when we use our real names we are better able to connect when we are actually in face-to-face situations. Thanks for all that you all are adding to the convo!
Comment by nancy on 13 April 2007:
I have a hard time with this policy because being forced to use my real name inhibits what I can say in honest dialog online. “My people” are so skittish that I’ve been fired or nearly so several times already, and if they saw what I had to say here about these issues which are SO TOUCHY for them, then they could misinterpret or simply not like my thoughts and find reasons to end the ministry I’ve labored over for a year and a half….blood, sweat and tears. anyway, i prefer to use a pen-name for this and at least 2 other reasons I can think of: 1. sometimes i change what i think and, once posted, there are my former views, out there for all to see, sometimes for decades, 2. some people research names online and not everyone should see absolutely everything one has to say.
I think blogging is for honest and free, sometimes random conversation — not to necessarily build lifelong relationships. Tossing thoughts around with strangers on flixster.com or myspace is fun too, if you know what I mean. so if this means i’m out of the presbymergetn, so be it. them’s my thoughts.
Comment by Neal Locke on 18 April 2007:
Nancy — you have a valid point, and I’ve raised the issue with the other presbymergent.org editors. I am torn on this one, because as Emergent thinkers in the highly orthodox world of the PCUSA, most of us tread on those “touchy” waters quite often.
On the other hand, many of us have also seen how critics, spammers, and witch-hunters use the cloak of anonymity on sites like this to detract from authentic conversation.
To borrow a concept from buddhism (ooh — heresy!) I hope we can find the “middle way.” If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.
One more thing: Were you at the NCD conference in Florida last summer? I think I remember you from our alt.worship group! I’m glad you found us, and I hope we can find a way to make it safe for you to stay and join the conversation authentically.