LOVE boldly. RISK offense.

Well, here it is - the long avoided post about anonymity.

When I first started this blog, my hope was that, through allowing anonymous comments, we would be able to hear voices that otherwise might be reticent to ask questions or seek help.  And so, I allowed for "anonymous" comments.  Unfortunately, over the last several months, this idea of anonymity hasn't really worked out the way I had intended it.  Instead of attracting people who felt afraid to ask questions or seek help, it seems to have been attracting readers who want to make a strongly worded comment (usually very negative) but who don't want to identify themselves.

I truly am not offended by people that have concerns, problems, or irritations with what we're doing here.  Honestly, I'm not.  People that are offended by our message are the very reason that this group exists.  Safe places are necessary in these conversations, and each person is entitled to his/her opinion and convictions.  I embrace and welcome that.  I see great value in the variety of perspectives, opinions, theological persuasions, etc. and I think it's all a part of the bigger vision we are working towards.  Nevertheless, I've been noticing that it seems to be that only the people who disagree heartily (one way or another) with what I've said (or, more frequently, what they've perceived I have said) that are using the Anonymous button.  There is a second issue that has arisen as well - the limitation of having several "Anonymous" people post comments all on the same blog post.  It gets confusing when I'm trying to respond to the comments individually. 

With all that in mind, and after some soul-searching, prayer, and thoughtfulness, I've made a decision.  In order that that I might be enabled to respond effectively to both people who love what we're doing, and people who despise it, and also to encourage some accountability for people "owning" the criticisms they submit, I've disabled the "Anonymous" commenting.  If we're going to have helpful dialogue, we should at least be able to address one another by screen name, if nothing else.  And if you feel strongly about something, I think you should feel strongly enough about it that you tell me your name, or at least a screen name.  Comments will continue to be unfiltered and unmoderated, unless things get out of hand.  I remain committed to publishing all comments, unless they become hateful and/or slanderous.  I won't hesitate to delete those but everything else is fair game!  And, just so you know, to date I've not had to delete any comments.

I think I've set it up correctly so that everyone can still comment, but you will have to provide a username of sorts.  If anyone is having trouble commenting, please let me know.  In fact, leave me a comment on this post if you would, just so I know you all are still out there.  I hope this doesn't offend anyone, but unfortunately the conversation is not effective the way it was setup previously, and it is time to correct course.  The second half of our name is "Risk Offense" so I guess I'm taking my own advice as I make this change.

So leave some love.  Or some hate.  Either one, let's hear 'em both.  But leave me your name too.  :)