Good news: Kentucky lawmaker wants to outlaw anonymous blog comments
posted at 1:15 pm on March 10, 2008 by Allahpundit
I resign effective immediately.
Or rather, I would if this was remotely constitutional.
The bill would require anyone who contributes to a website to register their real name, address and e-mail address with that site.
Their full name would be used anytime a comment is posted.
If the bill becomes law, the website operator would have to pay if someone was allowed to post anonymously on their site. The fine would be five-hundred dollars for a first offense and one-thousand dollars for each offense after that.
Representative Couch says he filed the bill in hopes of cutting down on online bullying.
Supposedly it’s illegal under federal preemption too, which is another reason why Tim Couch, the guy who sponsored it, says he won’t push it. Exit question one: This is a transparent ploy by Couch to get a shot on the O’Reilly Factor, right? Exit question two: Legal issues aside, how much would a rule like this improve the quality of blog comments? 200-300%, maybe? Exit question three: How many of you would refuse to comment anymore if it went into effect? Be honest.
Blowback
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Moby
was unavailable for comment.
CaptainObvious on March 10, 2008 at 2:51 PM
I rarely post a comment unless I have something I want to say, that I feel is relevant (or a somewhat funny, snarky comment) but something like this would make me not comment even that much.
DakRoland on March 10, 2008 at 2:54 PM
Since when did the constitution dictate our laws?
hisfrogness on March 10, 2008 at 2:57 PM
This is all about the Fletcher Administration(prior Governor). There are lots of bills in the House and Senate this year that are CLEARLY an attempt to prevent what some consider the railroading of Fletcher.
Pilgrim on March 10, 2008 at 2:58 PM
would not comment if real name had to be used.
ctmom on March 10, 2008 at 2:59 PM
I wouldn’t post.
1. I’m at work right now. I don’t need my employers to have proof that I do this.
2. I don’t want potential employers deciding they don’t like me because of my politics.
3. There was just a story done on how Michelle had to move because lefty idiots posted her home address.
I wouldn’t change what I write if people knew who I was. Because I’m a regular poster here, some people already know me even if they don’t know my real name. I’m not anonymous here anymore and do consider that when posting.
I have gotten angry before and posted things I didn’t mean, but overall I try not to flame people or needlessly go into insults.
Esthier on March 10, 2008 at 3:00 PM
I would refuse to comment because I would honestly fear for the safety of me and mine, being a member of the military, living overseas, and being a posting member of conservative blogs. Add my e-mail address to the mix, and then what? At some point I use my e-mail to send addresses and telephone numbers, in particular when I deploy. Many military personnel do. And then all manner of personnel are subject to reprisal because some nutjob who blows up recruiting stations feels he isn’t being adequately heard and understood, or some jihadist the same.
Spc Steve on March 10, 2008 at 3:03 PM
I’d refuse because I’m in a profession where if you’re a known conservative, you’re unemployed. I have to use an alias to post here and at other conservative sites.
Matt Helm on March 10, 2008 at 3:05 PM
Just another example of how far out touch with reality,Our elected representatives are.
E.Tex on March 10, 2008 at 3:07 PM
He is an illegal alien. Just sayin’
Exit questions:
1. Yes.
2. Not at all.
3. No more commenting.
Stashiu3 on March 10, 2008 at 3:07 PM
I’d still comment, but I’d change my blogname to “Anonymous Bullying Lawmaker”.
The_Real_JeffS on March 10, 2008 at 3:08 PM
You’re not really Matt Helm? I was going to mention that I’ve seen your movies and didn’t think Dean Martin did you justice.
;)
Stashiu3 on March 10, 2008 at 3:10 PM
I would never post again because moonbats and freaks would hunt me down for my support of our military and conservative causes.
During the summer of the Israel-Hezbollah war, I had an Israeli flag in my window, small, actually, on an 8.5 x 11 peice if paper. “Die Kike Bitch” was spray painted in black on my relatively new winter white siding in 4′ tall letters. My front window has been shot with BB’s, my house has been egged, and I still receive threats written in glitter glue.
The glitter glue and the eggs lead me to believe these are neighborhood children…and I live in a nice quiet bedroom community in suburban St. Louis. Imagine if adults knew who I was.
Free speech would be over on the internet…the muslims and the moonbats would take care of that real fast.
JustTruth101 on March 10, 2008 at 3:13 PM
Enrique, dear. The point isn’t to be afraid of the religious ‘believers’, but the political ones. Hopefully, you learn to recognize them, for they can be your worst nightmare.
China, USSR, Cuba. These are just the worst examples…your confidence in this department can lead you into trouble.
You don’t have to live in Communism, as the EUSSR can prove. Sweden, France, Belgium, UK…all of these countries suppress their counter voices, especially those in the blogosphere.
The UK, in fact, has a warrant for the arrest of one of its bloggers, who’s seeking immunity in the US. Canada is shutting down many of its more conservative sites. Could more ‘moderate’ sites be next? Why not? If they don’t ‘fit’ the ‘view’ of the government, why wouldn’t they?
Who are you to say you’re immune? Who’s to say you’re not next? Who’s to say the US is not moving in that direction? Sure is looking that way, with this bill & the ‘Fairness Doctrine’. What’s next?
Whether this applies to you or not; whether you’re concerned or not; whether you’d use your name or not – do you not see the implications here??? Is that not enough for you to fight???
Miss_Anthrope on March 10, 2008 at 3:15 PM
I always post with my real name out of pure vanity, but this has the whiff of the Reno justice dept. attitude that turned normal Libertarians into Ron Paul supporting NAU truthers. I’d stop posting anything on the net when they start to require my name address and email.
Rob Taylor on March 10, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Track me down? Like the feds can’t match my IP with my name already? My processor ID number with my name? If someone wants to know who you are it only takes money.
Limerick on March 10, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Real name? no problem. Address? No way. Identity theft is rampant as it is.
What would really be interesting is if it were made retroactive. Then we could find out how many sockpuppets Glenn Greenwald juggled.
sulla on March 10, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Sir, all persons unaccounted for, Sir!
Al-Ozarka on March 10, 2008 at 3:33 PM
It’s got to be awfully hard being a conservative in Hollywood.
My guess, anyway. But I can’t think of any other profession that treats non-conformists so ruthlessly.
I’ve great respect for you. I wouldn’t last a day before I got thrown out and black-listed – whatever the profession.
Best of luck.
Rod on March 10, 2008 at 3:38 PM
My collie says:
CyberCipher on March 10, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Rep. Tim Crouch is a Republican, no less.
Log on March 10, 2008 at 3:55 PM
I wouldn’t, for the simple reason that I keep my identity anonymous in an effort to protect my children from the “unhinged” members of our society.
I don’t have the “Malkins” that Michelle and Captain Ed have.
Red Pill on March 10, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I find your statement that my given name is moronic terribly insensitive. I may not be a “Hertz”, but I am a “Long”, and frankly, this Rod Long is deeply hertz by your comment.
Rod on March 10, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Clarification: I would refuse; I wouldn’t comment.
Red Pill on March 10, 2008 at 3:57 PM
I use my real name.
subbottomfeeder on March 10, 2008 at 4:08 PM
More socialist dogma from the LEFT. Clearly this would be synonymous with “The Fairness Doctrine”that liberals love so much, stifling free speech with threats of prosecution. And allowing the nutroots to destroy your personal property by hunting down anyone who doesn’t tow the line. Very scary indeed!
cdn.infidel on March 10, 2008 at 4:08 PM
I’d still post. There have to be 20 or 30 Mallard T. Drakes out there! (The T. is for Teal) They’d have a hard time proving who posted what.
Mallard T. Drake on March 10, 2008 at 4:34 PM
Oh, I’d still comment. I’d just claim to be posting from outside the USofA. Or at least Kentucky.
I R A Darth Aggie on March 10, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I don’t think I would change too much. Most of my colleagues know I’m a right wing nut job already.
However, I work for a state goverment… Ironically, I’d probably have to get an ethics waiver for each post, while our elected ones can spout off without fear of any retribution…
darkpixel on March 10, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I use my real name now, but I would refuse to comment if this law into into effect, unless of course my new comment was 200-300% worse than the comments I make now.
Ars Moriendi on March 10, 2008 at 4:59 PM
I would not be silenced, but I go to Iraq with Michael Totten and report in my own name. I certainly would not and will not submit my name and address to people I do not trust, and if the law doesn’t put draconian enforcement on web site owners who abuse the personal data they collect, it is excruciatingly bad law.
This is just another attempt to regulate free dirty talk on the Internet.
My real name below.
Patrick_Lasswell on March 10, 2008 at 5:23 PM
While I’ve always thought that people should be willing to accept responsibility for what they say, if a law like that was passed it would cut back on my commenting. Not because I’m ashamed of my comments, but because there are a few idiots who are unwilling to obey the law and I don’t wish to make it any easier for them to track me down and cause injury to me simply because they disagree with me. If I was assured that could not happen, I would be more than happy to have my name and address attached to any comments I make, but I know of no way to assure that some deranged person will not act in a violent or harassing manner simply because that person disagrees with me.
Fritz J. on March 10, 2008 at 5:25 PM
well I certainly wouldn’t post my terror plots anymore.
beefytee on March 10, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Really mixed feelings on this…
I would still post, as I’m willing to say the same things in person, as I do on the web…
Part of the Rights problem right now is the cowardice I’m seeing exhibited on this site. You’ve been intimidated by leftards and will no longer stand up in public to them, and so THEY control the discusion. I think you’d find there are actualy more of us, than them, if we bothered to speak up… but right now they are driving the agenda through shear intimidation and volume.
On the other hand, I think this should go hand in hand with a Law saying there can be no more MSM stories attributed to “anonymous sources” or “governemnt sources”… no name, can’t print it…
Whistleblower laws are already on the books… lets use em folks.
Romeo13 on March 10, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Me, for one. But on the other hand, I could register under a fake identity. Hmmmmmmm, the possibilities are endless.
OneGyT on March 10, 2008 at 5:54 PM
I have to admit that my real name is Seymour Heinie
Vntnrse on March 10, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Exit Questions:
1. Yes.
2. It wouldn’t make comments better for many. However, commenters that are philologists, the few that exist, would be churning out beautiful comments with or without registration, but they would be inclined to do so more often if there was registration. Also I like to know what people really think. Some people whine about trolls, but if you see racist, sexist, or idiotic comments it at least lets you know what kinds of irrational thought exists and the potential frequency of said behavior, scrolling down isn’t going to kill me.
3. No I wouldn’t comment anymore. I’d take a hint from my better half and study to be a philologist, since I should say that I would have more time on my hands. Then I would probably supply my services to the few that want them, especially if the outcry against registration is nonexistent.
LevStrauss on March 10, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Oh well, back to the printing press.
Saltysam on March 10, 2008 at 6:07 PM
Always used my real name. Nothing to hide, don’t care. And there are several thousand folks out there with the same name.
If everyone quits commenting except me, maybe someone will finally hear what I’m saying? Yeah right! LOL!
Tom
marinetbryant on March 10, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Crap, All this time I’ve been using
“Ben Dover at poop@hotmail.com“
Capitana on March 10, 2008 at 6:27 PM
In terms of politeness and respect to others, I try hard never to make any comment that I couldn’t hold my head up about if my name were here. In terms of privacy, howevah, no, I wouldn’t comment if my name were used. There are a loootttt of anti-Catholic pro-choice Democrat wackjobs out there. And I’m really, really looking forward to going to Heaven. Just not planning to go today.
inviolet on March 10, 2008 at 6:48 PM
I’d be one.
Sorry, I like getting a paycheck a bit too much. Yes, my current employer can track by internet access, but nobody does. But google before an interview? I bet they did, I’d be a bit surprised to find a tech company that doesn’t.
Heck, I get a new yahoo/hotmail/g-mail address with a different (but plausible) moniker just to have a clear (empty) google history when I put an e-mail on my resume.
On the other hand, I’m hardly “anonymous”. I’ve not run into scores of people using my online moniker. I’ve run into three other people who have the same first and last name as me (online people, but people).
Then I would be subject to google, and tied not only to my actions, but the actions of those other guys who happen to share my first/last name.
Whereas now, if you take my “name” here and google it, over 90% of the hits are me. Yes, I play (or played) several MMORPG’s online. Yes I’ve commented at some odd sites (and some expected ones). Yes, I’m pretty much always this cynical and sarcastic.
So it would make me less uniquely identifiable, and still be bad for privacy. The worst of both worlds.
gekkobear on March 10, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Would never post a comment again.
None of their damned business what I do.
A Axe on March 10, 2008 at 6:58 PM
I don’t care if anyone knows my real name: I’m old and poor, so what’s anybody gonna do to me?
John Janos Bradley
( my father changed our last name to Bradley when we escaped from “Hungary” because he wanted to ‘become American’ and he admired General Omar Bradley–he liked to say that Patton did the driving and bullsh+tting while Bradley did the thinking
I was gonna have an internet name of ‘fighting vehicle’ but that was obtuse
Janos Hunyadi on March 10, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I use my full name in my email, because a long time ago I was told it was more professional to use your name (instead of wildhumper_69@yazoo.com or whatever). But if I had no choice in my handle, I would stop commenting out of principle. I don’t care if people know I post at parenting sites or scifi.com or whatever; I just like having the option of being semi-anonymous.
I do have a habit of speaking my mind, but I try not to be disrespectful unless someone is blatantly rude. I’d never say something online that I wouldn’t say to your face (well, I might not say it because I’m intorverted and house-bound by choice, but not because it’s nasty). I have to admit I like reading trolls though. Some of them are downright entertaining.
the goddess anna on March 10, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Time to whip out that drivers licence I used before I was 21. Or should I used my Juan Hernadez Juan one?
- The Cat
P.S. I don’t have any real fake I.D.s
P.P.S. Did I just say real fake?
MirCat on March 10, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Here is a little nugget that anyone can understand. What is the most liberal department in most corporations and I’m talking like downright Marxist? The HR Department. You know, the guys who usually get your resume. One google search and you’re out. If there is somebody either not bright or not as tech savvy as they think they are, then you potentially get rejected if somebody with your same name happens to have those positions online, whether you’d comment or not.
This cannot be constitutional. Of course online is the easiest to conceal identity without gross governmental overstep because most do not draw a paycheck on it. What I don’t get is why the fuss? We have no power, we make no profits, and most of our comments as a collective group are worth the price of admission…nothing. Most people hate politics, they are not going to be interested in these sites. Instead of bitching and moaning to our friends and family, who deserve to be spared our incessant ramblings, we should be allowed one place that we can be a tree in the woods and let out some tension. We have been harmless for eternity, so what’s the big deal? The supply of alternative ideas, besides the traditional boolean we face every two years at least, cannot be influential any time soon because the current situation is really a result of the noticeable low demand, among other factors. Making mountains out of molehills they are.
LevStrauss on March 10, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Follow the link homey, it’s a Republican.
Sure I’d still comment. But I’d be more reserved and..nuanced.
Besides, as someone else already said, if someone wants to find you it’s not really all that hard as it is.
SouthernDem on March 10, 2008 at 8:14 PM
If I had to open myself up to persecution for my beliefs and especially my unbeliefs, then I would either platonize or not comment at all. For anyone who wants to know what platonizing is, I just provided an example.
Kralizec on March 10, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Well, just to get a jump on things, I’ll reveal my real name right now.
I am Connor MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod. I was born in 1518 in the village of Glenfinnan on the shores of Loch Shiel.
And I am immortal.
They can have my identity when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.
29Victor on March 10, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Platonize? I have read a lot of Plato, due to my interest in Philology but I cannot say that I ever heard of that term before so I looked it up in a google search. It stated something along the lines of “to study Plato or to philosophize like Plato.” You could say that I am doing that right now since I am obsessed with terminology. That is part of the reason why many do not bother with Philosophy. Many say that philosophy is the useless act of mincing words and they would appear right. It takes a long time to read all of Plato’s dialogues. Philosophy is past time, I guess similar to baseball for others.
LevStrauss on March 10, 2008 at 9:06 PM
Just move your server to Sealand, and tell the liberal fascist to go pound sand.
Right_of_Attila on March 10, 2008 at 9:17 PM
1. My money says he’s on by the end of the week.
2. Depends on what you mean by “improve.” My thought is it wouldn’t improve comments much.
3. Moderated chat rooms, anyone?
fourstringfuror on March 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM
I think anonymous commenting is perfectly fine—and all my friends would agree with me, being trustworthy and nuanced individuals–one of them has even had his work read from the floor of the Senate, mkay?, that’s right, the Senate, how do like that? pretty damn impressive, I’d say!
signed,
Rick Ellensburg
Lexis-Texas on March 10, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I don’t mind publishing my comments under my actual name, EXCEPT I might have to clear it with work. That might mean no more comments from me. I’m sure no big a loss to this blog!
Ordinary1 on March 11, 2008 at 12:37 AM
I know that the 1st amendment is the most valued in the u.s.. I have read a lot of comments that I disagree with and many I find offensive. If we all agreed then there would be no discussion.
So my thought is no restrictions on posting. If a person wants to make a comment/statement then allow them to do so freely.
If a site promotes hate then do not go back. THE SITE ITSELF IS RESPONSABLE FOR CONTEXT. Do not make posters open to public info because the poster agrees/disagrees with the site.
Freedom will find freedon fighters. Hate will find haters.
TomLawler on March 11, 2008 at 9:54 AM
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