Quote:
Originally Posted by SamcFuchs
I can see where you're coming from, but personally, I support the use of throwaways. I can understand someone wanting to contribute to the conversation, but wanting to keep their opinion separate from the rest of their reputation in the robotics community.
I'll give an example. I'm gay. If, say, Karthik were homophobic, that would really suck. I can't support that. However, if Karthik wants to add his (hypothetically homophobic) opinion to a conversation about the representation of LGBT teenagers in FIRST, shouldn't he be able to do so without running the risk of ruining his reputation as a brilliant strategist and analyst? Would CD look at him in the same way if he held such an unpopular opinion?
Using a throwaway allows people (anyone) to contribute to a conversation without putting their reputation on the line. If someone holds an unpopular decision, that could change the way they are perceived forever, and that's not a risk anyone should have to take. Controversial opinions are vital to a healthy discussion of any topic, and throwaways allow people to contribute them.
IMHO.
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Shouldn't someone with such a controversial (or insert stronger word of your choice) opinion have the reputation their opinions deserve?
I mean seriously, otherwise what's the point? Do we all create two accounts, one for posting popular stuff with our name attached so we all look awesome, and a second anonymous one for posting our true opinions? If someone isn't willing to own their opinion, and live by the consequences of expressing that opinion, then they should probably keep that opinion to themselves.
Anonymous accounts do have their place. They are a good, safe way to get advice in a difficult situation without exposing yourself or the situation to the world. They are not a shield to hide behind just because someone wants to post unpopular opinions.
The world has seen people take unpopular stands, own them, and change the culture of entire countries. The opinions weren't popular. Those individuals faced enormous pressure, resistance, and even physical violence to embrace what they believe in. And they changed the world. Without those people making a stand, the US would be a society dependent on slavery where only white male land owners had any say in anything. Heck, the US wouldn't even be it's own separate country.
I have one word for someone who creates/uses an anonymous account to post an unpopular opinion just for the sake of preserving "reputation" - coward.