pseudonym
i've noticed a disturbing new trend on one of the boards i read -- supposedly longtime posters/members are setting up anonymous usernames to post on sensitive topics (marital discord, abortion, etc.). these folks are writing really dramatic stories and asking for support.
i understand the (seeming) need for anonymity. a person may not want to be forever labeled as the one who did this or that. even if you've been around for years, all it'll take is one dramatic storyline for people to judge you in a way that may not be to your liking. or maybe you've been lying about how well things are going because you want to be like everyone else, but things are crashing and you need hugs. the carefully crafted persona slips.
but what if these anonymous people are not who they claim to be? this is the internet, after all. they don't have to be who they say they are. or... they could be exactly who they say they are, but the stories could be false. they could be bored, feeling like stirring up the pot up a bit. they could be doing research for an article or a story. who knows?
you always have to feel sorry for those nice big-hearted folks who get taken in by con artists. it happens all the time. a hard luck story is taken at face value and the next thing you know, half your money is gone and no one is answering your calls/emails. hoaxes, people. did no one learn anything from kaycee nicole?
my feeling about this is that if you really are who you say you are, trust that this particular online community will be there to support you. post under your own name. maybe this wouldn't be possible on other boards, but i think it might actually be okay on this one.