The Ability to Create Topics Anonymously In 'Life Advice'

[Sigma 768]

Some people in this world have more problems than others, embarrassing problems. I'm betting that those people will be more willing to open up if we allowed them to make anonymous topics so they don't have to blush when pressing the 'Post New Topic' button. What do you think?

[ghostfacekiller39 23,860]

I remember there was a suggestion like this somewhere...

 

I think it ultimately comes down to a IP Board thing, but an extension for that exists - and best part is, it also says this in the description of the extension - 

 

"This is developed and used with the thought of letting members be able to share or ask about sensitive / personal topics in specific forums. The users will not need to be logged out to ask as a guest and you will not have to enable guest posting. That's how we use it, you may use it differently"

 

My problem with it is that it'll make help less personal, but, of course, some might not care about that and would be seeking help for a problem that they find embarrassing and would want to keep it a secret, which, is why I support this idea, especially since the cards needed are already in the staff's hand

Edited July 2, 2014 by ghostfacekiller39

[Adorkable 2,737]

I also think this is a good idea.

 

I can imagine a little check box saying "Post as Anonymous", simple enough right?

 

I'm sure there has been plenty of members who have had things they've wanted help with, but too embarrassed to ask. I can really see this as an improvement. So long as staff can still see who's posting though, for obvious reasons. ^^

[ghostfacekiller39 23,860]

I also think this is a good idea.

 

I can imagine a little check box saying "Post as Anonymous", simple enough right?

 

I'm sure there has been plenty of members who have had things they've wanted help with, but too embarrassed to ask. I can really see this as an improvement. So long as staff can still see who's posting though, for obvious reasons. ^^

The extension from the IP Board Site thingy I linked in the post mentioned something about staff being able to view, plus it's free and able to be relegated to specific forums, from what I can tell

 

I think it'd be worth looking into on the staff's side

 

 

 

[~*bacon princess*~ 278]

This actually sounds like a pretty good idea. 

[Revy ~ Two Hands 862]

I concur It will cut down on drama after someone gets their advice.

No pony wants to be known for that.

[Jeric 46,860]

In general, it is a good idea ...

 

1. Moderators would need to be able to see post identity (already mentioned by Ghostie but it's important to reiterate)

2. It should not interfere with the current forum permissions (member and post requirements)

3. Edit original post to make name visible if you wanted

4. What about replies to topics? Would those users have anon options?

 

Good idea, or one that should at least merit discussion in the Old Folks Home of this board.

 

[Starshine 16,335]

Yes please...

 

I've been thinking to use the life advice, but doing it with my name plastered publicly is a huge downer.

[SCS 7,537]

 

 

I think it ultimately comes down to a IP Board thing, but an extension for that exists

 

 

Looks like that hook would work with our current version of IP.Board. It seems to have a good rating, but I don't know anything about the particular guy who made it. I'll talk to feld0 about it at some point.

 

---

 

My concern about this is the idea of people abusing it. What if people feel more inclined to flame people or break other rules if they feel anonymous? Either way, the moderators and administrators should be able to still easily see who they are for moderation purposes.

 

I'd be fine with trying this out due to the substantial benefit it would have, but if too many people abused it I would have to disable it.

[ghostfacekiller39 23,860]

My concern about this is the idea of people abusing it. What if people feel more inclined to flame people or break other rules if they feel anonymous? Either way, the moderators and administrators should be able to still easily see who they are for moderation purposes.

 

I'd be fine with trying this out due to the substantial benefit it would have, but if too many people abused it I would have to disable it.

 

If the staff sees it, I don't think there should be much of a problem with anonymity and flame posts - a simple solution would be to add an announcement specific to that forum with a title that ensures users are aware of the fact staff can still see anonymous posts (because not everyone will read it, naturally, so having a title that hammers it in the head is a must) and if someone abuses the anonymity, smack 'em with a warning just like they weren't anonymous.

 

It all comes down to awareness being a priority here If people are aware that they're only anonymous to their fellow members, rather than just completely anonymous, the monkey business shouldn't be too much more problematic than usual. So awareness is a must.

 

Furthermore, I don't think the anonymity hinders the report button in any way whatsoever, so people who flame can still get reported and the staff would be able to tell who it is. All will be right with the world, people would feel more comfortable posting in Life Advice, depression would be cut down a bit, and people will figure out why kids love the taste of Cinnamon Toast Crunch

 

 

Okay, maybe not the last one, but you see my point - there's so many benefits and hardly anything to abuse. It's a real win for everyone

Edited July 7, 2014 by ghostfacekiller39

[Hocus Pocus 636]

I am completely on-board with this.

 

With a proper system of management, this could open up so many more discussions that could help so many more ponies out there without intruding on their privacy.