I just read an interesting comment thread on TechCrunch — regarding their switch over to the Facebook commenting system — wherein most of the commenters just seem to want their potential for anonymity back, as opposed to attaching a name and a face to their comments. So far, it seems to have cut a swath through the trolls that often dominate the comments there, but many of the insightful — though still often powerfully opinionated — commenters are saying that they feel less inclined to comment now that their anonymity is compromised.

There are other aspects to this as well, such as not wanting to leave an open door for the world to come to their Facebook profile after a comment. Comments are apparently searchable on Google, so exposure is not necessarily open to those who read the posts.

Normally, I believe that people shouldn’t ever say anything that they wouldn’t be proud to attach their name to, but I can understand not wanting to leave direct and possibly controversy-motivated paths to one’s personal Facebook profile. There were also a few valid points regarding anonymity in the face of government (or employer) persecution.

I don’t plan to change my stance for myself, as it is intrinsic with my view of being an upstanding person — but there is definitely some wiggle room there.

Thoughts?