[LINK] grog gamut

[Karl Auer]

On Tue, 2010-10-05 at 15:42 +1100, Richard Chirgwin wrote:
> 1. Naming an anonymous blogger is wrong.
> The problem with this position is that it elevates the blogger's rights 
> too far above all others.

Not at all. It's an *excellent* position to start from. Rather like
"hitting someone is wrong". Sure, there are situations where it is
needed and acceptable, but they are exceptions to the rule.

There is no need to mention "bloggers" in this at all. *Anyone* who
wishes to be anonymous should be left alone in their anonymity unless
there are good and sufficient reasons to expose them.

> 2. Under some conditions, it's okay to name an anonymous blogger.
> What are the conditions, and who decides?

Nope. You need a default position. The thing you do when you are not
sure.

> 3. It's always okay to name.
> The Oz's justifications seem to be close to this position.

This is pretty obviously untenable. Leave out "bloggers" to see hpw
untenable - it would make it OK to out protected witnesses,
whistleblowers, undercover cops etc.

> My opinion is that (2) is closest to a workable ethic - but only if "who 
> decides" can be settled.

Absolutely not, for the reasons given above.

As to "who decides", you've just explained in two words why (2) is not
useful position.

>  Otherwise, it's just popularity: the unpopular 
> writer will be 'outed' with no defenders, while the popular will be 
> defended even if they're in the wrong.

It's for exactly that reason that (1) above is the right position.
Unpopular speakers need protection more than popular ones.

You are rather missing the point about outing too. There are never any
"defenders"; the attacker wins merely by attacking, and the act has no
possibility of rectification.

Regards, K.

-- 
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Karl Auer (kauer at biplane.com.au)                   +61-2-64957160 (h)
http://www.biplane.com.au/kauer/                   +61-428-957160 (mob)

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