Studies show that "real-name" policies do more harm than good online. Our system creates accountability through persistent pseudonymity. You don't have to use your real name, but your trust level is tied to your identity, which, so far, we have seen people put effort into cultivating!

The vast majority of people act in good faith, and want to have an open and honest discussion; it's the bad actors who drag the entire community down and make moderation necessary. To keep the community free of their threats, spam, etc., we ask everyone to pitch in! We think it's a fair cost of participation.