“Real Names” Policies Are an Abuse of Power
I didn't quite get the need for anonymity until I was at SXSW and watched danah's opening talk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl0VANhnvxk) and talked to her a bit more about it afterward.I realized how incredibly privileged and rare my situation is that I can live my life fairly openly online with little fear of repercussion.- As a heterosexual no one questions my sexual orientation online, or will harass me for it. Photos of me with a significant other won't cause an issue with anyone.- I don't have, nor have I ever had an abusive relationship in which I must distance myself from someone.- I'm fortunate enough to live in a country that (generally) allows me to do whatever online and I don't need to fear for my life. I am also a native born citizen here and don't have any immigration issues to deal with.- I don't fear for my job because of what I say online (my work situation is very understanding and isn't nosy). Of course, not everyone works in technology.- I have no children to protect- I also feel that I understand the internet rather well and generally have a feeling for the direct repercussions of something that I do.These (and many other things) aren't true for everyone. I felt silly for not realizing it beforehand, partially because danah had hung out at my house at hackathons and such even, and I just didn't get it until her presentation.