http://www.hiddenlakeacademy.com/
The first link,
Explanation of the petition, appears to be the same document which
started this thread.
Here's the
second proffering from that menu of links:
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Statement about anonymous blog sites in general.Anonymity has its place. It safeguards privacy and security. We value it in the voting booth. It is a necessary tool for the protection of journalistic sources, corporate "whistleblowers", as well as confidential criminal informants. Anonymity is an invaluable and treasured privilege in a free society. However, as is often the case with privilege, the inscrutability and secrecy which accompany anonymity are often abused by those who would claim this treasured tool of freedom and democracy for selfish, deceitful, and malicious ends.
Today, most reputable print periodicals have very strict policies regarding the publication of anonymous submissions. In addition, many online sources have adopted similar standards for anonymous posts. These standards include, but are definitely not limited to, factual verification, exclusion of slanderous and libelous content, as well as threatening, taunting, and/or unsubstantiated, ungrounded rumor and innuendo. These standards secure the reputation of the publication or website. In addition, they secure the value of the first amendment and protect it from the abuse of cowards who would hide behind the wall of anonymity in order to attack others with vile, untrue, and defamatory diatribes.
Unfortunately, there are forums on which craven individuals find a soapbox with a shroud. These sites and publications glorify the maliciousness and spinelessness of their contributors. They give the pathetic anger and destructive deceit of faceless cowards a medium of expression. They provide a veil of respectability to the ravings of those who would camouflage their identity in order to escape the consequences of real scrutiny regarding their honor and integrity. Indeed, these forums, many times, shelter and promote dishonor and fabrication. Because the written word has power, far too many citizens believe that, if it is written and posted or published, it must hold some intrinsic value. If the medium presents anonymously written articles or posts, it must be examined for the veracity of these items.
There are a few blatant flags which indicate a dubious source. If a reader encounters profanity in an anonymous submission, there should be no continued consideration of its contextual value. Reputable sources rarely use obscene language to communicate. If the piece attacks without supporting facts, it is most probably unsubstantiated opinion and should be accepted as such. If a reader is confronted by an anonymous writer threatening and/or reveling in the hardship of an individual or organization, the message should be discounted as useless and detrimental.
Anonymous propaganda and malicious, opinionated material must be recognized as such. Unfortunately, there are forums which pay no mind to standards, and in a free society the freedom of both the reputable and the reprehensible is guaranteed. Thus, readers in search of truth and integrity must consider the source and the forum. Further, if they wish to be truly informed, they must be carefully and considerately dubious regarding any written material for which no credit is taken by its author. Anonymity must not be accepted as a shield for maliciousness and mendacity.
Foy Tootle, Teacher, Ridge Creek School
