anonymous commenting

My father once told me that in a free society, you say what you want to say and then sign your name to it. That's why I've always used my real name, always, in Internet commentary. That's the reality of accountability. It's no coincidence, meanwhile, that usually my anonymous commenters are the most nakedly establishmentarian or tribalist, constantly dinging me for not being a member of the Cool Kid Crew, not being a pro blogger, violating the "consensus," and all the usual attempts at disqualifying me that I've experienced for the last five years. At the same time, I am somewhat disturbed by the requirement for people to create accounts or identities online that might track them or whatever, and my general policy is just to let any non-spam comment stay.

So here's my compromise: anonymous comments won't be blocked or deleted, and other readers or commenters are free to read them and engage or whatever. For myself, this will be my personal policy towards them, as well as the perfect visualization of my attitude towards those who get on me for not being well-behaved, deferential towards power and influence, or apologetic:

Update: Psuedonyms are fine, but please pick one and stick to it. Even if you're just telling me how much of an asshole I am each time you post.