“All commenters must use full, real names.”
That’s been an “06880” rule for over a decade.
Occasionally, readers question the identity of another commenter.
When that happens, I first see if I can find any online mention of the writer — first in Westport, then anywhere else.
Failing that, I send an email. I ask for verification that the writer is who they say they are. I won’t post the info, I tell them — but I need to know they’re legit.
If it bounces back, the comment is deleted. If it’s a real email address, I wait for a reply verifying their identity. If I don’t get one within a day, I delete the comment.
Reviewing yesterday’s comments on a story about Staples High School coaches, I found 2 email domains — attached to very strong, arguably inflammatory comments — that, my security software said, are highly risky, and often used to obscure true identities.
I gave the commenters until 6 a.m. today to confirm their identities. I have not heard back, so I deleted both comments. Responses to their comments were also deleted.
I will reinstate them, if the commenters email 06880blog@gmail.com, and prove their names are real.
I will not post their personal information, or share it with anyone. But I need to know that every commenter is who they say they are.
I want to ensure that all readers take part in a meaningful community discussion, on this — and every other — important issue.
And that when readers weigh in, everyone else can evaluate where that speaker is coming from.
Great idea and mgmt here. It may be time to have an 06880 town meeting on some of these crucial issues, yesterdays coaching one is huge. A major lifeline of a town is it’s public high school. Athletics, Art and Academics make up the three legged stool that creates the most well rounded student population and future leadership of America. if we get enough of a loud voice, maybe the town will listen.
Thanks Dan for everything you do and raising Westport to it’s highs!
thank you for your careful stewardship of the local treasure you have created – you and 06880 are great assets to the community.
Anyone who comments on a subject under a fake identity is a coward, pure and simple, and their comments don’t deserve recognition.
Well said Tom‼️🇺🇸
Tom (Feeley, not Cook)
What would it take for you to use “Touchy” instead of Tom?
Money 💰💰💰
Kids who called me that back on the block got a fat lip or a headlock flip 🔥
Hi Tom (Cook, not Feeley)
When it comes to unchallenged blanket assertions, I’m a coward. My self-esteem survived (after years of psychotherapy)
now I understand better
Well done, Dan!
Not sure why some regular commenters insist on using their Staples class year every time? Do they sign “John Doe, Staples ’70” on their check?
Mr. McCaul.I did the other day as it was relevant to the conversation. But actually, who cares?
Hi Dave (SHS ‘71),
I care. If it weren’t for Jim Calkins I’d have to put ‘71 after my name instead of ‘70.
It’s called “school spirit” Kevin. We learned it from Dan (Woog, not Katz).
Hi Kevin, I like the seeing Staples reference. I tells me something about the posters. I wish I could use my late husband’s (Tony Eastman) SHS’60 to help identify me.
If you went to Staples, (1) you are proud of such feat and (2) anybody attending Staples has a different perspective on the town than those who did nor have not.
am a fan of this “06880” column. lived in Westport 54 years and recently downsized to a condo in Norwalk–close to Wspt. and still do all my shopping there. Hope that doesn’t ban me from commenting on your reports.
Of course, Dolores. Keep commenting! Just use your real name 🙂
thank you so much, Dan
Hi Susan,
I assume you meant Woog, not Katz. I’m sure he appreciates it.
Lot of keyboard warriors out there with the goal to add nothing to the conversation but vitriol.
thanks. I ageee.
I, for one, will gladly wear the badge of “keyboard warrior,” but my definition is quite different from yours: skilled writer who cares about stuff.
Yes there can be vitriol among us, but because some prefer to exercise their right to speech via written word their words should not automatically be cast as vitriol, nor preempt what they have to say.
Aren’t those who grandstand live in front of televised public audiences the equivalent of your definition of “keyboard warriors?” I’ve seen a few.
Andrew Colabella pontificates regularly at RTM meetings, at some length. Maybe the rest of us can occasionally get a word in edgewise? If that’s okay with him?
The actual definition is: a person who makes abusive or aggressive posts on the internet, typically one who conceals their true identity.
That is not you, even if you want to recreate the definition.
You write with energy and passion with a real name to an identity. And whether we disagree or not, I welcome it, and love it honestly. That’s good governance and democracy at work.
The grandstanding, repeating what others have said because they have not said it…not I. I look to add, a different perspective or view, like you.
If I could just get my Dad and brother to use a fake name occasionally. 🙄
Hi Ev- any suggestions for fake names??
Can I use Dad, Grandpa, doc, sir (based on age, not royalty)and GPS (grandpa Steve) or are these not fake enough!!
Dad
How bout Frank N ?
Don’t say on line what you wouldn’t say to someones face
Well done.
Your approach is thoughtful and well designed. Keep it up.
Hi Dan
I think we all remember why you instituted your 06880DanWoog.com rules on name and email.
The level of nastiness and incivility were unacceptable. Including outright lies and character assassination. Things were said while hiding behind anonymity that were nasty and untrue because there was no accountability.
Now, with your rules- I may not agree with someone’s opinion but as long as we are looking at the same set of facts- everyone is entitled to their opinion. Now Your blog posters have to play by your rules and put their name on what they have to say.
Thank you for maintaining your standards!!
Originally the blog was anonymous or fake name commentators. It was a lively chat especially since Obama was in office. Then Professor Woog changed it to the mandate of actual emails and real folks. It went sour for a while with virtual physical attacks threatened. Then it settled to what it is now whereby the Professor can merely delete unsavory comments. My wife’s godson was visiting from Montreal and made a comment. The good Professor traced it to my computer, checked GFS yearbooks for his graduating year of ’82 and basically did a FBI check on him. A tad much but then again, we do need protection from the internet terrorists in or about town (sic).
As a postscript, I will add that there is nothing in the CT statutes or especially the lenient federal law which prohibits using a fake name on a blog unless fraud is involved. Matter of fact, our Founding Fathers used fake names all the time when arguing amidst themselves via newspapers. Hardly cowards or traitors.
Hi Scooter-
Thanks for sharing your opinion on which is to be preferred- anonymous or signed posting. And which you prefer- what you call lively discussion versus what I call nasty vilification.
If we live in America- the home of the free and the brave- My opinion is if anyone has something important to say they should be willing to back it up by letting us know who they are.
It is Professor Woog’s blog and Dan gets to set the rules.
Just my opinion.
(Parent of SH83 SH86 SH 89 SH92 SH98)
Your supposition is incorrect.I have no opinion either way. I am just stating the history of the website of which I have supported financially and contributing articles over the past decade. I will clarify that 06880 Inc. is a CT corporation with a Board of Directors. It is not Professor Woog’s blog and he is merely the “executive editor.” Also, the 06880 Inc. blog has received non-profit status from the IRS and therefore lives, in part, by their rules and well as state/federal statutory guidelines.
Scooter. Respectfully, bullshit.
I can say that, because I have the balls to use my own name.
This is Dan’s site and he is absolutely free to set the rules for participation. Sorry your “wife’s godson” got busted.
Dan’s site is not exempted from his own rules just because some people would rather hide behind anonymity when they comment. The rest of your nonsense is just a distraction because, well, you are incorrect.
If you were actually able to read my above comments, you would understand (1) I do not advocate anonymous or fake commentaries; (2) Professor Woog does not own the blog, he reports to a Board of Directors as well as regulated by the IRS in his non-profit status. I do find his exhaustive explanation of how he tracks down these “fakers” rather comedic as exampled by “busting” a Canadian student visiting my home who wanted to make a comment under a legitimate email and name. BTW: profanity, kind sir, is against the rules.
Boys!!! Boys!!!! Can’t we all get along.
Move this to 2525 (where their BOD has a sense of humor).
And I find your continued flaunting of the rules by referring to yourself as “Scooter” instead of using your actual name with each post, to be an odd cross between childish and passive aggressive. How many seconds would it take to completely fill in that information. Is that too much work for you?
I’m sure if Dan has a problem with what I say, he will address it himself. I don’t think he is relying on someone like you to police the board for him.
The people who go on about freedumb are the first people who complain about everyone else who mind their own business.
Mr. Grimm: Considering that you completely misread my comments on anonymous and/or fake commentators to this blog and then were in the complete dark about who owns the blog, your intelligence is suspect. Now, as most children do when they are mistaken, they try to attack. Please free to contact Professor Woog on my use of “Scooter.” Your concluding generality makes no sense unless you are a MAGA? I spent two tours in Vietnam protecting my freedoms and please do not make light of it by your abashed reference.
Scooter,
Your Delta Tau Chi name is:
“Pie”
Scooter Pie.
Get it?
Chris,
Your Delta Tau Chi name is:
Grimm (and Barrett)
FOOD FIGHT!!!!!
“You shall know the Truth and it shall set you free.”
*Biblical phrase etched into the marble floor at CIA HQ
What freedoms did you secure for yourself in Vietnam? Seems they are doing quite well without American interference.