Fernandina Observer announces policy change

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

Co-Editor

January 5, 2014 1:00 a.m.

Those of us involved with the Fernandina Observer have discussed eliminating anonymous comments since the fall of 2014. We believe a new year is a good time for a change. As of January 5, we will no longer accept anonymous comments.* We simply want commenters to take ownership of their message.

Our comment policy encourages discussion that is not mean spirited and adds value to the conversation. Most of the  comments offered did just that until we faced a contentious 2014 election for city commission and the recent fire department “turmoil.”

We were accused of editing or avoiding comments that favored one candidate over another or one position over another. This was not the case. Yes, there were times we did not post comments, or if a comment had merit, we removed what we considered to be mean spirited. Often, the poster was contacted to explain the removal. The vast majority of times, the posters thanked us, clearly regretting their comment.

The Fernandina Observer is not alone with its decision to eliminate anonymous posts. In 2013, the Huffington Post, announced it would end anonymous posting, and used a memorable scene from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird to explain its rationale for changing its policy.

Scout and Jem stand by their father, Attorney Atticus Finch, as an angry white mob intent on vigilante justice appears at a jailhouse where an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, is being held. (Click to view movie clip.)

Young Scout recognizes in the mob the father of one of her classmates and begins to speak; “Hey Mr. Cunningham!” The cordial but brief conversation between Scout and Mr. Cunningham ends with Mr. Cunningham dispersing the angry mob.

According to the Huffington Post, “ Lee's basic claim is this: We are capable of doing far worse things to one another when we do not have to own up to the things we do. The mob grants its members the gift of anonymity, but after Scout outs Mr. Cunningham, there ceases to be a "mob" in any real sense; there is just Mr. Cunningham, and associates. And when some kind of identity is attached to their group, the plans of that group carry a good deal more weight.”

Your comments are important to us. You correct our mistakes, add opposing views, and bring up thoughtful questions. As we begin this new year, we encourage individuals previously anonymous, to let us know who you are. We believe eliminating anonymous comments is the right thing to do, and we hope you agree.

* We like a suggestion made by one of our readers!  During this week, we will allow those who have remained anonymous to anonymously respond to our policy change.