Various users of this Web site have openly questioned other users about their identities.

This kind of public criticism ought to stop. 

It is a commonly accepted practice with e-mail and the Internet to go by whatever name you so choose, even if it is not your legal name. If a user of this Web site would like to go by Fat Albert or Kathy Ghost Hunter, for examples, those names are fine. If you would rather go by your legal name or a name that you go by when you are not online, as I do, I would encourage that, as well.

But each user may choose.

No user of this Web site should feel pressured or be berated for using a screen name. 

The use of a screen name is allowed for two reasons:

- One, it's fun.

- Two, some people -- usually private people who prefer to stay out of the public eye -- feel more comfortable discussing important issues in public without their name attached. It is OK to post comments online, even if the comments are controversial, with a byline that employs the use of a screen name.  

What is not OK is to post comments that violate the user agreement. If you have a question about what you may or may not post online, feel free to call me, e-mail me, or stop by the office, 109 Rice St. S.

Of course, if you choose the latter, you might have to identify yourself.