[Vision2020] Open debate

[Melynda Huskey]

I'm interested, and maybe a little puzzled, to see that a number of recent 
Vision 2020 members use pseudonyms, and that at least three of them state 
that they do so out of fear that they might suffer some ill consequence from 
owning their opinions publically.  Now, in the case of "Stigmatta X," that 
claim seemed a trifle disingenuous, since he gloated that he was expressing 
painfully rude opinions to people who might withdraw their business from him 
if they knew who he was.  But perhaps others, like "R2Privacy," might be 
willing to share what their fears are?

I confess that I don't think of Vision 2020 as a particularly powerful venue 
in itself; I'd bet that most people in town don't even know it exists.  And 
while a wide range of opinions are expressed here, I've yet to see much 
social consequence for their expression.  And while each of us no doubt has 
favorite contributors, and those we dread, or pity, or mock, no one "rules" 
the board.   Of course, better writers have a significant advantage over the 
rest of us--but how many of us are willing to change our pet opinions 
because someone else's are expressed so beautifully, or even have 
higher-quality facts to back them up?

So what exactly is it that people fear about sharing their ideas in their 
own person on the list?  Am I missing something important?

Melynda Huskey