POLL: Should We Remove Anonymous Comments Option?

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We’re considering making a few changes to our Comments section, and wanted to see what you all think before we make our final decision. Read on for further info and a poll…

 

 

As many of you may have noticed, our readership continues to grow and the Comments section of our blog has become even more active than before. That’s great news, of course, and we’re really glad to see that everyone is enjoying the articles we post and that they’re generating so much discussion amongst you all. The blog has sure come a long way over the past few years.

 

Well, along with that growth come the inevitable growing pains, and that’s where we’d like your input.

 

Ever since we first fired up the converters on Star Wars Episode VII News, our Comments section has featured an option to post anonymously. We’ve always felt that this keeps the blog more accessible to new readers, and we obviously want as much reader participation as possible. That’s a big part of what makes this site so much fun.

 

Lately, however, we’ve been noticing a tendency for more and more posters to use the “Anonymous” option as cover for abusive or otherwise unacceptable posts. This wasn’t as much of a problem earlier on when there were fewer posts for us to moderate, but as the blog continues to grow and attract more readers this sort of behavior becomes more and more of an issue – not only for those of us on the staff, but also for a lot of you who end up getting caught up in these negative comment threads.

 

Therefore, we are currently giving serious thought to the idea of eliminating the “Anonymous” option altogether. But again, we want to hear your opinions on this and take them into account as we make our decision. There are, of course, valid points to be made both for and against such a change.

 

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Keep in mind that we’re working on the option to comment with your Cantina account, and the Social Accounts (Facebook, G+, Twitter and Word Press) will always be available (as they are now).

 

 

What do you think? Please cast your vote in the form below:

 

 

 

 

 

We understand that this may generate some honest disagreement, and we’d just ask that as you post your comments below, you all be as respectful as you possibly can.

 

As always, thank you all for your input. We’ve all developed a great little community here, and our goal as staff members is to make sure that the experience continues to be as enjoyable as possible for everyone. (And the fun REALLY begins a little over 5 months from now on December 18th!!)

 

+ posts

186 thoughts on “POLL: Should We Remove Anonymous Comments Option?

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm
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    1st

    • July 16, 2015 at 12:55 am
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      Sounds like a good idea…

      But what we really need to get rid of is the people who bash the prequels and verbally abuse the fans of these three films.

      • July 16, 2015 at 1:36 am
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        I do not share your appraisal of the the prequel situation…

        • July 16, 2015 at 1:38 am
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          Are you suggesting Anti-Prequel-Censorship????

          • July 16, 2015 at 3:02 am
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            nothing wrong with voicing your opinions, but most of the time the OT vs the PT has nothing to do with the topic and people just rant on and on

          • July 16, 2015 at 4:43 am
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            Yeah, that argument has been repeated and repeated so many times. Add to that the practical effects marketing ploy whinging.

            I often read through the comments to get unique takes on the articles and to search for info, but that stuff has really been getting in the way lately and getting me down.

            Although, it will definitely reduce participation.

        • July 16, 2015 at 8:09 am
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          The prequels served their purpose: telling the story. I liked them along with millions of others. Anyway, what difference will keeping or eliminating the anonymous feature? People who want to hide their identity will just use a fake name.

      • July 16, 2015 at 5:46 am
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        We should ban people who have different opinions than us! #Logic.

        • July 16, 2015 at 1:51 pm
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          I think the emphasis was more on banning people not due to different opinions, but those to denounce or otherwise put down others because of that different opinion. That often happens with prequel bashers — it’s not just about the PT, it’s personal to them for some moronic reason.

          • July 16, 2015 at 4:30 pm
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            Lol… We call you JarJar and you get nervous. Call me Chewbacca or any other name from the OT and I will be pleased.

            You see, your problem is not us, but those prequels.

      • July 16, 2015 at 4:49 pm
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        Hear, hear!

      • July 16, 2015 at 7:18 pm
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        Actually there should be much more of that!

      • July 18, 2015 at 6:04 am
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        “We need to get rid of these opinions I don’t like.”

        That’s always what removing anonymous posting boils down to. How sensitive are you if someone disliking poorly made movies triggers you?

    • July 16, 2015 at 5:22 am
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      To hell with these anon-nazis

    • July 16, 2015 at 7:32 am
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      Just more Hydra like tracking. Lets provide the world with all our information so they can make a profit of it. Seriously?

      • July 16, 2015 at 12:20 pm
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        “Echochamber.js is a third-party script you can install to add a simple comment form to your blog post or website.

        why not just use disqus?

        Because then there’d be a chance that someone would read the comments. You might have to read those comments. You don’t want that.”

    • July 16, 2015 at 6:35 pm
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      OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:16 pm
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    Waste of a post.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:17 pm
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    It’s not like it even matters, even if someone says something abusive. Just because you know their name, you still can’t do anything about it.

    • July 15, 2015 at 9:29 pm
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      They can ban the users if they know who they are.

      • July 15, 2015 at 11:26 pm
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        Not true. The mods already know all our IPs, anonymous or not.

        • July 16, 2015 at 5:53 am
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          It’s true.

    • July 15, 2015 at 9:32 pm
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      You suck

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:22 pm
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    I hate people that are Anonymous.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:22 pm
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    Just use Disqus. Seriously.

    • July 15, 2015 at 11:35 pm
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      Yes, please use Disqus and not Facebook. I use Disqus in serveral places and it seems to always have functioned well, and seems to be well managed regarding moderate/aggressive abuse. As a middle aged man I don’t have a use for FaceBook (no offense to those that do,) and the FaceBook “reply” method seems to make conversations a total mess. Great site here, and thanks for all the work you do.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:27 pm
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    One does not remove Anonymous…

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:29 pm
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    I absolutely think anonymous posting should be blocked! No more random racists & trolls.

    • July 16, 2015 at 12:10 am
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      Not all, but yes, some are

    • July 18, 2015 at 4:31 am
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      Names can be made up multitudes of times and is just as anonymous. Trolls and racists have names and some anonymous posters just don’t take the time to type names, being Anonymous doesn’t make one bad, but shutting off the comments completely would be brave.

      • July 18, 2015 at 4:40 am
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        Just remember Viral and crew are all under forms of anonymous tags, ya dig!

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:31 pm
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    Leaving a second, more detailed post. The comments section on this site is the weakest part of the site. I’ll say it again and again. Use Disqus. It’s one of the most used comments app on the net. The comments here are just a mess.

    • July 16, 2015 at 5:47 am
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      Please go to disqus.

    • July 17, 2015 at 12:52 am
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      Good idea. It makes it a lot easier to keep track of conversations, especially when there are hundreds of comments.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:33 pm
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    People do abuse the system, but I’m sure they could just tap a random letter in as a name without it slowing down the vitriol. You’ll just have a load of meaningless letter posts instead of Anonymous posts. Call me OCD, but I think it’s neater this way.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:39 pm
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    Anonymous is in fact an IP address which you probably track anyway on this website. If you want to store more information, then you have the legal obligation to add a disclaimer about storing/sharing user information and let everybody know what kind of information are you storing. Follow the Data Protection act guidelines, handling personal information is not an easy matter.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:41 pm
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    I just made a poopy!

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:48 pm
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    Absolutely yes

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:50 pm
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    Dear DEKKA129, I appreciate your service. It is shameful of us , reader to bother you to revise the format . Still if possible, I would like you to keep the format intact.

  • July 15, 2015 at 9:56 pm
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    I typically type in the name I use for my Cantina account as I have had issue linking other accounts in the comments. In doing this, however, I have encountered the issue of another user claiming to be me in their comment to make it appear as if I was the one to say something trollish. This is worse than the Anonymous option IMO. We definitely need to eliminate the name only option even if Anonymous is not eliminated.

    • July 15, 2015 at 10:10 pm
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      That’s awful! I hadn’t considered impersonators. If, as above, they manage to implement a Cantina login, that would help with such issues infinitely. 100% behind you here.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:05 pm
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    We can ban anonymous members as well. I have banned hundreds of users already. Believe me, this number is accurate. 🙂

    • July 15, 2015 at 11:30 pm
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      Look who’s POP-PU-LAR!!! xD

    • July 16, 2015 at 8:19 pm
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      Then why ban all anonymous posters when you can ban just the troublemakers?

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:07 pm
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    I’m not anonimous because im trying to hide myself or something, it just takes me too much to fill up the name space underneath

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:15 pm
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    I enter my same cantina and disqus username here to comment. I stopped reading anonymous comments a long time ago due to their abusive, immature and confrontational nature. Fair or not, if I see “anonymous” I figure they’re either 12 year olds or too lazy to type their name so I skip over them.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:15 pm
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    Just like some people said already: I’m just anonymous because I don’t wanna fill in the form. I might just post less if you take it away but that’s all. ^^ I understand the reasons.

    • July 15, 2015 at 10:18 pm
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      BTW: I think there are just as many abusive comments by people who show their name. Genereally I feel there are relatively few here.

      • July 15, 2015 at 10:22 pm
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        Yeah, the people using other fake names seem just as bad anyway. It’s sort of the peril of having a comments section in a sea full of trolls. And sadly they’ll always find a way.

      • July 15, 2015 at 11:44 pm
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        yea remember dude in a hat lol

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:25 pm
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    I wish other websites actually cared about their comment section as much as you do. Look what happened to Dark Horizons, it used to be a good alternative to the idiocy of AICN’s Talkback, now it’s the same guy with 20 sock puppets just trying to get attention, so I get where S7News is coming from. I’m all for quality control.

    • July 16, 2015 at 1:11 am
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      AICN talkback section is some funny shit, unless you belong to the Politically Correct crowd or are one of them diversity cops, then I would suggest you not ever think about leaving home, you might be offended by what happens outside that front door

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:38 pm
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    Yeah, the trolling around here is bordering on ridiculous. Let’s see how brave people are when they have to take responsibility for their own words.

    This site has done a fantastic job covering news for this film. I read a great article and then, by the time I get through the comments section, I feel like my I.Q. has dropped 20 points!

    Let the trolls find somewhere else to hang out. I’m only interested in what real fans have to say.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:40 pm
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    Leave it as is. You get inappropriate comments regardless of whether or not someone types in a specific name or uses Anonymous.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:42 pm
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    Name only may not stop the vitriolic comments but at least it is a proactive step to get rid of racists, fools and trolls. Nothing is foolproof but this is certainly worth a try…in my opinion.

      • July 18, 2015 at 4:48 am
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        Comments should be disabled, and Forums remain I think life would be better for all and a lesson learned on all sides, the Cantina with all it has to fill out and join would alleviate many problems.

      • July 18, 2015 at 4:50 am
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        What is your name Viral Hide?

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:47 pm
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    Hopefully last post as Anonymous.
    To be honest, at some point, you grow big enough that it will attract trolls and other unfulfilled individuals. You guys are great site, keep it friendly and inviting with comment section. If you let it be as it is, things will go worse as time will pass.

    Just my opinion.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:47 pm
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    Is it not possible to try and build a plugin for WordPress which will let people login with their Cantina accounts to comment with? Would be pretty neat.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:54 pm
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    I’m of a mind that it should be left as it is.
    Judging by many other sites, on varying subjects, is doesn’t seem to make much of a difference whether comments are anonymous or not. Trolls and abusers will continue to post regardless.
    What matters is that you guys are vigilant and remove/ban these guys from further participation on starwars7.news.

  • July 15, 2015 at 10:56 pm
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    How about a moderator system where anonymous posts need to be approved before being shown?

    • July 15, 2015 at 11:10 pm
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      That’s a good idea.

    • July 16, 2015 at 12:35 am
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      That’s great idea, but in the last few days we had several articles each with more than 200 comments. We don’t have the time to approve that amount of comments.

      • July 16, 2015 at 3:33 pm
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        Maybe somebody could help you out.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:12 pm
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    I think the current system works fine for the most part.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:15 pm
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    I don’t see the use with removing the Anon commenting. I think it’d make it a useless extra pain in the arse to post comments here with these annoying logging processes.

    Also, Big Brotha!

    Thanks for probing visitors about your upcoming choice, and I hope my opinion will be counted.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:22 pm
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    I only use anonymous because typing my name takes too long

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:25 pm
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    The people who are abusing should be forced to reveal themselves via a login. If they are so concerned about being pieces of shit anonymously, they can make a fake account to remain so.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:33 pm
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    ^ Ummm, can somebody get on this?

    Please…? ^_-

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:33 pm
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    Thanks to to all staff members who decided to ask our opinion about the referred issue!
    If people are not being respectful when they are anonymous (I see it too), it’s right to turn off this option.

    Just like Sidious would say (and I love him):
    It’s a necessary loss.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:40 pm
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    Yes, please go to Disqus if you do change it.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:44 pm
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    You should take the most cheapest and easiest step like others have said above. Pre-screen comments before they go live and allow anonymous commentors to continue. Some people feel more relaxed and at ease posting like this and the vast majority are good. Some people believe it or not don`t not use social media either, so they could be brick walled over night even though they are nice, if requested to login with other accounts. Can you not employ a few more moderators ?

    How would you stop these people changing their ip address and coming back ? e.g using a friends or public computers with different ips continuously switching. These people could use vpns are multiple vpns to post arrive back and post comments.

    If you require them to login with facebook , or other social media accounts or something linking them to a traceable account. Then they could fake their account. Put random photos on it to appear genuine, or use multiple aliases. Facebook allows .onion ?

    I don`t think its possible they could use deep web/.onion services to arrive here.

    Some of your most loyal followers with principles may raise some eyebrows and start thinking about possible violations of freedom of speech. Only allowing opinions that mirror yours and everything else is therefore invalid if it doesn`t reflect my own thinking.

    • July 16, 2015 at 12:23 am
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      The problem with us setting up a thing where we pre-screen and approve each Anonymous comment is that it would just take way too much time. We all work day jobs and approving all of the Anonymous comments one by one wouldn’t leave us much time for anything else.

      I hear you, and it’s something that the staff has discussed amongst ourselves before, but it would just end up being a logistical nightmare.

      As for the “freedom of speech” thing, I tend to be of the “live and let live” mindset for the most part, but anyone who runs their own site has the right to nuke content that they feel is inappropriate. I can tell you that our staff refrains from deleting comments here and posts in the Cantina whenever possible. It’s not like we’re prowling around looking for people to silence – far from it. But, when somebody is blatantly posting bigotry or is just plain trying to start a fight with somebody, that’s generally when we step in.

      I think you’d probably agree that freedom of speech doesn’t include allowing somebody to come into your home and smear feces all over the walls, right? ;^)

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:45 pm
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    I like the anonymous option. Even if it is abused now and then (people post garbage with named accounts or fake accounts anyway) you will get people posting that wouldn’t normally post on topics or visit the site in general. Not everyone wants to be named in the “community” or build up a positive or negative reputation. Some people even stick around the site just because of the ability to anonymously post when feeling the need to post and not have to be a part of the community in name or handle. Basically, you could lose the more casual fanbase that visits the site and enjoys the option to comment only once in a while. Taking away this option could end up in visitors bypassing this site entirely and move to venues where all current information is just re-posted and shared such as reddit.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:47 pm
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    yea i think there should be a word limit too. im tired of seeing huge never ending comments.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:56 pm
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    I can log into my Cantina account, but then I go to comment it never allows me too. post as WookieeMonster

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:57 pm
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    I use anonymous because I want to! Freedom of speech! People don’t need my name. They don’t even know me. If I have something to say I should be able to say it. I, myself have not put anything on that is deemed abusive. I just choose to comment anonymously and move on my merry way. People shouldn’t have to be forced to explain themselves. Joining conversation and commenting is one thing but being forced to present a name is BS! Leave it alone!!!

    • July 16, 2015 at 3:01 am
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      There’s no such thing as ‘freedom of speech’ online. You’re governed by your local laws, and most places have anti online harassment legislation if not anti hatespeech.

      Above all else, you are a guest at this site and they make the rules.

      You’ll also find that places of business, schools, government buildings, restaurants etc don’t care much for your free speech if you’re being a nuisance.

  • July 15, 2015 at 11:58 pm
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    Disqus for me..you can ban people if need be

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:04 am
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    What’s the point? Just change ip and use another name.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:04 am
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    Just removing anonymous does not mean the abusive language will stop. Just look at the IMDB boards. Anyone can make up a fake account and be abusive.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:12 am
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    If the anonymous feature is removed, will there still be the option to put a random name?

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:16 am
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    Isn’t there a better way to reduce/eliminate abusive comments? I feel that removing the anonymous option would make this comment section feel more exclusive.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:30 am
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    No

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:31 am
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    Yes

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:31 am
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    you should be using disqus…

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:39 am
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    Voted to get rid but meant to vote to keep. Darn my fat fingers.
    Anyway take 0.3% away from the yes vote please.
    Also. I voted anonymously!

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:42 am
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    As long as I don’t have to use facebook or other social media sites to log in, I’m fine with getting rid of the “Anonymous” option. I like the SHH way where you can enter a random name with your email but can’t vote on comments unless you are logged in to the site.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:44 am
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    The big question is, will all the people who voted against the Anonymous option come back and comment with their social account or the guest option – name + e-mail? 🙂

    • July 16, 2015 at 3:12 am
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      Its gonna be amusing looking at some traffic monitoring sites that gather stats on visits, if you implement this. Whats that business word that they all use ? competitors. Yes that`s it competitors. Maybe they`ll wave to you from the other side posting anonymously for the same stuff.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:50 am
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    What if your name is Anonymous?

    • July 16, 2015 at 3:13 am
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      That`s what edward snowdens child would be called.

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:52 am
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    Disqus or Facebook would be fine with me.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:02 am
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    I post here because I do not have to log in anywhere and it’s fun. As I have zero trust in internet privacy anyway I won’t post here anymore if I have to leave more personal data then the ip address. But I do understand the need to get rid of the racict trolls and weirdos.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:08 am
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    Disqus demands too much personal information. The very fact that this site has thankfully refused to use it is a major reason why I choose to post here.

    • July 16, 2015 at 6:36 pm
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      Disqus asks for an email. That’s it.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:11 am
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    Switch to Disqus

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:13 am
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    The most accurate post in this comment section.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:19 am
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    More than the abuse, it just makes discussions very hard to follow when everyone is “Anonymous”.

    Also, it might help reduce abuse when someone has to register and can be blocked or muted etc.

    • July 16, 2015 at 1:31 am
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      Yep, that’s a big part of it too, David. A million and six posters all named “Anonymous”? Oyyyyy…

      • July 16, 2015 at 7:44 am
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        Well, get rid of the Anonymous function and keep the name only function for a start.

    • July 16, 2015 at 3:05 am
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      I don’t understand how it’s difficult to follow. You read the response and click reply.

      Unless you’re talking about two usernames who like to bicker with each other all the time. I find that’s often the case without anonymous comments.

      • July 16, 2015 at 3:19 am
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        From my experience, names just get in the way.

        If two people don’t get off on the right foot, one of them is bound to never take the other person seriously.

        Conversely some people get undue praise for stating the obvious.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:29 am
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    As the poll requires registration doesn’t this greatly slant the results?

    • July 16, 2015 at 4:04 am
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      You CAN choose to use the poll anonymously, actually. There is an option at the bottom of the sign-in list.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:31 am
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    I have always used my real name, making a name up, anonymous or otherwise, makes no sense really. I have always been pro free speech and even more so at this time considering the sinister changes that are being bestowed upon us throughout the world. Free speech is a Right as layed down by the forefathers, cemented into your amendments and constitutions, it is not a privilege. People should be able to say want they want as this is Free Speech! If you don’t like what someone says, don’t read or listen. Ideally, a difference in opinion is great and healthy for debate. We can not loose this as a Right! The internet has definitely opened things up for people whom a naturally angry, it wouldn’t matter what it’s over really, it’s everywhere! Yes! Many comments on here are tiresome and wasted space so I would suggest the following for everyone. Who’s the fool? The fool or the fool that follows? Have an opinion, share your thoughts, your idea’s, but refrain from reacting if you don’t agree! I mean what’s the point, it makes no sense! What is worse? A negative comment or a reaction to a negative comment? ignore the negatively if you don’t agree and you will find that the negative will just fade away. Feed it and it will return over n over, on in on. Do you really want these people’s comments to make your day? Your certainly making theirs. So to conclude my opinion at this time. Let people say want they want! Who care’s right? Think twice about how you react to someone’s opinion though. I believe this is the only way change,difference or a solution can be found..peace out..

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:40 am
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    First of all….. this whole post is a waste of bits… second of all… oh nevermind…. sigh

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:41 am
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    I have to say that while I agree with taking away the anonymous comments. I also think that there is no permanent solution to such a problem. But I do believe that doing so would help cut back and such issues. Most people who troll do so because they think they can not be seen. Which I personally find hilarious such it is so easy to tell when someone is doing such based on their IP address. I know so people know how to mask such things, but most trolls are not smart enough to figure out such means.

    Also I do like the idea of being able to post from your cantina account. I trust the people running this site with the utmost confidence in their decisions.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:43 am
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    Also I am very tired and quite delirious right now. So please excuse my sloppy writing.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:46 am
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    Talk about being off topic. This long seemingly endless whiny post has nothing at all to do with the topic at hand.
    In my experience there are just as many negative comments from users with names

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:50 am
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    Having an opinion that differs from someone else is not a troll, or racist – it really is a shame no one can have a debate or discusion without getting their knickers in a twist. And then it comes to this – ban Anonymous posters or not. So much for freedom of speech and the rght to post quickly, and anonymously.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:58 am
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    *have given

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:00 am
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    I enjoy this site primarily because it has an Anonymous feature. That other site, I never post at because they don’t have an Anonymous feature. If they did, I’d probably post there more because they seem to have the inside scoop quicker than this site does, and I enjoy the group that does the podcast.
    Being Anonymous is great, it’s freedom, it’s convenient. Like some other people have mentioned, I’m not interested in establishing a name for myself under a specific username. This isn’t that type of site. This site serves as just news. I go to a different website for the Spoiler Forums. Just keep bringing us Star Wars News. Nobody comes here to read the comments.
    If you do get rid of the Anonymous feature, obviously the Comments will be a lot fewer, and a lot less diverse.
    All the Anonymous people will just flock to a different Star Wars news site that does allow Anonymous comments. Personally, I think you should keep the Anonymous feature active. You’re pretty much shunning thousands of people from having the opportunity to post a comment on a whim. Trust me, there’s only gonna be a tenth of the people who’ll actually register a username for this site. Your advantage right now over the other News sites is that you allow Anonymous comments. You need all the traffic you can get. Gotta make that money, man.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:08 am
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    Put a name to it.
    I always take it more seriously,and I find
    I recognise the names and get to know where they stand as fans.
    Last week was crazy in here, some of the shit that was written had nothing to do with star wars,I just didn’t want to be a part of it,going from here to the cantina was like a relief
    I would prefer it if the same threads were automatically posted in the cantina.
    What ever happened to ‘jabbathebutt’ anyway?
    Lol,I think names encourage a more positive post.
    I’ve never posted as anonymous and I never will.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:25 am
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    I’ve even using this site exclusively for Star Wars news for the past two years, and the comments section has gone downhill for sure. It’s almost not even worth reading through anymore. Every time I read them
    I find myself sifting through childish arguments over bullshit and straight troll posts. And on top of that they feel the news to make these posts 3-4-5 paragraphs long. It’s ridiculous.

    @DEKKA129 I’m really glad you’re addressing this because to be honest, all the bitching, crying, arguing, and trolling probably turns people off to joining The Cantina. If the comments on the main page are this dumb, what would make them think the forum is any better? I know I’m not a well known user of the board, I lurk more than I post, but I do certainly consider myself a part of this community. And right now the main page discussions make this community look like ass.

    • July 16, 2015 at 2:26 am
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      Fucking auto correct. I need to learn to proof read.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:29 am
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    Well, this might be an ironic thing to say, with me being in anon and all. But i guess i just want to give my two cents on this whole thing.

    The internet is both the greatest, and worst invention humanity has ever created. On one had we’ve created an almost living being of information, that gives us both freedom, and seclusion, No longer are we faced with the realities of the real world, like bills, jobs, and other nuances.

    But this is both a freedom, and a curse. It’s a sad truth that we become who we really are online. Social norms, and rules don’t apply, at least in some places.

    Anonymous freedom breeds social collapse, that’s my my motto. It gives birth to a wretched hive of scum and villainy, and we must be cautious.

    Losers, perverts, and the general millennial jackass find a away to let out their pent up aggression, no doubt caused by years of bad upbringings, and this goddamn YOLO cultural they have shoved up their asses. And become the worst people imaginable.

    I say…get rid of it. Star wars should have a clean, a respectable fanbase, and these people should be pushed aside.

    • July 18, 2015 at 5:07 am
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      It’s going to be okay, you can breath in and out counting to yourself, while reminding yourself it is only a blog, its only a blog, its only a blog

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:36 am
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    Meh

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:36 am
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    I don’t care what you take seriously. Read what you want to read, take seriously what you want to take serious. If I want to post something anonymously here, I can. That’s the best part of this site. If I want to comment anonymously it allows me to. Other sites do not give you that “freedom” to do so. If the anonymous option is removed, I too will find a different site, I too will find a different site. I enjoy leaving a comment on a whim… Kind of like this!

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:44 am
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    Please get rid of the anonymous option

    ~anonymous

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:47 am
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    I like the anon feature. Makes it easy. I’ve seen plenty of rude comments from named posters. I like that it makes posting easy. I feel a bit nerdy to use my own social media and I always forget my log in details if I register for commenting then stop commenting. I like this sites comments – makes it a better read than making Star Wars which has less troll comments but less interesting comments. So the comments is s key differentiator – so keeping it open and easy is good for me.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:54 am
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    I believe you should remove all those anonymous phucking posters

  • July 16, 2015 at 3:19 am
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    Anonymous is just a shield for weak gutless trolls.
    I love the Prequel bashing debates if they are relevant to the article but racist fktards should have been shot on there mumma’s leg

  • July 16, 2015 at 3:20 am
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    their

  • July 16, 2015 at 3:33 am
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    Yes.

  • July 16, 2015 at 3:53 am
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    This won’t help.

    People will be abusive either way, if not Anonymously, they’ll just type in a different name.

    Personally, I’d rather listen to Anonymous’ BS than I would janet jackson’s left boob’s BS.

    • July 16, 2015 at 3:55 am
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      Therefore, I’m not voting, because not one of these options will improve anything.

      You guys make the call.

  • July 16, 2015 at 4:01 am
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    I don’t think that getting rid of it would alleviate the trolling that much. There is certainly an argument to be made for people acting differently behind a mask, but I think that the mask would still apply if you merely removed that one comment option. I think some sort of like/dislike meter that automatically reports it if it gets too low would be more effective. Too many reported comments could lead to a temporary IP ban.

  • July 16, 2015 at 4:26 am
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    I, for one, won’t be posting comments without an Anonymous option. So consider that it will reduce the overall participation.

  • July 16, 2015 at 5:13 am
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    90% of the Comments are by Anonymous users. 5% of those Anonymous users are troublemakers(racists, homophobes, terrorists, star trek fans).
    The rest of the Anonymous users are people who are fine.
    People enjoy making witty comments, but when does it cross the line? I seen people make fun of Bob Iger’s hair. I seen people make fun of George Lucas’ lack of enthusiasm. I seen people criticize that chick who’s head of Ubisoft.
    Not everyone is gonna be nice on here, but the majority of is not ban-worthy in my opinion.

  • July 16, 2015 at 5:32 am
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    One of these sites attached to my facebook account and got me in trouble. Not for saying something bad, just because I left a comment. Anyway, it almost got me fired. There is liability in all things.

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:24 am
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    Sigh. Only takes a few bad apples to spoil the whole harvest. I enjoy using the anonymous feature, it’s a shame people get into these childish battles. It’s usually MY OPINION versus YOUR OPINION on some small detail of the PT, OT, EU, etc, meh. And it’s giving the GOOD PEOPLE who use anonymous a bad name!

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:25 am
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    And really, if you can’t debate in a civil manner you shouldn’t be posting, period. Go play some video games or watch some prons, get that rage out someplace else! May the force be with you! 😀

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:52 am
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    I don’t want an account because I won’t be on here when the movie comes out. So might as well keep them.

  • July 16, 2015 at 8:19 am
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    Wow feeling a bit guilty, was in a weird mood yesterday and decided to troll on one post. Sorry :-/

    Thought it was more a ironic satire making fun of PT haters and not to be taken so seriously.

    I love the PT actually.

    It does make it easy to post without having to log and such.

  • July 16, 2015 at 8:57 am
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    I’m all for Anon posts, but I’m very interested to see how this debate plays out in the months before TFA releases, along with waves of new commentators, both good and bad.

  • July 16, 2015 at 9:04 am
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    People who don’t like the Schumacher Batman movies should be banned from Batman commentary websites, as they are not good representation of what a Batman fan should be. If they don’t like those movies, I will call them a “hater” “basher” or “troll”.

  • July 16, 2015 at 9:17 am
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    “conservative Republicans who are afraid of change and out of touch with society”

    Is that opinion? Because it appears you are presenting that as fact.

  • July 16, 2015 at 9:19 am
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    We are ANONYMOUS….We are Legion!

  • July 16, 2015 at 12:07 pm
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    When everyone is called “Anonymous” i find it difficult to keep track of who I am agreeing or disagreeing with :-/

    • July 16, 2015 at 1:01 pm
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      That hardly matters.

      • July 16, 2015 at 3:11 pm
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        of course it matters. How do I know if a certain comment was made by “anonymous” opr “Anonymous”? It makes it very difficult to debate when you aren’t sure which Anonymous has said what.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:02 pm
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    The point is people should not be allowed to censor others simply because they don’t like what they say. Just ignore comments you don’t like instead of getting worked up by them. Simple. It’s not as if anyone is actually causing anyone else any harm. If you do feel harmed however, I would suggest you have some serious mental health issues that need urgently addressing, so that you can continue to live peacefully and at ease in this diverse society.

    • July 16, 2015 at 4:45 pm
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      There has been some really bad shit thrown in some of these rabbit holes.
      Like, “white males being ushered out of existence” BS bordering on Neo-Naziism.
      This site is particularly paranoid about racism and sexism – and justifiably so.

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:32 pm
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    I cocked up my vote but I wanted to say get rid of anons. If you have something valid to contribute then sign up

  • July 16, 2015 at 1:52 pm
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    I have a baaad feeling about this.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:00 pm
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    No. The anon option should never have to be taken down only because some people post bad comments.

  • July 16, 2015 at 2:33 pm
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    Have people register using a social media account or email but allow them to give themselves a Star Wars identity. Maybe even have them choose the light or dark side etc 😉

    But then again, why? There’s something called ‘report comment’ and the ‘like’ option. Maybe the last one could be changed into some voting option:
    +3 – spot on
    +2 – informative
    +1 – on-topic
    0 – off-topic / irrelevant (default)
    -1 – unwanted
    When the overal opinion is that a comment deserves -1 it gets hidden by default.

    • July 16, 2015 at 4:48 pm
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      the problem with that is that just any a##hole can censor perfectly decent people.

      In utopia: Good Plan.

      By-the-public cencorship on the internet? – expected to be fair?? How ’bout NO?
      I’d be shut up immediately for all the wrong reasons.
      And so would you, for that matter.

  • July 16, 2015 at 3:48 pm
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    Eh no real opinion one way or the other. But if it will keep the Disney shills out then go ahead.

  • July 16, 2015 at 4:43 pm
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    God so many sad people in this world, probably the same assholes I read comments from in the swct app. Sad sad sad, I hope you all get a life, go outside and enjoy it and like really soon. I won’t look at comments anymore so I don’t give a shit what you do. I will keep reading articles though which is why I’m here to begin with so keep up that great work. To the rest of you…seriously go fuck off and get a life!

  • July 16, 2015 at 5:16 pm
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    Take the good with the bad. Don’t be a fascist.

  • July 16, 2015 at 5:18 pm
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    I was going to write a more substantial argument for why I think you should keep the anonymous feature but decided against it. I’ll just say that not everyone with an opinion to share wants to be part of a community.

  • July 16, 2015 at 6:02 pm
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    I don’t really care either way. But I don’t comment on articles much. I really like the idea of tying it to the Cantina account though. That way its members only and less likely to get inappropriate comments. And it might help increase the membership. Removing the anonymous option might help with bad comments or it might not. I don’t really know. Maybe you could make it so that you only have to pre-screen anonymous comments? People signed in get their comments posted right away.

    Maybe instead of comments, there is a link to the forum in an Articles section where the article is posted and members can comment there. I’m way more interested in the forum than a comment section anyway. Better discussion. Less likely to get spam.

  • July 16, 2015 at 6:04 pm
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    Eliminating the anonymous option wouldn’t in any way decrease the anonymity of posts because you can make up a new name each time you post with the name only option.

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:24 pm
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    Getting rid of anonymous won’t fix the problem. Moderators should be keeping people in check. Everyone has an opinion and almost never is it the same exact opinion as someone else. People saying things to be hateful should just keep their opinions themselves or ban their IP.

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:40 pm
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    One thing that I appreciate about posters with a specific handle is that I tend to read their comments more than others…When I make it to an article late in the game that has 200+ comments, I will scan the comments section for names whose opinions I have valued in the past. I think this adds to the comradery of this site – to be able to connect and converse with specific people. Obviously that aspect will remain even if the anonymous option remains as those who have used handles will continue to do so. I just wanted to point out why I prefer handles and always use one. As Hard Case, I am anonymous. My real name is Jordan. Now you know my name and my handle. But I’m still anonymous. In my opinion, the anonymous option just serves to give commentors something to hide behind to avoid heat from confrontational comments. Granted, not everyone abuses the anonymous option that uses it. But really, I don’t buy the whole “It takes too long to type my name” argument. I mean, really? If we can avoid sharing private information while at the same time having a handle that is specific to us that can be used to identify our comments, I think that is the best way to go. A simple username and password created just for this site, just like the cantina, with a “stay logged-in” option would suffice.

  • July 16, 2015 at 7:43 pm
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    I try to stop by from time to time to add to the conversation. If you delete the anonymous option, then I probably won’t be by much to contribute anything. I don’t leave comments on most sites.

  • July 16, 2015 at 8:22 pm
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    I noticed recently 2 of my posts have been deleted:
    1) when I said “1st!” in a thread.
    2) when I said “she’s kinda hot” in the thread about the head of Ubisoft.
    Well I’m sorry I caused so much controversy. 🙁
    It’s my fault, you guys. I ruined it for all of us Anonymous users.

  • July 16, 2015 at 8:34 pm
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    The member who was using the username “F%$@ John Boyega” has been banned. That’s a perfect example of what I am not going to allow here. State your opinion but be respectful. John Boyega is a humble and a great guy. I don’t know him personally but he doesn’t deserve this attitude.

  • July 16, 2015 at 9:32 pm
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    I’m 50/50 on whether the site should get rid of anonymous comments. I don’t mind putting a name but I don’t want to rely on a social network or email to comment.

  • July 16, 2015 at 10:56 pm
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    Well, the poll shows that 56% want us gone. So goodbye everybody!

  • July 17, 2015 at 12:14 am
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    Hey @Viral Hide Is there any way we can just log in once as a name and then have it stick to our ip address? I want to stay as R2D2, not me, I’m too dull. Beep.

    • July 18, 2015 at 5:16 am
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      Hey I like R2D2!!! Awesomeness!!! Thanks !!!!

  • July 18, 2015 at 1:53 pm
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    Thanks for all the input guys.

    Our plan is to remove the anonymous and the name only option. You will be able to comment with a social network account, Cantina account or as a guest (need to input name and e-mail). We’re still working on this.

    • July 18, 2015 at 8:20 pm
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      Cool. Maybe we won’t have to input this info every time we comment.

  • July 18, 2015 at 7:12 pm
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    dp

  • July 18, 2015 at 10:07 pm
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    Well, I always include a name, but if this gets changed, I’m definitely not commenting ever agin. I’m not going through the trouble to post on these articles, even if I might want to.

  • July 19, 2015 at 5:18 am
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    Define “abusive or otherwise unacceptable posts.”

    Some people find anything they disagree with as abusive or otherwise unacceptable.

  • July 19, 2015 at 5:18 am
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    The poll doesn’t allow anonymous posters to vote.

    • July 19, 2015 at 10:54 am
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      Yes it does. Click the option at the bottom once you cast your vote.

  • July 21, 2015 at 12:15 pm
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    swap to discus.

  • July 21, 2015 at 6:52 pm
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    I like the name only option. Will that stay if the anonymous option is killed?

Comments are closed.

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