Listics

Ross Mayfield has a thoughtful piece ("Freedom of Anonymous Speech") on the social and political consequences of John Seigenthaler, Sr.’s complaint about anonymous misrepresention in Wikipedia.  Seigenthaler, a gentleman whose motives are seemingly above reproach, suffered under the emotional weight of defamatory matter that turned up in his biography on Wikipedia.  Unfortunately, he chose to take his grievance forward in the court of public opinion rather than addressing it in civil court where justice could have been served.

Now, due to the abuse of the Wikipedia contribution process by one anonymous miscreant, the delicate balance of anonymity and attribution on the web is at risk.  I am afraid that the use put to Mr. Seigenthaler’s complaint will result in framing that will harm the "public sphere."  At this point the score seems to be Goebbels - one, Habermas - zero.

Thanks to Doc ("Identity without anonymity is like math without zero") Searls for the link.