the editor ever takes the suggestions and comments of the readers to heart when making decisions like this new Letters to the Editor update. (By that I am referring to the ones without the editor's choice stars next to them.)

I believe that Mary Sunshine and Smartipants' respective posts say it all. It is your site, do what ya want but don't be surprised if some of your subscribers (including me) are less than thrilled by this recent update. I make it a point never to use my full name when making blog comments, and this is no exception. I have written letters to the editor in the past in which I used my full name, but I have no intention to do so in this medium.

I am very proud of my views and feel comfortable sharing them with family and friends, but I also need to work to help support my family. While I would absolutely love to work for a progressive, liberal organization that held all the same views that I did, the hard cold reality is that there aren't so many jobs out there in my field that I can afford to be choosy, and most corporations seem to lean on the conservative side (not surprisingly, since that's who's out for their best interests).

Anyway, I wish I could just put my name out there and not be afraid or worried, but the truth of the matter is that I would not feel comfortable with it. Not because I am ashamed of my views but because it could potentially be held against me on the job front and I need my job. I need to work! Even if I couldn't get fired for what I wrote on a letter to the editor, it could still make things unpleasant for me at work, if the wrong person saw it.

I posted a letter anonymously recently in response to one of Cary's advice columns. It was chosen as an editor's choice. I had nothing to hide in my letter, nothing I wouldn't tell friends, but plenty I wouldn't tell strangers, such as part of my medical history.

Even if I wrote a letter that had nothing of a personal nature in it, I would still post anonymously for the simple reason that many have already touched on: There are future potential employers out there, old lovers, and crazies (not necessarily different categories), that only have to "google" my name, and can find out anything about me posted on a site like this under that name. I don't even want my Salon handle used, because I don't want someone to be able to associate all my letters together and form a picture of who I am. I only choose to share pieces of who I am with strangers. That to me is the essence of privacy, and something I hold much dearer than that red star.

Some of us either do or will hold positions where our opinions as well as our knowledge can be used against us. We must hold our tongues if we want to have the future we envision for ourselves.

I have enjoyed posting, and think I have done a decent job in giving rational posts (sorry Ann Coulter), but from here on out, I think I will give the letters a pass.

Consider me among the disappointed... especially since I am paying for the privilege.

David Luckett

As others have pointed out, since the current software forces us to use our handle to access the feature anyway, what we type in the message body for a "signature" is so much meaningless cheese. I don't know any of you from Adam anyway, and neither do (one hopes in most cases) the people who run this site. Moreove, seeing your names won't make your opinions any more or less valid.

Sure, there are abuses possible when posting anonymously. But there are also benefits, not only the ones people have mentioned (people will share more about themselves when their name isn't attached) but also one we may not want to face: fewer anonymous trolls means more conformity of opinion. If we don't see the "inner Neaderthals" once in a while, what is to stop us from becoming a pointless echo chamber reflecting those on the right?

My other observation is that the discussions here fall between blog comments and actual LTTE columns precisely because there is a mix of styles and attitudes present. Usually that mix is healthy. What you're describing seems rather bland by comparison.

Just sayin'.

I will not be renewing my subscription next time around.

I'm sorry-- I do feel for the people who are afraid of the repercussions at work if they comment with their real names.

But I'm afraid I can't buy into the notion that, because you work, it's adult or responsible to abdicate any responsibility for what you say. Could the things that you write online potentially hurt your professional or personally? Sure. But that doesn't mean that your desire to remain anonymous is somehow noble or correct. It's still motivated by fear; and there is a part of me which feels that it is precisely the risk involved with speaking your mind which gives it power. You can make whatever choice you want to make but I insist you acknowledge that it is a choice, even if the circumstances make you feel as though you have no alternative.

We've all got to work, sure. And if you feel that your need to work prevents you from transparency in your opinions, then contribute to online dialogues anonymously. But don't act as though that was your only option, and don't pretend that you haven't given anything up by doing so.

and oh yeah, again, my real name is Freddie deBoer.

I agree with those who hesitate to use their real name. Perfectly sensible reasons.

Finding out that posting anonymously consigns one to an "outer circle of less respect" from The Editors seems consonant with Salon's general trend lately.

I've observed that Editors Choice letters are disproportionately those which praise an article, plus a few tokens that even when critical, include strokes for Salon.

There has been a great deal of thoughtful reaction to Salon's tilt toward corporatization, and its dumbing down of content and writing quality in various areas. Much of that reaction has been expressed with passion, which does not automatically equate to "whining."

Passionate reaction can be a compliment, because it usually indicates love. (Don't panic at the word, or if you do, ponder that.) Letters full of feeling are no less significant than cooly reasoned responses. They're both valuable.

It's a shame not to be grateful to readers who offer feedback that could help Salon adjust its course and regain its clout, particularly in the more philosophical content areas. Instead...we're given a ruler on the wrist and a lecture on bravery.