Should anonymous people be able to post on RallyPoint?

2017-10-20T15:24:04-04:00

Should anonymous people/accounts be able to post on RallyPoint and should we require that accounts be completed and include a photo in order to post or respond to questions? I've seen Anonymous accounts before and I can't remember having to be verified to join RP. So we could have just random people on here posting stuff. Thoughts?

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 3:25 PM

2017-10-20T15:25:31-04:00

I find it sometimes very disconcerting when people do that especially on this type of forum given that a good Ammount are still unverified so we don't know if they are even a service member or related to one.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Oct 20 at 2017 3:30 PM

2017-10-20T15:30:56-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member No, it is cowardly and that is not what we in the military stand for!

Response by SPC Diana D. made Oct 20 at 2017 3:35 PM

2017-10-20T15:35:23-04:00

I don't think anyone should be able to post anonymous anywhere. Those are usually the people that start all the nonsense. It makes you think twice about posting anything when people can see your name!!!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Oct 20 at 2017 3:36 PM

2017-10-20T15:36:19-04:00

There has to be a reason why they don't list a name, could be trying to get some dirt on someone maybe.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 3:37 PM

2017-10-20T15:37:51-04:00

I'm pretty sure any Tom, Dick or Harry could make an account and post on anything. Even our enemies could be aware of this site and use it as a platform to spread misinformation and glean bits of intel.

Anonymity can be achieved by more than simply masking one's name. An assumed name is just as effective if not more so.

I agree that it's lame for people to post here without revealing their name, but anonymity can give someone the ability to be truly candid when asking for or offering advice.

Response by Maj Walter Kilar made Oct 20 at 2017 3:38 PM

2017-10-20T15:38:16-04:00

No. Sure, we all have the freedom of expression, but if a person is not willing to provide an online identity that person can always create his or her own social media site and express those opinions.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Oct 20 at 2017 3:43 PM

2017-10-20T15:43:48-04:00

Anonymous accounts are not allowed. People do not have to be verified, and they can mask their information, but they do have to provide at least basis information. Those who lie about who they are usually get outed pretty quickly.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-10-20T15:47:57-04:00

Personally I think you should have to register under your own name and not hide behind some fake cover, be an adult and let everyone know who you are when you start calling people names etc.

Response by MSG Bob Metz made Oct 20 at 2017 4:01 PM

2017-10-20T16:01:39-04:00

I am one of those “Unverified” Boogeymen...when I registered I believe I submitted support of my background. I stand somewhere around 35% fully registered...and just have never gotten around to finishing...Evenso I was initially uncomfortable with all these “unverified” posters...but I then realized a relatively simple thing...almost every post I read...it was obvious that the poster had spent some amount of time in the service...you can tell...phrases, terminology, how subject matter is addressed and presented tend to characteristic of AD, Veterans or other aspect of service I.e. Reserve or Guard...can it be faked...yes...but eventually it shows...so for myself it does not matter...

Response by Jordan Gaudard made Oct 20 at 2017 4:29 PM

2017-10-20T16:29:00-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member It all depends on intent and reason for Anonymous. If the intent is to be able to ask questions and not have it traced back to them specifically, and it isn't malicious. I think that is absolutely fine, however, if the intent is to mislead, bully, and not be held accountable then no. There are many times I wish to leave comments about reliant issues, but I don't spread my opinion because I realize this is a professional form where I can be held liable.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 20 at 2017 5:30 PM

2017-10-20T17:30:48-04:00

Speaking from a purely Erik Marquez Stand point, not as a RP member admin.
I would prefer that all members verify their service before having the privileges to view members information or post to the forums.
Not opposed to a member keeping their profile privet to general membership so long that same profile has been verified and available to Admins as needed.
I would also prefer to see the verify a fellow member option go away as it takes only one person to finagle their way into the system and now they and all they fraudulently verify can continue to propagate falsely "verifier" fellow miscreants .

Response by SGT Frank Pritchett made Oct 20 at 2017 9:42 PM

2017-10-20T21:42:41-04:00

Anyone maintaining "Annuity" usually does it for a reason; however, this is not FaceBook. A person that chooses this method may not want something known. For me, I'm proud of my Military Service and since I feel that I have a lot of experience in some things I'm willing to share it but those that are masked, their credibility is already in question. It's up to Forum to check them out.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 20 at 2017 11:07 PM

2017-10-20T23:07:57-04:00

I like the closed groups based on your Military Regiment on FB, could be MOS but nobody disrespects anyone in the Infantry regiments, everyone is pre-verified, and no BS is posted or attack posts. Complete harmony and respect on the Internet between all generations and we all support each other as Vets or Active Duty........it is awesome. It is what Social Media should be like everywhere.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Oct 21 at 2017 12:44 PM

2017-10-21T12:44:52-04:00

I would not allow anonymous or civilians except for immediate family members.