Ran across another example of real world …

Ran across another example of real world significance from virtual world use. In this case, health care forums. Yet another example of appropriate use of online anonymity, by the way.

Online safety trumps transparency–even …

Online safety trumps transparency–even in a business context. Need-to-know must politely be established by the solicitor. Anonymity should neither mask incivility nor be assumed to mask such behavior. Frequently anonymity functions as a pen name for creativity, a benign common practice by writers for decades.

Unfortunately, today’s misuse of anonymity has made it the best defense against itself and disparaged it in favor of transparency to some. “There is no more online anonymity,” Erica says.

I am surprised more have not responded to Anonymity, Transparency, and Safety after the tweeted interest in the topic. I imagine for most–especially those who actively use Second Life and OpenSim–that much of it goes without saying.

I made the post because I was surprised to find myself defending anonymity v.s. transparency when the scope of business is broadened to simply participating in a given virtual world–specifically ReactionGrid, which I have mentioned before has something of a Well feel to it, even more so now that there is a motivation, if not a policy of disclosing your real identity for access, largely from Erica Driver’s influence. The tough part boils down to the definition of “business meeting.” To Erica and Dr_Manhattan “people don’t get that warm fuzzy feeling” if you aren’t transparent to “do real business”, which I heartily agree with.

The trouble is visiting someone in a virtual space to discuss business use of virtual worlds and innovation does not constitute “real business.” Anyone from any community no matter their background, interests, or even agenda, should be allowed to participate.

Ideas should stand on their own merit and scrutiny rather than having them tainted or dismissed by individual’s considering them only in the context of who is saying them.

In other words, forums of any kind, real or virtual, are not sufficient business context to dismiss anonymity, though anonymity is never an excuse to grief or dismiss civility.

Actually conducting trade is likely “real business” and transparency more likely required, but not necessarily. We purchase things everyday from anonymous companies and individuals. Big business, however, does not work that way.