Why Do People Post Anonymously?

Published by on May 23, 2008

I was just looking at 2 comments I received on my blog today and both of them were by anonymous posters. One was a flame, and the other was someone who seemed rather peeved, but their quality was worthwhile.

And that makes me wonder how people are spending their time online. The majority of time I devote to the internet is for business and some pleasure, but the bulk is definitely on the business side. And on the business side, I’m constantly trying to do everything I can to make my name known, to get my name and my business out to as many people as possible. All of my social networking names are “AndrewWise“, and whenever I comment, I either leave my blog or Grooveshark as my website.

Be Loud and Proud on the Net

Nothing I’m saying on the internet is something I wouldn’t want associated with myself or my company, so perhaps this leads me to thinking that when people post anonymously they’re most likely ashamed of what their posting, aren’t utilizing their networking time as best as possible or they’re lazy. The lazy factor is actually interesting if you look at it: if a user posts anonymously on blogs on a weekly basis, first of all they might be limited as to where they can post, thus wasting their time reading discussions to get denied in posting, and second, they might spend more time entering credentials or fake credentials than just creating a real account.

Personally I think this life is way too short (and I’m only 23) to be wasting it flaming other people and to be trashing other people’s work and ideas, but that’s probably why I’m doing something about it, and working everyday to create the best experience possible for music fans.

Anyone else have any insight on trolls they care to share?

Update: One of my posters decided to come out of the closet, so to speak, after being beckoned :)