POSTING HERE AS THE MOST ACTIVE CURRENT THREAD
For clarity, following a few private messages:
NO we do not have a rule on anonymity. No one on this forum has a right to be anonymous and can identify themselves if they wish. IF someone "outs" someone, Admins have NO issue with that.
Some have had private messages from others which shows that they know who they are talking to. We have neither privately nor publicly named anyone via private message to any member. We have however passed on email and IP details on a legal request to our service providers (IP they can access legally anyway because of cookie settings) which we have outlined perviously. This is not an apology, but I'm sorry, we will NOT take the rap if you choose to post inaccurate and personal attacks.
Again we note that several are debating personal attacks and what constitutes a personal attack. If you truly believe what you are posting, then that's down to the individual. We can't advise against being stupid.
I don't necessarily mean this post in particular but (against my better judgement) as I can see this one now on my screen as I type I'll use it as an example:
"Any opinion positive or negative about a person is 'personal'"
Really?
So saying to or about a person "I think you may be incorrect in that decision" is the same as saying "you're a complete arsehole and wouldn't know how to do your job if you had a single braincell!"
I'm happy enough to debate this with anyone if I had the time, but I will declare upfront that I work in an environment where legal definition is absolute and paramount. I imagine most of you that work would be similar.