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Yes, Let them continue to post. and berate the Authors with out devulging there idenities just like the registered have to.
60% (6 votes)
No, Make them registure just like every body else did.
40% (4 votes)
Total votes: 10
Comments
My Vote
I haven't been here that long, so I don't know if we're supposed to keep our votes private, but I just have to say:
From what I've seen of the Guest Reader comments, very few have anything either supportive or constructive to say. For those who do occasionally put up good and encouraging comments from the guest reader login, I'd feel sorry if they did lose their ability to anonymously show their support, but it really doesn't take any time, effort, or real information to get an official account on here, especially not now that the site has upgraded and loads faster. And, if I were to get comments, I would much prefer to be able to at least attach a name of some kind to those who support my writing, if for no other reason than to have a screen name to give my thanks to. The only ones who would really lose any benefit from the guest reader login are those who choose to troll, or insult without having their screen names known.
I'm not saying every comment on stories needs be positive, after all, no growth can be obtained if your ideas are never challenged. However, if you want to suggest to someone how they may improve their writing, you should at least be willing to give them some form of identification.
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*insert witty comment here*
Guest reader status
You may not be aware of it but I can ban particular posters even if they do not have accounts. But some people have a phobia about getting an account anywhere online. That's fine with me. I allow Guest Readers to comment because as an author I want the feedback. And contrary to what seems to be a common belief around here, most of the guest reader posters have been polite and complimentary to the authors.
As of now, attacking someone's views expressed here for the stated reason that they are a Guest Reader and therefore not entitled to the same respect any other poster gets is grounds for having one's own posts removed. If someone want to dispute someone else's opinion, do so, but to attack them personally for their preference for anonymity makes the attacker's opinion worthless in my book.
- Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Apologies
I'm sorry if I sounded childish or snobbish- I didn't intend it that way. All I meant was that, in my opinion, even having a username on most sites is still quite anonymous. Even as guest readers, their opinion is valid and in general any feedback is beneficial, but having some form of ID for general users to use - rather than simply a logged IP - would be nice.
I hope it didn't sound as though I was trying to attack the way you ran the site- if it did, I'm very sorry and I'll try to word things better in the future to be less confrontational.
--------------------
*insert witty comment here*
The reason for this poll
I started this poll after seeing all the Guest Readers use the comments for bashing the Authors and their stories. I'm sorry but I feel that if you are not mature enough, to pony up and registure then you don't have the right to comment! There is way too much Bashing going on by readers in this site and while we can call upon the registured persons to debate the issue they have, we are unable to when they are not registured!
This is not a clique
This is an open website and I would allow anyone to post comments without even signing in as GR if it weren't for the spammers. Some people have expressed strong opinions without leaving a name but no one lately has overstepped my liberal limits except for one author.
Personal attacks are out. And attacking someone for not registering is a personal attack.
- Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Not your choice
It's mine and I don't need this poll to decide.
- Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
just so you know
I quite like your decision, thanks bunches. =^_^= That way I don't have to stop procrastinating about making an account.
A guest Reader
What a strange poll. Why would any author not want to recive feedback good or bad. As a regular reader here I appreciate being able to make a comment on well written stories, I never leave bad feedback, just move on to find something that appeals to me.
To all the writers please keep your stories coming, but never censor your critics surely.
For What It's Worth
I do agree with Erin. The good does outweigh the bad. I may not like some of the Guest Reader comments, and was surprised awhile back the a Guest Reader could make anonymous PMs, but most Guest Reader comments are good.
I may not care for the ones that have been posted the last couple of days that I've seen, and I would certainly take them more seriously if they were signed; however they do not cross the line into a personal attack on the author. The tone is certainly offensive, but that may be the writer's personal style. I've crossed that line a time or two myself, so I'm in no position to be too judgmental.
Guest Readers, remember that many of us are going to wonder what your intent is when you post an unsigned, highly critical comment. If you don't want to sign your name to your post, reflect on why that is.
Karen J.
"A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you."
Francoise Sagan
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
George Carlin
Don't want to censure
I don't want to censure anyone who wants to make a comment unless they make a project of going after the author. I'd much rather take the good comments with the bad. You learn more from the bad, and if it takes being anonymous to do it, all well and good.
Aardvark
"Women are unfathomable. Knowing yourself is hard enough."
Herth Tarr, philosopher of Zhor
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
I did wonder...
..that comment and then the strange little addition at the base of John's story. A small hack maybe?
And what does Englebert Humperdink have to do with anything?? Oh...well..whoever.
Personally I have no problem with Guest comments, as long as a little thought and consideration go into them. They are inherently desirable. The usual ratio of guests to members would I think be quite high in favour of guests. So to block that would be a big loss. This place is among the most welcoming and friendly going. Let's keep it that way. Banning en-masse is not the way to go. I believe Erin can and would block any recurrant 'abuser' and that's cool with me. Fear is a potent emotion and many worry about... all sorts of things. For those that wander in ... Say hi, comment, look around..enjoy. And comment... Then maybe come back and maybe when ya ready you join up and say Hi proper like. And we can say hi back. It's nice to have a name to say Hi to.
Dip a toe..the waters fine.
Kristina
Let any Guest Reader comment...
I used to think that being signed in as a guest reader was like being totally anonymous, but it isn't really. The person who runs the site know their ISP and all that stuff. I really don't see many comments by Guest Readers, either, good or bad, just not many. I have been guilty of treating a guest Readers comment differently than a registered users comment, but that has changed now.
I've had a large change of heart and mind about a few things lately. I've had to really, I mean I have to learn and grow just as everyone else is. I'm human, and that is obvious. I'm a bit sensitive and that is obvious as well. BUT, I do learn, and given half a chance, can adjust and change.
We interpret what we read, and oftentimes we interpret their written words differently than what they had intended. This is an all to human trait, and will continue to happen.
We are all human beings and we have our faults and our strengths. No one is perfect, especially writers! Giggle, giggle.
I apologize to the Guest Readers of old and the new. You deserve to be treated the same as anyone else. I will do that from now on.
Huggles All
Angel
Be yourself, so easy to say, so hard to live.
"Be Your-Self, So Easy to Say, So Hard to Live!"
I agree in principle
Although I thought some of the recent guest comments I received seemed a bit heated, I do understand the concern. I only would argue that in pointing out something in a story that worries you, please do so in a un-inflamatory manner.
I am far more likely to closely read and concider a calm, carefully writen comment -- positive or negative -- than one written in haste.
Other people have commented about aspects of my story that bothered them but did so in calm, polite PM's and I feel my story was improved by it. I understood their wories and I clarifed my intent to them. I also made some changes to avoid or minimize the problem.
I trust Erin to blow the referee's whistle if it goes too far but thanks for bringing up the subject Chris, it did need some airing.
John in Wauwatosa
John in Wauwatosa
Quis custodiad ipsos custodes?
It seems wrong - or at least paradoxical - to be commenting as a Guest Reader on this topic. But as one of those potentially excluded, perhaps I might be allowed a say. (Nor, I note, am I the first.)
I'm registered elsewhere, and where I'm not registered I use the same name. I realise that others could purport to be me - but would they bother? I hope that answers Rasufelle's point.
As for author-bashing by anonymous posters, I can't say that I've seen a lot. I would be more convinced if I had. Could someone point me at a couple of stories where this has happened? Is it apparently author-related or more general?
Although I am unable to empathise with the authors (for want of personal experience, never having published), I am aware from professional experience that one person's constructive criticism can seem like hate-mail to the recipient. Writing has a lot in common with parturition, and I recall the ugliest baby I have ever seen (who also had Downs, as it turned out). To his mother, who had been trying for over ten years, he was a gift sent from heaven. The truth had to be the casualty there; anything else would destroy the joy and happiness, and what right had I to do that? And the longer term truth is that he turned out to be a charming little lad, much loved during his regrettably short life.
It looks as if Erin has made her position clear, and "She who pay the piper..." (and in reckoning who pays, don't forget who does all the grunt work). If Erin should shut down Guest Reader comments, I still wouldn't register - for exacty the reasons she gives. Whether that's the loss or gain of the authors, only they can decide. But I would suggest that it's the authors that should be polled, not everyone registered.
Xi
Flame Wars Need More Than A Spark
If someone has a low opinion of anonymous posters, the solution would seem to be obvious. Ignore them.* Don't respond. Or, if you do respond, do so in an unemotional, and brief way.
I've seen a number of exchanges here, anonymous and otherwise, where the first entry was perhaps clumsily worded, the response is angry, the next one from the original poster is hurt, angry, and defensive, and things are on their way downhill.
Remember the words of Smokey the Bear, "Only YOU can prevent forest fires."
So the next time you're faced with a spark, remember, it'll go out by itself if you keep it away from anything flammable.
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*In ham radio, I understand, when some unlicensed or abusive operator comes onto a channel, the community handles it by everyone just pretending he's not there. Without any evidence of having an effect, the interloper gets disappointed, bored, and goes away.
"WATTS" in a Name
How powerful is a name?
Written communication is hard enough, but it is infinitely harder when we tie one hang behind our back by remaining anonymous. Experts say words are only about 15% of the communication process, when we are holding an in person conversation.
If “Jezzi†makes a comment about one of my stories, I have a wealth of background through which to filter her remarks. I know a bit about her private life and understand her aversion to character assassination.
“Aardvark’s†right-leaning spin on everything comes as no surprise to me as we are politically polar opposites and are equally outspoken.
When “Erin†comments on one of my stories I give her remarks a great deal of weight, because I respect both her talent and her honesty.
If “Jenny Walker†leaves a comment, I immediately brighten, as my love and respect for her has steadily grown over the years.
On the other hand – a comment from a guest reader leaves me wondering almost as much about them as it does about their comments. What was their motivation? What expertise do they possess? Are they in their 20’s – 30’s – 40’s --- or a contemporary?
I like comments in whatever form they come, without them I would have quit writing years ago.
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Angela Rasch (Jill M I)
Xi marks the spot.
I sign my posts - some here may have seen that identity elswhere. But the power of that signature is in femtowatts or less when it comes to the benefit of adding context to my posts. Not because I'm not registered - what difference would that make? (even if Drupal would show the name as a registered poster, if I wished mischief I would register, then share the log-in widely with other mischief makers).
No - it's because I have no history here. I've been coming here (and the antecedent sites) for about five years, but have not posted here until now. I too have a mental picture of Jezzi, Aardvark, Erin, and Jenny Walker. And of several others - Angel, Barbara Lyn Terry, Randalynn. Of some I also have knowledge from elsewhere. But few know me; and none much from postings here.
Well here's a little clue about me: 91/325/EC - see OJ L180 8.7.91 page 4.
And another: Angel, Chris W - you've got the best data for decoding that clue.
$25 goes into the Hatbox in the name of the first person to work it out.
Regards
Xi
Would it be -
Freida?
Karen J.
"A dress makes no sense unless it inspires men to want to take it off you."
Francoise Sagan
"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.”
George Carlin
Yer.. but
For whom 'Yerbut' is see http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E0DD1538F...
It's a book I'd recommend - and not just to children. But I digress.
You are right; but it wasn't the answer I was looking for. However, if no-one works it out, you get the honour.
As Tigger (someone else who you know better than me) might say 'for the avoidance of doubt', I'm looking for the reason (character description) that the name implies. You could go back and look again at the posts (but not the words)...
Xi
Consolation prize
I've sent the USD35 anyway - but Ardvark will have to work a tad more for his...
Xi
Thanks hon
I love competitions like this one. :)
Hugs,
Erin
= Give everyone the benefit of the doubt because certainty is a fragile thing that can be shattered by one overlooked fact.
Dang
Dang it. I can't find page 4 online. At one time I used to do inspection for NorTel, and making sure HAZMAT regulations were being followed was among them. And I thought our documentation was dense. :)
Aardvark
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
My bad
I knew it wasn't on-line; nothing much is before about 1995 is. But you are travelling in te right direction...
I have a yellowing paper copy here of L180 (that's the volume #). So far, I haven't been able to find the same information in a document that is on-line, but I've a couple of ideas for the morning. (it's 1 AM here)
Xi
Dong
Try "The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations 2002" which our current implementaion of the Parent Directive, and our equivalent of 29CFR (all soon to be swept away by GHS).
That piece of legislation is definitely available on line, and searchable on "xi". It produces two possible results, the right one (which is obvious when you get to it), and a series of search hits that might be more to the taste of some here as a descriptor for me.
Both please for your donation.
Xi
I give up
If it's online, I can't find it. Tried Google, Yahoo, and Dogpile, even Wikipedia, which has no entry for it, under "The Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging) Regulations 2002" CHIP 3, and C.H.I.P. 3. Can find a hundred references to it, data sheets, explanations of, amendments to, a training guide, an Idiots Guide, one link that claimed it was there, but didn't have it, and so forth. No CHIP 3 document, though. Nada.
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
I give you...
"CHIP3" - SI 2002 No 1689
SI maps (very roughly) to CFR; the major difference is that that we don't have a 'static' number for a particular set of regulations.
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20021689.htm
Xi
Got it, thanks
So that's where it is. I should have known it would be on a (dot)gov site. There's a heck of a lot on government sites if you know where to look, and from my experience, the US and UK are fairly transparent, although not quite the same in methodology or what stats they keep. If you want to read the Patriot Act, view amendments under consideration, see the breakdown of Vietnam War casualties by race, check the composition of the armed forces by religion (IIRC), an exhaustive breakdown of crime statistics by every category anyone could want -- it's all there under (dot)gov. I've used it to settle more than one argument.
By and large, most of what you want is there -- if you know where to look. :)
Anyway:
Searchiing on "xi" brought me "irritant," "sensitivity," and eye, skin, and respiratory sections.
Not sure what all that means in reference to an ID, but I'm willing to call you (soft sensitive skin) if you want. ;)
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
Stringing you along
A non-restrictive* search for the string "xi" brings up a large number of instances of "toxic" which is the answer I was rather expecting, knowing how some see me....
But what I was pointing to was the symbol: "a St Andrews Cross on an orange-yellow background" (it's displayed in SCHEDULE 2) that several others would recognise visually from another place. That is the labelling symbol coded "Xi" indicating 'Irritant'.
Under GHS it is replaced by an exclamation mark in a red diamond outline with white interior background; so I guess I'll have to find something new :-(
Xi
*ie not case sensitive, not 'whole-word' limited, etc.
PS
Your failure itself is worth the donation, which will be sent in a few days. (I think my contributions elsewhere outside the UK fell over some sort of money-laudering detection algorithm at PayPal, so I'm being careful to keep what I do with Amazon slow and steady.)
I will use your difficulties as a stick with which to beat HSE(=~ OSHA) and OPSI. As legislation, CHIP3 ought to be susceptible to seaching. As legislation concerned with protecting the public, workers, and the environment, it ought to be very susceptible to searching.
In your searches, did you encounter this site?
www.chcs.org.uk
Xi
Actually...
Checking back on Google and DogPile (my favorite), and searching on my aforementioned strings, no.
I found Chipendales (a famous male stripping group) but not www.chcs.org.uk. ;) Naturally, if I had a professional need, I'd likely know where to go. Atually, I didn't find CHIP 3 very difficult to interpret. It seems quite straightforward, if repetative. Now wading through IRS docs and EU regulations on the other hand...
Aardvark
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."
Mahatma Gandhi
I've got you under my skin...
Xi - (1) The following preparations shall be classified as irritants liable to cause serious eye damage and assigned the symbol "Xi", the indication of danger "irritant" and the risk phrase R41 -
The operative word being 'irritant'
Commentator
Commentator
Visit my Caption Blog: Dawn's Girly Site
Visit my Amazon Page: D R Jehs
...I've got you deep in the heart of me...
You found 'Skin' and 'Eyes' - and there's this:
(4) the following preparations shall be classified as irritant to the respiratory system and
assigned the symbol "Xi", the indication of danger "irritant" and the risk phrase R37 -
A donation will be forwarded soon - I seem to have hit some sort of anti-money-laundering algorithm on PayPal (I'm remitting from the UK) so it's slow and steady at the moment.
Xi
I trust Erin...
To continue her monitoring and management of HER site. And let all us remember, girls and boys, who makes this possible and who is also, ulitmately, responsible here.
Personally, I may be hurt by a negative post by anyone, Guest Reader or registered member, but I hope I am able to tell the difference between honest critism and stupid comments. My humble opinion, for what it's worth, is that the occasional jerk is a "cost of doing business" as it were. If it becomes a significant problem, then we all ask Erin to consider a change.
Jamie
Guest Readers
I actually enjoy guest readers, but I only have one small requirement; please let me know when you're coming, so I can have plenty for everyone for dinner, 'kay? 'drea
Love, Andrea Lena
Let them sling mud
I don't post here as an author but I do elsewhere.
I don't mind "sick perv" or "I just wasted 10 minutes of my life on this shit" reviews. I myself occasionally give out identical reviews so it's only fair that I accept likewise in return.
I can't please everybody and everybody can have their opinion which I may not necessarily share.