This is to confirm that anonymous postings to MyTownMatters will no longer be accepted.

This was a difficult decision; but substantive discussion is undermined by anonymity. Online media firms have a long history of allowing anonymity for the purpose of encouraging discussion. However, they failed to anticipate the quality of discussion that would be engendered. What they have come to learn is that anonymity in practice does not live up to the principle. Consequently, the policy of permitting anonymous comments is being reviewed everywhere (see News Sites Rethink Anonymous Online Comments; NYTimes 04.11.10).

Controversy is inevitable; debate is necessary; and hopefully this site can serve as an open forum for healthy, productive, responsible discussion.

All comments will be moderated and real names required. Not all comments will be published. Names can be withheld upon request.