One Troll, many names…

[ ](https://joshwolf.net/files/One%20Man%27s%20Comments.pdf) [One Troll, many names…](https://www.flickr.com/photos/69258677@N00/514998012/)Originally uploaded by [Insurgent](https://www.flickr.com/people/69258677@N00/) A couple days ago, I noticed a couple comments came in with different names, but the same e-mail address. Curious, I decided to search his or her IP address in my comments log and discovered that he or she had made over 85 different comments under dozens of names and e-mail addresses ([PDF ](https://joshwolf.net/files/One%20Man%27s%20Comments.pdf) of all the comments found).This discovery begs two questions: 1. Just why is it that whoever resides at 76.21.18.197 feels so driven to spend so much of his or her time leaving derisive comments about me? and, 2. Why does 76.21.18.197 feel compelled to hide behind a myriad of identities instead of posting as him or herself? And, aside from 76.21.18.197, What should I do about comments that are, well, not spam, not necessarily productive either. The argument that I should allow anyone to comment freely on my blog because anything else is tantamount to censorship is a bit absurd. The idea of deleting comments that I find inappropriate a bit of a bogus idea though; it’s true. I’m all for open debate on my blog, and would like to encourage those who disagree with me to feel comfortable expressing their views, but there should be some level of accountability as well. That said, I’m not sure what the solution is, but I’m beginning to think that I may have to disable anonymous comments and require everyone who wishes to comment to provide a valid e-mail address. I don’t like the idea of implementing this approach but it may be the best means to encourage an open and honest dialogue here. Please let me know your thoughts on these matters…