Today I got a small memo from the Wall Street Journal web site , of which I am a member. It announced sweeping changes to their comments system.
"Dear Readers:
We are excited to announce that The Wall Street Journal is launching a new commenting platform to create more engaging, relevant and thoughtful conversations. Within the next few days, look for:
Commenting conversations that will now update in real-time.
New profiles for all registered users. A public profile will be required in order to comment on WSJ.com. Visit your profile here.
As part of the updates, "Journal Community" will go away for now as we work to bring you smarter ways to connect with each other.
Many more details are available here.
Please send questions and feedback to moderator@wsj.com.
Thank you for reading and for the contributions you are making to conversation at WSJ.com."
With this announcement , you will see that the WJS is offically bringing a end to on-line anonymity.
By clicking on the here link you will find many exciting changes to the comments rules.
such as these ...
"Real names are required, including full first and last name."
"WSJ reserves the right to remove any comment for any reason. WSJ may also bar individuals who break our commenting rules."
and my personal favorite ....
"We encourage free expression, regardless of viewpoint, but require that such expressions be respectful of other commenters and relevant to the stories on which they are posted. We reserve the right to remove, hide from public view, or edit any comment for any reason."
I can only assume it is to afford some form of protection too the right wing think tank commentators that are most recently invited to write articles on the XL Keystone Pipeline, Obamacare , and corporate welfare programs ... So the downfall of free speech begins public forums. it could be the dawn of censorship in America.