I would contend that many, and maybe even a majority of persons on these forums participate under a nom-de-plume, a means by which to express their viewpoint while at the same time keeping their viewpoint and opinions held seperate of advertising their full name, address, and other information.
People do so for various reasons - from avoiding unwanted phone calls and marketting, to the ability to test theories and be willing to argue or advocate unpopular positions.
In the past, nom-de-plumes, and the ability to act as a silent critic were held as important factors within our press. Today, however, nationwide, there is an ongoing attack on message boards and forums such as this one to eliminate anonymity.
New Jersey becomes just another state on the list, working to move it's magic by trying to advocate a fundamental shift in the way web operators function.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/...
New Jersey's legislation sets forward a terrible potential precedent.
3. An operator of an interactive computer service or an Internet service provider shall establish and maintain reasonable procedures to enable any person to request and obtain disclosure of the legal name and address of an information content provider who posts false or defamatory information about the person on a public forum website.
Under their rules, forum administrators would be requird to keep full and legitimate names of all subscribers. A difficult - and sometimes impossible task. Moreover, a task which amounts to a legal invasion of privacy for those not within the state.
Moreover, it sets forth a potentially dangerous chilling effect. With a constant threat of being "outted" or having demands to produce address and information, comments lead to a lack of communication.
And not just political communication. If you've ever visited a forum for your favorite artist, or your favorite sports team, you have no doubt run into "trolls" or just people who like to douse your set viewpoint. Would requirement of holding their names come in handy to know if they believe that Pitcher A "Sucks". ?
The basic purpose of such legislation, it is proposed, is to weed out internet stalkers, those who operate to follow and harrass others.
But in fact, digital harrassment can be enforced through other legal means now, through numerous means, including IP Logs, etc.
But the enforcement - and requirement - that ISPs and Boards keep full copies of names & addresses on store to match up with usernames puts a serious burden on forum operators.
Would Kos have the means to keep track of thousands of names & addresses? And, for as much as you may love the site, would you feel comfortable vending that information, knowing it would be permanently linked?
Politicians must realize that the internet will have many growing pains - but legislation drafted quickly, without a true understanding of the implications just to contend "it's doing something" is not good legislation.