I had a call yesterday from a reader.  I always welcome calls because it means that someone feels strongly about something we have published and that is (usually) a good thing.  Even if they are being critical, I welcome that too: we don’t always get everything right so when people point out our failings it gives us the opportunity to make amends.    

This caller had a strong opinion about something we had written.  Great!  The problem was, he wouldn’t give his name.  When I suggested, as I frequently do, that he should write his thoughts down and send them to me for publication he simply replied that “I wouldn’t print them anyway”.  I don’t know who this gentleman is, but he clearly doesn’t know me very well - does he!   

Every month I publish 52 pages of information, stories, thoughts, ideas and comment.  I might not agree with it all, I don’t have to agree with any of it, but I publish it anyway because I believe that people have the right to be heard. If this gentleman has an opinion I will be delighted to help him share it as long as it doesn’t put either of us in court and anyone criticised has an opportunity to respond.  I do ask for just one courtesy though: his name.   

If I think hard I can imagine circumstances when publishing an anonymous story might make sense.  It’s a recognised journalistic technique to help generate interest in a topic that might otherwise get lost.  There might be a time when someone is genuinely in fear of their livelihood, or their health, if their name were used.  But these cases are very rare.    

On the occasions that I have been asked to publish anonymously I believe it’s just been because the person wants to have a rant but is not prepared to defend themselves should people want to come back at them.  That’s not a good enough reason in my opinion.  Everyone knows who I am and can call me at any time to criticise what I have published.  I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask others using my medium to do the same.   

So, my friends, I encourage you to write to me with your opinions.  The more, the better.  You can be as radical as you like, downright crazy if that’s how you feel, but don’t ask me to leave your name off the bottom of the page. If I can do it, so can you.  

Merry Christmas.