But the other interesting thing we’re seeing is that whereas trollish garbage used to infest the comment section, now we’re seeing almost the opposite. Many peo

But the other interesting thing we’re seeing is that whereas trollish garbage used to infest the comment section, now we’re seeing almost the opposite. Many people are now leaving comments that gush about the subject of the article in an overly sycophantic way. I've never been a TechCrunch poster, so take my comments with a grain of salt, but: duh! All they've done is amplify the negative consequences of unpopular posts a thousandfold, because the stigma will attach to your real-life identity instead of an easily abandoned online identity. The mechanism they chose deters people from posting comments that might engender personal hostility. That isn't selective at all! Everyone feels shame when they say something wrong online and a little twinge of pain when someone attacks them; that's only human. Trolls just feel less than others. Crank up the pain to get rid of the trolls, and you'll get rid of a lot of other people, too. Compulsively positive people, of course, are safe anywhere because they don't trigger anyone to viciously lash out in defense of their favorite technology or company, and they feel even more welcome than they are because they're blind to any subtle negativity that is directed their way. There's another breed of posters who will stay, too -- professionals in whatever is being discussed. They're used to standing behind their opinions, but more importantly, they actually benefit from the positive impression they make, because it bolsters their professional reputation. Sure, you won't lose those guys, but why would you be surprised at losing other positive contributors? I'm only a professional at programming, so the consequence of connecting my personal identity with my words about anything else at all is pure downside. Let's not turn every corner of the internet back into real life. Every time you open your mouth with a critical opinion, you run the risk of personal negative blowback. In real life, people spend their "negativity" budget carefully. I use mine up in person on personal issues and work issues. I have no desire to blow any of it online. The nice thing about the internet is you can shut down your defenses and relax. We're playing with Monopoly money here, and even so it still hurts a little! I've built up decent karma here and at other semi-anonymous sites with my only incentives being my self-respect and the meaningless little number next to my id. The anonymity that is allowed here doesn't liberate me from my morals and my pride; it just liberates me from the constant oppressive calculation of honesty versus risk. When I comment anonymously, I get a chance to clarify my ideas, express myself, and receive feedback. (Sometimes I do this by expressing opinions I'm not sure I personally hold, and which I am not ready to personally endorse -- does that make me a troll?) Connecting my personal identity just adds personal risk and forces me to turn on all of my social defenses. Ugh, that's tiring and paralyzing, and it isn't conducive to clear thinking. It makes me feel tired just thinking about it. No thanks!