Hazards of anonymous blogging...

Or blogging under a pseudonym. Jonathan Adler, who formerly blogged under a pseudonym, blogs about the "outing" of Publius (an untenured law professor) by Ed Whelan:

'I also think it is important to distinguish between anonymous and pseudonymous blogging. While complete anonymity may enable someone to evade any accountability for intemperate or unwise remarks, the creation and maintenance of a pseudonym can have a disciplining effect on blogger behavior, and thus should be encouraged as an alternative to purely anonymous blogging and posting. Reputation effects and the desire to maintain readership can impose significant discipline. A pseudonym operates like a brand name, and the value of the brand is, at least in part, a function of how the pseudonymous blogger acts over time. This disciplining effect is hardly perfect, however, particularly when it comes to maintaining civility. As I believe the tone and snarkiness of many pseudonymous bloggers and commenters attests, a pseudonym can reduce a blogger’s vulnerability to personal attacks and can shield him or her from social sanctions for uncivil conduct. I believe this means that those who utilize pseudonyms should take greater responsibility for the tone and content of their own posts so their pseudonymous shield does not become a license for nastiness and snark.'

I think Adler's analysis is correct. I blog under the name of Tertium Quid, and I comment on other sites under the same name. Tertium Quid is my web persona, and I am comfortable with it. One day when I work for myself I might not worry about a pseudonym. For now, I am proud of Tertium Quid's writing and cordiality. I make fun of public and historic figures, but I don't throw grenades. If this blog becomes so well-known that allies of the people I criticize want to "out" me, e.g., friends of Mao Zedong, then perhaps it will be time to put my name on this blog (or to pack up my family and disappear).