The last thing we all need

Hi Grant

Thanks for putting the article up, it's very interesting reading, however, for me, it doesn't answer the main questions, they are:

• Why allow anonymous postings?

• What is the point of anonymous postings?

Certainly for those in any community that get off (take pleasure) in malicious, unfounded gossip (and lets be real here), lies, there's an obvious benefit, but for those who find such things distasteful and unneccessary, there is hurt and more often than not, unwarranted damage to reputations.

What seems to be brought up (in defence) with monotonous regularity, is, the admittedly vital concept of free speech. Like most people, I would absolutely defend anybody's right to practice that, however if someone chooses to say something incorrect about me, lie, or even defame me, should I not have recourse to correct the issue?

It appears to be one of those cases where the law crawls up its own backside, as the learned legal eagles ponder the more esoteric threads of the dilemma and, like so much of our Westminster-based legal system, the victim is deemed of little or no consequence.

By all means, form and freely state your opinion, but if your viewpoint is formed from hearsay, minimal facts, guesswork and even malice, then of course you will want to hide. Which must be a relief to some, as I'm the sort of person who will confront, effortlessly and, metaphorically speaking of course, "rip your fucking lungs out" - if malice is behind it all.

It needs mentioning that there is a difference between Nom de Plumes, such as Peter Nettleton and his Stinger persona, there's no attempt at disguise, or hiding - if someone disagrees with his views, they're able to contact him, no one could have any realistic objections to the system.

Young Daniel deserves full credit for having the courage to state his opinions under his own name, people may not always agree with his opinions, but they are honest, although perhaps more illuminating than he would wish. And here young man, let us tackle your homo eroticism statement.

It made me laugh - I'm secure and comfortable enough with my sexuality (and that of others), to understand the earnest young uni student behind the chosen words. However you've probably realised now, that you've offended a number of people in the theatre community, admittedly, I suspect, unintentionally, but nevertheless, I hope it's a lesson well learnt, we all make mistakes that we cringe over for years to come.

And that segues into reinforcing my point on anonymous posters, I have no recourse to challenge their statements, that is an injustice.

Kind regards

Greg Ross

Minister for Good Times