K'neto's Hotline

I used to dread seeing "Anonymous" in my Inbox. But with measures in place to prevent abuse (remember that "Anonymous" is not anonymous to The StoryMaster ), and given that much - if not most - of my interactions with Anonymous here has been positive, I feel differently now.

I rarely rate/review anonymously. On the rare occasions when I've done so, my reasons have been varied:

- Concern over possible backlash. My reviews are completely honest, sometimes blunt. I don't mind a bit of debate, but I'm not looking for a flamewar. If I see that a writer isn't good at taking constructive criticism, but still feel compelled to review something of his, I MAY do so anonymously.

- Concern over recipient thinking I'm biased - either way. I'm as likely to use this when giving a 5 as a 1.

- Rating/reviewing prior to a contest closing. I try not to do that at all, but if I do, I may do so anonymously so as not to give the recipient the idea that they stand a better or worse chance of winning the contest. Even if my rating's a 3, it could be a better entry than the others - I don't want to discourage the author. If my rating's a 5, there could still be better entries - I don't want to give the author false hope.

- When giving a gift, if I'm afraid the recipient will feel obligated to return a favor. The gift could be tangible, or it could be a "port raid" (I haven't used Anonymous for the latter, but would consider it a legitimate reason to do so). I don't want anyone feeling they "owe" me reviews. I only want reviews from people who are interested enough in my writing to read it and review it on their own initiative, for the most part.

"Hate raters" won't get far using anonymous, considering that abuse won't be tolerated by the staff.