Apparently the issue of dissent is beginning to take its toll among some at IFFORUM. Particularly LJ Editor-in-Chief John Berry, who has previously published his discontent with anonymous and pseudonymous posters with an editorial, Can I Quote You on That?. Now Mr. Berry has had it with this same flavor of "cowardly" writing within ALA's corner of the blogosphere, proposing that:

...all posters must identify themselves, by name, address, phone number, true e-mail address, and indicate whether or not they are members of ALA.

We've all been schooled as librarians with the concept of "choice" when discussing library collections and their internet workstations. We say that reading is proactive. That it is the product of an action taken by the individual. I know I exercise choice with each editorial I decide to read in LJ. One would also think this credo would fit nicely perusing listserv postings garnished with "childish" pseudonyms when equipped with a Delete button.

I guess there are exceptions after all.

To my fellow colleagues at the IFFORUM listserv I find it unfortunate that Mr. Berry now feels the need to conduct background checks upon you. You may soon be willing victims to what you so often decry. But I do concede that the IFFORUM listserv has no responsibility to host and post these right-wing ramblings, and reserves the right to snoop on any of their subscribers. No problem from this conservative. But keep in mind your hypocrisy is not unnoticed and only serves to support the need for true intellectual diversity, and honesty, with this association we call ALA.

* One last note. The postings of Mr. Berry were made in a public forum. I respect the right to privacy of all personal correspondence.