When you post comments at the end of stories and blogs at NSBNews.net, you aren't required to identify yourself by name or even your e-mail. But that doesn't mean we don't know who you are.
A week ago today, NSBNews.net received two threatening and harassing comments by the same person. We've reported him to the New Smyrna Beach police and we expect he will be arrested in the next few weeks.
When that happens, we will publish this man's name and the vulgar messages he sent us as an example of why this type of cowardice doesn't get you anywhere, but trouble.
I guarantee he won't be doing it again on our site once he faces a judge. Just because you are anonymous doesn't give you the right to attack or try to intimidate us.
Our online website is far more sophisticated than those cowards who hide behind anonymity might realize.
Every message sent comes with an electronic snapshot. We know where you sent it from, what time you sent it and other indicators that are too complex for me to explain. Suffice to say, don't do it.
People often ask me why we allow anonymous comments. It's simple: Many people like to express their feelings, but don't want to give away their privacy. At one point, we locked down the comments to the point where you had to give your full name and a legitimate e-mail or the comment couldn't be delivered. That resulted in very little activity.
We do have safeguards in place. All comments sent to us come across as "unpublished." They have to manually be converted to "published."
About a third of the comments never see the light of day, either because they are nonsensical or mean spirited or downright nasty. Any comments that are deemed threatening or harassing to us or even other members of the public are saved in case law enforcement needs to be involved.
The comments are allowed for the exchange of ideas and beliefs. They are not for cowardly harassment and/or threats. So be nice to others and think twice before you send something you know will come back to bite you.