Nice try, Shambles, but no cigar. No, anonymous posting is not encouraged, but it is tolerated as long as people don't get nasty.

Use of the term "JoeClone" is another matter. The term "JoeClone" is no more anonymous than, say, "Shambles." We ask the JoeClones to post editorial explanations under the name "JoeClone" to separate their editorial actions from their posting as individuals. They are not supposed to make any sort of policy statement - those come from Max, Joe, and Jeff, under their own names. The use of the term "JoeClone" stops people from attempting to interfere with our process of supervision. I think we have a right to choose to supervise our editorial assistants directly, rather than subjecting them to interference and attacks from people outside our chain of supervision. If you have a complaint about the action of a JoeClone, you have to contact Max, Jeff, or Joe about it. That's what we want you to do.

You will note that the "JoeClone" message Shambles linked to (click) is a perfect example of what a Clone should do. It's impartial, helpful information - much like editorial comments signed "Ed" in a magazine. That's our intent.

-Joe Offer-