I thought the anonymity was mostly a good thing because we were seen as helpers without personalities - we help anyone regardless of whether or not we agree with them. I wouldn't want someone to not ask for help if I've just called them a poopy-head in another thread. Ask - it ain't a power, it's a responsibility.

I get the feeling I may come off as pompous and opinionated sometimes. (Most times?) It's true I have an opinion on just about everything. What's also true is I value hearing others' opinions, and I can laugh at myself. I've suffered from lack of confidence most of my adult life. Believe it or not, I was kicked out of a high school philosophy course for never speaking. I'm more willing than ever to shoot my mouth off - proof is in the length of this post ;-) - but I also remember how it feels to be afraid to do so. Even in the most heated arguments, I'd like to remember that the person I'm addressing, anonymous or not, is a human being and deserves compassion. This is how I feel about fixing things, too. As a volunteer, I work for you all.

I always thought I'd stop being anonymous if I needed to in order to help someone, or if people thought anonymity was an issue. I believe it became an issue, although not a major one, so I "came out." Others have chosen not to, but that's their decision and I support it.

I'm not a technical behemoth (but thanks, Joe) - I just like to try to figure things out.