There’s nothing quite like the anonymity of the internet for turning decently intelligent people into idiots. Choosing user names and disassociating ourselves from the comments we make online leaves us feeling safe in making ridiculous statements we’d never consider announcing publicly.

It’s beyond easy to read something I disagree with, hammer out a few words about the sluttiness of the writer’s mother, attach a name like Suck It to the comment and press enter. It’s also a bit cowardly. If you have something to say– whether good or bad– we want to hear it. So please, comment on anything and everything that you find interesting, infuriating, or amusing, it helps us tailor NYU Local to your interests. But know that, if you’re unwilling to say it as yourself, it’s won’t appear on NYU Local.

Our hope is that a lack of anonymity in commenting will lead to thoughtful contributions and worthwhile interaction between writers and you, their readers. We don’t really care what pixiegirlx82 has to say about Sarah Palin’s most recent mistake but Justin Roseland’s comment at the end of the same post is something worth reading.

We hope to hear from you.