Google asks YouTube commenters to stand up and be counted

[Davidian]

Wow. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/07...tube_comments/

Google has altered the comments system on YouTube to encourage those who wish to share their views to step up and identify themselves.

Under the new system anyone trying to leave a comment on YouTube will be asked if they would like to identify themselves using a Google+ account. It's not compulsory, but those that decline this option are shown a new page asking why they chose to remain behind a cloak of anonymity.

What are your thoughts on this?

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

It happened to me the other day, I chose to remain anonymous for the fact I don't want my full name out everywhere on the internet. I like my privacy.

[Davidian]

"sadly no, because i'm an immature coward." Seriously?

[Filip]

Meh. I've been on YT for more than 3 years with a username. I won't change it.

Also, YouTube's comments are a bunch of idiots arguing. Why embarrass yourself?

[Gloomy Mushroom]

"Hey do you know you have your own youtube channel?"

FUCK OFF YOUTUBE.

[Davidian]

"Hey do you know you have your own youtube channel?"

FUCK OFF YOUTUBE.

My reaction was

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7fme1dtrn1rta1ig.jpg

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

"sadly no, because i'm an immature coward." Seriously?

I assume you're talking about me here?

[Davidian]

I assume you're talking about me here?

No, on the site, under the picture it says that.

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

No, on the site, under the picture it says that.

tbh I didn't look, and wasn't sure so I thought I'd ask

[Filip]

"Hey do you know you have your own youtube channel?"

FUCK OFF YOUTUBE.

Oh yeah, I got that message a couple days ago...

I was like:

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

YouTube does produce some hilarious comments though... some examples right here http://www.superawesomepics.com/yout...nge-the-video/

[Pidgeon]

I stopped commenting on YouTube a while ago. It's pointless and total troll land.

[Andreina]

I actually don't mind seeing my name online, after all I'm not the only person in the world who has it.

[Filip]

YouTube does produce some hilarious comments though... some examples right here http://www.superawesomepics.com/yout...nge-the-video/

That was awesome...

[Xero21]

Well, I like it. Especially since it isn't compulsory.

[Will]

I don't understand why it's a big deal, since it's not a requirement.

[Elaine]

What gets me is the limited 'reasons' you have to give them for not wanting to use your real name. Without a "I LIKE PRIVACY" option.

Yeeah.

[Xero21]

What gets me is the limited 'reasons' you have to give them for not wanting to use your real name. Without a "I LIKE PRIVACY" option.

Yeeah.

It is a bit strange that people would feel that "privacy" now includes leaving messages where everyone can see them as a private act. Seems like a bit of an oxymoron.

[Elaine]

It is a bit strange that people would feel that "privacy" now includes leaving messages where everyone can see them as a private act. Seems like a bit of an oxymoron.

It's leaving messages under your real name and not a username. My point still stands.

[Xero21]

It's leaving messages under your real name and not a username. My point still stands.

My point is that no one or no thing, not the Constitution or any law, ever really permits privacy in a public domain as far as I know. If you are buying something in a store, you have to comply if the store wants to see your identification. You can be stopped, questioned, and arrested if you're doing something suspicious in public. If it's in your own home, a warrant is required. There are different standards.

Likewise, if leaving comments on youtube videos is public (and it is), what gives anyone the right to also demand anonymity?