ANONYMOUS POSTS ON SEARCHFUNDER

After 2 years as an active participant on Searchfunder, it has become apparent that the proliferation of anonymous posts is eroding the integrity and quality of the dialogue here and, by extension, of the overall platform.

Many anonymous posts read as if they are submitted by undergrad university students fishing for term paper content.

Others create a disingenuous asymmetry in the relationships between the inquirers and the responders: inquirers want free and unfettered access to valuable and sometimes proprietary information from professionals while the professionals have no idea to whom they are providing the information nor the uses to which it will be put.

As a result, in the past year there have been instances of anonymous searchers obtaining 'free information' from consultants with whom they are under contract (i.e., for which the inquirers should pay as part of their consulting engagement). In other cases, searchers have exploited the veil of anonymity to make unsupported derogatory, damaging and potentially libellous statements against other persons.

There is a reason that LinkedIn - the benchmark business networking platform that Searchfunder uses as a means of identity confirmation - requires personal identification with genuine names and facial photos: anonymity, secrecy and lack of transparency destroy trust and are not conducive to open and meaningful communication.

I would respectfully submit that Searchfunder has now evolved and matured to a level where anonymity is not constructive for the platform.

Until steps are taken to enhance personal identification and accountability in the communal dialogue here, I have regretfully come to the conclusion that I will no longer respond to anonymous posts requesting information or advice.

John McNabb