January 1st, 2013 is a good day to change one thing at ODN.

Names to be used on comments and other input on buttons above – classifieds, approved events, lost and found etc.

If the email submitted contains your last name (won’t be shown) then you can use your first name as a choice. I encourage everyone to consider their comments and then put your name to them. My knowledge of first and last name is required.

I noticed today that most regulars are doing that but some people with very sharply worded criticisms continue to want to be protected as to who knows who is speaking. I have reviewed a number of requests from people who say they feel uncomfortable using their name(s). Get used to it. Change now and that will make it easier for all concerned.

My main concern has been the strongly worded comments and people who like to try to “slag” others. I have a fairly thick skin but many others do not.

I like letters to the editor, I like well thought out opinion, I like a good debate, I can take a bit of criticism. BUT use your name.

*Terms of Service – you might like to know what I mean by that. The number of readers, viewers etc. continues to grow and is presently at a plateau of between 2000 to 3000 persons per day when the statistics are viewed. This is unique visitors – each with a registered IP address.

I would say less than five persons (mostly unknown) have been removed from having access. In 2013 we enter the fourth year (2010-2011-2012-2013) in which ODN has been serving customers, advertisers and the community. To be accurate (we like to be) ODN has been up in the ether for 28 months in total starting in September of 2010.