ORIGINAL: MikeL
I disagree. To use identity as a requirement to merely pose a question is off-putting. When the answer hinges on a piece of identifying information, that moves into a different category. But to merely pose a question? That speaks of a level of paranoia and distrust. This is a public forum. Anyone can read the answers given, and one must assume that the public nature of the forum was chosen specifically because anyone can read the answer. If not, private correspondence would have been sufficient.
A question that requires identification of the questioner in order to be properly answered is a rare thing. Even in the scenarios you posed, the question itself simply wouldn't require any identification.
To me, this sort of silliness speaks of the mindsets involved. Paranoia, suspicion, and a lack of desire to work for others. This AMA forum is steeped in personal conflicts. People need to move beyond that. If a person is unwilling to do so, what business do they have seeking a leadership position?
Not rushing to the sound of the muskets, or anything such as that, but I honestly believe that if you will do some digging, you will find that (a) Horrace has already given much more to this hobby than he has or will take from it, and (b) Horrace is not one to start personal conflicts, but neither will he shrink from one, and (c) Horrace has always been one to give someone the benefit of the doubt, at least until that person displays that he is not worthy of that treatment.
Once again, what do you have against someone asking if you are a member? It is not something to be embarassed about. You should be proud to display your membership in this Grand old Academy.
Bill, AMA 4720