ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in this book. There are three such myths: the myth that controlled and regulated feedback forums are "virtual village squares", the myth that more efforts at control and regulation will somehow "restore civility" where no such civility really existed in the past, the myth that "banning anonymity" is somehow a step forward rather than a very serious and detrimental step backward in encouraging public participation in social discourse. Another popular myth in effete journalism circles is the notion that perceived "incivility" in audience feedback is caused by anonymity. Professional journalism is a form of authorship, reporters write for paychecks and bylines and professional recognition; editors work with reporters to attract audiences and, by extension, advertisers or sponsors. Another enduring myth of audience feedback is that, in the past, it was far more "civil" than in modern times.
