It’s been how long? Two years? Not sure really. But ever since comment boxes appeared below articles on iranian.com, there have been rare instances where writers have left supporting messages for themselves.
You, the general reader, may be able to guess these instances. But often you’re probably wrong and it’s just your conspiracy-friendly mind talking.
I on the other hand, have access to our publishing system, which can tell me, with a good deal of accuracy, if these comments are coming from the same person under the guise of different users.
In order to check on my suspicions, I have to ask our technical chief Foaad, to go and dig up the facts. I don’t know how to do it myself and I don’t want to. In a total of three instances (two concerning abusive users and one regarding comments on one’s own writing), I have been so annoyed that I have sought Foaad’s help. It’s good to have an expert witness and second opinion.
Now my question is, what am I supposed to do? Should I tell the offending person to stop leaving congratulatory or supporting messages for her or himself? Should I just delete them? Should I expose them (I’m not going to that, I don’t think)?
Or should I stop checking on these desperate individuals altogether? So what if people want to give themselves a pat on the back, anonymously, over and over again? Is that any of my business?
I would like your input. PLEASE do not speculate and name names in your comments (they will be deleted), because I would have done so myself and that’s not the purpose of this blog.
However, maybe those who have done it may see this note and feel a little uncomfortable.
