From the Newsroom: A word about pen names

Kelly O'Sullivan

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When Sun City and Sun City West readers visited our newsroom on May 18 for coffee and conversation with the staff, it was both enlightening and productive. There were lots of comments, questions and exchanges of ideas.

One reader raised the subject of pen names, which are used liberally by residents in both communities, wondering if some people submit letters under multiple pen names. It’s a valid concern, one that I was happy to address by sharing what goes on behind the scenes when someone submits a letter under a name other than their own.

I have the pen name conversation multiple times a week (sometimes multiple times a day) with readers from the Sun Cities and from across the Valley. First, I let them know that we cannot publish a letter under a pseudonym if we cannot confirm the writer’s identity, and to do that, we need the person’s real name, address and phone number.

I also let them know that the Independent doesn’t share their information with anyone, and that their letter will include only their pen name and city when it publishes, as well as an editor’s note that makes it clear they’re writing under a pseudonym.

Most readers provide the information and once I confirm who they are, I move their letter forward if it meets our civility guidelines. If someone declines to provide the information, I let them know that we’re here if they change their mind, then archive their letter.

Some ask why we need to know who they are. We need to know for the same reason that we fact-check opinion submissions to the best of our ability — we’re accountable for what goes into our digital and print publications. Just like Woodward and Bernstein knew who their Watergate informant, “Deep Throat,” was from Day 1, we need to know whose opinion we’re sharing, even as we protect their identify.

I also let letter-writers know that once they choose a pen name, they need to use it each time they submit a letter and that it’s helpful to include their verification information each time, too.

We don’t allow people to go back and forth between their pen name and real name, or to submit letters under new pen names unless there’s a compelling reason, like compromised identity, to change their name.

Why? Again, it’s about accountability. Other readers need to know that at Independent Newsmedia, it’s one person, one pen name. Can someone sneak one through? There’s always that possibility, but we work hard to ensure it doesn’t happen.

Some other things readers should consider when submitting a letter under a pen name:

• Names like Anonymous, Concerned Citizen, Jane Doe or John Q. Public don’t cut it. In the past, we allowed tongue-in-cheek names, like Harve Morespect, and those will stand. Going forward, that won’t be the case — those writing under a name other than their own will be asked to submit a realistic-sounding first and last name. They can even throw in a middle name or initial if they like; it just needs to be a legitimate human name.

•  If you’re having trouble choosing a pen name, consider one that’s easy to remember but isn’t easily traceable to you. Many years ago, a family member wrote under a pen name that combined the town where our father grew up and our mother’s maiden name.

•  Not using your real name isn’t a license to throw civility out the window. We review all letters to ensure they meet the guidelines set forth in our Civility Checklist. While it’s natural to want to lash out at those who disagree with us or to copy and paste talking points that we haven’t vetted because they fit our narrative, the fact is that if we don’t engage in respectful, honest and civil dialogue, our message is lost or diluted.

Readers also should know that the maximum word count for letters to the editor is 300 words, and we don’t publish complaints or testimonials about specific businesses or employees.  Letters may be submitted via our online form at yourvalley.net/letters or emailed to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. 

Exercising one’s First Amendment rights by sharing their opinion is an incredible thing, one that we hope Independent readers in the Sun Cities will continue to do seriously, respectfully, honestly and civilly.

If you have any questions about opinions, please reach out. I’m happy to answer, as are my colleagues. 

Kelly O’Sullivan is opinions coordinator with Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA’s Arizona newsroom. Reach her at kosullivan@iniusa.org.