I do applaud the Register Guard for taking this step. Over the long haul it might lead to a more relaxed and fun forum for discussion. For a long time I called for the same policy online as in the paper itself, make people use their real names, as anonymity seemed to foster bullying. But I came to understand that wouldn't allow a city employee to call out dumb behavior by government, without their getting fired.

I do have some questions going forward, regarding just what is civil and what is not. I recognize bullying when I see it, as it strives to humiliate a fellow human. But if I call someone a nincompoop for tricking my country into a war, is that civil?  How do I criticize dangerous behavior without going too far? Maybe a little more guidance as to what is considered civil would help. While civility is essential, so is honesty and clear language. Sometimes civility is just impossible. Would Michael Moore's movie,  "Where to Invade Next", be seen as civil?
Hugh Massengill, Eugene