The anonymity is described by posters as, at once, the best and the worst aspects of message boards. It s the worst part because you have to weed out what to believe and what not to. Peoria Illini Fan is one of several posters contacted for this story who declined to give his real name. Not all posters are anonymous. Many times people cross the lines of good taste because of their own anger.
Criticism becomes personal attacks when there are no boundaries.
Still, much truth and insight does get dispensed on message boards. Some journalists monitor the musings to see what their readers and viewers are thinking as well as to pick up possible tips on recruits or other inside information. The BU coaching staff does so as well. It puts more scrutiny and accountability on us, but I d much rather have that than be doing a great job and having nobody show up at the gate. I do worry about somebody starting a rumor on there that s not true.