I wouldn’t want the blame for egging you on.

Dear Hipster: Perhaps you can settle this matter once and for all. If I wrote an inflammatory letter to the editor, is it okay to do so anonymously, or should I attach my name for all to see, and, perhaps, condemn myself to metaphorical persecution at the hands of my detractors? You may consider my interest purely academic, because I harbor no desire to incite anybody’s rage. — Geoff

Glad to hear you’re not secretly developing a tirade of incendiary remarks and the only thing holding you back is the big question, to anon or not to anon?

I wouldn’t want the blame for egging you on.

That said, there are times when you want — perhaps even need — to own your saltiest, most hateful comments. Posting Soundcloud comments about some obscure, terrible trap artist? Proudly attach your name to whatever sick burn you can come up with, because sometimes the only thing more important than identifying what you like is identifying what you don’t like.

Other times, anonymity can be a burden. Got a valid, but undeniably incendiary, point to make about a polarizing local issue? Planning to admit to something of questionable legality? Just want to tell somebody to go take a flying f*ck at a rolling donut and you justifiably fear retaliation? Anonymity might encourage speech there.

But, generally, you ought to own your opinions. They’re stronger that way.