Confidential, not anonymous

These two words are often used as if they mean the same thing. Here they don’t.

Anonymous means nobody knows who the person is, including whoever publishes their account. Remarkable Things does not publish anonymous accounts. I don’t accept tips, forwarded stories or accounts from anyone I can’t identify. An account from an unknown source can’t be checked, corrected or withdrawn, and a reader has no reason to believe it was told at all.

Confidential means I know who the person is and you don’t. Every memorate here is confidential unless the person asked me in writing to be named.

What I know about each person

Their real name, how to reach them, that they are an adult, and that the experience was their own.

What is published

A case number, a general region, and the account in their words. Never a name, employer, church, town or any other detail that would point to them, unless they ask.

Where their identity is kept

In one private list that matches case numbers to names. It is kept apart from the catalog and is not connected to this website. Recordings are kept the same way.

What stays in their hands

They read the write-up before it is published and can correct it. They can withdraw at any time, and when they do, the account, the recording and their entry in the private list are deleted. The case number is retired and the gap stays visible. Withdrawals are listed on the Corrections and withdrawals page.