Anonymity, Integrity

Anonymous sources seem to be everywhere.

I am especially sensitive to their appearance because a long time ago, I hid behind another identity. The phrases currently appearing hourly in the news, "Source asked not to be identified," or "Unnamed person familiar with the case," or "A person familiar with his thinking," reminded me of that time, and the wise advice given by a beloved friend, Andrew Greeley.

Andy and I met, oh so briefly. There was a quick introduction, and then it was over. Several months later, I sent him a note of congratulations for once again having a book appear at the top of the NY Times Best Seller List. His response was immediate, and a friendship developed that lasted decades until his untimely death.

During those years, Andy, despite all his fame, graciously read every ms. I sent to him, and our correspondence became voluminous. I began to be published more often, and it was largely due to his encouragement that I continued to pursue writing.

It was during those years that I entered the world of fiction and chose to use a Nom de Plume, Mary Sean Quinn. My intention was to divert any criticism or suggestion that I was writing about people in my immediate world. I was surprised at my friend's disapproval, but it was too late. The short story had been submitted and approved for publication. Several others followed in the next few months.

However, the longer I thought about his disapproval, the more I realized he was right. If you believe in the integrity of your words, don't hide behind a false identity. Nor do you ask to remain anonymous if and when you provide valid information to news outlets.

My friend and mentor left our world several years ago, but his words of wisdom came to mind this week as I read all the news stories and listened to the chorus of voices quoting anonymous sources. I don't dispute their veracity, but I recall my friend's evaluation when I hid behind a Nom de Plume twenty years ago.

Andy was right. I was wrong. There never was a Mary Sean Quinn. "The Car Pool" was written by Anne Donlon Achenbach and should have appeared in print that way. I regret that it didn't.

I also believe that when there are accurate news stories to be published; they, too, should appear with valid identification not hidden under the cloak of anonymity. Otherwise, they have no integrity and will ever be shrouded with doubt.