There are some real ethical issues involved in permitting anonymous
postings, particularly on a non-moderated list.  How, for example, is
list abuse going to be controlled.  What happens when an individual
decides to begin posting contributions which are racially, ethnically
or sexually harassing.  If the postings are anonymous, how does one
control this.
 
I really don't see the difference between participating in a list,
writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper, or getting up at a
meeting and saying what you think.  In the case of the letter to the
editor, you can request that your name be withheld.  And in the case
of a list, you can send the message to the listowner or moderator and
ask that you name be withheld.  But no responsible newspaper editor
is going to accept an anonymous letter and publish it. And no responsible
listowner should either.
 
Howard Pasternack
Brown University