Recently, during a discussion regarding the North Reading Schools project, I was the subject of a reply to one of my posts by a "Bill". "Bill" alleged I have an illegal business, am not liked by my neighbors, have conducted illegal building inspections, and have the local State Representative "in my pocket" among other accusations. 

I consider these statements as libelous, and contacted "Patch" with my concern. Their response is disheartening. Apparently any one can shield themselves with a pseudo-name and make any allegations they choose. Their response is you have to litigate.

My request to have the moniker"Bill" identified to me, according to Patch is not allowed. He/or she is protected from any responsibility as to their accusations and statements. I must acquire a subpoena to find their idenity. I requested "Patch" contact this individual, appraise of my objections and  have them contact me, so I may speak w/them personally regarding their statements, and perhaps have "Bill" make a retraction of defamatory statements if they choose. 

Perhaps being naive, I had hoped, at least in North Reading, we would not tolerate such behavior. The Transcipt guards from such dissemination But sadly the Patch protects it . 

As readers of the "Patch" I would suggest you demand that they adhere to their own policies. 

They do not.