SIR - Graham Hoyle (T&A, January 16) makes some interesting points about the anonymity afforded to those of us who avail ourselves of the online forums.

However, I would contend the context of online forums is manifestly different to that of letters published in newspapers.

Newspapers are subject to the libel laws and other considerations, and consequently it is right correspondents have to identify themselves.

As an infrequent contributor to this newspaper I am always happy for my address to be included.

I am a fairly frequent contributor to the online forums, and have chosen my real name to be included online.

Many contributors choose to use pseudonyms. I believe this is fair enough, as the internet has developed as a largely unregulated medium, and anonymity enables some forthright stuff to be said.

If I wish to express an opinion in a serious manner I write to the newspaper in order to add some gravitas.

What I express online is less formal, and shared with other correspondents who have accepted the less formal setting, and I do not expect to be taken as seriously.

I am prepared to add my real name. That is not to say I would never use a pseudonym online; it would depend on circumstance.

Robert Appleby, Hopefield Way, Bradford