Proposed Field Methods

For the research I detailed in the previous post, I propose the following methods for engaging my research subjects:

Though I am using the pseudonym Femina Incognita to lurk in the places in which they are found, when I approach them, I will fully disclose my name and purpose, and direct them to the Netvibes hub that details our work; I will also explain to them my own part in our documentary.

I will wear a mask at all protests I attend, as this is their practice and I wish to participate in the same manner that they do; however, should any member of Anonymous feel more comfortable if they could see my face, I will do my best to accomodate them in any manner that does not compromise my own immediate personal safety.

I will only take video and photographs after I have obtained permission from the subjects in question, and only if they remain masked. If anything happens in the course of my research that might compromise their identity, any footage or photographs will be altered as to make them unidentifiable (i.e. if someone's mask is forcibly removed, I will blur their face in the footage or photo).

Though /b/ is on a publicly viewed site, and thus their posts can be referenced in my final report without fear of legal or ethical issue, private conversations held via messenger or PM in an IRC channel are not, and as such will only be included in the data made public if a pseudonym is used and permission given, and if no identifiable data is present.