Under Gawker's new discussion system, each contribution and thread is judged on its own merits.

Your previous record with us does still count and can be a significant factor in how your discussion is placed. But we recognize that some of the most informative commentary is sparked from first-time visitors and lurkers, from the subjects of articles and industry insiders, from tipsters whose anonymity would be compromised by any public history.

We're leveling the playing field so that the strength of your immediate conversation is king. We're handing over the keys to moderate your own ongoing insightful and provocative threads. You'll get to decide who's included, whose response demands a reply, who should be sent to a thread of their own to defend their position.

You'll be able to share your wittiest observations or finely-curated conversations with social media, and invite your smartest friends to join you in discussion. As a new feature, you'll be able to link to your observations on a given topic, with a conversational history you've had a hand in cultivating. And if you choose, you can join us and speak with total anonymity.