The editors of our free press have decided that reporters can use anonymous sources, as long as the sources give a reason for being anonymous—giving rise to a literary micro-genre. I googled on “Spoke on condition of anonymity because” and got

1. Spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution (WaPo)
2. Spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing (WaPo)
3. Spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject (Hartford Courant)
4. Spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicacy of the negotiations (SF Chronicle)
5. Spoke on condition of anonymity because of government rules (Boston Glob)
6. Spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. (Herald Trib)
7. Spoke on condition of anonymity because of the subject’s sensitivity (Post Intelligencer)
8. Spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision is not final (Times (reg required))
9. Spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation from the government (Business Week)
10. Spoke on condition of anonymity because he remains an informal adviser (San Diego Union)
11. Spoke on condition of anonymity because many people do not know she smokes (New Haven Register)
12. Spoke on condition of anonymity because Mr. Sharpton wants to announce the decision to his supporters himself (New York Times (reg required))
13. Spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to divulge results (Edmonton Sun)
14. Spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions were confidential (Dallas News)
15. Spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media (Casper Stat Tribune)
16. Spoke on condition of anonymity because a formal statement has not been released (Billings Gazette)
17. Spoke on condition of anonymity because he did not want to be seen as speaking for the president (Detroit News)
18. Spoke on condition of anonymity because he did not want his identity and presence here to be known by criminals (Brisbane’s News)

Readers? More examples? Sometimes you can almost guess what the story is about…

“Spoke on condition of anonymity because he was having the shock absorbers in his car changed”…