As somebody who has nevwer been an arbitrator, functionary, or board member, and as
somebody whose real-life identity is on his userpage for all to see, I thought I'd
just chime in that I agree completely with Anthony and Richard.
I have personally spoken to at least two respected members of the Wikipedia community who
are members of WMUK who have told me that they feel uncomfortable attending events at
which Edward Buckner/Peter Damian is present because he has attempted or might attempt to
"out" them, such as by posting photographs of them on the Internet or by
publishing the real names of some of those who edit under pseudonyms (and many editors use
pseudonyms because they have good reason not to want their real life job or identity etc
associated with their Wikipedia username).
It is lamentable that a precedent has been set for banning a person from WMUK events, but
in this case, I endorse the decision unreservedly, because people should be able to attend
such events without worrying about the informationt hat migh be maliciously published
about them.
Harry Mitchell
(User:HJ Mitchell)
________________________________
From: Thomas Dalton <thomas.dalton(a)gmail.com>
To: peterc(a)cix.compulink.co.uk; wikimediauk-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org
Sent: Tuesday, 10 January 2012, 2:03
Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] [Functionaries-en] Edward Buckner/Peter Damian & W
What makes you think everyone that attends a WMUK event is in a
high-profile role and is in a position of authority?
The trustees of WMUK are all perfectly open about their real life
identities, as it is required by law. You can go onto the Companies
House website and find out about them whether they like it or now (or
you can just go onto the WMUK website and find out even more, of
course). The same goes for the trustees and senior staff of the WMF.
This ban isn't to protect the board, it's to protect other people
attending events.
On 10 January 2012 01:50, Peter Cohen <peterc(a)cix.compulink.co.uk> wrote:
In-Reply-To:
<2224B9FE-C1A6-4EF0-98B3-C0CD5AE53D64(a)gmail.com>
Anthony,
I am just an ordinary Wikipedian. Although I have contemplated becoming an
admin in the past, I have never applied to be one and don't intend to do
so in the foreseeable future. As such, I have no obligation to acknowledge
anything about anyone.
It so happens that the Wikipedian I have probably had most contact with as
a Wikipedian is an anonymous editor and I understand enough of his
circumstances to know why it is appropriate in his case. I am not going to
out him or other ordinary editors or admins who focus on using the brush
end of the broom. However, the higher someone gets up the hierarchy the
less appropriate it is for someone to be granted anonymity.
When someone is active in AE or has an extensive history of using blocks
against established editors, then the right to privacy becomes
questionable. Wikipedia isn't just a private club. It is one of the most
powerful websites in the world.
Arbitrators, senior Foundation staff and directors of WMUK and the like
are in positions of authority over that website and it is entirely
appropriate that they should be scrutinised publcly.
I don't know as much about Buckner as you do. Maybe I would be horrified
by him if I did. But I'm not going to accept that everyone in high-profile
roles should be above external scrutiny. And actually it's surprising how
restrained people are being. As far as I know, no one seems to have gone
to Private Eye.
Peter
Peter,
The additional issues with Buckner, who routinely tries to uncover
the identity of Wikipedians who are in high-profile roles, mean it
is quite appropriate to ban him from these events.
Nobody said he was a "security risk", but it is the case that he
has caused stress among many editors for no other reason than that
he can. A subset of these editors have resigned because of
Buckner/Damian. He should not be welcome at WMUK events because of
his behaviour, period. It astounds me that you don't acknowledge
the ongoing issues with this man's actions.
Anthony
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