[WikiEN-l] Arbcom mailing lists need shredded

[Fred Bauder]

The archives of the arbcom-l mailing list are seldom consulted, so could
probably be disposed of after a month or two. We need space where we can
talk candidly about real or imagined problems. That's how we sort out the
real from the imaginary.

Fred


> Two issues have recently brought the questions of the arbcom mailing
> lists to light. 1) The rather vile thread on the RfArb talk - with its
> allegations that named individuals have leaked  - allegations that by
> their nature can neither be substantiated or repudiated. 2) The 'Giano
> question' - a very legitimate question of whether if Giano were on
> arbcom he'd read posts about himself in the arbcom archives - and what
> he'd to with such information. To his credit, Giano's answers showed
> great integrity. But this raises the question: if there are posts about
> Giano in there, why shouldn't he be able to read them? And for that
> matter, if there are posts about me, why shouldn't I?
>
> Strip away the personalities and the bad blood and deeper issues remain.
> 1) Secrecy breeds paranoia and distrust - and the antidote is always
> more transparency.
> 2) Whilst there's a legitimate debate as to whether too many people have
>  access to the lists - we're missing a bigger question of access to the
> archives. Even if access is restricted to current arbs, that will mean
> that anything posted now can be read by dozens of people over the next
> few years - some of whom *will* be indiscreet. We here talk of  archives
>  used as "institutional memory" - but knowledge is also power.
> 3) In most bureaucracies today, individuals have the right to see any
> records pertaining to themselves. That right allows the correction of
> error - but also focuses the minds of those who would make personal
> comments about individuals in backrooms. Comments that may prejudice
> minds for years to come.
> 4) Arbcom certainly has a need to share "privileged" information -
> checkuser details and other privacy matters - and that flow of
> information needs to be restricted.  Arbcom also has a need for internal
>  deliberation without the background noise of open mailing lists,
> however, this type of discussion has no real need to be private.
>
> I suggest the following:
>
> A) The current archive is going to be an unsortable mix of necessarily
> confidential information and indiscreet commentary. Since it cannot be
> sorted, and we can neither give public access nor (it seems) guarantee
> confidentiality - it should be deleted.  It is unacceptable that there
> may be information about me (or Giano or !!) in there, which the subject
>  cannot see or answer, and yet almost certainly can  be (will be, and
> has  been) leaked to others. It would be also unfair to open the archive
>  retrospectively as even indiscreet comments were made with an
> expectation of confidentiality.
>
> B) Arcom should have closed but public mailing list for discussing
> cases. I.E. only posts from arbs (or occasionally passed through
> moderators) would be allowed - but anyone can read the list or archive.
> This would prevent chatter about individuals behind their back. If Arbs
> really feel the need to discuss a user in private, they can use IRC or
> private e-mail where at least there are no archives to be read years
> from now.
>
> C) Arbcom should also have a closed mailing list. But it should only be
> used for information covered by the privacy policy - and strictly
> neccessary commentary.  Even here I'd like 1. someone to have oversight
> - to ensure no gossip and check only strictly necessary discussion 2. a
> right for a user to ask for any information about them to be disclosed
> to them. 3. The archives of this list should not be kept indefinitely -
> perhaps  12-24 months only.
>
> The current situation is untenable, unfair, and destroying the
> community's trust. It's also unfair on arbitors who have no means to
> defend themselves when accused of mishandling information. It confuses
> the necessary need for privacy, with a desire to chatter with impunity.
>
> Doc
>
>
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