[WikiEN-l] An open letter to Jimmy Wales

[Seth Finkelstein]

> David Gerard
>
> Seth Finkelstein is apparently going to try for another hatchet job on
> the subject in the Guardian, after his previous one was severely
> gutted (in case you're wondering why it didn't appear to make sense).

	David Gerard is speaking blithering nonsense. I presume he's
talking about my article:

"Sting in the Scorpions tale is the exposure of Wiki's weakness"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/dec/18/wikipedia-jimmy-wales

	It wasn't "gutted". I voluntarily took out one paragraph from
a draft, which discussed an incident involving him arguably abusing his
powers. This was done after another involved Wikipedian made an
extensive calm, rational, and to me convincing, case not to include
the incident, partially on humanitarian grounds.

	His (Gerard's) bullying reflected immense discredit on him, and
if anything, added an implication of a cover-up. _Guardian_ editors
should have made clear that any attempted intimidation would not work.
Overall, it was quite a counter-productive performance. And while he
didn't quite manage an "own goal", the community really should be
aware of how poorly his conduct presents The Encyclopedia to those
not already besotted.

        I'd also say his comment about "didn't appear to make sense"
says more about him than about my article.

	Many factors go into the focus and editing of a column. Do not
think the sun rises because a small rooster crows loudly.

--
Seth Finkelstein  Consulting Programmer  
Web site - http://sethf.com/
Infothought blog - http://sethf.com/infothought/blog/