[WikiEN-l] Civility poll results

[Ray Saintonge]

Charles Matthews wrote:
> Marc Riddell wrote:
>   
>>  Two words in
>> your message state what is the main, insidious problem with the Project's
>> culture: "It varies." To be fully productive, to reach its greatest
>> potential and to achieve its stated goals a workplace's culture cannot vary.
>>   
>>     
> I had a talk page message four days ago 
> starting "That is just silly" and ending "Be serious". Lack of shared 
> assumptions, in this case about a navigational template, is something I 
> feel I ought to be able to rise above.
>   

An experienced person is more likely to take those comments in stride as 
relating to some specific positions taken elsewhere, not as expressions 
of incivility, and not as personal attacks.  Unfortunately there are 
others who are too quick to take great offence to any kind of criticism, 
or any questioning of their authority.  I have a mixed reaction to 
Marc's words.  The principle of civility should not vary, but if it 
becomes a monolith that does not adapt to circumstances it will invite 
attacks when it should be looking to absorb differences.
>> To work, to create, at their full potential, a person must be able to focus
>> on that: the work. They cannot be constantly looking over their shoulder, or
>> live with the anxiety that an unstable, unpredictable workplace can produce.
>>
>> And the old party-liners - those who have "led" by insinuation and not
>> consensus - can blow all the smoke they want at the messengers, but the
>> message is still there loud an clear.
>>     
> I think you'll find a more informed, and, yes, more nuanced discussion 
> going on in parts of this thread not dominated by generalities.
>
>   
The wiki's old-timers are not likely the same as Marc's "old 
party-liners".  Nevertheless, I sympathise with the need to be able to 
focus on one's work without anxiety.

Ec