[Wikipedia-l] Watch this user

[Michael R. Irwin]

koyaanisqatsi at nupedia.com wrote:
> 
> >But people should be able to tell who is watching them. :)
> >
> >-- Daniel (Mikkelsen)
> 
> That's easy.  If you're in the U.S., on any given day it's the FBI,
> CIA, DEA, ATF, FTC, FCC, NSA, RIAA, MPAA, local police, surveillance
> cameras at any store or bank, and possibly John Ashcroft himself.  Oh,
> and also your neighbor, who believes all the stuff on TV about how
> unsafe it is to walk outside.
> 
> In most of those cases, I care.  As far as who's watching what I edit,
> I don't really.  I suppose that's because I try to avoid writing about
> controversial subjects (you can see why).  ;-)  What do others think?

I think watching and harassment should have some
symmetrical characteristics.

At a minimum any "watch this user" function should 
be available to all users so it is easy for them
to watch back on the sysops and other active watchers.

At another extreme, the watch function could be
activated only in symmetrical pairing.  When you
click to watch somebody you are also activating their
watch function on you.   This would allow sysops and
other regulars to set a good example for erring users.

This would also discourage peeping toms, people who
like to watch but not be watched.

Regards,
Mike Irwin