On Tue, 28 Jan 2003, Jimmy Wales wrote:
Jonathan Walther wrote:
Can we ban all this users IPs and perhaps call the cops?
That is an extreme, and unwarranted reaction.
I disagree. Threats of murder are absolutely impermissible and do, in fact, warrant police action.
What we're engaged in here, writing an encyclopedia, is a simple and kind hobby, a gift to the world, put forward with genuine concern for the well-being of all humanity. There's absolutely nothing about what we are doing that should expose any of us to threats of harm. The very idea is ludicrous.
I would agree that informing the police would be right if there were a threat. However, I find Jonathon's interpretation at least as plausible as the threat interpretation. I wouldn't argue against bannishment in this case, but in the absense of a clearer threat, I wouldn't be the one to call the cops.
My $0.02, M Carling