On 10/9/07, Marc Riddell michaeldavid86@comcast.net wrote:
on 10/9/07 8:34 AM, Brock Weller at brock.weller@gmail.com wrote:
we need to examine ways to recover drifting subgroups and bring them back into the fold more effectively then we have. I don't mean compromising our core values, but absorbing the splinter groups with enough outreach to reassert our values.
Brock,
If a part of those core values is respect for the individual, then, by reaching out to those individuals we will be reinforcing both the individual and those values. These groups are made up of individuals who want to be seen and dealt with as such; and not as merely one expendable drop in a massive sea.
That sounds like a bit of an oversimplification. Much of the appeal of these subgroups lies in an identity that is separate from that of being a Wikipedia editor. The groups tend to want special treatment; we don't have one cabal, we have several cliques all trying to assert their identities and push their own agendas, and different cliques win at different times. (Credit Dan Tobias for coming up with this reasonable explanation for the apparent behaviour of Wikipedian communities.)
Now, it would be great if we could all agree that we are unique individuals and that our primary focus should be our shared core values as editors of a free encyclopaedia. Trouble is, I don't think that's really possible; it may be to some extent, but even in nations with strong identities, there are strong subgroups (the US has states, political parties, religions, God knows what - and the same thing exists in my own country as well). If a nation can't figure this out, I highly doubt that a mishmashed community on the internet will be able to.
Johnleemk