on 10/17/07 5:24 PM, William Pietri at william@scissor.com wrote:
Let me throw out an idea that might address the base problem, harassment, in a way that would perhaps obviate the need for censorship. I don't know if this is a great idea or not, but perhaps you folks can find and/or patch the flaws.
I propose that we create a fund to support editors who are being harassed solely or mainly because of legitimate on-Wikipedia work. We fund this through contributions from the community. No WMF money would be involved, but perhaps they would consent to hold and/or supervise the fund.
What do I mean by support? Well, that would be up to the community, but I imagine it would include:
- Legal or investigative support to someone pursuing criminal
charges against a harasser.
- Legal or investigative support to someone pursuing a civil suit
against a harasser, especially when seeking a protective order.
- Public relations assistance for the target of a high-profile
harassment campaign.
- Compensation for cash costs of dealing with harassment, like
changing phone numbers or moving.
- Legal support to someone frivolously sued for legitimate and
beneficial on-Wikipedia activity.
Why would we do this?
- To signal to community members that they will be supported when
attacked by kooks.
- To provide a deterrent for people who might harass productive,
good-faith Wikipedia editors.
- If necessary, to make an example of a harasser as a warning to
future potential attackers.
- To stand behind editors who might otherwise hesitate when wading
in to clean up a mess.
Would this work? Could it be done in a way that would be unlikely to go too far wrong? And would this help satisfy the people who are currently pushing for various forms of censorship as a solution to harassment?
William, this is a wonderful idea!
Marc Riddell