Viajero wrote:
In recent weeks, I have contributed to several discussions on the Problem user page and I now have come to the conclusion that it is a thoroughly unsuitable mechanism for resolving issues between users. Whatever its original purpose was (dealing with vandalism I guess), it is now (also) used for airing complex grievances with other users about lack of neutrality, breaches of Wikiquette and so on.
The problem user page should be removed. It is totally out of control. There are obviously some contributors who like to list fellow wikipedians as problem users because of minor disagreement, revenge or dislike. Take for example Szopen, who was listed there only because he listed someone else before (the person who listed him afterwards). Of course Szopen does not deserve to be listed as a problem user. The page contributes to further poisoning of the atmosphere on the english Wikipedia. Some users listed there are really hurt by the fact, that they appear in that list. (And I don't know how I would have felt, if I was listed as a problem user for many days.)
On the other hand there *are* some actually problematic users. But every discussion about these users on the problem user page is useless, since it seldom (virtually never) leads to any action. So another way to deal with annoying users should be found. I don't know how this way should be. If I would suggest to apply to the mailing list instead of listing users on a problem user page, many people around here would vigorously object. In some way I can understand that, because there is the danger, that every minor quarrel is brought up on the mailing list.
I would strongly recommend to replace the problem user page with a simple message: "The possibility to list users as problem users is not here anymore. Please try to settle your disagreement on the user's talk page. If that does not help, contact an admin in order to ask for mediation. In severe cases of abusive behaviour you may bring the case up on the mailing list." Something like this.
Mirko (who made a partial retreat from his retreat, because he still loves this project)