On 7/30/07, Blu Aardvark jeffrey.latham@gmail.com wrote:
Here's my opinion on the matter.
First, Slashdot is not a reliable source. Thus, links in article space are thoroughly inappropriate except for in articles related to the subject. Second, the question must be asked - who is adding these links, where are they adding these links, and what is their motive for doing so? True, there are some established users who are clearly acting in good faith to call this slashdot drivel to the attention of other editors, but is doing so actually necessary? Does it benefit Wikipedia at all?
I think it's safe to say that SlimVirgin is well aware of the piece. I think it is also safe to say that SlimVirgin is highly upset by the piece, and considerably bothered by the fact that her fellow editors deem it necessary to call the piece to the attention of her and other editors.
It's a hit piece, a hack job masquerading as journalism. As I've posted on Slashdot myself, it may be true that she is who the article claims her to be, and the evidence may be sufficient to draw such a conclusion. It may be true that she has an active conflict of interest on Wikipedia, and the evidence may be sufficient to draw this conclusion as well. But there is not enough evidence to convict her of being affiliated with a government agency - I've seen better and more believable conspiracy theories advocated by the GNAA.
But yet, not only do slashdotters find it necessary to call attention to the piece, Wikipedians do as well. Can you understand why some people would rightfully be upset by this?
I don't see it as censorship. I see it more or less of a common-sense "why are we even discussing this?" type of action.
Quoted from self:
"Not everyone reads the mailing list/Slashdot and may want to enquire about rumours they've heard. I would rather that they heard about these ridiculous allegations from Wikipedians on Wikipedia, rather than on some other website because self-righteous Wikipedians decide any mention whatsoever of the claims is ridiculous."
Johnleemk