Erik Moeller wrote:
On 5/28/06, Alphax (Wikipedia email) alphasigmax@gmail.com wrote:
Delink administrative actions from user accounts. Give admins access to a shared admin account, with a private log linking actions to the users who have done them, viewable only by other admins.
Not good, because you then also have to create secret communication channels (for users to ask questions, admins to explain and discuss their actions in complex situations, etc.). Everything2 has a similar system called "Klaproth" which is used to anonymously "nuke" write-ups. See the FAQ at: http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=E2%20FAQ%3A%20Klaproth
This should give you an idea about some of the complex problems that result from such an approach.
Everything2 also has the "Everything Death Borg" who anonymously swallows people who make inappropriate comments in the chatterbox. I don't think either approach is likely to engender a more pleasant working atmosphere in an open project that is already suffering constant accusations of cabalism.
Since we would still require a public list of admins (due to RfA), it should also be noted that some of the people who target admins do so indiscriminately. You're an admin? That means you're a member of the ruling class, baby.
Well, we may just have to have a secret cabal, and deal with it. Openness is exposing people to too much risk.