David Gerard
Seth Finkelstein is apparently going to try for another hatchet job on the subject in the Guardian, after his previous one was severely gutted (in case you're wondering why it didn't appear to make sense).
David Gerard is speaking blithering nonsense. I presume he's talking about my article:
"Sting in the Scorpions tale is the exposure of Wiki's weakness" http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/dec/18/wikipedia-jimmy-wales
It wasn't "gutted". I voluntarily took out one paragraph from a draft, which discussed an incident involving him arguably abusing his powers. This was done after another involved Wikipedian made an extensive calm, rational, and to me convincing, case not to include the incident, partially on humanitarian grounds.
His (Gerard's) bullying reflected immense discredit on him, and if anything, added an implication of a cover-up. _Guardian_ editors should have made clear that any attempted intimidation would not work. Overall, it was quite a counter-productive performance. And while he didn't quite manage an "own goal", the community really should be aware of how poorly his conduct presents The Encyclopedia to those not already besotted.
I'd also say his comment about "didn't appear to make sense" says more about him than about my article.
Many factors go into the focus and editing of a column. Do not think the sun rises because a small rooster crows loudly.
-- Seth Finkelstein Consulting Programmer Web site - http://sethf.com/ Infothought blog - http://sethf.com/infothought/blog/