Hello,
Let's face it: BLPs pose a problem. I want to suggest a few ideas that could resolve some of the issues we face. 1. BLPs should be of sufficiently notable people that they appear in at least one external encyclopedic source, preferably print. This would include other encyclopedias, "Who's Who," or other biographical indices. 2. In the event that the person attained fame because of sudden circumstances, they must be covered in at least three distinct newspapers that can be cited. 3. All facts added to articles about living people should have at least two distinct and independent sources. 4. In the event that an LP or and LP's representative complains via OTRS or by calling the office, the article will be soft protected until the matter can be investigated. If an edit war ensues, the article will be protected immediately until the matter can be investigated. 5. All BLP articles will contain information, prominently displayed on the Talk Page (or perhaps even on the article itself), of how the person or her representatives might express formal reservations to the WMF about the content. This will be in the form of a banner with a link to a special OTRS email address created specifically for these types of problems. 6. All complainants will be encouraged to list their problems and suggest means of correcting them. These are just some ideas. Feel free to consider some or all of them, as you see fit. Yes, BLPs are a problem, but there are ways that they can be handled effectively and to the satisfaction of everyone. The first step is to back away from posturing and show a willingness to compromise. It will not solve all the problems, but it will show our goodwill. Danny
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