On 3/21/07, Bryan Derksen bryan.derksen@shaw.ca wrote:
If I was in Jimbo's position and was wanting to improve my understanding of the average Wikipedian, I think a relatively easy way to do it would be to get myself a sock puppet account and do a little editing _as_ an average Wikipedian. I'd try out the things that are the sources of controversy, such as AfD or the use of certain types of sources. Get into disagreements with some average Wikipedians and see what they think policy and standard practice really are. Continuing the monarchy analogy, this would be sort of like the Prince and the Pauper.
Perhaps he already does this. In which case, never mind. :)
I don't think the issue raised deals with his ability to "understand the average Wikipedian." I dont think he has a problem with that at all. The issues were about clarification of his role (or not), a constitution or a monarchy, and consistent usage of powers, such that we know to consult him when we draft a policy change, and not wait until six months later when he gets a chance to find out about it.
In the current debate over ATT, no other individual could make such unilateral steps as he did without prior consultation and consensus building. The fact that he can is of course a matter which the community wants to more fully understand in a constitutional way, while of course not wanting to be perceived as attacking or criticizing him.
-Stevertigo