On 20/09/2007, William Pietri william@scissor.com wrote:
A better real-world analogy is probably how we handle it when criminals accuse cops of bad behavior. A lot of those accusations are sure to be false. Some are sure to be true. Who do you favor?
A sans-names approach. Publish the criticism, if private dispute resolution fails, just try to leave out identifying details, at least when speaking publicly. I realise problems could arise from this, e.g. if the criticism inherently makes it obvious who is being talked about, but hey, there's only so much you can do.
The BADSITES approach seems to be equivalent to what you see in [[The Thin Blue Line (documentary)]] in that it favors solidarity with the in-group over investigation of complaints from known or suspected miscreants.
Note that there is a difference between private investigation and public investigation. Now, many of these critics are alienated from WP, and no one will listen to them, meaning the first has already failed... unless the ArbCom is willing to start hearing their complaints privately. I doubt that would work given current tensions, but perhaps things will change one day. However, note the lack of private options available for everyone - that perhaps should change.
Publicly, I support a generic, sans-names approach - discuss the issues generically. Of course, this excludes evidence, which can and does upset some people.
Personally, I'm more of the "sunshine is the best disinfectant" approach.
William
-- William Pietri william@scissor.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:William_Pietri
I don't really think it works, but I see where you're coming from.
Thing is, even if it would be better if the people being attacked were able to handle it and respond, they often aren't, and I won't push them. I'd be a total hypocrite if I did - I can't handle it either. Now, getting people to speak for them as representatives might be more feasible. I'd be quite happy if people attacked by websites that are known to remove things upon request could ask a representative to ask for the material to be removed.