Jim Cecropia wrote:
Well, "lynch mob" has a meaning in US culture beyond literally "stringing someone up" "extra-judicially." It refers to an atmosphere in which the question on the table which can be stated: "We're fed up this guy, podners, what're ya gonna do about it?" I see some of that here. I've had an unpleasant run-in in an issue in which 172 was a part, and I do think he is too aggressive and arbitrary; but I've also come to realize that he is one of the best contributors to Wikipedia. This shouldn't give him (or anyone) a "pass" to become a "super-user," but I think our efforts should focus on how we can get experienced contributors to follow certain basic rules without "banning," which is an insult, rather than a time-out. Maybe it's not possible, but I think the desire for collegiality should make us think.
I think you mention an important point here. What about a collection of civil duties that good contributors will have to take care of each time they have not followed certain basic rules ?