We
have many times discussed the idea of self-expiring (or temporary bans). That is
the plan I have always favored. I think a 3-day or one-month ban on a
problematic user has the potential to persuade them to "join us" rather than
trying to "beat us".
Banning policy is 100% in the hands of Jimbo, the site owner. He
apparently favors permanent bans. Since he has the ultimate responsibility for
the project I hate to second-guess him; but I've made my views
known.
I
spend the bulk of my Wiki-time working on NPOV issues and trying to get my
fellow contributors to work together in a spirit of harmony. I'm not sure how
well I'm doing, but I occasionally get a thank-you on my talk page.
^_^
Ed
Poor
Maybe, when blocking someone, we should put a cookie on their computer that
doesn't let them edit under any username or IP adress. I know this could be a
breach of privacy, so maybe it could expire in a week. It would be easy to get
around, just a deterent. (just as it is easy to get around blocking
usernames)