Truth is,
I'm not even sure I want to get into this. And, for the record,
this inquiry concerns only the English Wikipedia Project. I spend 99% of
the
time I have to devote to the English Wikipedia Project at editing
articles;
the other 1% being spent on the Mailing Lists. So, consequently, I know
very
little about the authority structure that exists in the Project. But
something that has been bothering me for some time now; something that
has
been touched on very cautiously at various times on this List; and
something
that I firmly believe is at the root of many of the problems that have
been
discussed on this List (and elsewhere) for some time now. What is the
actual
chain of authority that now exists in the Project? This I am certain of:
Sue Gardner is the Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation. Just
like
any corporate structure, her line of authority is clear enough. The
Foundation oversees (my term) and provides the technical equipment and
funding to operate the Project. Is there a similar "structure", "line of
authority" or "buck stops here" entity within the English Wikipedia
Project.
Would, could, someone please help me to see and understand it? I need
some
basics here so that I can take part in any discussion.
Marc Riddell
Editing, content, and on-wiki policy is in the hands of the editing
community, limited by their ability to agree.
The exception is actions which create potential liabilities.
Heavy responsibility I know...
Fred Bauder
And if changes were proposed to this present system, who (or what entity)
would approve and implement them?
Marc