On Apr 21, 2007, at 8:57 AM, Andries Krugers Dagneaux wrote:
I do not consider arbcom decisions that diverge much from existing policies as legitimate. The [[Wikipedia:No Personal Attack]] policy states that off-Wikipedia behavior is a side-issue. If you do not agree with that policy then please try to change it. Arbcom decision that diverge much form existing policies are unfair and erode the moral authority that the arbcom now has.
A side issue? Not exactly. The policy clearly says:
"Wikipedia acknowledges that it cannot regulate behavior in media not under the control of the Wikimedia Foundation, but personal attacks elsewhere may create doubt as to whether an editor's on-wiki actions are being conducted in good faith. Posting personal attacks or defamation off-Wikipedia is harmful to the entire community, and to an editor's relationship with it. While an editor may not be directly penalized for off-wiki attacks, such attacks may be taken as aggravating factors when any on-wiki policy violations are being considered. For example, they can be used as evidence in the dispute- resolution process, including in Arbitration cases."
Attack fellow editors off-wiki, and AGF goes out of the window, and these actions will be taken as aggravating factors in ArbCom decisions. That is not a "side issue" IMO.
-- Jossi