On 2/28/07, Thomas Dalton thomas.dalton@gmail.com wrote:
He was described in the piece as "a tenured professor of religion at a private university" with "a Ph.D. in theology and a degree in canon law."Where did those claims come from? I haven't seem them anywhere before.
My mistake, here
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Essjay/History1&direction...
-----
I find the lack of discussion on this disturbing. Normally I would not post to the list, but I must say something. I have read the discussion on Jimbo's talk page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Jimbo_Wales#The_New_Yorker_quotes_you) and the linked pages. Some people are very concerned about Essjay's actions, but others think it is no big deal.
I consider it a big deal. If Essjay had only misrepresented himself within Wikimedia, that would be one thing. But he also went outside the Wikimedia community and presented himself (several times) as someone he is not, with credentials he does not have.
This can only damage Wikipedia's reputation, especially since Essjay is one of our most trusted users. It also damages the community, because some people will find it difficult to trust him, and the leadership that supports him (i.e. Jimbo).
I have great respect for the work Essjay has done. However, misrepresenting himself to outside entities is simply unacceptable.
I wish to know if the community will sweep this under the rug, or if we will discuss it before it gets buried in Jimbo's archives. Does anyone here care?
Sincerely,
Fang Aili