On 8/23/05, Matt R matt_crypto@yahoo.co.uk wrote:
I've decided to unblock this user as I see nothing in his edit history that merits an immediate ban.
I'm quite shocked that people would take this approach.
Matt unblocked [[User:Amalekite]] and I reblocked him, then we exchanged posts as follows in case others are interested:
Hi Matt, I've reblocked the above. I don't normally reblock when another admin unblocks (in fact, I don't think I've ever done it), but this case is exceptional. Amalekite is [[Alex Linder]], the owner-operator of [[Vanguard News Network]]. He has posted a list of Wikipedians he believes are Jews on the [[Stormfront]] website, as well as details of how to edit using open proxies and sockpuppets. It's clear he was trying to cause major disruption, which is why [[User:Homeontherange]] blocked him. The issue has been discussed on the mailing list. [[User:SlimVirgin]] 07:22, August 23, 2005 (UTC)
Hi SlimVirgin, I don't like getting into conflict, particularly with things like block wars and protect wars, so I'm unhappy about this. But in this case I think that this is simply unjust; we should block people indefinitely based on their actions, not based on what they say on other websites, and not because they're neo-Nazis. If it is, as you assert, clear that he's trying to disrupt Wikipedia, then it will surely quickly become apparent, and we can block him then, right? But otherwise, I think it must be innocent until proven guilty. [[User:Matt Crypto]] 07:32, 23 August 2005 (UTC)
I take your point, Matt, but I feel you ought to have discussed this with the blocking admin, rather than undoing the block. I would also argue that for a Wikipedian to draw up a list of other editors by their perceived ethnicity, and to post that list on a racist website, is highly provocative, and I don't see how it can be detached from his actions on Wikipedia. He wasn't blocked for being a member of [[Vanguard News Network]] or [[Stormfront]], but for his actions in encouraging anti-Semites and racists to target Jewish editors, and for encouraging them to violate policy by creating sockpuppets and using open proxies. I don't see why we should have to wait until the disruption begins before blocking him. He tried to cause massive disruption: that he (appears to have) failed was simply down to the others' lack of response. [[User:SlimVirgin]] 07:41, August 23, 2005 (UTC)