Guettarda wrote:
On the other hand, anyone at all interested in a successful RFA should avoid (should have avoided) the userbox issue because it was so acrimonious. This is the most unpleasant and divisive issue I have come across here. Supporting one side (or opposing it) earns you automatic oppose votes from people who feel strongly about the other side. But I don't think this is typical of "debate and dialogue" on Wikipedia. As JzG mentioned, engagement in this issues can help get you known. And, while, granted, active vandal fighting can earn you adminship, intelligent and reasonable participation in debates can earn you people's respect. If you can get people to value your opinion even while disagreeing with you, you have a good chance of sailing through an RFA.
I agree with this advice completely - I experienced it myself in my RFA and it's definitely true.
Chris