Stevertigo wrote:
--- Toby Bartels toby+wikipedia@math.ucr.edu wrote:
But I haven't been able to edit the talk page yet. It may change further depending on JiL's responses to attempts to convince him to choose a new name volunatarily; but I haven't been able to read his responses yet.)
What do his responses have to do with your opinion on the merits of the name? I would agree with those who caution that the issue should be separate from behaviour. Tim pointed this particularly important bug out to me. Part of maintaining a consistent policy is abstaining from the sideissues -- Just vote on the merits of the name, dagummit thats it.
If JiL asks for a change of name, then you've won. You have been arguing all along that the name should be changed to something more appropriate, and that's exactly what will occur if JiL gives in. The only difference is that it won't be controversial, which as far as I'm concerned is a good thing.
The real problem issue I see is with the tacit deferment of action on these matters to developers-- like Tim, who's mostly used his conversion script for non-inflammatory changes, and seems a little tender about just getting it over with. This shouldnt be a big deal -- ideally we want people to agree to a change, but barring that, its a conflict between the consensus and the ego of one person. Are sysops *not to enforce a nay vote on a username, always defering to a developer? This puts developers in a bind, because in order for them to make a decision they seem to think they need to get involved. They dont-- they just need to do the bidding of the community.
I'm obliged by the current system to make a judgement on the state of the argument. That's not always easy but as far as I'm concerned, that's where my obligation stops. Also, I'll always act on any declaration from Jimbo.
I can also stall. A suggestion for a compromise has been made, and I'm happy to wait until JiL has a chance to accept or reject it. If you're not happy with this, I suggest you either ask Jimbo to make a declaration, or try to convince one of the other developers to use my script (the details of which are now public).
Of course, as stalling goes, you're the expert. If you hadn't set up that vote, the discussion would probably be over by now. Votes require voting periods. Toby Bartels suggested one week.
-- Tim Starling.