On May 5, 2006, at 11:06 PM, A wrote:
- Is a "____sucks.com" blog a notable or reliable source?
I would say it depends on its content and readership. It might be, but you have to take a look at it. In this case there seems to be substantial readership and contents could probably be used in the context. "Hostile critics, writing on ...sucks point out blah blah." In some cases sites like this may engage in serious research which can lead you to reliable verifiable material. (For example Xenu.net, an anti-Scientology site).
- If an editor is engaging in vicious personal attacks offsite, then
coming here and demanding civility, is that a violation of the letter and/or spirit of the project?
All users are entitled to the assumption of good faith and to courtesy regardless of off-site activity.
- Are "criticism" sections valid in general, or do they just become a
repository for quibbles and an amplifier of relatively insignificant hatecruft about a person?
In general they are valid, however in cases where there is political or social struggle in progress, criticism can transgress bounds of verifiability, rationality and good taste, sometimes simply being mean or spiteful, sometimes reflecting personal grievances.
- If they are valid, do blogs count as notable or reliable sources?
What if they are anonymous? Are there criteria in place for determining this?
Generally not for facts; they are a source regarding their own contents. The criteria in place is our requirement that for material to be included in Wikipedia it must have been published in a reliable source.
- Should we formulate a guideline regarding living persons and this
kind of criticism in their biographies?
We have a guideline Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons which includes a section on Malicious editing and another on Opinions of critics, opponents, and detractors. This guideline could be further refined. Your experience somewhat qualities you to at least begin discussions on the talk page.
I hope these responses are a start on some answers.
Fred