I'd like to point to:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:What_is_a_troll
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Trolling_poll
The first is an impressive piece of work by User:Snowspinner and others on how we might define trolling. The second is a poll on the definition and on a potential policy based on it.
My own view is that allowing admins to block on the basis of "trolling" is very risky. It is too subjective and open for abuse, the current policy of allowing blocks for "simple vandalism" is already problematic enough.
I would support the policy if enforced by the Arbitration Committee however - that would increase the safety, both by slowing down the process (sometimes too much maybe, but that's better than instant bans in my view) and by making the decision a group one rather than by a single administrator.
My other concern is directed at Jimbo. Until now banning policy has basically be set by him, and I wonder about the validity of any major policy change in this area set by poll. I'd be interested to know - if this is agreed, would it be a valid policy?
Regards
sannse
sannse wrote:
My other concern is directed at Jimbo. Until now banning policy has basically be set by him, and I wonder about the validity of any major policy change in this area set by poll. I'd be interested to know - if this is agreed, would it be a valid policy?
If there appears to be widespread consensus, as expressed informally through general agreement or formally through a vote with a very significant majority, then assuming I personally don't find the policy contrary to the values that I regard as non-negotiable for the project as a whole, then I will give my backing.
If the policy affects identifiable sub-groups of stakeholders, for example the arbitration committee, the sysops, or whatever, then in addition to general consensus, it would be important to carefully be sure that there is significant consensus within those subgroups as well.
Even in the past when banning policy was basically set by me, I have endeavored to set policy that is consistent with community consensus. For example, on many occassions, I resisted a ban that I thought was justified, because I felt that community consensus had not been reached.
--Jimbo
Did I miss you passing through NYC/Boston?
--tc
The Cunctator wrote:
Did I miss you passing through NYC/Boston?
Possibly you meant this as a private note to me?
Anyhow, this is a good excuse for me to hype the Boston meeting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jimbo_Wales/Boston
This will be the first large-scale meeting of Wikipedians in the United States. We had sizeable meetings in London, Berlin, Munich, and Genoa, and smaller but still important meetings in Frankfort and Vienna.
I'm a little disappointed at the number of people signed up so far to the Boston meetup, so I hope my encouraging people to come will help.
Also, as an added bonus, Danny will be presenting the Golden Nica statue (which is nice and shiny, oooh!) to us at the meeting. So we can all pose with it!
--Jimbo
Jimmy (Jimbo) Wales wrote:
The Cunctator wrote:
Did I miss you passing through NYC/Boston?
Possibly you meant this as a private note to me?
Anyhow, this is a good excuse for me to hype the Boston meeting: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jimbo_Wales/Boston
This will be the first large-scale meeting of Wikipedians in the United States. We had sizeable meetings in London, Berlin, Munich, and Genoa, and smaller but still important meetings in Frankfort and Vienna.
Paris perhaps ? Or was it a dream ?
Anthere wrote:
This will be the first large-scale meeting of Wikipedians in the United States. We had sizeable meetings in London, Berlin, Munich, and Genoa, and smaller but still important meetings in Frankfort and Vienna.
Paris perhaps ? Or was it a dream ?
Oh man, that was a terrible mistake, and I apologize. The Paris meeting was very large, and very important, since it was a discussion of the founding of the French association, and also the site of the first face-to-face meeting of the board.
I will go edit an article now to show penance.
--Jimbo