I haven't written anything on wikien-l in a long time, but I've been following a bit of this thread about Larry Sanger's open letter and thought I'd propose something.
Wikis are good for purposes other than creating encyclopedias, and it might be interesting to see if Jimmy and Larry could use a wiki to resolve their differences.
Currently the way in which the conflict is being expressed is leading toward more polarization and hostility rather than less. One of the things we see frequently often on wikis, however, is that people who have strong disagreements about some topic can nevertheless agree to a considerable degree on what an article about that topic should say. The process of reiteratively editing a single article often leads to a synthesis that multiple parties accept. (In some cases, a mediator or arbitration committee may need to render a judgment, but this is only necessary in a minority of cases.)
So here's my proposal, if Jimmy and Larry would agree to it: Why don't they both start a wiki page in which they both edit and revise a statement describing the history of Wikipedia and their roles within it? Rather than do this on Wikipedia, I would suggest doing this on a private wiki that only they and other parties of their choosing are allowed to see. If they would both agree to go through this process, I think they might find it possible to work out something that they can both accept. And if they can't reach and agreement, they can look for some independent third parties to mediate.
Right now there is some obvious hostility between them, but I think they both should have good reason to want to overcome that. They both played crucial roles in creating what has now become a remarkable project of great benefit to the world, and they both should feel pride and satisfaction in what they've accomplished. Watching this conflict simmer and bubble (as it has now for years) is a bit like watching the Beatles feuding after the band broke up. I think it would be better for both parties' reputations, and for their personal happiness as well, if they could find some way to reconcile, and the current process doesn't seem to be leading that way.
Just a suggestion.
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SHELDON RAMPTON Research director, Center for Media & Democracy Center for Media & Democracy 520 University Avenue, Suite 227 Madison, WI 53703 phone: 608-260-9713
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