On 20/09/2007, William Pietri <william(a)scissor.com> wrote:
A better real-world analogy is probably how we handle
it when
criminals accuse cops of bad behavior. A lot of those accusations
are sure to be false. Some are sure to be true. Who do you favor?
A sans-names approach. Publish the criticism, if private dispute
resolution fails, just try to leave out identifying details, at least when
speaking publicly. I realise problems could arise from this, e.g. if the
criticism inherently makes it obvious who is being talked about, but
hey, there's only so much you can do.
The BADSITES approach seems to be equivalent
to what you see in [[The Thin Blue Line (documentary)]]
in that it favors solidarity with the in-group over
investigation of complaints from known or suspected
miscreants.
Note that there is a difference between private
investigation and public investigation. Now, many of
these critics are alienated from WP, and no one will listen
to them, meaning the first has already failed... unless the
ArbCom is willing to start hearing their complaints privately.
I doubt that would work given current tensions, but perhaps
things will change one day. However, note the lack of
private options available for everyone - that perhaps should
change.
Publicly, I support a generic, sans-names approach - discuss
the issues generically. Of course, this excludes evidence,
which can and does upset some people.
Personally, I'm more of the "sunshine is the
best disinfectant"
approach.
William
--
William Pietri <william(a)scissor.com>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:William_Pietri
I don't really think it works, but I see where you're coming from.
Thing is, even if it would be better if the people being attacked
were able to handle it and respond, they often aren't, and I won't
push them. I'd be a total hypocrite if I did - I can't handle it
either. Now, getting people to speak for them as representatives
might be more feasible. I'd be quite happy if people attacked by
websites that are known to remove things upon request could ask
a representative to ask for the material to be removed.