I'm writing a paper on cyberstalking and harassment, which I hope to hand to the Foundation with a view to educating people about the extent of the problem on the Wikimedia projects, and if possible improving their responses to it.
I'd like to include some concrete examples of cyberstalking or offline stalking that have happened to users as a result of their participation in any of the Wikimedia projects, and particularly where the target was picked on because they were an administrator.
If you've been a target of this yourself, or if you know of anyone who has, I'd appreciate hearing from you at slimvirgin at gmail dot com. All replies will be received in strictest confidence. Your name would not have to be included in the final document, and if you're worried about being exposed in any way, I can change all identifying details. Nothing will be included about you without your express permission.
What I'm most interested in hearing about is how the cyberstalking or harassment made you feel, and what happened when you tried to find support. I'd like to hear about your fears; whether it made you anxious; whether it affected your sleep or appetite, or your health in any other way; and whether you considered ending your association with the project you were involved in (or did end it). Even if your fears felt completely irrational, I'd like to hear about them.
I'd also like to hear from women who feel they were subjected to additional harassment because of their sex, or from gays and members of ethnic minorities who feel they were picked on in whole or in part because of that.
Many thanks,
Sarah