I'm sorry -- I must have gotten stupid all of a sudden, because I could
swear that, with a minimum of effort, any user could watch any other
user. One simply bookmarks the user's contribution list -- this can be
done with IP addresses. There's a watch page function -- that's another
way to keep an eye on what's going on. Why is the suggestion of a
"watch user" function getting people's knickers in a twist? The only
people I think have a right to get uptight about this are the
programmers, because it's extra work for functionality that's already
there.
As for all the nasty comments about banning Helga -- well, first, this
particular playground belongs to Jimbo and BOMIS -- if Jim wants to make
a rule and enforce it, that's his prerogative. The fact that he waited
so long to take such an action is admirable, although I think a serious
threat at an earlier date might have helped to define the actions worthy
of a ban. Moreover, the fact that Jim is willing to allow the people
who use the playground to help define the rules of participation is
generous and encourages wikipedians to feel part of a larger good.
Still, this is a little community, and communities generally need some
rules and boundaries to keep people from feeling put-upon. No one has
any inalienable rights here, except the right (and perhaps the
obligation) to leave if they don't like how things are done.
That said, I think that, if bans are to be used, there should be a clear
statement of the kinds of things that warrant a ban, as well as a posted
escalation process (like a formal warning that the person is being
considered for a ban, request to join the list, etc.).
Jules, who has only looked at recent changes once (so far) today.