On May 21, 2006, at 5:37 AM, Giuseppe DAngelo wrote:
It has been obvious to me for a long time that this sort of thing is quite prevalent. On the one hand it sort of makes a mockery of the open and free principles espoused by wikipedia. But then again, it seem an inevitable development, afterall, we all know it can't be an out and out free for all. So I accept that there is a place for it, but occasionally I get the feeling there is a cosy little club operating, to which not even 20,000 edits will open a door. Furthermore, those born prior to 1976 need not apply - open and free indeed! pippu d'angelo
http://www.bartleby.com/73/1828.html :-)
Seriously though, 5,50, or even 500 people may create a publicly unknown mailing list, IRC channel, whatever, but in the end, they lack the ability to effectively have more "control" over wikipedia, as a group, than 5,50,or 500 independent people who have *no* participation in private mailing lists, or chats, or whatever. In order for a group to gain that level of control, they would have to have a consensus of the community, in which case, where they discuss things, and how they discuss things, is irrelevant.
-Bop -- 4245 NE Alberta Ct. Portland, OR 97218 503-282-1370