Hi,
I was quite surprised to see today in the Wikipedia Signpost that the semi-protection policy had passed and I hadn't even heard a poll was conducted on it.
I think it's really important that everyone is notified in a much more organised manner about such important policy chances.
Now, the reason I'm writing here is because of the looming "stable versions" policy. I think this is a policy that contravenes the principles of Wikipedia, and I've raised this on the talk page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Stable_versions) It would be great if other people could comment on this policy.
Finally, I'd just like to let everyone remember where Wikipedia started. The factor that's distinguished Wikipedia from basically every other reference work on Earth has been its *absolutely* open nature. Anyone can edit it! That's what's worked so well in ensuring such a dynamic, comprehensive, deep and updated encyclopedia.
About a week ago, something quite signficant happened - anonymous users were no longer allowed to start new articles. I said back then that that wasn't such a major move, and it's isn't. However, let's not let that become a slippery slope for all sorts of new policies that seek to restrict the freedom, and by extension the success, of Wikipedia.
At the Romanian Wikipedia, we have some of the most liberal policies on blocking and vandalism. And, so far, there haven't been any major problems - no media reports, no huge glaring errors, etc.
Let's maintain Wikipedia's liberty!
Ronline