[Foundation-l] Rewarding volunteers

[Erik Moeller]

Jens-
> Some sysops and developers ARE getting more power

Aside from the fact that new people always advance within the existing  
hierarchies - a good thing, I'm sure you will agree -, I see no evidence  
that privileges have actually been extended in any significant manner. Not  
on the projects I've worked on. What are you talking about?

> some Wikipedians DID
> repeatedly float the (IMHO inane) idea of blocking anon editing

If people provide logical arguments, then we should discuss them and try  
to refine our reasoning and our conclusions. I for one remain unconvinced  
that the larger Wikimedia projects benefit from anonymous editing, and  
there's little empirical evidence either way. Putting the account creation  
form on the edit screen would probably filter out many random vandals and  
spammers while still assuring near-instant participation.

"IMHO inane" is quite dismissive - especially given the fact that people  
have actually provided very coherent arguments here.

> However, for you to categorically state that "the trend is the exact
> opposite of what you claim it is"

I only "categorically state" things when they are obvious, or when I've  
provided a line of reasoning to do so, as I have here. You have provided  
no evidence for your above assertion and nor has the original poster.

I refuse to pretend that I see insight where I see fear, but I acknowledge  
that the sarcasm was slightly over the top and apologize for any hurt  
feelings. Please let's have discussions based on sound arguments rather  
than on emotional themes from George Orwell books. That is more productive  
and more respectful towards everyone involved in this project.

Sysops and developers fulfill many thankless duties. There's no need to  
constantly praise them, and they are obviously not beyond reproach. But  
criticism should be constructive ("actionable") and have a clear,  
empirically demonstrated basis in reality.

Erik