On 6/17/04 8:06 PM, "Rowan Collins [IMSoP]" siu01rc2@rdg.ac.uk wrote:
Fred Bauder wrote:
The argument is that it is not necessary, after all, he is gone. There is no longer any doubt that it is him.
Fred
Is it not important to send a clear message that this is not to be taken lightly?
Not really; although it is psychologically satisfying to the punisher to parade victims through the town square, in a society which affords anonymity, there is no scientific evidence (which I'm aware of) that such punishments deter other crimes.
Rather, it is likely to inspire other action, by setting up a challenge, throwing down the gauntlet.
It is better to treat such action with the contempt and disdain it deserves. After slapping away the fly buzzing around your head, you don't trumpet its demise. It is unworthy of notice.
It is best to solve problems and move on. At the same time, it is important not to bury history, but simply to keep a moderate tone and recognize that in the big scheme of things (i.e. that Wikipedia is just in its beginning stages now) most of the crises of today will be soon forgotten and seen as no more than annoyances.