[WikiEN-l] drama and incivility

[Marc Riddell]

on 8/28/07 12:06 PM, Aude at audevivere at gmail.com wrote:

> Some messages that come through this mailing list, such as the recent NY
> Times article on BLP issues, are good to receive.  I like being informed
> about such matters relevant to Wikipedia.  Others like all "Go away, you
> trolling fuckwit." have no place on the mailing list.   Am I the only one
> here annoyed with such messages?  Why can't we be more cordial and polite
> towards one another?  It's gotten to the point where I may unsubscribe.
> 
> The drama here, along with AN/I and other places is souring my opinion about
> contributing to Wikipedia.  Why bother anymore?  I still like the ideals
> behind the project and wish to continue, but would really like it if we can
> please tone down the drama and be more civil and cordial towards one
> another?  If people can't control themselves, then maybe this list could use
> moderation.  Though if the moderator is engaging such language, that's not
> good.

Please hang in there, Aude. It is you, and others like you, that prove there
is hope for the survival of the Project. The fact that anyone would even try
to rationalize and/or justify saying to another person, "Go away, you
trolling fuckwit" is symptomatic of the cancer that exists in the culture.
But cancers can be treated. The cancerous parts can be removed. This takes
time, patience and perseverance. The prognosis is excellent: a healthy,
creative, productive culture. Hang in there, Aude.

Marc Riddell