[WikiEN-l] Admins and elitism

[Pedro Sanchez]

On 2/13/07, Jeff Raymond <jeff.raymond at internationalhouseofbacon.com> wrote:
>
> Rich Holton wrote:
> > Given the recent discussions on this list, and the continuing increase
> > in de-facto requirements for new admins, I have to wonder if we are not
> > now well on the way to the creation of an elite class on Wikipedia.
> >
> > It appears to me that the vocal representatives of the current crop of
> > admins (meaning those who have become admins within the last year or so)
> >   have left far behind the idea that being an admin is "no big deal".
> > They see being an admin as a big deal, and want things to remain that way.
>
> You're not wrong, and I'm of the opinion that we are in a situation where
> we have an elite class already.  The problem is twofold:
>
> 1) Adminship *is* a big deal, whether we want it to be or not.  We trust
> them to do too much, expect a lot of them, and it's very difficult to
> remove or sanction an administrator who acts inappropriately.
>
> 2) More importantly, adminship is viewed as a reward rather than a
> responsibility, thus creating a protector group of admins.  There's one
> recently-promoted admin in particular who embodies this concept, but there
> are many like him.
>
> > Perhaps the solution will require a complete re-thinking of how "special
> > rights" are allocated on Wikipedia, or even a complete re-thinking of
> > how vandalism is handled. But unless those involved are willing to
> > perceive the problem, and willing to engage the problem, nothing will
> > happen towards solving the problem.
>
> It has to, and you're absolutely right.  Judging by the current RfA crop,
> it doesn't appear to be changing either - one person I'm very
> uncomfortable with but can't figure out why is sailing through, and one
> person who really should be given the bit is being opposed for even
> sillier reasons than some of the opposes on mine.
>
> The Foundation is unlikely to get involved, and Jimbo really should, but
> won't.  I wish there was a better answer.
>
> -Jeff
>
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I do concurr with jeff this time.