[WikiEN-l] Don't template the newbies either

[Ray Saintonge]

Todd Allen wrote:

>David Gerard wrote:
>  
>
>>http://www.webhostingreport.net/blog/archives/2007/07/08/wikipediaorg-on-its-way-to-become-a-second-dmoz/
>>
>>It's from a search engine spammer, but the point stands. Templating is
>>not only insulting to the regulars, it's insulting to all recipients.
>>
>>How about some RFA opposes: "Too much templating, no conversation."
>>That should get the goldfarmers off the templating kick.
>>    
>>
>A spammer (who indicated in that post an intent to spam some more) feels
>insulted by getting told to knock it off? Terrible thing, terrible
>thing. Most websites block linkspammers on sight without notice or
>appeal. Warning linkspammers and vandals at all is nicer treatment then
>they'd get most anywhere.
>
Sounds like you don't get it.  Perhaps, over time, this guy would get 
into trouble anyway.  For now he's just an example of how people are 
treated - not just him but others  who rund afoul of someone's pet 
rule.  When you talk to people with templates and threats, or prejudge 
that a person is a spammer or some kind of other offender, your 
behaviour is no better than what you allege this peron to be doing.  
Using templated threats as a first line of approach works only to keep 
away thin skinned people who might otherwise become good editors if they 
had half a chance.  This will also drive away experts who have something 
to add to their areas of expertise, but who haven't the time to be 
talked down to by clueless admins.

Ec