[WikiEN-l] Proposal for simplified credentials model

[Erik Moeller]

also on:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Credentials#Simplified_voluntary_model

After some more thought, I would suggest an almost completely
voluntary model, where the only requirement would be that a user
claiming credentials should put one of four templates on their user
page:

# "This user's stated credentials have not been verified." => If
placed by another user
# "This user's verification of stated credentials is pending."
# "This user does not wish to verify their stated credentials, and
asks you to assume good faith."
# "This user does not wish to verify their stated credentials, because
they should not matter to you. Please judge edits on their merits."

(Potentially the last two could be generalized into an abstract
template that lets the user provide an arbitrary reason.)

For verification process, I would suggest to keep the office
completely out of the loop -- doesn't scale. Instead, verify
exclusively by emailing credentials evidence to [[OTRS]] (mail from an
institution address [requires reply to confirm], scanned diploma /
PhD, etc.). This would be similar to the permissions queue we already
have for copyright, or the general inquiries queue, and seems to scale
reasonably well.

Using this method, we have a more obvious disclaimer present in cases
where users do commit fraud (the Essjay page would have said "Does not
wish to verify"), and at the same time, users with identified
credentials can be found easily, which may be helpful in cases where
you're looking for an expert on topic X (think categories).

I have some connections that could help to check for diploma mills
etc., if we want to go that far; for now, a simple system should
suffice.

Yes, this solution will also cause some conflict. That is, I believe,
unavoidable. If we take our responsibilities seriously, we must be
prepared to make a decision like this, even if it makes a small number
of vocal people unhappy. I believe a position like the above could
gain majority support, however.

-- 
Peace & Love,
Erik

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