[WikiEN-l] Dangerous factionalism (Was: Re: SlimVirgin and CheckUser leaks)

[Ron Ritzman]

On Mon, Jul 21, 2008 at 4:48 PM, George Herbert
<george.herbert at gmail.com> wrote:

> I think that "the center" needs to reassert itself forcefully as to
> what behavior is acceptable both in fighting legitimate external
> threats and in questioning whether those fights are subverting
> Wikipedia's goals and community.

[snip]

> It may be appropriate to ban the primary actors in both factions.
>
> It may be appropriate to remove all admin rights from everyone
> involved.  Myself certainly included.  I hope not Larry or Allison - I
> personally have high regard for their support for the project and
> community and their good judgement and use of the tools - but take an
> honest look at everyone who's become wrapped up in the factionalism.
>
> If you do not define a center and fight to hold it, this will devolve
> into whomever can more effectively fight a long term guerilla war with
> the resources at hand.

The danger here is that this "center" will evolve into another "faction".