We have a policy about no offensive usernames. But does that cover the names of famous figures who are themselves controversial? Saddam Hussein is a classic example. To some he is a middle east hero. To most people he was a mass-murdering tyrant. In the circumstances it is at the very least inadvisable to use his name as a user name (even if it produces some farcical and comical events, as when, in reverting vandalism, I found that I had to revert the article on Saddam Hussein to the last version by Saddam Hussein!) Many other world leaders are themselves controversial to some large segment of society, with their name if used being seen by some potential potential wiki users somewhere. One needs only to think of the attitude in parts of the US towards France to see the problems using 'Jacques Chirac' , the problems with using 'George Bush' given how he is seen some people internationally. Ditto with 'Tony Blair', 'Yasser Arafat', 'Ariel Sharon', 'Auguste Pinochet', 'Hugo Chavez', 'Ian Paisley', 'Josef Stalin', 'Chairman Mao', 'Benito Mussolini', any of the names of the candidates in the Californian recall election, 'Gerry Adams', 'Maggie Thatcher' etc. The problem is that, if even the user is absolutely credible in their edits, a bad choice of name can leave people with suspicions of bias that leads to others constantly targeting their edits for constant checks. NPOV should also guide choice of user names, because a proliferation of controversial names could lead visitors to doubt the neutrality of the site if a snap visit shows edits being carried out by politically controversial user nics. Having 'Saddam Hussein' edit articles on the Kurds, for example, could raise all sorts of fears about impartiality, as would having 'Yasser Arafat' editing [[Israel]], or 'Lord Wigery' editing pages on Northern Ireland. The edits may well be fine, but people would approach them with suspicion and presume a bias until shown otherwise. We have enough to worry about in terms of NPOV in articles, without badly chosen names creating ill-feeling, tensions and suspicions also. I think out policy on user nics should be: -------- Remember when using a user nic that a controversial name that may colour other users' perspective on your own credibility or political vewpoint. In addition remember that wikipedia is a world-wide source book and so take care in selecting a name to avoid anything that might potentially cause offence to someone from a different culture, religious or ethnic group. As such wikipedia recommends that users avoid 1. Names of twentieth or twenty-first century politicians, military or religious figures or events; 2. Any other names that may be seen as potentially offensive, or endorsing the politics, policies or beliefs of a public figure. 3. The following specific public names or any variation should not under any circumstances be used due to their controversial nature and potential offence: Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, Chairman Mao, Pol Pot, Yasser Arafat, Ariel Sharon. 4. Historic names (19th century or earlier) may of course be used but the less controversial the better. People should be able to judge you purely on your contributions, not an emotional response to a potentially controversial nickname. Avoiding an offensive or insensitive name is in your own interest. So do please be careful. Remember you are working as part of a community. Show everyone else the respect for their beliefs that you expect them to show to you. --------- This might seem a small point now, as we don't have that many controversial user nics. But as wiki grows the number of new users and usernics will rocket. If two or three people use them and get away with it, the likelihood is that more new members will follow, on the basis that 'if he can call himself 'x', then I will call myself 'y'.' Sooner or later we will face the problem. It makes sense to do it now, with the small community, than try to deal with it when there are twice or three times as many users, by which time offence may already have been caused to some, and potential wikipedians frightened off by the impression given by the unfortunate use of badly chosen names. Any observations? JT _________________________________________________________________ Add photos to your messages with MSN 8. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/featuredemail