[Foundation-l] English Wikipedia ethnocentric policy affects other communities

Thu Dec 21 11:33:50 UTC 2006

Hi,

I agree that the current policy and practice on the English Wikipedia is
wrong. With SUL, a common rule is needed accross all languages, so the
English Wikipedia can't keep its own rules independently of other
languages about accounts. There needs to be a common solution.

I find Guillaume Paumier's proposition quite good.

Regards,

Yann

Aphaia wrote:
> Japanese editors around me is worried when they would be forced to
> change their username and thought SUL as the Coming of such Latin-name
> age. They worried with sadness to cast away their familiar accounts
> which some of them have used for years or cannot choose good
> alternation of their current username. For them, introduction of SUL
> is equal to application of English Wikipedia naming policy. I would
> like to say English Wikipedia community blocked one of foundation wiki
> editor permanently only because his account wasn't in Latin and he had
> a good history of edits for years. For my eyes the current "fighting
> vandalism" on English Wikipedia is beyond the limit of common sense.
> Before doing such rude and unthoughtful action, they could have
> checked his contributions or user page.
> 
> And I would like to say the editor I introduced on the above is not
> the first one who was blocked from this reason and forced to change
> his username. I know another editor who was blocked permanently and
> then was asked to change username. I think it is not a kind
> persuasion. I wouldn't like to call their "request" voluntary. They
> are not happy and feel treated as second citizens. One of such editors
> came to me and said (in Japanese); I am accepting the fact the fact
> preferences of English community takes over after all." That is the
> result of what English Wikipedia is doing. Result of their
> ethnocentric and rudeness.
> 
> Shifting to the general issue, As Gerald said, I am afraid "changing
> user name with latin literation" is not a good idea from two reasons -
> 1) if they want, they would have done so already; Commons folks may
> know Searobin, a Commons admin; his account on Japanese project has no
> Latin character part. If they don't now, it could mean they don't like
> so - most of them prefer to keep consistency of username on several
> projects. And generally forcing someone to change their username in
> that reason is not good. If we are going to recommend a modified
> signature, it is fine for me and perhaps for others. 2) We have no
> reason all Wikimedia editor know Latin-character. It would not make a
> sense to have a username consisting in two parts, but nothing of them
> cannot read for the editors. Latin-script using people may think that
> too theoretical, but it could happen. Specially for young people in
> non-Latin script language world, or rather illiterate folks. I am
> afraid from this reason your idea is still Latin-character-centric.
> 
> I would like to point out the English Wikipedia rejected my proposal
> for asking those people to render such combined signature. I thought
> it a compromise but they didn't. So I am afraid, Neil,  you are better
> first to go to them and persuade them to think compromise and
> improvement. Now they are driving other communities even to folking.
> It would be bad and disrespectful if we persuade non-Latin script
> account editor to change their signature and after they follow, again
> go to them and say "sorry, it couldn't be a comparison. You should
> alter your username or just go away".

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