[WikiEN-l] Policy: bans

Fri May 7 21:37:06 UTC 2004

The simplest thing to do with regard to trolls, vandals, and problematic POV editors with agendas is to
formulate a clear policy and then authorize the existing administrators to enforce it.  It is not necessary for
it to be prescriptive (3 edits in 24 hours etc), just clear.

The quickpoll system is divisive and should be dismantled.  Bans and blocks can be reversed, and should be,
when improperly used.

Some examples to consider:

* If a user edits the same article with more than one user ID (sock puppet) within 10 days, they will be banned
for a period of 7 days.
* If a user reverts an article excessively without discussion and in such a way as to prevent useful work from
being done on the article, the article should be protected.  If the user is culpable in more than three such
pages within 10 days, they will be banned for a period of 7 days.
* If a user has a pattern of editing in bad faith, such as vandalism, threats of violence, personal attacks,
legal threats, racism, the problematic edits should be reverted, regardless of where they are made (talk space,
user page).  If they continue (more than five?) the user should be banned for 7 days.

Make it clear.  Make it reasonably objective.  Leave it to administrators to be fair.  If the policy doesn't
work, fix it, or go back to the current state of affairs.

Does that make Wikipedia a cabal?  With 221 administrators and counting I think not.

UninvitedCompany