[WikiEN-l] This is backwards (was Re: 172 de-sysopped)

Thu Mar 3 07:56:15 UTC 2005

------------- Original message -------------- 
> actionforum at comcast.net wrote: 
> 
> > I'm not sure what your point is, if you mean admins=police, 
> > apparently, they are running the judicial system too, and 
> > they are loath to cost anyone their "jobs", read sysop privilege. 
> > Do the admins here unite behind their own version of "The thin blue 
line"? 
> 
> 
> [[WP:AN/I]] and [[WP:AN/3RR]] give me a different picture. I see 
> quite a bit of disagreement between admins (and of course anyone 
> can write there). 
Agreed, I overgeneralized.  I meant to refer to a general sense
among the admins that sysop privileges are not to be revoked
lightly.  Furthermore, when admins err, I have seen apologias
to the effect that they are just human and are so busy and
contributing so much that errors should be expected to occur
every so often. They are trying their best and should
be allowed an error every so often.  
I can agree with this if one is referring to errors of 
interpretation or of overlooking certain facts.  But it is
a different matter when in pique or anger, the admin makes
personal use of sysop powers. This shows a lack of the
proper discipline and temperament to be an admin, and not
simple error.
It is possible for such a person to learn discipline with
time, but they should not be allowed to learn it on
the job.  Such a person should be desysoped.
When they feel they are ready, they can reapply,
but if they reapply for adminship too soon they
are probably the still the wrong temperament.
Adminship is a burden and a public trust.  Admins are
to be servants not masters of the community.
Forgive me, I am a community activist who has worked
to reduce police abuse, so I am particularly sensitive
and yes, even outraged (as a matter of principle) at
those who have the hubris to think they have the perogative
to abuse the public trust.  I realize that matters
here are not quite so weighty.  But then "losing" an
adminship, is also not quite as serious as losing one's
job.
          -- Silverback