On 3/9/05 2:46 PM, "Ray Saintonge" <saintonge(a)telus.net> wrote:
If I were to judge Ed solely by many of the
substantive positions that
he takes, we should be bitter enemies. :'( Ed does indeed shoot from the
hip, but with one big difference. When he realizes that he has made a
mistake he is quicker than most to admit it. Yes, Ed was out of line,
but so what? I do not support making policy on the hoof, there is
already far too much of that. Ed did not do that; he enforced what he
believed to be policy, and did his best to undo the damage when he found
his mistake. His actions are perfectly understandable when you see the
unending parade of shifting policies. Nobody but policy geeks can keep
up with it, and policy geeks are notorious for losing sight of project
goals.
I don't see any need for further action on this. Ed's repentance tells
me all I need to know. Unless we take a forgiving attitude towards this
kind of error how can we expect to be forgiven ourselves when the tables
are turned.
My problem with this response is that Ed has done this repeatedly.
1. He screws up royally by abusing the privileges he's been given
2. He professes that he had no idea that he screwed up
3. After numerous people explain carefully how he screwed up, he apologizes.
Contritely. And professes earnestly his deep, abiding good faith and his
intention never to screw up again.
4. People cheer Ed's contrition and praise his good works. He is not
punished and his privileges are not removed.
5. After a few weeks have passed, Ed has forgotten any mistakes he's ever
made and is happy to announce that he's always been successful in any
actions he's taken to help Wikipedia.
Rinse, wash, repeat.