[WikiEN-l] Delete IAR

Mon Sep 19 23:24:26 UTC 2005

DF wrote:

>On 9/19/05, Sam Korn <smoddy at gmail.com> wrote:
>  
>
>>On the contrary.  IAR is crucial to Wikipedia, 
>>because it allows us a "common sense override". 
>>This means that we can always act in the best
>>interests of the encyclopaedia, even when it is not 
>>directly allowed in policy.
>>
>>IAR is a vital part of the "Wiki" part of 
>>Wikipedia, just as NPOV is vital to the "pedia".
>>    
>>
>
>I agree with the principle that common sense should
>trump bureaucracy, etc., but I have never really liked
>the way that IAR is expressed.  (When was the last
>time the average person read it, really?)  The current
>text reads:
>
>If rules make you nervous and depressed, then simply
>use common sense as you go about working on the
>encyclopedia. Being too wrapped up in rules can cause
>you to lose perspective, so there are times when it is
>best to ignore all rules... including this one.
>
That seems well said.  It's obvious that the rule is easily abused by 
sysops with a POV.  In that case the problem is not in the rule.  It 
might serve you better to develop a clear definition of "common sense"

>Maybe having the fluffy stuff is good too, but if IAR
>is going to be a core principle is should more clearly
>state when and why admins choose to ignore all rules.
>  
>
That would be self-defeating.

Ec