On 6/17/04 8:06 PM, "Rowan Collins [IMSoP]" <siu01rc2(a)rdg.ac.uk> wrote:
Fred Bauder wrote:
The argument is that it is not necessary, after
all, he is gone. There is no
longer any doubt that it is him.
Fred
Is it not important to send a clear message that this is not to be taken
lightly?
Not really; although it is psychologically satisfying to the punisher to
parade victims through the town square, in a society which affords
anonymity, there is no scientific evidence (which I'm aware of) that such
punishments deter other crimes.
Rather, it is likely to inspire other action, by setting up a challenge,
throwing down the gauntlet.
It is better to treat such action with the contempt and disdain it deserves.
After slapping away the fly buzzing around your head, you don't trumpet its
demise. It is unworthy of notice.
It is best to solve problems and move on. At the same time, it is important
not to bury history, but simply to keep a moderate tone and recognize that
in the big scheme of things (i.e. that Wikipedia is just in its beginning
stages now) most of the crises of today will be soon forgotten and seen as
no more than annoyances.