[WikiEN-l] Improper block

Sun Dec 18 09:20:54 UTC 2005

On Sun, Dec 18, 2005 at 03:37:04AM -0500, JAY JG wrote:
> I wasn't commenting about the length of the specific block, but rather on 
> the concept of blocking an editor for unrepentant personal attacks.  That 
> said, editors who are sufficiently disruptive, or who engage in endless 
> personal attacks, can be banned by community consensus, without need to 
> resort to the Arbitration Committee.

OK, I don't see consensus here -- even a few admins seem to think this
block was way out of line.  So "community consensus" doesn't pass here.

Let's keep in mind that there's no basis in Wikipedia policy for using
blocks as a punishment; and neither administrators nor arbitrators have
the authority to punish.  The purpose of blocking is to prevent harm to
the project, not to bring down retribution upon a person.

So ... what sort of harm is threatened in this case that requires an
immediate _four month_ block, without arbitration, and with evident lack
of consensus?

-- 
Karl A. Krueger <kkrueger at whoi.edu>