[Wikipedia-l] Stable versions policy

Tue Dec 20 11:09:07 UTC 2005

Hi,

I was quite surprised to see today in the Wikipedia Signpost that
the semi-protection policy had passed and I hadn't even heard
a poll was conducted on it.

I think it's really important that everyone is notified in a much more
organised manner about such important policy chances.

Now, the reason I'm writing here is because of the looming "stable
versions" policy. I think this is a policy that contravenes the principles
of Wikipedia, and I've raised this on the talk page
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Stable_versions)
It would be great if other people could comment on this policy.

Finally, I'd just like to let everyone remember where Wikipedia started.
The factor that's distinguished Wikipedia from basically every other
reference work on Earth has been its *absolutely* open nature.
Anyone can edit it! That's what's worked so well in ensuring such
a dynamic, comprehensive, deep and updated encyclopedia.

About a week ago, something quite signficant happened - anonymous
users were no longer allowed to start new articles. I said back then
that that wasn't such a major move, and it's isn't. However,
let's not let that become a slippery slope for all sorts of new
policies that seek to restrict the freedom, and by extension
the success, of Wikipedia.

At the Romanian Wikipedia, we have some of the most liberal
policies on blocking and vandalism. And, so far, there haven't
been any major problems - no media reports, no huge glaring
errors, etc.

Let's maintain Wikipedia's liberty!

Ronline