A few years ago on Wikipedia, when the witchhunters came to get me, I made a decision to leave voluntarily. The arbitration committee, which was in de facto control of the site, proved itself incapable of maintaining a sane and productive environment for me to work in.
When I came back I essentially adopted the Wikipedia Dissenter's Credo. I edit occassionally when the mood strikes me, but I try not to waste too much time contributing my efforts to a site that I know will bastardise them. I've since read an interesting quote by Ayn Rand: "In any collaboration between two men (or two groups) who hold different basic principles, it is the more evil or irrational one who wins." I'm not sure if this principle holds true or not - and in fact I haven't yet gotten a chance to read the book that the quote is from, but it certainly would explain my experience with Wikipedia.
Anyway, I write this little nostalgic story because over at Wikipedia they're discussing whether or not to unban Gregory Kohs. One person is arguing against Kohs' reinstatment because Kohs once called him a "witless boob". I don't even think this incident occured on Wikipedia, but maybe it did. Some other common arguments are that he once tried to make money off Wikipedia, that he has pointed out the illegal activities of the WMF, that he participates on Wikipedia Review, that he ran for the board, that he engages in sarcastic criticism of other Wikipedians, and that he has a negative attitude. It made me realize how glad I am that I'm not banned, because if I was, I'm sure I'd have no chance of ever being reinstated.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
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