Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Monicasdude/Workshop

This is a page for working on Arbitration decisions. It provides for suggestions by Arbitrators and other users and for comment by arbitrators, the parties and others. After the analysis of /Evidence here and development of proposed principles, findings of fact, and remedies. Anyone who edits should sign all suggestions and comments. Arbitrators will place proposed items they have confidence in on /Proposed decision.

Motions and requests by the parties

1) Monicasdude, as party to this case, asks that the scope of this case be defined by the Arbitration Committee, either in terms of specific allegations of violations of Wikipedia policy or by restriction to the express terms of the complaint brought by Stifle and those matters directly related to it. The "evidence" presentation by User:Mailer Diablo is ridiculously lengthy, includes many matters that are obviously not appropriate bases for an arbitration request -- e.g., serving as the advocate for a party in a prior case, reporting another editor for violating ArbComm probation, removing uncivil hate speech posted by another user to my talk page -- and is really nothing more than a listing of virtually every occasion when I have disagreed with other editors and a blanket accusation of bad faith in every such instance.

Everyone accused of an offense, whatever the forum, ought to be presented with with a clear statement of the offense(s) he or she is accused of, and a reasonable opportunity to present the opposing case. As this matter stands, that fundamental principle of fairness is being trampled. Monicasdude 14:19, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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1. Reviewing the priciples below should help clarify the concerns that brought this RfAR and assist in preparing your case. The evidence is unfortunately lengthy since the alleged disruption of those principles spans a great length of time. The routine matters you mention as referenced in Mailer Diablos evidence are not cited for the tasks themselves, but for the disruption caused by the manner in which they are performed. .:.Jareth.:. ^babelfish 14:52, 12 April 2006 (UTC)
2. This RfAR was brought over Monicasdude's alleged long-term incivility and accusations of bad faith, hence evidence over a long term should be provided. That the evidence is exhaustive and there is an abundance of it, does not follow that the scope should be limited.⇒ SWATJester ^Ready Aim _Fire! 20:46, 12 April 2006 (UTC)
3. I tend to support this motion, mud-slinging and trying to pick up every tiny thing that he may have done wrong isn't entirely fair. Stifle (talk) 22:42, 12 April 2006 (UTC)
4. This is meant more to give a more complete picture of his disputed activities on Wikipedia, starting from the first RfC. It would also assist in the rationale behind the principles and findings that are proposed as of below. - Mailer Diablo 00:03, 13 April 2006 (UTC)
5. More to the point, while each individual episode in Monicasdude's history may not be disruptive enough to require the ArbCom's attention, the pattern of behavior is. Kirill Lokshin 00:15, 13 April 2006 (UTC)

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Proposed temporary injunctions

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Proposed final decision

Proposed principles

Civility and personal attacks

1) Wikipedia editors are expected to behave reasonably and calmly in their dealings with other editors and to observe Wikipedia:Wikiquette, Wikipedia:Civility, and Wikipedia:Writers' rules of engagement. If disputes arise, users are expected to use dispute resolution procedures instead of making personal attacks. There is no excuse for personal attacks on another editor. This includes personal attacks left in edit summaries.

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Consensus

2) Wikipedia works by building consensus. This is done through polite discussion and negotiation, some times in an attempt to develop a consensus regarding proper application of policies and guidelines such as Neutral point of view. Editors are expected to respect consensus in their edits. Consensus requires communication in good faith between Wikipedia editors.

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Assume good faith

3) Assume good faith in the absence of evidence to the contrary. This keeps the project workable in the face of many widely variant points of view and avoids inadvertent personal attacks and disruption through creation of an unfriendly editing environment.

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Edit summaries

4) Edit summaries should not be used to carry on disputes; debates and negotiation should be held on the talk page.

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Disruption

5) Users may be banned or otherwise restricted for editing in a way that constitutes clear and intentional disruption. In certain cases a Wikipedia editor will tendentiously focus their attention in an obsessive way. Such users may be banned from editing in the affected area if it becomes disruptive.

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Edit warring

6) Edit wars or revert wars are considered harmful, because they cause ill-will between users and negatively destabilize articles. Editors are encourage to explore alternate methods of dispute resolution.

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What vandalism is not

7) Mischaracterization of another's good faith edits as vandalism is unacceptable and a breach of civility. Even undesirable edits, such as sweeping, undiscussed changes or perceived violations of the neutral point of view are explicitly not vandalism. See Wikipedia:Vandalism#What vandalism is not.

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Article ownership

8) As stated in the policy No Article Ownership, Wikipedia articles are developed by the Wikipedia community at large. No editor may claim ownership of any article, or seek to prevent other editors from good-faith editing.

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Removing content from user talk pages

9) Erasing messages from a user talk page can be considered incivil, especially if the message has not been responded to. See Help:Talk page#Can_I_do_whatever_I_want_to_my_own_user_talk_page.3F.

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Added by me. Stifle (talk) 22:32, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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• This may require clarification from ArbCom. WP:VAND currently states The above does not apply to the user's own Talk page, where users generally are permitted to remove and archive comments at their discretion, and this has caused some confusion at WP:ANI over whether a user who removes warnings from his own talk page can be blocked for vandalism. There seems to have been a recent policy change. Thatcher131 03:12, 14 April 2006 (UTC)

Good behaviour does not excuse bad behaviour

10) Good work on Wikipedia does not constitute an excuse for bad or abusive behaviour on Wikipedia.

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Partially from Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Xed; may be appropriate if FOF #5 or something similar is used. Kirill Lokshin 22:52, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Disruption to make a point

11) Don't disrupt Wikipedia to make a point.

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Added by me. Stifle (talk) 22:57, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Articles for Deletion

12.1) Except in cases of blatant vandalism, editors wishing to nominate recently created articles for deletion (by speedy, {{prod}} or AfD should notify the original or main contributor. Failure to notify is a breach of deletion policy and is uncivil toward the author.

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12.2) Except in cases of blatant vandalism, editors wishing to nominate recently created articles for deletion (by speedy, {{prod}} or AfD) have an obligation to first try to improve the article, either by editing it, tagging it for the appropriate cleanup, or by contacting the author. Listing an article for deletion without contacting the author represents a failure to assume good faith that the author can improve the article, and is uncivil toward the author.

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12.3) Except in cases of blatant vandalism, logged-in editors writing their first article should be treated with courtesy, welcomed to wikipedia, and offered guidance and assistance to help make their first article meet wikipedia's guidelines. Nominating an editor's first article for deletion without contacting the editor and offering assistance, or an explanation, is uncivil and a violation of don't bite the newbies, in that it gives the impression that editing wikipedia is reserved for "insiders" and discourages further contributions.

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This is utter nonsense, particuarly 12.2; the whole point of speedy deletion is that it doesn't require extensive discussion (and certainly not "an obligation to first try to improve the article"). Kirill Lokshin 01:07, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

Yes, it's the speed of the process I'm referring to. This might be good advice for borderline cases (e.g. the "no assertion of notability" criteria); but in a wide variety of other cases, it's counterproductive at best. Things qualifying under CSD G5 and A6, in particular, deserve to be shot on sight; and other speedy criteria, like the copyright infringement one, explicitly require a fast turnaround. Kirill Lokshin 01:51, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

• For 12.2, 12.3, no way. Process will break down. PROD and CSD are there for a reason. - Mailer Diablo 13:00, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

Sorry, but this is completely at odds with policy and is probably not within the ArbCom's purview anyway. However, I'm going to propose an alternative principle which they will probably also not use, just to point out my own feelings. All three deletion notices have got prominent bold links to deletion policy pages or another place where the author can check how to improve the article — if you want to help someone through it, sure, but there is (and should be) no Good Samaritan law. Stifle (talk) 16:16, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

If you want to change policy, there's a place for that, and its corollary: this isn't that place. .:.Jareth.:. ^babelfish 00:54, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

• Not a chance. This is not under ArbCom's purview, as noted above. Furthermore, it's a moot point: There are 3 ways to delete an article: prod, which can be removed by anyone (and is only for uncontroversial articles anyway: no need for discussion). Speedy delete (which the whole point of is that it DOESN'T NEED to be discussed first, as per Kirill above), and AfD, which the entire process of which is a 5-day or longer discussion. ⇒ SWATJester ^Ready Aim _Fire! 01:46, 21 April 2006 (UTC)

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Quoting from WP:SPEEDY "Try to avoid deleting a page too soon after its initial creation, as the author may be working on it. The word "speedy" in this context refers to the quickness of the decision making process and not the length of time elapsed since article creation." Further quoting from WP:RCP, "Don't bite the newbies. If you see a new user or IP address contributing, welcome them if you're so inclined, and include a pointer or two of feedback about how they can make their contributions even better. Most will gladly welcome the support." Also noting WP:DP What to do with a problem page/image/category which contains a large table of ways editors can help out other than by deleting articles. Thatcher131 01:20, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

I thought it already was policy to be kind to new editors. Silly rabbit. You may strike or blank my suggestion if you wish, I will not object. Thatcher131 04:35, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

... recommended, not required

12.4) Except in cases of blatant vandalism, it is suggested that editors wishing to nominate recently created articles for deletion (by speedy deletion, {{prod}} or AfD) notify the original or main contributor.

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A little more moderate. Certainly there is nothing in the deletion polocy requiring notification. Stifle (talk) 16:12, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

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Proposed findings of fact

Monicasdude is uncivil

1) Monicasdude has frequently been uncivil to other editors and administrators, including making personal attacks.

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I changed "uncivil" to "incivil", I think that's the correct negation. Stifle (talk) 22:08, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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From what I know, "uncivil" is what we commonly use, and what I normally see in arbitration cases. Johnleemk | Talk 18:56, 15 April 2006 (UTC)

Monicasdude assumes bad faith

2) Monicasdude has, both implicitly and explicitly, attributed the actions of others to bad faith and/or vandalism. These assumptions of bad faith have often been stated inappropriately in edit summaries.

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Added "and/or vandalism". Stifle (talk) 22:40, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Monicasdude ignores consensus

3) Monicasdude feels strongly that his opinion of policy is correct. This assumption often leads him to ignore consensus or discussion of disputed issues.

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I'd like to see a subsection of this, on allegations that Monicasdude's actions on AfD are disruptive to the AFD process. I'm not exactly sure how to say it. It's a combinations of the repeated contrary votes, abusive comments and edit summaries, repeated removal of prod's with incivil commentary, as well as the fiasco at the Theatre Intime AfD. Someone better than I at Arbcoms could maybe piece together what I mean.⇒ SWATJester ^Ready Aim _Fire! 20:51, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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... at AFD

3.1) Monicasdude has disrupted Wikipedia:Articles for deletion debates by frequently making contrary votes and tendentiously arguing with anyone who disagrees with him.

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Created by me, in response to Swatjester's suggestion above. Stifle (talk) 22:35, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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...but not contrary

3.1.1) Monicasdude has disrupted Wikipedia:Articles for deletion debates by tendentiously arguing with anyone who disagrees with him.

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Another version, take what you like. Stifle (talk) 22:50, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Monicasdude has refused attempts at dispute resolution

4) Monicasdude has refused to participate in the dispute resolution process in good faith, making only argumentative responses to his Request for Comments and Arbitration. Requests to participate in the second RfC were met with personal attacks.

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Monicasdude has saved many articles on notable people from deletion

5) Through careful patrolling of AFD, CSD and PROD areas, Monicasdude has saved articles on notable subjects from deletion which might otherwise have been deleted quietly. Many of these nominations may have been caused by hasty, albeit good faith, action by other users.

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Added by me. Stifle (talk) 22:38, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Agreed, with the comment that MD has been accused of acting in bad faith by removing prod tags, including on articles that were later kept after AfD. Thatcher131 00:53, 18 April 2006 (UTC)

Monicasdude has tendentiously edited

6) Monicasdude's edits at Bob Dylan constitute tendentious editing.

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Added by me. Stifle (talk) 22:38, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Proposed remedies

Note: All remedies that refer to a period of time, for example to a ban of X months or a revert parole of Y months, are to run concurrently unless otherwise stated.

Monicasdude placed on probation

1) Monicasdude is placed on probation. Should he make any disruptive edits, attempting ownership of Bob Dylan and personal attacks, he can be restricted from editing selected pages and it may include a general ban up to a year.

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...for one year, more specific

1.1) Monicasdude is placed on probation for one year. He may be banned for up to one year by any uninvolved administrator from any page he disrupts.

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Added by me. Stifle (talk) 22:21, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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...for indefinite, second option

1.2) Monicasude is placed on probation indefinitely. Should he make disruptive edits, he may be banned up to one year by any uninvolved administrator from any page he disrupts.

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Monicasdude banned for a year

2) Monicasdude is banned for a year for disruptive editing at FAC processes, attempted ownership of Bob Dylan article and removing {{prod}} tags at articles as well as personal attacks at users who disagree with him.

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I support this resolution, and as well would like to add into it "disruption of the AfD process, and bad faith accusations".⇒ SWATJester ^Ready Aim _Fire! 20:53, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

If this is a ban from Wikipedia, I would be strongly against it. Monicasdude has done nothing warranting such a severe action. Especially when you're supposed to remove {{prod}} tags from articles if you disagree with them. Stifle (talk) 22:14, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

I would say this remedy would be meant more for repeated personal attacks, incivility in addition to the servre disruption of Wikipedia processes. It should not be limited to actions on AfD and PROD itself. - Mailer Diablo 23:57, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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How exactly is removing {{prod}} tags a bannable offense? If you think Monicasdude has used uncivil edit summaries when removing prods, then make civility the basis of the proposed ban. Thatcher131 21:11, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

It's not. What I feel IS a bannable offense is the repeated disruption of AfD, repeated personal attacks and incivility, repeated assumptions of bad faith, etc. ⇒ SWATJester ^Ready Aim _Fire! 19:32, 16 April 2006 (UTC)

Monicasdude placed on civility parole

3) Monicasdude is placed on standard civility parole for one year. If he makes any edits which are judged by an administrator to be incivil, personal attacks, or assumptions of bad faith, then he may be blocked for a short time of up to one week. After five such blocks, the maximum block time is increased to one year.

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From Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Karmafist. Kirill Lokshin 14:40, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

I am completely for this, and I would think it would take a lot less then a year. The user does not deserve banning; Monicasdude's good edits far outweight the bad. It's the (perceived) bad ones that are rocking the boat so hard. Good user, some questionable judgement calls in response to challenge. TeKE 22:20, 17 April 2006 (UTC)

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Monicasdude required to use proper edit summaries

4) Monicasdude is required to indefinitely refrain from using edit summaries as a vehicle to carry on a debate or express an opinion of other editors. This provision is to be considered widely.

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Added by me, with apologies for the split infinitive. Stifle (talk) 22:46, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Proposed enforcement

Enforcement by block

1) If Monicasdude violates any of the remedies in this decision, he may be briefly blocked for up to one week. After 5 such blocks the maximum block length shall be extended to one year.

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Added by Stifle (talk) 22:25, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

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Analysis of evidence

Place here items of evidence (with diffs) and detailed analysis

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General discussion

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