User:Scalene/Barnstar Challenge

This page has been created as part of a bet made on IRC, where a challenge was made for a user to write an essay incorporating the phrase, "The triple scourge of vandalry, trollery, and hosiery."

Introduction

Many things can frustrate Wikipedians - not assuming good faith, corporation spam, and article ownership. However, all these crimes pale in comparison to the triple scourge of vandalry, trollery, and hosiery. When used effectively, these can drive any Wikipedian into giving the vandal a snack.

Vandalism

Vandalism is similar to rosehip - irritating, but not dangerous.

On average, a user page will be vandalised once weekly. However, this is entirely dependent on whether you blocked Willy on Wheels, if you're an admin, regularly fight vandals, or are User:Jimbo Wales.

This is considered standard personal attacking by a vandal. Don't worry. It happens to everyone. It's when they get clever, and start to combine this with the other two tools of the vandal that you should be worried.

Trolling

If vandalism is rosehip, trolling is arsenic. It's extremely fatal. To the troll. And, it frustrates a lot of Wikipedians.

The easiest way to deal with trolls, by far, is to use WP:AIV. It works fast. In fact, it's also good for fighting vandals.

And, if a user starts to accuse you of violating Wikipedia policy, and keeps asking for RfC, you shouldn't be worried - unless they aren't clutching at straws, and it is a legitimate point.

Keep a cool head at all times, and you can beat trolls. Most of the time.

Hosiery

Hosiery is the curse of the editor. Just because one account is blocked, it doesn't mean that another account can't be created to grieve the user.

Fortunately, Wikipedia's dealt with this before. IP blocks, semi & full-protecting articles, and help from other editors can all help.

Conclusion

Every Wikipedian must always remember the golden rule when fighting the scourge of vandals. Never, ever forget it.

“ Don't let the vandals get you down - if you resort to their methods even once, they've already won. ”