Wikipedia:The admin baton
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After DanCherek's RfA in August 2022, Tamzin (talk · contribs) resumed[a] a tradition of "passing the baton" to the newest admin. The tradition took hold, and the baton is still making its way around the 'pedia. It is a part of the generous benefits package new admins receive.[b]
Appearance of the baton
[edit]There is no designated image of the baton, and the admin who passes the baton may pick whatever image they please from Commons. Whatever form the baton takes, though, it should be understood to bear this inscription:[2]
Tamzin started this tradition to recognize DanCherek for his bravery in ending the three-month drought that began with the conclusion of her own acrimonious RfA. It serves as a reminder that, despite dramas petty and grand, we work together to build an encyclopedia—and serves to recognize those who subject themselves to a nerve-wracking and often unfair process out of their dedication to this project. You, holding this baton, are saluted by all its past holders. Thank you.
FAQ
[edit]Optional questions from Admin hopeful
[edit]- 1. When will I get my baton?
- A: First, you have to pass your RfA—which is not an easy feat! If you are successful, congratulations! Historically, the previous baton-holder will leave you a message on your talk page within a day or two of the closure of your RfA. I know that receiving the baton is the entire reason you ran in the first place, but patience is a virtue!
- 2. What if the current baton-holder is inactive?
- A: Someone else passes the baton on their behalf. This has happened before, twice. See the table at the bottom of the page for those occasions.
Optional questions from Baton holder
[edit]- 3. As the baton holder, what are my responsibilities?
- A: The baton holder's job is to pass the baton as soon as humanly possible. Think of the baton as a hot potato. You can accomplish this by encouraging good candidates to throw their hat into the ring. Once someone is successful in their RfA, leave the baton and a message of encouragement on their talk page.
- 4. Anything else I should be doing in the meantime?
- A: I suppose you could make use of the tools you just received.
Optional questions from Administrator elections candidate
[edit]- 5. How does the baton work with administrator elections?
- A: Fear not—you will still get your baton! Per consensus, the baton passes in the order you receive your adminship (according to the userrights log).
- 6. But what if I want to hold the baton for a little while?
- A: Of course, you are welcome to examine it for a minute or two—especially if you are still shopping for a baton at Wikimedia Commons. But remember your job: Pass the baton as soon as possible!
Optional questions from Miscellaneous question-asker
[edit]- 7. Who currently holds the baton?
- 8. How long have they held it for?
- A: 40 days. ()
Path of the baton
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ The tradition has been reïnvented several times. Tamzin was inspired by a previous instance of baton-passing xe saw while looking through old usertalk archives, although xe can't remember which.[1] It may have been the pair of baton-passings identified by GirthSummit at User talk:Spicy/Archive 6 § Passing the baton.
- ^ Other benefits include the T-shirt and a 100% pay raise.
- ^ On behalf of Isabelle Belato, who was taking a WP:WIKIBREAK at the time.
- ^ On behalf of 0xDeadbeef, who was away on vacation at the time.
