Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 08:17, 24 April 2008

This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Misplaced Pages contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Misplaced Pages's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints.

Shortcut WP:REEP

This page in a nutshell: Publishing information about any living individual, particularly if that information is critical or negative, whilst hiding behind a the anonymity of the screenname is unethical. We will not do it.

Misplaced Pages normally allows users to edit any article without logging in or to edit through a using pseudonym (an account that does not identify the real name of the user). This policy is useful. It allows people to edit without fear of harassment, or any unjustifiable interference to their "real" life (although it does not guarantee anonymity).

However, with regard to the biographies of living people, there seems an unfairness about users being able to comment on another person, whilst withholding their own identity. Other publications may provide information or commentary on living individuals, but the authors or editors responsible for such material are publicly named. Such writers stake their real life reputations on the accuracy and fairness of what they write, and indeed may legally held to account.

Whilst, Wikipedians being sued is not something desirable, Wikipedians knowing that their personal reputation is at stake and that they are legal accountable, will encourage responsible editing. It is fair to the subject. It gives reassurance to the reader.

Ah but, might this mean a Wikipedian gets harassed by the subject of the bio?

Well, it indeed might. But consider:

• Which happens more, a Wikipedian gets harassed by a biographical subject, or a biographical subject gets libelled or attacked by an anonymous wikipedian? (Sometimes we seem more concerned with our rights, privacy and reputation than with those of real people.)
• A Wikipedian can walk away, the biographical subject cannot.
• A Wikipedian who wants to avoid real life consequences for his edits does not need to edit biographies of living people (or indeed at all)
• Writing about a living person anonymously is blatantly cowardly.

The Pledge

Without necessarily calling for any change in Misplaced Pages policy we, the undersigned, pledge NOT to engage in the anonymous or pseudonymous publication of material on any living individual.

With regard to biographies of living people, we will not contribute content (that is other than copyediting, or removing inappropriate content) unless through accounts linked to our real identity.

That is, the undersigned are either:

• already using accounts identifying their real identity (and will not use sock puppets on BLPs)
• OR pledging not to add content concerning living people
• OR intending creating separate accounts, linked to their real identities, for this purpose

Signatories

1. --Doc 13:58, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
2. Sarcasticidealist (talk) 18:46, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
3. MBisanz
4. ⇒SWATJester 19:30, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
5. -- Naerii 19:31, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
6. ++Lar: t/c 20:20, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
7. after reflection this is my pledge. Thanks, SqueakBox 23:17, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
8. Bstone (talk) 04:23, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
9. FCYTravis (talk) 08:17, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

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