[WikiEN-l] Re: SERIOUS HELP NEEDED NOW!

Sat Feb 8 19:24:45 UTC 2003

Erik Moeller wrote:

>I agree. Sysops need emergency powers to ban signed in users in cases of
>obvious vandalism.

As I stated in a previous post, I think it would help if Wikipedia's 
tech people could work on some enhanced security features. We can 
debate the details, but I think they should include:

(1) Flexibility on the part of the administrator (Jimbo). If there 
are no vandals currently active, the current laissez-faire system 
works fine. When there's a pest afoot, however, Jimbo should be able 
to temporarily turn on additional security features, such as giving 
sysops added powers.

(2) The ability to temporarily restrict contributions from 
non-registered users.

(3) The ability to create some kind of registration barrier that will 
make it harder for vandals to get back in the door immediately by 
simply registering under a new name.

(4) The ability to push a button that will instantly send one million 
megavolts coursing through the body of Ed Poor. (Just joking.)
-- 
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|  Sheldon Rampton
|  Editor, PR Watch (www.prwatch.org)
|  Author of books including:
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|     Toxic Sludge Is Good For You
|     Mad Cow USA
|     Trust Us, We're Experts
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