User:Jackson Peebles/Adoption/PantherLeapord Exam 8
 | This article was the subject of an educational assignment in 2013 Q2. Further details were available on the "Education Program:Western Michigan University/Wikipedia (2013 Q2)" page, which is now unavailable on the wiki. |
On this test, I'm looking for some quality thinking; make your argument, do it effectively, and you'll probably get a good score. Without further adieu, here we go.
1.) Q- Explain the differences between a policy, a guideline, and an essay.
- A- A policy is something that every wikipedia editor should abide by (Except in cases where WP:IAR is applied but we'll get to that later...) and breaching a policy usually results in action taken against you. A Guideline is a suggestion on how to do things. While it is not as enforceable as a policy it can still lead to action against you in some circumstances. An essay is the view of one or more contributors and usually cannot be enforced although they are frequently cited in debates to explain policy.
- 5/5, but read this: you're absolutely right. I do think it's important to note that the policies, guidelines, and (especially) pillars are in place for the benefit of the community, not just to punish editors who do not abide by them. Each one has been developed with consensus. There's a nifty chart (somewhere) that I'll try to find for you that explains IAR in that it can be implemented if the rules make sense and they should still be ignored; however, if the rules don't make sense... try to change them by calling for change!
2.) Q- Citing an example that's actually occurred on Wikipedia within the last couple of years, explain whether or not you think that Wikipedia is a de factobureaucracy.
- A- The recent drama around Deadmau5 after it was moved to Deadmaus and the THREE move requests with consensus to move it back to Deadmau5 that were needed to do so confirm that wikipedia IS mainly a de facto bureaucracy. (Requiring everything signed in triplicate too!)
- 3/5 Interesting. I answered that I think it is a bureaucracy, and this is a bit of an opinion question. I hadn't heard of that case, but Talk:Deadmau5 shows that consensus to move only occurred twice, and it was moved back (and forth). I see this as a bit of a non-sequitur, though (until you explain). A bureaucracy does not mean that things don't work; it talks about the hierarchy.
3.) Q- Can policies change? If you wanted to change one, how would you go about doing so?
- A- Policies can change as consensus changes. In order to change a policy you need to obtain consensus for the change.
- 5/5 Bingo. Call for an RfC, too, since policies are so high up.
4.) Q- Explain a situation in which you could apply WP:IAR.
- A- This is a tough one... If you notice an obvious error in a policy document you can [1] the error without having to worry about the rules regarding changing a policy document. (How that vandalism lasted so long I will never know!)
- 5/5 largely because you said it's a tough one, too
your example is good.
- 5/5 largely because you said it's a tough one, too
5.) Q- Are decrees from the Wikimedia Foundation subject to change from the Wikipedia community?
- A- Quite simply: No. Decrees from the WMF override any community decisions or consensus.
- 5/5 Yup. Of course, we can always replace the Board, but that takes time.
Once you have finished, please notify me on my talk page, then proceed to Final Exam.
23/25 - Great work. Please bare with me while I prepare the final exam.
