IvetteHer

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My post

OK - first and foremost, I have never used wiki to make fun of someone; and I consider that a very serious accusation. Now, as to my quoting the fear factor: I'm sorry, but it all rings a bit hollow to me, and makes me think of manipulation. The IP clearly implied that they had an account - and the implication of their post was that the people who opposed the candidate would take some sort of "vindictive" retaliation is utter hogwash in my view. There are good people on both sides of that RfA, and few if any established editor would tolerate such a thing. That is simply not the way things work on wiki. (granted there have been exceptions, but they are typically dealt with quickly)

There are people questioning a person who has been inactive, people questioning posts off-wiki, and people wondering about folks finding that RfA who have very few contributions to the project. Anything that is "unusual" is going to be looked upon with a degree of skepticism on wiki. I agree that some things should be taken at face value. Still - by painting the people who opposed with such a broad brush, you effectively impugn the honesty and integrity of every individual in that group. In general the discussion should center on the qualifications of the candidate. I don't think it's a good idea to visit an RfA with the idea of saying (or implying) that those who support are "X", and those who oppose are "Y".

Saying that it's ok for the IP to post "quote" is ok, but that a respondent posting the same exact "quote" is unacceptable is simply hypocritical. I wasn't "making fun" of anyone, but making the point that I felt that any such concept of "fear" was entirely unfounded.

Now that I have explained my own thinking, hopefully it is acceptable for me to ask a question. How is it that with less than 20 posts you happened to come upon that IP talk page, and by extension, the RfA? I'm not saying it's wrong, or not allowed; I'm saying it does appear unusual to me. I'm not trying to be confrontational, I just want to understand. — Ched :  ?  20:03, 1 February 2016 (UTC)

@Ched: I don't come here often, and I am not sure I have enthusiasm left for doing so. But thanks for explaining your point and the quoting of the anon's words. It just read to me you were mocking my friend. You may have noticed that I did not !vote, but she did, and was concerned that she would be taking wrongly, and lo and behold, she was! She had more edits than I had (above the 50 mark), but I had just started (had below 20, I think), so I did not feel legit in casting my voice. The mud throw was a disappointment for both of us, so it does not look we will be getting much involved. Sorry.

Rather than offering your quasi-accusatory explanation, you should just place yourself in our situation, as newbies, at seeing how an editor with a phenomenal record is treated the way he was. It was painful! We did our research and learned as much as we could, but we had no acquaintance in the crowd. She had plans of becoming a good editor and perhaps even applying to become and admin in the future, but those plans are now gone, thanks in part to you. So, please, stop your conjectures and next try being more welcoming to those who are venturing in these waters. Bye IvetteHer (talk) 01:09, 4 February 2016 (UTC)

OK - that's fair enough, but remember to look at my side too.

Yes - I admit - getting started here can be difficulty - and I apologize for my part in not being more welcoming in that respect. We even have a "policy" about it - WP:BITE

Still - there's nothing to "fear" here. Yes, we have our share of jerks, and there are some topics (politics, religion, etc) which can be very difficult to work in.

That area WP:RFA is one of the most contentious areas, mainly because that is where we choose who can be administrators. (in fact, I used to be one myself). That particular one (Hawkeye) has a history behind it - some of which you can read about at that page. That I'm sure would play a part in ...

... my own shortcomings there. Am I cynical? Skeptical? ... Yes, I plead guilty as charged, and it's likely getting worse at my age - sorry. I apologize if I wasn't more welcoming, but there really have been a lot of "new accounts" and IP addresses creating mischief at RFA for many years.

I honestly do hope you and your friend will stick around and get to know us though. There really are some wonderful folks on Wiki (even if I didn't act like one at first impression). Cheers, and Best. — Ched :  ?  19:43, 5 February 2016 (UTC)

@Ched: That was very nice of you. Sorry for the lateness. :) IvetteHer (talk) 08:44, 25 February 2016 (UTC)

:) — Ched :  ?  19:03, 25 February 2016 (UTC)