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{{unblock|reason=Your reason here ~~~~}}
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Bbb23 (
talk)
16:30, 23 October 2022 (UTC)Michael.C.Wright ( block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser ( log))
Request reason:
My understanding of an edit war is as defined by WP:EW as "when editors who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other's contributions.” It is further explained as; "An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.” I also understand that "any sequence of edits that violates the "spirit", if not the "letter", of the three-revert rule are just as worthy of a block."
I made no back-and-forth reverts nor did I try to game the system. The revert and template addition + move are the only three edits I've made in article space over the past two weeks.
I specifically ensured I reverted only once as part of a WP:BRD cycle and thereafter participated in discussions in talk and user space in an attempt to reach a consensus statement.
I first created this discussion thread [1] in talk space, kicking off a WP:BRD cycle with this revert [2] of factually inaccurate information on a WP:BLP.
My revert was undone by MrOllie [3], which I left in place and did not change.
The rest of this is my account of trying to reach consensus:
I then added a {{
Disputed inline}}
into article space
[4] then immediately moved that template to better-indicate the disputed phrase
[5]. This was meant to flag the statement to get more editors involved to work towards a consensus. That was the extent of my edits in article space before getting blocked: one revert, one template placed, same template moved.
I made nine edits to the talk page in an attempt to demonstrate how the statement is factually inaccurate, in an attempt to reach a consensus statement and to avoid disrupting article space.
At the same time I removed the factually inaccurate statement, I proposed an alternative statement [6] (talk sub-section titled “Proposed statement”) and offered for other editors to work toward a consensus statement that is directly supported. I offered this in talk space specifically to avoid an edit war.
During discussion in talk space, the statement in article space was further edited by MrOllie [7]. That edit was changed by Bon_courage [8] then further edited by Bon_courage [9].
While trying to reach consensus, several editors disagreed on the time frame meant by “the past two years.” First, MrOllie claimed (in article space) it was two years [10], then Bon_courage changed it (also in article space) to the 2020/21 season [11].
MrOllie called the source "slightly ambiguous" [12] and Bon courage said of the article: “The wording is imprecise." [13]
After failing to reach consensus and seeing the article disruptively edited by other editors, I filed an incident [14] at WP:ANI, per guidance at WP:BLPREMOVE, which states “In less clear cases they should request the attention of an uninvolved administrator at the administrators' noticeboard/Incidents page.” It was necessary to seek an uninvolved administrator because multiple editors were actively "interpreting" in article space what the source meant by "the past two years." Irregardless of the interpretation used, the statement remains false. The original phrase in the SBM article incorrectly states the facts of COVID vs Influenza pediatric deaths. This is why I sought guidance in reading WP:BLPREMOVE, which lead me to WP:ANI.
This block is not needed as I was not edit warring and intend to continue to avoid edit warring. My goal was and is to seek consensus. My WP:BRP cycle included an explanation for the revert as well as a proposed, alternative statement, and an invitation to discuss and edit the proposed statement in talk space. I understand it can be difficult to reach consensus and that it might take a long and arduous debate between editors to get there. I also think that hard work is how a good and accurate WP:BLP is achieved.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 13:33, 24 October 2022 (UTC)
Decline reason:
An unblock request should show an awareness of what went wrong with an indication of how problems would be avoided in the future. Rather than respond at Warning regarding discretionary sanctions above, you posted a long report at ANI ( permalink). "Seeking consensus" does not mean persisting until everyone agrees with you. Johnuniq ( talk) 23:50, 24 October 2022 (UTC)
If you want to make any further unblock requests, please read the guide to appealing blocks first, then use the {{ unblock}} template again. If you make too many unconvincing or disruptive unblock requests, you may be prevented from editing this page until your block has expired. Do not remove this unblock review while you are blocked.
Michael.C.Wright ( block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser ( log))
Request reason:
As this request is getting near its two-week max life, I wanted to summarize the request as concisely as possible. I still stand by my first request [15], which was denied for reasons unrelated to edit warring. I still stand by the first version [16] of this second request, which contains more of the context around, and reasons for my edits. I believe the block should be reversed for the following reasons:
1. One revert [17] does not an edit war make. See also: My Understanding of Edit Warring2. WP:BLPREMOVE explicitly recommends filing an incident at WP:ANI, which I did. [18]An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.
— WP:EW
In less clear cases they should request the attention of an uninvolved administrator at the administrators' noticeboard/Incidents page.
— WP:BLPREMOVE
3. No evidence of edit warring has been provided. I have requested that evidence twice multiple times.
[19],
[20],
[21],
[22].
Administrators must be able to justify their blocks using evidence visible on Wikipedia, even if it includes aspects only accessible by other administrators (eg., revdel'ed edits and deleted pages).
— WP:BLOCKEVIDENCE
The community expects that blocks will be made for good reasons only, based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgment, and that all factors that support a block are subject to independent peer review if requested.
— WP:EXPLAINBLOCK
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:34, 25 October 2022 (UTC); edited 18:58, 1 November 2022 (UTC); edited 15:59, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
Decline reason:
If you want to make any further unblock requests, please read the guide to appealing blocks first, then use the {{ unblock}} template again. If you make too many unconvincing or disruptive unblock requests, you may be prevented from editing this page until your block has expired. Do not remove this unblock review while you are blocked.
@ Bbb23,
Based on new evidence [23] that shows I was not editing with two accounts, if this block was made based on edits made by User_talk:71.128.145.158, I request that this block be reversed.
If this block is based on other activity of mine, I request that any evidence supporting that claim be provided. Blocking policy makes it very clear that blocks must be "based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgement."
WP:BEFOREBLOCK states "Before a block is imposed, efforts should be made to educate users about Wikipedia policies and guidelines, and to warn them when their behavior conflicts with these."
WP:EXPLAINBLOCK states "The community expects that blocks will be made for good reasons only, based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgment, and that all factors that support a block are subject to independent peer review if requested."
WP:BLOCKEVIDENCE states "Administrators must be able to justify their blocks using evidence visible on Wikipedia, even if it includes aspects only accessible by other administrators (eg., revdel'ed edits and deleted pages)."
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 14:06, 28 October 2022 (UTC)
@ WereSpielChequers, I am reaching out to you after reading some of your work on edit warring, including this piece: WereSpielChequers/Edit_Warring and especially your comments here: Isaacl/Community/Fostering_collaborative_behaviour
@ Charles_Matthews, I am reaching out to you because you have offered guidance to me before and also you have tried to help steer the environment of a page ( Martin Kulldorff, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration) towards a more collaborative environment.
I have been an editor since 2014 and have contributed significantly, especially around topics concerning coffee and most recently a biography of a living person. [25]
Recently I was blocked indefinitely, site-wide for "Edit warring at Martin Kulldorff after expiration of last block for the same thing.” [26]
I have twice, formally requested an unblock. [27], [28]. The first request was declined for reasons including what I believe to be a legitimate request at WP:ANI ( permalink) [29] per explicit guidance from WP:BLPREMOVE. The second request is now officially stale but still open.
Shortly after the block, I was also wrongly accused of block evasion in a way that was vague and difficult for me to first detect and then to rebut, despite an involved admin having CheckUser privileges. [30] My user page was deleted for “U5: Misuse of Wikipedia as a web host.” [31] without any input from the deleting administrator. The admin archiving the ANI request posted the archiving result as “returning curvy stick for justice!” with the edit summary of “boomerang applied.” [32] My latest request for the evidence leading to the block was met with a threat of revoking WP:TPA. [33] The threat to revoke TPA has been the only direct interaction I’ve received from the blocking admin.
Taken together, this feels punitive and feels like a case of piling-on. My block is being advertised in Talk:Martin Kulldorff in a way that could be interpreted as intimidating to other editors who might disagree with this group of editors. [34], [35] Similarly, the blocking admin advertised or broadcasted my indefinite block to the ANI request. [36] This too could be interpreted by other editors as a caution against filing contentious but otherwise-legitimate ANI requests in an attempt to resolve conflicts. The contended statement that my BRD and single revert removed, continues to be challenged by other editors. [37], [38]
Even if I was edit warring, the contentious behavior has been strictly limited to the Martin Kulldorff page. Therefore a site-wide, indefinite block for behavior limited to one page adds to the perception that this is punitive rather than protective.
My actions did not cross the bright line. I did not participate in a ’ series of back and forth reverts.’ I do not understand the accusation of further edit warring and no explanation has been offered.
Thank you both for taking the time to read this and for helping in any way you can.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:18, 11 November 2022 (UTC)
First of all, a procedural apology. This renewed unblock request has taken much too long to be reviewed. I will initiate a review now. I invite Bbb23, the blocking administrator, and Johnuniq, who declined the first request, to comment on the current unblock request as well as the scope and duration of the block. Charles Matthews, where are you seeing personal attacks in edit summaries, and what do you think should be done with the block? Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 18:52, 11 November 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, I am not familiar with this portion of an unblock request and I don't see where there are rules or recommendations regarding how I should proceed. Is there a point in this process where I am allowed to respond to the comments above? Given Bbb23's previous comment regarding revocation of TPA for using the talk page during the unblock review, [40] I would like to make sure by you that I can respond to the comments that have been made by others.
Thank you.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:13, 12 November 2022 (UTC); edited Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:05, 19 November 2022 (UTC)
We need to bring this unblock review to some sort of a resolution. I do not think that leaving an indefinite site-wide block in place indefinitely is justifiable, and the block has already been in place for almost a month now. Michael.C.Wright, please either clarify whether you agree that some scope of topic-ban is warranted or alternatively please explain how you would modify your approach going forward to avoid further edit-wars or other problems. Bbb23, Johnuniq, and Charles Matthews, please advise if you have any further thoughts. If we can't come to a consensus among the admins on this page concerning how to proceed, I will either have to make a decision as the reviewing admin, or else post the review request to ANI. Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 21:49, 20 November 2022 (UTC)
An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.
— WP:EW
Some editors, even some administrators on Wikipedia, forget why we are here and begin to adopt a punitive model for Wikipedia politics. They support blocks, bans, and enforcement of Arbitration Committee sanctions in order to exact retribution on "bad users" rather than helping to create and improve encyclopedic content.
— WP:NOTPUNISHMENT
Unblock review posted to ANI for broader input, here. Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 22:10, 21 November 2022 (UTC)
I don’t claim broad innocence but I wasn’t blocked for broad behavior. I was blocked for the very specific behavior of edit warring. The definition of edit warring states it only occurs with a series of back-and-forth reverts.
There was neither a zero-revert nor a one-revert rule in effect, which are the two defined, stricter rules regarding edit warring.
Therefore my single revert [45] does not fit the official, documented definition of an edit war. As EdJohnston stated, I am only responsible for my own edits. [46]
I believe the unstated definition of edit warring that is being used by many editors in this case has strayed from what is explicitly defined as a bright-line rule—“a clearly defined rule or standard, composed of objective factors, which leaves little or no room for varying interpretation.”
Of the twelve responses at ANI, six cite my claim of innocence of edit warring as evidence of guilt. [47] Claiming innocence when no evidence of guilt has been provided is not only rational but entirely reasonable. Leveraging a claim of innocence as evidence of guilt is a logical fallacy. [48]
I believe that the environment surrounding this block has generally devolved into “a punitive model for Wikipedia politics.” [49] I also believe that it has become increasingly easy and acceptable for editors to spend more time debating the rules of inclusion of information rather than the validity and neutrality of the information (I am certainly guilty of this). I believe the end-results speak for themselves in copy that is not neutral and sometimes not even factually accurate. I contend that is exactly the case [50] with the disputed statement that is at the core of this entire issue and the statement I reverted.
Lastly, the existence of both a formal and informal reason [51] for a block is also against blocking policy. Informal, undisclosed reasons for blocking contribute to the punitive model. As they are undisclosed, they are impossible to refute or correct behavior for. This is the reason blocking policy requires blocks to be clearly stated, explained, and backed by visible evidence [52]—so that blocked editors can learn from the block and change their behavior.
In such circumstances it is important that the block message is clear as to the reason for the block so that the blocked editor knows what they have to change when they return. Fixed term blocks for unclear or undisclosed reasons should be considered a form of toxic behaviour and an abuse of the admin toolset.
— User:WereSpielChequers 1:26, 13 August 2019
I have certainly learned that reverts are more likely to escalate an issue rather than de-escalate one. And as stated regarding decorum and civilty in an Arbcom ruling; [53] if my behavior created or contributed to the repeated, good-faith accusations of persistent policy violations, the behavior should be changed. To that end, and as stated above, I will work harder to avoid rejecting or ignoring community input.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 19:24, 1 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ Swarm;
As I’ve previously said, [54] one of the reasons I reverted the statement is because it is, in part, an original interpretation by Bon courage.
In the talk page, Bon courage states that he is interpreting what the original author “means:”
The wording is imprecise. From the SBM link the “two years” comment means the period straddling 2020/21. I have tweaked the text to reflect this.
— User:Bon courage 18:28, 22 October 2022 (UTC)
Recently, Bon courage has edit warred in another article and in that content dispute, he stated to Crossroads “interpreting what “he means” is OR:”
…interpreting what “he means” is OR. This is one of the central points here. Editors trying to coerce everything to do with “good news” into meaning “endemic” is not what our good sources are doing (or in this case any source). Why should Wikipedia be doing something so odd?
— User:Bon courage 06:55, 28 November 2022
Bon courage later went on to edit war by removing Crossroads neutrally written, sourced, and pertinent statement three times in less than an hour, not only violating WP:3RR but also this Arbcom decision.
After being warned by Crossroads about edit warring, [55] Bon courage thanked them “for the reminder about 3RR: in my concern to get the article right I’d temporarily put it out of my mind!" [56]
The statement I reverted was original research for reasons its author has shown to know and understand. Original research qualifies for WP:BLPREMOVE. Therefore my single revert should be exempt from edit warring.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:00, 5 December 2022 (UTC)
On the edit warring description page, the first sentence states:
An edit war occurs when editors who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other’s contributions. [emphasis added]
— WP:EW
On the same page, under the section titled " What edit warring is”, it is further defined:
An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts. [emphasis added]
— WP:EW#What_edit_warring_is
Uw-3rr is a warning template used by the tools Twinkle, Ultraviolet, and Redwarn to warn editors of potential edit warring behavior. At the time of this writing, it is posted on over 1,000 talk pages. Its text includes:
It also says:
To resolve the content dispute, please do not revert or change the edits of others when you are reverted. [emphasis added]
— Uw-3rr
In other words; do not revert a revert, therefore making a series of back-and-forth reverts.
It also says:
…should your behavior indicate that you intend to continue reverting repeatedly… [emphasis added]
— Uw-3rr
This revert was my only revert of this statement and my first edit in twelve days. The undoing (reversion) of my revert is what could be argued as edit warring, as it begins a series of back-and-forth editing that defines an edit war. However, I no longer engaged in changing the statement in article space.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:40, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
{{
Disputed inline}}
tagFrom there I continued to participate in discussion only and made no further edits in article space
Despite other editors first reverting my reversion, [61] and then repeatedly editing the statement in article space, [62], [63], [64] I made no further edits to article space.
I then created a request at ANI, as recommended by WP:BLPREMOVE and within 20 minutes of creating that request I was blocked indefinitely, site-wide. My user page was later deleted. I was wrongly accused of block evasion. And finally, the ANI request was closed without the core issue ever being addressed.
The statement in article space remains biased, contains original research, and contains objectively false statistics—verifiable data is publicly available from the CDC.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:44, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ Bbb23,
I am seeking to better understand what went wrong and how to change my editing process. To help me, can you please answer the following questions:
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:49, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ WereSpielChequers, @ Swarm, @ Charles_Matthews,
A successful community in Wikipedia is based on trust, including trust in administrators. That trust is formed, in part, by administrators not only enforcing policy, but also themselves adhering to it—leading by example.
Communication is a central tool for building trust. When all parties know what to expect, what is considered acceptable versus what is not, then the community navigates controversial issues much more effectively.
The toolset available to administrators, which includes the ability to block other editors is meant to be used to protect the project from vandalism and other disruptive behavior. The community expects the toolset to be wielded justly, fairly, and evenly.
When an administrator blocks an editor for disruptive behavior, it is expected that the editor improve the behavior and return to the work of building an encyclopedia. For an editor to improve, they must have a clear, and shared understanding of how and where they went wrong.
The behavioral guideline titled “ Wikipedia:Appealing a block ” states the following:
If you don’t understand any detail of the policy, or still don’t understand the action or reason that caused you to receive a block, you can ask the administrator that blocked you for help, or for any clarification on details that may be unclear to you. Administrators are expected to answer your questions and reasonably explain their actions.
That statement links to Admin policy, which defines the following accountability requirements of administrators:
Administrators are expected to respond promptly and civilly to queries about their Wikipedia-related conduct and administrative actions…
— WP:ADMINACCT#Accountability
That policy cites an Arbcom case in which a communication principle was accepted unanimously and codified as the following principle:
Due to the collaborative nature of Wikipedia, proper communication is extremely important, and all editors are expected to respond to messages intended for them in a timely manner and to constructively discuss controversial issues. This is especially true for administrators in regard to administrative actions. Such expected communication includes: giving appropriate (as guided by Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines) warnings prior to, and notification messages following, their actions; using accurate and descriptive edit and administrative action summaries; and responding promptly and fully to all good-faith concerns raised about their administrative actions.
— Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Betacommand
I have asked for clarification four times, without receiving a response beyond the threat of removing talk page access. The blocking admin presents my lack of understanding as further justification for an indefinite, site-wide block. The combination of not responding to legitimate, good-faith questions while leveraging the lack of understanding as evidence of guilt not only violates policy but is counter to a collaborative environment. It erodes the trust between editors.
At no point has any admin shown how or where I have edit warred. If I have edit warred because I have an incorrect understanding of what edit warring is, it is the blocking administrator’s responsibility to clarify those policies by explaining their administrative actions when asked. Simply stating ‘you violated policy’ is not enough. Stonewalling and threatening further administrative action against legitimate, good-faith questions is itself toxic behavior and counter to a successful community.
My second unblock request was denied by simply linking to an essay regarding verbosity. That essay provides no insight into any policy or guideline that I violated that lead to an indefinite, site-wide block for edit warring. If I have become too verbose, part of the reason for that is the lack of engagement and the opaqueness of this entire block/unblock request process.
Since the blocking administrator has outright refused to engage beyond threats of further administrative action I’ll ask any administrator willing to respond: how have I misunderstood the definition of edit warring and which edit or edits violated that policy and lead to the block?
Asked in a different way; how is a single revert so grievous that in order to protect the project an administrator must violate policy?
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:12, 29 December 2022 (UTC)
I'm an objective independent Wikipedia user who accidentally got to this page and I can say that I'm absolutely shocked by what I see here. Here's a guy who's trying to make Wikipedia better, collaborating with others and doing his best to reach consensus, and he gets blocked for no apparent reason. I read the talk section of the article on Martin Kulldorff (which is how I got here) and Michael was by far the most collaborative person there. Other users there are still gloating over his block. When he then asks the reason for his block, he gets nothing. In the end his unblocking request is denied because an admin, @ Yamla is too lazy to read.
@ Newyorkbrad, @ WereSpielChequers, @ Swarm, @ Charles_Matthews, from this page I understand you are admins. As an independent person, I can say that based on his behaviour on this talk page, @ Bbb23 should immediately be relieved of his admin duties. His behaviour here is an absolute disgrace to a community project. He's clearly abusing his power. My 2 cents to this discussion, if you want to kill Wikipedia as a trustworthy, neutral source, this type of admin behaviour where you just block a model-type of editor for no apparent reason, is definitely the way to go. Martdj ( talk) 12:34, 26 July 2023 (UTC)
I have been invited to comment here, But I don't have the time to get involved. Sorry about that, this is a volunteer project, and I'm not currently in a position to volunteer time to properly address this case. However I would point out that one admin has thought a block necessary and two other admins on separate occasions have looked at this and declined to unblock. Perhaps one or both were lazy and didn't read something, or perhaps three admins perceived something here that isn't obvious to some others. In any event, I'm afraid I don't have time available to get involved in this case. Ϣere SpielChequers 18:51, 26 July 2023 (UTC)
If you are here to discuss something about an article's content then please, to promote centralized discussion and maximize consensus, comment on that article's Talk page and not here. |
Please place new discussions at the bottom of the talk page. |
This is Michael.C.Wright's talk page, where you can send him messages and comments. |
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Archives: Index, 1Auto-archiving period: 30 days |
This user is aware of the designation of the following topics as
contentious topics:
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{{unblock|reason=Your reason here ~~~~}}
.
Bbb23 (
talk)
16:30, 23 October 2022 (UTC)Michael.C.Wright ( block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser ( log))
Request reason:
My understanding of an edit war is as defined by WP:EW as "when editors who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other's contributions.” It is further explained as; "An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.” I also understand that "any sequence of edits that violates the "spirit", if not the "letter", of the three-revert rule are just as worthy of a block."
I made no back-and-forth reverts nor did I try to game the system. The revert and template addition + move are the only three edits I've made in article space over the past two weeks.
I specifically ensured I reverted only once as part of a WP:BRD cycle and thereafter participated in discussions in talk and user space in an attempt to reach a consensus statement.
I first created this discussion thread [1] in talk space, kicking off a WP:BRD cycle with this revert [2] of factually inaccurate information on a WP:BLP.
My revert was undone by MrOllie [3], which I left in place and did not change.
The rest of this is my account of trying to reach consensus:
I then added a {{
Disputed inline}}
into article space
[4] then immediately moved that template to better-indicate the disputed phrase
[5]. This was meant to flag the statement to get more editors involved to work towards a consensus. That was the extent of my edits in article space before getting blocked: one revert, one template placed, same template moved.
I made nine edits to the talk page in an attempt to demonstrate how the statement is factually inaccurate, in an attempt to reach a consensus statement and to avoid disrupting article space.
At the same time I removed the factually inaccurate statement, I proposed an alternative statement [6] (talk sub-section titled “Proposed statement”) and offered for other editors to work toward a consensus statement that is directly supported. I offered this in talk space specifically to avoid an edit war.
During discussion in talk space, the statement in article space was further edited by MrOllie [7]. That edit was changed by Bon_courage [8] then further edited by Bon_courage [9].
While trying to reach consensus, several editors disagreed on the time frame meant by “the past two years.” First, MrOllie claimed (in article space) it was two years [10], then Bon_courage changed it (also in article space) to the 2020/21 season [11].
MrOllie called the source "slightly ambiguous" [12] and Bon courage said of the article: “The wording is imprecise." [13]
After failing to reach consensus and seeing the article disruptively edited by other editors, I filed an incident [14] at WP:ANI, per guidance at WP:BLPREMOVE, which states “In less clear cases they should request the attention of an uninvolved administrator at the administrators' noticeboard/Incidents page.” It was necessary to seek an uninvolved administrator because multiple editors were actively "interpreting" in article space what the source meant by "the past two years." Irregardless of the interpretation used, the statement remains false. The original phrase in the SBM article incorrectly states the facts of COVID vs Influenza pediatric deaths. This is why I sought guidance in reading WP:BLPREMOVE, which lead me to WP:ANI.
This block is not needed as I was not edit warring and intend to continue to avoid edit warring. My goal was and is to seek consensus. My WP:BRP cycle included an explanation for the revert as well as a proposed, alternative statement, and an invitation to discuss and edit the proposed statement in talk space. I understand it can be difficult to reach consensus and that it might take a long and arduous debate between editors to get there. I also think that hard work is how a good and accurate WP:BLP is achieved.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 13:33, 24 October 2022 (UTC)
Decline reason:
An unblock request should show an awareness of what went wrong with an indication of how problems would be avoided in the future. Rather than respond at Warning regarding discretionary sanctions above, you posted a long report at ANI ( permalink). "Seeking consensus" does not mean persisting until everyone agrees with you. Johnuniq ( talk) 23:50, 24 October 2022 (UTC)
If you want to make any further unblock requests, please read the guide to appealing blocks first, then use the {{ unblock}} template again. If you make too many unconvincing or disruptive unblock requests, you may be prevented from editing this page until your block has expired. Do not remove this unblock review while you are blocked.
Michael.C.Wright ( block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser ( log))
Request reason:
As this request is getting near its two-week max life, I wanted to summarize the request as concisely as possible. I still stand by my first request [15], which was denied for reasons unrelated to edit warring. I still stand by the first version [16] of this second request, which contains more of the context around, and reasons for my edits. I believe the block should be reversed for the following reasons:
1. One revert [17] does not an edit war make. See also: My Understanding of Edit Warring2. WP:BLPREMOVE explicitly recommends filing an incident at WP:ANI, which I did. [18]An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.
— WP:EW
In less clear cases they should request the attention of an uninvolved administrator at the administrators' noticeboard/Incidents page.
— WP:BLPREMOVE
3. No evidence of edit warring has been provided. I have requested that evidence twice multiple times.
[19],
[20],
[21],
[22].
Administrators must be able to justify their blocks using evidence visible on Wikipedia, even if it includes aspects only accessible by other administrators (eg., revdel'ed edits and deleted pages).
— WP:BLOCKEVIDENCE
The community expects that blocks will be made for good reasons only, based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgment, and that all factors that support a block are subject to independent peer review if requested.
— WP:EXPLAINBLOCK
Thank you for taking the time to consider this request. Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:34, 25 October 2022 (UTC); edited 18:58, 1 November 2022 (UTC); edited 15:59, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
Decline reason:
If you want to make any further unblock requests, please read the guide to appealing blocks first, then use the {{ unblock}} template again. If you make too many unconvincing or disruptive unblock requests, you may be prevented from editing this page until your block has expired. Do not remove this unblock review while you are blocked.
@ Bbb23,
Based on new evidence [23] that shows I was not editing with two accounts, if this block was made based on edits made by User_talk:71.128.145.158, I request that this block be reversed.
If this block is based on other activity of mine, I request that any evidence supporting that claim be provided. Blocking policy makes it very clear that blocks must be "based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgement."
WP:BEFOREBLOCK states "Before a block is imposed, efforts should be made to educate users about Wikipedia policies and guidelines, and to warn them when their behavior conflicts with these."
WP:EXPLAINBLOCK states "The community expects that blocks will be made for good reasons only, based upon reviewable evidence and reasonable judgment, and that all factors that support a block are subject to independent peer review if requested."
WP:BLOCKEVIDENCE states "Administrators must be able to justify their blocks using evidence visible on Wikipedia, even if it includes aspects only accessible by other administrators (eg., revdel'ed edits and deleted pages)."
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 14:06, 28 October 2022 (UTC)
@ WereSpielChequers, I am reaching out to you after reading some of your work on edit warring, including this piece: WereSpielChequers/Edit_Warring and especially your comments here: Isaacl/Community/Fostering_collaborative_behaviour
@ Charles_Matthews, I am reaching out to you because you have offered guidance to me before and also you have tried to help steer the environment of a page ( Martin Kulldorff, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration) towards a more collaborative environment.
I have been an editor since 2014 and have contributed significantly, especially around topics concerning coffee and most recently a biography of a living person. [25]
Recently I was blocked indefinitely, site-wide for "Edit warring at Martin Kulldorff after expiration of last block for the same thing.” [26]
I have twice, formally requested an unblock. [27], [28]. The first request was declined for reasons including what I believe to be a legitimate request at WP:ANI ( permalink) [29] per explicit guidance from WP:BLPREMOVE. The second request is now officially stale but still open.
Shortly after the block, I was also wrongly accused of block evasion in a way that was vague and difficult for me to first detect and then to rebut, despite an involved admin having CheckUser privileges. [30] My user page was deleted for “U5: Misuse of Wikipedia as a web host.” [31] without any input from the deleting administrator. The admin archiving the ANI request posted the archiving result as “returning curvy stick for justice!” with the edit summary of “boomerang applied.” [32] My latest request for the evidence leading to the block was met with a threat of revoking WP:TPA. [33] The threat to revoke TPA has been the only direct interaction I’ve received from the blocking admin.
Taken together, this feels punitive and feels like a case of piling-on. My block is being advertised in Talk:Martin Kulldorff in a way that could be interpreted as intimidating to other editors who might disagree with this group of editors. [34], [35] Similarly, the blocking admin advertised or broadcasted my indefinite block to the ANI request. [36] This too could be interpreted by other editors as a caution against filing contentious but otherwise-legitimate ANI requests in an attempt to resolve conflicts. The contended statement that my BRD and single revert removed, continues to be challenged by other editors. [37], [38]
Even if I was edit warring, the contentious behavior has been strictly limited to the Martin Kulldorff page. Therefore a site-wide, indefinite block for behavior limited to one page adds to the perception that this is punitive rather than protective.
My actions did not cross the bright line. I did not participate in a ’ series of back and forth reverts.’ I do not understand the accusation of further edit warring and no explanation has been offered.
Thank you both for taking the time to read this and for helping in any way you can.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:18, 11 November 2022 (UTC)
First of all, a procedural apology. This renewed unblock request has taken much too long to be reviewed. I will initiate a review now. I invite Bbb23, the blocking administrator, and Johnuniq, who declined the first request, to comment on the current unblock request as well as the scope and duration of the block. Charles Matthews, where are you seeing personal attacks in edit summaries, and what do you think should be done with the block? Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 18:52, 11 November 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, I am not familiar with this portion of an unblock request and I don't see where there are rules or recommendations regarding how I should proceed. Is there a point in this process where I am allowed to respond to the comments above? Given Bbb23's previous comment regarding revocation of TPA for using the talk page during the unblock review, [40] I would like to make sure by you that I can respond to the comments that have been made by others.
Thank you.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:13, 12 November 2022 (UTC); edited Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:05, 19 November 2022 (UTC)
We need to bring this unblock review to some sort of a resolution. I do not think that leaving an indefinite site-wide block in place indefinitely is justifiable, and the block has already been in place for almost a month now. Michael.C.Wright, please either clarify whether you agree that some scope of topic-ban is warranted or alternatively please explain how you would modify your approach going forward to avoid further edit-wars or other problems. Bbb23, Johnuniq, and Charles Matthews, please advise if you have any further thoughts. If we can't come to a consensus among the admins on this page concerning how to proceed, I will either have to make a decision as the reviewing admin, or else post the review request to ANI. Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 21:49, 20 November 2022 (UTC)
An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts.
— WP:EW
Some editors, even some administrators on Wikipedia, forget why we are here and begin to adopt a punitive model for Wikipedia politics. They support blocks, bans, and enforcement of Arbitration Committee sanctions in order to exact retribution on "bad users" rather than helping to create and improve encyclopedic content.
— WP:NOTPUNISHMENT
Unblock review posted to ANI for broader input, here. Regards, Newyorkbrad ( talk) 22:10, 21 November 2022 (UTC)
I don’t claim broad innocence but I wasn’t blocked for broad behavior. I was blocked for the very specific behavior of edit warring. The definition of edit warring states it only occurs with a series of back-and-forth reverts.
There was neither a zero-revert nor a one-revert rule in effect, which are the two defined, stricter rules regarding edit warring.
Therefore my single revert [45] does not fit the official, documented definition of an edit war. As EdJohnston stated, I am only responsible for my own edits. [46]
I believe the unstated definition of edit warring that is being used by many editors in this case has strayed from what is explicitly defined as a bright-line rule—“a clearly defined rule or standard, composed of objective factors, which leaves little or no room for varying interpretation.”
Of the twelve responses at ANI, six cite my claim of innocence of edit warring as evidence of guilt. [47] Claiming innocence when no evidence of guilt has been provided is not only rational but entirely reasonable. Leveraging a claim of innocence as evidence of guilt is a logical fallacy. [48]
I believe that the environment surrounding this block has generally devolved into “a punitive model for Wikipedia politics.” [49] I also believe that it has become increasingly easy and acceptable for editors to spend more time debating the rules of inclusion of information rather than the validity and neutrality of the information (I am certainly guilty of this). I believe the end-results speak for themselves in copy that is not neutral and sometimes not even factually accurate. I contend that is exactly the case [50] with the disputed statement that is at the core of this entire issue and the statement I reverted.
Lastly, the existence of both a formal and informal reason [51] for a block is also against blocking policy. Informal, undisclosed reasons for blocking contribute to the punitive model. As they are undisclosed, they are impossible to refute or correct behavior for. This is the reason blocking policy requires blocks to be clearly stated, explained, and backed by visible evidence [52]—so that blocked editors can learn from the block and change their behavior.
In such circumstances it is important that the block message is clear as to the reason for the block so that the blocked editor knows what they have to change when they return. Fixed term blocks for unclear or undisclosed reasons should be considered a form of toxic behaviour and an abuse of the admin toolset.
— User:WereSpielChequers 1:26, 13 August 2019
I have certainly learned that reverts are more likely to escalate an issue rather than de-escalate one. And as stated regarding decorum and civilty in an Arbcom ruling; [53] if my behavior created or contributed to the repeated, good-faith accusations of persistent policy violations, the behavior should be changed. To that end, and as stated above, I will work harder to avoid rejecting or ignoring community input.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 19:24, 1 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ Swarm;
As I’ve previously said, [54] one of the reasons I reverted the statement is because it is, in part, an original interpretation by Bon courage.
In the talk page, Bon courage states that he is interpreting what the original author “means:”
The wording is imprecise. From the SBM link the “two years” comment means the period straddling 2020/21. I have tweaked the text to reflect this.
— User:Bon courage 18:28, 22 October 2022 (UTC)
Recently, Bon courage has edit warred in another article and in that content dispute, he stated to Crossroads “interpreting what “he means” is OR:”
…interpreting what “he means” is OR. This is one of the central points here. Editors trying to coerce everything to do with “good news” into meaning “endemic” is not what our good sources are doing (or in this case any source). Why should Wikipedia be doing something so odd?
— User:Bon courage 06:55, 28 November 2022
Bon courage later went on to edit war by removing Crossroads neutrally written, sourced, and pertinent statement three times in less than an hour, not only violating WP:3RR but also this Arbcom decision.
After being warned by Crossroads about edit warring, [55] Bon courage thanked them “for the reminder about 3RR: in my concern to get the article right I’d temporarily put it out of my mind!" [56]
The statement I reverted was original research for reasons its author has shown to know and understand. Original research qualifies for WP:BLPREMOVE. Therefore my single revert should be exempt from edit warring.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 16:00, 5 December 2022 (UTC)
On the edit warring description page, the first sentence states:
An edit war occurs when editors who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other’s contributions. [emphasis added]
— WP:EW
On the same page, under the section titled " What edit warring is”, it is further defined:
An edit war only arises if the situation develops into a series of back-and-forth reverts. [emphasis added]
— WP:EW#What_edit_warring_is
Uw-3rr is a warning template used by the tools Twinkle, Ultraviolet, and Redwarn to warn editors of potential edit warring behavior. At the time of this writing, it is posted on over 1,000 talk pages. Its text includes:
It also says:
To resolve the content dispute, please do not revert or change the edits of others when you are reverted. [emphasis added]
— Uw-3rr
In other words; do not revert a revert, therefore making a series of back-and-forth reverts.
It also says:
…should your behavior indicate that you intend to continue reverting repeatedly… [emphasis added]
— Uw-3rr
This revert was my only revert of this statement and my first edit in twelve days. The undoing (reversion) of my revert is what could be argued as edit warring, as it begins a series of back-and-forth editing that defines an edit war. However, I no longer engaged in changing the statement in article space.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:40, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
{{
Disputed inline}}
tagFrom there I continued to participate in discussion only and made no further edits in article space
Despite other editors first reverting my reversion, [61] and then repeatedly editing the statement in article space, [62], [63], [64] I made no further edits to article space.
I then created a request at ANI, as recommended by WP:BLPREMOVE and within 20 minutes of creating that request I was blocked indefinitely, site-wide. My user page was later deleted. I was wrongly accused of block evasion. And finally, the ANI request was closed without the core issue ever being addressed.
The statement in article space remains biased, contains original research, and contains objectively false statistics—verifiable data is publicly available from the CDC.
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:44, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ Bbb23,
I am seeking to better understand what went wrong and how to change my editing process. To help me, can you please answer the following questions:
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:49, 11 December 2022 (UTC)
@ Newyorkbrad, @ WereSpielChequers, @ Swarm, @ Charles_Matthews,
A successful community in Wikipedia is based on trust, including trust in administrators. That trust is formed, in part, by administrators not only enforcing policy, but also themselves adhering to it—leading by example.
Communication is a central tool for building trust. When all parties know what to expect, what is considered acceptable versus what is not, then the community navigates controversial issues much more effectively.
The toolset available to administrators, which includes the ability to block other editors is meant to be used to protect the project from vandalism and other disruptive behavior. The community expects the toolset to be wielded justly, fairly, and evenly.
When an administrator blocks an editor for disruptive behavior, it is expected that the editor improve the behavior and return to the work of building an encyclopedia. For an editor to improve, they must have a clear, and shared understanding of how and where they went wrong.
The behavioral guideline titled “ Wikipedia:Appealing a block ” states the following:
If you don’t understand any detail of the policy, or still don’t understand the action or reason that caused you to receive a block, you can ask the administrator that blocked you for help, or for any clarification on details that may be unclear to you. Administrators are expected to answer your questions and reasonably explain their actions.
That statement links to Admin policy, which defines the following accountability requirements of administrators:
Administrators are expected to respond promptly and civilly to queries about their Wikipedia-related conduct and administrative actions…
— WP:ADMINACCT#Accountability
That policy cites an Arbcom case in which a communication principle was accepted unanimously and codified as the following principle:
Due to the collaborative nature of Wikipedia, proper communication is extremely important, and all editors are expected to respond to messages intended for them in a timely manner and to constructively discuss controversial issues. This is especially true for administrators in regard to administrative actions. Such expected communication includes: giving appropriate (as guided by Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines) warnings prior to, and notification messages following, their actions; using accurate and descriptive edit and administrative action summaries; and responding promptly and fully to all good-faith concerns raised about their administrative actions.
— Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Betacommand
I have asked for clarification four times, without receiving a response beyond the threat of removing talk page access. The blocking admin presents my lack of understanding as further justification for an indefinite, site-wide block. The combination of not responding to legitimate, good-faith questions while leveraging the lack of understanding as evidence of guilt not only violates policy but is counter to a collaborative environment. It erodes the trust between editors.
At no point has any admin shown how or where I have edit warred. If I have edit warred because I have an incorrect understanding of what edit warring is, it is the blocking administrator’s responsibility to clarify those policies by explaining their administrative actions when asked. Simply stating ‘you violated policy’ is not enough. Stonewalling and threatening further administrative action against legitimate, good-faith questions is itself toxic behavior and counter to a successful community.
My second unblock request was denied by simply linking to an essay regarding verbosity. That essay provides no insight into any policy or guideline that I violated that lead to an indefinite, site-wide block for edit warring. If I have become too verbose, part of the reason for that is the lack of engagement and the opaqueness of this entire block/unblock request process.
Since the blocking administrator has outright refused to engage beyond threats of further administrative action I’ll ask any administrator willing to respond: how have I misunderstood the definition of edit warring and which edit or edits violated that policy and lead to the block?
Asked in a different way; how is a single revert so grievous that in order to protect the project an administrator must violate policy?
Michael.C.Wright ( Talk/ Edits) 15:12, 29 December 2022 (UTC)
I'm an objective independent Wikipedia user who accidentally got to this page and I can say that I'm absolutely shocked by what I see here. Here's a guy who's trying to make Wikipedia better, collaborating with others and doing his best to reach consensus, and he gets blocked for no apparent reason. I read the talk section of the article on Martin Kulldorff (which is how I got here) and Michael was by far the most collaborative person there. Other users there are still gloating over his block. When he then asks the reason for his block, he gets nothing. In the end his unblocking request is denied because an admin, @ Yamla is too lazy to read.
@ Newyorkbrad, @ WereSpielChequers, @ Swarm, @ Charles_Matthews, from this page I understand you are admins. As an independent person, I can say that based on his behaviour on this talk page, @ Bbb23 should immediately be relieved of his admin duties. His behaviour here is an absolute disgrace to a community project. He's clearly abusing his power. My 2 cents to this discussion, if you want to kill Wikipedia as a trustworthy, neutral source, this type of admin behaviour where you just block a model-type of editor for no apparent reason, is definitely the way to go. Martdj ( talk) 12:34, 26 July 2023 (UTC)
I have been invited to comment here, But I don't have the time to get involved. Sorry about that, this is a volunteer project, and I'm not currently in a position to volunteer time to properly address this case. However I would point out that one admin has thought a block necessary and two other admins on separate occasions have looked at this and declined to unblock. Perhaps one or both were lazy and didn't read something, or perhaps three admins perceived something here that isn't obvious to some others. In any event, I'm afraid I don't have time available to get involved in this case. Ϣere SpielChequers 18:51, 26 July 2023 (UTC)