Usurper

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    Revision as of 14:16, 14 January 2004 by 142.177.8.70 (talk) (best generic name for those who turn wikis into social clubs or personal pet projects - a "usurper")
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    A usurper is someone who takes over large public wikis for their own purposes. For instance, a project may be intended as a basis for translation, but, if the usurper would rather use it to indoctrinicate children in some point of view, they may usurp it and render it useless as a translation base - for instance, by removing any material outside of, or explaining, the cultural context. Or, a project may be intended as an encyclopedia, but if the usurper would rather it become a social club, they may revert or even delete encyclopedia edits for purposes of pleasing or supporting their friends. Ad hominem delete, developer override and sysop vandalism are the most severe symptoms of such usurpation - the inquisitor is seemingly also a related behaviour.

    A good example of usurper censorship and the objections it leads to is the article this version of the article on Economics in the Wikipedia and w:User_talk:Jrincayc this subsequent objection by a non-usurper that the material was perfectly encyclopedic. Note that the usurper excuse/response is to:

    1. justify new ad hominem delete and ad hominem revert in terms of old ones - without providing any rationale for why such policies might be in effect
    2. list other friends in support, who have done the same thing recently
    3. warn that this group will be displeased if they are defied by restoring texts by their target, or any caretaker who seeks to simply undo their vandalism

    Developer usurpation can involve actions that an ordinary sysop, who might disagree or change the sysop power structure, cannot undo. For instance, to block IP of entire ISPs simply to censor oen individual, using server administration methods rather than going through the regular software.

    GodKing usurpation is simply standing by to let others do these things, and quietly approving or simply not taking action in support of those who try to act as caretakers.