Package: lists.debian.org Severity: wishlist User: lists.debian....@packages.debian.org Usertags: newlist
I never understood why spam is allowed to reach the lists, but banned
users cannot send contributions. Since 2016, debian-upstream has nothing
but spam. Even debian-project has spam.
Please consider to create this list. I hope the rationale is not too
long.
* Basic purpose *
Keep the Debian community and outside world informed about banning
events, and work for rehabilitation of banned users.
* Interested audience *
Anyone interested in ban status of users, banning criteria, and real
examples; banned users seeking rehabilitation.
Statistics are not public; it looks like there are two or three bans per
year.[1] Besides non-banned users, there may be a modicum of banned
users interested.
* Name *
debian-banned
* Rationale *
Mischief, incivility, and misunderstanding are inherent to untrained
human interaction. As a result, some users are banned. Nevertheless,
with proper training and clarifications, these banned users could be
rehabilitated and reintegrated back.
I believe that the purpose of a ban is to protect the project rather
than to punish the offender. Every person has virtues and vices. The
goal is to take advantage of good conduct and reject bad behavior, while
following a constant training process. Rehabilitation is just one form
of education.
There are notable examples of banning events.[2] Technical skill of some
banned users is not questioned. Their rehabilitation would be a valuable
asset to the project.
One listmaster has stated that a history of positive contributions may
be viewed favorably.[3] That would be feasible for some programmers,
wiki editors, IRC assistants, etc. However, these users were not banned
because of their contributions in other areas. They were banned because
of their use of the lists. How can they prove they will not repeat the
mistake without using a list?
Newcomers and users that only write to lists would hardly use an
alternative path. If they are banned forever, they are lost forever. If
they only know about mailing lists, what possible positive contributions
could they do? Not everyone is able to adapt to another medium.
Even a reformed unskilled user could be useful. There is always need for
help in many areas. This user would gain experience, fall several times,
and rise again. Who knows? Maybe a naughty kid could become the best
project leader ever.
The proposed list would provide real examples: unwelcome behavior,
sources of confusion, redemption paths, success stories, etc. Volunteers
may help offenders understand why they were banned, guide them through
rehabilitation, and report when they are ready. Listmasters could send
banning events: new bans, liftings, adjustments, etc.
When a ban is issued, the message could say:
Your posting permissions are restricted to debian-banned until
your rehabilitation is confirmed. This notice will be anonymized
and posted to debian-banned; you may publish this message on
your own.
Regarding initial debate, I cannot discuss the matter on debian-devel or
debian-project.
* Short description *
Banning events and rehabilitation of banned users.
* Long description *
Banning events and rehabilitation activities. Banned users are allowed
to post. Volunteers may help. Be aware that you may find offensive
messages and people who may reply aggressively.
If you have been banned, this is your starting point through
rehabilitation. Behavior on this list may be grounds for ban extension.
Flooding will revoke your posting permissions for an increasing period.
* Category *
Users
* Subscription Policy *
open
* Post Policy *
open
* Web Archive *
yes
* Seconding users *
No Debian developers have been contacted regarding this request. Banned
users are unlikely to write to the BTS; furthermore, they are expected
to post to debian-banned anonymously, if they know how to do it. But I
guess you want to hear from non-banned users.
--
[1] https://lists.debian.org/debian-project/2013/10/msg00121.html
[2] https://lists.debian.org/debian-devel-announce/2006/01/msg00009.html
[3] https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=831059#35
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