Forum:Removal of Adminship

Forums: War Room → Removal of Adminship

Note: This thread has been unedited for 3985 days. It is considered archived – the discussion is over. Do not edit this thread unless it really needs a response.

This discussion is closed. The result of this discussion was:
The Bos is no longer an administrator.
Please do not edit this discussion.

Firstly, be fully aware that this forum is not to be treated as a forum to direct insults, attacks, criticism or defamation of character. Participation in this forum should be done with genuine interest for the well-being of this wiki, not to tear down other users, which is the opposite of such a desire. Users who do so should be reminded this, and users should exercise polite behavior and not correspond to such users with further criticism. That is not constructive to the goal of this topic nor does it aid in reaching its conclusion.

That said; every user's actions on Avatar Wiki are taken very seriously, as each and every user is accountable for their performance and edits while here. The position the user holds - be it an anonymous user, an auto-confirmed user, a rollback user, administrator or even a bureaucrat - is completely irrelevant. Badge editing is taken very seriously on Avatar Wiki; as such, users are informed to not make their sole purpose on Avatar Wiki to attain badges, as that does not promote the well-being of the wiki. All administrators are very much well aware of this, as they have to ensure other users are not disruptive when aiming for this goal. They should then be fair and just to the users they explain the consequences of continuing such behavior, and not take part in it themselves. This is called setting a good example, and following the very policy that they seek to protect.

Sadly; in this case an administrator has been found to have been badge editing. User:The Bos has accepted the charge and agrees to the consequences that are to come from it. The discovery that triggered this forum is an instance when The Bos deleted a series of nineteen different fanon articles upon request. However, just before doing so he added in a great deal of irrelevant pictures and categories on every article.

For this; I propose to the community that The Bos should lose his rights as administrator on Avatar Wiki. Some users may question; "is only losing admin rights enough justice?" Bear in mind the severity this blow can lay on a user who has been performing as an administrator for nigh on a year. He has performed very well over the many years he has served on Avatar Wiki; prior to being an admin, he was a Fanon Administrator. Having his rights removed is a considerable blow to take in. The consequence suggested should be deemed just, as it is not our goal to chase his other valuable contributions and good behavior away. When a user is blocked for badge editing, it is not simply to tell them "Go away" but rather to get through that they need to reconsider their activity here, and hope they return to performing better.

With the action, acknowledgement and consequence laid out, I would like to submit my own thoughts for this proposal.

It saddens me to see it come to this, because The Bos has been a very strong, stable and friendly contributor for the time I have been here (over a year). He's often been a big help to users who need guidance or questions answered, as he's very approachable and willing to help explain the ropes to those who are curious. In the past I personally know he's aided very many users in setting up fanon; and taking the time to be constructive of their writing and encourage them to continue.

However, rights do not justify a wrong. This action must be viewed with a clear mind, not one which would seek to wave off such edit behavior and neither one to simply see only the fault presented here. Please comment your thoughts on the removal of Bos' rights sensibly, and respect each other's comments as this forum progresses. Vulmen (talk • EoK) 00:59, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

The Bos is an excellent contributor on the wiki, but as Vulmen carefully laid out, we must be accountable for our own actions. While his actions must have consequences, I reserve a great deal of respect for him and I hope he can continue to be a great presence and influence on the wiki. The 888th Avatar (talk) 01:01, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

A living legend of the fanon portal, The Bos. Need I say more? The writer of Avatar: Guardian? Maybe the oldest fanon user on the site, he has become one of the most highly acclaimed writers and fanon contributors on the site and most definitely deserved his adminship. No matter how legendary he has become here on Avatar Wiki, though, badge editing is not right and like any other user would be, he should be punished for it is what needs to be done, regardless. I sadly support his demotion. BlackMonkey ^{Talk - Fire & Ice} 01:09, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

(Edit conflict) As someone who voted for TheBos last July when he was up for the promotion, it also hurts me to say that he must be dropped from his position. As Vulmen stated, he has been very helpful to the wiki, especially with all of his excellent work on the fanon side. He has been an effective administrator and very open to helping out the community. But, unfortunately, with this act - he went against the very ideals he was meant to hold up - such a sizable violation of wiki policy. With a heavy heart, I agree with the removal of his admin rights, but I hope that he will retain his history of great contributions even if indeed the proposal carries through. I have faith in him to bounce back for sure. But for now, this must be done. Katara and Bolin Fanboy Send me a messenger hawk 01:10, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

...Yes. It hurts me to say that, but...support. Let this be a lesson to everyone; regardless to status or rights, you're not above the law. So...with a heavy heart, support.Tee 01:13, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

It honestly hurts me that I have to say yes. It's... The Bos is... He's The Bos. To see it come to this... It's horrible. A Light Shining in the Darkness - ^Talk 01:20, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

Sadly, this must be done. As stated above, The Bos has been an exceptional contributor on Avatar Wiki, and I'd encourage him to continuing contributing regardless of this thread's outcome; but in light of these recent actions, I must support. Annawantimes (Talk) 01:23, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I am neutral on this... The day Bos badge edited; I thought that would be the day Hog monkeys flied. But, um, won't that mean will need a new admin. The Kid 100% (wall • contribs)

We will look into the possibility of this later. Vulmen (talk • EoK) 01:33, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I would love to be able to vote, but I'm afraid I don't quite understand. What is Badge Editing, exactly, and why is there such a large consequence for it? I will admit--reretfully-- that badges have been part of the reason why I started serious editing, just to see my rank rise a little bit. I usually make useful edits (If I do say so myself). Should I be punished for this? Is this badge editing? I certainly would hope not, or what else would badges be there for? Could someone please explain this to me? (Sorry for being such a newb) Truly Ferret 01:30, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

"Badge editing" is when someone makes unnecessary edits (and a large quantity of them) for the express purpose of gaining badges. It's considered to be gaming the system. Don't worry, making useful edits and gaining them along the way (even with the motivation of getting badges) is perfectly fine. :) The 888th Avatar (talk) 01:33, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I was gonna write that 888. ;) The Kid 100% (wall • contribs)

One last question, what would qualify for an "unnecessary edit"? Would it be like making a mistake, and then editing it to make it correct --on purpose--, or would it be simply making a minor edit? Or something else entirely? Truly Ferret (a •)

Any normal person committed of this would be blocked, correct? If that is true, shouldn't The Bos be blocked, if only for a few days? After all, Admins are not above anyone else Fruipit (wall • contribs) 01:46, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

This is why the consequence was outlined so closely above. Any 'normal person' cannot have rights revoked, either. This means a great deal and can be highly upsetting in its own right. Revoking rights and blocking would be excessive. If he were to continue; he would then receive a block. Vulmen (talk • EoK) 01:49, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I join the opinion of all here. Though this saddens me too, as Bos is a user who has helped the wiki for years, he just didn't do the right thing, and it's clear what happens when someone doesn't, so I agree with the proposition. Dcasawang1 • wall 01:51, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

ATFF: The example you gave is one example of badge editing. Other examples would include adding random spaces, categories that aren't supposed to be there, images to articles that are already chock-a-block full of them etc.

Fruipit: We only block if it is serious and continuing. We never block when the first shot is fired. At this point, this is the first time we have made clear that Bos' actions are not acceptable. A block would be inconsistent at this point. The 888th Avatar (talk) 01:53, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

After hearing some more information on the subject (Thanks 888!) I, regretfully, agree. While this was a clever idea, this was not proper behavior for an Admin, who is supposed to be a role-model (of sorts) on the Wiki. They should have great behavior, was not what should be looked up to. I especially say this with great sadness because Bos was my go-to guy for help and questions about the Wiki (him and Google...). But yes, I must say, he should be punished for his actions, and demoted from Admin status. However, I don't feel that anything else should happen to him, because this is punishment enough. Truly Ferret 02:00, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

Well, it looks like your administration status is going to be revoked The Bos. All of those years of hard work destroyed today. The bright side is that you're not going to be blocked. Still, even though you are an auto confirmed user now, you can still be the number 2 Avatar wikian, and that is special I guess. Still after all those years of being an admin, I can only wonder how it feels to put down on the same level as I am. Well, just keep editing and become a rollback if you choose to be one.--Omar067 (wall • contribs) 02:23, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I disagree. I'd like to point out that the Bos's actions in no way infringe on his ability as admin. Yeah, he made a few edits to get a badge, so what? Badges are meant to be an incentive, correct? Who hasn't seen that they're one edit away from a badge and said "Hey, I'll make that edit right now"? Why would we even have badges if users weren't supposed to try and achieve them? For example, the badge given to users who edit X amount of days in a row draws people to edit the wiki daily; that sounds like a good thing... Even if "badge editing" is such a terrible crime, let's have some forgiveness. Bos has done so much for all of us, and he's helped me personally on several occasions. He's nice, brilliant, and dedicated. It would be a travesty to demote him and destroy all of his hard work because he did something that ultimately helps the wiki. Omashu Rocks (Talk - Crossfire) 03:55, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

The matter is resolved, as Bos has already stepped down as administrator. There is a strong difference between making constructive edits knowing that badges will come as a result and making pointless edits for the sole sake of getting badges one would not have gotten simply by editing constructively. That is the difference between badge-editing and what you are talking about. Bos has been a great contributor and I sincerely hope he will continue to be in the future, but being an administrator means being trusted by the community to perform certain extra tasks for the betterment of the wiki. How can Bos, in all fairness, warn or block someone for badge editing now? This is unfortunate, but it's what has to be done. --AvatarRokus Ghost (Message me • Read my fanon) 04:01, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

If you want demote him that's fine but there has to be a time limit how long he can be barred from being nominated an admin again if the community so chooses. Even my speeding tickets stays on the record for only two years. At one point, The Bos has to be considered to have "paid his dues" and start fresh. My 2 cents. — Hasdi Bravo • 04:28, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I think that's fair. Omashu Rocks (Talk - Crossfire) 04:32, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I personally would consider that if and when he gains rollback rights, this should not continue to be held against him. The 888th Avatar (talk) 04:35, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

If he gets rollback rights, the community should decide what do to with regards to adminship on their own. --AvatarRokus Ghost (Message me • Read my fanon) 04:38, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

"Forgiveness is the key to action and freedom." - Hannah Arendt. {Omashu Rocks (Talk - Crossfire) 04:39, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

ARG; that would be the case anyway. The community would have to vote him in; but it's such that at that time we wouldn't have anything precluding him from allowing to be considered. But; that's not for now, it's just not that things are always impossible. Vulmen (talk • EoK) 04:41, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I know it's unlikely to happen anytime soon. I was talking in a theoretical perspective in response to Hasdi's comment. --AvatarRokus Ghost (Message me • Read my fanon) 04:45, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

I just noticed he is the greatest user on wiki before his inactivity. Anyway, if you all vote to revoke him, I think he still deserve rollback status, as he is too constructive. Acer Indonesia Ask anything about fanon! • TCA:TFF 05:59, June 13, 2012 (UTC)

There's not much I can say that hasn't been said already. It also saddens me that this happened, but as stated above, admins must be accountable. Nevertheless, The Bos has been a prolific contributor and helpful user for years and all of his arduous work does not get "destroyed" in "one day". He hasn't abused his rights for vandalism or intimidation, nor has he used sockpuppets to temper with consensus. His actions may have been selfish, but they were not disruptive or damaging to the site. He used his rights to gain dishonest badges and lost them before of that. (In fact, he stepped down.) That's his penalty, end of story. This violation should not be used in the future to undermine his ability to edit, which he has been doing remarkably well for years and I hope he continues to do so. ― Thailog 00:18, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

Well... This was completely out of the blue. It's saddening that badge editing was what cut short his Adminship. KettleMeetPot (wall • contribs) 04:22, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

I disagree. True, everyone must be accountable for their actions, but the punishment in this case seems to be too harsh for the crime. The Bos has been a valued and great contributor to Avatar Wiki for a long time, and deserves not to be stripped of his adminship. FooFoo (wall • contribs) 07:20, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

That's all well and good, but you must understand that Bos, however much of a contribution he made, exploited his power as an admin by badge editing on condemned articles. Though it is seems harsh, it is an equal exchange; he used his position incorrectly, and thus will be stripped of it. It would happen to any admin or rollback user. KettleMeetPot (wall • contribs) 07:31, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

It saddens me to see that this happened, but hopefully he will still strive to be a constructive member on this wiki. Mageddon725 - talk 07:44, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

The Bos has helped me alot with the fanon, but seeing him doing this, I'm very sadden and upset that this has happen, I treated Bos as a great person, one that the smartest mind that the wiki needed but seeing this, it sadden me that I have lost trust for he has done this. I don't know what, but I think no block should be given, only a warning and admin rights, that's up to you all. I'm very sadden of this. Sshalwani (wall • contribs) 19:18, June 14, 2012 (UTC)

While I agree that The Bos is an admirable editor here on the Avatar Wiki, I do not think that he should have administrator rights as it shows that he does not have limitations for policies and guidelines.  Technology Wizard  Wall  Contribs  04:12, June 16, 2012 (UTC)

I have looked up to The Bos myself, as a helpful and approachable friend. he helped me get started on this wiki and i will always remember that. But badge editing is not right. he once assumed i did it and was close to punishing me for it. however, i explained the situation and he forgave me for being unaware of the whole process. Yet, he cannot go unpunished for it. If everyone gets blocked, he should too as well as losing admin rights, but i hope he returns as involved as ever Rydersilver (wall • contribs)

Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem

I realize it has been 1 week since judgement was levied against The Bos and he has since lost all his rights. He's perhaps one of the greatest users this site has ever had. But all that glory has effectively been halted for a time as a result of his infraction. As much as I wish it didn't happen (as this is the first I've heard of this since I came back from vacation), one user can't have lighter consequences than another on the basis of higher standing and rank. In that regard, I fully support the decision, knowing that I too would've been subject to the consequences had I been in his shoes at the time. I however believe that he should remain as he is now and not get blocked in the future, as he's already been stripped of a large amount of his duties and rank. Entia non sunt multiplicanda praeter necessitatem 14:48, June 19, 2012 (UTC)

i agree with you @

yet i believe its not going to happen anyway so no worries Rydersilver (wall • contribs)