Thread:Tobias mann/@comment-34918040-20190321091204

Hi, I'm continuing our conversation here because it would become too off-topic on an R&D page.

I have been given admin rights for technical reasons. I hadn't even asked for it, but I had to alter files a bit deeper in the structure of this wiki to be able to display boxes the way you see them now on R&D and championship pages. One day later, I was admin. I didn't object as it gave me the opportunity to delete crap pages I had created during some programming tests and thus keep the wiki tidy.

But of course, people noticed the admin sign after my handle and started turning to me on admin-related topics as well. And of course, I tried to exercise the duties that come with an amdin title with caution and responsibility. I don't regard this wiki as "my" wiki, but I am aware of the fact that I have more power to direct certain interactions now.

Spam Agree, but no cautionary sign. I don't see any use in letting relics of comments hinder the readability of the comments section.

Sockpuppetry
 * "Obliterate all of the fake handles but the 1st originated from the same IP."

I cannot see user IPs.
 * "In case of doubt, a grammatical/stylistic reading can break the tie."

Being a linguist, I am aware of the hints this method can provide. But I'd like to disagree, or better handle this with utmost caution because it is very difficult to really prove it. And for the following reason:
 * "Have you ever noticed how many moaners on MP-related topics always add a 'lol' somewhere but never close their posts with a period?."

I am sure you remember a former user whose handle rhymes with Anal Bill. This person had a penchant for corrupting handles of other users by replacing them with funny or aggressive word combinations. And obviously this person regarded her/his account as a means to try out the limits of social interaction on this wiki by constantly making aggressive sideswipes at other users that, however, carefully stayed below the threshold of open insults. As this requires a certain level of intelligence, it was almost natural that the style and vocabulary of this person was more elaborated and sophisticated than that of an average user. Also, the person showed a preference of some users who weren't attacked, but instead met with hidden compliments. The person was banned (not by me, I wasn't admin at that time), but as the discussion of this topic took place on my wall and I discovered that I was able to delete posts on my own wall, this was the only time I deleted posts by other users. The reason was that I didn't want my wall to become a place for suspicions that couldn't be proven.

Crossposting Agree, also with the cautionary sign.

Personal attak
 * "just give the bashed party a few days to allow them to exercise their right of reply"

As already mentioned, I could have deleted the comments right away from my phone. My comment was directed at the OP to cause him to finally react (and at least explain his far-fetched comparison). And I am happy with the results as many users answered in a reasonable, friendly and matter-of fact way.

The question when to delete a comment still remains though/tough. People know that they are not allowed to bully somebody openly, so they often find ways to use other words and go as far as they can. This is ok as long as they don't pass a certain limit. There are cases when it's not clear if the limit is passed, and then it's up to the admins to finally decide. Of course, based on the Asphalt Wiki Code of Conduct and preferably not without listening to other users. But if someone is attacked because of a reason listed in the bullying/harassment section in the Code of Conduct, I think it's not only justified, but also required to delete the comment. This wiki is public. Visitors don't see if a user was banned after an action, they only see derogatory posts that weren't taken care of, and they will think twice before joining such a wiki.

But as you saw, my threshold is quite high and I usually don't take actions without considering the general situation and other opinions. 