[Infowarrior] - Scientology cries foul over Wiki policy

[Richard Forno]

Based on the article, Wikipedia is trying to maintain order on its  
online content, not intimidating someone because they disagree with  
their views.  Frankly, after years of seeing the Scientologists  
bullying others in cyberspace, I commend Wikipedia for taking a stand  
here for their own policies and not caving to the politics of  
whackadoo intimidation.   -rick

Scientology CEO Outraged About Wikipedia
http://www.rantrave.com/Rant/Scientology-CEO-Outraged-About-Wikipedia.aspx

< - >

"Like all Scientologists, I am outraged that in the 21st century, it  
is acceptable for Wikipedia's ArbCom to commit such a despicable hate  
crime as blocking Scientology parishioners from editing Wikipedia in  
the comfort and security of Scientology-owned properties. Blocking the  
IP addresses of computers located at Scientology's Pac Base, Int Base  
and Celebrity Centre is just a way to force Scientology parishioners  
into an undesired beingness. What's next, will Scientologists have to  
wear yellow, six-pointed stars on our clothing?"

Original story:

Wikipedia bans Scientology edits
Published: May 31, 2009 at 1:00 AM
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/05/31/Wikipedia-bans-Scientology-edits/UPI-34941243746054/

Church of Scientology members may not use their computers to edit the  
church's entry on Wikipedia, officials with the online information  
source said.

Wikipedia's arbitration committee has concluded the ban is necessary,  
following complaints that many Scientologists have been using the  
online encyclopedia to distribute propaganda, The Daily Telegraph  
reported Saturday.

The committee had previously decided to lock in posts about the  
church, following conflicts among users who support or oppose  
Scientology, the British newspaper said.

"Newcomers (to the site) are treated rudely," the arbitration  
committee concluded. "Bad faith assumptions, personal attacks, edit  
wars, soapboxing, and other disruptions are common occurrences."

The committee said all Internet addresses "owned or operated by the  
Church of Scientology and its associates, broadly interpreted, are to  
be blocked" and users who log on with such IP addresses will be  
"prohibited from editing articles related to Scientology or  
Scientologists, broadly defined."

The committee found that church followers had set up Wikipedia  
accounts intending to slant articles in favor of Scientology, and that  
such users had a "conflict of interest" that threatened Wikipedia's  
goal of presenting impartial information.

The newspaper said church officials did not respond to its requests  
for comment.


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