Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2008-05-02/Arbitrator resigns

Arbitrator resigns

Arbitrator leaves Wikipedia

On Tuesday, arbitrator Newyorkbrad resigned from all positions and rights on Wikipedia, in good standing, due to sudden circumstances beyond his control. He left a message on his talk page:

For once I'll be brief. Due to some external events, which have the potential to affect not just me but many uninvolved people, I will not be able to continue editing. I would like to thank everyone I have worked with here. The community has extended me extraordinary kindness and support. I am sorry for the pages that never got written and the FA that never got done. I apologize to the 552 people who voted for me for breaking my commitment to them, and to anyone whose case I never had the chance to review.

Newyorkbrad, who was elected to the Arbitration Committee in December with an unprecedented 552 users supporting, had taken a one-week wikibreak after it was stated on another website that his identity had been uncovered. Newyorkbrad's departure followed a harassment campaign against his off-wiki life.

Jimbo Wales commented on the situation, saying, "I consider it a tragedy when trolls drive good people away from charity work by engaging in underhanded personal attacks."

See also the Note from the editor.




Also this week:
  • From the editor
  • Board restructuring
  • Arbitrator resigns
  • BAG, CU nominations
  • WikiWorld
  • News and notes
  • In the news
  • Dispatches
  • Features and admins
  • Technology report
  • Arbitration report

  • Signpost archives