Wikipedia:Administrator Reform
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This is an essay; it contains the advice and/or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. It is not a policy or guideline, and editors are not obliged to follow it. |
Among those who have spent significant amounts of time editing on Wikipedia are those who have had the misfortune of dealing with Administrator's who have gone far beyond their administrative role of applying Wikipedia policy and respecting consensus, and have granted themselves authority to dictate Wikipedia policy as they see fit, regardless of consensus. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. With current Wikipedia policy giving admins a lifetime sinecure, and the only means of disciplining admins in the hands of their fellow admins, there is no effective control over those who have exceeded their authority.
While other reforms are desperately needed, the key proposal suggested here is to limit administrators to a renewable one-year term of office requiring renewal by a supermajority of Wikipedia editors. While there is much damage that can be done in twelve months, the threat of loss of their administrative powers will play a much-needed role in ensuring that administrators recognize their limitations in exercising the extensive powers they have been granted.
Those who agree with the theme of this essay are encouraged to show their support by signing this essay and helping in the effort to build a consensus that these reforms will improve the balance of power among all editors.
