User:Filll/Peaceful Polling Pledge/Background

Assorted polls such as RfAs, RfBs and arbitrator elections have become fraught with tension, drama, bad feelings and assorted accusations. This is not a healthy situation in a consensual communal enterprise like Wikipedia. For example:

(1) Those voting the "wrong way" (usually to "oppose" a given candidate) frequently are subject to intense questioning, bordering on intimidation [1]. This is often quite aggressive if the participant has not given an explanation for their vote, or their explanation is not deemed to be sufficient. This is unpleasant, distasteful and does not contribute to an environment where all are welcome to give their input. In one recent controversial RfA, about one percent of those voting withdrew from the process, citing harassment. Obviously, some probably do not participate in these polls at all for this reason, or their votes are improperly influenced by these tactics (or could be). It is not at all clear if this sort of interrogation of poll participants is beneficial to the candidate or the project as a whole [2].

(2) Examples of threats and other assorted attacks, motivated by a desire to take revenge for voting the "wrong way" on polls like RfAs seem to occur disturbingly often [3][4][5][6].

(3) Some have expressed the opinion that any "oppose" vote, particularly without an associated explanation, amounts to unfair "bullying" of the candidate [7]. Obviously, with this sort of attitude, the scene is set for considerable drama and animosity.

(4) Some offwiki websites, such as personal blogs or other websites can feature negative commentary, critical of a given editor for their voting on an RfA or similar poll. This just encourages a negative atmosphere around voting, and encourages the threats, intimidation and vengeance that have become associated with RfAs and similar polls.

I fear that if the Wikipedia community does not take a stand to reduce the tension and hostility associated with RfAs and similar polls, that things will get worse. And they are bad enough already.