User:WaltCip/Retryrement

Retryrement

WP:RETIRE defines retirement as follows:

• Retirement is just another way of saying that a user has permanently left Wikipedia. Users generally retire due to either a loss of interest in contributing to Wikipedia, out of necessity due to personal reasons, or a combination of those factors.

The same page defines semi-retirement in a similar fashion as well, indicating a severe reduction in edits. There are a litany of other templates along the same vein, such as "about to retire", "can't retire", and so on. When this page and its associated key templates were created, there was no doubt in the minds of those editors who developed it that the templates would be used in good faith, and in particular, for reasons not directly related to or caused by conflicts on Wikipedia.

However, without putting an exact number or percentage on the figure, experience and time have shown that this has not always been the case. There are examples of editors who violently retire after they feel that the community has disrespected them or their work in some fashion. Perhaps they have been blocked; or they have received a sanction or warning from WP:ARBCOM; or a consensus they feel was false was reached on a topic of high interest. Either way, their immediate response may be to slap the "Retired" template on their userpage, occasionally followed up with an outcry at how they feel Wikipedia has gone down the drain and that the administrators are perpetuating falsehood/social justice/despotic behavior/pure insanity. While one can speculate as to the reason for such a maneuver, whether it's to elicit an outcry of support or to simply walk away and calm down, the message remains the same. "I'm gone and I'm not coming back."

In fact, WP:RETIRE contradicts itself by stating that users who retire are permanently gone, while also saying they may come back at any time. Either way, it is axiomatic that they would not and will not edit during this time period.

But what if they do? Well, that's called retryrement.

Identification

Retryrement can be identified by the following characteristics:

• A User-Retired template on their user page and/or their user talk page, usually shortly after a dispute or incident involving that user.
  • Particularly those that may result in blocks or sanctions.
  • May also be accompanied with a blanking of either page to remove discussions leading to or concerning the block.
• An accompanying speech or manifesto aimed directly or indirectly at the individuals or groups whom the user feels forced them to retire.
• A diminished editing pattern shortly after retirement, followed by a gradual ramp-up or increase in edits over the subsequent months, but without removal of the "retired" template. (cross-reference WP:ANIFLU)
• When inquired on continuing edits during retirement, user (or a talk-page stalker) responds via a snide rejoinder.

How to respond

The short answer: Don't.

The long answer: It's frustrating, but it's commonly accepted and understood that retirement on Wikipedia is not permanent, even if the page outlines that it is intended to be. In any case, the presumption of good faith should always override any such concerns over the possibility that a retirement template may be misused. Of course, behind all the letters and templates and images that are posted, remember there is a human being involved -- and humans have emotions. It is notoriously easy on the Internet to broadcast your emotions when all you need is a keyboard, mouse, and an Internet connection. Moreover, you have the benefit of semi-anonymity to avoid needing to confront someone. This applies both ways whether you are the one retiring or the one who sees that template.