Wifione arbitration case

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See the article Wifione.

Editor Wifione (T-C-F-R-B)

Arbitration case request posted 26 December 2014

Case accepted and opened (T-H-L-F-C).

Statement by PD

I find a pattern of edits that is extremely concerning. As Vejvančický has noted, Wifione has consistently added praise to articles about the Indian Institute of Planning and Management and its owner, often unsourced, while repeatedly removing well-sourced claims that it is not accredited. He even removed a reference to this letter from the Stanford Business School, denying any kind of connection with IIPM. The intention was clearly to remove any suggestion that the IIPM's claims of affiliation were false.

He has also created an article on a living person – a competitor of IIPM – which consisted entirely of a poorly sourced claim that the subject was under criminal investigation, in an obvious attempt to discredit him. At the same time he was puffing up the article on Arindam Chaudhuri.

Wifione has never given a satisfactory explanation of his bias. He has been repeatedly asked about his conflict of interest, and has repeatedly evaded the question. After one question at his editor review in January 2014, about why he was interested in IIPM, he left the project for three months, and declined to answer questions until August. He has repeatedly accused people of being part of a Wikipediocracy conspiracy, rather than address the substance of the allegations. This is unsatisfactory. Administrators should at all times be prepared to answer questions about their conduct on Wikipedia. Nor has he explained how he came to Wikipedia in the first place. In his 24th edit ever to Wikipedia he displayed an impressive knowledge of how to provide a link to the official Registrar of Indian Newspapers.

The case has wider implications. Chaudhuri has been relentless in taking legal action against websites and publications which sought to expose his deceptive claims. In February 2013 he got over 70 URLs blocked, one of them belonging to the Indian University Grants Commission for publicising the fact that IIPM was unrecognised by them: see Cory Doctorow's protest.

Given this form of censorship, Wikipedia is often the only place which students can – in theory – depend on to check the misleading claims of such ‘schools’. One parent spoke of being ‘ruined’ after taking out a bank loan. “We got lured by the fake ads coupled with newspaper news praising IIPM institute”.

Astonishingly, while Chaudhuri’s lawyers were blocking official sites that might have helped students and parents, Wifione was at work on Wikipedia, removing statements like “Historically, IIPM has also been by far the largest advertiser among Indian educational institutions,” and “IIPM has been involved in controversies with respect to its advertising.” (Link). Despite the fact that the Institute was running a blatant scam, Wifione has, for a long time, been able to use his comprehensive knowledge of Wikipedia policy and his trusted status as administrator to prevent this being divulged. It is sad that censorship and suppression has reached into the very heart of a project like Wikipedia, which was based from the very beginning on the principle that knowledge and truth ‘want’ to be free.

Background

The background to this case is a long-running edit war over the article on the Indian Institute of Planning and Management (T-H-L-F-C). Supporters of the school persistently remove negative references to the school, particularly to the fact that it is not accredited, but has falsely claimed accreditation or affiliation with accredited institutions such as Stanford Business School, University of Buckingham, and that it has claimed special relationship with employers.

IIPM is owned by millionaire businessman Arindam Chaudhuri. You cannot escape the Institute’s advertising presence in India: bold, glossy ads promising job placements for its students, multinationals recruiting on campus, affiliation with other accredited institutions, awards of degrees from those institutions and so on. Hundreds or thousands of supporters – almost certainly paid supporters – promote his interests on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Quora, other internet forums. Chaudhuri’s Facebook page currently has four million likes. Its ‘degrees’ are practically worthless, but unsuspecting parents are persuaded to mortgage the family farm, or take out loans of 10 lakh (about £10,000) or more to send children to the Institute.

See this New Delhi High Court order restraining Arindam Chaudhuri from using the words “MBA, BBA, Management Course, Management School, Business School or B-School” in relation to the Courses or programmes being conducted by them.


Using BLPs to further a dispute

Using BLPs to promote a dispute is strictly against policy. For years, Wifione persistently added derogatory and defamatory material into Ashok Chauhan (T-H-L-F-C), while at the same time adding promotional material to the article on Arindam Chaudhuri (T-H-L-F-C).

  • wikipedia:Amity_University. Adds or replaces material about arrest warrant against Ashok Chauhan: [1],[2], [3], [4], [5], [6]
  • wikipedia:Ashok Chauhan. Starts the article, then adds or replaces material about arrest warrant against Ashok Chauhan: [7], [8], [9], [10], [11].
  • wikipedia:Indian Institute of Planning and Management removes references to the investigative work of Maheshwar Peri, editor of Careers 360: [12], [13] adds the story about criminal defamation charges against Maheshwar Peri, [14] Removes statement by the Uttarakhand High Court that ‘A truth spoken for public good can never be called defamatory." and replaces with "In 2009, IIPM filed a criminal defamation charge against Careers 360" and " In May 2010, it was reported that the court upheld that the contents of the Careers 360 article were "prima facie defamatory".", [15] removes the court statement again.

Tendentious editing

  • wikipedia:Indian Institute of Planning and Management. Downplays or removes references to lack of accreditation: [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25] is egregious, changing "In June 2008, The Wall Street Journal's Mint carried an op-ed by S.Mitra Kalita about misleading advertising by educational institutes in which it mentioned IIPM's claims about foreign faculty" to "In June 2008, S.Mitra Kalita in an op-ed column in livemint.com (a Hindustan Times and Wall Street Journal joint venture) gives a mention to the JAM and IIPM issue", and removing ""In August 2007, India's Corporate Affairs Minister Prem Chand Gupta announced that IIPM is under investigation for running courses without AICTE approval", [26] changes "IIPM has been the subject of controversies regarding accreditation, rankings in third party publications, advertising claims, trade practices, and tax issues" to "IIPM was the subject of a blogging controversy in 2005", [27], removes story about student complaints in Bangalore Express, [28] removes "It has been alleged that IIPM engages in misleading advertising practices."
  • wikipedia:Indian Institute of Planning and Management. Positive slant: [29], [30], [31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37], [38] adding "In 2008, IIPM placed 2,670 students through campus placements. It was reported to be a record. In the same year, there were 165 international placements, reported to be "second only to the best in the country", [39], [40], [41], [42], [43] ("IIPM has been ranked #9 amongst India's top ten private schools by Hindustan Times in 2009"), [44], [45], [46], [47] "IIPM was ranked the 5th best business school in India and the 2011 Best B-school in Asia overall among B-schools from 29 countries at the second Asia’s Best B-School awards", [48] "In March 2009, IIPM received the “candidate for accreditation” status from International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), an accreditation body for college and university programs.",
  • wikipedia:Indian Institute of Planning and Management. Disparages regulatory bodies: [57], [58] (removes "On July 31, 2010, the UGC has taken note of some IIPM ads that promise "UGC Recognised MBA Degree" and publicly stated once again that the IIPM "does not have the right of conferring or granting degrees as specified by the University Grants Commission".", [59] removes the UGC claim again, Accuses University Grants Commission of corruption. As noted by Vejvančický, when we compare some of his edits to the article Indian_School_of_Business (T-H-L-F-C) (ISB) with edits to IIPM article, note that here, he changes the lead section of the ISB article to insert information about ISB courses violating All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) regulations. Here, he repeats that "courses are not approved by AICTE", again, in the lead section. However, when he edits the lead section of the IIPM page, he adds a long and completely irrelevant explanation about how corrupt and incompetent the regulatory body (AICTE) is.

Evasion

Wifione has repeatedly evaded questions about her conflict of interest. For example, in December 2009 she was asked "what is your association with IIPM"? She replied "Please don't use such statements. It is just a request. Thanks Wirεłεşş Fidεłitұ Ćłâşş Θnε 03:06, 31 December 2009 (UTC)". When the editor persisted, with the comment that "Conflicts of interest should always be disclosed", Wifione replied " you are an editor with a good background and good editing history. It'll be good if you do not make statements such as "Now I must ask, what is your association with IIPM?" This is the second time you're writing this statement or a similar statement. Wirεłεşş Fidεłitұ Ćłâşş Θnε 05:08, 31 December 2009 (UTC). Later, she asks if an editor can "please take out your statement "What is your association with IIPM?" from all the places you have mentioned it? The statement goes beyond a CoI question and has been made on a talk page of an article. It is quite disparaging for a fellow editor. Thanks Wirεłεşş Fidεłitұ Ćłâşş Θnε ― 09:14, 3 January 2010 (UTC)" In November 2013, when Peter Damian politely asked him about his affiliation by email, he tried to get him blocked from meta, claiming the emails were 'harassment'. After an exposé of Wifione's activities on Wikipedia on 2 December 2013, the issue was raised raised on Jimbo’s page. On 14th December, Jimbo raised the issue again. Wifione did not participate in either discussion. "It's striking that there's yet to be any comment whatsoever from User:Wifione. --SB_Johnny | talk✌ 00:16, 23 December 2013 (UTC)"

On January 12, 2014, there was an article in the Times of India which mentioned the scandal. It was brought up on Jimbo’s page for a third time, by Vejvančický. Jimbo commented “it would be best if he just doesn't come back.--Jimbo Wales (talk) 16:57, 12 January 2014 (UTC)”. At this point, Wifione responded, claiming she had been on a break, and opened an editor review. On 18 January she asked for another day to answer questions. However, she left the review entirely that day, apparently unable to answer the question "What got you interested in the IIPM-related articles in the first place? Do you have any opinion about the IIPM that you'd be willing to share? --SB_Johnny | talk 23:29, 19 January 2014 (UTC)"

She made no edits at all between 18 January 2014 and 24 April 2014. On returning, she avoided the review entirely.

She was reminded in June that she still hadn’t answered, and again on 22 July. She replied on 29 July, saying she had 'limited time', then archived the talk page. She was reminded again on 30 July. "You have opened the ER as an indignant and righteous reaction to Jimbo Wales' comment, but now you are trying to sweep it under the carpet … Vejvančický (talk / contribs) 07:56, 30 July 2014 (UTC)". Wifione complained that there was an offsite campaign against her. She replied to SB Johnny's question about her motivation, saying that, as far as she could recall, she had been interested in the IIPM advertising campaign, then closed the review.


What was the edit war? She started editing the IIPM article on June 2009. That day he proposes the deletion of the JAM magazine reference. The magazine was one of those suppressed in India through 'defamation' legal action taken by Chaudhuri. He then removes the entire section on the Careers 360 claims, such as IMI Belgium not being recognized as an institution of higher learning in Belgium, Standard Chartered and other banks denying any affiliation, testimonials from former students etc. On the 29th June he was accused of being a sockpuppet of Mrinal Pandey.

The idea that he had 'no particular opinion' of IIPM is not borne out by these initial edits to the article. This edit on 1 July 2009 shows detailed knowledge of the investigative reports in the two publications he tried to remove mention of. On 30 July he is confident enough to report an editor at ANI, claiming 'harassment'. He repeats the accusations at Wikiquette alert, Reliable source noticeboard, and even the accuracy dispute board. He is always claiming harassment. "Dear Makrand Joshi, I have to request you to write calmly. I feel you are trying to steamroll and harass an editor. If you're accusing me of being a person called Mrinal Pandey, I feel completely harrassed by your accusation. Wifione (talk) 12:09, 30 July 2009 (UTC)"

Assume good faith

Understands that you must always project 'Wikipedian' values.

I am enjoying Wiki, and thank you for your sincerity in the editing process... Drnoamchomsky 10:07, 13 November 2005 (UTC)
I'm assuming good faith on your part, and am not reverting your changes. Please let me know. Thanks, and best wishes as always, --Drnoamchomsky 11:01, 14 November 2005 (UTC)
Dear Ravikiran, I am surprised at your RFC, and the tone, and the allegations made. I have been trying to learn Wiki rules and etiquette, and have NEVER purposely flouted them. I urge you to place greater faith in me, and other fellow members who have recently found Wiki. I love the mission, and zeal, and enterprise, and principles, that drive this community. I have learnt a great deal from you. Hope you see the screenshots and verify them, and do as you see fit with the reverts. Hoping we can be friends --Drnoamchomsky 18:38, 14 November 2005 (UTC)
... the mudslinging is against the spirit and rules of the community … If a journalist has written a report, it does not become gospel - that journo obviously is human and may have bias. Wiki must highlight that if it seeks to report fact and truth. The article is now starting to look like some semblance of a reflection of reality.... after so many reverts etc. and i will continue to uphod highest standards of wiki conduct, as do you... so lets work together, and fix this page, accordin to wiki standards. --Drnoamchomsky 07:46, 22 November 2005 (UTC)
We would very much appreciate your help in fixing the IIPM page to Wiki's highest standards... Thanks --Iipmstudent9 11:39, 30 November 2005 (UTC)
Its extremely un-Wiki like to have this sort of an article. And Wiki' policies are what is most important - not personal views. [User:Iipmalum|Iipmalum] 17:40, 7 December 2005 (UTC)
Makrand, this is the 4th time you are reverting without discussing. I am making a distinct effort to build this wiki in a positive manner, and I will not give up because of this behavior on your part. You have not pointed out anything that you disagree with, and have not bothered to re-write. You are not abiding by Wikipedia's policies. I will put in a request to block your IP.--Iipmstudent9 07:00, 28 December 2006 (UTC)
Makrand's lack of Wikiquette Dear Makrand, you cannot simply revert and or delete constructive changes. Please review the information provided in the Help pages. The object of Wikipedia is to build an encyclopaedic article. All the other editors can see that you are consistently trying to make this an attack page. Please refrain from this behavior immediately, or you will be banned by administrators.
For example, you deleted the information on rankings, which has been on the page for over a year, and has been linked to online sources, scanned pages provided, etc. You simply deleted it?Further, you deleted the information on faculty the visit IIPM from global institutions - this information has been reviewed by many editors, and your act was pure vandalism.
Please look at the articles provided in the HELP section, and I am sure you will see the mistakes you have made. Thanks Iipmstudent9 06:45, 2 February 2007 (UTC)
Dear Makrand Joshi, I have to request you to write calmly. I feel you are trying to steamroll and harass an editor. If you're accusing me of being a person called Mrinal Pandey, I feel completely harrassed by your accusation. Wifione (talk) 12:09, 30 July 2009 (UTC)

Appeals to the dichotomy between those who have ‘true Wikipedian values’ and those who don’t. Those who don’t are obviously bad, and must be blocked by the good Wikipedian administrators.

The object of Wikipedia is to build an encyclopaedic article. All the other editors can see that you are consistently trying to make this an attack page. Please refrain from this behavior immediately, or you will be banned by administrators. [...] Thanks Iipmstudent9 06:45, 2 February 2007 (UTC)
Wifione, you have indulged yet again in forum shopping. I am shocked, shocked, NOT! I have given reasons for every edit of mine. And given details for some here too. You know and I know why you are so pissed off. I caught your kapil-sibal-aicte-scrapping lie. And that has gotten you all upset. Either way, I have responded to you on that page. And I am disappointed to see another attempt of yours at forum shopping being so pathetic and half-hearted. No diffs, no details, just vague generalities. Ho hum. Makrandjoshi (talk) 06:03, 3 December 2009 (UTC)

Sometimes it is a genuinely good Wikipedian who is behaving in ‘bad’ ways, but who can be redeemed, if only he would see his errors. Although if he can’t, he must be banned.

I don't know how else to request him to stop his personal attacks. I would have expected him to get blocked for such repeated comments, if he had been any other editor. Vejvančický does good work around the project and somehow, if someone knows him well and could convince him to stop making such statements, it'll be helpful. If not, I'll appreciate some sort of a ban on him either interacting with me, or discussing me like this. Any suggestions will be helpful. Thanks. Wifione 14:51, 13 December 2014 (UTC)

You don’t need diffs or details or anything related to content. It’s all about ‘Wikipedian values’ and Wifione understands this well. Later on, as this affair received traction on this site, the dichotomy was ‘good Wikipedian’ vs ‘Wikipediocrat’. Bad people from bad sites, who are ganging up on good Wikipedians. From his editor review:

Your Wikipediocracy connection does unfortunately bring some level of suspicion and mistrust. I would suggest that you desist from discussions on such web forums, as discussions off the project for consensus action are generally discouraged. I would strongly suggest that as per policy, you should hold Wikipedia-related discussions on Wikipedia where they can be viewed by all participants.
Firstly, the Wikipediocracy discussions forum that you're participating in, has members who're regularly attempting to out my identity and even guess my name within that very forum.
If your allegiance to the Wikipediocracy community is unfailing, especially to a discussion forum intent on outing me and canvassing such efforts through you and others, then do pardon me for refusing to invest any more effort to answer you or others from the Wikipediocracy forum.
It's with disappointment at your unfortunate pro-Wikipediocracy stand that I bring this Editor Review to a close.
At the risk of slighting you and your colleagues at Wikipediocracy, a forum where I'm told you are discussing my replies and canvassing future moves, I feel your expansive opinion is hindered by your lack of ability to fully understand certain specific Wikipedia policies and guidelines correctly

IP evidence

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Amatulic&diff=prev&oldid=335033574 (31 December 2009) Why was this deleted?

Edits


See also

Notes

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