Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2006-01-18 Allegations of Topalov Cheating

Request Information

 * Request made by: Danny Pi 22:37, 18 January 2006 (UTC)


 * Where is the issue taking place?
 * ... Veselin Topalov Also, see the bottom of the discussion page and [Here]


 * Who's involved?
 * ... Myself and User:Dionyseus


 * What's going on?
 * ... Two separate issues: Firstly, there is a clear Comma splice error, which Dionyseus refuses to allow to be corrected. Secondly, he keeps deleting any negative information about the chessplayer Veselin Topalov. At no time did my edit claim that Topalov cheated, merely that he was accused of it in the media (which Dionyseus dismisses as sensationalist). Indeed, the allegations have been widely reported [], [], [], [], []. Many well-known chess professions take the allegations seriously. The allegations come from another participant in that tournament, lending it some degree of legitimacy.


 * ''What would you like to change about that?
 * ... Firstly, correct the comma splice. This is simply bad grammar and an obvious eyesore. I have revised it four times (unknowingly breaking the 3RR rule), and Dionyseus has reverted to his four times. Upon learning the rules, I ceased reverting, and his version is what is currently on the page. My edit including information about the allegations of cheating are both factually accurate and relevant. The expression of it is neutral POV, and Dionyseus' insistance that it is irrelevant or POV are obviously (I think it's obvious) incorrect.

To provide some history, it should be further added that Topalov's rival (the other chess champion) Kramnik's article had very obviously POV information in it, before I reorganized and rephrased the information (Dionyseus listed all of Kramnik's match losses at the top of the article- this has been revised). However, even though much of that information seemed minor or unimportant, I did not delete it. I merely categorized it in an appropriate place, creating a section discussing controversies surrounding the World Chess Championship. This same user, Dionyseus, obviously Topalov fan and Kramnik detractor, has nonetheless objected to the inclusion of even vaguely negative information (no matter how neutrally stated, factually accurate, and relevant) about Topalov, while littering Kramnik's page with far more egregious POV information. In fairness, I should admit that I am a Kramnik supporter, and there are strong feelings about both players in the chess community.

One more note... I'd appreciate if someone would explain to Dionyseus the policy of NPOV (neutral point of view, not "negative" point of view). Furthermore, that negative information is not necessarily POV (is information about Watergate in the Nixon article POV because it is negative to the subject? I think not).


 * If you'd prefer we work discreetly, how can we reach you?
 * ... You need not work discreetly. My email is danielpi@gmail.com

Comments by mediator
I'm still waiting for a response from the other involved party, Dionyseus. Notification has been posted on his talk page. -- Cyde Weys 14:58, 19 January 2006 (UTC)
 * He just deleted the notification.John Broughton 18:55, 11 April 2006 (UTC)