Talk:Proposition 8

I know some of the leaders of the Yes on 8 movement. As they have no wish to become martyrs, I do not wish to provide further information in that area. The protesters broke the law. Emphasizing its peaceful elements misses the points brought up by the reference. Learn together 12:06, 7 November 2008 (EST)

So you have no objective references to these claims, just your personal assurance that they're true? --Jareddr 12:14, 7 November 2008 (EST)

You act as if direct personal knowledge is somehow inferior to reading something from the press. Not everyone decides to call a press conference to draw attention to themselves, especially when it threatens the welfare of their families. Learn together 12:31, 7 November 2008 (EST)

That works for you, Learn together, as you are a trusted sysop. I trust what you say. However a personal testimony needs to go through the same rigorous test that a regular citation does (or, rather, that a regular citation should). There's nothing to stop someone from saying "well I was there and I can say that the protesters didn't break the law," and we'd be at a standstill. Perhaps this particular case isn't the best example, but I hope I've shown that using personal references in principle can have unwanted outcomes elsewhere on the site. HelpJazz 12:43, 7 November 2008 (EST)