Old Editors, New Accounts

Au contraire, mon ami. It's called an IP address, and I know for a fact that Wikipedia can track them, as it is the means by which guest users are identified. Did you read that thread? The last post of the linked-to segment is where I wrote my ideas. Please take the time to read them before responding again, Drdee.

Bronsonboy01:35, 24 March 2011

There is no reason to be snarky. Wikipedia only tracks IP addresses of unregistered editors not for registered editors and it is well known that an IP address does not uniquely identify a person.

Drdee22:13, 25 March 2011

The point is, the technology exists and is in place. The hardware is there, and at least some of the software as well. I am aware that an IP is not the be all and end all, but most people have neither the inclination nor the know-how to fiddle with their IP adress(es). I am merely pointing out that it could be a helpful tool. I know some people like their privacy, which is why I recommended a bot do the counting. I have admittedly very little experience with bots, but I have yet to meet one that lacks a perfect poker face and unimpeachable confidentiality. In fact, bots are perfect for confidential information, as they don't even understand what they are processing. So no one, not even the bot processing information, knows anything about it beyond the bot's programmed output. Sorry if this is only slightly coherent. It is 12:04 and I am going to bed right after I save this. I apologize if I came off as slightly "snarky". I've been told I'm far too defensive of my ideas.

Bronsonboy05:06, 27 March 2011

I agree with Drdee that it is impossible to tell that a user has forgotten his password and created a new one, based on IP addresses.

One user may work on different IP addresses for multiple reasons. On different places: on his home computer, at work, at a public place, at his friends PC etc. IP addresses may change over time: the user moves, installs a new hardware, switches from provider etc. IP addresses may be different from day to day: a particular PC in a public library, the provider assign a randum number in a range etc.

One IP address can be used by different users for the same reasons. So it is impossible to tell if a new userid on a certain IP address is the same person as before.

HenkvD17:53, 27 March 2011

Thank you for your very helpful explanation. I really appreciate it (Drdee did not explain it extremely well).

Bronsonboy18:04, 27 March 2011