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As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1.
— Mike Godwin, 1990
This observation is known as Godwin's law, named after its originator Mike Godwin who later served as general counsel of the Wikimedia Foundation. Although Wikipedia aims to be an encyclopedia, discussion on our talk pages nevertheless suffers from the same symptoms as other forums on the internet.
Godwin himself believes that comparing disagreements in internet discussions with the Nazis trivialises the Holocaust. His law reminds us to stick to the point in discussions and avoid demonising one's opponents.
See also
edit- Godwin's law (Wikipedia article on the law)
- User:MGodwin (Mike Godwin's Wikipedia user page)
- Wikipedia:Iron Law of Infobox Ubiquity, a Wikipedia-specific corollary