i find it very hard to come to any firm conclusion about whether the inclusion should be based on self identification or factual criteria without knowing what purpose the list serves although like most others here i am drawn to using factual criteria i think it is best to use whatever makes it clearest who belongs and who does not using self identification would not have solved any of the current arguments my only real concern is that this list is not used to promote a pro or anti vegan pov at the present as len points out we accept either a source saying that the person is a vegan or saying that the persons says that they are a vegan or that they adhere to a vegan diet this seems to lend itself too easily to being used as a promotional vehicle for veganism only adding those for whom we can find a source saying that a person adheres to a vegan diet as i think len is suggesting is a bit too restrictive in my opinion i think