User talk:Cullen328/Archive 48

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Administrators' newsletter – December 2017

News and updates for administrators from the past month (November 2017).

Administrator changes

added Joe Roe
readded JzG
removed EricorbitPercevalThinggTristanbVioletriga

Guideline and policy news

  • Following a request for comment, a new section has been added to the username policy which disallows usernames containing emoji, emoticons or otherwise "decorative" usernames, and usernames that use any non-language symbols. Administrators should discuss issues related to these types of usernames before blocking.

Technical news

Arbitration

Miscellaneous

  • Over the last few months, several users have reported backlogs that require administrator attention at WP:ANI, with the most common backlogs showing up on WP:SPI, WP:AIV and WP:RFPP. It is requested that all administrators take some time during this month to help clear backlogs wherever possible. It should be noted that AIV reports are not always valid; however, they still need to be cleared, which may include needing to remind users on what qualifies as vandalism.
  • The Wikimedia Foundation Community health initiative is conducting a survey for English Wikipedia contributors on their experience and satisfaction level with Administrator’s Noticeboard/Incidents. This survey will be integral to gathering information about how this noticeboard works (i.e. which problems it deals with well and which problems it struggles with). If you would like to take this survey, please sign up on this page, and a link for the survey will be emailed to you via Special:EmailUser.

Sent by MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:57, 2 December 2017 (UTC)

Current situation

Hi Jim, thanks for making the change on the Amb. Mandell article. I think it's very possible they will be back, especially considering that another brand new account with a similar objective has been charging very hard at me on the article of Michael J. Saylor (a client in 2013, and again starting this month). As you can see on that talk page, they've tried a) adding significant negative material, b) adding COI warning tags, and c) deleting all edits back to 2010. This is besides accusing me of sock puppetry, and worse. This editor is drawing part of their argumentation from a long discussion at Talk:COI about whether FTC guidelines from 2014 should be interpreted as governing paid interactions on Wikipedia (e.g., should there be warning templates on all articles with COI input? should COI edits be considered illegal? etc.). Slaporte (WMF) was asked to weigh in, and said earlier today there are no clear answers, but that his team may research it next year. No idea if you have the stomach for this debate, but you asked, so I answered. Best, WWB Too (Talk · COI) 04:10, 15 December 2017 (UTC)

I simply do not understand why you think that well referenced negative information like that 2000 New York Times article does not belong in that biography. As for the FTC argument, that is an unresolved meta policy issue, and I would defer to legal guidance and any changes to community consensus that develop in the future. In the meantime, I believe that the work of paid editors who comply with policies and guidelines should have a chance to stand on its merits. But it is inevitable that the work of paid editors will be subjected to heightened scrutiny. That is natural and wise and highly unlikely to change. Despite the predictable wishes of your clients, biographies here should not be hagiographies.
In conclusion, I will decline to get involved with that specific article, although I encourage you to notify me about other cases. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:29, 15 December 2017 (UTC)

Presumption of guilt

I see that you recently deleted an article of this name as it was too short. I've done some research and find evidence for de facto presumption of guilt in China, Turkey, the EU, the US and the UK. This includes fixed-penalty fines, seizure of vehicles and other property without trial, prolonged pre-trial detention, court bias, shoot-first policies and even a UK ministry of Justice leaflet advising 'you may have to prove to the court that you did not do the crime'. Is this enough for an article? Crawiki (talk) 10:18, 16 December 2017 (UTC)

Jim would be better able to comment on whether an article on the topic is likely to be justified. But I will mention that finding Ministry of Justice leaflets that say particular things appears to be WP:Original research, which is not the aim of Wikipedia. It may be better to seek secondary WP:reliable sources that describe these items of evidence as showing a practice of presumption of guilt. MPS1992 (talk) 16:18, 16 December 2017 (UTC)
Hello Crawiki and MPS1992. I have no opinion about whether the topic is notable or whether we ought to have an article about it. I deleted the "article" back in October because it was essentially worthless. Crawiki, if you have found sufficient coverage of the topic in truly reliable sources and want to try to write a neutral article that complies with our policies and guidelines, then please go ahead. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 18:09, 16 December 2017 (UTC)

Pacific Institute

I agree that the claim that "they have convinced the people that using water is destroying it" is unsupported. That comes from talking to people about the issue. So you found one tiny mistake and instead of editing out that one thing you delete the entire paragraph? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Twelvestitches (talkcontribs) 18:47, 16 December 2017 (UTC)

Hi Jim, I have blocked this user indefinitely as in the aftermath of the AN/I discussion and your warning to the user, they seem persistent in continuing with their own ways. Best, Alex Shih (talk) 18:59, 16 December 2017 (UTC)
You seem to have a major misunderstanding here, Twelvestitches. I removed nothing that you added and I do not think that I have ever edited the articles that you have edited. I simply gave you a warning based on your pattern of editing and your response at ANI.
Since you have now been blocked by Alex Shih, you will need to convince another administrator that you will comply with our policies and guidelines going forward. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 19:02, 16 December 2017 (UTC)

Please comment on Talk:Bruno Bettelheim

The feedback request service is asking for participation in this request for comment on Talk:Bruno Bettelheim. Legobot (talk) 04:23, 17 December 2017 (UTC)

Troublesome IP

Hi Jim, do you mind doing something about this edit? It isn't the first time this person has posted nonsense, along with a link to their personal web page. You're going to need your big fly swatter. Cheers. nagualdesign 11:14, 19 December 2017 (UTC)

...It's probably the same person who made this edit, and possibly this IP too (though perhaps not). nagualdesign 11:33, 19 December 2017 (UTC)

Hello, nagualdesign. I blocked the first two IPs you mentioned for spamming their vaporizer website and general disruptive editing. I am also unsure about the third IP. Let me know if their conduct deteriorates. Sorry to be slow to respond. I was working in an area with poor internet coverage today. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 03:58, 20 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you. While the third IP may not be the same person who was using the first two, looking at their contributions it's pretty obvious that they're not here to build an encyclopedia. As far as I can tell, not a single edit they've made has been useful. I'll check periodically to see if they continue (no deterioration is necessary). nagualdesign 10:39, 20 December 2017 (UTC)

"tis the season...."

Spread the WikiLove; use {{subst:Season's Greetings1}} to send this message
Happy Holidays to you, Buster7. I wish you a roast goose and a figgy pudding. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:16, 21 December 2017 (UTC)

It's that time of the year...

Jim. No fancy template, but just wishing you all the best for the holidays and the new year, and thanking you for all your work. It's probably a lot warmer where I am than where you are 😎 Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 04:40, 21 December 2017 (UTC)

Thank you very much, Kudpung. We just wrapped up Hanukkah here, but I have a two month old granddaughter, so every day is a holiday these days. I am sure that it is warmer in Thailand now than it is here in the Napa Valley, but it is also warmer here than it is in Duluth, Minnesota. It is chilly at night but I can walk around in a t-shirt most days, and there has been no frost on my windshield so far this year.
As for my "work" here, I do not consider it work since I enjoy it. I am slowly settling into being an administrator, although I will never be the most productive administrator. I have only deleted 443 pages so far, and accidentally blocked the wrong editor the other day, though I immediately unblocked and apologized. I got accused of being a paid admin on Reddit a week or so ago, which I consider evidence that I am doing something right. Thanks again for your encouragement and support. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:13, 21 December 2017 (UTC)
When Philippe, former WMF director of community advocacy and good friend, left to work at Reddit, things were fine. Now he's moved on again, it's become another cesspit like Wikipediocracy. Whatever, as you say, it's because you're doing something right! Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 06:32, 21 December 2017 (UTC)
Philippe is a fine person, Kudpung. I may not know him as well as you do, but I like him very much. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:51, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
Spread the WikiLove; use {{subst:Season's Greetings1}} to send this message
Thank you, Winkelvi. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 03:30, 22 December 2017 (UTC)

Hi Cullen

Remember giving me advice on Drmes' page regarding a "Tekno Miles" page. Well after adding the citations you counseled I put, Drmes removed them all. No reason was given whatsover. And right now, one of these wiki bots have come on the same page asking for citations (which shouldn't be a problem except the citations I put were removed. What should I do next. Thanks in advance for you response Aghachi7 (talk) 01:33, 22 December 2017 (UTC)

Hello, Aghachi7. Drmies reverted many of the citations, calling them "download links" in his edit summary. We do not allow links to commercial websites where people can download music, with the exception of an external link to the performer's own website. These are highly promotional links. Please remove them.
Acceptable citations would include independent music publications with professional editorial control. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 03:17, 22 December 2017 (UTC)
  • Thank you Cullen. Yes, we are not a repository for links. Drmies (talk) 21:18, 22 December 2017 (UTC)
  • You are welcome, Drmies. I hope that you are feeling better and enjoying the holidays with your wonderful wife and children, my friend. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:53, 23 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2018!
Thank you for all the hard work and effort you put into Wikipedia. God bless! Onel5969 TT me 02:51, 22 December 2017 (UTC)
That is an enormous Hanukkah bush, onel5969. Thanks. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:27, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
I would have been a couple of days late for a Happy Chanukkah! Onel5969 TT me 01:42, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
Belated greetings are friendly greetings nonetheless, onel5969. That's why Hallmark sells belated birthday cards. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:47, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
Well then, either Shabbat Shalom or simply Happy Hanukkah my friend. I lost track this year, and when I called my best friend yesterday to wish him the same sentiments, he informed me of my tardiness! Onel5969 TT me 01:57, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
This particular Hanukkah was joyfully special, onel5969, since we got to celebrate it with our two month old granddaughter, who we adore. I wish you the happiest of holidays. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 02:07, 23 December 2017 (UTC)
Congrats on the new addition to your family. And always feel free to wish me a Happy Hanukkah, or L'Shana Tova, etc.! Growing up, probably over half of my friends were Jewish... now, years later I always kid them that I never got invited to a single Seder. Lots of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but not a single Seder. Take care and have a very Happy New Year. Onel5969 TT me 12:31, 23 December 2017 (UTC)

Please comment on Talk:Tom Hiddleston

The feedback request service is asking for participation in this request for comment on Talk:Tom Hiddleston. Legobot (talk) 04:23, 24 December 2017 (UTC)

RfA

Hi. My apologies if I inadvertently upset or insulted you with my comments at RfA, that was not my intention at all. I very much respect you as an editor and an admin. Best, Beyond My Ken (talk) 19:10, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

You certainly did not insult me in any way, Beyond My Ken, and no apology is needed. We simply disagreed on this small point. Thanks, anyway. I think highly of you as well. Enjoy your Christmas. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:35, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

A Request For Just A *Little* More...

Just wanted to say "thank you" for the information posted at 'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Help_desk#Blockfolio_page_"speedy_deleted"_but_how_can_I_modify_what_I_first_wrote?_Can't_find_history._Please_advise.'; along the lines of the same, would it possible to request review of the reply to what was written there? Thanks again... idfubar (talk) 06:35, 24 December 2017 (UTC)

Hello, Idfubar. If there was anything worthy of inclusion in this encyclopedia, I would be happy to restore the content as a draft. But there wasn't. As I wrote previously, "It was completely unreferenced and highly promotional, and contained several unacceptable external links. There was nothing worthy of an encyclopedia article there." Why would I restore content that is completely unacceptable for this encyclopedia? That is not a good thing to do. If you believe that this topic is notable enough for an encyclopedia article, then please read and study Your first article, and write a well-referenced article that complies with the neutral point of view. Please be aware that many experienced, uninvolved editors are highly skeptical of articles about cryptocurrencies, for obvious reasons. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 07:11, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you Cullen328; the skepticism regarding temporal topics is duly noted... though it should be mentioned that, insofar as one is a Wikipedia volunteer, one likely presumes the presence of more information regarding a given topic would be better for a controversial topic ("Sunshine is the best disinfectant", as they say). Further, it is - unfortunately - not possible to respond to your questions without being able to see the article which was deleted (and, in fact, the discussion so far - in simply trying to help Corpania - would lead an observer to question whether a new contributor should really have to struggle with editors in a place of privilege to determine the same for themselves!)... in light of the same, would restoring the content to a sandbox or draft status really be asking for too much? Per your suggestion the introductory articles are being reviewed in parallel - but having something to work with (e.g. pseudocode, article framework a la header/footer formatting, etc.) is always easier for a beginner (to say nothing of better for a learner given the cognitive "ramp" being flattened by the abscence of anxiety that a blank page can yield) who is working in a context, i.e. under constraint.idfubar (talk) 07:51, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Hello again, Idfubar. The answer is no. There is absolutely nothing worth saving in that deleted article. If there was, I would be happy to restore it to draft or sandbox space. But there is nothing worthwhile there, in my judgment. You are free to try to find another administrator with a more lenient view, and I will not object if you find one. My "place of privilege", as you put it so elegantly, derives from the trust that the broad community of Wikipedia editors has placed in me. They expect me to make unambiguous decisions, and here my answer to you is "no". Start from scratch if you want, but be aware that experienced editors are watching this topic and will expect full compliance with our policies and guidelines. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 09:20, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you Cullen328; also, please, no hard feelings about my comment (one only assumes that Wikipedia editors are seated as they exercise their judgement & that said judgement, e.g. Kudpung banning Corpania), is consistent with the community's placing of that trust - say, per WP4) - it's just what one would mean to say in making an appeal on the behalf of new contributors hoping to learn as they go along...
New editors who have screwed up should read and understand the advice that they have been given, and edit in full compliance with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines going forward. When those new editors or their allies (you in this case) persist with behavior that indicates that they are neither listening nor understanding the clear advice they have been given, then we have entered into the territory of disruptive and tendentious editing, and those editors (including you), are at high risk of being blocked. Please desist. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 09:59, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you, Cullen328. idfubar (talk) 13:20, 25 December 2017 (UTC)
Hmm...He is desisting.See Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard#User_talk:Idfubar.Sigh! Winged BladesGodric 15:20, 25 December 2017 (UTC)
Thanks for the alert, Winged Blades of Godric. Wowzers! Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:46, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you, Davey2010. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:50, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Seasons' Greetings

...to you and yours, from the Great White North! FWiW Bzuk (talk) 18:29, 23 December 2017 (UTC)

Thanks, and Seasons Greetings to you, Bzuk. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:51, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2018!

Hello Cullen328, may you be surrounded by peace, success and happiness on this seasonal occasion. Spread the WikiLove by wishing another user a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past, a good friend, or just some random person. Sending you a heartfelt and warm greetings for Christmas and New Year 2018.
Happy editing,
CAPTAIN RAJU(T) 22:26, 23 December 2017 (UTC)

Spread the love by adding {{subst:Seasonal Greetings}} to other user talk pages.

Thanks and Merry Christmas to you, CAPTAIN RAJU. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:53, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

HH!

Happy Holidays! Happy New Year!
Thinking of you and wishing you good health and happiness. --Rosiestep (talk) 00:48, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you so much, Rosiestep, and Happy Holidays to you. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:58, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!

Spread the WikiLove; use {{subst:Season's Greetings1}} to send this message
Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you, MRD2014. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:59, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!

Spread the WikiLove; use {{subst:Season's Greetings1}} to send this message
Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you, K6ka. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:01, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you, Ad Orientem. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:03, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays
From Stave one of Dickens A Christmas Carol

Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail. Mind! I don’t mean to say that I know, of my own knowledge, what there is particularly dead about a door-nail. I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade. But the wisdom of our ancestors is in the simile; and my unhallowed hands shall not disturb it, or the Country’s done for. You will therefore permit me to repeat, emphatically, that Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

So you see even Charles was looking for a reliable source :-) Thank you for your contributions to the 'pedia. ~ MarnetteD|Talk 00:38, 24 December 2017 (UTC)
Thanks, and Happy Holidays to you, MarnetteD. A few days ago, my wife and I saw a pretty decent version of A Christmas Carol starting Patrick Stewart as Scrooge, so the tale is fresh in my mind. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 21:56, 25 December 2017 (UTC)
You are welcome C. I'm glad you both enjoyed Pat's version. The only time I've ever heard the "coffin nail" term used in film or TV is this version. It comes towards the end in a scene that isn't in Dickens work. I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea but I have an affection for it. Best wishes to you and yours in 2018. MarnetteD|Talk 22:04, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!!!

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to you, Crystallizedcarbon. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:04, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Brilliant !

This is brilliantly put. Loved the way you put the point across. And of course, lots of Christmas cheer and wishes to you and your family Cullen. Lourdes 13:11, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Thanks, and Christmas cheer to you, Lourdes. I do not celebrate the holiday myself, but wish the very best to those that do. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:07, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

DUI in California

Hi Cullen328. Since you currently appear to be online, I'm wondering if you could protect DUI in California. I did start WP:RPP#DUI in California and also have asked for help at User talk:Malinaccier#User:Pocketthis, but things might be a bit slow due to the holiday season. I'm not trying to forum shop, just trying to get the disruption stopped so that the possible EVADE and SOCK issues can then be sorted. -- Marchjuly (talk) 22:06, 25 December 2017 (UTC)

Hello Marchjuly. I have protected the article for 72 hours and appealed to the involved editors to work toward consensus on the talk page. Feel free to ask for my help at any time, although there are certain brawls that I prefer to avoid. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:17, 25 December 2017 (UTC)
I changed to semiprotection when I realized that the main edit warrior is a block evading IP, Marchjuly. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 23:18, 25 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you Jim for taking a look at this. For what it's worth, I have no position in the content dispute; I just had this article on my watchilist, saw the IP editing warring and then the possible block invasion. I figured that protection was the best way to stop the disruption and then the other issues could be resolved via ANI or AN3 if necessary. I think that the article's creator is still coming to grips with WP:OWN and perhaps a bit of WP:RGW and WP:ADVOCACY; I think they believe they are being helpful, but just are not going it in the right way. -- Marchjuly (talk) 00:06, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
Yes, Marchjuly, it is troubling that Pocketthis posted an umambiguous retirement message and then immediately started block evasion through IP socking. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 00:13, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
It always amazes me when people imagine we're powerless to see through sockpuppetry. "Look at this spontaneous gathering of other editors agreeing with me!" Fact is, you can't be stupid and get through med school, but I've known some d-u-m-b lawyers (depending on the specialty). EEng 00:37, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
I do not know about you, EEng, but I have never once fallen off of a turnip truck. Or any other type of truck. Thanks, as always, for stopping by. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 00:45, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
Imagine the thrill of being a small-town reporter sent to cover a road accident who finds that someone actually did fall off the turnip truck. EEng 00:57, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
I think in a case like this that the editor simply believes they are 100% right and that the "problem" (at least as they percieve it) is that others are unwilling to accept that simple fact. It's not really vandalism per se, but it's just as disruptive. Unfortunately for these editors, they too quickly find out that's not really how Wikipedia is intended to work, which is why I suggested to Pocketthis on the article's talk page that he'd probably be better off finding a blog or some other website where they would have full control of the narrative. I was hoping that my suggestion would've prevented anyone getting blocked, but now he's likely going to have his main account indef'ed and multiple editors watching the article for any further attempts at socking. It's too bad really because he appears to be have contributed lots of good images to the project. -- Marchjuly (talk) 01:09, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
I agree completely, Marchjuly.Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:18, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
they too quickly find out that's not really how Wikipedia is intended to work – Quite the opposite: they don't find out nearly quickly enough. EEng 01:24, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
"they too quickly" was intended to be read as "they also quickly/they too, quickly" not as "they, too quickly". Badly phrased on my part. -- Marchjuly (talk) 01:42, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
Let me suggest you decline that appointment as appeals judge in capital cases. Sooner or later that would have to end badly. EEng 02:02, 26 December 2017 (UTC)

Fortunately, appeals court judges have clerks to help them tighten up their writing. Here, we have each other. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:04, 26 December 2017 (UTC)

As when I now correct your each other to one another -- is that what you mean, Your Honor? EEng 05:20, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
You are hereby invited and given permission to follow me around and correct all of my crude and inept verbal formulations, my friend, EEng. You will find many of them. I am not a very well educated fellow, but I try. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 06:27, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
In the present circumstance inapt might be more ept, may it please the court. EEng 09:00, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
I am sorry, EEng, but administrators do not adjudicate your sense of humor. Luckily for you. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 09:33, 26 December 2017 (UTC)

CarioNB (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)

Fly swatter at the ready, Jim! nagualdesign 01:44, 26 December 2017 (UTC)

Scratch that. Looks like Widr got there first. nagualdesign 01:46, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
That editing career lasted all of eleven minutes, nagualdesign. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:35, 26 December 2017 (UTC)
Hah! Must've been a Dolania. nagualdesign 14:39, 26 December 2017 (UTC)

Childish

Per WP:OSE, “These ‘other stuff exists’ arguments can be valid or invalid. When used correctly, these comparisons are important as the encyclopedia should be consistent in the content that it provides or excludes.” Anythingyouwant (talk) 18:28, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

Thank you for stopping by my talk page, Anythingyouwant. BLP violations should be removed everywhere, but I disagree with the implication that we should be less diligent when dealing with a specific article because similar problems exist in general elsewhere. Feel free to point me to any other specific article where you think BLP violations are present, and I will investigate. I am not interested in getting involved in the "biggies" like Trump or Clinton, but will be happy to take a look at two or three where you believe editor partisanship is preventing neutrality or maintaining BLP violations. Just yesterday, for example, I speedy deleted an attack page that smeared a perennial GOP candidate. It was quite ugly and I deleted it without hesitation when it came to my attention. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 18:57, 28 December 2017 (UTC)
It is a BLP violation to exclude certain material: "If an allegation or incident is noteworthy, relevant, and well documented, it belongs in the article—even if it is negative and the subject dislikes all mention of it." You are seeking to exclude information in this BLP about an ongoing investigation by the Inspector General of the DOJ, reported in extremely reliable sources.[1][2] Namecalling ("childish", "partisan") in support of WP:IDONTLIKEIT seems rather counterproductive, IMHO. The BLP says, "The Inspector General of the Department of Justice and the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee are investigating McCabe for concerns that he should have recused himself from the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server because of a potential conflict of interest caused by donations to his wife's Virginia State Senate campaign." So why not tell the reader anything about the donations? I am mainly concerned about the namecalling, here, it doesn't help.

References

  1. ^ Barrett, Devlin (October 24, 2016). "Clinton Ally Aided Campaign of FBI Official's Wife". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved May 10, 2017.
  2. ^ Kutner, Max (May 10, 2017). "FBI Acting Director Andrew McCabe is also under review for the Clinton email investigation". Newsweek. Retrieved May 12, 2017.

Anythingyouwant (talk) 19:44, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

Anyway, putting all of this Wikipedia stuff aside, I do wish you Happy Holidays and New Year, and of course any suboptimal feelings I have about this matter will not carry over into the new year!  :-) Anythingyouwant (talk) 20:16, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

I thought that you had come to my talk page for a more general discussion, Anythingyouwant. Your content point above belongs at Talk: Andrew McCabe. I made it clear on that talk page that I was not calling you childish but rather describing one aspect of your argument as I understood it to be childish. It was the public figures who are attacking McCabe that I called partisan, not you, which those people definitely are. So, continuing to bring up namecalling is not useful, since I already responded to that issue quite clearly.
My BLP concern has to do with how much attention and what level of detail about unsubstantiated allegations belong in the biography of a person who has never been a highly visible public figure during a long career of government service until the recent controversy. My opinion is "not very much", unless he is officially found to have engaged in misconduct. It is valid, I suppose, for you to argue that a bit more detail is appropriate. I do not think it is valid to argue that excessive detail about unsubstantiated allegations is OK here because other articles have similar problems. That is how I read one aspect of your argument. My offer to take a look at other articles still stands. Let's try collaborating rather than bickering. By the way, I do appreciate the additional message you left while I was drafting my response. Happy New Year to you! Cullen328 Let's discuss it 20:24, 28 December 2017 (UTC)

HNY

Happy New Year!

Best wishes for 2018, —PaleoNeonate – 13:42, 29 December 2017 (UTC)
Thank you, and I wish you a wonderful 2018, PaleoNeonate. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 23:02, 29 December 2017 (UTC)

Happy New Year, Cullen328!

   Send New Year cheer by adding {{subst:Happy New Year fireworks}} to user talk pages.

Thanks, and Happy New Year to you, Winkelvi. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 00:16, 30 December 2017 (UTC)

I think some revdel's in order there. EEng 22:07, 29 December 2017 (UTC)

Hello, EEng. I think I took care of all the extreme BLP violations, but will you please check for me? This is my first time "revdelling". No jokes, please unless they are really funny.
Happy New Year! Cullen328 Let's discuss it 22:59, 29 December 2017 (UTC)

[1]? EEng 23:06, 29 December 2017 (UTC)

Ahhh, I see, EEng and John from Idegon. Even a tiny edit keeps the BLP violations in the history. Thanks for checking and helping me learn. I appreciate it. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 23:20, 29 December 2017 (UTC)
Because we typically highlight offending material by using a diff at the point it was introduced, people fall into thinking that it's a diff (or diffs) you're revdeling, but actually you're revdeling versions of the page. Basically you have to find the first page version V1 that has the bad stuff (the right side of the diff introducing the bad stuff), and the last page version V2 that has the bad stuff (the left side of the diff that removed the bad stuff -- and you might have to do a removal yourself to create such a diff), and then revdel all page versions from V1 to V2 inclusive. EEng 23:32, 29 December 2017 (UTC)
I think I see now, EEng. The proper procedure is not to try to pick out the individual bad versions but rather, in a single operation, revdel all the versions from the first bad version to the last bad version containing the specific bad content. Thanks again. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 23:56, 29 December 2017 (UTC)
Right, but where e.g. there's been an edit war over the bad material, with other constructive edits sprinkled in, it's important to only revdel the specific versions that have the bad content, thus leaving as many of the constructive versions, and diffs creating them, as possible unrevdelled. It looks like you did a good job of that, actually, in this case. EEng 00:08, 30 December 2017 (UTC)
There have been two cases over the years where I had made major and valid contributions to articles that were later lost to revdels due to much older copyvios. This reminds me that I can go back and, as an admin, pick out that "lost" content and add it back. Thanks for your help, EEng. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 00:14, 30 December 2017 (UTC)
And I don't get a Happy New Year... why? EEng 01:20, 30 December 2017 (UTC)
I was responding to other people's greetings, EEng, but since you are so needy and sensitive, A Very Happy New Year 2018 To You! Cullen328 Let's discuss it 01:25, 30 December 2017 (UTC)
Well, I wasn't looking for a pity greeting. EEng 01:39, 30 December 2017 (UTC) Actually, I was.
The wishes are sincere, my friend. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 05:39, 30 December 2017 (UTC)
Bah humbug! Listen, maybe you can help get things on track at User talk:Tony1. EEng 14:18, 30 December 2017 (UTC)

I sincerely do not believe that anything I could say there would improve the situation, EEng. Unless I agreed with every word that he has said, (which I cannot do), I suspect that any comment I made would keep his anger stoked. Sometimes, it is best to say nothing. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 18:20, 30 December 2017 (UTC)

Please comment on Talk:Miranda Lambert

The feedback request service is asking for participation in this request for comment on Talk:Miranda Lambert. Legobot (talk) 04:23, 31 December 2017 (UTC)

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

Thank you for your help at WP:Teahouse! I would also like to use this opportunity to wish you Happy and Prosperous New Year 2018! Alexey Karetnikov (talk) 06:07, 31 December 2017 (UTC)

You are very welcome, Alexey Karetnikov. I know an agenda when I see it, but I do not have the biomedical expertise necessary to get more deeply involved. I was happy to help in some small way. Let's hope that 2018 will be a good year for humanity. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 06:13, 31 December 2017 (UTC)

New year's greetings

Happy new year, Jim! I hope 2018 will be another wonderful year for you. I hope you don't mind me coming to you again from time to time for your advice and guidance. Best, Alex Shih (talk) 13:34, 31 December 2017 (UTC)

Happy New Year, Alex Shih. I am happy to discuss anything with you at any time. Cullen328 Let's discuss it 18:44, 31 December 2017 (UTC)

Administrators' newsletter – January 2018

News and updates for administrators from the past month (December 2017).

Administrator changes

added Muboshgu
readded AnetodeLaser brainWorm That Turned
removed None

Bureaucrat changes

readded Worm That Turned

Guideline and policy news

  • A request for comment is in progress to determine whether the administrator policy should be amended to require disclosure of paid editing activity at WP:RFA and to prohibit the use of administrative tools as part of paid editing activity, with certain exceptions.

Technical news

Arbitration


Sent by MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 02:37, 3 January 2018 (UTC)