User talk:DanaUllman

Archives: 2007 ♦ 2008: [Jan] [Feb]

Concerns about editing practice

Hi DanaUllman, Following recent discussion, I think it would be helpful to explain some of my concerns, for example this edit:

Friends, I deleted the offending sentence because all of the references given to it do not give any substantiation for it (the "sources" cited do not even review in vitro or basic science studies!). As such, this statement in the article should be deleted. References to disprove it are secondary because there is no substantiation for it in the first place. That said, the review of in vitro studies above provides evidence that there is a difference between placebo water and homeopathic water. Such reviews do not need to be in Nature (which doesn't publish clinical meta-analyses) nor Science...as long as it is in a RS. Although the above review of research acknowledges that no single study has had 100% replicability, there are innumerable conventional tests that are not 100% replicable (most immunology studies for example). This non-replicability is even more common in clinical findings.

Has a number of problems:

• justification of making substantial changes to the article without first achieving consensus,
• mischaracterizing content policies - your edit removed content that was supported by reliable sources,
• wikilawyering, for example the "references to disprove it are secondary because there is no substantiation for it in the first place".

I suggest you carefully review wikipedia:gaming the system and wikipedia:disruptive editing. I'll leave a note on Lara's talk page to notify her of this. Addhoc (talk) 17:44, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

Dana, if there is another complaint about you editing article space without first reaching consensus, you'll be back on article probation. Lara❤Love 18:06, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, Lara, but it seems that you are the one being gamed here. Please note that the person who reverted that one change said this in his summary edit: "rv - no consensus to remove, simply that we don't want to bother rehashing this point" -- I tried to see precisely what changes I made, and in fact, it looks as though I didn't make the changes that I wanted to make and that my changes were totally minor [1]. My talk recommended many more changes but I didn't change them. For the record, I still assert that the 3 references given to the "fact" that asserts that there is no difference between water and homeopathic medicines are not even studies on this topic. One is an introductory guidebook to using homeopathic medicines (it doesn't even discuss research issues), and the other two references do not discuss basic research at all. Adhoc above asserts that the sources are RS, but they are not RS to the fact given (and the homeopathic book cited in not even RS). The contribution to the discussion after my suggestion above was from [Filll] who wrote: "I know you badly badly badly want to make this only positive for homeopathy and remove any mainstream views." And yet, I have never ever proposed this. Don't you see that some editors put words in my mouth and make me seem more extreme than I am, while these accusations are the real problem as they creates ghosts that aren't there. Also, my analysis is that some editors make mountains out of molehills to game the system. They complain over little things and only make them look big. Because you may not have the time to carefully evaluate what really happened, you (as my mentor) want to make certain that I'm doing the right thing. I think that these other editors need mentoring or more serious actions. DanaUllman^Talk 19:22, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

Dana, the passage you removed, as seen here removed a large and very important piece of article. Plus, it was in the lead of the article and the particular point has been addressed since, roughly, the time the article was created. Rehashing the same argument over and over is not beneficial. Addhoc is fully aware that you never actually said those words. I have had much more working experience with you than many other editors and I have not heard you say those words. But your editing actions speak louder than any words. You have continuously sought to minimize or eliminate negative treatment of homeopathy while upholding scant and questionable research that shows it in a positive light. That's one of the reasons those edits are a problem. You are a noted practicing homeopath. You presence here should help the articles grow, not hinder their progress. Baegis (talk) 19:52, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps Dana was being bold. If there is a dispute (as there obviously appears to be) over his edit, then it can be (as it was) reverted and discussed. —Whig (talk) 19:56, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

End of mentoring

Dana, I think you've been here long enough now that you should have a grasp on what's acceptable and what's not. You've read the policies and should be able to edit unsupervised without getting yourself banned. You're on your own now. Good luck. Lara❤Love 19:46, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

My misreading

I took a look at your statement about homeopathic plants on the npov notice board and you are quite right to say it was a misreading on my part. Thanks for waking me up...... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Albion moonlight (talk • contribs) 06:07, 2 March 2008 (UTC)

Apology accepted. Yeah...we all occasionally mis-read stuff, though it is always good faith to acknowledge these errors that we all make and then move on. DanaUllman^Talk 21:10, 2 March 2008 (UTC)

I drew a line through the part that betrayed my misreading last night. : Albion moonlight (talk) 06:46, 3 March 2008 (UTC)

Royal S. Copeland

• Sure, that's no problem. I reverted the edit because it was an edit that was flagged in WP:HUGGLE, and I, as such, thought the removal of the content was unnecessary, and as such, it was reverted. It's nice to know, that when I am patrolling vandalism, it can also help fix other articles, such as I managed to help out with this one. Don't let one editor discourage you. Steve Crossin (talk) 23:32, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

I have added some resources to the talk page. -- Fyslee / talk 02:23, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

Proposed article

Worth starting this article, and would you be interested in this one? [2] —Whig (talk) 22:59, 5 March 2008 (UTC)

Diffs

Alright, thanks, I was able to find it from there. For future reference, when discussing particular actions, what's most useful to others here is pointing them to the record of the specific edit which was made (the "diff"). In this case, it's at http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Wanderer57/Problem_with_Homeopathy_Discussions&diff=194939851&oldid=194900463. I generally get these by going to either the modification history of the article or the user's contributions, and then clicking on "last" of the line of the applicable edit and copy that address. The advantage to this method is that it goes directly to the relevant message and you also don't have to worry about forgeries, deletions, or archiving. --Infophile ^{(Talk) (Contribs)} 00:39, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

The difference is that you're linking to the sections in which the comment is made. When these are large, it can be harder to find the relevant comment. Try comparing the the link you used ([3]) with the link I showed you above ([4]). You see how the one I used shows his comment directly?

Also, be careful about exaggerating. On the admin's noticeboard, you claimed that Randy was wishing death [5], though I see none of this here. Though if he did do this someplace else, I (and some admins as well) would be interested in seeing it. --Infophile ^{(Talk) (Contribs)} 00:50, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

I assume that you somehow didn't read what Randy wrote [6]: "You are a monster who sells nonsense to the sick, and the sooner you die the sooner the world will be a better place. Randy Blackamoor (talk) 00:23, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

Is being called a "monster" and wishing me to die soon any type of civility? Do you still think that this is civil and that it warrants a simple week's penalty, while many anti-homeopathy editors are seeking to ban Whig primarily because he has a good backbone for defending a minority viewpoint. DanaUllman^Talk 01:09, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

Ah, I see; that certainly justifies your comment. I was reading a different comment by him (you told me to follow that reference, so I was only looking at the comment on that page). I'd recommend posting that on the incidents page, and also it would be better to use a diff to point it out directly so that others don't skip over it as I did. --Infophile ^{(Talk) (Contribs)} 01:15, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

While your summation isn't totally accurate (no clear statement of "wishing"), his statement still doesn't sound very good. I think he has made other statements that are even more incivil. While the first part is partially true, (you are indeed selling nonsense to the sick, which is a dangerously grave matter that is quite despicable and should be unlawful, so many epithets could be chosen, quack being the most appropriate and non-libelous description), it's all a very incivil statement. If there is anyone who does need to be called out on his constant incivility, Randy does. -- Fyslee / talk 01:54, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

I concur. Randy's behavior is incompatible with resolving the ugly situation at homeopathy. Civility, of course, does not trump NPOV, but comments like the above are patently unconstructive and should not be tolerated from either side in the debate. If he continues these tirades after his current "vacation" I will have no problem with supporting a ban from homeopathy-related pages, if not a full siteban, as long as he has not been goaded into another outburst. Skinwalker (talk) 02:06, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

I think Fyslee's comment above is unfortunate, though I understand this is his opinion, it is less than civil in my opinion. —Whig (talk) 03:18, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

I have refactored accordingly. -- Fyslee / talk 03:28, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanx Fyslee...and for the record, "quack" IS libelous. Secondly, IMO, it is akin a the "n" word. Yeah...it is THAT offensive, and people who use it should use it very very selectively and with strong evidence DanaUllman^Talk 03:54, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

United States courts treat the "Q" words as rhetoric. It is not actionable. Just ask Dr. Barrett, who has been called it many times, and who uses it all the time. Neither party can sue on that basis. Offensive language is part of free speech and the freedom of expression. -- Fyslee / talk 04:07, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

Wow...I didn't know that and will explore its veracity, though please know that it IS extremely offensive and one should be very careful in using it on wikipedia. Wiki is and should be better than a court of law. DanaUllman^Talk 05:31, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

Sorry for jumping back here, but I found an on-wiki guide to creating diffs here. This may be better at explaining it to you than I was. --Infophile ^{(Talk) (Contribs)} 20:29, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Topic ban next time

Dana, this was a most unhelpful edit. You're changing a sourced statement from a longstanding position, without consensus, knowing that it will be reverted shortly. At some point all the edit warring and combative editing has to stop. Jehochman ^Talk 20:10, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

Request for semi-protection

I can't do that I'm afraid. From the policy - "Semi-protection should not be used as a pre-emptive measure against vandalism that has not yet occurred, nor should it be used solely to prevent editing by anonymous and newly registered users. In particular, it should not be used to settle content disputes." Looking over your recent contributions I can't see any pattern to the various IP editors who have reverted you, what makes you think these are connected? Tim Vickers (talk) 23:13, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

PS, if you think you are being stalked, and want to discuss this in confidence, you can e-mail me through my userpage. Tim Vickers (talk) 23:15, 11 March 2008 (UTC)

Apparently most of those IPs were open proxies, which have now been blocked. I suggest that in the future you report any IP that seems to be shadowing you to Wikipedia:WikiProject on open proxies. Tim Vickers (talk) 00:19, 12 March 2008 (UTC)

Homeopathic research

"Complementary Therapies in Medicine" yeah I think that indicates the quality of the review.Geni 08:03, 13 March 2008 (UTC)

Please Help!

Dear Dana, I don't know if you're a Homeopathic Doctor, but you do seem to be a proponent of Homeopathy. Please download the book, "Homeopathy: The scientific proofs of efficacy" from the http://www.guna.it/eng/ricerca/indice.htm web-site and post the clinical trials it mentions on the Talk:Homeopathy Page (the page is now semi-protected, so only users more than 4 days old can post there - I will need to wait till Tuesday to post there). I'm sure that can help change the viewpoint of the other wikipedia users who call Homeopaths "Quacks". I read on Scientizzle's User Page that one can mention web-sites, so please visit my web-site, http://www.cure4incurables.com for more information about me and e-mail me privately. Of course, if web-sites aren't allowed a mention, please delete the web-sites mentioned. Thanks and Regards, Ramaanand (talk) 03:47, 15 March 2008 (UTC)Dr.Jhingaadey

Please put this on the Talk:Homeopathy Page and mention it is posted by me

Dear Dana,
Please put this on the Talk:Homeopathy Page and mention it is posted by me (or else the others may think I've bribed you); I'm not yet able to post there directly myself because the Page is semi-writeprotected.

Here are some of the studies/clinical trials:-

REDACTED VANDALISM AND SPAM see Ramaanand's talk

Ramaanand (talk) 02:14, 17 March 2008 (UTC)Dr.Jhingadé

3RR Warning

You currently appear to be engaged in an edit war according to the reverts you have made on Arsenicum album. Note that the three-revert rule prohibits making more than three reversions in a content dispute within a 24 hour period. Additionally, users who perform a large number of reversions in content disputes may be blocked for edit warring, even if they do not technically violate the three-revert rule. If you continue, you may be blocked from editing. Please do not repeatedly revert edits, but use the talk page to work towards wording and content that gains a consensus among editors. If necessary, pursue dispute resolution. You have reverted 3 times already. Baegis (talk) 03:58, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I have not exceeded the 3RR, and the only time that I have come up to 3 reverts is because I have asked for other editors to verify ONE specific statement, and you (and select other anonymous editors) have refused to do so. I hope that you will AGF and will help me revert those editors who do not verify their statements. DanaUllman^Talk 04:26, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Personal Attacks

Watch it Dana, I don't enjoy such personal attacks. If you have a problem with me, bring it up on AN/I. Fishing will get you nowhere. Baegis (talk) 04:45, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

AGF...there was NO personal attack there. You deleted a URL that was questioned as COI by an editor who was blocked. This anonymous editor and you guessed that TheTutor had COI, but he showed that he didn't. I hope that you consider editing more slowly and with greater verification, and I hope that you consider avoid making up "personal attack" accusations until they are real (remember "Little Red Riding Hood"?). DanaUllman^Talk 04:56, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Don't change the subject. Here's what you actually wrote, and what Baegis is obviously objecting to:

• "As for Baegis, he has been following me around, even though he probably knows that wiki-stalking is not allowed or encouraged. I'm wondering if you have found that he just happens to begin editing where you are editing, even at idiosyncratic articles."

That's an obviously bad faith assumption. He and others obviously have you, your edits, and your activities on their watchlists, just as you have theirs. So what? That's allowed. Wikistalking is another animal. -- Fyslee / talk 05:16, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

7 day ban from homeopathy related pages

You have been engaged in a low level edit war at Arsenicum album. Other editors have been involved, however you have reverted more often, and have been given more warnings for other disruptive behavior. In accordance with the conditions stated at Talk:Homeopathy/Article probation of which you are aware, I am banning you from all Homeopathy related pages for a period of 7 days. Addhoc (talk) 12:42, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Request for teamwork

Dana, when you return to work on the homeopathy articles, I have a great idea of how serious progress can be made. With you being a homeopath, you have access to these various dilutions in the form that they will be used by patients. Many of the articles on homeopathic remedies could use some images. For example, the Arsenicum album page would be greatly improved by having pictures of the tinctures, tablet, pellet, or powder form of the remedy. Since you probably have these ingredients and a camera, you could take pictures of them, tastefully done of course, and upload them for use in the article. An idea would be to have the big container (or whatever the main material is stored in) surrounded by the different forms. Of course, you would have to release the image under WP policies, but this is merely to insure that they comply with various copyright issues. Also, you can greatly help with more detail regarding preparations and the use of nearly all of these remedies. Here's to some progress for these articles. Baegis (talk) 15:25, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Baegis...I am for teamwork, and I really appreciate your good faith gesture here. However, you seem to have an unusual sense of homeopaths. Homeopaths are clinicians; they are not nor am I a drug manufacturer. I do not have crude doses of arsenic in my office here, nor do I have snake venoms on shelves or plants growing, except the usual house/office plants. Taking photos of my office would show books, journals, and homeopathic medicine bottles (not too interesting, sorry). I will let others contribute photos. I'm more interested in content, especially recent research. I am also interested in historian references. I look forward to collaborating on these areas...and I do sincerely hope that we can collaborate. Please use me as a resource rather than as an antagonist...and please KNOW that I am pro-science. DanaUllman^Talk 17:42, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, thats fine, whatever. The homeopathic medicine bottles might work, but pictures of the remedies themselves could be even better. For example, more of these kinds of pictures or these kinds of pictures would help the articles tremendously. I didn't picture your office as any different from a doctor's office; I just thought that maybe this would be a better way to contribute, since you are one of very few people who has quick and easy access to this material. Because, Dana, the problem with you and other content is clear. Perhaps if you did not make it your quest to prove the efficacy of homeopathy or the existence of water memory, you would find a much easier existence on this project. Baegis (talk) 18:00, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

Baegis...first, I like that we are just talking here. We are both real people. I completely understand why some people are skeptical of homeopathy. I really do. However, when one reviews the clinical research and the basic science research and when I do a review of historical information, there is a strong body of evidence that confirms that the placebo explanation is simply inadequate. If and when one has some personal experiences with these medicines (either oneself or a family member or friend), you learn that these medicines are extremely powerful in their effects beyond placebo. My quest is not to "prove" anything, but rather, my quest is to provide more information to people so that they can make up their own minds. Since you seem to believe that homeopathy is just placebo, I ask that you recognize that some high quality clinical and basic science research suggests otherwise. An encyclopedia should discuss such high quality investigations. I also ask you to learn something about homeopathy so that you can evaluate whether a study is truly a test of the homeopathic system of medicine or if it is simply a test of one homeopathic medicine for one specific ailment (there is a difference). DanaUllman^Talk 19:05, 18 March 2008 (UTC)

I gotta tell you that your photo of Oscillo made me laugh

Allopathic

It's a very strange style of argumentation to say "some editors" and then quote one (me) in particular. Just 'Antelan' if you mean Antelan. I don't think we need to be in argument, especially since you simply stepped into a longstanding disagreement of mine with Hopping. Ironically, the type of medicine practiced by osteopathic physicians would fall under the unpleasant label "allpathic", since in the US they practice in the same way as MDs. Antelan ^talk 01:59, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Antelan, you're right. I do not know about your longstanding disagreement with Hopping. I was responding to a very well-referenced statement that Hopping made [7]. I'm sorry that I didn't mention your name rather than "some editors" (it was not my intent to insult you here). Ultimately, although Hahnemann originally coined the word allopathy in a prejorative way, it has been taken on and used in the present-day by many of the most leading medical organizations and institutions. As such, its use should be incorporated in wikipedia. Even OrangeMarlin finally got the prevasiveness of the use of this term "allopathy", and he wrote, "So you've convinced me of it's use. I'm going to have to drink now." As for the differences between osteopathy and allopathy, there are a lot of similarities these days, but osteopaths have one additional and important therapeutic tool that is not taught in allopathic medical schools. This tool of osteopathic manipulation is an integral part of their coursework and clinical training. This difference should not be trivialized. DanaUllman^Talk 02:21, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for your kind response. Regarding DO vs MD: Hopping has done some impressive work with the osteopathic medicine article documenting how the two fields are now virtually indistinguishable. The amount of time spent teaching manual manipulation is much less substantial than at, say, a 4-year chiropractic college. And regarding his referenced statements - given the hundreds of thousands of articles that address evidence-based medicine, very few call it "allopathic" medicine. I am among those who think that words with offensive connotations should only be used when necessary. Just like "quack" need not be used in reference to homeopaths, "allopath" need not be used in reference to medical doctors. Antelan ^talk 04:38, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Glad that we can return to civilized talk. I'm gonna try real hard to recreate that with everyone. As for your talk above, one cannot compare chiropractic education where the physical therapy is the majority of their treatment options, while osteopathic education has physical therapy as an adjunctive treatment. The bottomline is that there is a difference between MD education and DO education. As for the term "allopathic," medical schools and organizations refer to themselves as allopathic...and as Hopping has shown, the leading (!) institutions use it. No homeopathic school or organizations refers to themselves as "quacks." And now that I'm on that subject, I consider the word "quack" to be so offensive that it is akin to the "N" word to black people and the "K" word for Jews. It IS that offensive. Although the term quack may be prevalent, so are the use of the N and the K words. DanaUllman^Talk 04:56, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes, likewise here with "allopath". I'm glad you can see where I'm coming from, and I'll thank you for your efforts to keep the word to a minimum within articles here, just as I will do the same with "quack". Antelan ^talk 06:20, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure what the current problem is with the use of the term. In the United States, "allopathic" has been used by the American Medical Association, the National Residency Matching Program, and the Association of American Medical Colleges.[4] These organizations use the term to distinguish the schools and residency training programs which they govern from the osteopathic medical schools and programs, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association from Allopathic. Anthon01 (talk) 12:57, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes, please show me the pages where those organizations use the term officially. Thanks, Antelan ^talk 01:43, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

There are several good sources: Have you looked at this website called wikipedia? allopathy is one good place that has lots of good references. Also, at this big and vocal promoter of homeopathy's user-page [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Orangemarlin#Allopathic] (please excuse my warped sense of humor...my apologies OM, but a guy can wish, can't he? DanaUllman^Talk 02:45, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Haha, very funny. My point is that none of those actually demonstrate the major MD organizations using the term "allopathic" officially. Publishing research and news articles that use the term is nowhere near an official endorsement of the term. Antelan ^talk 03:08, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Hmmm. Quoting from wiki under allopathy, it says: "In the United States, "allopathic" has been used by the American Medical Association, the National Residency Matching Program, and the Association of American Medical Colleges.[4] These organizations use the term to distinguish the schools and residency training programs which they govern from the osteopathic medical schools and programs, accredited by the American Osteopathic Association." At OM's user-page, Bryan Hopping noted, "The U.S. Department of Labor uses the term in the second paragraph of its description of Physicians and Surgeons. It reads 'There are two types of physicians: M.D.—Doctor of Medicine—and D.O.—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. M.D.s also are known as allopathic physicians.'" Does the Dept of Labor could as a RS? (come on...ya gotta laugh at that one) DanaUllman^Talk 03:22, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Sure, the Department of Labor is an RS for many things - nomenclature not among them! Also, I have read the Wikipedia article, but can you point me to the actual pages where those organizations (AMA, NRMP, AAMC) actually use the term? Antelan ^talk 04:23, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

It is not a RS for how to spell "Labour" either :) I can confirm that in the UK the term "allopathic" is considered derogatory when applied to medical doctors and surgeons. I think this applies in much of Europe, and, from what I've read, the rest of the world outside the US. It seems it is debatable in the US also. We should avoid a US centric bias in wikipedia. >>Partyoffive (talk) 18:37, 23 March 2008 (UTC)<<

Charles Darwin's illness

To reply to what you posted on my talk page[8]:

The reference you posted to support your contention that Smith was a "homeopathic physician" didn't support this, for reasons that, as per my edit summary, I set out on the talk page[9] for the article (you really ought to pay attention to what's posted on talk pages - it looks as if a failure to do this is what led to your current ban). Once I had tracked down the hard-copy reference you gave, it turned out to be to one of Darwin's letters[10] in which he wrote, "Dr Smith, I think, is sensible, but he is a Homœopathist!! & as far as I can judge does not personally look much after patients or anything else." It is unclear exactly what Darwin meant by "Homœopathist!!"; he could have meant that he practised as a "homoeopathic physician", but he could equally meant that used homoeopathy as an occasional adjunct to his "water cure", or that he was merely a believer in homoeopathy. It looks almost as if Darwin was using the term "homoeopathist" in a derogatory sense, as something that no "sensible" person should be.

You now seem to have found a better reference for Smith's status as a homoeopath, but I would still question whether, in the absence of any evidence that he acted as a homoeopath for Darwin, this is relevant in an article about Charles Darwin's illness and treatment. If you do decide to reinstate this, I would also question the use of the term "homeopathic physician" rather than simply "homeopath". This is hardly current usage, and although it sounds fancy the word "physician" is redundant as the article has already established that Smith was a doctor.

As for making the edit on your behalf as you have requested, I'm not sure that circumventing a ban by recruiting another editor to edit a page on your behalf is within the rules here. In view of the probation on homoeopathy-related pages and the recent rash of sanctions against editors of those pages I'd rather not consider this. Brunton (talk) 13:28, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

Ok, it is clear that Darwin sought care from Edmund Smith, who is described as a surgeon and a hydrotherapist and who is clearly also a homeopathic doctor/physician. You say that you don't want to include reference to him being a homeopath because it is uncertain if Darwin received homeopathic medicines from him. Hmmm. Did Smith perform surgery on Darwin? There's no evidence of this. The point here is that the article is simply describing who Smith was, and he WAS also a homeopath. If you don't choose to show good faith by adding to this article, I'm sure that someone else who is reading this will do so. DanaUllman^Talk 16:31, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I have explained my reasons for not making an edit that I personally don't think adds anything to the article. I suggest that you assume good faith on my part here. If anyone else wishes to include this, they can use the talk page to reach consensus. Brunton (talk) 17:30, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I'm confused. You said that you didn't want to include reference to Smith as a homeopath because it is uncertain if Darwin got homeopathic treatment from him, but you feel OK about listing him as a surgeon even though Darwin didn't undergo surgery from him. Did I miss something? I'm all for consensus. I even thought that I would get YOUR support on this minor addition due to the verification that I have provided. DanaUllman^Talk 17:39, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

I see no reason for changing what is already there, which seems to have been taken from a RS. Please respect my right not to make edits that I consider pointless. As you say, if others think it worth making the edit you suggest (or even removing the reference to Smith as a surgeon), I'm sure they will do so. Brunton (talk) 17:54, 19 March 2008 (UTC)

"Allopathic medicine" / U.S. usage

In the U.S., the term is used to make a distinction not only between two types of degrees (MD & DO), but two types of exams (COMLEX & USMLE), two types of residency programs (ACGME & AOA), two matching programs (NRMP & NMS), two medical traditions/cultures, etc.

Examples

• United States Dept of Labor - "There are two types of physicians: M.D.—Doctor of Medicine—and D.O.—Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. M.D.s also are known as allopathic physicians."
• Journal of General Internal Medicine (Harvard Med School Faculty) "Comparison of osteopathic and allopathic medical schools' support for primary care." PMID 10632817
• Journal of Vet Med Education "Part I: twenty-year literature overview of veterinary and allopathic medicine." PMID 18339961
• Journal of the American Medical Association. PMID 18270355 "National survey of deans of all 125 accredited allopathic medical schools in the United States."
• Journal of American Geriatrics. "Attitudes, experiences, and interest in geriatrics of first-year allopathic and osteopathic medical students." PMID 18086123
• National Residency Matching Program "The NRMP classifies SMS applicants into 6 applicant types: [Type 1] Graduates of U.S. allopathic medical schools. A graduate of a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited U.S. allopathic school of medicine."
• Illinois State Legislature. Osteopathic and Allopathic Healthcare Discrimination Act.
• Michigan State Legislature "A health care corporation certificate shall provide benefits in each group and nongroup certificate for the following equipment, supplies, and educational training for the treatment of diabetes, if determined to be medically necessary and prescribed by an allopathic or osteopathic physician:"
• Florida State Legislature "The bill requires each Florida-licensed allopathic or osteopathic physician, in conjunction with the renewal of his or her license under procedures adopted by the DOH."
• American Medical Student Association. "AMSA RECOGNIZES the equality of osteopathic and allopathic medical degrees within the organization and the healthcare community as a whole."
• American Medical Association "Allopathic med school enrollment rises 2.2%"
• Annals of Family Medicine 4:182-184 (2006) "Aligning the Interests of Osteopathic and Allopathic Teachers of Family Medicine."
• American College of Physicians "But that growth is causing something of a schism between osteopaths and their allopathic counterparts. . . "
• Dept Health and Human Services, National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program "Allopathic Medicine: For students of schools of allopathic medicine pursuing the MD degree - MD"
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey "The National Resident Matching Program matches applicants with allopathic residency programs."
• Journal of the American Medical Association. "In this article we report the specialty choices of 2 groups of entrants to US allopathic residency programs: graduates of osteopathic schools of medicine and those of non-US medical schools."
• Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) "How much does ERAS cost? Allopathic programs: ERAS fees are included in your annual membership dues to the AAMC."
• New York Times. "Nationwide, there are 125 allopathic (traditional medicine) medical schools and 23 osteopathic medical schools."
• Yale University Undergrad Career Services. "Allopathic (M.D.) Medical School: The following information is in regards to Schools of Allopathic Medicine . . . "
• National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions
• Student Doctor Network "Some students feel that they need to take the USMLE in order to get accepted into an ACGME* (allopathic) residency."

Bryan Hopping ^T 20:02, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Articles discussing modern usage in U.S. medicine

• ""Allopathic medicine" has been revived and come into common use in recent years as a synonym for mainstream medicine, and many MDs today accept the designation uncomplainingly." (Whorton, James. Counterculture Healing: A Brief History of Alternative Medicine in America. 4 Nov 2003. WGBH Educational Foundation)
• "Despite its ongoing use in unconventional medical circles, the term allopathy did not enter the general lexicon of modern American medical schools until recently. . . . there is a clear trend of increased use of the term among mainstream physicians. . . . The increasing popularity of allopathy today is likely related to the surge of interest in complementary and alternative medical therapies. . . . The term has even caught on with our physicians in training." (Gundling, KE. When Did I Become an "Allopath"? Arch Intern Med. 1998;158:2185-2186).
• "Although policy makers, social scientists, and others often refer to the MD profession as allopathic (Gevitz, Norman PhD. Center or Periphery? The Future of Osteopathic Principles and Practices J Am Osteopathic Assoc. Vol 106 No 3 March 2006. p 121)

There are many more examples over on the Wikitionary Talk:Allopathic page. Cheers!

Bryan Hopping ^T 04:35, 27 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for you kind words. As far as being ganged up on . . . don't even get me started. Bryan Hopping ^T 04:53, 27 March 2008 (UTC)

Oscillococcinum

One source (Peter) says that the duck lungs and heart are used:

• British Homeopathy During Two Centuries, Peter Morrell, 2000

Another source (US News and world report) says the duck liver and heart are used:

• Flu Symptoms? Try Duck: Why sales of homeopathic products are soaring today, Dan McGraw, U.S. News & World Report, February 17, 1997.

So which is correct?

--Filll (talk) 17:35, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

That's an easy one...it is the liver and heart...and it's the 200C...and doesn't it make sense that homeopaths use avian sources to treat people infected with flu viruses? You'll one day realize how far ahead homeopaths often have been, even if some homeopaths have their head in the sand (as every profession does!). DanaUllman^Talk 00:43, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

Pellets

Some discussion of various pellet sizes [11].--Filll (talk) 17:48, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

It states:

Medicated Pellets are manufactured in various sizes e.g. #10 pellets (very small), #20 pellets (small), #35 pellets (regular) and #55 pellets (large). While the diameter of the medicated pellet differs from size to size

So what are those diameters? Weights? Volumes? What are they made of?--Filll (talk) 17:55, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

The actual numbers have a meaning, but I'm not certain of it right now. The #10 pellet is sucrose and is the size of a poppy seed. I'm fairly certain that the others are a mixture of lactose and sucrose, but I'm too busy now to do the homework for ya. Sorry. DanaUllman^Talk 00:46, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

LM dilutions

I have found many different methods for making LM dilutions. For example:

• [12]

1. 1 grain of 3c trituration is placed in 500 drops to make LM/0 (1 to 501 dilution ratio ??? sounds wrong).
2. One drop of LM/0 is added to 100 drops of diluent and succussed 100 times. This is then LM/1 potency (one drop to 100 drops is more like a 1 to 101 dilution ratio of course)

   Claims that this dilution factor is close to 6C, but is it?

3. Then this LM/1 is used to moisten 500 poppy seed size pellets
4. One pellet is then placed in 3.5 ounces, and succussed. Then 1-3 teaspoons of this material are then placed in a "dilution glass of water" (how big???).
5. 1-3 teaspoons given to patient as dose.

• [13]

Overview: No 10 globules are required for saturation of medicine in LM potency. 100 globules are equivalent to 1 grain (i.e. 65 mg). 500 globules to be soaked in one drop of previous potency. One such medicated globule is required for next degree of dynamization in LM scale.

Hence 1/500 th of a drop instead of one full drop is used in LM potency. The material part of the medicine is reduced by (1/500 x 1/100 = 1/50,000) 50,000 times for each degree of dynamization and at the same time the curative power of the medicine increases tremendously. (makes little sense of course).

1. start with trituration 1 drop or 1 grain (???) and 100 grains of sac lac, ground up for one hour is 1st trituration
2. 1 grain of first trituration + 100 grains of sac lac ground up for one hour is 2nd trituration
3. 1 grain of 2nd trituration + 100 grains of sac lac ground up for one hour is 3rd trituration
4. 1 grain of 3rd trituration + 500 drops of diluent (100 drops water, 400 drops alcohol)= mother solution (LM/0 ??)
5. 1 drop of mother solution + 100 drops alcohol + 100 succussions = LM/1
6. 1 pellet #10 is soaked with LM/1 + 1 drop water + 100 drops alcohol = LM/2
7. Claim that LM/2 is more potent than LM/1 by 50,000

   Gives examples of using LM/8

• [14]

Gives two different procedures:

LM (50 millesimal, Q) - the second potency scale developed by Hahnemann, introduced in the sixth edition of the Organon. Start with a 3c triturate of a remedy. One part is placed into 500 drops liquid (400 drops water, 100 drops alcohol). One drop is placed into 100 drops of alcohol. This is succussed by hand 100 times. One drop of this mixture is used to medicate 500 #10 pellets. This is the Q1 potency(sometimes written 0/1). The Q2 is made by taking 1 of these medicated pellets, putting it into 1 drop of water, and then mixing into 100 drops of alcohol. This mixture is succussed 100 times by hand.

Today, the HPUS standard differs from Hahnemann's. The following excerpt is taken from HPUS Abstracts - General Pharmacy:

LM (50 millesimal, Q) - the second potency scale developed by Hahnemann, introduced in the sixth edition of the Organon. Start with a 3c triturate of a remedy. One part is placed into 500 drops liquid (4 parts water, 1 part alcohol 95% v/v). One drop is placed into 2 ml alcohol 95% v/v. This is succussed by hand 100 times. One drop of this mixture is used to medicate 500 #10 pellets. This is the Q1 potency (sometimes written 0/1). The Q2 is made by taking 1 of these medicated pellet and placing it into 2 ml alcohol 95% v/v. This mixture is succussed 100 times by hand."

Main difference appears to be a confusion about what 95% v/v means.--Filll (talk) 20:32, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

• [15]

-states one grain is 0.062 grams.

-States most of their remedies are processed to LM/120

-very confusing part about 8 successive triturations that makes no sense

-refers to subtriturations which I do not know about

dissolve one grain of trituration (supposedly 3CH) in 500 drops of water/alcohol (400 drops water, 100 drops alcohol 94%)

Then mix one drop with 100 drops alcohol and succuss to get LM1

Put on 500 "granules"

Take one granule, dissolve in one drop of water and put in 100 drops of alcohol.

This is LM/2

etc

So, in light of this, do you have any idea or opinion on which is most common? Which might be a standard? Which might be closest to what Hahnemann suggested? Thanks.--Filll (talk) 12:46, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

Filll, I'm not a scholar on LMs, though David Little is (he's the 1st reference above). I do not see significant differences between any of the above methods. I'd file this one under no-big-deal. DanaUllman^Talk 21:17, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

More Ullmans

In the library today, I ran across more books on homeopathy by other Ullmans. Any relations? Or connection?--Filll (talk) 17:55, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

Judyth Reichenberg-Ullman, ND, MSW, and Robert Ullman, ND, have written numerous books on homeopathy, but we are not related at all (except being in the "homeopathic family"). It is just one of those coincidences. I'm glad that you have a fire under you that is investigating homeopathy. I hope that you get a chance to read my newest book, "The Homeopathic Revolution." This book required an inordinate amount of historical research. You, in particular, might be intrigued by my chapter on "Why Homeopathy is Hated and Villified." Have you read all or any part of this book yet? DanaUllman^Talk 21:13, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

No. I did see it on the library shelf however. I might take a peek at it next time I am there. I am trying to really get enough information together to write this subarticle I have been working on very slowly. It is quite painful to do, with the quality of the references, that is for sure. However, it shows how badly an article is needed to clean up some of this mess.--Filll (talk) 21:20, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

Every field has its differences of opinion, and every field has some people that spread misinformation. For the most certain info on the making of homeopathic medicines, consider going to: [www.hpus.com]. This is the best RS on the making of homeopathic medicines. This is the "Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the US's site". I don't know if they'll have LM info at this site, but you'll find other good and solid info there. DanaUllman^Talk 05:44, 31 March 2008 (UTC)

Possible interview?

Would you consider appearing on [16]? It is easiest with a headset, or you can use a microphone and speakers. It is also possible to do it with a telephone in the US and Canada. I have done it twice so far and it was sort of fun. --Filll (talk) 14:22, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

Filll, I'm honored. First, let me say that I'm quite impressed by your diligence. Whether we agree or disagree is not an issue. I appreciate it whenever anyone takes a subject seriously and tries hard to figure it out. I presently don't have Skype, but I guess I can get it. It's free, isn't it? How long of an interview will this be and who listens to it? Where is it available? DanaUllman^Talk 01:05, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

Well the interviews are typically 20 or 30 minutes long, but the discussion can be longer or shorter as needs be. Skype is free, and it works best if you have a headset, although you can use a microphone and speakers. Anyone who is on the internet can listen to them; they are available at that page linked above. You can listen to previous shows to see what you think. It does not have to be about homeopathy; it can be about anything you are interested in, as you can see from the list of past and future topics.--Filll (talk) 00:13, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

possible probation breach

You will want to read this comment of mine [17] and the answers to it. You should have warned the editors at Talk:Homeopathy that this study had already been shooted down at Talk:Arsenicum album. I'm not sure of the reach of the probation that you are subject to, as in wether it extends to all homeopathy articles or just Homeopathy, or if pushing studies on talk pages can be considered a breach. I'm also posting on Talk:Homeopathy/Article_probation/Incidents --Enric Naval (talk) 23:05, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

I beg you to stop editing any stuff related to those studies until an admin has weighted on the issue. I'm afraid that you are just going to get yourself blocked again for this, and it would be a pity. Please reconsider cooling a bit on this and avoiding controversial edits --Enric Naval (talk) 05:08, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

Thanx...and please explain why this was a controversial edit. Which other drugs do you insist that the funders of the research be listed, or do you only recommend that this standard be applied to homeopathic medicines. DanaUllman^Talk 05:33, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

It was controversial because the articles are on probation and you have been blocked or warned for, uh, *checks this talk page* edit warring, making changes with no consensus and a personal attack described as "obviously bad faith assumption", if I'm not mistaken, and also put into probation and assigned a tutor. And now an incident has been raised on an article that is on probation and you just kept editing stuff related to the studies pointed at on the incident and you even argue that the probation does not apply to your edits. Well, it does apply to all editors on homeopathy articles, and there is a clear warning at every talk page. Homeopathy even has an extra-big warning box with a list of relevant policies, on top of the probation notice. Arsenicum album and Water memory have it at the very top of the talk page. And on Talk:Homeopathy/Article_probation you are listed as aware of the probation, and you were already blocked 7 days because of that probation. I think that by now you should start understanding the importance of refraining from doing *any* article edit on a topic once problems are raised, to avoid making the incidents worse and more convoluted because of changes during the incident discussion. --Enric Naval (talk) 09:48, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

The citing founders thing is explained here [18]. --Enric Naval (talk) 09:48, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

Just to tell I opened another similar incident at Talk:Homeopathy/Article_probation/Incidents#gross_WP:COI_on_pushing_of_another_shooted_down_study --Enric Naval (talk) 14:53, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

Banned user

Be careful. There are sock puppets of banned users who may seek to involve you in their mischief. See [19] and [20]. Jehochman ^Talk 16:41, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

Wow...I didn't know that he was banned, though I am not surprised at all. He had the same POV pushing and the same tendency to follow me around as some other socks. There have now been many editors who have followed me around who have later been found to be socks. There are now some others who are doing likewise, and I can only wonder if these people are the same single person. DanaUllman^Talk 17:53, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

Re: warning

I can't answer right now your message, I g2g --Enric Naval (talk) 18:19, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

That's a tad too cryptic for me. Does "g2g" mean something?

got to go (I'll answer on a little while) --Enric Naval (talk) 21:57, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

here I already explained you who can edit the wikipedia. So stop implying that I am somehow not qualified to edit any article, wheter technically or emocionally, it goes against one of the 5 pillars of wikipedia, and is starting to border on a violation of WP:CIVIL so please stop doing it.

your edits after being adviced to take a holiday

Dana, I see you keep posting about the studies at Homeopathy. You were adviced by Jehochman to take a holiday on the homeopathy article and I also did advice you to do that. You should trust more the other editors there to decide what studies are RS for the article:

• this is picking on one of the sources provided by Scientizzle and dismissing the rest as not valid. This sort of behaviour is starting to piss other editors off and is starting to show on their comments. Please just accept that Scientizzle provided sources to back his statement.
• this one? wtf? how many times has WP:UNDUE been discussed on those talk pages?

Please start accepting that you might be wrong about the studies you bring for addition to the articles. While they might be valid on Berkeley and on conferences and congresses, that doesn't mean that they must be valid for sourcing articles on wikipedia. Please really take that holiday and think about the fact that you could be wrong on some points and pushing too hard against editors that disagree with you --Enric Naval (talk) 22:18, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

Thanx...but I think that Jehochman is concerned about me about he KNOWS that there have been MANY socks who were following me around and harrassing me and my work. He probably didn't know that I am fresh from a short holiday and am in good spirits. Thanx for your concern. And please read my response to Scientizzle. Because you seem new to the complexities and history of homeopathic research, I encourage you to avoid jumping to conclusions...and recognize the possibility that your POV may not be right. Even though your POV is in the majority, the majority of physicians/scientists are totally inadequately informed about homeopathy and what the evidence base for it is. The best scientists are humble. Eating humble pie is a good thing. DanaUllman^Talk 22:34, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

You are not even understanding why I'm asking you take a holiday..... Ah, whatever, do what you want --Enric Naval (talk) 23:00, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

I'm willing to wager we are MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more informed about the (lack of ) evidence for homeopathy. It would be nice if you would stop attacking every single person who does not agree you as some sort of a mental deficient simply because we do not blindly adhere to any beliefs about magic water/sugar cubes. Baegis (talk) 23:56, 4 April 2008 (UTC)

Dana needs to distinghish between bad faith socks and good faith editors trying to help him, that would be at least one step on the right direction --Enric Naval (talk) 00:05, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

At the article on homeopathy, I have begun to engage Scientizzle in a healthy dialogue. I hope that we too can do that. I am broadly familiar with broad body of basic science and clinical science literature in homeopathy, not just the "positive" trials but the "negative" ones...as well as the ones in-between. Enric, you only began editing in the homeopathy sector on wikipedia for 1-2 months now (unless you are another sock who just hasn't been caught yet...please know that I am NOT accusing you of this, and I AGF...but to me, it is curious that you only just began to edit here, and yet, you assume to have greater knowledge on this subject than other editors who have studies this subject for several decades). Can you say with any type of authority that you have a similar broad familiarity with this body of research? Baegis, are you also willing to make a similar assertion? I ask this because I cannot help but sense that you're familiar with a relatively small number of trials in homeopathy and have mostly read abstracts. That said, I would love it if my sense of things is wrong. DanaUllman^Talk 00:16, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

I have as much familiarity of the proof for magic water as you do. I remember reading the other day about the new miracle cure, derived from a homeopathic reme.....no, what, that didn't actually happen. Let's be honest, if this stuff "worked" to any degree beyond a placebo, it would literally shake the foundation of medicine. I think a better question is, does Dana understand the placebo effect? Or it's implications for homeopathy? Because that is an infinitely more important area, as opposed to some fringe publications in backwater journals with what could only be described as serious editorial confusion. If anyone needs to eat some humble pie, it is you Dana. Stop with your allusions to infallibility and your personal grandeur. You claim to be an expert in this field, but you have not made any significant contributions that have actually been retained in any articles. You could help out tremendously in this area but you have set your personal goal as to be some sort of prophet for homeopathy in order to get us heathens to change our ways. How has that worked out for you? Baegis (talk) 00:29, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

What Baegis said. Also, Dana appears to be confused by my statement at having more veterany than him on editing wikipedia, and the pillars comment.

Dana, again, anyone can edit the articles, there's no need to be an expert at homeopathy, and your being an expert on RL does not qualify you to dismiss other editor's contributions, understand? Read Wikipedia:Ownership_of_articles#Ownership_examples, you are doing some of the statements listed there. Check also Wikipedia:Editing_policy#Perfection_is_not_required to see how people can contribute in all of sort of small ways.

Also, this statement of yours "but to me, it is curious that you only just began to edit here, and yet, you assume to have greater knowledge on this subject than other editors who have studies this subject for several decades", is plain wrong, I never claimed such a thing. --Enric Naval (talk) 00:59, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

Please know that I am quite familiar with placebo research. I am particulary intrigued by the body of research that has evaluated concurrently treatment groups, placebo groups, and groups of patients who get neither treatment or placebo (I'm referring to the body of research evaluated by Kiene and Kiene...are you familiar with it?). The results support the ultimate skeptics point of view (you'd appreciate it...as do I). And my references to "humble pie" meant that this is something that we ALL should eat and appreciate. As I said, the best scientists are humble. And yes, I do think that conventional medicine (and all of us) will benefit from having its foundations shaken. DanaUllman^Talk 04:13, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

Dana, wikipedia is not for shaking any foundation, it only gathers proven information. If you using wikipedia to shake the foundations of anything, then you are using it wrong, as stated by WP:OR and WP:V policies. You first need to stablish research out of wikipedia before it gets cited here --Enric Naval (talk) 10:00, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

Now you are saying "Unless you can provide evidence for Linde's comments relating with Arsencium album and/or environmental toxicology, your additions will need to be changed or deleted." [21], yet you haven't still answered the evidence on the ‎ probation incidents page about all the objections to the studies you are pushing forward. Dana, you need to address the objections raised by other editors to your proposals and your wordings before engaging on restoring them on the articles. At this moment, I don't think that other editors will agree with those changes or deletions unless you really start addressing some of those issues. So, read Talk:Homeopathy/Article_probation/Incidents#Section_I_-_The_Cazin_study_and_Linde_metaanalysis and actually address some of the issues for a change, please.

I have already asked Shoemaker on his talk page to fill the edit summaries for other editors to see what the hell he's doing on his edits. I have looked at his edits and he doesn't seem to be engaging on any deception based on not filling the edit summary. He is just continuing to edit the same section as the last edit where he provided an edit summary, so it looks like he just didn't consider the summary necessary. --Enric Naval (talk) 00:37, 7 April 2008 (UTC)

when i started contributing to homeopathy

You said on one comment that you were curious about when I had started homeopathy articles. I don't remember exactly, but I think it was when I decided to check what Wikipedia had to say about homeopathy, and see if I could help with the article.

Checking my contributions, my first edit Homeopathy's page was this one [22], asking people, specially User:Randy Blackamoor, to not misuse the talk page, which, ironically enough , almost a month and a half later is exactly what I am saying that you are doing by pushing those studies. Note that you had also posted on that very same thread, so you were one of the posters that I was asking not to fill the talk page, altought at that moment I had no idea who you were, and I didn't distinguish you from the other editors on the page until much later.

Notice that I was inactive during a lot of time. --Enric Naval (talk) 21:10, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

Enric...I'm a bit confused by your statement above. The problem that Randy had with the Talk pages was not "using" the Talk but for being totally uncivil. Even many editors with the same POV as Randy's sought to encourage him to AGF and to be civil, but Randy didn't listen. I hope you do. As for "pushing studies," I will take that as a compliment but I do seek to provide references to studies that are RS and notable. Hopefully you too will push research rather than just your own strong POV, and I really hope that you can and will learn and AGF. DanaUllman^Talk 04:36, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

I meant that you both manage to fill the talk page with discussions that, once the dust has settled, dont't contribute much to improve the article. Of course, you are very right in that your actions have nothing to do with Randy's actions. Randy was uncivil on the extreme, and you aren't uncivil at all, well.... except for, well, doh, suggesting again that I am pushing a strong POV without giving any diff showing where I have done such a thing :P Could you provide some diff of when I pushed some point of view that wasn't NPOV? Maybe I did so at some place, after all --Enric Naval (talk) 09:54, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

please try to cool off

Dana, this removal of sourced text had nothing to do with the edit summary justifying it [23], and the editor justified his changes on the incident reporting page. Please, think again about following Jehochman's advice to take a holiday from editing homeopathy articles. I fear that you are taking this too personally, please try to take a rest before you enter an edit war over this and get yourself blocked. --Enric Naval (talk) 13:34, 7 April 2008 (UTC)

Sockpuppetry case

You have been accused of sockpuppetry. Please refer to Wikipedia:Suspected sock puppets/DanaUllman for evidence. Please make sure you make yourself familiar with notes for the suspect before editing the evidence page. Enric Naval (talk) 01:06, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

attacking the messenger

Answered here --Enric Naval (talk) 14:37, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

proposed BLP change

You will probably be interesed in Wikipedia:Village_pump_(policy)#Wikipedia:BLP_subject_response. Cheers. --Enric Naval (talk) 15:43, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

Please consider taking the AGF Challenge

I would like to invite you to consider taking part in the AGF Challenge which has been proposed for use in the RfA process [24] by User: Kim Bruning. You can answer in multiple choice format, or using essay answers, or anonymously. You can of course skip any parts of the Challenge you find objectionable or inadvisable.--Filll (talk) 14:16, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

Arbitration case

An arbitration case has been filed involving you: Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration#DanaUllman Appropriate links will also be given on the various pages that I am aware you edit, in order to give all a say. Shoemaker's Holiday (talk) 01:17, 17 April 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Homeopathy

An Arbitration case involving you has been opened, and is located here. Please add any evidence you may wish the Arbitrators to consider to the evidence sub-page, Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Homeopathy/Evidence. Please submit your evidence within one week, if possible. You may also contribute to the case on the workshop sub-page, Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Homeopathy/Workshop.

On behalf of the Arbitration Committee, Daniel (talk) 10:06, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Dana, I know the case has only been open for 2 days, but you might want to drop by and maybe give some evidence or workshop some solutions. Just so you know. Baegis (talk) 22:43, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

Dana, I make you aware that, on the arbitraton case, I criticize the same post as Scientizzle below, see [Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration/Homeopathy/Evidence#civilly_worded_strong_accusations_of_bad_faith_that_are_never_punished_.28Dana.29 here]. You might want to update your evidence to take this into account --Enric Naval (talk) 13:50, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

Not good.

Dana, your recent statement at Talk:Potassium dichromate is, in my opinion, highly inappropriate.

I have not yet offered an opinion at the ArbCom case because I am of mixed feelings (I'm also just not a fan of beurocratic tedium). First off, I don't necessarily think the encyclopedia is better off blocking an expert of your qualification from providing input. On the other hand, it appears your day job--promoting homeopathy--may be spilling over too much into Wikipedia.

Are you getting piled upon? Perhaps, and perhaps unduly so. But it's clear that your track record of repetitively hammering certain things for inclusion or removal (or a certain wording, etc.), in spite of clear consensus against, is damaging your ability to do anything actually useful. This leads progressively to stronger pushback, and degrades merit-based discussions as both sides snipe.

This recent offering absolutely won't help. Please reconsider your words, and your editing strategies. — Scientizzle 18:41, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for your comment here, Scientizzle. I have already responded to your thoughts here [25]. I am not clear why YOU took this personally. I certainly was NOT referring to you. When I made reference to "editors", I certainly wasn't referring to every editor on wikipedia or every editor who had commented in that Talk page (heck, there were several editors who wanted inclusion of this study). Because you are one of the few skeptics who wanted to include reference to the CHEST study, what feedback do you have for me on how I can convey the reasons why I think that its inclusion is appropriate? Also, I'm curious...did you contact OffTheFence or Shoemaker's Dream and give them feedback on what seems to be stonewalling, and if not, why not? Help teach me. DanaUllman^Talk 19:13, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Scientizzle, I have just re-read my statement at recent statement at Talk:Potassium dichromate, and I have no idea why you considered that statement "highly inappropriate" or why YOU took it personally. It was neither in my words or my intent to say or even suggest that ALL editors were showing bad faith. I assume that you mis-read something because I want to assume good faith with you. In any case, I still don't get how you refer to that posting as "highly inappropriate." If I missed something here, please explain. I'm open. Without an adequate explanation, I will assume that you're making a mountain out of a non-hill to try to embarrass me (but that's neither fair or accurate). DanaUllman^Talk 22:24, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

[I've been working on this reply for a few hours, on and off, while I tried to get some work done. In that time, I've received and read all of your messages, and I've been updating the whole thing as I go to respond to specific points.]

Dana, while I appreciate that your complaint may not have been directed at me, it still doesn't address the underlying issues:

• The implicit message of my response above (and at Talk:Potassium dichromate) is that the broad brush of "you and some other editors" is vague and reasonably interpreted to include those of varying positions and levels of activity. That I might be part of the "stonewalling" crowd seems a reasonable assumption based on my vocal disagreement that Frass et al. is worthy of encyclopedic discussion. In any case, my reaction (or who was targeted) isn't really the point...
• Most importantly, the claim that "good faith" necissitates that those you disagree with should "finally admit that this information is notable and worthy of reference in the article" is an outrageous misinterpretation of the policy. There have been many, many reasons proffered as to why Frass et al. should not be included, based on policy, and based on editorial discretion; the consensus is blindingly obvious. To make explicit that disagreeing with your claims is synonymous with acting in bad faith is, I reassert, highly inappropriate. And this isn't a mole hill or "non-hill", it's a fundamental concern that has been raised regarding your editing, and it's textbook tendentious editing.
• I do not view the relevant recent contributions of OffTheFence or Shoemaker's Dream there as stonewalling. I am now firmly of the opinion that continually beating the dead horse of this study on that talk page is more disruptive for a couple of reasons:
  • The study's inclusion has been rejected by a solid consensus on several grounds. Your seeming rejection of that reality puts you at odds with Wikipedia norms and results in circular arguments of enormous tedium, further degrading the discourse.
  • The interpersonal implications of these actions are reasonably suggestive that you are willing to discard this Wikipedia policy when it's not "going your way", which plays perfectly into the hands of those that wish to label you as a POV-pusher driven by a COI. It appears hypocritical to quote any of the policy pages to an "adversary" whilst seemingly ignoring one yourself.
• The amount of words used up on the discussion of this paper probably now far exceeds the actual paper itself. Your position regarding inclusion is very clear, and you needn't worry about further clarification. I've stated my positions on the paper in as clear a manner as possible, and I don't really feel that re-hashing that is necessary, nor a good use of anyone's time, particularly mine...it's all right there on the talk page.

— Scientizzle 00:17, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

Question

Did you get my mail? --Hans Adler (talk) 23:44, 24 April 2008 (UTC)

In the light of the thread below I want to make it clear that I contacted Dana by email and not the other way round. Dana never contacted me, he only replied to my email. I left the above message to certify that it was the owner of my account who asked him privately about a specific point on which I wanted clarity fast. (This point was unrelated to the arbitration, Dana made clear he didn't think it such a big deal, and now someone else has solved the problem without my assistance anyway.) --Hans Adler (talk) 10:41, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

Canvassing

Dana, this is canvassing. It is against WP policies to go soliciting for reinforcements for your viewpoint. Please reconsider your post. Baegis (talk) 07:36, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

Topic ban (Homeopathy)

You have persisted in disrupting homeopathy-related topics, including tendentious arguments, soapboxing, and accusations against other editors. For example, your behavior (both over the long-term and more recently) at Potassium dichromate (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views) is completely unacceptable. You are well aware of the community standards. You have been clearly informed what is not acceptable within this often-heated topic area. You are have been notified of Talk:Homeopathy/Article probation, and previously subject to its sanctions. Given your history, you are banned from all homeopathy related topics, broadly construed, for three months. I do not intend this ban to extend to arbitration pages. Vassyana (talk) 10:27, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

Please see Wikipedia's no personal attacks policy. Comment on content, not on contributors. Personal attacks damage the community and deter users. Note that continued personal attacks will lead to blocks for disruption. Please stay cool and keep this in mind while editing. Thank you.--Enric Naval (talk) 05:27, 28 April 2008 (UTC)

your comment "you may not be familiar with the gaming of the system that some editors are using to block and mute me."[26] is making an unwarranted assumption of bad faith on other editors. Please don't make broad brush vague descriptions of other editors having bad faith towards you. Use specific examples with diffs instead or point to a section of a page where the attacks are evident so that other editors can evaluate your claims and see if they are warranted or not. --Enric Naval (talk) 05:27, 28 April 2008 (UTC)

I've taken some time away and discussed the issue with a couple of sysops for a sanity check. I will not be repealing the topic ban. After review, it seems like a more severe sanction would actually be appropriate. Part of what is distressing to me is that you show no indication that you accept that your actions are in any way problematic. (That is not to say that you're the only one at fault, as the topic area is plagued with issues, but "he started it" or "she's breaking the rules" are not valid defenses.) I sincerely beseech you to reconsider the approach and path that you have taken. Please review the advice and warnings that you have received regarding your participation in this area of the wiki, especially from uninvolved parties. It has been made abundantly clear to you what is a problem and why. You are obviously more than intelligent and social enough to make the necessary adjustments in your approach. You are very knowledgeable and eloquent, having quite a bit you could contribute to Wikipedia. However, you need to make serious course corrections, as your current contributing pattern is much more disruptive than productive. Even within the article Homeopathy by itself, there are numerous areas that could use improvement, revision and expansion that are far less likely to encounter opposition and confrontations. I find it unfortunate that a knowledgeable contributor such as yourself has not found a way to participate in a constructive and cooperative fashion, and I sincerely hope that may change. Vassyana (talk) 12:09, 29 April 2008 (UTC)

In light of your topic ban, why don't you work on this article for a while? Tim Vickers (talk) 04:41, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

No, it doesn't extend that far. In theory you can still pester individual users as much as you want, or as far as their patience extends. Good night. Tim Vickers (talk) 04:49, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

My talkpage

My talkpage is not the place for you and other editors to debate what sources should go in the homeopathy article. Tim Vickers (talk) 03:28, 1 May 2008 (UTC)

bad faith assumptions

Wikipedia guidelines dictate that you assume good faith in dealing with other editors. Please participate in a respectful and civil way, and assume that they are here to improve Wikipedia. Thank you. --Enric Naval (talk) 15:06, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

Your comment "I certainly realize that there are a lot of editors who truly hate homeopathy, and therefore, don't like me"[27] is a broad-brush assumption of bad faith on several editors --Enric Naval (talk) 15:06, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

It's also probably false syllogism (i.e., "hatred" of homeopathy need not translate to "dislike" of any particular editor). That said, Enric, I would urge you to consider more hospitable ways of bringing up disagreements. Templated warnings aren't very warm or friendly; anyone placing one of those on my page is bound to get a negative reaction from me, regardless of how "right" they are. If you use your own words to express your concerns, it will come off as a much more sincere and thoughtful approach, in my opinion. I think people are more willing to respond to a personalized message, rather than a templated warning. Antelan^talk 16:02, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

I know about Wikipedia:Don't_template_the_regulars, but Dana has been already warned with regular messages at other pages, and his regular assumptions of bad faith have been analyzed on the arbitration case. This is just the case where you simply start serving templates until the editor either finally stops his misbehaviour or reaches uw-xxx5, in which case you just ask for him to get blocked for a short period of time since he hasn't stopped after harsh warnings. It's sad, but Dana is past the point where you expect that he will pay attention to anything less than a block by an admin --Enric Naval (talk) 16:28, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

(damn, I should have used {{uw-npa3}} instead of {{Agf3}}. Oh, well, next time) --Enric Naval (talk) 16:36, 2 May 2008 (UTC)

Lancet editorial 1994 and the BMJ editorial 2000

I am posting the entirety of the 1994 Lancet editorial that accompanied the third (of what later became 4 trials using homeopathic medicines in the treatment of respiratory allergies), and under this is the entirety of the 2000 BMJ editorial that accompanied the fourth trial. Despite the strong evidence from these high-impact journals and despite the editorial support that acknowledged these studies as having "exceptional rigour," the anti-homeopathy editors stonewall their inclusion on wikipedia. When will this stonewalling stop?

"If Petr Skrabanek were alive, we could expect to be chided for publishing this week’s paper by Reilly et al. The basis for scientific thinking he declared is rational scepticism: “Irrational skepticism is characterized by an inability to accept the category of the absurd.” And what could be more absurd than the notion that a substance is therapeutically active in dilutions so great that the patient is unlikely to receive a single molecule of it? Reilly and his homeopathic co-workers gave such substances to patients with allergic asthma and detected activity—even though hardly the degree of activity that would impress a respiratory allopathist. They invite us to choose between two interpretations this activity: either there is something amiss with the clinical trial as conventionally conducted (theirs was done with exceptional rigour); or the effects of homeopathic immunotherapy differ from those of placebo. Yes, the dilution principle of homeopathy is absurd; so the reason for any therapeutic effect presumably lies elsewhere. But no, carefully done work of this sort should not be denied the attention of Lancet readers. How will they respond to Reilly’s challenge? And will Reilly now treat us to a comparison of high dilutions and low?"

Please note that this editorial highlights the "exceptional rigour" to these trials, and it insists that "work of this sort should not be denied the attention of Lancet readers."

When the Taylor and Reilly team published their fourth (!) trial (this one in the BMJ),[MA Taylor, D Reilly, RH Llewellyn-Jones, et al., Randomised Controlled Trial of Homoeopathy versus Placebo in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis with Overview of Four Trial Series, BMJ (August 19, 2000)321:471-476] the editorial that accompanied it asserted:

"Homoeopathic dilutions may be better than placebo. Many people consider that any benefits of homoeopathy must be due to the placebo effect because the medication is diluted beyond Avogadro's number. Taylor et al (p 471) tested this placebo hypothesis in a randomised controlled trial in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Patients in both groups reported similar subjective improvement, but those in the homoeopathic group had significantly greater improvements in objective measurements of nasal airflow than did the placebo group. The authors believe that when these results are taken together with the findings of three similar previous trials, it may be time to confront the conclusion that homoeopathy and placebo differ. This may be more plausible than the conclusion that their trials have produced serial false positive results." BMJ 2000;321;0. doi:10.1136/bmj.321.7259.0/b DanaUllman^Talk 15:45, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

The BMJ editorial is from 2000 (not 2004 as stated in the first sentence of this section)[error to which this referred has been corrected], so does not consider, for example, this[28] later and larger study which failed to confirm the earlier findings. The first sentence as quoted here is not part of the actual editorial, but its title, or headline. The body of the editorial is clearly reporting Reilly and his team's belief that "it may be time to confront the conclusion that homoeopathy and placebo differ", rather than the editorial opinion of the Journal. Brunton (talk) 16:42, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

Thanx, the 2004 date was a simple typo, and I have now fixed it. As for the BMJ editorial, the LAST sentence in the editorial is NOT the words of Reilly. How or why you would or could say otherwise is evidence of more stonewalling. As for that larger study, Reilly has commented on this trial as NOT being a replication trial due to many differences in the design, its inadequate repetition of the remedy--just 3 doses--over 3 months (this problem alone is a deal-breaker). This trial was not a replication at all, nor was it an adequate test of homeopathy. Also, IF you actually read the study, you would also know that the researchers found that the responses that the homeopathic patients experienced a different ebb and flow of their symptoms from that of the placebo group, suggesting that some type of response was occurring, though the inadequate number of doses of the medicine didn't allow a more full therapeutic response. I know that you knew about these serious problems with this study in previous discussions that we have had, and I am surprised that you brought it up again. In any case, the number of patients in the four Reilly trials exceeded those of the 2004 trial. DanaUllman^Talk 18:42, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

On the other hand, that last sentence is hardly a ringing endorsement of homoeopathy. And if the journal is capable of publishing what you regard as a clearly inadequate trial of homoeopathy, then perhaps its editorial is not the best place to look for reliable opinion about homoeopathy. In any case, neither editorial gives quite the sort of support that you are claiming, unless read through somewhat rose-tinted spectacles (I'm not saying this is intentional, there's probably a bit of confirmation bias here - perhaps even on both sides).

Have there been any independent replications of Reilly's results in the 8 years since his BMJ paper? Brunton (talk) 21:27, 7 May 2008 (UTC)

It is certainly notable enough when there are 4 randomized double-blind placebo controlled trials (2 of which were published in the Lancet and 1 in the BMJ) and where there are supportive editorials in both publications. Thank you for confirming how you stonewall RS, V, notable research with high-impact secondary sources. DanaUllman^Talk 02:45, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

My point is that all four studies were produced by the same team - independent replication is important in an area like this (and a replication of the results does not necessarily have to result from use of exactly the same method), and that the editorials don't give the kind of support you imagine they do. What we have is a series of studies by a single team in a controversial area.

Can you answer my question about independent replication, or are you just going to make accusations of stonewalling? Brunton (talk) 07:05, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

First, can you point me to the wikipedia policy that requires something more than 4 trials plus editorial support? But because you've opened the door to "replications" that are not "exactly the same method," my answer is YES: (1) Kim LS, Riedlinger JE, Baldwin CM, Hilli L, Khalsa SV, Messer SA, Waters RF. Treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis using homeopathic preparation of common allergens in the southwest region of the US: a randomized, controlled clinical trial. Ann Pharmacother. 2005 Apr;39(4):617-24. (2) Launsø L, Kimby CK, Henningsen I, Fønnebø V. An exploratory retrospective study of people suffering from hypersensitivity illness who attend medical or classical homeopathic treatment. Homeopathy (2006) 95, 73-80. (3) Wiesenauer, M, and Gaus, W, "Double-blind Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of the

Homeopathic Preparation of Galphimia Potentisation D6, Galphimia Dilution 10-6, and Placebo on Pollinosis," Arzneim.-Forsch/Drug Research, 35(II), 11(1985):1745-7 (this trial was the 7th trial by this group of researchers). Thanx for asking. DanaUllman^Talk 13:22, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

The first one is another small study reporting "preliminary findings indicat[ing] potential benefits", the second was unblinded and "based on the patients’ retrospective, self-reported effectiveness of the treatments" and while I haven't tracked down the third it doesn't really count as a replication of Reilly's work as it was published in 1985. Brunton (talk) 15:23, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

Thanx Brunton...but can you point me to a wiki-policy that states that 3 high-quality trials in high impact journals, along with accompanied editorial support is inadequate for reference on wikipedia? This is what I mean by stonewalling. We all want more research, but according to the Lancet, this research is worthy of Lancet readers, and according to the BMJ, efficacy from homeopathic medicines is a more likely explanation than 4 false-positive trials. DanaUllman^Talk 19:26, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

The Lancet and BMJ publish large numbers of papers that they presumably consider "worthy" of their readers. These trials are a series of comparatively small studies for which their authors have claimed results that would significantly alter mainstream assumptions (see WP:REDFLAG) - to quote David Reilly "either homeopathy works or controlled trials don't"[29]; however, the only attempt at independent replication (i.e. that references the Reilly studies and tries to repeat their findings) of which I am aware at the moment failed to show the same results according to its conclusions (to suggest that it showed otherwise is surely OR). While this study was criticised, it was also defended by its authors.

And, once more, the editorials do not say quite what you think they do. There has been recent discussion of the Lancet editorial elsewhere[30] (shortly before you posted it here, in fact). The BMJ editorial doesn't say, as you've just claimed, "according to the BMJ, efficacy from homeopathic medicines is a more likely explanation than 4 false-positive trials"; it says (my emphasis): "The authors believe that when these results are taken together with the findings of three similar previous trials, it may be time to confront the conclusion that homoeopathy and placebo differ. This may be more plausible than the conclusion that their trials have produced serial false positive results." There is an important difference between "is" and "may be", for a start. Brunton (talk) 23:06, 8 May 2008 (UTC)

Slow down Brunton, you are mis-reading what I wrote. Although I used the word "is", I also used the words "is a more likely explanation." By using the words "more likely", I am not making this statement into a hardened stance, and thus I presented it correctly/accurately. And the BMJ editorial said these words, while you previously asserted that only the authors suggested that the medicines had an effect, when in fact, the editorial suggested that it did too. Your strong POV is leading you to mis-read and mis-interpret facts. As for the Lewith "replication," please note what it was on the top of page 5: "What is already known on this topic: Homeopathic remedies probably have an effect that is greater than placebo." It should be noted that only ONE of the four trials that Reilly conducted used homeopathic doses of house dust mite as the primarily method of treatment. This means that the other 3 trials stand as valid. DanaUllman^Talk 00:53, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Lewith's before the fact assumptions don't alter the fact that his trial failed to reproduce Reilly's findings. It appears from what you say here that there hasn't been any attempt at replicating Reilly's potentially earth-shaking findings from the other three trials (if they were measuring different things, doesn't that have some effect on the meta-analysis?).

The BMJ editorial said "may be more plausible", not "is more plausible" ("more plausible" meaning near enough "a more likely explanation"). But whichever way you read it, this is at best very weak support for homoeopathy, and I'm almost surprised that you are attaching such significance to it. But then in the past you've even claimed this letter as evidence of support for homoeopathy.

By the way, I'm not sure that it is possible to stonewall on a user talk page. It's not as if you need to achieve consensus for what you put on your user page, is it? Brunton (talk) 15:27, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Brunton, the fact that the Lancet AND the BMJ have published Reilly's research shows its notability. The fact that they both provided editorial comment on it provides stronger notability. Whether there is or isn't additional replication doesn't diminish its notability. Editors should mention this work, as well as Lewith's effort to replicate it (along with some critique of this "replication") As for that Darwin letter, I quote that entire letter that Darwin wrote in my book, The H.omeopathic Revolution, and acknowledged Darwin's skepticism...but I also note that he acknowledged that, despite his skepticism, Gully's treating were curing people (as Darwin noted that this girl did recover...and Darwin himself never again experienced those fainting spells, spots before his eyes, heart palpitations and select other symptoms which he had had for 2-12 years. His nausea was only temporarily paliated, but previously Darwin wrote that he was dying (and that was 10 years BEFORE he wrote his seminal work). If your goal was really NPOV, you would bring the Reilly's research to the article, but you're not: you have not yet brought any study to the article that had a positive result, though I really look forward to the day that you prove me wrong (I really do). DanaUllman^Talk 19:53, 9 May 2008 (UTC)

Topic ban

You are under a topic ban, broadly construed. Cease using your page to advocate and circumvent the ban. Such will not be tolerated, and neither will meatpuppetry. If it is necessary, you will be blocked and your talk page fully protected. Vassyana (talk) 19:50, 10 May 2008 (UTC)

Vassyana, I respect you and your history of participation on wikipedia. However, I am totally confused about your accusation of meatpuppetry. Please explain or please apologize. Please note that I have gotten mixed messages about what the meaning of my topic ban is. As you can see by this diff, Tim Vickers told me that it does not extend to user pages.[31] Please know that my comments on my own user page were made in the good faith assumption that it was allowed. Because of your status and history with wikipedia, I assume that your message is accurate (except for the meatpuppetry part), and I will honor it. However, if you consider Tim's advice to be more accurate, please let me know. I will post this at your user-page to make sure that you got this message. DanaUllman^Talk 00:14, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Dana, I suspect that the suggestion of meatpuppetry might come from the fact that you appear above to be encouraging me (or others) to make edits to the homeopathy page. Brunton (talk) 12:24, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Dana, this message from Vassyana to Tim Vickers may answer your question, in part. Antelan^talk 13:17, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Thanx Antelan! DanaUllman^Talk 13:35, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for understanding. There is normally quite a large degree of freedom in userspace. For users under a topic ban, userspace should not be used to circumvent the ban, but I do understand how there may have been a misunderstanding about the scope of the topic ban. I would sincerely recommend that you focus on some other topics areas to demonstrate to the community that you can work within the standards and rules of Wikipedia. When there is reason for editors to generally expect less-than-exemplar behavior, the best thing you can do is demonstrate clearly that you can be a productive editors. If you have any other questions, please feel free to drop a line on my talk page. Vassyana (talk) 04:05, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Hi Dana

Have read some of your books on Homeopathy and I truly appreciate the service you have done to the field of homeopathy.

Dilip rajeev (talk) 14:07, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Just wanted to ask if you happen to use Bach Remedies in your practice? In fact, I have a rather deep interest in both homeopathy and Bach Flower Therapy - I maintain a website on Bach Flower Therapy - http://bachtherapy.org .. just hoping you'll find it interesting.. :)

Thanks and Regards, Dilip rajeev (talk) 14:11, 12 May 2008 (UTC)

Invite to NTWW

I would once again express my intense interest in having you come to WP:NTWW to participate in one of the podcasts as our guest. You can see the previous episodes on the NTWW page and listen to them. You can participate by headset over your computer, or by telephone or by dialing in to a conference call number we set up. Please consider this. We would love to have you!--Filll (talk) 16:10, 17 May 2008 (UTC)

Thanx for the invitation

I got your invitation to participate in NTWW, and I just downloaded skype, though I still need to get a head-set. That said, I'm a bit confused about several things. I do not find a table of contents for each conversation. How does someone know the subject of a forum, either as they are happening or after the fact? How long are the conversations? Also, you may have noticed that I may soon be banned from wiki for a year. Does this ban mean that I cannot participate in NTWW? I'm still shocked that so many editors have worked, seemingly very effectively, to mute an expert on homeopathy. Your silence has been loud. What is your intentions with the NTWW? DanaUllman^Talk 15:16, 18 May 2008 (UTC)

Head-sets don't cost too much. If we get you on Skype, we can discuss these things and I in fact intend to do so. You can't see the list of topics for each completed podcast? It is right on the podcast page. When you are invited in for a special forum (as in your your case), we will announce the topic ahead of time so you know what we will be talking about. We are still debating what topic your special podcast would be devoted to. The recorded conversations are typically about an hour, as you can tell from listening to the previous 16 recorded podcasts listed on the WP:NTWW page. However, typically a guest will talk before and after the recording with others, and might talk for a few hours, depending on their time constraints. I hope you are not banned or blocked, and I have tried several times to try to make arrangements to avoid this, both on-wiki and behind the scenes. I do not know how aware you are of my attempts. I was not ignoring your situation by any means, however. In any case, if you look at the links on the NTWW page, you will see we can and do accommodate banned and blocked users. All banned and blocked users are welcome to participate in any NTWW program by text chat, and by voice if internet traffic conditions allow us to host a Skypecast (otherwise we have to have a Skype Conference Call, and banned and blocked users are welcome if invited by the host, which you would be as a potential invitee, even if you are banned or blocked eventually). What I would like to do is to open a dialogue with you about your experiences on Wikipedia and what sorts of articles on homeopathy or alternative medicine you feel should be on Wikipedia. We might have Peter morrell there at the same time, or in an adjoining segment. I have to discuss it with the other NTWW "regulars". It is not yet decided.--Filll (talk) 16:35, 18 May 2008 (UTC)

Blocked

You are blocked with no defined ending period, pending the resolution of your ArbCom case. You were placed under a topic ban and warned about circumventing it.[32][33] Despite your topic ban, you have still participated/advocated in homeopathy-related topics.[34] (Previous involvement: [35][36] )I have posted a note on the proposed decision page so that the clerks and arbitrators are aware of your block. Vassyana (talk) 09:37, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

In due repect, Vassyana. Tim Vickers told me that the block does not extend to user pages. Because he is an admin, I acted in good faith. See [37]. Please have the two of you provide clarity for me. DanaUllman^Talk 18:15, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

Another user posted my comment to Tim for you to see.[38] You thanked them for the link.[39] Tim did not dispute or disagree with my comments to him (see User_talk:TimVickers#Topic_bans). Clarification was provided to you after that point.[40] Vassyana (talk) 18:23, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

I am sorry to see this happen to you Dana, but these are the same games you played on the homeopathy pages that made so many lose patience with you. Misreading and misrepresenting things intentionally, over and over just gets old. And people get disheartened after a while.--Filll (talk | wpc) 18:26, 24 May 2008 (UTC)

This user's unblock request has been reviewed by an administrator, who declined the request. Other administrators may also review this block, but should not override the decision without good reason (see the blocking policy).

DanaUllman (block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser (log))

---

Request reason:

Admin Tim Vickers clearly told me that my topic ban did NOT extend to user pages. [41] I acted in good faith in following his advice. At this point, I am concerned that some admins are being gamed into blocking me during the Arb committee hearing, and I feel that this mistreatment is leading to a prejudical hearing. It was problematic enough that Vassyana previously chose to give me a 3-month topic ban due to my good faith efforts to include a potentially notable study conducted at the University of Vienna and published in the leading pulmonary journal in the world, while only giving a slap on the hand to another editor for being uncivil. I have maintained civility and referenced notable RS research, and yet, I have been punished for doing so. When will someone come to their senses and when will NPOV really be in evidence?

Decline reason:

I concur with the block here: the parameters of the topic ban were made very clear to you. I am not convinced that you are able to edit constructively at the time being, and unblocking you would not be productive. A second consideration can be made of this matter after the conclusion of the Arbitration case. Anthøny 19:17, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

---

If you want to make any further unblock requests, please read the guide to appealing blocks first, then use the {{unblock}} template again. If you make too many unconvincing or disruptive unblock requests, you may be prevented from editing this page until your block has expired. Do not remove this unblock review while you are blocked.

Please note that Tim endorsed the block, as you disregarded his advice as well.[42] Vassyana (talk) 20:27, 27 May 2008 (UTC)

Actually, Tim retracted his endorsement of a block because he noted that my edits were way before my block.[43] Please know that I was simply inquiring about PREVIOUS work that a group of us had done on a biography and was not recommending any edits, and if I was sneaky, I could have simply emailed Durova...but I thought that my actions were in good faith and were in the light of (right or wrong) advice that Tim Vickers gave me previously. DanaUllman^Talk 00:21, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Will you abstain entirely from all homeopathy related topics, broadly construed, including within user space and including any previous discussions? Vassyana (talk) 07:05, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

I will accept whatever punishment is deemed appropriate. However, because at least one admin (Tim Vickers) assumed that "topic bans" do not extend to user pages, can you show me where wikipedia policy defines topic bans as extending to user pages (or is it your intent to give me some different punishment than is usual?)? DanaUllman^Talk 13:10, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

The broad impression is that you have been disruptive on homeopathy related topics. You have actively used user space to advocate for, and participate in, that topic. The topic ban in rooted in the former, the breadth partially rooted in the latter. The absolute best thing you could do is to entirely walk away from that topic and show the community that you can be productive in other areas of the wiki. As it is, the arbs are moving towards a full ban. You need to demonstrate such a measure is not needed. Completely walk away from homeopathy as an editing topic. Show that you can be a productive and helpful editor outside of that area. The arbitrators may be swayed to reduce the full ban to a topic ban if you can do so. I will not personally unblock you unless you intend to do so. Vassyana (talk) 20:26, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Vassyana, by the time that you wrote your above post, I was banned for a year. I will use this year to reflect on how I can contribute fruitfully to wikipedia. Upon my return to wikipedia, I plan to be more knowledgeable of and sensitive to wikipedian policies, and most of all, I hope to work in a collaborative fashion to seek consensus. As for the recent past, I want to convey to you that my posts on user-pages were the result of advice by Tim Vickers (an admin) who told me (seeming incorrectly) that my topic ban did not extend to user pages (I've referenced this fact and the diffs several times previously). Because Tim Vickers is a skeptic of homeopathy and has made more contributions to the homeopathy article than anybody else, I felt that his advice to me was reliable. You have yet to acknowledge Tim’s advice to me as the source of my user-page edits, and even he has recommended that I get a warning from this, not an indefinite block. [44] I hope that you will consider lifting this indefinite block. DanaUllman^Talk 21:33, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

(notice that you are still not technically banned, since there are 14 active arbs, and it needs at least 8 votes to pass (50% + 1), and the case is still not closed --Enric Naval (talk) 23:59, 29 May 2008 (UTC))

Thanx for the clarification, though how come the Evidence page is gone (and has been for several days now)? DanaUllman^Talk 02:53, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

The edit summary for the deletion reads: "Personal information concerns. (ArbCom can still see the deleted content; please keep this deleted until they decide how to deal with the outing)" (you can see it if you follow the red link for the Evidence page). Brunton (talk) 08:15, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Correction to Enric Naval: There are 12 active arbs according to the decision page, hence 7 is a majority. However, Dana is not banned until the final decision is published --71.202.234.54 (talk) 07:04, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

To Vassyana and Anthony: Anthony states above that the terms of my topic ban were "made very clear" to me, but he didn't provide a diff on that...and even if there was one, what am I supposed to do when I get a completely different message from another admin (Tim Vickers)...who clearly told me that the topic ban does not extend to user-pages! THIS is crazy-making...and clearly unfair. And to make it worse, I cannot even write to Anthony's page. DanaUllman^Talk 03:02, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Doesn't the link you included in your unblock request show that you had read the clarification given to Tim about your block? [45] --71.202.234.54 (talk) 07:04, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Looking at this message from Tim to Vassyana, it appears that Tim has left the interpretation and extent of the block to Vassyana's discrection --Enric Naval (talk) 11:58, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

What part of Tim Vickers' "...you can still pester individual users as much as you want..." [46] applies to your TOPIC ban? None of the topic part. You can pester them on any other subject, but the topic ban still applies. Just avoid the topic of homeopathy, IOW, even if they question you on the subject, you must decline to discuss it at all. The whole idea of a topic ban must not be undermined. It is, among other things, designed to prevent advocacy, overt or subtle solicitation of meatpuppetry, discussions of the subject, etc.. No matter how diluted and succussed it gets, the subject must not be broached or touched in any manner. Is that plain enough? (Now if there is some link from Tim where he specifically permits you to discuss homeopathy on user talk pages, then I can understand your confusion, but I would think he would be wrong and I'd love to discuss that with him. I just haven't seen a diff of such a permission.) -- Fyslee / talk 14:01, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Sure, Enric, but the blocking admin is generally given the upper hand on such determinations. It is convenient that you chose to cherrypick that comment from Tim rather than his specific assertion that he felt that I deserved a warning, not a block [47] Enric, you seem to like to hit a man when he's down. I hope admins watch you more closely. DanaUllman^Talk 13:52, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

I saw that comment, but it happens to be done by Tim just a few minutes before he posts on Vassyana page to repeat the same point about warning instead of blocking, and then ending the comment with "Anyway, its up to you" [48]. Actually, if you look at the diff I provided, you will see that I chose it because that very same comment is visible there. I see that I neglected to say that the comment had to be considered on the context on the other posts visible on the diff, and on the context of the comments that had already been done on the thread, which should go without saying :P Also, I'm ignoring your comments about what I like, even if I should be complaining of it being a personal attack. --Enric Naval (talk) 22:31, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Also, I don't understand your comment about the upper hand, notice that the blocking admin is Vassyana, not Tim, check the block log --Enric Naval (talk) 22:33, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

My point was that Tim deferred to Vassyana because Vassyana was the blocker. DanaUllman^Talk 23:17, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

So.... this means that you should accept Vassyana's interpretation instead of going back all the time to Tim's interpretation, right? --Enric Naval (talk) 00:20, 31 May 2008 (UTC)

It seems that Fyslee placed his post above my more recent post, but to reply to him: please note that it was quite simple to mis-interpret Tim's reference to "pestering". I simply assumed that I could not contribute to articles or Talk pages of articles. DanaUllman^Talk 17:01, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Dana: while the phrase about "judging other wikipedians' actions" may make it appear that this is not relevant, I sincerely suggest that you take note of points two and three[49]. Brunton (talk) 21:35, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Yes, I understand this, but when an admin (Tim V) specifically tells me something that I assume to true, it is not wikilawyering to consider it valid and to reference it. I ask you to assume good faith (remember that one?...). Even his word "pestering" may seem to assume that homeopathy would be a subject I would discuss. Tim and I do not usually see eye-to-eye, but there seems to be some mutual respect. I just wish that mutual respect would be the order of the day here. Tim suggested that I be warned. DanaUllman^Talk 23:14, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Unblocked

Per our email discussion, in which some confusion was cleared up, I am unblocking you. You are still under the topic ban, and I appreciate your understanding agreement to adhere to it. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Vassyana (talk) 02:50, 11 June 2008 (UTC)

Final decision in Homeopathy arbitration case

This arbitration case has been closed and the final decision is available at the link above. Any uninvolved administrator may, on his or her own discretion, impose sanctions on any editor working in the area of conflict (defined as articles which relate to homeopathy, broadly interpreted) if, despite being warned, that editor repeatedly or seriously fails to adhere to the purpose of Wikipedia, any expected standards of behavior, or any normal editorial process. The sanctions imposed may include blocks of up to one year in length; bans from editing any page or set of pages within the area of conflict; bans on any editing related to the topic or its closely related topics; restrictions on reverts or other specified behaviors; or any other measures which the imposing administrator believes are reasonably necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the project. User DanaUllman (talk · contribs) has been banned from Wikipedia for a period of one year. On behalf of the Arbitration Committee, Nishkid64 _{(Make articles, not wikidrama)} 23:54, 30 June 2008 (UTC)

You are being discussed...

You're being discussed here. Thought you should know. Cheers, Skinwalker (talk) 22:56, 21 July 2009 (UTC)

In light of this discussion, and of past problems.. I think it's best that you stay entirely away from homeopathy-related articles and their associated talk pages. Will you agree to this voluntarily? Friday (talk) 15:03, 23 July 2009 (UTC)

Dana, your silence to the comment above made by Friday means that you don't agree, or that you didn't notice that comment? --Enric Naval (talk) 18:05, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

I would prefer if Dana was able to participate in the talk pages, but cautioned not to reference his own pages or work unless it is in a reliable source. I do not think a topic ban would be appropriate based on his brief participation in the recent past, nor should he be expected to voluntarily impose one on himself. I would encourage Dana to edit in other areas of Wikipedia which are unrelated to homeopathy. —Whig (talk) 19:24, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

I saw Friday's request...and you're right: I do respectfully disagree. I chose to not comment because I was reviewing the ANI, and it seems that there is inadequate support for a topic ban. Please evaluate my present and future work to determine if one is or isn't appropriate. DanaUllman^Talk 21:24, 25 July 2009 (UTC)

assuming good faith

Please remember to assume good faith when dealing with other editors, which you did not do on Talk:Homeopathy. Thank you.

this is not acceptable, and it looks a continuation of your behaviour before your ban in March and April 2008, for example about Baegis or about myself and Shoemaker or several editors in a talk page, or about Scientizzle, or about Brunton and then myself, and that in January 2008 one of your first contribs was a bad faith accusations[50].

I'm not going to reply to your comment in that talk page. This very same page still has visible four warnings about asssuming good faith here, here, here and here. The next time you imply that I or someone else are editing in bad faith without actual proof, I'll just report you to WP:WQA so outside editors can comment.

Aaaaand I remind you that Homeopathy is under probation and that, being fresh out of a ban, you should be in your best behaviour. And this is a good-faith advice, by the way, because your contributions occassionally result in improvements to the article, but this is offset by things like frequent bad faith assumptions about the interpretation of sources, so please drop those assumptions and stay with the useful edits. --Enric Naval (talk) 15:46, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Methinks, Enric, you doth protest too loudly. In complete and due respect, I wrote that I wish to assume good faith but was confused by your proposal. Instead of providing any clarity, you chose to attack the question. Methinks that you should answer the question, and I urge you to assume good faith on my part and to avoid providing warnings which you yourself have just ignored by not showing good faith. When you reply to my initial concern, please also cite your reason to either include or exclude the "news and notes" article on Oscillococcinum published in the Lancet. They assert that the result from this treatment is clinically relevant. DanaUllman^Talk 20:36, 27 July 2009 (UTC)

Dana, when you say that Enric is "not showing good faith" you are accusing him of bad faith. Please be careful. Best just not to mention good faith. WP:AAGF —Whig (talk) 05:28, 28 July 2009 (UTC)

Whig, you have misquoted me. I never said that! I simply said "I wish to assume good faith". Please do not put quotes on things that I did not say. As I noted above, I was simply confused by what Enric had written. DanaUllman^Talk 03:03, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

I most certainly did not misquote you. You stated just above, "I urge you to assume good faith on my part and to avoid providing warnings which you yourself have just ignored by not showing good faith." The last four words are what I excerpted last time. My advice remains: AAGF. —Whig (talk) 03:47, 29 July 2009 (UTC)

Current discussion and discretionary sanction

Your conduct has been raised for review here. Please take the time to respond and comment there. I strongly recommend, as I did previously, that you reconsider your approach and carriage. Your recent conduct is of the same variety that lead to previous sanctions being imposed, including the ban imposed by the Arbitration Committee. Yes, I know others may have engaged in some shenigans, but that is not a valid defense.

Additionally, I have imposed a two-week topic ban under the discretionary sanction enforcement imposed by ArbCom. This topic ban covers the homeopathy topic area across all namespaces, broadly construed, includer userspace and user talk pages. This should not be construed as denying you the right of response and participation in noticeboard threads regarding your conduct or contributions. It is a temporary measure while the situation is being discussed. I sincerely implore you to reconsider and reflect upon your conduct. You have shown no sign that you understand while previous sanctions were imposed and no indications that you will change your behavior accordingly. Thus, I regretfully impose this short-term topic ban until a more permanent solution can be achieved. Whether this lasting solution is a full community ban, some set of restrictions, or the continued freedom to edit unrestricted falls entirely upon you. --Vassyana (talk) 03:29, 3 August 2009 (UTC)

Dana, I urge you to proceed with caution. If it's true that you are a homeopath, you would easily be considered to have a conflict of interest. I have not reviewed the ArbComm case, but I am involved in a possibly similar case now with what is ultimately a confrontation of a similar -- or even identical -- group of editors. Arguing content on AN or AN/I is a Very Bad Idea, it will irritate uninvolved administrators, and I consider Vassyana uninvolved. (If I'm wrong, nevertheless you should realize that it looks like that to me, and if it looks like that to me, and you neglect his warning and administrative ban, you're dead meat as far as this wiki is concerned.) If you are COI, you should not edit the articles affected, period, in any controversial way, and your suggestions in Talk should not be argumentative, but informative. They will argue that informative posts are argumentative, so if you add argument to it, you will make their claims against you appear solid. Yes, it can be Unfair. So can life. Over twenty ears ago, I saw that in on-line disputes, those who complain strongly about unfairness are identified as crazy and extreme, even if, on investigation, their claims would be confirmed. Most people won't investigate and will only look at what is in front of them, and give them a long post like this one, they won't even read it. There are good reasons for this behavior, if you think about it. But it can certainly be frustrating!

A two-week strict topic ban should not cause significant damage. If you are going to challenge the status quo on Wikipedia, you must be patient. I've written a fair amount regarding administrative bans, and you should consider Vassyana as neutrally intervening to prevent disruption, his action has probably protected you from being blocked, if you observe the ban. You may email me if you need assistance, and I will consider if I can help (be patient, it sometimes takes me up to a few days to notice and respond to email). It is possible to negotiate with him; for example, I'd assume, he might be willing to consider lifting the ban as regards posting to the user Talk pages of consenting editors, but do not argue to the extent that you wear out his patience. I believe that he made the ban as extensive as he did for simplicity and to really put a stop to it the disruption. I'm under a page ban declared by a very involved administrator, and maintained by him in spite of long-term conflict between us, and still I'm "respecting" it, to avoid disruption. I'm not editing the article! Of course, I've taken the case to ArbComm, and that's disruptive, but the disruption isn't caused by me, it's caused by this faction piling in with laundry lists and kitchen sinks and strenuous opposition to simple proposals. What I took to ArbComm was initially a simple case. First rule for long-term work on the project: avoid disruption whenever possible. You may appeal any topic ban to ArbComm, but I recommend against it at this point, because it is only for two weeks. And use the time to consider how to proceed. There are ways.

I am "pushing" for an interpretation of guidelines that suggests that any fact found in RS belongs in the project, it is notable by virtue of the publication, even if, in the extreme, it were later found to be completely bogus. It would then still be notable bogosity, and Wikipedia should cover notable bogosity. This interpretation is necessary to prevent the common majority POV-pushing through exclusion of sourced fact based on undue weight. Jimbo Wales addressed the problem at least six years ago, through the creation of articles on narrower topics where the allegedly out-of-balance text would be included. Significant mention of flat-earth theories in Earth would be undue weight. Discussion of them is entirely appropriate in Flat Earth Society. The editors you are facing would almost certainly oppose this as setting up POV forks, which it should not be if properly done. Build what you can build without disruption, if it is unreasonably attacked, follow dispute resolution religiously. I believe it's possible for the encyclopedia to approach highly NPOV, which means that all reasonable editors who understand the foundation policies will join a consensus on it. Any text that would uniformly be seen as POV by homeopaths, as an example, is almost certainly POV, I rather doubt that all homeopaths are incapable of recognizing attributed opinions as verifiably true. You would, I presume, accept text that describes the state of acceptance or non-acceptance of homeopathy by "mainstream science," even if there exists some reliable source favoring homeopathy from a few studies. The problem of how to become accurate in balance is a difficult one, but I'm proposing in the RfAr a standard, that we measure NPOV by the degree of consensus obtained, and 100% consensus, even if not always attainable in practice, is always desirable and we should always maintain process to allow consensus to extend. This is, remarkably enough, but unsurprisingly, knowing this faction, being strongly opposed.

Good luck. --Abd (talk) 14:12, 3 August 2009 (UTC)

Thanx User:Abd, though I personally do not think that I argued "content" on the ANI page. I was accused of providing false information, and I showed that the "evidence" itself proved me right. What I am confused and surprised by is the fact that many people who have responded on the homeopathy Talk pages show clear and strong bias, and yet, people complain about my efforts to provide references to the Cochrane Reports, the Lancet, Pediatrics, Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, and others. I am wondering why you are not writing on the walls of the wiki editors who are showing bias and who complain about my contributions due to a content dispute. DanaUllman^Talk 14:37, 3 August 2009 (UTC)

Abd, Dana has not been restricted from participating in notice board conversations about this subject. I would suggest that your own history of conflict makes your advice somewhat less persuasive. My own suggestion is that Dana find some other parts of Wikipedia to help improve as it will do a great deal to help his own reputation, as being not a single purpose account with a conflict of interest. Otherwise, I think it will be more of an uphill climb to get the respect deserved. A two week topic ban is not appealable for all intents and purposes, but it won't hurt anything if you use the time to build credibility as a contributing member of the Wikipedia community. —Whig (talk) 20:35, 3 August 2009 (UTC)

(copied here from ANI)

Dana - What you are trying to do with Wikipedia is essentially to synthesize a secondary source here, from a number of primary sources. You have been constantly treading on the grey line dividing normal summarization and reporting and paraphrasing legitimate secondary and primary sources, and WP:SYNTH (and in the process, WP:BATTLE, and other related policies).

You are, for all intents and purposes, too close to the topic to be doing what you've been doing here.

If you go out and write overview secondary source / tertiary source articles in reliable publications, those can be cited in Wikipedia. Trying to write that material directly in here - what you've been striving to do (directly with pre-Arbcom-block, and indirectly with talk page discussion since) - is not acceptable behavior.

Fighting the secondary sources battle in Wikipedia is all about what WP:SYNTH and WP:BATTLE show is entirely what Wikipedia is not here for.

If you will not work to understand that, in good faith, then you need to leave the project. In this case, your being an expert (and as experts are, particularly opinionated) is leading to significant mis-use of the Wikipedia project. This type of debate is not what we're here for. Please accept that, or leave of your own accord. You will do your field much better work if you write these synthesizing opinions and reviews and overviews elsewhere and let others include those (presumably, as you're clearly an expert) reliable secondary sources here once you've published elsewere.

Thank you. Georgewilliamherbert (talk) 03:05, 7 August 2009 (UTC)

Topic ban

• Pursant to Wikipedia:Requests_for_arbitration/Homeopathy#Discretionary_sanctions and as a result of this community discussion, you are indefinitely prohibited from editing any page relating to Homeopathy, broadly construed. This restriction applies to both articles and talk pages. This ban has been logged here. Shell ^babelfish 19:53, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

In order to keep the extended discussion together, I've gone ahead and replied to you on my talk page. Shell ^babelfish 22:15, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

For Dana's reference, Shell also wrote in regards to this ban: "As for future removal, I would be happy to review the ban later if DanaUllman has shown an ability and interest in editing productively in other topic areas. Also, ArbCom is still a standard option for reviewing such sanctions." —Whig (talk) 22:20, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Thank you Whig, I had completely forgotten to mention that! Shell ^babelfish 22:24, 13 August 2009 (UTC)

Assume good faith

Dana, please remember to assume good faith of other editors. On Talk:Louis Pasteur and Talk:Child abuse you’ve complained about other editors “following you around”, “writing against whatever you write”, “making personal attacks” and “simply trying to disrupt discussion”. But you know the community at large has a problem with your attempts at using Wikipedia to promote homeopathy, and you know you’ve been sanctioned for this behaviour, so don’t pretend that this kind of scrutiny is unwarranted. — NRen2k5^(TALK), 01:48, 11 December 2009 (UTC)

Dana, if I see you make another edit like this one I will request enforcement of your topic ban. Your post to Talk:Child abuse manages to simultaneously violate your topic ban and the conflict of interest guideline. The article you suggest to include is a promotion of both homeopathy and the books you sell. Skinwalker (talk) 02:21, 11 December 2009 (UTC)

Indeed, assume good faith. I did not write on homeopathy on wikipedia, and although my article elsewhere made reference to it, I specifically stated that I had no intentions or desires of including any information on homeopathy or alternative medicine in the wiki article on child abuse. The fact of the matter is that [Skinwalker] and [NRen2K5] do not normally edit the article on child abuse and only seemed to get there because I wrote something there. THAT is following an editor around. I encourage you both to assume good faith. And for the record, I made no "edit." I made a comment on a Talk page. DanaUllman^Talk 01:34, 13 December 2009 (UTC)

For the record, I think an edit to a talk page can probably be legitimately described as an "edit". Brunton (talk) 10:49, 13 December 2009 (UTC)

Water fluoridation

Sorry for being blunt, but if you've decided to return to editing at Wikipedia, it would be best if you steered far from anything remotely similar to you past problems. I suggest avoiding anything related to health or medicine, especially where WP:ARB/PS might apply. --Ronz (talk) 17:49, 25 February 2014 (UTC)

Dear User:Ronz, please assume good faith (remember, this is an important principle here). I have committed no problems. I have referenced a high-impact journal in a TALK section. I have NO restrictions against editing in health or medicine topics, only homeopathy. I suggest that you provide advice with good faith and stop harassing editors without clear evidence of a problem. DanaUllman^Talk 16:57, 26 February 2014 (UTC)

Sorry that I've upset you. I'm trying to help prevent you from further blocks and bans.

I'm afraid I cannot see any way that my comments could be interpreted as not assuming good faith, let alone harassment.

"I have committed no problems." We disagree. Do you think it a good idea to just dismiss the concerns given your history?

"I have referenced a high-impact journal in a TALK section." Specifically a journal article that isn't relevant to the topic of water fluoridation, which you defend by your personal opinions about health-related matters. Personal opinions are no substitute for the required MEDRS sources. If you don't see this as a problem, you need to stay far away from these articles. --Ronz (talk) 17:37, 26 February 2014 (UTC)

The study I referenced provided strong evidence for cognitive impairment from fluoride. If fluoridated water provides exposure to increased doses of fluoride to human populations, which it does, this issue IS of importance, though I have and will continue to make proposals to improve the quality of information in various Wiki articles. I presented scientific evidence on this issue and did not edit the article itself. All of this is completely reasonable. And yes, I do consider it harassment if you are trying to prevent a problem that does not yet exist. The fact that your note above uses the term "WE", it seems that you are inappropriately assuming a group agreement for which there is no evidence that such exists. As for "personal opinions," I now ask you to show me where I presented these opinions in an unwarranted fashion. DanaUllman^Talk 01:15, 27 February 2014 (UTC)

You're ignoring MEDRS. --Ronz (talk) 01:30, 27 February 2014 (UTC)

Hi guys, just throwing out a third-party opinion here. I would caution DanaUllman to be careful of original research - and this includes making your own novel synthesis. I would also say, given previous history, any pushing of fringe views might easily be seen as resuming the same bad behavior that lead to problems in the past. Friday (talk) 03:55, 27 February 2014 (UTC)

Hey Friday, please teach me: how or why is research conducted by a leading professor at Harvard that was published in a high impact journal deemed to be "fringe" and by whom? DanaUllman^Talk 01:09, 28 February 2014 (UTC)

It's not. It looks to be a useable source, in the right context. Let's just make sure we do not use it to push a fringe view about water fluoridation. Friday (talk) 01:20, 28 February 2014 (UTC)

Darn tooting it is not fringe! How can this article actually say, "No clear evidence of other adverse effects exists, though almost all research thereof has been of poor quality." The logic of the present wiki article is that arsenic may be a poison, but unless there is evidence that arsenic is a poison in WATER, it should not be mentioned as a poison...and further, we must assert in the article that the evidence that arsenic is a poison in water is of a poor quality. I will be curious how you think the article should be changed based on this new reputable work? DanaUllman^Talk 02:11, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

"The logic of the present wiki..." No it is not. If you don't understand this, leave it to those that do. --Ronz (talk) 03:06, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

Ronz, your condescending attitude smells and speaks volumes about you. Please take it away from my page and show respect and good faith. DanaUllman^Talk 18:41, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

Sorry to have offended you. --Ronz (talk) 16:27, 2 March 2014 (UTC)

Your name

Hi Dana. I want to ask you - is this comment a pejorative involving your name I just realized they might mean you - or it is my inability to get the benign joke ? Flogging a dead horse George. Is your real name Dullman? -Roxy the dog (resonate) 19:25, 10 March 2014 Are you still banned from homeopathy? I think you might be and cannot find the reasons in the board. Anyhow. Thanks. (UTC --George1935 (talk) 16:39, 28 March 2014 (UTC)

Please excuse my tardiness. I do not do much with Wikipedia these days. It seems that certain Wikipedia editors work VERY hard to ban any person who attempts to provide objectivity to specific articles here...and we all know which ones in particular. These editors gang up and bully those people who try to a create a real online encyclopedia, rather than an editorial rant. My biggest mistake was deciding to edit under my REAL name. Certain editors claimed because I wrote books on a specific topic that I therefore had a "conflict of interest." It is amazing to note that MDs who write books or who practice conventional medicine are not determined to have a "conflict of interest," and certainly NO pharmacists are banned from writing about drugs, despite the fact that they sell the drugs. The double-standard at Wikipedia does not pass the smell test. If you contact me privately, we can discuss this more...but be very careful out there. The Wiki editors ARE out to get you, especially because you are citing research. And yes, I do consider referring to me OR to you as "Dullman" is pejorative. It is totally inappropriate. DanaUllman^Talk 16:18, 6 May 2014 (UTC)

Invitation

ArbCom elections are now open!

Hi,
You appear to be eligible to vote in the current Arbitration Committee election. The Arbitration Committee is the panel of editors responsible for conducting the Wikipedia arbitration process. It has the authority to enact binding solutions for disputes between editors, primarily related to serious behavioural issues that the community has been unable to resolve. This includes the ability to impose site bans, topic bans, editing restrictions, and other measures needed to maintain our editing environment. The arbitration policy describes the Committee's roles and responsibilities in greater detail. If you wish to participate, you are welcome to review the candidates' statements and submit your choices on the voting page. For the Election committee, MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 13:53, 23 November 2015 (UTC)

ArbCom Elections 2016: Voting now open!

Hello, DanaUllman. Voting in the 2016 Arbitration Committee elections is open from Monday, 00:00, 21 November through Sunday, 23:59, 4 December to all unblocked users who have registered an account before Wednesday, 00:00, 28 October 2016 and have made at least 150 mainspace edits before Sunday, 00:00, 1 November 2016.

The Arbitration Committee is the panel of editors responsible for conducting the Wikipedia arbitration process. It has the authority to impose binding solutions to disputes between editors, primarily for serious conduct disputes the community has been unable to resolve. This includes the authority to impose site bans, topic bans, editing restrictions, and other measures needed to maintain our editing environment. The arbitration policy describes the Committee's roles and responsibilities in greater detail.

If you wish to participate in the 2016 election, please review the candidates' statements and submit your choices on the voting page. MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:08, 21 November 2016 (UTC)

March 2018

To enforce an arbitration decision and for violating your topic ban on the page Homeopathy, you have been blocked from editing for a period of 2 weeks. You are welcome to edit once the block expires; however, please note that the repetition of similar behavior may result in a longer block or other sanctions.

If you believe this block is unjustified, please read the guide to appealing blocks (specifically this section) before appealing. Place the following on your talk page: {{unblock|reason=Please copy my appeal to the [[WP:AE|arbitration enforcement noticeboard]] or [[WP:AN|administrators' noticeboard]]. Your reason here OR place the reason below this template. ~~~~}}. If you intend to appeal on the arbitration enforcement noticeboard I suggest you use the arbitration enforcement appeals template on your talk page so it can be copied over easily. You may also appeal directly to me (by email), before or instead of appealing on your talk page. GoldenRing (talk) 23:00, 24 March 2018 (UTC)

---

Reminder to administrators: In May 2014, ArbCom adopted the following procedure instructing administrators regarding Arbitration Enforcement blocks: "No administrator may modify a sanction placed by another administrator without: (1) the explicit prior affirmative consent of the enforcing administrator; or (2) prior affirmative agreement for the modification at (a) AE or (b) AN or (c) ARCA (see "Important notes" [in the procedure]). Administrators modifying sanctions out of process may at the discretion of the committee be desysopped."

April 2018

Please stop your disruptive editing. If you continue to use talk pages for inappropriate discussion, as you did at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Dana Ullman (2nd nomination), you may be blocked from editing. Nat Gertler (talk) 02:07, 26 April 2018 (UTC)

Arbitration enforcement

I have filed an arbitration enforcement request here: Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Enforcement § DanaUllman Guy (Help!) 20:49, 8 May 2018 (UTC)

• Moved to WP:ANI as this is a community sanction replacing and extending the original arbitration sanction. Guy (Help!) 07:52, 9 May 2018 (UTC)

Banned

I have closed the thread at ANI about you as having community consensus for a site ban, and have blocked your account and revoked your talk page access accordingly. If in the future you wish to appeal you ban, you may request that an administrator restore talk page access via WP:UTRS. While the discussion did not set a minimum appeal timetable, appeals before six months are typically not granted. TonyBallioni (talk) 14:22, 10 May 2018 (UTC)