User talk:Dennis Brown/Archive 26

DYK for RV/MH Hall of Fame

On 7 July 2013, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article RV/MH Hall of Fame, which you created or substantially expanded. The fact was ... that the RV/MH Hall of Fame houses the 1931 recreational vehicle (pictured) that Paramount used to bribe Mae West into making more movies? The nomination discussion and review may be seen at Template:Did you know nominations/RV/MH Hall of Fame. You are welcome to check how many hits the article got while on the front page (here's how, quick check) and it will be added to DYKSTATS if it got over 5,000. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.

The DYK project (nominate) 00:22, 7 July 2013 (UTC)

Hello!

I was wondering why you reverted my edit to Kertial's talk page. I know this user is blocked, but does that mean I'm not allowed to post on their talk page? ~ Anastasia (talk) 19:04, 7 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The user is a notorious sockpuppet who has been trolling the Teahouse for months. We don't say who they are via WP:DENY. It is complicated, but you can always email me if you have questions. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:18, 7 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

WT101

A number of admin have already reached a consensus on how to deal with this, and Worm is serving as point man. My talk page is not the venue to overturn this consensus. Very good advice was given, and should be carefully considered. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 14:20, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Hello Dennis, remember me asking you about mentoring me to help me be prepared to attempt a RfA in a few months? I'm aware of the WorldTraveller101 situation, and would like to adopt him and try and help him become a productive editor. I've read the discussion on the Worm That Turned's talk page and was wondering if adopting him with you shadowing me would be beneficial to both WT101 and myself in my RfA? He lives only a few hundred miles from me so our timezone is the same, and he has already emailed me about other article related questions so there is a little personal connection there/trust already built. If not, I'll stay back and let someone else do it, Anna Frodesiak comes to mind as an admin that might have some free time and certainly has ability to do so, if the timezone difference wouldn't hinder her much. Technical 13 (talk) 16:34, 8 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

As I've said there, I don't think a mentor is going to help, no matter who the mentor is. Time, on the other hand, may. As for RFA, email is probably a better venue to discuss that. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 17:19, 8 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

There have been further developments on Worm's talk page (we're all on very different time zones). If there is going to be a mentor, it preferably needs to be an admin, because if another block really is required, it can then be done without wasting the community's time with another rigmarole at ANI. Also, there is a faint chance that ~~WTT~~ WT might just take a tiny bit more notice of admins - nothing guaranteed though - rather than the constant stream of advice he's been getting by his equally young peers. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 03:18, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I think you mean WT101 rather than WTT there? Despite his much-heralded status as a callow youth, I don't think that WTT is necessarily in need of a great deal of advice from administrators. (On the issue in question, yes I think Anna's involvement would be valuable, if she's willing to help Technical 13 along with something like this.) --Demiurge1000 (talk) 04:46, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I think my error was a blatantly obvious typo. I know Worm (almost) personally - he's not as young as ~~you~~ you might think. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 07:20, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I think Demiurge is taking the mick out of the folks at Wikipediocracy, where they've commented that I'm in my early 20s, adolescent and a "young man or boy". I quite enjoy being a young 'un, just wish it was true. Worm^TT(talk) 07:30, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

It's the ease with which you're controlled by my Machiavellian manipulation that has 'em more worried. The idea gives me an aura of elder-statesman gravitas that I've really never detected in my own comments on Wikipedia. (I don't do gravitas, did you notice?) Kind of like Nicholas Bridgestock if he weren't fictional. Aha, now there's an idea for a username change... --Demiurge1000 (talk) 23:31, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Poor GorillaWarfare. She probably thinks we are trying to convert her talk page into a makeshift Island of Misfit Toys. In this case however, WT isn't a "misfit", he is just typical for his age. I had a longer reply prepared, but decided against that level of detail. Suffice it to say, it is in both Wikipedia's and his own best interest if he remains blocked. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:05, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I am a 34 yr old male and WT101 seems to be looking up to me as a role model. I've chatted with him since I started this thread via email and IRC and suggested that for the time being the assumption of good faith is fading towards him and that for the time being he needs to stay away from enwp entirely. I've also suggested to him that he make an attempt to show/prove he has good intentions and good faith and make himself useful with trivial stuff on some of the other projects. I've told him to keep his edits as simple and uncontroversial as he can doing things like fixing spelling and correcting punctuation on mediawikiwiki or meta or commons or some place of that nature. I do believe that a strong mentor who is twice WT101's age (or more) from the same region as him as to make it easy to relate with will do him a world of good. So, I've decided to help him learn how to be mature and competent on WMF projects. For now, as I said I have suggested to WT101 that he stay away from enwiki and especially Bwilkins, Kudpung, and JamesBWatson ~~(who WT101 thinks have ganged up in an evil plot against him)~~^{[ 1 (email) ]} and we will just have to wait and see if he does that. I have my fingers crossed. If all goes well on the path I've started him on, I wouldn't mind if any of our fine administrators shadowed my mentoring of WT101 on enwiki when an unblock is deemed appropriate. As a side note, Kudpung I got your email with those links and I will most certainly be reading up on that and checking it out, thank you. Technical 13 (talk) 00:55, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- I strongly recommend you abandon this idea. At least seven different admin with diverse backgrounds, ages, experiences and "admin'ing philosophies" agree that the 90 day block is appropriate and he should avoid Wikipedia for at least the summer. This situation has been considered and discussed more than any other block in recent memory. I don't mean to be presumptuous and speak for "the group", but Worm has already volunteered to work with him via email at the right time, and I'm confident that the involved admins find this acceptable. He has a track record of success in situations like this and has earned this trust. We have a consensus, and it is highly unlikely that this consensus would be overturned at WP:AN. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:48, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I don't think "ganged up in an evil plot" is a fair assumption. Having said that, the continued tag-team baiting on WT101's talk page, after Worm had already asked several people to take a back seat, was certainly not anyone's finest hour. --Demiurge1000 (talk) 01:53, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not asking for a change of consensus from any of the admins involved despite the fact that I personally think the three months is a little long. I've also advised WT101 to stay away from enwp for now, and work on "other" projects to demonstrate competence and good faith. Demiurge1000, I'm not saying there is any evil plan in the works, but my discussions with WT101 have led me to believe that he thinks there is which is one more thing I intend to slowly bring him to a realization that no such thing is happening. Dennis, are you saying you think it isn't wise for me to point him to the proper policies and enlighten him on what he as done wrong and help him learn how to keep calm? I've no intent of bringing this to AN(/I) to try and get his block lifted early at this point, but I will admit that if he can stay away for 5-8 weeks, read all of the material I set in front of him to help him learn, and makes an attempt to show good faith if nothing else than to wikignome and fix spelling at punctuation on other projects, I would likely suggest him to post an unblock request on his talk page and ping all of the involved admins (Worm, Bwilkins, James, Gorilla, Kudpung, Dennis, as well as demiurge) so that it could be discussed. Do any of you think that would be unreasonable? Technical 13 (talk) 02:32, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Clarification: I'll just point out for clarity that my email to Technical 13 had nothing in the remotest to do with either this case or any other matters, material, or content pertaining to user behaviour or discipline. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 01:59, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Confirmed the email was unrelated, just some links to some material Kudpung thought I might find beneficial for something else. Technical 13 (talk) 02:32, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Not unreasonable in principle, Technical, but I really don't think your going to get 6 admins to change their opinion at this stage. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 04:58, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Agree that it's not unreasonable in principle, however, as long as WT101 see this as "3 admins ganging up on him" instead of taking 110% responsibility for his own actions, and recognizing that the admins in question have worked their asses off to try and help him but he has forced their hand, there will be no opportunity for WT101 to rejoin this project - even when the 3 months wears off. (✉→BWilkins←✎) 10:39, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Technical, I don't think you aren't the right person for the job here. I also think that his youth is at the core of the problem and only time will fix it. I've already been very clear about this. I don't think that filling up his email with Wikipedia related stuff is the answer, I think him staying away from Wikipedia related stuff for a while is. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:07, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

So, it seems he is already maturing and advancing from my actions and all of our inputs... Technical 13 (talk) 12:31, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hmm. Many thoughts occurred to mind as I read the above discussion, but I will restrict myself to mentioning just one of them. Unfortunately, I think that the suggestion that "three months is a little long" shows a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. Dennis Brown wrote on User talk:WorldTraveller101 "It is that lack of clue and understanding that is at the core of the problem", and I fully agree. WorldTraveller101 seems to have every good intention, but time and time again he completely misses the point of what others have painstakingly tried to explain to him. A month, or a week, or a day, may often be enough time for an editor to rethink aspects of his/her editing that are within his/her ability to understand, and thus to choose to change, but it is not going to be enough for an editor to develop a whole new level of understanding of things which are currently beyond his ability to grasp. It may be that the problems are simply a matter of immaturity, and he will grow out of them within a year or two, but he is unlikely to significantly mature in a matter of a month or two, or even three. In fact, my opinion is that giving only a three month block may be very unhelpful to WorldTraveller101, because there is a real danger that he will come back in three months with exactly the same problems, be blocked again, fail to understand the reason for the block again, and become even more frustrated and resentful than he is now, whereas if he were given a long enough break to allow time for him to significantly mature, he might come back ready to embark on a trouble-free editing career. Alternatively, it is possible that the problems are not just a matter of immaturity, and no matter how long a break he takes, he will never come back ready to fit in, in which case only an indefinite block will do any good. Naturally, I hope that the former is the case, and naturally I am in favour of giving him every reasonable chance, so I am not going to suggest an indef block at this stage. However, I really really think that any idea of shortening the block is, as I said above, based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. Even a three month block risks, in my opinion, being at best ineffective and at worst counterproductive, for the reason I have described above. JamesBWatson (talk) 12:26, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

References

{{Cite email|comment= I saw the comments left by everyone on the talk pages, but first things first: T13, I do NOT think that it is an "evil plot" against me. Making comments like that when I'm trying to figure out a) how to move forward, including taking a little break from it, and b) when I'm trying to figure out to show that I accept responsibility (including a sincere apology note) does not help, nor is that actually true. I'm emailing this to Dennis and BWilkins because they saw the messages and I don't think I'm technically being "ganged up on". I'd like for T13 to strike those portions of the comments, as they are false and unhelpful. The other parts are helpful.

In short, I might occasionally see what's being talked about, but I don't intend to participate until the very end of the week at the earliest. I'm a little disappointed that I have to write this email. Anyway, thanks for the words of wisdom guys.
~WorldTraveller101 (talk · contribs · email)}}

Um, I call BS - you have privately called for my admin bit to be taken away due to false, unjustified, and wholly unfair claims of "harassment" by me. That kind of belief merely cements your belief that someone is "ganging up" on you. WT, you personally have brought the communuity to this point - your block is your fault. Blaming others for imaginary harassment shows you don't get it; period. (✉→BWilkins←✎) 14:08, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Technical, this supports what I am telling you, that you aren't the right person for the job here. I don't question your good intentions, but your efforts aren't helping. Please disengage. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:59, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I agree. I see no evidence that WorldTraveller101 has ever suggested there is such an "evil plot", in fact, on the contrary, he wrote "Bwilkins, Nick, PBASH607, ArcticKangaroo, and JamesBWatson all dropped the stick and let the past be the past". This is yet another example of how Technical 13, while having the best of intentions, misunderstands the situation, and is therefore not likely to be the best person to carry this forward. JamesBWatson (talk) 13:56, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Acknowledged Dennis and done. I need to take a wikibreak because my girlfriend has surgery and I need to focus on taking care of her and the baby, who goes in for a minor surgery of her own to get a bump removed August 14th. Anyways, I'll pop in when I can, but it likely won't be much for a couple weeks at least. Happy editing. Technical 13 (talk) 17:51, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Blocker evader back

Contribs --NeilN ^{talk to me} 06:51, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Gregg Allman

Worth a watch and this.♦ Dr. ☠ Blofeld 10:07, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

So, which version of this do you like? [1] or [2]? (I bet I know) I imagine you like the older, less commercialize work of Dan Fogelberg as well. I don't care what the critics say, I love this [3] and [4], but then, I like story tellers like Chapin. These always lead to their articles as well. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:24, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Sorry for interrupting, but do any of you care for a peach? 66.191.153.36 (talk) 14:25, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - Dennis, we're getting close to NC. The temperature is increasing, and so is the redneck vs. non-redneck ratio.
    - Oh yeah right, like there are more rednecks here than in your neck of the woods? I don't think so ;) Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:46, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
      - I live in a city, Dennis. So here we are, Transylvania County, already saw one beautiful waterfall. On the other hand, it's been pissing rain since we got here, except for during the ten minutes that I set up the tent. And we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant with "mediocre" written all over the menu--and they didn't have a liquor license. What the fuck. Should have gone to Wales with Malleus. Rain chances for tomorrow are 60%, but with a little bit of luck we'll be hanging out in Pisgah National Forest. Oh, wait, I forgot we're not MySpace. Say, that article on Pisgah, that looks really good. Well done, y'all. Later Holmes--and have you congratulated Kelapstick already? 68.235.238.17 (talk) 00:16, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
        It has done nothing but rain in the Carolinas for months now. Half my garden is trash. No zuchini, it is completely gone. Corn is half height and likely won't make it. Might have to leave the farm and get a city job ;-) Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 00:26, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
        Doc, that is why you have to come camping with us, it is really quite civilized. None of this tenting business. You can even bring the dog. Oh and Dennis, thanks for stopping by to congratulate me, and for the support. I am sure I will be pestering you with lots of questions. --kelapstick^(bainuu) 02:56, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
        Decent Mexican can only be found in Texas this side of the border.--v/r - T P 00:40, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
        I've found a one place in Burlington, NC, haven't visited in a while, in an area with lots of immigrants. The kind of places you walk in, and no one speaks English. They serve the real stuff. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 00:44, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks

Thank you. Pdfpdf (talk) 14:59, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A Request

Would it be okay with you if you could give me some advice on my Talk Page from time to time? I Would appreciate it if you could.--Anderson - What's up? 20:55, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I would be happy to help from time to time. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 21:03, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, I appreciate it Dennis.--Anderson - What's up? 21:55, 9 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Second opinion

Resolved

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Hi Dennis,

You may remember me from a while (few weeks) back, where there was a minor incident at WT:RFA, my talk page and a few other places regarding me and user:kudpung.

Since then me and Kudpung have not interacted, not one bit. Until very recently, I thought we wouldn't interact again, until I saw Kudpung was making posts specifically regarding me on other talk pages. I made a request on Kudpung's talkpage that he notify me of such discussions and posts. Kudpung wouldn't agree to that, and said he would get a second admin opinion on (I presume) whether it would be appropriate for me to be notified of such discussions. When I asked Kudpung when he would get this second opinion, he removed the post as "trolling" and protected his page, so I came to ask you instead.

I would notify Kudpung of this but he locked his talk page, so yeah. Thanks, ★★Retro Lord ★★ 06:11, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Retrolord, Kudpung has requested that you stay off his page, and you posted a number of times after that - as far as I'm concerned, that's bordering on harassment. I've warned you on your talk page regarding the repeated ignoring of his request. Worm^TT(talk) 08:58, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

So he is allowed to carry on in any many he sees fit, discussing me personally in god knows how many places, but complaining is harrasment? ★★Retro Lord ★★ 09:00, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Commented at your talk page, I'll leave this conversation for Dennis. Worm^TT(talk) 09:10, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Looks like a few of you have it handled just fine, I will leave you to it. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:10, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What happens when WikiLawyers really are Lawyers

This link pretty much says it all. Kumioko (talk) 17:34, 10 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Sublimeharmony SPI request

Thank you for helping with my request. Should I not have a separate section header for the accounts I'm adding today? I noticed that you deleted the section header:

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Sockpuppet_investigations/Sublimeharmony&diff=563837876&oldid=563837689

I've never made one of these requests before and I assumed that the section header with the date I opened the request could be duplicated when adding material on a later day. —rybec 17:48, 11 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What you did was fine, I just combined the two reports. I took the name you added and put it up top, then moved the diffs up, as if you had made all that in one report. I get the feeling that when the CU shakes that tree, he is going to find a lot more socks than you listed. Actually, your report was perfect. You listed each sock, provided good diffs for each and kept it short. Well, you kept it as short as you could have for 46 sock pupppets ;) Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 21:10, 11 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Kiwifella123

I'm trying not to bite here, But Kiwifella123 keeps reverting my edits to Invercargill airport. I've stopped editing there to avoid an edit war. I sourced the information.

First revert:[[5]]

Second revert:[[6]]

I live in Invercargill, So I know well about the happenings at the airport.

The user hasn't responded to my posts on his talk page and on the article talk page.

Where do you think I should go from here?--Anderson - What's up? 22:22, 11 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've left a note on his talk page telling him he needs to stop reverting unless he goes to the article talk page and discusses it. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:27, 11 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, I appreciate it.--Anderson - What's up? 22:33, 11 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What to do when the socks come after you

Hi Dennis, On my talkpage a random IP just accused me of being "Mattisse". Well I can say i'm not matisse, but I suspect the IP is a sock of someone i've run into on wiki, and was wondering what the correct procedure was for events like this. Can we run a checkuser on the IP to work out who it is? Thanks, ★★Retro Lord ★★ 01:03, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

However after a quick look I found http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Theopolisme&diff=prev&oldid=518418964 , Which sort of makes me think It's an apple store or something, but can we run the checkuser anyway? Thanks, ★★Retro Lord ★★ 01:05, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Can't run a CU on them, but I can look at it later. I'm in the middle of the largest sock puppet case I've ever seen on Wikipedia, so I will be tied up for the rest of the evening. You try what I do when some random IP comes and accuses me of something utterly silly: revert and ignore. I know this sounds simplistic, but honestly, it is the best solution and I use it all the time. I will just revert without saying anything in the summary, even many times if needed. If they are saying something to upset you, to get a rise out of you, then obviously you getting upset is the "reward" they are looking for. Don't give it to them. There are two essays worth looking at on this: WP:RBI and WP:DFTT. And besides, if some random IP or editor comes to my page and says "Dennis! You are teh soxpuppet of xyzuser!!" why on earth would I care what they think? No one else is going to take it serious. That makes it easy for me to just revert and not give it a second thought. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:53, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- That's what I thought, but the other day I had several users coming to my user talk page telling me I couldn't do that. Which was quite annoying. --Rs chen 7754 02:05, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

When it's really obvious, as when new accounts are tagging you as a sockpuppet, you can revert, block, and otherwise ignore them. I do it all the time. Reaper Eternal (talk) 02:08, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Let me add that it's easy to accuse anyone hidden behind an IP. No proof has been provided. Disregard it.--Jetstreamer ^Talk 10:17, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

High performance

Great collaboration on a great product, Wikipedia as I like it, - thank you and Eric for showing that side! I hope it has a future, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 05:58, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you. It is my first TFA, but hopefully not my last. I have learned more than you can imagine in the process, due to the efforts of Eric. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:08, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 10 July 2013

Op-ed: It's time to stop pretending the English-language Wikinews is a viable project

WikiProject report: Not Jimbo: WikiProject Wales

Traffic report: Inflated view counts here, there, and everywhere

News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation Board appoints world expert in women's issues, global south

Dispatches: Infoboxes: time for a fresh look?

Featured content: The week of the birds

Discussion report: Featured article process governance, signature templates, and more

Speedy renominate

Since you are around ... I've just had a couple of related nominations closed by a non-admin - Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Kharb and Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Kajala - and am at a loss. Is "speedy renominate" some jargon concerning AfD? I've never seen it before. Any idea how "speedy renominating" is going to achieve anything more than relisting? Does more or less complete lack of interest really equate to "no consensus"? Does my general subject sourcing knowledge count for nothing? - Sitush (talk) 12:49, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, I'm booked for the day. I'm clerking this [7] which is the largest sock case ever at Wikipedia. I've never seen anything like it before. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:59, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

OMG! I wonder if that is malicious socking or just plain daft. Good luck with it, either way. - Sitush (talk) 13:09, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hi there Sitush! Check out Wikipedia:NPASR#No_quorum for details :) Dusti^*poke* 14:02, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You've got mail!

Hello, Dennis Brown. Please check your email; you've got mail! The subject is Wikipedia email.
Message added 15:20, 12 July 2013 (UTC). It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}} or {{ygm}} template.

Dusti^*poke* 15:20, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Self-block

I hear you're willing to consider requests for self-blocks, for an enforced WikiBreak. I need it! Badly. I noticed there was a JavaScript utility for this, but that would be only client-side, e.g. I could still use STiki, Huggle, AWB? Assuming that's the case, this utility is useless to me. Looking for a block of just one week. I have 12K+ edits, most within the past two months – indicative of a problem. At any rate I just want to make sure this doesn't tarnish my reputation, but will perceived solely as an authentic, user-requested block. Maybe put a banner on my user page saying I'm on an enforced break. Would you be willing to help me? Thanks! — MusikAnimal ^talk 15:21, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

That is a bit outside of what I block for. Blocking by self-request is already a little controversial, and I only do it for permanent or nearly permanent purposes. Sorry. See User:Dennis Brown/Blockme. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:42, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- @MusikAnimal: In case you weren't aware, you can try the admins listed here.[8] A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 19:57, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - I'm on that list :) Most admin don't want to block for temporary periods where the Enforcer will suffice, but he can try. I've only done self-imposed block, they are rare. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 20:08, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yep, that's where I found you Dennis, I recognized your username so thought I'd ask you first. I realize it's a very odd inquiry, and controversial, I suppose. I feel like if it's a legitimate request it shouldn't be an issue, especially if it's only a week. You just reach a point, where you're up all night doing this, getting in the way of my job, etc, but you can't rely on others to control your addiction. For now, I'll try to take the traditional route with 12-step program =P Thanks — MusikAnimal ^talk 20:15, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Sunbeam

Congrats on your front page billing, Dennis! And Eric too, of course. Hey, it has almost not rained the entire day. Last night was the biggest rainstorm I've ever experienced from inside a tent. 17" in the last week or so--it's so bad Sliding Rock is closed. And we still haven't eaten BBQ. keep the faith! Vacation greetings from Matisse, I mean Drmies. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.235.238.17 (talk) 19:37, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

We have had a lot of gully washers lately. You might need to sleep in a tree if it keeps up. Hope you are having fun, you needed a break, Doctor Professor Drmies. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:45, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Haha, I need a break from the rain, that's what I need. We saw more nice waterfalls today, and snakes. I'm sitting out in the rain since it's the only place where my supposed "Techno" campground has wifi accessible. Anything new in the way we administer ourselves? I emailed NYBrad a while ago, hoping that wheels would be set in motion. Do we have a workable civility policy yet, one that does not go by way of word search but by intent to disrupt? Tomorrow we're off to Asheville, to rack up our credit card some more, and Sunday we're going home. I'll have to take a raincheck (haha) on that PBR. 68.235.238.17 (talk) 02:58, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - I haven't seen any problems with civility and badmins, nor edit warring, and I haven't seen an IP vandalize anything in days. It could just be that I'm working on this case and didn't notice. I literally put in 12 hours yesterday, verifying/tagging/blocking 199 socks, and I have about 100 more to go, plus a few dozen unlisted socks to research. I'm a bit crispy around the edges at the moment, and I'm probably 25% done with the work at best. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:27, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Are there any articles that need improving?

Is there a list of articles that need improving? It's because i don't really have anything to do right now.--Anderson - What's up? 23:19, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

When I just feel like tooling around and cleaning up (which is often), I use the "random article" button to the left. About one out of every 4 or 5, I can easily fix something to fix, and often I just find really cool articles that I like to read or give me links to other articles that need something. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 23:32, 12 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Anderson, you might want to take a look at WP:Backlog for some ideas. Mojoworker (talk) 05:21, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - WP:GAN is consistantly backlogged. - Neutralhomer • Talk • 13:17, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

	The Admin's Barnstar
	Thanks for your exceptional work at SPI. Anderson I'm Willing To Help 00:49, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the kindness. I got up at 6:30am and started back on that case before even putting on coffee. It is a beast. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:21, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

question

I'm expanding an article, Zika fever that has a merger tag from April 2011. The discussion has gone stale. The convention on Wikipedia is to keep the virus and the disease separated anyway. Can I remove the merger tag or is this something an admin must do? If so, can you close that for me? Thanks. Malke 2010 (talk) 21:58, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You never need an admin for content decisions. Admin only need to get involved if the tools are needed. I would agree that the discussion is dead, if a merge was so important, they would have stuck around. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:01, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Good to know. I've not really done merger discussions, so wanted to be sure. Thanks. Malke 2010 (talk) 22:12, 13 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Vancomycin

In your zeal, you accidentally removed a valid reference from vancomycin. Would you please reconsider your removal, or perhaps even fix it up a little, using {{cite web}}, if you don't mind. Your removal of the edit summary is understandable, but to replace a valid reference with a citation needed tag was unnecessary, IMO. Take care, and good luck with your editor retention project. 184.8.119.137 (talk) 01:05, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Done. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:08, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Looks like I messed that up but someone fixed it. I've had 50 windows open for the last few days, been rather distracted. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 03:24, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

	The Admin's Barnstar
	For your diligence, excellence, and perseverance at SPI. JustBerry (talk) 02:03, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you. It really means a lot that you and others have been so generous in your appreciation. It has been a tough couple of days there, and acts like this do put a smile on my face. I keep a copy of every barnstar I've gotten over the last year at User talk:Dennis Brown/stars to pick me up when I'm feeling down. It does mean a lot to me. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 03:18, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You certainly deserved it! All of that hard work, on SPI cases, such as Morning277, require true perseverance, diligence, and determination. We truly need people like you on Wikipedia, who are willing to go the extra mile in making Wikipedia a better place. Once again, thank you for all of your efforts. --JustBerry (talk) 12:32, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I just closed the discussion, and added Morning277 to the list of banned users. However, afterwards it struck me - am I actually allowed to do this as a nadmin? It seemed pretty clear consensus but I know how the community can be about NACs.--Gilderien Chat|List of good deeds 22:48, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Since this has run long enough, and is a clear consensus, I don't think there should be any controversy. I certainly don't have a problem with NAC's of obvious cases that don't require the admin bit to fulfill. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:55, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

AfD Notification

So a user has asked me to stay off their talkpage, but they are a significant contributor to an article I am afding. Should I still notify them? Thanks, ★★Retro Lord ★★ 09:40, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yes as AFD notification is a maintenance/courtesy thing, but I wonder if you should be the one to AFD it to begin with. I'm not sure who this person is, but if there was someone who I didn't get along with enough that they asked me to stay off their talk page, I probably wouldn't be sending an article to AFD that they were a major contributor to, and would just leave it to someone else. At least not on purpose, because they might take it as me antagonizing them. Guilty or not, it doesn't look good. If the article was that bad, I would have asked someone else to review and let them make the call. Stuff like that might seem innocent enough, but enough times can look like a pattern. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:14, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the advice. It's a bit late as it's already been nominated now. Even if someone else nommed it, doing it through a proxy is pretty much the same as doing it yourself. But now that it's been done, should I tell them, or should I try get someone else to do it? Thanks Dennis, ★★Retro Lord ★★ 11:18, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What's done is done. In the future, you might want to remember that even the most innocent and justifiable act might look like antagonizing. If it could be misconstrued that way, then it is best to either let someone else do it, or just walk away from it completely. There is some real value to the idea of just "getting along", to avoiding confrontation when it is possible. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:36, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

WP:Retention

Hello Admin Brown,

In the past day or so, I joined WP:Rentention, as I thought the banner matches my interests of helping others. I'm a little unclear as to how to WikiProject achieves this goal, if you don't mind explaining this to me. Thanks --JustBerry (talk) 16:28, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Most of what we do isn't on the project pages, although reading the project pages is a good start to understand. In many ways, the project is a group of individuals who are simply united in saying "I want to help. I'm willing to help." The most obvious program we have (and it is shorthanded!) is the Editor of the Week program. If you want to jump in make a difference, that is a great place to start. Also, many members help out at the WP:Teahouse, adopt new editors and find other ways to just help. Again, it isn't pasted on the talk page of the project, we all just help in our own ways. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 18:15, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, interesting. Helping different ways is always a great idea. I do help in the Teahouse and on #wikipedia-en-help whenever I get a chance, along with some other places. Let me look into Editor of the Week, and let you know if I have any further questions, is that all right? --JustBerry (talk) 18:32, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Of course, there is no obligation to do anything, the key is finding a way to help that suits you. We are all volunteers, after all. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:39, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yep

--JustBerry (talk) 22:52, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hello Dennis Brown,

I have all your answers regarding Morning277...please contact me at sublimeharmony@gmail.com

65.33.72.89 (talk) 22:23, 14 July 2013 (UTC)sublimeharmony65.33.72.89 (talk) 22:23, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You can always log into your account and email me, even while blocked. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:35, 14 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Some advice?

So first, I know you have, like, a ridiculous Centijimbo count so posting here is almost like posting at AN/I... but I'm a bit stuck. Two new editors (April 2013) both joined and started creating new articles for disconnected, non-notable things, mostly companies. One of those came to my attention and it didn't seem at all notable so I considered nominating it for deletion. Doing the usual WP:BEFORE thing, I discovered the company had actually received so little coverage that a conversation about it at Elance came up in the first couple of pages of search results. Needless to say, one of the participants had the same name as the article creator here. He openly lists his other work - each of the other articles he has created for non-notable companies. I nominated the one in question and one other. I've also nominated an article by the other editor (exactly the same issue and they have collaborated here and there), specifically because it was a BLP. I've posted rather demure notes on each talk page (at least one seemed not to understand where the problem was or had been discovered and demanded "evidence"). I suppose my question is, where do I stop? Do I nominate everything? Where does the off-WP stuff I stumbled on become an WP:OUTING problem? The articles they have created/worked on are really obviously about non-notable subjects and they've each only created a few that haven't already been deleted (most G11) so it wouldn't take long. I'm just really uncomfortable taking it further without some admin assistance. There's also a bit of a language barrier in both cases (same language). Your advice would be appreciated. Stalwart111 06:28, 15 July 2013 (UTC) Dennis' stalkers should feel welcome to chime in if they have a view. Cheers, Stalwart111 06:28, 15 July 2013 (UTC) [reply]

Email me the names. Normally I wouldn't be so blunt, but looking at the history of one of those editors, they are unquestionably a sock puppet, linked to Morning277. I have to get to my day job, but can block them and add them to list later at work, and the articles can be speedy deleted under G5 when I'm done. After pouring through a few hundred of these puppets, I bet I could write a bot that can spot these guys.Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 10:37, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Really? Very interesting. Both are linked to specific named accounts at Elance with photos and everything. Socking there too? Emailing is going to be a problem (I have no WP-linked address) but I can easily add them to the SPI you have going and will do so. Beyond that, if either or both are blocked I'll just start G5 tagging anything that pops up rather than AFD. Oh, and blunt is fine! Cheers, Stalwart111 11:03, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Elance and socking go together like chocolate and milk. Hold off on tagging for G5 if you are reporting for socks, we will do that at the SPI. It is easier for us to research the socks if the edits aren't deleted. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:35, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

No problem - will leave them sitting at AFD. Happy hunting. Cheers, Stalwart111 12:47, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Oy, not sure about the happy part. I have to do some real work at the day job today, so my time is limited here. My email has exploded with tips and leads. I'm literally putting more hours on this case than my day job, turning this hobby into work. :/ Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:54, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Never good. I don't have any buttons that would be useful in this instance and its near midnight here, but let me know if there's anything "routine" that regular editors can help with. Stalwart111 13:26, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

@Stalwart111:Stalwart111's comment on the SPI was edited by Dennis Brown, and when I read it afterward, I got the impression that Stalwart111 was responding to my comment above about Internationalpanda36 and Educationalpanda0965. When I looked at Stalwart111's original edit, it seemed clear that he was instead writing about Yanis ahmed and Eragon.raju. I noticed that the checkuser lines for Yanis ahmed and Eragon.raju were moved away from Stalwart111's remarks about them, just above my remarks. I've essentially undone Dennis' refactoring of Stalwart111's comment and of my own. I hope it's all right with you both. —rybec 19:49, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

@Rybec: Fine by me - whatever works best for the functionaries. Stalwart111 23:23, 15 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

SPI Case

I've added another name to the list of suspects. Also, a policy question: Can an editor formally declare that, for purposes of G5 eligibility, they wish their edits to be considered insubstantial? This relates to Campus Special. Add my name to those wishing to thank you for trying to make sense of all that evidence - unraveling that deserves at least 10% of whatever all those articles sold for. Kilopi (talk) 07:08, 16 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I guess an editor can declare whatever they want, but that doesn't change the history. I expect to let others make the G5 determinations anyway, I'm stepping back from the case for at least a day or two. Frustration with SPI in general and I have some other things I have to attend to anyway. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 10:01, 16 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thmc1 Sockpuppet ALERT!

I would like to report the ongoing saga of the sockpuppet most likley to be Thmc1. A temporary protection to the "Chinatown, Manhattan" article (exp. July 14, 2013) was implemented against his block evasive 173.63.176.93 and another user 66.108.119.85 for a edit war(misinformation) against each other. It's already failed, as 66.108.119.85's edit was immediately undone the day after by user 173.63.176.93/MazabukaBloke. His editing style and the selection of articles edited are suspiciously similar to 173.63.176.93/Thmc1's. I would suggest that you place a permanent lock on IP 173.63.176.63 to temporarily remedy the situation. There have already been 3 SPIs agains this individual. The most recent(2012) investigation concluded that 173.63.176.93 was in fact Thmc1(blocked 2010). I think a 4th SPI shouldn't be necessary, as 173.63.176.93 has had enough warnings and SPIs. I have also tried several times since the last invesigation to bring this to the attention of administrators which have, unfortunately, fallen on deaf ears. Since you were inolved in that last investigation, maybe you have a differing opinion to find some leeway for action. Thanks, MBaxter1 (talk)

I'm just too tied up here to start new actions, I'm sorry. Real life has be tied up. You should drop it off at WP:SPI. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:21, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

	The Barnstar of Diligence
	I saw your comment about the current SPI taking more time than your day job. I can't imagine how tedious this must be, but wanted to let you know your work is appreciated. Can't give you a raise, so I guess another barnstar will do for wikicurrency? 78.26 (I'm no IP, talk to me!) 20:48, 16 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

	The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar
	Another BIG thank you for blocking all those Morning277 Sock Puppets. Anderson I'm Willing To Help 01:04, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks to you both, that was certainly an event. I'm going to mainly unavailable for several days, but I'm confident that others can finish what I started. It is a team effort. Honestly, WilliamH, rybec and others worked just as hard. We shall see what becomes of it. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 10:29, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hello, Dennis Brown. Please check your email; you've got mail!
It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}} or {{ygm}} template.

Lukeno94 (tell Luke off here) 10:36, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/User:TheShadowCrow/sandbox (2nd nomination)

Hi, I was just going through the old WP:MfD's that hadn't been closed and saw Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/User:TheShadowCrow/sandbox (2nd nomination). I noticed a couple of questions and wondered if you had the time to answer/clarify the concerns. Thanks. CambridgeBayWeather (talk) 13:02, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm a bit tied up in real life. Just popping in to check message, but don't have time to dig up diffs at this time. Sorry. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 23:56, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Content help

Hi Dennis. My name is Ishdarian and I've been here since 2007. I originally started my account for the sheer purpose of vandalism, but over time, I grew to enjoy the project. My main areas of focus for the last few years have been anti-vandalism and NPP. I've only got one shoddy article to my name over the course of 6 years. We've been hurting for content editors for a while now. My only problem is I have no idea what to do and I'm terrified of messing up. I know you're a busy guy, but would you be able to help set me up with a content mentor, whether it be you or another editor? It would be greatly appreciated. Ish dar ian 19:08, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I am totally swamped in the real world right now, but I will suggest looking at Wikipedia:WikiProject Guild of Copy Editors, as they can likely help. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:13, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'll check it out. Thank you, Dennis. Ish dar ian 19:17, 17 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Didn't it rain?

A short film of Whitewater Falls after copious rainfall.

This is what Upper Whitewater Falls looks like after a boatload of rain. It's really quite spectacular, almost sublime. Drmies (talk) 02:44, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Funny, my front yard has been looking similar, although not quite as panoramic. The rain this year has been surreal. Nice upload, you need to add that to Whitewater Falls (North Carolina) along with some original research to fill it out a bit. That is breathtaking, and due to the rain, your timing was great. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:15, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- It was raining cats and dogs when we got there, but Mrs. Drmies wanted to give it ten minutes just to see. And lo and behold, it cleared up and became glorious. I'm jealous of you, living within driving distance of such beauty. I hope you're off-wiki work is going well. As you can see, I'm trying to work up some interest in on-wiki work again. Drmies (talk) 13:41, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

User:WorldTraveller101

Per request, closing. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 19:16, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Hey Dennis (and the talk page stalkers),

I wanted to let you know I've reached a hand out to WT101 to adopt him. During his block here on en.wiki, I am going to be working with him off wiki to see if I'm able to teach him in a variety of aspects here on en.wiki that he's been having a large problem with. From the issues surrounding him, I think it's going to be crucial for someone to adopt him, and not simply give up on him. I simply can't watch him sink without trying to help him. If anyone's got pertinent information that may be of value to his adoption, please forward it along. I've got email enabled on here, and I'm also on IRC. Dusti^{*Let's talk!*} 03:51, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

My opinion is that this user has been a disruptive and counterproductive presence on Wikipedia since getting involved. Quite a number of administrators and experienced editors have tried without success to explain to this editor what is expected of productive editors here. This has occupied a lot of time of positive contributors who could have been improving the encyclopedia. All that advice has been disregarded. The editor has never shown a good understanding of the relevant issues, and a review of their talk page is a sad, uninspiring read. What is the evidence that this editor is capable of contributing productively? I see none at this time. Cullen³²⁸ Let's discuss it 04:45, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Well he's already moved onto Simple English Wikipedia, and requested rollback for that matter: m:User:Rschen7754/Reports/Cross-wiki hat collectors/WorldTraveller101. --Rs chen 7754 04:46, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

While I understand the above concerns - is it right to just let him hang himself? He began contributing in a positive manner, and that's a good sign. We need that. I want to try myself, and if he hangs himself, so be it. At least I tried :) Dusti^{*Let's talk!*} 04:50, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Having seen many of these cases, the only thing that can be done is waiting until they become older (see the other cases on Meta). --Rs chen 7754 08:37, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

As I've said elsewhere on a few occasions, the primary problem with WT is his age. Mentoring won't fix that. I've discouraged others from doing this simply because I think he needs to do other things until he is mature enough to work in this environment. It isn't about blaming him, he isn't a bad kid but he is a kid, quite normal in most respects. This is not an age appropriate place for him, and I'm not sure that his parents would approve. Due to his age, I strongly advise against this. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:05, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Proxy servers

Hi, Dennis, I'm trying to puzzle out the message on this talk page about proxy servers. According to Proxy server, just about every internet connection goes through a proxy server, but according to WP:Open proxies, it is only the open proxies that are the concern of WP blocking policy. (Too bad, considering the WMF's stated support for increasing contributions from the "global south", but that's a different story.) Checking further, the message on the template claims the address is registered to Myanma Posts And Telecommunications Services, which according to Telecommunications in Burma#Internet is the state-owned internet provider. There are various legitimate reasons for some very odd doings here, but this particular address should meet the gold-standard for this region's addressing. If any IP is acceptable on Wikipedia, this one should be.

I'm not really up on sockpuppet investigation, though, and I see a sockpuppet tag has been added to the user page. In case there is any question, the IP is not being used to circumvent any WP policy.

Any light you can shed on this would be appreciated. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.81.67.114 (talk • contribs) 06:30, 18 July 2013‎

Looking at a glance, the "confirmed proxy" doesn't seem to be the issue. Most IPs are proxies, but confirmed proxies are legitimate and all admin should know this. Running a quick test, that doesn't look like it is open anyway. the behavior of some using that IP does seem to be a problem, which is why the IP was blocked. I'm short on time, but just a quick glance at the edits and they are screaming "likely sockpuppet" to me, with a bit of a chip on their shoulder. I hate to see extended blocks due to collateral damage, but the regular appeal process found at WP:GAB should be followed here. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:12, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yup. And the question above was asked by the obvious block evader of the obvious sock puppet. Toddst1 (talk) 23:00, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What to do when the socks come after you Ep.2

Hi Dennis, I was just abused/PA'd by some random account for disagreeing with them. I suspect they are a sock due to the nature of where the comments where made (WT:Main Page). Can we run a checkuser on the account and find out who is behind it? The account in question is User:Boomer Patrol. And you can read the relevant ANI discussion here [9]. Thoughts? ★★Retro Lord ★★ 13:42, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like Bish took care of the block. I don't have time to do a full investigation myself right now, although the contribs do look odd. Maybe a talk page stalker can help me out and trace back a bit. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 14:58, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Looking closer (about to walk out the door, but took the time), it seems like your sarcasm might have baited him a bit, to be honest. We've had this talk before. Not everyone is going to agree with you, but you can't treat them like they are an idiot, even if their ideas are clearly misguided or they are so new they don't understand the different between "encyclopedia" and "news website". Most people don't understand the difference, you have cut them a little slack and be patient in how you deal with them. All of that was probably avoidable if a bit more tolerance and patience had been applied from the beginning. Yes, he seems a bit clueless, but that is just an opportunity for us to teach them. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 15:14, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 17 July 2013

WikiProject report: WikiProject Square Enix

Traffic report: Most-viewed articles of the week

News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation's new plans announced

Featured content: Documents and sports

Arbitration report: Kiefer.Wolfowitz and Ironholds case opens; July 22 deadline for checkuser and oversight applications

A barnstar for you!

	The Special Barnstar
	I can't express my thanks enough for blocking another 50 Morning277 Sockpuppets! So a HUGE-mega Thank you! Anderson I'm Willing To Help 22:31, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Ping

You said to ping you in a week. (I understand you've been busy, so no pressure.) ~Adjwilley (talk) 23:18, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Right off the top of my head, I can't even remember why. I have been so swamped in the real world, I haven't had much time here except to answer a few questions here. Email me and prod my memory and I will see what I can do. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 23:45, 18 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

m:User:Rschen7754/Reports/Morning277

I've gone through all the blocked accounts so far and summarized the crosswiki damage at the above page. I've blocked all the Meta and Wikidata accounts with edits at those sites. Lots of Commons stuff unfortunately, and I think there may be a ton of copyvios that have to get deleted - I'll bring this up with INeverCry and see what can be done so that I don't overwhelm their CU process. :) --Rs chen 7754 11:37, 19 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

My word, I've just had a look at that SPI case. I'll have another read through and see what I can do to help out this evening. Basalisk ^{inspect damage}⁄_berate 13:05, 19 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Help

Hi! Can I quickly ask you something before you go on your wikibreak? ★★KING RETROLORD★★ 09:40, 20 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Moved from archive

File:MYANMAR BEER AT THE NEW DOREEN RESTAURANT YANGON MYANMAR JAN 2013 (8492498537).jpg

Thanks for the "quick check". The misunderstanding has now been straightened out, and all are unblocked. 203.81.67.123 (talk) 14:06, 21 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, I moved the above from your archive.--Bbb23 (talk) 15:01, 21 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Enjoy your Wikibreak!

I really look forward to hearing from you when you come back online. Anderson I'm Willing To Help 21:34, 21 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Enjoy some BBQ for me, I can't get the real stuff (eastern style) where I currently live. a13ean (talk) 00:48, 22 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

	The Admin's Barnstar
	You're a great mentor, admin, and clerk - The Wiki will miss you while you're refreshing and having that beer above and the BBQ. Come back soon m'friend. Dusti^{Let's talk!} 00:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the kind words and such

Just popping in for a minute to say thanks. I will be back around but real life has me tied up a bit. The US federal government, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to increase regulation of the industry I work in by a factor of 10, and we have to scramble to comply. The expense of this is mindboggling. This will likely mean layoffs for some long time employees, something that is unavoidable. I'm not very happy about this. This just proves that the US government doesn't create jobs, it can only destroy them or regulate them out of existence. This will keep me pretty busy for a while, and isn't exactly good for my mood when I'm not working on it, so I'm better off just taking a break. I may pop in from time to time, but I need to avoid dispute resolution and such and I'm confident I won't be at my best for a few weeks. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:53, 23 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

An Award

A Barnstar!

Whack-a-Mole Stuffed Tiger Prize

Awarded to Dennis Brown for your extraordinary efforts to protect Wikipedia during the Morning 277 Sockpuppet investigation. The Whack-a-Mole Stuffed Tiger Prize goes to sysops who tirelessly block returning sockpuppets at Carnival Wikipedia. DocTree (ʞlɐʇ·cont) Join WER 00:03, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
(First awarded by Durova in July 2007)

:) Thanks doc. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 12:12, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Sandstein/Scientology

Dennis, in light of your statement and clarification there I was wondering how you feel about non-admins giving DS notices to individuals? Since that is at least currently allowed, would you have felt so strongly about what what happened here if a non-sysop had given those notices? (Granted, Sandstein went beyond what a non-sysop could do by actually issuing a sanction, but let's say that what happened had ended with this edit with a non-sysop giving the notice rather than Sandstein.) The reason I ask is that I've seriously considered giving notices in some cases that I've encountered doing DR, though I've never actually done it. You and I usually see eye to eye on matters like this and I was a little surprised seeing you take such a strong position about it. Best regards, TransporterMan (TALK) 15:58, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

What I felt strong about was throwing the sanctions around loosely. I wasn't aware that non-admin could give those, to be honest, since non-admin lack the ability to back up the threat with action. Like most functions, it doesn't bother me when sufficiently experienced non-admin do administrative duties. Admin aren't magically "right" about those things, although there is generally a higher degree of accountability with admin, via WP:adminacct and potential to lose the bit keeping them in check. I would trust your judgement over many admins, to be frank. For me, the key is to only use the arb sanction warning when there is clear and obvious need and the ability to explain why a traditional warning would be insufficient. In general, I think the admin corp (as a whole) is too quick to block, too quick to give strong warnings, and too slow to actually try talking with editors. Talking at them is easier, but less effective and can easily come across as being brutish. We need to be quick to block trolls/socks/vandals, but not so quick to threaten good faith editors who may just be caught up with frustration. This is the same reason I'm more inclined to protect an article than block two warriors even at 6RR. I think we have to take the time to explain first, outside of a template. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 16:08, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Your views make sense to me, Dennis. There is also an anomaly with non-admin posting of at least some of the DS templates because the template wording specifically states that the poster is an admin, although I guess that could be amended by the non-admin. See {{Uw-sanctions}}. - Sitush (talk) 16:18, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) I'm glad I asked, Dennis, because I have viewed the notice as nothing more than that: a heads-up notice, not a warning, which can be given to anyone editing in a DS area. I probably wouldn't give it to anyone who wasn't doing something which is at least questionable but prior to this discussion neither would I have necessarily waited to use it as a last resort. I've said in that discussion that I'd rather see it as a pure notice, but I didn't say why. Sometimes in doing DR it's useful to shock the disputants into calming down so that DR can proceed relatively smoothly and that's especially true in DS areas. I've considered using the DS notice as a bomb for that purpose, but have never actually had to go that far. Perhaps, now, that was for the best. (And, as a side note, I was asked about putting on the asbestos britches again, but declined for the nonce at least. If my recent article gets a GA then maybe I'll give it a little more consideration. I was flattered by the request, however.) Best regards, TransporterMan (TALK) 16:38, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

@Sitush: There's a |admin=no parameter for that template provided for that purpose. Regards, TransporterMan (TALK) 16:40, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, good spot, TransporterMan. I've not long since got out of bed and I've already learned something today ;) - Sitush (talk) 06:12, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

FYI

I mentioned you here. Best, Beyond My Ken (talk) 18:00, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Would it really hurt that much to read the formal written up sanctions, instead of the edit summary? FYI to you too. ★★King•Retrolord★★ 18:07, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Think I will steer clear of that. I'm short on time (explained above) and there doesn't appear to be a shortage of participants. The terms of the topic ban and other issues surrounding my actions are pretty clear and don't really require me explaining them further. It is better that uninvolved admins take charge, as they have. I appreciate the notification, however. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 18:33, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- No problem. I think things have been resolved, at least for the moment. Beyond My Ken (talk) 18:56, 24 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 24 July 2013

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Invercargill Airport

I added 2 references to the article. How many more do you think it will need until it's time for an editor to take down the maintenance tag?--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 07:35, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I removed it. Looks to have plenty of sources for the basics. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 07:47, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks.--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 08:38, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A beer for you!

To help you through the harsh American summer months. Anderson I'm Willing To Help 08:56, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

This week's articles for improvement - 22 July 2013 to 28 July 2013

posted by Northamerica1000^(talk) 12:19, 23 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Please feel free to join the project! Also, I've added an opt-in section for those interested in receiving TAFI notifications on the project's main page, located here. Those that don't opt-in won't receive this message again. Also, a revised notification template has been created, located at Template:TAFI weekly selections notice. Northamerica1000^(talk) 09:53, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Question

Shold this Be used in either ZM (New Zealand) or St Matthew's, Auckland?--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 20:32, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Not sure. Ask on the talk pages. Reading quickly, that is an interesting article and a heated topic, thus the talk page. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 03:05, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Can I change my username and retain the same account

I am just getting tired of the moniker and it seems it is so popular even editors who don't have that actual user name want to use it. Can I just use my real name and get my username changed to that without starting a new account and losing my history?--Amadscientist (talk) 02:40, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I just checked and the name is available (my real name that is).--Amadscientist (talk) 02:42, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Changing username has some Bureaucrats willing to help. As long as the name is available via SUL and you have less than 50k edits, changing user names is easy to do. I used to be User:Pharmboy before 2008, then I recaptured that old name to use as an alternate after the change, and to prevent impersonation. They will tell you that using your real name has some real world consequences, and will want to make sure you understand that. I don't regret using my real name, and think it makes me more accountable and slightly more careful in what I say and how I say it. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 02:46, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I haven't noticed it making me any more careful about what I say or how I say it, but welcome to the light side Amadscientist. Eric Corbett 03:02, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

It did take a while for the full effect, and I didn't have others baiting me, so maybe that is the difference. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 03:04, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

LOL! I think I'd probably be a little more like Eric in this manner. ;-)--Amadscientist (talk) 03:06, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm a hard act to follow. Eric Corbett 03:09, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

This is very true......but I have a big mouth.--Amadscientist (talk) 03:30, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

block

Hi, I'm an OTRS volunteer. <redacted> Thought you might be interested to know that this account is operated by a PR firm, according to an OTRS ticket that came my way, asking for an explanation why a particular article was deleted. That might explain why those socks are so prolific. ~Amatulić (talk) 16:14, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Appreciate the note. I've known about that PR firm for about a year now, I just don't provide details onwiki. Arbcom is also aware of the situation. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 17:52, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Jupiter

Is This information i just recently added useful? Let me know what you think.--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 23:24, 27 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Already replied in depth to the same request on my talk page. Anderson, there is no need to poll admins for every edit you make. if you are in doubt about one of contribs, discuss it on the article talk page. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 01:37, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Reviewing articles

There's a big kerfuffle brewing about the quality of reviewing at AfC. I tried to do something about the quality of NPP a couple of years ago, and I'm also keeping a watchful eye over the work of Rollbackers. Then I just happened to notice something by coincidence at User talk:Eric Corbett#C.A. Peñarol that awoke my interest. I stopped nominating articles for GA a year or so ago as soon as I realised that some reviewers just do not have enough experience, while even the English of some of them is a very low standard (non native speakers). Add to that the fact that among younger users there are clear cases of 'GA mine, and I'll GA yours'. As always, 'maintenance' areas are a fatal attraction for new and/or younger users, and I find the suggestion made by Eric is excellent. Perhaps it would be interesting to raise an RfC on such an idea. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 01:57, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've been trying to learn that systems a bit and expected tit for tat approvals would be easy to do. I have two GAs and I barely consider myself qualified, so I would agree that is a good idea for a minimum standard, and would support a change but don't have time to draft the RFC. As I explain above, the FDA has decided to change some regulations that dramatically change our industry and we are scrambling to figure this out and trying to save some employee jobs in the process, so I'm going to be very scarce for a few weeks. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:52, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- Since I'm usually the one who deals with crummy GAN reviews out at the roads projects (see my userpage) I'd support such a move. --Rs chen 7754 12:07, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

My first GA was a very long article and although I was the major contributor, much of getting it up to pre-GA standard was teamwork. The reviewer was very strict and worked in an extremely professional manner by a well established editor. Another GAN - of an article of which I was the sole contributor - was passed after a few minor tweaks, by an editor (no longer active) who clearly lacked the required experience. It dented my illusion of the quality of GA reviews. Since I've never done any GA reviews myself (to lazy - too busy on other stuff, whatever) I don't think I should be the one to launch such an RfC, but I would be happy to co-craft it. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 18:37, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

If Eric becomes active again, he would be someone to have in the loop as he knows the system and the flaws better than most. It will be while before I will have the time, but I would agree that the credibility of the GA system is at stake thus it is worth the while to look at reforms. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:22, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

User:Wizardman might be a good person to have on board too. --Rs chen 7754 22:24, 25 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've done a lot of work at AfC, a bit at GAN, not so much at NPP ... The principal problem with all three is people tend to rush through things and check noddy stuff like formatting, where factual accuracy and verifibility takes a back seat. Some people just need to remember it's not a race. AfC in particular has had real problems, much of which have been documented at ANI. Perhaps we could reuse the "reviewer" bit for GAN as well? Ritchie333 ^(talk) ^(cont) 20:17, 26 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've personally avoided GAN, for much the same reasons at Ritchie, and I agree with his suggestion. I joined WP in large part hoping to raise the standards, and I'd be much more willing to participate in a rational project. But I'm not sure the standards needed are the same. In particular, should a GA reviewer have written a GA themselves? I never have. DGG ( talk ) 17:19, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've been a bit sheltered at GA I suppose, as Eric has been a part of each one I've been involved in, and he is a demanding task master, forcing me to do my homework before the GA. TBradley reviewed one and seemed perfectly qualified as well. Honestly, it would have been a lesser experience for me if they were just passing junk as GA, but my goal was the experience, not the pip. I do think a proper and slightly strict GA system would benefit the editors as much as the encyclopedia. More importantly, it would benefit the reader, who is the most important Wikipedian of them all. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 17:27, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

archiving of Morning277 SPI

I had a comment to add to the 23 July report, but I see you've closed and archived that report. My comment:

Point Inside, CloudVelocity, Matthew Karatz and CoupFlip have been deleted under G5, but Ttc1964 (talk · contribs) was not blocked.

I notified [10] Enigma15071987 about this report. Nonetheless, he/she is preparing [11] to restore David Kiger.

—rybec 14:30, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

He was blocked, not sure why you don't see the block. No need to notify anyone about any report. Besides, I already blocked Enigma. I probably did a lot of stuff you haven't seen yet, I'm pretty fast with the buttons and had a few hours to clean up, archive and block this morning. If you expect to work with blocked editors/spi a bunch, consider adding this to your common.js file:

importScript('User:NuclearWarfare/Mark-blocked script.js');

It will instantly show you who is blocked and who isn't just by looking at their linked names. Exceedingly cool script.

Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 14:34, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for blocking Ttc1964 and Enigma15071987, and for the tip about the script, and for kicking so much ass. I started drafting my comment before you did that; didn't post it because I noticed Worldwide Express is related. —rybec 14:52, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

If I had to bet my lunch money for a week, I would bet they are a sock, but they have so many other edits and the account is so old, I have to be cautious. I will try to do a full analysis of that account later today if time allows. They don't have tools to do this, it is a purely manual affair based solely on experience, so it takes some time with an account this active. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 14:58, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I took a quick look at the contributions of the editors of the current incarnation of Worldwide Express, but except for the IP editors I didn't see anything that would raise a reasonable suspicion. I'm assuming that as an administrator you are able to look at the history of the deleted original article. —rybec 16:12, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

It is the edits of Anonymity32 that are most at play, and which have several characteristics that are consistent with the sock master. Again, there are many other edits, which only a handful of other socks have, and CU is all but completely useless for any Morning277 sock, so it takes some serious comparison. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 16:18, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

My comment of 16:12 wasn't well-thought-out. I took another look and saw the Keller-Williams article and the one about the plastic surgeon. There are a bunch of articles related to Keller-Williams: Jay Papasan, KellerINK, Gary W. Keller, Dave Jenks and Keller Williams Realty. —rybec 16:26, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've looked pretty closely now, and there is no question that this is a paid editor, however, paid editing isn't against policy. What I don't see is a definitive link to Morning277. There may be some other links that are worth exploring, but so far it looks pretty clean. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 17:45, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I see you've closed my report already. Did you look at the part about the (RR) notation and the Sublimeharmony diff? It seems like strong evidence to me; I can find more instances in Sublimeharmony's sandbox if that would make a difference. —rybec 18:01, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I"ve reopened. That alone isn't strong enough to make the connection, but I will look yet more. I can't expand on why I think they aren't, but will look yet again once I get more time. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 18:11, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for reconsidering! I revised my report so it shows the whole draft [12]. There are a more of those notations in the draft than in that one diff. It is a little bit different from the usage in Anonymity32's draft because the notations are in the body rather than in the References section. —rybec 18:29, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Advice Interactive Group

The article was contributed by Anonymity32 but has been deleted. I'm curious to look at it for possible connections to Morning277. Would you be willing to temporarily undelete it? Should I be asking Postdlf instead? —rybec 20:23, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

33 edits total, other than him, all are pretty known people except a few IPs, which are probably blocked editors but IPs aren't the concern here. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 21:35, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for looking at it. —rybec 21:55, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

DYK-Good Article Request for Comment

Did you know ... that since you expressed an opinion on the GA/DYK proposal last year, we invite you to contribute to a formal Request for Comment on the matter? Please see the proposal on its subpage here, or on the main DYK talk page. To add the discussion to your watchlist, click this link. Regards, Gilderien Chat|What I've done22:58, 28 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, would you like to elaborate your rationale in the General Discussion section?--Gilderien Chat|List of good deeds 09:37, 29 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

m:User:Rschen7754/Reports/Morning277

Hi! Would you mind commenting on the latest developments at the above page? Thanks! --Rs chen 7754 00:44, 29 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A little confused and a bit short of time tonight, I assume you are looking at global blocks and such? All those CU links are for meta, not enwp, so they have to be searched manually unless a report it done. You mentioned CU, but CU is not helpful for the majority of these, it is a purely manual affair. Are all the ones not marked "done" unblocked here at enwp and require behavioral comparison? If so, I can see about it tomorrow, but that will take a while to complete if all of those haven't been researched. I lost count of how many I've blocked, approaching 300 though... Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:48, 29 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- I'm looking at the 2 new accounts that were found that may be related, Alexia Nelson and Carly Jepsen... trying to figure out if they're part of the same family. This is mostly to clean up the damage at other wikis, though not everyone handles paid editing the same way.
- The ones not marked done are unblocked on some other wiki, but are blocked on enwp... sorry, I should have made that more clear. --Rs chen 7754 01:52, 29 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - At first glance, I can see why you would be concerned. I will do a closer check tomorrow and file paperwork if necessary. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:55, 29 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Omdo again

Sorry - I know you're busy, and I can take it elsewhere if you prefer, but per [13], unfortunately he's editing just as previously, with no attention to the matters pointed out on his talk page. I left him this message today. There isn't really anything else I can do but seek assistance at this point. Begoon ^talk 06:45, 30 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm buried in FDA paperwork today and tomorrow doesn't look any better. This might best be handled with a short report with diffs filed at ANI as a much longer block is a real possibility. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:30, 30 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

OK. If I get time I'll do that. I guess I was going for the easy option, and trying not to waste any more time on it than I already did

. Begoon ^talk 14:29, 30 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Filed: ANI:User:Omdo. I mentioned you, obviously. Thanks for your help - hope work eases up a bit for you, or you at least get it done successfully. Cheers. Begoon ^talk 03:20, 31 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

And your close is exactly correct. I agree in the end that more eyes are better in a case like this, and it's much neater and more fair and open that way. Enjoy the paperwork

. Begoon ^talk 14:09, 31 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Back to Work-My Online Home

Hello Dennis! how are you? I just thought of dropping you a short talk page note regarding my recent return to editing Wikipedia just a few days ago after a long Wikibreak of a few months in which I had been extremely busy. I hope to work in a more better and harder way now to help here as much as I can, and try to learn and improve from any mistakes which I may have made in the past. I think of you as one of my mentor's who has helped me in various ways for different things on Wikipedia. Well, that's all I can think of saying right now, so see you around! TheGeneralUser (talk) 21:08, 30 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm honestly glad to see you back. Just take it easy, find something fun to do. I'm working a bunch of OT at work right now, getting paperwhipped by the Feds, so I'm not around a lot right now but should be in a week or few. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 21:28, 30 July 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 31 July 2013

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User:Morning277

This user doesn't appear to slow down does he?--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 23:05, 3 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I appreciate your hard work on this SPI case.--Anderson I'm Willing To Help 23:05, 3 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Blocked user making personal attacks on own talk page

This user is blocked but has decided to make personal attacks (unfounded BTW) about me on his or her talk page [14]. I hope something can be done. Thanks. Dbrodbeck (talk) 20:46, 4 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

(talk page stalker): I'm an uninvolved editor in this, so I took a look at the above linked post in question and besides the word "delusional" used twice (though only once directed to Dbrodbeck), I don't see any "personal attacks" (note the plural). I don't see any need for removal of talk page privileges. Beyond that, I don't have an opinion on User:Rodneye9110. - Neutralhomer • Talk • 22:18, 4 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Saying I am going around censoring WP, seems bad, ahh well, as usual, I will go with consensus of course. Thanks for taking a look. Dbrodbeck (talk) 22:22, 4 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

another (talk page stalker) It doesn't look to me as though the blocked editor is calling Dbrodbeck "delusional" at all: "[...] his stance that the disease is delusional [...]" and "[...] most delusional states have a infectious disease component [...]" are clearly, as I read it, about the content of an article. I have no comment about whether the other statements are personal attacks. Dennis Brown hasn't edited since 1 August; another admin might be more responsive. —rybec 23:22, 4 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Ah, looks like this has been taken care of. —rybec 23:27, 4 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Just to let you know

You have been mentioned at Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Editor_Retention#Blocking_of_participants_in_this_wikiproject.3F. XOttawahitech (talk) 12:43, 6 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Like my new Wikipedia suit?

Check it out, ay? Nice huh? ;-)--Mark Miller _{Just ask!} _WER _TEA _DR/N 08:14, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Nice, real names come with a price but always more reward. You going to make the official switch at WP:CHUS soon? Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 10:57, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- ... can easily sell you mine, if you're interested... Martinevans123 (talk)
- Had always assumed that was a sneaky anagram for "Adam cites tins". Alas you have now lost all credibility. Martinevans123 (talk) 11:21, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - Always nice to see. I'd like to use my real name, but people would just take this piss. -- Michael Cockram (Tacit Dimness?)
    - I like the alliteration. Very respectable name. ~Adjwilley (talk) 12:47, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
My first attempt at WP:CHUS I discovered the name is taken by someone with 5 edits globally. So I will try another possibility shortly. I don't think I can usurp that name when they have 5 edits. One thing about the name...it is very common.--Mark Miller _{Just ask!} _WER _TEA _DR/N 17:49, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
- You might can get it usurped, best to ask a Crat like User:Mbisanz. He should be able to give you a direct answer. Since it is only 5 edits, I would say that odds are fair you could. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 18:01, 1 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]
  - Yay. I am now User:Mark Miller. For a while there I felt like I was wearing a suit, over a costume. Now, how do I go about creating the legitimate alternate account to keep that name username from being impersonated and keep as a secondary account? --Mark Miller _{Just ask!} _WER _TEA _DR/N 21:40, 6 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Still busy

Just taking a moment to say hello and say thanks to the talk page stalkers. Again, the FDA has insured that I'm swamped in paperwork due to new and obviously unnecessary regulations, so it might be a while before I'm here regularly. It has only served to reinforce my Libertarian leanings. Hope everyone has a good August. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:49, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

An apology

Although it was some time ago, I would like to apologize to both you and User:Pedro for this. AutomaticStrikeout ? 16:31, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Apology fully accepted. No hard feelings at all. Best. Pedro : Chat 18:26, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Same here. None of us is perfect and we all have our days. Farmer Brown - 2¢ (Alt. of Dennis Brown) 20:46, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

salting

The Morning277 writers have been preparing replacement articles with the same old material about the same old subjects. I asked about salting and was told to ask DGG first. He left a message that seems addressed to you, [15]. —rybec 17:57, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I proposed salting at SPI but it didn't get much traction. I'm not around enough right now to make the determination, but obviously I would trust DGG's judgement on what to salt and what not to. Another set of eyes is always a good thing. You can tell him I fully support salting with extreme prejudice any article that is being prepped to be recreated. Of course, anyone recreating should be looked at as a sock. Since Morning is now banned, any sock's version can be CSD#G5 without question, including sandboxes. I'm not saying to be ham-fisted, but a firm view is probably best with this sock, to remove the financial incentive and reduce the incidences in the future. Hopefully things will slow down in a few weeks and I will have time to help, I just don't right now. Farmer Brown - 2¢ (Alt. of Dennis Brown) 20:46, 7 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You've got mail!

Hello, Dennis Brown. Please check your email; you've got mail!
Message added 02:55, 8 August 2013 (UTC). It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}} or {{ygm}} template.

Keilana|^{Parlez ici} 02:55, 8 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

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I turn to you when I have problem editors

I know your time is limited, so perhaps you can point someone appropriate in the direction of Damon Matthew Wise and its main contributor, who is, probably, Damon Matthew Wise. I am not sure whether we can, or even should, encourage this editor to edit here since his skills are different from those required to write for Wikipedia, but I believe in trying. Only I am not sure how to try! Fiddle Faddle 22:27, 17 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like Doc James is in the loop, who I would trust is capable of determining if CIR applies and knowns some of those topics better than I do. And the AFD seems to have an obvious outcome. I didn't look very deeply, but at a glance, there does seem to be a reason to consider a topic ban. Their comments here [16] make it pretty clear they have an agenda or COI in some way, that is certain. I will poke in tomorrow and see, but I'm think there are a number of eyes on it right now, Doc and several other experienced editors whom I would trust to determine the problem. I'm guessing it will end with some kind of topic ban or a block, but again, I haven't the time to research to the degree needed to fully make that determination tonight. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 01:32, 18 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks

It will fit perfectly. ```Buster Seven Talk 16:53, 23 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

No prob. Glad to do something useful. Still swamped at work, haven't had to time to really do much here still. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 16:56, 23 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Discussion at Wikipedia:WikiProject Articles for creation/RfC Reviewer permission

You are invited to join the discussion at Wikipedia:WikiProject Articles for creation/RfC Reviewer permission. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 10:40, 24 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 21 August 2013

In the media: Chelsea Manning, Box-office predictors, and 'Storming Wikipedia'

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Interview request: Your interactions with new editors

Hi Dennis. I saw the notice at the top of your talk page saying that your on bit of a wiki break for work. I hope you don't find me posting this request troublesome. I'm running a study with TheOriginalSoni exploring newcomer mentorship activities in Wikipedia. I'd like to ask you a few questions about your interactions with newcomers and to explore how a tool like WP:Snuggle might make your work easier. The interview and demo session will take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much time we spend discussing things. If you're interested, let me know.

Study overview: meta:Research:Peer_mentorship_and_snuggle
Consent form: meta:Research:Peer_mentorship_and_snuggle/Consent

Thanks for your consideration. --EpochFail (talk • contribs) 15:40, 28 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Invitation to WikiProject Invention

Hello, Dennis Brown. You are invited to join WikiProject Invention, a WikiProject and resource dedicated to improving Wikipedia's coverage of inventions and invention-related topics. To join the project, just add your name to the member list. Northamerica1000^(talk) 10:14, 29 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You've got mail!

Hello, Dennis Brown. Please check your email; you've got mail!
Message added 14:45, 30 August 2013 (UTC). It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}} or {{ygm}} template.

Zad68 14:45, 30 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Civility

Thank you for asking the question regarding civility at the current RfA. The candidate's response was excellent and I added my Support. I will read (again) WP:CIVIL because recently I have been less than civil. I needed that reminder more than you will ever know. A response is not necessary. Again, thank you. Respectfully, Tiyang (talk) 03:37, 30 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You are welcome. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:55, 2 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

close request

Hi Dennis, can you close this merge proposal? It's gone stale and there's no consensus. Thanks. Malke 2010 (talk) 16:27, 31 August 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Work still has me tied, I haven't even checked email for the last few days and I'm trying to catch that up. Usually, if it is obvious there is no consensus and it has gone stale, it isn't a huge rush as it is obvious no change will take place. Hopefully, I will be able to be more active in a month. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:36, 2 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Time

I'm still pretty tied up with work and don't have as much time to do other things. Also, the fact that Arb has privately made it very clear they don't want Morning277 sockpuppets blocked, well it seems kind of pointless to block any sockpuppet, so I haven't been very motivated to waste what little free time I've had this month. I can't tell you why as I have no idea, you would have to ask them. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:24, 4 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Requesting Godwin's Law block

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

Offending diff: [17] User is not here to contribute constructively, has already disruptively posted how to game wikipedia, and is threatening to disrupt further. Hasteur (talk) 14:53, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I was looking at it and Orangemike beat me to the punch. I'm not around much lately. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 15:47, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Email

Did you receive my email 2 days ago? Miss Bono^[zootalk] 14:54, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I haven't been around. I need more info though, you have to make it easy for me by explaining everything. I'm slow ;) Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 15:49, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Block review of User:Mesilliac

Hi Dennis Brown! Do you mind checking out User talk:Mesilliac? This editor was blocked by you due to your familiarity with the behaviour of the sock master. The user is now disputing they are a sock, but I am not familiar enough with the behavioural evidence that led to the block to be able to review the unblock request. Singularity42 (talk) 23:54, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Never mind. I missed that you had already commented. Singularity42 (talk) 23:55, 6 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 04 September 2013

In the media: Manning "put back in the closet"; State involvement in Azerbaijani Wikipedia

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Technology report: Making Wikipedia more accessible

Questions on a template

Hey Dennis, I see you're busy, but I'm still leaving this note because your talk page is well watched and someone will see it. I noticed Template:WikiProject India invitation (comic). It's innocent enough, it explicitly states it is humor, and it says not to use it on new editors, but it certainly has the potential to be problematic. I got a kick out of it, but I'm left wondering if it's the best idea in the world to be using that template when there are plenty of editors who might not understand that it's false, and plenty more who might not see the humor. Any thoughts? Ryan Vesey 01:53, 10 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

(talk page stalker) The author is active in WikiProject India, so I doubt it's intended to disparage them. The promises it makes are rather silly. —rybec 02:42, 10 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not a template expert, so I would suggest taking it to to WP:TFD and get input from others if you think it crosses any line. Sorry to be so slow, but I've been even busier, and visitors from Belgium have me tied up today. Crazy year for me. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 15:03, 11 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 11 September 2013

In the media: Lawyer goes to court to discover Wikipedian's identity; Storming Wikipedia; Wikimedia UK Secretary in conflict-of-interest controversy; Does Wikipedia need a "right to reply" box?

WikiProject report: WikiProject Indonesia

Featured content: Tintin goes featured

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Traffic report: Syria, celebrities, and association football: oh my!

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You might remember

This character is back - Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Rinpoche, I'd appreciate your help...Modernist (talk) 11:18, 15 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I'm still pretty tied up in the real world right now. I'm guessing another clerk will sign off on the CU and CU shouuld be able to clear that up pretty quick. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:57, 15 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Sunbeam Tiger info

Dennis, seeing Eric has invited me to not deal with him and Luke seems to be in the same camp,

...And you seem to be more open minded, I have some questions.

1) Why is the Mike Taylor Tiger book not in the Tiger page resources list?

2) How many counts of misinformation are needed for a resource to be considered an Unreliable source?

I'm clearly new to the world of Wiki and have unintendedly stomped on some well worn feet.

I'm attempting to back up and start a new, with as few missteps as I can manage.

Spmdr (talk) 06:27, 15 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Eric is a good guy, a friend actually, and he knows ten times more than I do about the car. He is a bit temperamental however, but it looks like everyone was getting unnecessarily aggressive in reverting and commenting, so it was predictable that he would get upset. As for the Mike Taylor book, I have no idea, it has been a while since I researched and it isn't fresh in my mind. There were a couple of books that I could only get excerpts from as I didn't want to pay 200 dollars for a used book and Tiger books are rare. It may have been one of those. As for "counts of misinformation", that isn't really method for determining reliability. Often, four sources will use the same number, but they got the number from the same source, so they are all wrong. The number of times that wrong information is printed doesn't determine its accuracy. How Eric and I determined was a combination of my raw research and source finding here in the US and his going to the library and researching much of the British publications there in the UK. As I stated there, that doesn't mean that we are 100% correct on every point, but it is presumptuous to assume something is wrong unless the same amount of effort has been spent to verify a fact, or unless a source that unquestionably passes WP:RS can demonstrate it is incorrect. I know Eric well enough that if someone just pointed to the better source, he would make the change. What isn't appreciated is when someone just waltzes in, makes a vague claim and treats the people who did weeks of research like they are fools. It is unnecessary for some to be combative and defensive when all they have to do is slow down a bit and try cooperating. It is actually much easier and more productive. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 11:56, 15 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]
Indeed. I did further research on the engine originally fitted to the Le Mans Tigers and it became evident that Carroll's claim that it was the larger Ford engine began to look increasingly improbable, so that's been changed now. I would point out though that the "correction" claiming that Tigers were fitted with a Dana 44 rear axle is demonstrably untrue, and I find the claim that the article contains "four dozen" errors to be risible. But having said that, it's in nobody's best interest to maintain incorrect information in this article, so where there's a discrepancy between the sources – and there appear to be many – we have to use our best judgement. Eric Corbett 20:11, 15 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Dennis, It's a shame the Taylor book was not included in your research, chances are, had it been, fewer errors would have found their way into the Wiki effort.

Please let me know when a copy comes your way so we can go over the content.

I bought my copy in 1979.

BTW, it would be a mistake to assume others have NOT spent considerable time studying the Sunbeam Tiger.

Spmdr (talk) 04:46, 16 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, I don't assume, but since the article is at FA and the sources have been vetted, I think it is reasonable to just require any major changes are explained and the sources are shown to be at least as reliable as the previously used sources. I'm not against change at all, I just want to insure quality in the process and if a change needs to be made, lets make sure we only need to do it once, and not multiple times. But again, I'm not fighting the idea of change in any way. That is what a wiki is all about. I think I can speak for both Eric and I when say patience and prudence is called for. No one wants the article to accurate more than we do, I assure you. And sorry about being slow to reply, work is a bear right now. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:35, 16 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

SPI clerk inactivity

Hey, I've moved you to inactive on the SPI/C list since you haven't clerked in a month. I completely understand why you've been away, but I hope you come back. --Rs chen 7754 04:57, 18 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Seconded. Legoktm (talk) 06:05, 18 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

You've got mail!

Hello, Dennis Brown. Please check your email; you've got mail!
Message added 21:12, 18 September 2013 (UTC). It may take a few minutes from the time the email is sent for it to show up in your inbox. You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{You've got mail}} or {{ygm}} template.

Zad68 21:12, 18 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The Signpost: 18 September 2013

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Question

So this article on Suburban Express has a long history of socks/cois/paid editing, etc., a behavior the company has also exhibited on Reddit, which is (ironically enough) the controversy they keep wanting to remove and water down. Based on all the SPA IPs with different addresses they are clearly sophisticated enough to use multiple IPs. And I know they've hired at least one non-disclosed paid editor who pretends like they are a regular volunteer pleading AGF, probably to overcome the semi-protection that was added to the article to protect it from this stuff.

I posted a comment saying full protection was needed and within hours we have a bunch of comments, many of which I know are socks/COI/paid/etc. Given the limited information we have on-wiki, how do we sort this out? I'm at a point where I presume any editor on that Talk page has a COI and while some are obvious, there is a substantial market out there for paying cash for someone to use an established account. The amount of dubious behavior by the company has become so overwhelming, I can't trust anyone and there's no way to confirm which are just regular editors. CorporateM (Talk) 22:11, 17 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

A few members of Arb have made it clear they aren't interested in us stopping sock/COI editing, which is one reason I haven't wasted any time in that area. I have no idea why. Regardless, we are in the middle of moving a small factory part way across the US and we are rushing to find a building, all while dealing with brand new FDA regulations. (Part of Obama's plan to create jobs, which insured we had to lay a few people off). I honestly don't have the time to do a great deal of research into socking there, and it isn't likely you could get a CU to take a look anyway. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 00:53, 18 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

(talk page stalker) @CorporateM:, consensus isn't needed to get a page protected. You might have luck at WP:RFPP. A request for pending changes might have a better chance of acceptance than one for full protection. —rybec 02:52, 18 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

I've left a query for Arbcom at [18]. —rybec 03:18, 21 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks User:Rybec. They are now resorting to attacking me personally from a variety of paid editing accounts, SPAs, socks, and the like. It looks like OrangeMike already added pending changes protection, which is odd because my edits get implemented in real-time and lots of COI edits appear to have gone through in spite of it. CorporateM (Talk) 16:28, 21 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Suburban Express is only semi-protected, allowing it to be changed from any autoconfirmed account [19]. Pending changes is a different level of protection: anyone can suggest a change, but the changes are looked at by people with the "reviewer" privilege before they're made. You could try telling OrangeMike (talk · contribs) that the semi-protection isn't enough, or asking on WP:RFPP. —rybec 16:41, 21 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yup, I pinged Orange a while back with no response. I see it is semi-protected, not pending changes. Not sure what I was thinking. CorporateM (Talk) 19:52, 22 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

IP stuff

Hi Dennis. I will admit to not being as fluent in the new IP addresses as I might like. And with your experience at spi...

I've had a note dropped on my talk page. I considered asking at WP:AN about this, but as yet, I'm not certain anything is "wrong" per se. And going there these days can sometimes seems like one is handing out scarlet letters. This is just a "feeling" this may be something worth looking into. And I thought more information would probably be a good thing before dropping a note on their talk page. (For one thing, informed discussion tends to be a better thing than uniformed discussion : )

Anyway, as far as I can see, it's somehow related to User:dan100, and this, and me, and this.

There seem to be at least 3 IPs involved that I can see at first glance. While I'm trying to avoid any sort of "bad faith", the "duck watcher" (horrible pun) in me is wanting to think that the reason blocked text is involved is that this is a currently or former blocked user, but I'm not sure. This could be something very simply innocent, or possibly something very complex and/or possibly not-so-innocent.

Your help would be welcome. - jc37 17:45, 22 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry to be so long. Work has been insane for me lately. I go days without checking my wiki-email or check in here. I'm not much good for helping for now, sorry. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 23:24, 26 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

R.U.R.

Hi. Could you please place a look at this: editor User:NaturalWon, added this to the article R.U.R., purporting a connection between Breaking Bad and R.U.R.. I removed it as requiring a source, and the editor restored it. I explained the need for contentious material to be sourced, and his response was a WP:POINTy edit to remove other material from the article, instead of providing a source for his own material.

Could you please confirm the need for reliable sources about contentious material, and the policy against original research? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Beyond My Ken) (talk • contribs) 01:41, 30 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

BMK, Dennis is awol for a bit. I've warned the user and am watching the page. --regentspark (comment) 17:25, 30 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, appreciate it. Beyond My Ken (talk) 18:51, 30 September 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Queen of fusion

Check out this.♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:59, 4 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, quite nice! She has really smallish hands but that certainly doesn't stop her. Really nice technique. Several of them, as a matter of fact. Thanks for the link :) I've been trying to sell off some of my old gear 66 Fender Mustang that I modified for slide guitar, a 76 Mustang, 73 Gretsch model 7676, a couple of active 5 string basses (Jazz and a Warwick). Simplifying. I have started playing a bit again after a break of a few years. Definitely rusty. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:46, 6 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Hello...

Just checking in with ya as I am on an unscheduled Wiki-Break. Hope all is well with you and your family.--Mark Miller (talk) 01:17, 6 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, I'm still on a fully scheduled one. Hope things are going ok for you. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 13:46, 6 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]
I know you're extremely busy Dennis, but there's a suggestion on the Sunbeam Tiger's talk page about how to resolve the production numbers controversy. It seems reasonable to me, but I'd really appreciate your second opinion. Eric Corbett
Done That does seem to be the most logical, honest and informative way to deal with it. He did pretty good work on that, and I'm sure you can put just a little lipstick on it. Dennis Brown | 2¢ | WER 22:51, 6 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Some stroopwafels for you!

Thanks for all the work you've done described at Wikipedia:Wikipedia Signpost/2013-10-09/News and notes. I looked for a single malt Scotch to give you, but there was none on the menu. SchreiberBike talk 00:41, 11 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]

Good job. Congratulations ! Cantons-de-l'Est (talk) 14:16, 12 October 2013 (UTC)[reply]