User talk:Gbear1973

You have been blocked indefinitely from editing for adding spam links. Persistent spammers will have their websites blacklisted from Wikipedia and potentially penalized by search engines. If you would like to be unblocked, you may appeal this block by adding the text {{unblock|reason=Your reason here ~~~~}}, but you should read the guide to appealing blocks first. Alexf^(talk) 21:58, 18 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

This user's unblock request has been reviewed by an administrator, who accepted the request.

Gbear1973 (block log • active blocks • global blocks • contribs • deleted contribs • filter log • creation log • change block settings • unblock • checkuser (log))

Request reason:

This is Gem Webb at Bruce County Tourism (aka: ExploretheBruce). I am writing you to appeal our ban that has an expiry time of indefinite on our account. I have uncovered over the past month of researching Wikipedia TOS that the “indefinite” timeframe does not mean forever. –whew- That’s what stopped me in my tracks over a year ago. I’ve since read that I should first contact the admin who blocked me through my talk page yet, I cannot access it at this time so am contacting you directly through email. I’ve taken the time to read and understand a thick binder full of Terms of Service, Privacy Terms, Content Creation with a primary focus on what I did wrong with link spam. I can see that I was way off base with link building within the Wikipedia community and want to become a proper contributor to Wikipedia. I am glad that your TOS makes room for newbie’s like myself while encouraging us to read, learn and then lastly appeal. Various facts I’ve learned about being a true Wikipedian *Not to show a conflict of interest with self promotion or link building *Keep a Neutral point of view is #1 *upholding the 5 pillars *to always use the talk page prior to editing pages directly (I should of done this!) *being careful when working for an organization and editing any content related to our organization. Some proper actions would be to declare who I am on the talk page first prior to any editing *Not to share personal views or advocating that could reflect within any contributions *Basically avoid linking (How not to be a Spammer) *Always declare interest on Talk pages to add to documents so that other editors can help advise prior to posting (Talk pages are 1st safe step) *Cite Sources *People are apart of Wikipedia to make it better not to promote I apologize for my lack of understanding / knowledge in the area of contributing to Wikipedia as an Encyclopedia VS, a Travel Catalogue. At the time I had no idea and working without researching enough of the Terms of Service and proper ways to contribute. I’ve attached a photo from a binder that is dedicated to Wikipedia TOS internally of our Organization so that an experience with future staff will not repeat. I’m also requesting that if you deem my account to be reinstated, I would also like to change the name of my profile account. I’ve read that this could be an issue with regards to self promotion (username policy) and would like to make sure no such possibility could arise. I plan on using my own name and taking true ownership of this account as a person. I plan to go very slow with Wikipedia and, hereby declare that I will uphold a true Wikipedian TOS from this day forward. Thanks for considering my appeal. ExploretheBruce (talk) 16:20, 23 October 2012 (UTC)

Accept reason:

Blocking administrator has reviewed and does not object to unblocking. Congratulations, you're unblocked. Now before you do anything else, please go to WP:CHU/Simple and request a new username for renaming this account. After that, please be mindful of Wikipedia:Conflict of interest and use the talk page to propose any edits for which you may have a conflict of interest. It is also a good idea to disclose your conflict of interest on your userpage. ~Amatulić (talk) 18:10, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

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Can you explain what you mean by our account in your lead paragraph above? Shared/role accounts are not permitted. If you wish to use this account for your personal use, it would be best to request a username change as well. --Kinu ^t/_c 17:20, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

My reference to "our account" in the first paragraph was to imply that this current account name was created during work hours as my personal Wikipedia account. I have come to understand that My Wikipedia Account has to be only my personal account; and that is why in my last paragraph I also request a "Name Change" to my own name. I plan on using my newly instated (if approved and appealed) account as personal only, and not with any business or organization name / connections with a focus on neutrality. Thanks for your time on this matter and consideration.ExploretheBruce (talk) 17:46, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I've extracted the above from an unblock request - we prefer one of those at a time... Peridon (talk) 17:52, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I'd advise against using your real name, as that can cause problems at times. Up to you. Peridon (talk) 17:56, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I've now read the Tutorial on Talk Pages and understand to use indenting to continue discussions. Thanks for fixing my duplicate Unblock request. I will take your advice and change my name to something similar but not exact. Thanks for making me read Username Policy to see that this could cause issues for me. ([[User:ExploretheBruce 18:02, 23 October 2012 (UTC)}}

Actually, for company representatives and other people with a conflict of interest, real names are appropriate. Many folks have real names here (mine is real, for example, and it causes me no problems). It's your choice. ~Amatulić (talk) 21:24, 23 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I plan on using my newly instated account only as personal and not associated with any professional organization. Is there any more to the appeal process that I must do? How will I find out if my appeal on my user talk page gets accepted?

We're currently trying to ensure that you're aware of the issues, and protecting yourself. Using your WP:REALNAME might be problematic - could you click that link, and make yourself aware of the issues, and confirm that you're ok with using your real name? I assume your intent is to use User:GemWebb as your userid. Although the template above is not the correct oen to use in order to request unblocking for the purpose of changing your username, one of us should be able to fix it once you confirm a) you're aware of the risks and b) you confim the username you wish to use. When it's been accepted, the unblock notice will change to saying "accepted" - you will then be directed to where to go in order to change your username. You will not be permitted to edit elsewhere until that username change has been formally actionned (✉→BWilkins←✎) 15:49, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Right. As I said before, it shouldn't cause you problems, but Bwilkins (which I suspect is also a real name like mine, first initial and last) is correct that you should be aware of the risks. ~Amatulić (talk) 16:42, 24 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I am now fully aware of the risks of using WP:REALNAME as a userid through reading Wikipedia articles on dangers of using real Usernames. Therefor, I've made the decision to apply for a name change that is similar to my name like GWbear73 instead of my full real name. Thanks for helping keep me safe online and taking the time to clarify options.

Now that is shows on my Talk page that my name has been changed and, my appeal has been accepted, can I get all references to my old USERNAME = Explorethebruce changed within my profile? Or, does this change later or, not visible to front end? — Preceding unsigned comment added by ExploretheBruce (talk • contribs) 19:55, 29 October 2012 (UTC)[reply]