User talk:L.smithfield/Archive 1

Archive 1

BLP concerns at False titles of nobility

Hello L.smithfield. I am concerned about this recent addition to the article, where you seem to be criticizing a named person, Karl von Deutschland. Please consider rewriting the section that mentions him. Wikipedia does not usually flat-out declare things to be false in its own voice. It would be more usual to quote conclusions from newspapers about the matter. You could understand Mr. Karl von Deutschland getting upset, and if he continues in this vein, he may wind up getting blocked again. If this is taken to WP:ANI, somebody is sure to ask whether our article is fair. If the article does not improve, I am thinking of asking other editors to comment at WP:BLP/N. Thanks, EdJohnston (talk) 13:38, 20 August 2010 (UTC)

I will consider rewording that section to try to further remove Wikipedia from any suggestion that it (Wikipeida) is making any sort of judgment of the man with regard to his assumed title. I tried to do that already by citing those external newspaper articles and UseNet discussion on him (in addition to citing the websites of the organizations that he is head or patron for), so that readers would verify those sources for themselves. But I certainly appreciate the delicacy of this matter and the importance for Wikipedia to only report facts and not make any sort of independent contribution. Of course, if you are interested and you have the time, you are welcome to read the source articles and other references and to rewrite or reword that section yourself. I have no personal interest in this matter and would certainly welcome the assessments and contributions of others. This affair in itself does sort of show the intensity of this matter of "false titles" internationally. Some of those who sell false titles internationally make enormous profits from their fraud and have gone to great lengths in order to protect their lucrative businesses. There was also a large and publicized conviction of a solicitor in the UK back in December of 2008 who was involved in a scam of selling false titles. Perhaps referencing that and some additional external material might serve to make the section even more objective. I will also consider removing Karl's name from the section. -L.Smithfield (talk) 14:18, 20 August 2010 (UTC)

territorial baron and seneschal

since you are interested in history and titles, you may find this discussion interesting:

Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Francis_Martin_O'Donnell —Preceding unsigned comment added by ReidarM (talk • contribs) 03:45, 27 November 2010 (UTC)