Bruce Fischer

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Hello, Bruce Fischer, and welcome to Wikipedia! Thank you for your contributions, especially your edits to Talk:GroundReport. I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few links to pages you might find helpful:

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Please remember to sign your messages on talk pages by typing four tildes (~~~~); this will automatically insert your username and the date. If you need help, check out Wikipedia:Questions, ask me on my talk page, or to ask for help on your talk page, and a volunteer should respond shortly. Again, welcome! Jeremyb (talk) 04:23, 3 August 2015 (UTC)

Alternative account?

Any reason you're not using your existing account? See WP:SOCK#LEGIT if you need help.--TMCk (talk) 21:27, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

I very rarely come here. I wasn't even aware that I had 2 accounts. I just signed into this one for the first time in ages I guess. How do I merge the 2 or close one? Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:15, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

I see that this message is tagged on both pages. If you look at the accounts you will see that I am rarely here. Both accounts are apparently in good standing so there would be no devious reason for me to make 2 other than by error. It doesn't look like I am in violation of anything but I certainly don't need both accounts. How do I merge the 2 or close one?

"It is recommended that contributors not use multiple accounts without good reason. For example, a user may wish to create an alternate account for use on public computers as a precaution to keep their primary account more secure. Contributors operating any sort of automated editing process should do so under an alternative bot account. It is recommended that multiple accounts be identified as such on their user pages; templates such as User alternative account or one of a selection of user boxes may be used for this purpose.

The use of multiple accounts outside of established policy for doing so is known as sock puppetry, and is not permitted. For example, multiple accounts may not be used to comment on proposals or requests, cast votes, or engage in edit warring. Policies apply to individuals, not accounts: blocked or banned users must not use sock puppets to circumvent a block; doing so will result in an extension of the block or ban."

I will await your instructions.

Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:23, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

(ec) You can't merge accounts (not that I'm aware of). Just add a note on both of your user pages with a link to each other and "retire" one account. That should do it or at least you're not in violation of any sock policy anymore (+less confusing).--TMCk (talk) 22:26, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

I will be happy to do that, but why would I be in violation of any sock policy now anyway? Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:28, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

E.g. because you're using two different and so far undisclosed accounts for editing the same set of articles.--TMCk (talk) 22:32, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

--Where? I just looked at the Amanda Knox talk page and I used the same user account. Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:37, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

I see no instructions on Wikipedia about retiring an account. Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:38, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

(ec) :Really? Really wanna go there again? Here are your contributions under your old account and here under this one. If you need further help maybe it's best to ask someone you're more comfortable with.--TMCk (talk) 22:43, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

What are you getting all angry about? I am listening to your instructions. I just looked at the Amanda Knox talk page and it appeared to me that I used the same account on that page. Relax. You wrote: "Really wanna go there again?" What does that mean? Have we ever discussed this before? Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:48, 9 April 2016 (UTC)

Okay, I see it now. I see three entries on the Amanda Knox page from 4 years ago using my old account. That's pretty devious stuff. I am happy you were able put and end to that. :) I added notes on both user pages per your instructions. If you see me making any more egregious violations, please swoop in and let me know. Let's work together to keep Wikipedia great! It's funny that this issue was deemed more important than addressing my requests on the page. Bruce Fischer (talk) 22:58, 9 April 2016 (UTC)