User talk:SandyGeorgia/arch75

Closed FAC

Please explain I don't know why you closed this FAC; what are the unresolved issues here exactly? I responded to the commentor's question and I amended the article as he suggested. —Justin (koavf)❤T☮C☺M☯ 23:07, 23 September 2010 (UTC)

And another GDallimore (Talk) 23:28, 23 September 2010 (UTC)

Checking sources for reliability is tedious and time consuming work, FAC is backlogged, there are only two reviewers checking sources, and in these two cases, multiple issues where raised. When multiple issues with sources (WP:V is policy) appear early in a FAC, the FAC has less chance of ultimately succeeding. When articles appear at FAC, they should meet the criteria, and be ready for review. Resolving issues with reliability of sources, understanding WP:RS and presenting well prepared FACs will give articles a better chance of succeeding at FAC, and closing them if they don't allows nominators to work outside of the pressure of FAC, and reviewers to focus their limited time on other FACs. I hope working these issues outside of FAC will result in a successful next nom. There is more helpful info at User:Steve/Oppose rationale. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:42, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Maybe you would have more reviewers if you took the time out to be a little more courteous towards those of us in the middle of the process. I came to FA because I believed that my article (John Babcock) had a decent chance of passing, but also because I wanted to learn more about the process so that I could contribute to reviewing articles in the future. I had only one "weak oppose" and it was closed before I even had a chance to review the concerns. Then, despite the fact that it had a very positive A Class review that only failed due to insufficient votes about six months ago, you tagged it as potentially in need of reassessment, which was needlessly insulting. So I no longer have an interest in contributing to this process. Few people get paid to do this and even fewer get any real accolades, but it is sometimes the smaller things like this that cause hard-working and valuable contributors (not particularly referring to myself here) to simply stop caring. Per the above, it seems I'm not the only one who has concerns. Canadian Paul 01:52, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Archiving FACs is never pleasant and typically results in orange bars on my talk. I'm sorry that tag offended you, but the GA was passed in 2007, as I indicated in my edit summary. (I don't know where to find the GA Sweeps result, as it isn't linked in articlehistory; if you have a diff it would be helpful.) When a MilHist A-class review closes for lack of Support, that means the A-class didn't pass. You've gotten good feedback of issues to work on; if you satisfy the Opposer's concerns, please ping with a diff from Nikkimaria, and I can re-visit. Regards, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:28, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

The article wasn't included in GA Sweeps as it was promoted in November 2007; Sweeps only looked at articles listed before 26 August 2007. Malleus Fatuorum 12:57, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks MF-- am I correct in assuming that sweeps were noted in articlehistory? I thought that was the case, which is why I added the GA request here. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:06, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Yep, that's right. Sweeps were done exactly like GAs are done now, on a separate subpage linked to from the article history. Malleus Fatuorum 13:16, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, MF; disgruntled nominators are unfortunately "part of my job", but I thought my understanding was correct on this. The article wasn't swept, was a very old GA, and failed A-class at MilHist. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:18, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm not a "disgruntled nominator" because my article didn't pass, that's part of the job of a nominator, to accept that your article may not be up to the standards; in fact, it's almost to be expect on a first try. The important part is what you learn from it and that you come back with a stronger effort. But it seems that if the nominated article was someone well-known, like Obama or MJ, it wouldn't be closed and have its GA status questioned on the basis of one weak oppose, especially before the nominator had a chance to review the concerns. I guess it's hard to tell from the limits of my recent experience, and I don't want to make broad generalizations, but I can say that this process seems to discourage potential new recruits to FA reviewing/submission. In any case, it doesn't seem like the process has much tolerance/respect for/faith in newcomers. Anyhow, I won't clog up your talk page with this any longer. Canadian Paul 03:38, 25 September 2010 (UTC)

I fully understand, but the problem with the Thrud article is that, while some of the sources may be unreliable in general terms, they are acceptable in the context under which they are being used. This is something which requires explanation within FAC, not resolution outside of FAC. But only some of them require such an explanation, eg, the external wiki. Others which the reviewer objected to are clearly reliable - being websites publishing articles and having editorial oversight - just not mainstream; hell, some of them don't even exist any more! This is unsurprising since a small, self-published comic book is a very non-mainstream topic. GDallimore (Talk) 13:05, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

By the way, there were some useful comments raised while the FAC was open and I am dealing with those in the meantime. GDallimore (Talk) 13:07, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

OK, that is a reasonable explanation, but it helps to highlight that in your nom statement, to save reviewer time. If you can get clearance from a source reviewer, the nom can be brought back sooner than the usual two weeks. Reasoned explanations work better than attacking the overworked delegates, who have to balance reviewer and nominator concerns. :) Regards, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:09, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm slightly confused. Isn't it you I have to persuade to re-open since you are the person who made the decision to close. You're the only person who even suggested closing the FAC. Two reviewers raised RS concerns, but I would have thought that would be par for the course and raising a concern is a long way from calling for closure. I'm not sure what I could have said in my nom statement, either, as this strong reaction came as a complete surprise: RS wasn't an issue in either the last FAC (it was all about prose style) or the GA nomination. It's also a slightly unfair expectation given that the reviewer objected to essentially every source without checking them out themselves and instead just said "justify them", which I would have done given the time.

And another PS, I agree (generally speaking) with your actions of raising a GA review for articles that fail FAC. Seems sensible enough and not at all insulting to pass it to an earlier forum - on the proviso that there has been a lengthy time or significant edits since it went through that forum. GDallimore (Talk) 21:21, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

We may be talking past each other here-- I'll have a closer look and respond in more detail after I catch up on a few other things. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 21:25, 24 September 2010 (UTC)

Thrud

I'm sorry for the delay, GDallimore; re-visiting and re-reading the FAC, two things led me to close it:

• 1. The size of the RS list query:
  • TRS2?
  • Bulletproof Comics?
  • The Ninth Art?
  • 2000AD Review?
  • 3dtotal?
  • Grand Comics Database?
  • enjolrasworld?
  • GameHobby.net?
  • Forbidden Planet?
  • Strike to Stun?
  • Collecting Citadel Miniatures wiki? (Wikis are always questionable...)
  • Heresy Miniatures?
• 2. A Wiki used as a source.

With that level of sourcing concerns, it's going to be an uphill struggle to get the article through FAC. Here's my suggestion. Put your answers to the reliable sources queries at Wikipedia talk:Featured article candidates/Thrud the Barbarian/archive2: I will look at them, and ask Brian or Ealdgyth to look at them. If we come to the conclusion that a case can be made, I'll put the FAC up anew. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:59, 25 September 2010 (UTC)

Phew. Finally got the chance to do it. I've provided detailed background information about the sources and the context in which they are bein used at Wikipedia:Featured_article_candidates/Thrud_the_Barbarian/archive2. I'll drop a message to the editors. Thanks. GDallimore (Talk) 12:43, 28 September 2010 (UTC)

Hi. Comments at Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 78#Thrud the Barbarian at FAC have been generally supportive. Please reopen the FAC. Thanks. GDallimore (Talk) 12:19, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

The comments at RSN do not address FA crit 1c; however, since two weeks have passed, you may re-nominate, but you should be prepared to discuss 1c at FAC, since RSN did not. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:05, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

That just wastes everyone's time. Why should the people who have already reviewed the article be forced to review it again? Why not just re-open the original nomination so that there can actually be a discussion about 1(c). In any event, the comments at RSN DO address the points that were made and for which the nomination was closed by you: the sources were not seen as reliable, this has been shown to be otherwise. RSN did not deign to say whether they were sufficiently high quality for 1(c), but no such objection was raised at the FAN before your premature action. GDallimore (Talk) 15:35, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Re-opening a long-closed FAC (and rightly so) would involve de-botifying the FAC and re-doing the articlehistory, which is not optimal. If you believe you can defend the quality of the sources at FAC, please start a new FAC. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:19, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Furthermore

Frustrating So, you closed this FAC--which I felt was premature, but c'est la vie--and tagged the talk with {{GA request}}. Over a month later, it's removed and there were no problems or even an investigation into the sources. Can we just let this go through the FAC process, please? —Justin (koavf)❤T☮C☺M☯ 02:41, 12 October 2010 (UTC)

Two weeks have passed, so you may re-nominate. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:05, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Green quotes

Hi Sandy. You said "why do we have a green quote? MOS says to avoid markup." I have looked through MOS:QUOTE again, but I do not see warnings to avoid markups. I was following the quotation style (green style) in the MOS itself (see Block quotations). Jappalang (talk) 22:48, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

Re, the green quote at LAT: This is funny-- the green at MOS:QUOTE is for example purposes, not intended to breach Wikipedia:MOS#Miscellaneous. You've been led down a rosy path by a poorly written MOS example :) But I see the green has been removed since the FAC. Best, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:15, 2 October 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard#About.com sources from Hyde Flippo

Hi SandyGeorgia. Would you take a look at Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard#About.com sources from Hyde Flippo? I want to know if two articles by Hyde Flippo at About.com pass FA 1(c). (I plan to use those sources in Have a nice day.) No one has commented at RSN after one day. Because you provided valuable insight at Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 16#Huffington Post, Gawker and About.com, I hope you can provide advice for these sources as well. Thank you! Cunard (talk) 06:10, 1 October 2010 (UTC)

Update to archive: Wikipedia:Reliable sources/Noticeboard/Archive 77#About.com sources from Hyde Flippo. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:15, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

You wrote on my talk page that I'm "in good shape there". The first time I read your comment I thought that that meant the source was okay. But I've read your comment several more times and I'm not so sure. Would you clarify? Cunard (talk) 19:03, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Question

There was nothing "promotional" about the site to which I linked; there are no ads, and no products for sale. Nothing was being promoted, nor was any particular type of treatment classified as "better" or "worse" than another. It was just a list of treatments mentioned in various studies and the bullet points from those studies (granted not all the studies were linked). Finding comprehensive information about medications used to treat Tourettes online is tedious, since most studies are old and outdated and consist of nothing more than "Haldol and nicotine patches were slightly more effective than placebo; hope you don't mind Tardive Dyskinesia." It's frustrating for people trying to see what options are available, especially considering many doctors just want to throw Risperdal at the problem and deal with side effects later. And many of the "treatment options" websites I've found have been full of new age hippie stuff and voodoo elimination diets that aren't backed by science, or worse, $40 eBooks claiming to teach "the magic secret to curing Tourettes", you know, the magic trick that some random person discovered that has eluded biochemists for 50 years, and they're willing to part with it for $40. So I felt the page to which I linked was useful for people looking for a neutral reference page to real, chemically-based treatments and not natural hippie stuff.

I'm not sure why you removed that link, yet didn't have an issue with the one above it (the link currently at the bottom of the list now) which takes the user to a 404 Page Not Found error page.

For my own personal research, if you know of a site with a more complete list of medications, mechanisms of action, results from clinical trials and side effect profiles than the site to which I linked, please share it with me.

At any rate, if that site violates some wikipedia rule, then my apologies, and please let me know which rule. But it is neutral and non-promotional so I figured it was ok.

(btw I hope I sent this message correctly... I've never sent a message to a wiki user before!)

Metalhead00xx (talk) 22:51, 4 October 2010 (UTC)metalhead00xx

procedural notification

As a reviewer at Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Michael Jordan, I thought you might consider commenting at Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Juwan Howard/archive2.--TonyTheTiger (T/C/BIO/WP:CHICAGO/WP:FOUR) 16:48, 6 October 2010 (UTC)

Reviving dispatch - another one =)

User:Ruhrfisch/Dispatch: Finetooth and Ruhr did a good job there. Both agree that it is just about ready to run. ResMar 23:26, 7 October 2010 (UTC)

Barnes in 1948 FAC

It's 4-0 now. May I add another please? YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 02:13, 10 October 2010 (UTC)

I will try to look at FAC today, but yes, please feel free to add another nom in the meantime. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:10, 10 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks I believe the Alexei Kosygin FAC needs to be shut down properly. It was just hidden away infomrally so to speak YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 00:12, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Featured_article_candidates/Alexei_Kosygin/archive1 YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 04:14, 11 October 2010 (UTC)

Bring Us Together

I've done what you asked.--Wehwalt (talk) 23:20, 10 October 2010 (UTC)

Ezra Pound

Hi SandyGeorgia, I'm bringing this your attention because I think it concerns FAC business and that you, Karanacs and Raul should know about it.

On September 27th I listed this version of the article for review. In her review SlimVirgin asked that I, and I alone, make changes in response to her oppose. [1] She asked for many changes and frankly more than I could do a.) within the scope of a FAC while also juggling work and family responsibilities; and b.) at a time when I wasn't feeling well. I asked Karanacs to de-list the nomination (which I'd done a few days earlier knowing it was impossible to see this through, but Malleus talked me out of it).

Because SlimVirgin expressed regret for the oppose and because I didn't want all of Wikipedia and the entire world to know about my personal circumstances, I sent her an e-mail explaining why I wouldn't be following through with the work during the FAC. In retrospect that was mistake, but I didn't realize it at the time.

In the meantime, Malleus expressed his belief the article was being railroaded. I had told SlimVirgin I wouldn't mind help, all of which resulted in discussion on Malleus' talkpage. The article has been rewritten, and in my view a POV has been added.

Moreover, during the preparation I asked Elcobbolla to take a look at the images; in his review on the article talkpage he was very clear that non-free images should not be used. I spent a great deal of time searching for non-free images. The images I located, and that Elcobbolla cleared, have been deleted, while non-free images have been introduced.[2] [3]

In my view it's extremely disheartening to carve time away from work, friends, family, to finish a Wikipedia page, only to have someone take it over. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 08:40, 13 October 2010 (UTC)

Roger Waters FAC

I see that Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Roger Waters/archive1 was restarted. I am not sure what this means. I had unresolved comments on the previous FAC. What is the best way to continue with the review now? Thanks. --Nasty Housecat (talk) 01:14, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

The FAC had gotten too complicated to follow-- you can carry forward anything that is unresolved. A restart wipes out all previous commentary and declarations for a fresh start. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:43, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

Got it. Thanks.--Nasty Housecat (talk) 02:21, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

Talk:Venezuelan parliamentary election, 2010

About this edit. I don't find any dispute information on the article, not either the talk page. What are you referring to? Secondly, what is the issue about increase the archive the archive time for disputes. I have understood that it is good to increase the archive rate so the discussion can go on and disputes get resolved. --Kslotte (talk) 22:44, 14 October 2010 (UTC)

Precisely the reason you don't find a POV dispute on the talk page is because you are (consistently) causing pages to archive too soon-- I wish you would stop. I will have to retrieve the archived sections and restore them. I believe you are overly aggressive on archiving, as we've now had this discussion about three times. New readers to talk pages need to know when there is a POV dispute; disputes do not get resolved by sweeping them under the rug, and there is no reason to archive a dispute that is less than two weeks old. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 04:02, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

You didn't answer my question. In that particular case, I haven't changed the archiving too soon, instead later. Please, point me to the POV dispute you are referring to at Talk:Venezuelan parliamentary election, 2010. --Kslotte (talk) 07:18, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

The archiving interval at an article talk page is subject to the consensus of editors working on that page. I would welcome a discussion on the article talk. EdJohnston (talk) 17:53, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Kslotte, that you are consistently altering archival times on articles you aren't involved in is a concern. That you are involved with archiving, yet can't seem to review those very archives to find POV discussions that are less than a month old, is even more of a concern. Setting up archive times so that POV discussions are swept under the rug isn't a good idea-- there is no need to shorten archival times for pages that don't get a lot of traffic. I'm aware of only two Venezuela/Chavez-related articles that are not POV, and none of them get a lot of traffic, so perhaps I could convince you to refrain from working on any archives in that area? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 12:46, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Yes, I have understood your point. And, will watch out more carefully about ongoing disputes. But, there ar no POV disputes at Venezuelan parliamentary election. --Kslotte (talk) 12:56, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, I appreciate that. My broader point is that there are essentially no Venezuela articles that are not POV, so it would help if you would refrain from any automatic archiving in that area. Perhaps you would be able to locate the POV discussion in archives on that article if I mention that "neutrality" is another word for POV concerns? At any rate, I am not planning to return to that article or the POV debate, as neutralizing Venezuela articles on Wiki isn't possible, so my broader point is the general one about archiving on this suite of articles. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:18, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Major depression

I understand that you're concerned with the FA status, and that I was being WP:BOLD by adding a fair amount of material. I just re-reverted your edit, and posted an explanation of my edit here: Talk:Major_depressive_disorder#Nutrition_.26_Reversions_to_Edit. I'd be grateful if you'd check that out, and let me know what you thought was inadequate about the sourcing. Also, if you have an issue with the material itself, I'd be grateful if you'd suggest a way to improve it or offer a more balanced view on the topic of nutrition on that page--the omission of the topic seems to be big enough that it would make me draw into question the article's FA status. Thanks! Cazort (talk) 21:35, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Cirt

I saw you expressed concerns about Cirt's behavior at FAR and why no one, or few, has complained about it. My guess is because few people watch most of FAR. Most people ignore it and most of the rest only care about a particular article at FAR. I presume you've talked to Cirt about this. If concerns remain the next step is thisaway: WP:DR. As for me, I have no idea what Cirt's behavior at FAR is like. — Rlevse • Talk • 22:48, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

The answer to this problem is to do nothing - completely nothing, absolutely nothing. We have just seen with Malleus how engaging with him helps. Ignore the whole process and let him have the whole area to himself. No commenting, no nothing. Just a big freeze - when there are no FAs left for him to nominate, then still do nothing - leave him in complete and quiet isolation.  Giacomo  22:53, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

I'm inclined to agree, as Cirt wears the cloak of invulnerability, aka administrator. Malleus Fatuorum 23:15, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Admins are not invulnerable, I've voted for many desysops. — Rlevse • Talk • 23:55, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

And you've turned a blind eye to the apalling behaviour of a great many more. Malleus Fatuorum 01:24, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

And you've cast an appalling condemning eye at many who don't deserve it. — Rlevse • Talk • 01:43, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Really? And who would they be exactly? Malleus Fatuorum 01:46, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Rlevse, see two sections below for a history of the problem. In the past, I've not found it productive to attempt to engage Cirt. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:45, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

FAC source reviews...

I have just ordered a new desktop machine, it should be here Monday or Tuesday so I can quit being stuck on this miniscule little laptop. It's fine for traveling, but does NOT lend itself to "real" work. Will run through FAC once I'm up and running on a real computer. Ealdgyth - Talk 23:03, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Congrats on the new computer, and thanks again for all you do! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:47, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

FAR requirements

Sandy, Can I suggest we change the FAR requirements so that a talk page discussion occurs before a FAR, like for example before a FAR can be raised that issues are first raised on the talk page and after no response to correct the issue has happened for three week. There has been various complaints on FAR in addition to the recent incident suggesting that it's not just the problem of one individual. See this on Chess FAR. By raising a FAR it makes the content disputes of high importance and therefore is more likely to lead to conflict/drama. There is already an understanding that issues should be raised on a talk page first, the talkheader template for example says 'This is the talk page for discussing improvements to the ...... article'. Likewise could we close a few FAR's that are just bad energy and not likely to improve the article. Closing a FAR and asking for talk page discussion to occur first is I feel likely to be more productive to the improvement of FA's and the FAR process as a whole. Thanks for any consideration you give to the suggestion. Regards, SunCreator ^(talk) 23:34, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

In the (distant) past, I would have opposed your suggestions, but in the current environment, I'm inclined to agree. Marskell routinely closed unproductive FARs where there was more heat than light with the suggestion that issues should be addressed on talk, and a new FAR could be brought in three months if they weren't resolved. Something has to be done to restore FAR to a place of productive work. In 2005, citation requirements changed "significantly" when the Seigenthaler incident prompted the addition of inline citations to WP:WIAFA. At that time, fully half of Wiki's FAs were out of compliance, but with a steady, patient, productive approach, we worked through those FAs, saving one-third of them. In the current environment, only 12% are being brought to status, and FAR has become a place dominated by a few delist-happy editors, and the worst of the older FAs are not brought to FAR as they should, rather sometimes specific editors are targeted. (See WP:URFA for stats.) Something needs to change to restore some vigor to the place; when I saw Malleus beginning to engage there, I had hopes that something would begin to change. We all know now how that story ended. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:43, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

The story hasn't ended. The positive part (of the story) has been highlighting a problem. It's now time to find, agree and implement a suitable solution. Regards, SunCreator ^(talk) 23:53, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Let's see what Dana boomer thinks, and unless she disagrees, you might propose these changes on talk. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:55, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

The story ended, for me at least, with me being blocked twice in 24 hours, which I am fucking pissed off about. Malleus Fatuorum 00:00, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Understandably so. Why don't you focus on something fun for the next 24 hours? Like telling me whether 11 out of 20 makes me abnormal. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 00:02, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Hate to tell you this Sandy, but I stopped counting at 11 and I didn't make it through the entire list. Either we're both very abnormal, or very normal. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 00:07, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Where are the FAC women when a girl wants to have a little fun? I'm going to have to call my IRL girlfriends to see what I'm missing on the other 9. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 00:14, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

I actually had to stop reading the list when one my kids came into the room; I quickly minimized it. After all - it's about secrets! Truthkeeper88 (talk) 00:28, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Isn't it funny how being a mom trains you to find that minimize button so quickly? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 00:43, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

What's worse is doing the things you'd never ever let your kids do. I'm strict about checking the history on the computer, but then there I am quickly minimizing. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 00:54, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Since no one wanted to have fun and indulge my contest, I just e-mailed my 11 out of 20 to Moni. Hilarity (and psychoanalysis) deferred until her sinus infection is over. If you want a copy, you'll have to request it :) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:10, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Here's a great followup: [4] SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:24, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

• Back to the original import of this thread, I have very unpleasant opinions about recent FAR nominations and <parallel noun phrase deleted>. I will very graciously refrain from saying anything more, but I agree with sentiments expressed above that <long rant deleted>. • Ling.Nut 01:16, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

OTOH, pig headed nationalistic defensive behaviour of bad 1c/d articles seems to be operating as usual. Doesn't that mean FAR/C is working just as planned? Fifelfoo (talk) 01:21, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

In many cases, yes-- but we've lost the idea of restoring articles to featured status. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:24, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

I suspect there's a community of interest problem. FAC has a reputation as a high quality reviewing point, and FAC editors often go down the chain into topical A reviews, GAN reviews and PR to ... uh ... well in my case it is stop stuff in MILHIST going wrong before it hits FAC. Occasionally it is to improve high quality content to make its FAC transition easier. MILHIST's review process seems to work because a similar community of interest has formed. With FAR and FARC, no community of interest seems to exist. Content creators are long gone by the time an article hits FAR (Can you imagine German Inner Border being FAR'd successfully for improvement?). Often FAR'd articles have deep problems which the community of involved article editors can't resolve themselves, and then they bring their dirty laundry to FAR/C. Maybe putting FAR nominators on the spot as content article improvers such as FAC nominators are expected to be; and the FAR/C overviewers disallowing repeated FAR nominations from FAR nominators who failed to content improve against criticism during the process? Fifelfoo (talk) 01:32, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

In the past, there was a community and a culture of improving articles at FAR, and nominators were expected to (at least pretend to) help out. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:34, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

If I'm allowed to say so without being blocked yet again I think your view is a little naive Fifelfoo. Simon Byrne could easily have been saved were it it not for the determined efforts of a nominator who has taken it upon himself to target the FAs of those he perceives as his enemies. That's what's got to stop. Malleus Fatuorum 01:39, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

(Well, for one my local English is en-Au, so while I avoid using obscenities out of respect for other Englishes, they don't concern me. And for another, about the only PA I've found myself reacting to are people attempting to characterise my politics as part of an ad hominem.) That out of the way, I cultivate a deliberate naivety in order to AGF better. (My non-naive attitude rather rapidly characterises the kinds of arguments put by some editors as being the result of a ideological bias they wish to inject into the encyclopedia due to a personal access to the One True Version; and I can't afford that reaction emotionally or editorially.) Do you think restricting future nominations by editors who failed to content improve FAR/Cs they proposed in the past would solve the problem you believe exists, Malleus? Fifelfoo (talk) 01:47, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

No, I don't. I don't see any reason why nominators should roll their sleeves up, but I do think that they should voice their concerns on the article's talk page before invoking the nuclear option. Once again, if you look at Simon Byrne's FAR it's interesting to see how the nominator responded when that point was put to him. Malleus Fatuorum 01:53, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

TBH, as a single instance, it doesn't appear to be overly problematic, nor does it appear to be best practice behaviour. However, now that my attention has been drawn to the issue of poor community editorial oversight of FAR, and the lack of a collegial editing culture at FAR, I will be attending more closely to FAR in coming days. Thanks for expanding my review interests. If I do identify problematic behaviour as an outsider, I'll weigh in. Fifelfoo (talk) 02:06, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

If it were a single instance then it wouldn't be problematic, but it's not. It's just the most recent example of an ongoing problem. Malleus Fatuorum 02:13, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

(ec with Malleus) The delegates would love it if more outside editors got involved when they saw problematic behavior. Also, I would have no problem with a requirement to post on the talk page in advance of FAR (maybe 2 weeks minimum?, just to throw a number out there - it's not going to kill WP if a sub-par article remains an FA for another couple of weeks, since it has most likely already been that way for a while, and it might help editor relations if FAR wasn't sprung upon unsuspecting editors. Although there is generally no or little response, it isn't hard to leave a note just in case (and I know I'm as guilty as anyone of not doing this sometimes). Well, that's my two cents; if anyone here wants to raise this as a concrete proposal on the FAR talk page, you have my support. Dana boomer (talk) 02:15, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

• Interested editors should be aware that I have been Bold at Template:FAR-instructions. Thank you. Fifelfoo (talk) 02:27, 16 October 2010 (UTC)
  • Nice. However, I have changed "nominated are expected to help with improvements" (paraphrasing here) to "nominators are encouraged to help with improvements". I don't think that demanding nominator involvement will help the process - however, strongly encouraging it may. Dana boomer (talk) 02:37, 16 October 2010 (UTC)
    • Good modification. The earlier "typically" seemed a little bit too, hrm, hopeful about a sometimes non-existent practice. Anyway, template talk exists if the change goes through BRD :). Fifelfoo (talk) 02:42, 16 October 2010 (UTC)
      • Would actually saying "strongly encouraged" help, do you think? I want to make the point that we would really like nominators to do this if they are able, but without making it a concrete policy. Dana boomer (talk) 02:44, 16 October 2010 (UTC)
        • They're both better than my bureaucratese disciplinary "expected" :) Fifelfoo (talk) 02:48, 16 October 2010 (UTC)
          • Given that Dana agreed, I think this was a good (bold) move-- the talk page at FAR isn't very active, so just doing it probably made sense. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:01, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Pardon me for dropping in with my two cents here. I think the issue here is that there has been this false perception that once an article is FA, it should always be considered such until someone yanks it over to FAR at some distant point. Reality check - given the ever higher expectations for FA status, plus the natural entropy of wiki-based editing, most (not all) FAs are starting to get shabby around the edges within 6-8 months. Instead of waiting for the inevitable stripping of the bronze star some time down the road, I would propose that articles only retain FA status for one calendar year after their promotion and then automatically be recategorized to a FFA. They could regain FA status (often quickly and easily) by being renominated for a modified "FA-lite" process, but the nominator is responsible for addressing concerns. There's a much higher chance that the lead contributor(s) will still be around for this process than for a FAR five years down the road, and it has a greater chance of addressing the entropy early on, and encouraging people to maintain. Of course, this is just a very rough proposal, but I think now that we're creating sufficient FA-level work to get us through a year of TFAs, it's time to consider it. One caveat - someone absolutely needs to redesign the FFA symbol. The big red X through the bronze star is, well, fairly insulting. Risker (talk) 03:03, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

I don't know how we could shoulder the added burden of another process when all content review processes are so badly in need of reviewers, and very few editors are doing all the work at FAC and PR. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:05, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Absolutely. Most of the FARs I get involved in have not "degraded" much, they just come from the days when many fewer citations were acceptable. One day, not soon, we will catch up up with these - I don't believe FA standards have changed much since say 2008. If an article really has degraded, there is always the oprion of reverting to the version that passed FAC; but for many 2006 ones that doesn't help. Johnbod (talk) 03:12, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

This page routinely lists FAs most in need of cleanup, and it is linked at WT:FAR; that certain editors are targeted at FAC when there are other FAs more in need of attention suggests that FAR is possibly being used to bludgeon some editors. This trend started several years ago with a now-banned user, but has continued since that ban, and the timing of this downward trend happened to coincide with the exodus of Marskell. Joel31 also gave up. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 12:41, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

The cleanup listing hasn't been updated for quite a while as the bot that maintains it has been down. A new bot is in the works to take over updating the listings, and hopefully will be up and running soon. The listing does still have some good information on it, it's just not completely up to date at this point. Dana boomer (talk) 13:31, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for letting me know-- I looked at a few of them and wondered what was up! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:42, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Just to chime in here, I'm glad to see the change in FAR instructions. I hope they'll be helpful. However, reading the Simon Byrne FAR really is instructive. Cirt's behaviour is within the rules, but it is easy to see why Malleus rapidly became irritated with him; Cirt's response to Malleus' improvements to the article is not to thank him but to point out more problems. When Malleus took him to task for this, Cirt says he's "not complaining, just listing serious source problems with a purportedly "featured" quality article". Perhaps true, but very irritating to the person doing the work. The rules change won't address this. I don't know quite what would resolve it -- in the real world interpersonal feedback from one's colleagues would rapidly give someone the idea that they were behaving in an annoying way, but online communities aren't so susceptible to that feedback channel. I would expect someone acting as Cirt does to understand why what they're doing is annoying, but we don't have (and I can't come up with) a mechanism to change that sort of behaviour. It reminds me somewhat of civil POV-pushing -- the problem editors there stay strictly within the rules, which is precisely what makes them such a problem. I should add I've only looked at two FARs, and can't join in any general criticism of Cirt as I haven't been following the situation. But the Simon Byrne interaction looks like a problem to me. Mike Christie (talk) 14:45, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

I found the "purportedly" comment particularly irritating, pointy, annoying, and disrespectful. Too many editors don't respect or understand the devotion and work that are poured into FAs, and most often, those are editors who don't engage in same. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 14:52, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Cirt's "Keep" vote at the Ormulum FAR also seems calculated to irritate. Again it's technically by the book; but the only reasonable interpretation is that others at that FAR were not "polite and professional". I wish there were an effective way to respond to that sort of rudeness. Mike Christie (talk) 21:44, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

That's a trick commonly deployed by admins like Cirt. You can see the exact same thing in the Simon Byrne FAR. The rule for admins is that if you don't mention a specific editor it's perfectly OK, but the rule for non-administrators is that anything an admin takes exception to merits a block. Did I ever tell you about the time I was blocked for using the word "sycophantic"? Cirt may well find himself alone in FAR quite soon; I certainly won't be going back there until something changes, maybe not even then. Malleus Fatuorum 22:03, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Well, I did go look at Ormulum (even though Geogre hated me), and was quite troubled to see numerous misstatements about WIAFA throughout the FAR, and that a cite.php citation style has been imposed upon the article, changing the original parenthetical style!! This highlights another one of the newer problems at FAR-- a change that coincided completely by chance with the other changes I mentioned above. When Marskell and Joelito were managing FAR, I did all the grunt work for them, and shepharded each FAR through, correcting such misstatements as they occurred and trying to keep FARs on track. When I became FAC delegate, I became less and less able to do that work, and no one has picked up for Dana as the "sidekick" that I was for Marskell. Someone knowledgeable about WIAFA needs to help Dana shephard FARs through, so this doesn't occur again! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:35, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Sandy: Cirt and I chatted off wiki last night and by the end of that conversation I felt confident that he has been trying to act in good faith, and that I really should have talked to him directly before I complained on your talk page. I believe I was wrong to assume he had any awareness of the negative construction I and others have placed on his posts at the Simon Byrne and Ormulum FARs -- I was surprised to hear him say that, but after we spoke I felt it was true. I've posted a note to Cirt's talk page with the apology I feel I owe him, and thought I should let you know since my original post was to you. Thanks -- Mike Christie (talk) 16:08, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

The proof is in the pudding; he just continued on the FAR, and still doesn't seem to get it, so ... SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:08, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Old St Paul's Cathedral

Sandy, the nominator of Old St Paul's Cathedral (nom) has asked for it to be withdrawn. Based on his comments it appears it's my oppose that is upsetting him. I don't usually find myself in this position as I try to be helpful at FAC, and it does seem to me that the fixes needed are not that hard. (I asked Malleus to take a second look, and he felt I wasn't out of line.) Anyway, just wanted to let you know that the withdrawal has been requested. If you have an opinion about my comments there I'd be glad of that too, but it's not a big deal since Malleus already gave me a second opinion. Thanks -- Mike Christie (talk) 15:29, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, Mike-- I will look later today, but generally when a nominator requests withdrawal because they seem upset, I let it ride a bit just to give them time to think. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:30, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

PS, I know you to be a conscientous and respectful reviewer, and I saw your wise and considerate post to Malleus, so I don't need to weigh in on that aspect, but please feel free to point me to any feedback on talk pages I might not have watchlisted if they will help me determine whether the nominator has considered if the issues can be addressed during a FAC or is just temporarily upset and it may pass. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:37, 16 October 2010 (UTC)

Slippery slope

Hi Sandy, I do agree that it's better not to clog up ANI any further, but I'm happy to share my thoughts with you here.

First of all, as you know, Ormulum was written principally by Geogre, an editor whose contributions I very much admire. We both agree that his style of writing is much more conducive to parenthetical referencing, and I tried to defend that position as best I could from the beginning of the review. In an article that has reached FA status, there really is no doubt that WP:CITE#HOW describes exactly how we should respect an author's original decision.

On the other hand, I view templates as a convenient means to an end. The reader detects no difference between a well-crafted manual reference and one produced by the equivalent citation template. I can see that both you and Gimme regard the use of templates as a difference in style. I don't, and only see them as a difference in mechanism.

That leads me to the question of what difference exists between "manual" and "templated references".

Templates impose a stylistic order on the information in them, so it is easier for an intermediate-level editor like me to use them, safe in the knowledge that what the reader sees is a consistent style. Experienced editors like yourself or SlimVirgin can produce manual references that are perfectly consistent in style, but most would have to look for examples and work out the order, punctuation, and text embellishments to do that. Templates also have the advantage that they are easily identified by bots, and much of the routine work of maintenance (dead links, adding doi, etc.) can be delegated to them.

On the other hand, SlimVirgin complained to me that large, heavily referenced articles using templates are sometimes almost impossible for her to edit. I investigated that and found that once the number of templates in an article exceeds about a hundred, the server struggles to create the page, sometimes taking up to a minute to do all the thousands of substitutions needed for it to expand all the templates. Despite my obvious enthusiasm for the benefits templates as I perceive them, I acknowledge that problem, and would not suggest converting any large article to templates for that reason.

Nevertheless, I doubt that anyone would think it wrong to expand bare urls and poorly or inconsistently formatted references to what WP:CITE#HOW calls a "full reference". The devil in the detail is, of course, the mechanism used to do that. If I'm working to improve the referencing on a stub or under-developed article, I have no doubt that using templated references throughout is an improvement, because it often forces me to supply missing information to the references, and creates examples for future editors to make use of, while ensuring that the style (that the reader sees) stays consistent.

So that leaves me with a somewhat ambivalent position. I don't believe that using templates (or not) is a question of style, and I don't believe WP:CITE#HOW was intended to frustrate attempts to bring the benefits of templates to poorly referenced articles that would be improved by them. I do believe that huge articles like Israel create problems for editors when templates are used. I also believe that some well-developed articles, like Ormulum are written in a style that is inimical to the use of the templates that we have. Finally, I believe that many articles fall somewhere between these extremes and that the BRD cycle is appropriate on an article-by-article basis to decide the issue.

Sorry it takes so much space to fully explain myself, and I don't expect that you will necessarily agree with all of my reasoning. Nevertheless, I do think my position is self-consistent. You can perhaps appreciate that I sometimes find problems with editors who misuse the intentions of our guidelines and frustrate the improvement of an article, as well as those editors who ignore those intentions completely – with the same result.

I should add that I hold your contributions Wikipedia in high esteem, and I'd be more than happy to take on board any thoughts you may have on the issues I've outlined above. Regards --RexxS (talk) 15:04, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks so much for the long explanation and the kind words-- I sorta got lost in the TLDR ANI thread. I think we mostly agree, and I am also ambivalent. For example, in the Venezuela suite of articles, I actually endorse the use of citation templates for similar reasons to yours-- too many different editors weigh in there, those articles are rarely long, and the citation templates would impose consistency. At the same time, I respect Rd232's right to a style on an article he started, as long as it's consistent. But, on the ANI matter, we do need to refocus the issue so we can avoid another date-delinking debacle, and it bothers me that Gimme is being maligned there. Best, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:09, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

I have this page watchlisted, so I'm going to respond to this: "I doubt that anyone would think it wrong to expand bare urls". WP has no deadline, and at some times in an article development, to "expand bare urls" is similar to putting lipstick on a pig. It can mask problems. Some editors (typically working with the B and C class content) tend to "fill out" a reference when they verify it and the content it references, and they may use "bare urls" as a cue for things to check. Gimmetoo (talk) 15:20, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Now that you mention it, I hadn't realized I do that. When I clean up a Ven or medical article, I don't usually format a ref until I've verified it. Good point! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:24, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

You won't be surprised that I disagree with the suggestion that expanding bare urls is anything but an improvement. We produce content for the benefit of the readers, not the editors and leaving bare urls is a disservice to the readers. Since Wikipedia is a collaborative project, we should not be dismissive of other editors who come along and do that expansion. I take the point that a bare url may be an indicator that the reference ought to be verified, but that's a convenience for the editor, not a reason to object to another editor who sees it as a flaw. --RexxS (talk) 16:05, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

No, I understand your position. But do you understand mine that expanding a "bare url" does not require implementing cite templates? (And keep in mind, we're not just talking about expanding bare urls, but in some cases of completely converting a fully-developed citation style to something else.) Gimmetoo (talk) 16:10, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

The {{cite journal}} family of templates produce a citation style that does not match any style in use outside of Wikipedia. So converting from manual citations (which are likely to follow whatever style is used by the article's academic publications) to template citations is likely to produce a different style of citation that is visible to the reader. At times, the templates have also been in flux, meaning that even if one did manually create a citation to match, a comma may change to a semicolon, for example. So mixing manual and templated citations is likely to be problematic. The biggest problem with them is that they take the Wikipedia server ages to parse and format, and they generate hugely bloated HTML for the poor reader to download. This was why Eubulides (talk · contribs) created the {{vcite journal}} family of templates, which differ (as far as editors are concerned) only by the initial v and the loss of a few seldom used parameters. They produce citations following the Vancouver system used by some medical and scientific journals. Colin°^Talk 15:47, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

You're reminding me again of all the reasons for hating the citation templates. They are the real problem on Wiki, but Gimme is taking the heat. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:53, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Vancouver style is little-favoured on Wikipedia and that's probably why vcite is not used much. Although the vcite family improve server response over cite templates, the problem on large articles still exists, and one solution has been proposed here. --RexxS (talk) 16:16, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Since we're talking here, there are some other issues being missed. I'm thinking one overarching issue comes down to a form of respect. Editors who have worked with an article have already put in a bunch of effort implementing a style. Once that is done, to arbitrarily change it is to throw their work away. This is especially true with tables, where it happens successively: I've seen immense amounts of work thrown by one style crusader, only to see that work thrown away by the next style crusader. Likewise, I'm not against the templates. I edit articles that have them. I've written articles using them. I've probably edited the coding for some of them. I think style crusaders have their own form of "ownership" that doesn't seem to be well-recognized. Thoughts? Gimmetoo (talk) 16:10, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Yes, and it's similar to infobox warriers, with RelHistBuff constantly deals with. It almost seems like these editors have nothing better to do than edit war over style issues, while disrepecting editors more involved with those articles. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 16:28, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

I'm sorry to have to comment again, and I'm grateful to Sandy for tolerating this occurring on her talk page. Following the ANI thread, I visited the Ursula Andress article to see what was being discussed. I immediately spotted some accessibility and style issues. As I've never edited the article, I went to the talk page and outlined what I had noticed at Talk:Ursula Andress#Accessibility and dates. Sandy, I'd be grateful if you had a chance to read that thread, and tell me if I would be wrong to characterise Gimme's second response as deliberately obstructive and redolent of "I didn't hear that". You were involved in the discussions on Wikipedia:Manual of Style (dates and numbers)#Format consistency for dates, and understand the issue. You see, this is the problem anyone has when trying to improve articles that Gimme has worked on. It's one thing to respect an author's work, but there comes a point where it tips over into ownership. I hope that he would be willing to listen to any thoughts you may have, because he certainly won't listen to me. --RexxS (talk) 18:37, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Colour issue

The "colour issue" can be seen by comparing [5] and [6], and it's being discussed at Talk:Halle_Berry#Awards_style. Gimmetoo (talk) 15:26, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

TPS: Bleeping Blackberry

I stopped checking my e-mail regularly when I got a Blackberry, since it beeps me when I have e-mail. I just went looking for an e-mail someone said they had sent me, as none came in to my Blackberry over the last two days. After re-booting my Blackberry, I had 15 old e-mails! Something went goofy with my Blackberry, in case anyone feels ignored; it happens every time I travel, and I have to somehow reboot the software. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 16:32, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Allowing things to close and move forward at FAR

1. I have stricken out comments that I made that were inappropriate at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Simon Byrne/archive1
2. I have apologized for inappropriate comments I made at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Simon Byrne/archive1
3. I have apologized for the comments I made at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Simon Byrne/archive1, to Malleus Fatuorum (talk · contribs)
4. I have commented at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Ormulum/archive1 that I agree that the quality of the article is now significantly improved.
5. I have changed my comment to Keep at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Ormulum/archive1.

It would be nice if you were able to acknowledge perhaps one of these things as a good faith attempt to move forward, allow the discussion to wind down so that the FAR at Wikipedia:Featured article review/Ormulum/archive1 can actually be closed as keep, and stop the petty focusing on myself. Can we both try to move past this? Thank you, -- Cirt (talk) 17:16, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

If you in fact did all those things (I haven't looked) that would be a good start towards correcting the misinfo about CITEHOW and WIAFA that occurred on that FAR; however, your wording to "stop the petty focusing" seems contradictory with the stated intent of this post, so ... do you really have no idea of the effect your snipes have on other editors? You don't indicate striking any of the unfortunate commentary at Ormulum, so it still doesn't appear that you understand the guidelines, and you really seem to imply here that you are a victim of other's perseveration, when just about everyone else sees the opposite. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:28, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

I struck out some comments at the FAR. It takes two individuals to have a conflict. Can you accept that some of your statements and focus on me has caused me to feel hurt, as well? Can you accept that some of your statements about me across multiple pages also have had an effect on me? -- Cirt (talk) 17:31, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Can you accept that if you were genuinely concerned about "hurt feelings", you'd stop sniping at me, and recognize the harm you caused to an article that Malleus was working to improve? Which matters more here-- your hurt feelings or an FA that could have been saved, hmmm? Your martyrdom isn't scoring points with me; you would get further if you dropped the victimization and sniping, in what looks like an appearance at sincerity that fails the duck test. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:35, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Sandy, it goes two ways here. Your comments have had an impact. I accept that mine have. I have received constructive criticism. I have attempted to rectify things. I have crossed out comments. I have apologized. I am indeed sincere in these statements [7]. I have indeed felt hurt about some of the things you have said about me across multiple pages on Wikipedia. I am sorry, but that is just the truth. It would be nice if you could acknowledge somehow, something about all this, that conflict is not one-way. This whole thing might have gone a lot better if individuals had attempted to impart constructive criticism to me, in the tone and manner in which was done by Fainites (talk · contribs) and Mike Christie (talk · contribs). -- Cirt (talk) 17:39, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

OK, I can acknowledge all of that, with the caveat that the proof is in the pudding (whether or not your sniping stops, and you understand the effect you have had on other editors)-- time will tell, but I will accept that your intent is sincere. As you know, we've had another past incident where you simply would not back off no matter what attempts were made to get through to you, so that is certainly coloring my perception. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:43, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you for the acknowledgement of my efforts to rectify and move past this! I appreciate it. Very much. Cheers, -- Cirt (talk) 17:46, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

You're welcome, and thanks for coming here to discuss. I left another comment on the Ormulum FAR that incorrect terminology was part of the problem there-- I'm sorry I haven't been able to follow FARs as closely as I used to, as I might have nipped it in the bud sooner. I wish someone would help out Dana with this sort of work, as I can no longer keep up with FAR. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:50, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you. We are in agreement about that comment [8]. Thank you also, very much, for the manner in which you imparted it. Most appreciated. -- Cirt (talk) 17:53, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

How to refer to and distinguish the two different kinds of inline citations at WIAFA has long been a problem, and it has proven hard to correct. Whatever example we add to the wording at WIAFA is misundertood by someone, and we can't seem to tweak it correctly (SlimVirgin tried once, but then someone else had problems with the tweak). Again, had I seen that FAR sooner, I would have clarified sooner. I should have. What matters now is that the confusion is cleared up so it doesn't happen again, and that someone steps in to help Dana with similar matters, which is why I didn't appreciate the "petty" comment. I think we're all clear now. Regards, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:59, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

I apologize for that. I am sorry. I began in my responding comments to try to emphasize that the article should not have two mixed citation styles. My main concern was verifiability to enough info to confirm material page/year/last name - and Nikkimaria (talk · contribs) helpfully saw to all that. I got sidetracked over which style to use, which was not really the significant issue, and I realize that. Overall verifiability in and of itself was more important, regardless of which style was preferred. -- Cirt (talk) 18:09, 17 October 2010 (UTC)

Haha

Yeah, originally I planned on taking a small break then I inherited some money so I quit my job and spent some time traveling. Now the money's dried up so I've been spending more time at home and working full time again. The main reason I came back though is because I did some reading while I was taking it easy, and A Confederacy of Dunces blew me away. I'm doing a big overhaul on John Kennedy Toole right now and hopefully Zagalejo will be able to help me with some copy-editing (by some I mean writing the lead, and rewriting the body). BUt I think I'll be back for good now. Quadzilla99 (talk) 19:33, 30 September 2010 (UTC)

can you check John Kennedy Toole for formatting errors and such plz k thx bye Quadzilla99 (talk) 09:31, 4 October 2010 (UTC)

Oh, and Zagalejo hasn't let me know if he'll copy-edit it yet. So ignore the writing for now until I get someone to look at it. Quadzilla99 (talk) 09:33, 4 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the edits. I'll make those changes in all of the articles I edit. Just an FYI, Zagalejo and I have come to the conclusion that the two bios written on him have issues. One is too short, and the other wouldn't pass WP:RS, as there have been serious accusations that it contains errors, misquotes, inaccurate characterizations, and other issues. Originally I thought I could work around it since I read it with a critical eye but no dice. I'm 99% sure everything in there is accurate though, anything that sounded fishy I avoided and the book did contain a lot of valuable info. I'm going to write a lead just for appearance sake and keep it on my watchlist. But I won't nominate it for anything unless a new bio comes out. What a waste of time. Quadzilla99 (talk) 17:24, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

WP:V

Sandy, does Wikipedia_talk:Verifiability#Proposal_5 look okay to you? --JN466 15:39, 6 October 2010 (UTC)

Re:Watch-spiders at Ceoil's page

Per your edit summary: I never, ever presume to attempt to shut a woman up. And besides, it ain't my talk page. JNW (talk) 03:54, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Smart man :) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 03:56, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

What's to be gained? The most irritating voices are invariably the ones I learn the most from. I hate that. JNW (talk) 04:03, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Maybe they should stop being irritating? Flies, honey and vinegar. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:22, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

I've never tried that, though I suspect it would taste better with flour and without the insects. JNW (talk) 17:44, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Add chocolate: you may find her less irritating, with or without the flies, honey and vinegar. YMMV. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:47, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Very nice, though I fear I may have given the wrong impression. Glibness and Victoria's Secret catalogs aside--and you are impressively well versed in said publication--one is thinking not so much of gender-specific aggravations, as the inevitable frustrations encountered in social interactions when there is an agenda at hand. If I want something, then the actions of others will always appear to present obstacles; such is the nature of the ego. All I want is spiritual enlightenment. JNW (talk) 01:27, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

You won't find it at Victoria's Secret (although what would I know-- never been there myself ... from looking at their catalogs, I'm pretty sure anything purchased there would probably be made of synthetics or fall apart in a week. :) I think it's hilarious that they fly chocolate in from Chuao for that Sundae: for some reason, Venezuelan chocolate has a really good reputation that is mostly based on hype. It actually tastes like crap (I hope AWickert doesn't read this and whack me.) My best memories of Chuao are being hit in the head by a rock flying from a construction site and getting a concussion. But I drove home with the headache, drove right through my garage, knocked it down, turned off the car, and went upstairs and went to sleep. So much for Chuao chocolate and me! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:35, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Sandy you have the most interesting adventures! Knocking down the garage with a concussion - that's a good one. And you didn't even get chocolate for it... Truthkeeper88 (talk) 01:48, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

That is truly terrifying. I have had no such exotic travels, unless you count the years of youthful hot-headed driving in and around New York City, which did include running over a brick-sized rock on the George Washington Bridge around midnight. As for V.S., I plead guilty to having purchased gift cards.... JNW (talk) 01:50, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Send one my way-- I'll make the sacrifice! TK, that's a minor story among my adventures ... better is when I escaped from the National Guard in Venezuela, was smuggled out of Argentina in the cockpit of a DC-10, was caught in a shootout ... I could go on. I've fallen asleep after two concussions: put that together with my birthplace, and it explains a lot about me! How's your head today? @JNW, now you get my GW story. I lost a clutch on a car with only 20,000 miles in the boontoolies of the New Jersey Turnpike, and couldn't find a hotel, rental car, or repair shop anywhere nearby, so decided to drive home without the clutch. I can drive without a clutch, but not across the GW Bridge! So I let a complete strange man I met in a roadside Macdonald's who said he could get me across the bridge into my car! Glad I'm still alive, chastity intact-- in hindsight, that wasn't very smart. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:56, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

• Re: driving adventures, perhaps one ought to live where cars are not needed. Coincidentally, my GWB mishap was also resolved by a helpful stranger, an off-duty mechanic on the way home to Jersey. JNW (talk) 03:11, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

My head is good today, and managed to catch up with some work. Thanks for the concern. I lost the clutch in my car a few months ago on freeway and just kept going. As you say, you don't need them on the freeway, it's what happens when you get off the freeway that's a bitch. Can't even begin to compete with the DC-10 and shootout! Truthkeeper88 (talk) 02:02, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Glad to hear it :) Hey, I solved my coffee dilemma: set it up the night before, so all I have to do is stumble into the kitchen and find the "on" button. I think I can manage that-- amazing what one can do by engaging the brain. With apologies to John Mayer, my brain is a wonderland-- it got me out of eating at Macdonald's for two days on the NJ Turnpike! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 02:11, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Sandy - since you're online ... I'll probably get in trouble for saying this, but I'm turning the blue banner on page to full retirement and to black. I'm sure you'll be able figure out why. So sorry, but really don't want to stay after all. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 02:23, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

:( :( Going to see what I can figure out now. Please ask Ceoil to give you my e-mail address ... we will miss you. I wish I could have cheered you. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 02:25, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

I tried to stay, but this is impossible. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 02:27, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

No it's not-- you just have to know who to avoid. Reasonable people can read and will draw reasonable conclusions. Whatever you decide to do, you take care of you and your health first. You are well regarded here, and that's more than many others can say. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 02:32, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Ceoil disappears for weeks at a time, so it might be a while. Logging out now. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 02:37, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Be well. Kind regards, SandyGeorgia (Talk) 02:38, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

No response to above plan. Am momentarily enabling my email to give you non-public health update. Truthkeeper88 (talk) 17:49, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

My bad, TK-- I do have your e-mail address now (so you can disable e-mail if you want), but I just haven't sat down to catch up on my e-mail. Will do soon, and my apologies for the neglect. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:02, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Probably back online

Hi Sandy. I have managed to drag myself back into a semi-normal routine, which means I will probably be online at least some. I will try to take my turn at FAC this week, though I'm sure I'll need your help again at a later date!! I won't be reviewing for a while, so if you want to take a stab at reducing the backlog by reviewing, feel free. Thanks for your help last week - both your actions and your words were greatly appreciated. Karanacs (talk) 16:30, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Pedro II

Hey Sandy. I'm working on the article tonight, will add my comments (or Support) at FAC tomorrow morning. Fvasconcellos (t·c) 22:14, 18 October 2010 (UTC)

Nguyen Chanh Thi FAC

May I add another? Yes, I've been reviewing YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 00:30, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Sure (and thanks for the reviews)! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:06, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 01:18, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

FCDW

I really thing Wikipedia:Featured content workshop should be integrated into the Signpost newsroom. It doesn't publish itself separately, and it's a Signpost department, so why is it an unintergrated project? ResMar 00:41, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Response to Message to TijanaP

I apologize for cross-posting. I'm relatively new to wiki and not sure how the messaging system works.

Hi SandyGeorgia, I thank you for your comments. Please note that, while I am affiliated with the Douglas Mental Health University Institute in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. I am not a spammer and did not wish to commit any kind of offense. I was simply trying to better the knowledge on Wikipedia based on some of the research that we have done here. We are a nonprofit health institution. We offer patient care and we do research and training. We are an affiliate of McGill University. If you read carefully, you will see that the knowledge I contributed is all relevant. With respect to PTSD, we have a researcher here that specializes in the use of propanolol during therapy sessions to reduce the intensity of the traumatic memory. With respect to major depression, we have a researcher here who specializes in depression in children. With respect to Alzheimer's Disease and cognitive remediation therapy, the knowledge was also equally new and useful. As our website is validated by the experts that work here, we do conform to the rules of the MEDRS articles. Please let me know if you have removed any of my posts and I can then enter into a discussion with you about each of them. I thank you for taking the time to chat with me. Please rest assured my intentions are honest. I also feel that the knowledge I have contributed was pertinent and was not just interspersed within wikipedia at random. (Talk) 2:31PM, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

I will respond on your talk page, to keep conversation in one place. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:29, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Delete

Should Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Terrible Towel/archive1 be deleted? Your edit summary suggested as much, but you didn't CSD tag it. Ucucha 22:59, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

I usually hold off for a few hours before tagging them, just to make sure I didn't goof, or the nom doesn't object, or whatever-- it's possible for me to miss an editor name change or something like that. If you want to go ahead and delete it now, it's probably safe; I left a withdraw notice for the nominator. Thanks! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:01, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

It's gone. I can restore if necessary, but that doesn't seem likely. Ucucha 23:05, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you ! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:15, 19 October 2010 (UTC)

Crossing paths

I didn't think we'd crossed paths either, but then I remembered [[9]] (which was a bit of a train wreck). This sums up what happened up to the point where Fifelfoo withdrew his nom. Following Marskell's close of the actual discussion as Keep, you (and he) expressed the desire to see the discussion focus on identifying what actually needed improving in the article. In the Scope creep I tried to put together a framework to focus the discussion, and used my usual tactic of trying to get everyone to talk to me as a means of starting the discussion. The historians (Istvan, Ryanjo, Peters Vercrumba and Fifelfoo himself) took it from there and rebuilt the article. I'm really quite proud of this, even though I didn't edit a word in the article :)

As I said somewhere else in the RfA, I feel very much that the role of the admin is to keep the decks clear for editors, and if it passes I'd hope to be an admin you could call on for help. I've met Randy in Boise - even if I don't know he's talking bollocks, he's always the one with no references - or his only source is the Illuminati, or a Russian website of the sort where you feel compelled to run a virus scan after you've looked at it. It's the perils of opening the doors for the talented amateur, the Renaissance man or woman who is prepared to research new topics and write articles on them, that you also let in the trolls, the SPA's possessed of THE TRUTH^(TM), the POV warriors out to put the world straight, and the nutcases. --Elen of the Roads (talk) 21:49, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Ah, ha, so we have ! You did a fine job there, and Fifelfoo (who used to write very hard-to-follow commentary at FAC) has turned into a fine FAC reviewer. I'm going to continue to follow your RFA, Elen, but I typically don't support candidates unless I know them very very well-- I have to be sure they won't turn into POV-pushing admins, wheel warriors, and block-happy power trippers (we've got plenty of those already). I suspect you're not the type :) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 22:05, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Yes, I've seen some of Fifelfoo's more recent work, and he does seem to have got over his communication problems. No worries about the RfA - of course I hope I won't turn out like that :), but I respect your approach to support completely. Elen of the Roads (talk) 22:33, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Re: Image reviews

Sandy, I am a bit busy these day. I am not certain I would be able to take on image reviews at FAC with the same level of details as before. I can take a look but it will have to be one or two days later. Jappalang (talk) 11:18, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Talkback

Hello, SandyGeorgia. You have new messages at Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Elen of the Roads.
Message added 12:37, 23 October 2010 (UTC). You can remove this notice at any time by removing the {{Talkback}} or {{Tb}} template.

I have answered your question - it's a bit of an essay I'm afraid Elen of the Roads (talk) 12:37, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Spoilsport

BAH. Parrot of Doom 20:33, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Who's the spoilsport? I expected a revert war with you calling me names so we could both be blocked :) Anyway, I use international datestyle myself, but we do have to be consistent on that page. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 20:50, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Regarding a new board

Hi! I noticed your comment regarding creation of a new noticeboard... I don't see any reason why we can't be bold and do that? Obviously some planning and discussion should take place on the particulars, first such as an explicitly defined purpose for instance. Cheers!    Thorncrag   04:32, 20 October 2010 (UTC)

could you … ?

Hi, SandyGeorgia. I was very interested in a comment you made at the RfA for Elen of the Roads: "It has become increasingly important to augment the admin corp with content contributors first and foremost." You may not have time to explain this at length to me, but is there an existing discussion you could point me toward? Are you saying the admin corps is strong in those who are technically proficient, but who lack what used to be called writing skills? Or general understanding about how to research and develop a topic? Or do hands-on editing? Just curious about this, as I find myself often baffled about how the community works. Cynwolfe (talk) 17:37, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

See Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/IncidentArchive644

• Malleus
• Merridew
• Giano
• Rodhullandemu

And this, and the entire page from here down.

I understand Elen of the Roads does good work, but I haven't crossed paths with her that I can recall. I've Supported non-content contributors in the past, but only when I've worked with them and know their character and contributions quite well. Since I'm going to begin opposing admin candidates who don't work on content, she should view my Neutral as good news. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 17:53, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, I'll check these out. (I appreciate what you're saying about Elen; I didn't come here in regard to her RfA, but for my own information, just so you know.) Cynwolfe (talk) 18:00, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

There's a new one unfolding here, once again taking over numerous talk pages, more evidence of the three-ring circus that is the admin corp, and why content contributors need to take back (or take for the first time) the Project. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:02, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

The problems as I see it have to do with navigating the stages of growth that any organization goes through. There are many versions of sociological or business theory on this, but here's an example (skip down to "Greiners (sic) Model of Five Phases of Growth"). This web page is about corporate for-profit growth, but the model works for non-profits, because it's basically about how you institutionalize dynamism without strangling it. Cynwolfe (talk) 20:50, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

But Wiki isn't growing (at least not in good or desired ways, unless we think more child editors becoming admins is "growth"): it's decaying. Perhaps this explains it: "If management now fails to control the activities of these departments, they would start to handle tasks more from their own view than with the whole business in mind. At its extreme, departments would work against each other." SandyGeorgia (Talk) 22:02, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Yup. And decay is part of the life cycle of an organism. The question is whether WP will adapt as successful organizations do. It makes for an interesting sociological study. Cynwolfe (talk) 23:09, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Something would have to be done about this delegation stage; i.e., the monkeys (to whom we've given the keys) are running the asylum, and there is no one who will get the keys back from the monkeys so the crazy content writers can carry on. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 23:22, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Thank you for going to the trouble of providing those examples, it explained a lot of the fuss I'd seen (and at least one landmine I'd totally tripped over) a great deal better. I know you were responding to Cymwolfe (and I appreciate the question, too), but I got something hopefully useful from your answer as well. Best regards, --j⚛e decker^talk 00:46, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

You're welcome; shining the light in dark places is my pleasure. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 00:49, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

What do you think of this idea? You could comment on the talk page there, if you wanted. Cynwolfe (talk) 15:43, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

could you ? 2

Hi, could you check out my requests at Talk:2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt and WT:VEN. thanks, Rd232 ^talk 18:12, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Ugh. Must I? I unwatched the lot :) I'll get to it a bit later-- been busy all morning, and have to attend to some offline stuff. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:15, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

Well it seems no-one else is going to respond to the WT:VEN assessment request; it shouldn't take you too long to handle those. (I'm working through the WP:VEN assessment backlog, but some of my own work needs someone else to look at it.) The coup article I want to nominate for GAN and it would be best for you to make any comments before that gets under way. Rd232 ^talk 18:32, 21 October 2010 (UTC)

I've got a busy day today IRL, and tomorrow have to read FAC, so I may not get back to you til Sunday-- I do have some questions on assessment that I've been meaning to raise with you as soon as I find time. That would probably be as soon as this subsides at ANI: "admins eating their own. And while they are busy in their solemn discussions on how to throw one of their own to the wolves to satisfy the mob (cf. John Byng) at least they cannot be doing as much damage elsewhere". On the notion of taking the Coup article to GAN, I haven't read it in quite some time, but the last time I did, it was among the worst POV articles, and bringing it to standard would involve some heavy research that would take quite some time-- are you proposing we work on that, or has the article improved since I stopped following? I wouldn't mind trying to work on it, but history shows it would be unlikely we'd make progress if talk page disruptive behaviors take over per usual. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 14:16, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

I did a lot of work on the coup article recently. That's why I'm asking you to look at it; it wasn't anywhere near GA before but I think it is now. Rd232 ^talk 14:50, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

OK, I'll try to peek in over the weekend, but I still need to know we're not going to see the talk page degenerate into disruptive behaviors we usually see from others if I take the time to weigh in. I try to "police" disruption from "either side of the aisle" wherever I see it, but no one else seems to do that on the Ven suite of articles. I don't want to wade in again, only to end up attacked and getting nowhere. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 14:53, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

One other thing, in case you have time to get to it before I do: somewhere on DGG's (very long) talk page, I seem to recall asking him about the reliability of Silence of the Scorpion; would you have time to find that discussion? I never got beyond the first few chapters in that book, and I hope it didn't end up in a box in storage when I moved, but there is info in that book that has to be factored in. Doing so might involve me spending a lot of time in LexisNexis to find other higher quality sources to back up some of his points-- but I'm not sure until I really have time to read it, but I suspect it will take some time and considerable research to bring that article to GA standard. I'm saying this, obviously, before looking at your recent work on the article ... because the last time I looked, there were many points that weren't covered, and doing that right will involve a ton of research to find good sources. Knowing how that "coup" evolved is one thing-- finding sources to back edits is another, that will take a lot of time. I really haven't wanted to do that work until/unless the disruptive environment is controlled. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 14:59, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

User_talk:DGG/Archive_0.8#Book, from this search. Rd232 ^talk 15:22, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, Rd-- question: if I have to dig up that book again and read it, would you be willing to do same, so we can be on the same page wrt missing content and finding sources? I will be late for lunch now, ACK! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 15:35, 22 October 2010 (UTC)

I've read the first three chapters (which are online) and a number of reviews, including [10] and [11]. I've also looked at the resources the author has online. I've concluded the book is not a serious attempt at history; it is rather a historical novel from the perspective of the opposition. That his research providing the basis for the book appears funded by a Fulbright Grant for Creative Writing appears emblematic. For a concrete example, take his handling of the Neustald video. He appears not to mention it in the book, and his website's discussion of it here is disengenous to say the least. The video refers to six deaths, but Nelson talks about the video mentioning "several deaths", and then proceeds to make a case that this might have been a reference to the two deaths occurring earliest in the day! This alone goes along way to discrediting him as source. Of course he ignores completes Neustald's testimony that he had already been told on the night of 10 April that there would be deaths - there's no good way to deal with that, so best ignore it. In sum, I'm expecting you will want to examine the source closely and make a case for using it; and of course we can discuss specifics on a case-by-case basis - particularly for opposition views worth documenting qua opposition views it may be useful. Anything else, I'm reluctant to take his word for it, without some means of verifying claims. Anyway, I have no inclination to get the book myself. Rd232 ^talk 00:27, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

Number 1's (Mariah Carey album) FAC

Hello. That is not fair that you closed the nomination. It's not my fault that barely anyone goes to that page to review the articles for nomination. I had a support and no opposes, if anything it should be promoted because it didn't have any oppose. That is not fair, you could have at least put your comments and I could've earned your support as well. I'm sorry, but that's BS, I waited 3 weeks andd got support, not fair to remove!--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 23:25, 23 October 2010 (UTC)

I don't understand why you aren't responding to my query. Than can you give me permission to nominate a different article?--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 01:00, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Partly because it wasn't particularly polite or collegial, so I was hoping a Talk Page Stalker would respond while I was busy with FAC. Partly because there's a big link at the top of my page that explains it. And partly because it's in the instructions at WP:FAC. Articles cannot be promoted to FA without consensus from reviewers that they meet WP:WIAFA. If your articles aren't getting reviewed, there could be a reason: often reviewers don't weigh in on articles if they see a lot of problems, as that leads to a lengthy discussion and process. Or, it could be simply because FAC is lacking reviewers, in which case, the same could happen to another nomination. Your best bet is to try to collaborate with relevant WikiProjects to bring in more editors, or to review past simlar FACs in the archives to locate reviewers who might be interested in the article. You might also consider taking those articles through Peer Review or GAN first. Good luck! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:14, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Well I apologize if my post wasn't polite, its just upsetting that after 3 weeks it should get denied, even though it has support. This being the case, since the nomination fell through simply because there wasn't enough support and not too much oppose, can you please consider letting Daydream be nominated early, like now? I mean I'm actually trying to produce high quality articles, not through a bunch of weak BS into the mix. Please consider it, as I really waited so long for that last one. Thanks--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 01:18, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Because your previous nomination was a Delisted Good Article, I'm wondering why you don't consider WP:GAN or WP:PR first? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:21, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Because it was De-listed like 2 years ago, when Wikipedia was very different. Its not like that happened recently. I mean manyy ediitors expressed to me how it was ready. I even had a support as you saw. And besides Daydream has already been through a successful peer review :). So what do you think?--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 01:30, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Unless you figure out why you weren't getting reviews, putting up another FAC would get the same result, and just add to the FAC backlog. Looking over the first article, I see plenty of uncited text. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:37, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Yeah well quite simply I'm going to let the other editors that are invlolved in album pages that I know, and let them know and encourage them to review. Thats my plan, and I really don't see all this unsurced text. Thanks--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 01:40, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Soooooo what do you say?--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 05:39, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

I believe I already said, but I'll repeat. There is uncited text, unless you determine why you aren't getting reviews, the result is likely to be the same, and I asked why you haven't considered GAN or PR before FAC. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 05:52, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Because I don't think its necessary to go through that, it is NOT required, and I feel the articles are good enough without it. Its also very time consuming. I already told you I would let other editors know and suggest they review it. And I believe the FAC page doesn't have enough traffic and reviewers.--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 05:59, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

You know what Sandy, forget it, I'm not going to beg you for a darn help or favor. Thanks for listening and I"m going to deal with one of the other directors.--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 13:28, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

It may be more effective to first deal with the uncited text. I'd also point out that your one support was from an editor who is still learning English. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 13:42, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

You still haven't pointed out any specific un-cited text, so I'm not going to look for it. Well I'm glad you don't find his opinion very important, but I always have. Bye--CallMeNathan • Talk2Me 13:48, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

RE:

1st Essay no rule. Second revert 5 times in ten minutes, finishing to warn an user and find that was attacked again all alone is not excessive? Tbhotch^{Talk C.} 04:11, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Care to translate? Vandalism on WP:TFA is normal, the page should not be protected except in extreme circumstances. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 04:12, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

He's saying that that WP:NOPRO has been downgraded to an essay (after a recent RfC), and that vandalism had to be reverted five times in ten minutes (which he considers excessive). Dabomb87 (talk) 04:16, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks, Dabomb :) Looie496 is on all the vandals, doesn't seem problematic. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 04:18, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

(edit conflict)What's the problem it will be unprotected in what, 4 hours?, if IPs really want to edit it can request an edit on the page, BTW I'll go to bed at time when the page is unprotected, seems like no one watch TFAs so if you want to spent your time or others time unprotecting the page is up to you. And sorry for my EnglishTbhotch^{Talk C.} 04:19, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

• (ec)And people complain that I am unintelligible. I should give Tbhotch a barnstar for the single most incomprehensible post I have ever encountered. :-) • Ling.Nut 04:21, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

The problem is that we don't protect the TFA unless the vandalism is excessive, because Wiki is "the encyclopedia that anyone can edit". The vandalism was not excessive for the mainpage, and if vandalism is excessive, four, six or eight hours of protection is more than is needed to curb it. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 04:22, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Didn't you mean "The encyclopedia that anyone can vandalize, deface and frustrate readers that are looking for well-written information?" Tbhotch^{Talk C.} 04:25, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

It's not for us to decide whether to protect the TFA; it's community consensus, no need to discuss it here. Tbhotch, I just looked at your userpage and realized that Spanish may be your first language: my apologies for the tone above where I asked for a translation, as I couldn't decipher your post. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 04:27, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

I'm an English student so it's normal to make so kind of errors, don't worry. If people do not make me notice about them, who will do it? Tbhotch^{Talk C.} 04:37, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Well, when I said "care to translate", I didn't realize that English wasn't your first language, and we should still allow for that on Wiki. So I still apologize. I speak Spanish if you ever need help, BTW. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 05:54, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Image review at FAC

It wasn't meant as a dig; sorry if it came across that way. I was just rather surprised that the FAC for that article didn't touch on the images at all. Many FACs I've been involved in have included some review of the images' license status ... most recently I recall participating in this one, where I argued at length for the inclusion of a book cover with simple text (and thus copyright-ineligible) in the article.

If there are only a handful of us who understand the policy, that again calls back one of the criticisms I had when it was adopted ... that only a small group of editors would fully understand the policy (and of those few, I would say at least half do so to try to exclude as many borderline images as possible, so I don't totally trust them to be impartial). Daniel Case (talk) 06:16, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

In the case of my Grace Sherwood article, someone did say the images were okay. I've responded on my talk page on this and found an image I think we can use. Both pls visit there. — Rlevse • Talk • 11:20, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

Reviewing free images

Well not bad summery as such but the public domain section would imply that there are far fewer works in the public domain in say france than one might expect (ah moral right how do we hate thee). The derivative works section completely ignores the whole "useful article" issue.©Geni 15:34, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

There probably are fewer pd works in France, as it has no Freedom of Panorama (walks off muttering 'copyright the fairy lights on the bloody Eiffel Tower will you.....")--Elen of the Roads (talk) 16:23, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

The lights are copyright? Aw gee. I hoped with ol' Gustave 70 years dead, that we'd be in business ... bloody frogs.--Wehwalt (talk) 23:21, 24 October 2010 (UTC)

read 'em and weep --Elen of the Roads (talk) 00:00, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

That does not, however, mean that a daytime picture of the Eiffel Tower isn't a free image (And I've always thought that, as bad as French law is on the subject, Italian law is even worse). Daniel Case (talk) 04:27, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Yes, they say that sometime this millenium, Roman copyrights start expiring.--Wehwalt (talk) 14:09, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Move a misplaced FAC to FLC

Hi, according to this diff the nominator of Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/List of countries by future HDI projections of UN/archive1 would like help moving it to FLC. I've also notified User:The Rambling Man and User:Dabomb87. Fifelfoo (talk) 01:24, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

How many FAC people does it take to change a lightbulb ? :) Thanks, Ucucha. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:42, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Sixty, but it takes half an hour to finish the dance, because none of the regulars want to step on anyone's toes. Fifelfoo (talk) 01:45, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Which in DanceSport is the easiest way to step on others' toes... Titoxd^{(?!? - cool stuff)} 20:20, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

List of countries by future HDI projections of UN

Hello. I've put (by mistake) the article (mentioned above) in the FAC list instead of the FLC list. Could you please move the article, from the FAC, to the FLC? Cohneli (talk) 01:31, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

What is lacking?

Hi, Sandy. Could you be kind and tell me what it lacking for both Pedro II and Cabral's FAC nominations to end? Pedro II has six "support" views and Cabral has nine "support" views. After weeks, what is missing to get their approval as featured articles? Regards, --Lecen (talk) 14:08, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

It's the same ole, Lecen: I don't want to close your noms because of potential claims of COI in the Chavez realm, and Karanacs does closings on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sorry that you appear to be penalized because of our interaction on Chavez, but it's the safest thing to do :) Also, the noms were held up on image issues. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 14:11, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Don't worry, you are 100% correct. Cheers, --Lecen (talk) 18:26, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Douglas Institute References on Wikipedia

Hi Sandy, I appreciate your response. I have read the two pages you gave me carefully and discussed them with a colleague.

"Therefore, it is vital that biomedical information in articles be based on reliable published sources and accurately reflect current medical knowledge." (Our articles are based on realiable published sources - however, as I understand, the main source of the problem comes from the fact that our articles do not use references & are not peer reviewed - this is what they told me) "However, see here: All Wikipedia articles should be based on reliable, published secondary sources A good secondary source from a reputable publisher will be written by an expert in the field and may be editorially or peer reviewed." (So, it does not have to be peer reviewed but it is preferred is what I am understanding?). Is there any way you could change your mind given the fact that we our website is written and updated by the 67 researchers that work at our Institute?? I shall await your response. Thank you for your time TijanaP(Talk)

Wikiblame

Hi Sandy, I'm a Moonriddengirl TPS. I saw your interchange regarding Wikiblame. I thought I'd share a personal experience, just in case it helps. I've had occasion to want to know when a phrase was first added to an article, so naturally, I tried WikiBlame. When I first started using it, the tool would start checking versions in order (there may have been a way to make it work differently, but I didn't figure it out). Sometimes, I would set Wikiblame to work, then try to find it myself manually, using a binary search, and I was mildly amused to note I could often find it faster than the tool. I didn't totally abandon it, as I could put it to work while I did something else, but it was so slow, it hardly seemed worth it.

Then, something changed. My guess is that the tool owner either implemented binary search, or maybe just changed it so that was the default, but it now works much better. I've used it several times recently with good success (as with any tool it can't be used mindlessly. I recently looked for the first use of phrase, thought I found it, then checked earlier version manually, and realized there was an earlier version differing only by a typo from the one I looked for, so the original addition date was a bit earlier than the tool suggested, but that's not the tool's fault).

I hope you'll give it a try again. I've only been involved in copyright issues in a minor way, but want to spend more time in that area, and the tool is invaluable for that work.--SPhilbrickT 18:28, 25 October 2010 (UTC) Hmmm, wrote all those words and didn't even include the main point - to wit - if you tried Wikiblame before and didn't find it helpful, try again, as it may work better now.--SPhilbrickT 18:35, 25 October 2010 (UTC)

Thanks so much-- I made it work! SandyGeorgia (Talk) 16:15, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Great! I'm glad to hear it. (keep up the good work.)--SPhilbrickT 18:07, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Robert Falcon Scott TFA

Just to thank you for watching Scott on its TFA day on 24 October, while I was away. Regarding the note you left on the talkpage about lower/upper case, in Scott's time naval ranks would certainly have been written as "Lieutenant", "Captain" etc, rather than "lieutenant" or "captain", and many sources still use upper case for military ranks though it is becoming increasingly customary not to do so. Similarly, there is no real objection to "First Class" becoming "first class". As to "Naval Assistant", this is a formal job title rather than a general job description, and my preference is to capitalise. But again, UK conventions are changing and the lower case format is would be equally acceptable now. Brianboulton (talk) 11:21, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Requests for comment/2010 ArbCom election voting procedure

You are invited to participate in the Wikipedia:Requests for comment/2010 ArbCom election voting procedure which is expected to close in a little over a week. If you have received this message, it is because it appears that you participated in the 2009 AC RfC, and your contributions indicate that you are currently active on Wikipedia. Ncmvocalist (talk) 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Personally, I favor "one person, one vote". I just want to be the one person with the one vote.--Wehwalt (talk) 14:00, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

Heck, I'm gonna pass on worrying about the voting system this year-- I'm more worried that we'll have no good candidates. I don't care how we vote. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 22:31, 29 October 2010 (UTC)

Don't be scared...

It roll up wikisleeves and put 'editor' rather than 'reviewer' hat on. I think it is a salutory experience all round. I am saying this with MDD as there are other editors to nominate for FAR and/or referee it. Yellowmonkey is getting stuck into buffing Tasmanian devil and urging me to get more active in it...and tehn there is lion for which I have to go to the library and fetch a written text for again. I am feeling a little jetlagged still so the more cerebral stuff is taking more of an effort - also October 31 is our tax deadline (headdesk/facepalm), one of those excuciatingly onerous and boring tasks that one must do or ring up and beg the tax office for more time etc. In short, I am running on about one piston at present...Casliber (talk · contribs) 22:04, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Heck, I don't really want to FAR it, I just want the work to get done, but it seems like every time work gets started, a new editor comes along and wants to chunk in even more primary sources. Keeping those big articles clean is a chore, and I think if you'll whack it back once and for all, you'll be battling less of that over the long haul-- like what Eubulides did to AS and Autism. Take it easy there, and welcome back. (Sorry I don't share your enthusiasm for Paris :) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 22:09, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Like I already said to Casliber, a lot of old Australian flora/fauna articles need help, and in the case of TD, many of the parts such as genetics, disease transmission and immunology needs someone who actually knows some jargon and more than what I know... Of course anyone can do the easy stuff about food, burrowing, observations of macroscopic behaviour etc Since more people read this page maybe Casliber might feel more pressure :P, and Fauna of Australia and Australian Green Tree Frog are still waiting for him ... YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 23:51, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

Ping me when you put up the frog, I'll help out with that (gotta even out karma for all the frogs that succumbed to my "care" as a boy). Sasata (talk) 16:34, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

December 1964 South Vietnamese coup

May I have another, please? I have an endorsement from an elite reviewer, so to speak YellowMonkey (new photo poll) 23:51, 26 October 2010 (UTC)

YM, you gotta start linking me directly to the FAC, so I can commit less Gisms and keep up with Malleus elsewhere :) Yes, I see plenty of Support there, no issues, and Karanacs will likely go through tomorrow anyway. But honestly, people will complain less if you can wait a day for her to go through :) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 00:01, 27 October 2010 (UTC)