User talk:Sam at Megaputer

Userpage blanking

Hi Sam. I've noticed that you've deleted some comments that were left here by Praxidicae. We allow editors great latitude in determining how they manage their own talk pages, so there's no real problem with this. However, please take a look at WP:BLANKING. Best practice for complete transparency is that you archive everything, reserving blanking of comments for items that are offensive, harassment, vandalism, or the like. Especially given the commercial aspects of your account, and the fact that you have declined to identify your other account, I think you'll find that the more transparent you are, the more other editors will be inclined to work with you. -- RoySmith (talk) 23:37, 6 April 2021 (UTC)

Alright. And I see that I also deleted my archive by accident. Thank you for being polite. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 23:45, 6 April 2021 (UTC)

Sam at Megaputer, You might also want to look at User:Lowercase sigmabot III/Archive HowTo to set up automated archiving. It's much easier than trying to manage it manually. -- RoySmith (talk) 23:52, 6 April 2021 (UTC)

Your main account on Wikipedia

Hi Sam, I noticed that your userpage says that This is an alternate account that has been created for privacy reasons per WP:ALTACCN. However, WP:PAID states that If the paid editor has used or controlled more than one Wikipedia account, each account must be disclosed (see also this RfC). Could you please disclose your other Wikipedia account(s)? Thanks and best, Blablubbs|talk 21:46, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

@Blablubbs: Thank you for making me aware of this RFC, which I was not aware of previously. Looking at that RFC, it appears that it was only intended to apply to freelance payed editors. The RFC states 'This new requirement is intended only to apply to those who "advertise, solicit or obtain paid Wikipedia-editing services"; it does not apply to employees editing Wikipedia in the normal course of their duties, or to GLAM editors'. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 21:56, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

That's not my read of it, given that it's is in a separate sentence. Either way, you'll have to disclose: you're reporting people to COIN, nominating pages for deletion and editing VPP using this account. Per WP:PROJSOCK, Undisclosed alternative accounts are not to be used in discussions internal to the project – that applies regardless of paid or unpaid status. Blablubbs|talk 22:04, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

Actually, this is a disclosed alternative account. I just haven't linked it to my main. So I have to disagree on your interpretation of guidelines here. Since this is my work account, I would like for my right to privacy to be respected. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 22:10, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

No, this is not a disclosed alternative account; you're disclosing that you're somebody's alt, you're not saying whose, which is as good as not saying anything and still a violation of PROJSOCK. It's your right and your decision to edit projectspace with this account, but if you do, you have to disclose. WP:PUBSOCK states Although a privacy-based alternative account is not publicly connected to your main account, it should not be used in ways outlined in the inappropriate uses section of this page, and if it is, the account may be publicly linked to your main account for sanctions. The prohibition on editing projectspace is one of those inappropriate uses. Blablubbs|talk 22:15, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

Alright. I did email a checkuser when I made this account, as recommended per WP:ALTACCN. Since the guidelines appear pretty complex in this case, I'm going to get a consultation from that checkuser by email. I'll avoid participating in community discussions until then. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 22:22, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

Could you please consult this checkuser on-wiki for the sake of transparency since a policy clarification doesn't involve private information? Or would you at least be willing to disclose the identity of said checkuser? Blablubbs|talk 22:25, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

The checkuser was DGG. My account was just called Megaputer then. I was forced to change it later for compliance with the username policy. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 22:37, 7 April 2021 (UTC)

@Blablubbs: I have emailed DGG. I will inform you when he responds. Sam at Megaputer (talk) 00:08, 8 April 2021 (UTC)

I'm looking at it, and, as is our practice, I will ask my colleague checkusers for assistance if I have trouble figuring it out. It will take a few days. DGG ( talk ) 05:49, 8 April 2021 (UTC)

Between the spam and the evasive (non) answers re: his tool's privacy concerns and an alternate account, is there any reason this account isn't blocked pending DGG's examination? It doesn't appear that the project would be hurt by this user not editing until / unless all is cleared up. StarM 17:50, 8 April 2021 (UTC)