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<nowiki>'''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' ~~~~~</nowiki>

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: I'm not a programmer, but here's the next best thing: [[User:The Transhumanist/User page design|Userpage design center]].
: I'm not a programmer, but here's the next best thing: [[User:The Transhumanist/User page design|Userpage design center]].


[[User:The Transhumanist|The Transhumanist]] ([[User talk:The Transhumanist|talk]]) 04:38, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
'''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' 04:38, 28 November 2007 (UTC)


::Oh, yeah, I've been there before. Do you know anyone here who's a programmer? I'm trying to see if I can get someone to put it into beta. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 11:47, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
::Oh, yeah, I've been there before. Do you know anyone here who's a programmer? I'm trying to see if I can get someone to put it into beta. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 11:47, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
::: I do know some, but that isn't the type of project that would interest them. You should ask the people at [[WP:BOTS]]. If it can be done in an automated fashion on Wikipedia, they would know how. [[User:The Transhumanist|The Transhumanist]] ([[User talk:The Transhumanist|talk]]) 11:49, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
::: I do know some, but that isn't the type of project that would interest them. You should ask the people at [[WP:BOTS]]. If it can be done in an automated fashion on Wikipedia, they would know how. '''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' 11:49, 28 November 2007 (UTC)


::::Okay, thanks. Headed there pronto. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 15:05, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
::::Okay, thanks. Headed there pronto. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 15:05, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
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You should have some real fun with this. [[User:AlasdairGreen27]] needs some real work on his, as he [[Wikipedia:Userpages|lives in a trailer]]. He said he'd get around to it, but he never has. have fun! Best, --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 22:07, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
You should have some real fun with this. [[User:AlasdairGreen27]] needs some real work on his, as he [[Wikipedia:Userpages|lives in a trailer]]. He said he'd get around to it, but he never has. have fun! Best, --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 22:07, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
: I don't ''generally'' raid peoples' user pages. [[Image:Smiley.svg|19px]] If you don't think he would mind, you could fix it up for him, but you should probably ask him first. I'm always glad to help users who come to me for assistance. Sometimes I give them a fish, and sometimes I teach them to fish (you know, like the saying), depending on my mood. [[Image:Face-wink.svg|23px]] [[User:The Transhumanist|The Transhumanist]] ([[User talk:The Transhumanist|talk]]) 22:32, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
: I don't ''generally'' raid peoples' user pages. [[Image:Smiley.svg|19px]] If you don't think he would mind, you could fix it up for him, but you should probably ask him first. I'm always glad to help users who come to me for assistance. Sometimes I give them a fish, and sometimes I teach them to fish (you know, like the saying), depending on my mood. [[Image:Face-wink.svg|23px]] '''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' 22:32, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
:: I've already asked him. He said he's eagerly waiting. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 23:26, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
:: I've already asked him. He said he's eagerly waiting. --[[User:Gp75motorsports|Gp75motorsports]] ([[User talk:Gp75motorsports|talk]]) 23:26, 28 November 2007 (UTC)


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Is there a reason why the lists repeat at {{tl|lotd}}?--[[User:TonyTheTiger|TonyTheTiger]] <small>([[User talk:TonyTheTiger|t]]/[[Special:Contributions/TonyTheTiger|c]]/[[User:TonyTheTiger/Antonio Vernon|bio]]/[[WP:LOTD]]) </small> 22:33, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
Is there a reason why the lists repeat at {{tl|lotd}}?--[[User:TonyTheTiger|TonyTheTiger]] <small>([[User talk:TonyTheTiger|t]]/[[Special:Contributions/TonyTheTiger|c]]/[[User:TonyTheTiger/Antonio Vernon|bio]]/[[WP:LOTD]]) </small> 22:33, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
: Yes. It's explained in a comment at the top of the template (click ''edit this page'' to see it). [[User:The Transhumanist|The Transhumanist]] ([[User talk:The Transhumanist|talk]]) 23:34, 28 November 2007 (UTC)
: Yes. It's explained in a comment at the top of the template (click ''edit this page'' to see it). '''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' 23:34, 28 November 2007 (UTC)


== Beginning Portal Review ==
== Beginning Portal Review ==


Hello, I have a question (well a few) about portals and [[User talk:ArielGold|ArielGold]] said you were an expert in this area. So, if you are not totally busy with existing projects/problems could you look at my portal I just started. Right now, it's in my user area, [[User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2]]. Actually I copied most of the code from the North Carolina portal [[Portal:North Carolina]]. Now that I am done with the beginning edits, I found that clicking on the normal "edit" does not bring me to the actual data. For example, I must go to [[User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2/Intro]] to edit the intro section. Did I do something wrong? Or did I copy a bad example of a portal? ArielGold thinks it has to do with the fact that it in my user area and will be ok once I move it to the "real" area. (for the actual discussion see [[User talk:ArielGold]] page. I am basically new to wikipedia editing so any help is welcomed. Thanks for your time. [[User:Rocketmaniac|Rocketmaniac]] ([[User talk:Rocketmaniac|talk]]) 00:33, 29 November 2007 (UTC)
Hello, I have a question (well a few) about portals and [[User talk:ArielGold|ArielGold]] said you were an expert in this area. So, if you are not totally busy with existing projects/problems could you look at my portal I just started. Right now, it's in my user area, [[User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2]]. Actually I copied most of the code from the North Carolina portal [[Portal:North Carolina]]. Now that I am done with the beginning edits, I found that clicking on the normal "edit" does not bring me to the actual data. For example, I must go to [[User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2/Intro]] to edit the intro section. Did I do something wrong? Or did I copy a bad example of a portal? ArielGold thinks it has to do with the fact that it in my user area and will be ok once I move it to the "real" area. (for the actual discussion see [[User talk:ArielGold]] page. I am basically new to wikipedia editing so any help is welcomed. Thanks for your time. [[User:Rocketmaniac|Rocketmaniac]] ([[User talk:Rocketmaniac|talk]]) 00:33, 29 November 2007 (UTC)

It's fixed. '''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font> &nbsp;&nbsp;]]''''' 01:22, 29 November 2007 (UTC)

Revision as of 01:22, 29 November 2007

User:The Transhumanist/Nav header comm

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User talk:The Transhumanist   

I respond to articles posted here on this page. Please check back for my responses. Thank you.  The Transhumanist   

Talk archives (including previous accounts)

User:The Transhumanist/TOCbox

Tip of the moment...

As a new editor you may be wondering, "How can I help?" and be overwhelmed by the extent and scope of the entire Wikipedia project.

An introduction for new contributors is available at Help:Getting started which provides a self-guided road map of tutorials, introductions, training topics and other resources allowing you to learn more about how you can help improve the Wikipedia project.

To add this auto-randomizing template to your user page, use {{totd-random}}

Secular humanist
Secular humanist



'''''[[User:The Transhumanist|<font color="#880088">Th<font color="#0000FF">e Tr<font color="#449900">ans<font color="#DD9922">hu<font color="#DD4400">man<font color="#BB0000">ist</font>   ]]''''' ~~~~~



Basic topics

Hi TT. You've asked some tough questions, which is why I've taken time to answer them.

As you point out to me, you nowhere define "basic topics" (or wikilink to a definition). Create your own definition for this list (read on for how).

I think the fundamental question is neither comprehensiveness, nor RS, but actually POV. In other words, who says that these are the basic topics, not others (excluded) or that the ones listed are indeed basic topics that shouldn't be removed from the listing. At first glance I spotted Mental mapping and thought, "hmm, interesting, but is that a fundamental topic of Geography?". Maybe it is. And maybe it isn't. A Featured List cannot be subject to POV... and this is. So, how do you tackle the POV?

Now, I actually think that answering this question (if it's possible to do so) will answer the RS question too... as you need to find an RS that lists something that approximates to a list of basic geography topics.

And of course, it also answers the comprehensiveness issue too, as anything in your RS should be in, and anything else should not.

The list of notable geographers is, once more, totally POV and should be struck, unless you can find a RS that lists a "top X geographers of all time".

All the other issues you raise are minor tweaks by contrast with this all-encompassing problem. Crack it first, I'd suggest.

Hope that's helpful. --Dweller 10:48, 7 November 2007 (UTC) PS The External links section is too horrible for words. And the See also is very odd.[reply]

Mental mapping is one of the 18 National Geography Standards of the National Council for Geographic Education.
The geographer section is intended to list some examples, to get the reader started. How is that POV? I gathered them from Wikipedia's history of geography article.


And what is odd about the see also section?
The Transhumanist    12:09, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

(Let's keep the conversation here) Your mental mapping answer is the way forward. Explain and cite the inclusion. Tackle all of the sections on that kind of basis and you deal with all objections of POV, comprehensiveness and RS. Geographers section is plainly POV. Why haven't you included any of 1000 other geographers? Let's leave discussing detail like the external links and see also sections until you've dealt with these massive issues. --Dweller 12:26, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Because the purpose of the section is to present some examples of the practioners of the field, as a lead-in for the study of geographers. But if you need an official short list of the greatest geographers, or the most influential, or a list that is the most fundamental/basic for educational purposes, then there's probably a list like that out there in the world somewhere. This is supposed to be an introduction to geography. If examples can't be provided of one of the main components of the field (the people in it), then editors' hands are being unnecessarily tied behind their backs.
Please check "the essence" section, to see if the lead is sufficient. The Transhumanist 17:52, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
TT, I understand why you've included them, it's just that it's impossible for you to justify the inclusion of some, rather than others, as being anything other than your subjective decision. Why not (as a thought) point to daughter articles of types of Geographers, rather than listing any names at all? (List of geologists, List of human geographers, List of laddyda (I don't know much about geography, does it show?!) And Featured criteria does tie hands - you can't take a bio to FA no matter how good it is if there's no decent free image of the subject.
I'll take a look at the essence section when I get a mo. --Dweller 18:02, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Are you saying that the inclusion of examples is inescapably POV? (How else could an editor select the presentation of one example over all other possible examples?)
Does this mean that every example provided within Wikipedia's pages in the main namespace violates WP:NPOV? The Transhumanist 18:48, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
What I'm saying is that when it comes to Featured material, there's more exacting standards. Ask TRM for a second opinion? Happy to listen to his thoughts - he has more FAs than me! --Dweller 23:05, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Are you sure? Are there written FA standards on this? The featured article Hoysala architecture has a list of examples, that seems to be entirely analagous to the list of examples I wish to include. Images that present examples abound on featured articles, and their selection doesn't seem to differ in any way from how links are chosen to be examples. The way you are applying NPOV does not appear to be a standard of featured articles. I tried finding style guidelines on the presentation of examples in Wikipedia articles, and I couldn't find any. There's an essay stub called Wikipedia:Give examples. For an an extreme example of the presentation of examples on Wikipedia, see Examples of groups, an expansion page of Group (mathematics). For a treatment of examples in the real world, see List of mathematical examples. The Transhumanist    23:49, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

LOTD proposal

You either voted on the original list of the day proposal or the revised version. A more modest experimental proposal is now at issue at WP:LOTDP. Feel free to voice your opinion.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/tcfkaWCDbwincowtchatlotpsoplrttaDCLaM) 17:32, 7 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Oh great design mentor

Dear TH, I again humbly come to you with yet another padding issue. It seems that my brain has some sort of mental block, as it appears that padding is the single bane of my design endeavors. I'm yet again trying to get text to stop being bumped right up against a picture box, you can see it here, and I tried putting into place the fixes you'd shown me earlier on someone else's design, but alas, they did nothing this time. Some silly tweak I've done I'm sure, lol. If you have a minute, if you would be so kind to yet again, fix my silly padding issues, I would be so grateful. ~*Curtsy*~ ArielGold 00:19, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you so much, yet again, you've come with the magic wand and fixed it. Margin... padding... argh, lol. So, do I understand this right? Margins placed inside a box's borders, will actually affect how text interacts with the outside of the box? No wonder I don't figure it out, that doesn't seem to make much sense, lol. I would think the margins inside a box would make the information inside that box smaller, and have no effect on anything outside the box. Maybe I'm still not getting it, though (should I be thinking "outside the box"? hee hee). And omigosh, thanks so much for the hidden emoticon stuff! That was so cute! Anyway, I'm sorry to always come to you with silly little issues, but I hope you know how much I appreciate that you've always taken the time to fix them, and some day maybe I'll figure this padding/margin thing out! ArielGold 04:11, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Margins placed in a box's code will place spacing on the outside of the box. Padding in a box's code will place spacing on the inside of the box. I added margins to the box the picture was in. Padding for a box does not affect spacing between elements that are inside that box.
Ahhh, okay that clears it up, I hope! Now if I can remember it next time I run into this issue, that will be the challenge, lol. And who knew there were so many smilies! lol. Have you found every one? I've been looking for the :p smiley, you found it! Smiley 11. That will come in handy, hee hee. Okay I'm off to bed! Thank you again, Oh Wise One, for your wonderful assistance! ArielGold 04:40, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Found one you missed! ArielGold 04:41, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
No, I haven't found every one, new ones pop up from time to time. Though I don't grab every one -- I picked most of the ones on my list because they have relatively small file sizes, and don't slow down page loads much. For places to look, see emoticon, list of common emoticons, Category:Emoticons, and commons:Category:Smilies. (the last one has the most)     The Transhumanist 05:16, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah I got mine from the Commons category, but honestly, even if you loaded up a page with smileys, it wouldn't affect server performance. I mean, consider that these are 15kb tiny images. Now, think about some people's signatures, lol. There are signatures bigger in size than these little bitty pictures. Granted, as I mentioned on my talk page, I don't think they are something to sprinkle all over, but I have found that with the medium of text being difficult to convey tone or intent, a well-placed smiley can go a long way towards letting someone know that you mean your comments as humor, or in a kind way, to avoid misunderstanding. All that rambling being said, I am glad you gave me the smileys and links, because I wanted one with the tongue stuck out to use on occasion, lol! Hope you're having a fantastic Thursday! ArielGold 17:50, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Auroranorth and AWB

While I understand your position, Auroranorth is currently blocked due to disruptive editing using TW. For him to access to any automated tools is counter productive. He had only just completed a period probation after being unblocked for operating sock puppets. AWB requires editors to have had 500 edits, once he returns from this block and has 500 edits without issue I'll restore him to the list. Gnangarra 12:12, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I agree with Gnangarra. There's plenty Auroranorth can do without semi-automated tools like Twinkie or AWB. He needs to show a sustained period that he can be trusted to drive a normal car before being given the keys to the Ferrari. No-one is suggesting that his editing is deliberately disruptive, but experience shows he needs to be supervised closely: when I blocked him the other day I hoped it would encourage him reflect on the damage that can be caused by careless editing. I (along with several others) will rejoice when I can take his talk page off my watchlist and not feel the need to review his activities every few days. PS: You are doing a wonderful job with his coaching and I applaud you for that. —Moondyne 14:40, 8 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Better safe than sorry. You're right, there are plenty of things to do without the tools. Those need to learned too. No problemo. The Transhumanist    02:41, 11 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you

My page

Please go here. Laleena 20:32, 10 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Please don't go. Hide out at the VC for awhile. You can use it as your base of operations. The Transhumanist    02:43, 11 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Coaching

Note left on my coaching page for you. Auroranorth 04:37, 11 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Food for thought

Coaching

Am I going in the right direction with List of basic literature topics? Auroranorth 07:46, 11 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

see your coaching page. --TT

List of basic geography topics

The list is quite clearly heading towards a no consensus right now and even if it gets more support, one really can't ignore opposition from three users. There is no active discussion right now so I could close it right now, but I'll let you choose if you want it closed now or if you would rather leave it open a few more days in hopes of persuading a user to drop their opposition. -- 01:39, 13 November 2007 (UTC)

Added feedback may be very useful. A few more days would be fine. Thank you for asking. The Transhumanist    14:41, 13 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
My personal closure policy is to leave it 12 days if it is definitely not heading for a pass, so I'll leave it for two more days. -- Scorpion0422 16:17, 13 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yo. Let's agree to disagree on this one. --Dweller 16:55, 13 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

12 days is fine with me. Thank you, Scorpion. Dweller, we're not in hostile conflict, the issue at this point isn't whether or not it will pass, but feedback. I'd like to maximize feedback, so I can handle as many issues as possible before preparing the list for resubmission. Keep in mind that the geog list is forging the way for future lists of this type, both in their general design, and in their development as FLCs. That's why I kept pressing you for answers. Also, I'm on a learning curve here.  ;-) The more feedback the better. The Transhumanist    20:35, 13 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Great. I recommend you drop The Rambling Man a line. I greatly respect his opinion. And he's pretty experienced with the featured criteria for lists and articles. --Dweller 20:57, 13 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Done. I look forward to his advice. The Transhumanist    07:49, 14 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

~*Ariel sighs*~

Well, I got the padding thing, figured that out with this newest project, but now I'm struggling with a centering issue, three boxes, the second (middle) box refuses to center align, and instead bumps up against the edge of another, no matter what I do with the margins of the outside box. ~*Sigh*~ I think it is probably a margin issue? But I'm not sure what the proper wording is, I tried setting margins for the outside box, but that did not work, lol. Anyway, if you have a little time and could take a peek, again, you know I'll be greatly appreciative. (And sorry to come to you with such silly little issues so often, lol) ArielGold 22:20, 14 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Done. The Transhumanist    06:27, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Omg, and I just realized I didn't even give you the link to what I needed! LOL I'm sooo sorry for that, and it was wonderful of you to figure it out! Gosh, what a ninny I am, lol. And yeah I thought it might have something to do with that, but I wasn't sure quite how I could solve it. Again, I bow down to your coding genius, lol. Thank you so much! ArielGold 07:04, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
If you want to meet true coding geniuses, check out nestable templates.  ;-) The Transhumanist    07:13, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
LOL The trick is I actually have about 6 sandboxes, all with various names like /project /Projects /Sandbox2, lol. Thankfully I was using the first one I came across and it happened to be the last one you fixed, lol. Nestable templates, huh? Sort of sounds like a kind of bird, lol. ArielGold 07:43, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Interested in advanced code? Here's a set of templates I worked on with Audacity for the welcoming committee. He taught me some things on that project:

I got most of my format training working on the philosophy portal, the Main Page redesign, the help page overhaul, and the community portal overhaul. My overhaul of the community portal was rejected (except for the Community Bulletin Board and the TOTD), but it was for the best, because one section of my version became the Department directory.

The most intricate graphical formatting I ever worked on (back when I was named "Go for it!") was on Wikipedia:Department directory, which uses advanced table formatting. The early versions had triple borders! I couldn't have completed the page at all if it wasn't for Rossami and Catherine, who generously and patiently tutored me in the intricacies of borders, tabling, and nesting tables. I stored their examples and my homework on the following pages:

The best template programmer I know is CBDunkerson. He programmed template:Totd-random, which I based my random task generator on.

The most prolific wiki-layout artist I know is AGK. We worked together to overhaul Wikipedia's welcome page. AGK has redesigned his user page so many times that I've lost count. His UP's history is a great example farm for page format encoding.

I hope you find the above examples useful. Enjoy.

The Transhumanist    09:27, 15 November 2007 (UTC) [reply]

Wow, lol. I've done some minor template work, mostly just custom user notices/warnings, using 1-2 variables, a little bit of infobox tweaking, and my own messing around designing things for myself and others. I think the biggest challenge I had lately was trying to format this page to clear up my watchlist some, I wanted tabs that would lead to different pages, and highlight when active, like the Portal:Science portal uses. I finally figured it out, but I think it took me all day, lol. I really don't have a high enough level of knowledge about .css code and intricacies of some of the quirks here to be able to do super fancy stuff like your table examples, unless I copy and tweak from another source, lol. I've had the bug to redesign my userpage lately, but so far I'm resisting it lol. Thanks for all those links, if nothing else, they are a source of awe and inspiration to me! I think my basic problem is that I'm not a "coder" by profession, so while others sort of "see" in code language what changes and symbols do, I am not able to do that, and have to just make flying guesses and preview to see what changes, if anything, lol. Nested tables are probably one of the things that frustrate me the most, as you've seen, lol. Thanks again for all those links, though, I think I'll drop those somewhere for future reference to see how things should be done. Thank you thank you, again! ArielGold 22:29, 15 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
The examples are useful as starting points on most table configurations. But my big secret is external memory - check this out: User:The Transhumanist/Resources. The Transhumanist    00:44, 16 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Hee hee, yeah I have more than one pages of "cheatsheets", lol. I think you probably are able to "see" what the coding means, though, where I really don't know what all the commands do. I never really got much past basic HTML, because WYSIWYG editors came along, and I ended up using those in the 90s, lol. Ah well, I am blessed that there are editor's such as you, and Phae when she's around, who are so helpful and wonderful, and smart and funny, to go to when I get in over my head. ~*Grin*~ ArielGold 00:50, 16 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Your FLC

Hey, been a while, and as I'm sure you can appreciate, time has been precious, but I'm doing my best to go over my talk page requests for comment, and in that spirit, you have List of basic geography topics up at WP:FLC. I understand there's been a level of opposition and I also believe that you're not 100% happy with the previous outcome. That nothwithstanding I'd like to give you some comments that you may appreciate or you may entirely disregard, I'm not familiar with reviewing lists of basic topics, I'm a specialist kind of guy. So, take my comments as you will, and all the best with them!

  1. Lead is a bit essay-ish. The emphasis and italicising isn't quite what I'd expect from a neutral encyclopaedia. (Don't get me wrong, it makes you want to read more, but that seems to be stuff of the 1930s encyclopaedias!)
  2. "...is comprised of..." - classic grammar argument. Avoid the argument - "...is composed of..."
  3. In-line external links are avoidable. Make them references. So I'd ditch 18 National Geography Standards for example, make it a proper {{Cite web}} link. It may make accessibility to said site more difficult but it's going to help make the article more elegant.
  4. Who said the "National Council for Geographic Education" knew what they were talking about? American council? Not sure but we need to be eclectic.
  5. "as in "the New England states", or as one part of a larger whole, as in "the state of New York, located in the United States". " - again, let's be globally biased, not US-centric.
  6. Not massively worrying but if I was making an FL, then I wouldn't have navboxes which didn't have major topic pages, such as Regions of North America. Create them.
  7. Political divisions section is a bit, well.... sad?
  8. "Some specific areas" section is very geographically biased - you have the globe to choose from, these seem quite Pacific-centric.
  9. Minor point but images vary in size throughout, I'd opt for a uniform thumb size.
  10. It may have been raised before but there are no citations. Mostly it's okay but things like atmosphere composition needs to have something to accredit it, especially in these controversial "Days of Gore"...
  11. I think Dweller may have stated before, there is always going to be an issue of WP:POV with things like "Some notable geographers".
  12. The external links aren't my kettle of fish. Most of them should probably be linked to from sub-topics. In fact, I'd be surprised if this topic needed any external links beside the references I'd like to see that I mentioned above.

Perhaps not the review you were looking for - I'd prefer to take the article on it's "right now" status, review it per "my standards" - but please take it all with a pinch of salt - I'd like to learn more about where you're going with this and if I can help you get it there. The Rambling Man (talk) 00:55, 17 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Critical feedback is exactly what I'm looking for. I'd like to develop the list to featured status without sacrificing its original purpose. I've fixed most of the problems you've pointed out...
  1. removed italics, reduced wordiness.  Done
  2. removed "is comprised of".  Done
  3. replaced inline external links.  Done
  4. Added refs: National Geographic stands behind the standards, and explains where they came from, etc.  Done
  5. Remove US-centric examples from region section, and replaced with non-specific examples.  Done
  6. The red main links on nav boxes have been turned blue, or removed.  Done
  7. "Sad" didn't give me much to go on. Replaced lone link with section lead.  Done
  8. The Bermuda Triangle is in the Atlantic, not the Pacific. For "specific areas", areas that aren't already within the scope of the other sections on the page are not easy to find. I could use some help here.  Not done
  9. Set all right-hand images to 400px. The animated one won't change size.  Done
  10. Citations - will take some work.  Not done
  11. Geographer section needs a new list, from a single source.  Not done
  12. I've come across some webpages on "basic geography". Those would be especially on-topic for the external links section. I need to spend some time browsing curriculum standards.  Not done

Your feedback was helpful, and doable. Thank you. One objection in the FLC pertained to the scope of sections, but it didn't make any sense. That objection can't be accomodated without removing 80% of the list. That would circumvent the purpose of the list. But the main hurdle will be citations. That's tied in with the absense of a definition for "basic". A major objection was that the includability of items wasn't verified, which necessitates a source for each section (which will dictate the contents of each section), or failing that, each item. The Transhumanist    07:59, 17 November 2007 (UTC) [reply]

LOTD experiment

You voted for one of my prior proposals to institute a List of the Day Proposal. I may have already alerted you to an experiment I am conducting at WP:LOTD. Now that the experiment is running I can point out the benefits to the project of the method I am experimenting with that other alternatives don't offer. First, there is a set of orphaned articles for persons who do not have any featured lists of their own or persons that would like to take responsibility for more. Anyone can nominate such orphans. This benefits WP by getting people involved in list articles that might not have active editors to update them or defend them against vandalism. Please consider adopting one of our orphans.

There are several other advantages that will improve the project:

  1. Each list will be encouraged to respond to commentary and feedback during the candidacy period, which will hopefully improve the quality of the articles.
  2. Articles without pictures will be encouraged to find them. E.g., List of Harry Potter films cast members had no image before its nominator added an image for this experiment. This type of thing, of course, improves the project.
  3. Articles are encouraged to add relevant projects to their talk page. This alerts other project to articles that they would likely have an interest in and would be able to either improve or protect.

Again come by and consider adopting one of our orphans this month or in future months either adopt an orphan or give feedback on the candidates.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:LOTD) 17:21, 20 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I think you are drawing out the same plan that does not improve the project as is essentially under consideration right now. What I am saying is that if I could get interest in doing it the way that improves the project, I am willing to do so and am running an experiment right now. However, it seems all those who have produced a lot of FLs are attempting to push through a method that does not improve the project. If I could get those people behind an idea that improves the project we could really do some good. That is why I am pointing out the ways my method would improve the project.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:LOTD) 19:56, 20 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
The difference is that the current proposal entails cut and pasting excerpts, whereas I suggested supplying a link only. The Transhumanist (talk) 23:29, 20 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
You are distinguishing display methods. I am attempting to distiguish selection methods and demsonstrate that the method I propose has the benefit of improving the project.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:LOTD) 16:19, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Your selection method will default to a single individual ordering the FLs, just to keep up with the built-in quota of 365 noms per year. Either that, or the project will redlink (show a redlink instead of a LOTD). The Transhumanist    16:24, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I think you are saying that since it appears that less than 30 nominees exist the project will default to a single person selecting the LOTDs. I think instead I may nominate random FLs up to 40 and see if I can get persons interested in saying which 5 they like the most. If people neither want to nominate or provide feedback, I am not sure I will continue with the experiment.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:LOTD) 16:58, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
That's a variation on the same theme. It's busywork. The lists already passed the FLC nomination process. Why force them through another one? It's an unecessary level of bureaucracy. The Transhumanist    17:21, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Nuclear leapfrog

I saw, good work, thanks will continue tonight. --Stefan talk 06:05, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

List of basic geology topics

And it's still empty! (substantively speaking) Someguy1221 (talk) 07:25, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I'm working on it right now.  :-) The Transhumanist    07:29, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I saw it was you and figured there was more to come. Just making sure you haven't fallen off your rocker ;-) Someguy1221 (talk) 07:32, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I don't have a rocker, I am a rocker. I do have a rocket though, but haven't fallen off yet.  :-) The Transhumanist    07:35, 21 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Lotd candidate?

Glossary of wine terms. Where can one find your criterions for being nominated? --victor falk 02:47, 23 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Only featured lists are displayed in this LOTD program, and those are scheduled in the order they became featured lists. To nominate a list for featured status, see WP:FLC, but be prepared for a ton of work. The Transhumanist    18:52, 23 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Template:Deprecation notice Bryan Derksen (talk) 04:48, 24 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Where's my award???

I applied for an award in your Award Center, and worked hard to fulfill the request, but never recieved the award. Can you please give it to me? • EvanS :: talk § email § photos 19:41, 24 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Cool. Will be glad to. For future reference, please read the page's instructions. Thank you. And congrats. The Transhumanist    05:48, 25 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for the award!!! I moved it all into one box and you can see what I did here. Something weird happens on my computer when I click on your username, but I still think its the best way to fit it in unless you can help me think of a better idea. • EvanS :: talk § email § photos 15:55, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Also, feel free to change the problem with the link to your userpage at that page if you know how & can. • EvanS :: talk § email § photos 15:57, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Re: List of basic philosophy topics

Thanks! I have quite a bit on my plate so I'm not sure when I'll get to the other basic topics lists, but I think the lists are a great resource and the WikiProject an excellent idea. I'll add my name to the members list before I forget.

What would you think about trimming the basic philosophy topics list somewhat, and merging some sub-sections? I'm inclined to say that more brevity would perhaps benefit readers rather than more detail, but you know the goals of the lists better than anyone. :-)

xDanielx T/C\R 22:44, 25 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Service Badge

Thank you for the Service badge you gave me earlier on! Cheers!! --Zacharycrimsonwolf 14:49, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

That was a huge surprise for me. Thanks a million for the change! --Zacharycrimsonwolf 05:57, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you!

Thank you for your consideration and kind words, it's appreciated! --BrokenSphereMsg me 17:21, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Index lists - RfC

Please see Wikipedia:Village pump (policy)#Index Lists, a complex issue which I've tried to summarize. It concerns unsourced pages in mainspace like List of timelines, List of basic mathematics topics, and List of film topics. Its scope is currently a few hundred pages, and potentially a few thousand pages. Feedback would be appreciated. -- Quiddity (talk) 19:41, 26 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

As of now...

Right now, I can only be on Wikipedia as a small-time contributor - so don't expect any assignments completed any time soon, I'm sorry! Auroranorth (!) 12:01, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Keep up the good work at school. There will be plenty of work waiting for you when you have more time. The Transhumanist (talk) 12:06, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Hmm! Thanks. It's not just school! Auroranorth (!) 12:29, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

TFL

I commented on the list proposal you constructed. I don't think its a matter of overwhelming consensus against you but that Wikipedians have stopped taking this List of the day fiasco seriously, for the moment anyway. IvoShandor (talk) 14:16, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I need my userpage fixed up.

It's a real piece of crap, and I need someone to help with it. Please respond on my talk page. Best, --Gp75motorsports (talk) 23:13, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, may I ask...

...where do I go if I want my userpage overhauled. My main userpage is currently fully protected, so it won't be accessible for a while. Thanks and happy holidays, -Goodshoped 00:09, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

There's a link to the User Page Design Center at the top of this page. The Transhumanist (talk) 04:35, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Yeah, I checked it out. -Goodshoped 04:37, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Now here's an idea...

...but it might be a little tough to execute. I was thinking of something that would put together a userpage for you. When you access the page, you'll be presented with eight primary interests, or things that you like that you want to be on your userpages. Then you'd be led to a page where you could scroll through various predesigned userpages. After you select a pre-designed userpage, you select a color scheme consisting of three colors. After you enter your username, the custom userpage would be downloaded to yours. Again, it might be a little tough to constuct, but if you succeed in getting it to work, then it'd be a lot easier for those who don't want to go through all that boring, sensitive syntax. Reply on my talk page. Best, --Gp75motorsports (talk) 02:11, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

P.S. Thanks for the userpage! It looks really sweet. --Gp75motorsports (talk) 02:32, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I'm not a programmer, but here's the next best thing: Userpage design center.

The Transhumanist    04:38, 28 November 2007 (UTC) [reply]

Oh, yeah, I've been there before. Do you know anyone here who's a programmer? I'm trying to see if I can get someone to put it into beta. --Gp75motorsports (talk) 11:47, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I do know some, but that isn't the type of project that would interest them. You should ask the people at WP:BOTS. If it can be done in an automated fashion on Wikipedia, they would know how. The Transhumanist    11:49, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Okay, thanks. Headed there pronto. --Gp75motorsports (talk) 15:05, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Another userpage that needs fixing

You should have some real fun with this. User:AlasdairGreen27 needs some real work on his, as he lives in a trailer. He said he'd get around to it, but he never has. have fun! Best, --Gp75motorsports (talk) 22:07, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I don't generally raid peoples' user pages. If you don't think he would mind, you could fix it up for him, but you should probably ask him first. I'm always glad to help users who come to me for assistance. Sometimes I give them a fish, and sometimes I teach them to fish (you know, like the saying), depending on my mood. The Transhumanist    22:32, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I've already asked him. He said he's eagerly waiting. --Gp75motorsports (talk) 23:26, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

lotd

Is there a reason why the lists repeat at {{lotd}}?--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:LOTD) 22:33, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yes. It's explained in a comment at the top of the template (click edit this page to see it). The Transhumanist    23:34, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Beginning Portal Review

Hello, I have a question (well a few) about portals and ArielGold said you were an expert in this area. So, if you are not totally busy with existing projects/problems could you look at my portal I just started. Right now, it's in my user area, User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2. Actually I copied most of the code from the North Carolina portal Portal:North Carolina. Now that I am done with the beginning edits, I found that clicking on the normal "edit" does not bring me to the actual data. For example, I must go to User:Rocketmaniac/South Carolina2/Intro to edit the intro section. Did I do something wrong? Or did I copy a bad example of a portal? ArielGold thinks it has to do with the fact that it in my user area and will be ok once I move it to the "real" area. (for the actual discussion see User talk:ArielGold page. I am basically new to wikipedia editing so any help is welcomed. Thanks for your time. Rocketmaniac (talk) 00:33, 29 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's fixed. The Transhumanist    01:22, 29 November 2007 (UTC) [reply]