User talk:Essjay

R E T I R E D

This user is no longer active on Wikipedia.

My comments here will be short and to the point: I'm no longer taking part here. I have received an astounding amount of support, especially by email, but it's time to go. I tried to walk away in August, and managed to do so for quite a while, but I eventually came back, because of the many requests I received urging me to return. Many of you have written to ask me to not leave, to not give up what I have here, but I'm afraid it's time to make a clean break.

I ask that the first steward to see this message please remove my various flags from this wiki, as well as from Meta, Commons, and Wikiquote, and remove the bot flags from my bots, which of course will no longer be running. My tools will be taken down shortly. I had planned to delete my user-space myself, but I don't want anyone to think I was going on a rampage, so instead, I ask that one or more administrators who are friends please delete the 288 pages that form my userspace (leaving only my userpage and this talk page).

I've enjoyed my time here, and done much good work; my time, however, is over, and leaving is the best thing for me and for Wikipedia. I walk away happy to be free to go about other things. I hope others will refocus the energy they have spent the past few days in defending and denouncing me to make something here at Wikipedia better.

With love to all who have been my friends here, Essjay (Talk) 03:17, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

The GoodBye

The GoodBye, from our friends at Meatball Wiki Mak (talk) 04:00, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

No!

Essjay...please, please, please don't leave!! You're one of the most valuable contributors to Wikipedia, and it would just be horrible if you left. I completely understand why you would want to get away from here for now, and you have every right to do that, but I really hope you come back someday. This must be very stressful for you right now, with all this happening, but just please don't retire! –Llama man^talk_contribs 03:17, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I wrote this before your statement on this page, by the way. I guess if you have to go, then do, but you will be missed...a lot. –Llama man^talk_contribs 03:19, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Retired

Essjay Retired because of all the Dilema and its so sad that we are losing a very dedicated Editor...--Cometstyles 03:18, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

As requested

# 03:23, 4 March 2007 Jon Harald Søby (Talk | contribs | block) changed group membership for User:Essjay@metawiki from boardvote, sysop to boardvote
# 03:23, 4 March 2007 Jon Harald Søby (Talk | contribs | block) changed group membership for User:Essjay@enwikiquote from sysop to (none)
# 03:23, 4 March 2007 Drini (Talk | contribs | block) changed group membership for User:Essjay@commonswiki from sysop to (none)
# 03:22, 4 March 2007 Drini (Talk | contribs | block) changed group membership for User:Essjay@enwiki from boardvote to boardvote
# 03:21, 4 March 2007 Jon Harald Søby (Talk | contribs | block) changed group membership for User:Essjay@enwiki from boardvote, bureaucrat, checkuser, oversight, sysop to boardvote

-- Drini 03:26, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

# 2007-03-04T03:44:30 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "Essjaybot (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:56 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot X (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:49 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot VIII (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:43 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot VII (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:33 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot VI (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:19 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot V (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:39:10 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot IX (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:27:42 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot IV (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:27:41 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot III (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:27:41 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot II (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:27:40 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "EssjayBot (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request)
# 2007-03-04T03:27:39 Xaosflux (Talk | contribs | block) blocked "MediationBot (contribs)" (anon. only, noautoblock) with an expiry time of indefinite (Operator has resigned per [http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk%3AEssjay&diff=112480541&oldid=112480415] may be unblocked at operator request) 

Your bots have been blocked as having no operator. These blocks are immediatley reversable by any admin upon your return. — xaosflux ^Talk 03:45, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

• WP:BAG removal processed. — xaosflux ^Talk 03:48, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Don't you guys think banning Essjay's bots and destrying his userpage is a bit overkill? – Lantoka (talk) 07:19, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

If you read his comment above, you'll find that he has specifically asked for it. It in no way overkill. Harryboyles 13:45, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Bots may not operate without an operator, as the bot block notices CLEARLY state these bots may be unblocked upon his return. — xaosflux ^Talk 01:54, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Thank you Essjay

Thanks for all of the service you did for Wikipedia in the various roles you have played. It is a great shame that you had to retire in such a less than ideal way. (→Netscott) 03:29, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

You will be missed. Best wishes for your new beginnings. ≈ jossi ≈ (talk) 03:31, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

• So long and thanks for all the fish. — xaosflux ^Talk 03:33, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Why didn't I think of that? Eh. –Llama man^talk_contribs 03:34, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Greatly missed

Thank you for your service. I was debating retirement less than an hour ago because of a melting pot of issues, but they are nothing compared to the hell you've been through. You will be missed by those who rightfully see the service outweighs the scandal. — Deckiller 03:33, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

The sky cries for you

The sky fills a lake with water. ;_;

I guess it would be selfish to ask you to stay, and you will probably be happiest if you move on. But I'd like you to know that you will be missed.

Best of happiness in the future,
Armed Blowfish (talk|mail) 03:36, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

P.S. Please don't do this.

Thanks

I, as well as the community, owe you so much for everything you have done. I have known you as a friend, an acquaintance, and a Wikipedian acting both as an editor, a bureaucrat, a checkuser, an administrator, chair of the Mediation Committee, and an Arbitrator.

Irrespective of what has happened recently, I hold your actions here in the highest regard. RFCU is still above ground because of you, as is CHU, as is the MC, as is a variety of other things that I probably am not aware of.

I find it an injustice that your work here for over more than two years, your 21,000+ edits, your one and a half years of service as an administrator, one year (nearly) as a checkuser and bureaucrat, is treated so poorly.

Regardless of what mistakes you may have made - and whether they are mistakes - I believe that this fiasco is not befitting of your service. As I said above, I have collaborated with you at RFCU and CHU, and put frankly, without you they struggle to keep their head above the water.

I wish you all the best, Essjay, in whatever you do. If another user contributes half as much to Wikipedia, who spends half as much time here, as you do, they are great. That alone speaks loads for my opinion on you.

Best of luck, and I hope you are proud of everything you have given to Wikipedia over the last 25 months. I, personally, am much appreciative of your work and your friendship through the good times and the bad; only four days ago, you probably saved my Wikipedianship with that email you sent.

We as a community have lost one of the best. People who haven't seen you work as much as I will only realise how much you will be missed when you are gone. It is sad that this is the case.

Cheers, Daniel Bryant 03:37, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I have been trying hard to find the words to express my feelings, but I think Daniel has just done it for me. So I will say that I concur with everything he just wrote, and that will be my first, last, and only public statement on the subject. Raul654 03:39, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

As Raul says, I cannot put my thoughts better than Daniel has done. It is a big loss for wikipedia. I really wish you well in your real life. - Aksi_great (talk) 07:49, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Concur. 'spect, my friend. Hope to see you around. 〈REDVEЯS〉 21:11, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Even though I posted my own comments below, I still must say that I concur with Daniel. ^demon^{[omg plz]} 02:57, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

An open door

Essjay, if you wish to return to the project at some future date I would be glad to have you back. I could consider supporting you in a bid for readminship. Farewell, and best wishes. Durova^Charge! 03:37, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Ditto Durova, anyways I deleted many of your subpages. Ja ^{wat's sup} 03:48, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Please do return when you are ready. Your work here has been valuable to the project and we welcome you back. You will be missed if you don't come back. --Aude (talk) 03:52, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Don't leave.

I don't think you should leave. It's true that you fabricated your identity, and you know you didn't need to do it (hell, if you weren't comfortable with giving out personal info, you didn't need to give out anything at all and you know that), so how about working to regain our trust instead?

Wikipedia will be hard to leave. You poured your heart and soul into the place and you did a lot to benefit the project. So why not stay and do the needful? You made mistakes, face the music..isn't leaving a bit cowardly (read: I am not violating WP:NPA)? So you screwed up and you were exposed..just do what you need to do to regain our trust.

I would advise: Lie low for a while, file an RfA (*NOT* RfB) and ask the community if they're willing to accept you back. Be honest and you might find a majority will accept you.

Granted, there are a lot of people calling for your head. I disagree with you leaving though. That is not the solution. I do agree with resigning all of your powers and starting from scratch - though some may agree with me, some may disagree with me, and you've already made your decision. Regards, Skult of Caro (talk) 03:38, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I believe leaving entirely is an overreaction, no one was seriously calling for that. Consider creating a new, unrelated user ID. Whatever you choose, thank you for the good work that you did. --AnonEMouse ^(squeak) 03:59, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Farewell

You will be sorely missed my friend. While you probably won't get this, my best wishes go with you wherever you are. Good luck with Wikia, and to Mia :) it is a shame the trolls won the battle..they won't win the war.

Aeternum vale

anthonycfc ^[talk] 03:38, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Unde et corpus eiusdem Essjay, utpote confessi, inuncti et communicati, et sine contradictione dimitti, nec effere presumpsimus, nec consilio seu precepto istud suadentium uel iubentium acquieuimus, non consilium proborum hominum aut preceptum prelatorum nostrum omnino parivipendentes, sed ne verbis Jimbo, quibus ille uiuens adhuc munitus fuerat, iniuriam seuitate pons incolae facere uideremur. Sed ne ex toto inobedientes existeremus, a divinarum laudem canticis, quam per singulos fere menses ex consuetudine frequentavimus, abstinuimus.--Alf ^melmac 10:46, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

What I think

"Stand up, Miss Jean. Your father's passing." RyanGerbil10(Упражнение В!) 03:38, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

What an amazing quote, from an amazing book. Truly fitting. anthonycfc ^[talk] 03:41, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

May I add another? My favorite quote from all of literature:

Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself. I have been as sincere a worshipper of Aurora as the Greeks. I got up early and bathed in the pond; that was a religious exercise, and one of the best things which I did. They say that characters were engraven on the bathing tub of King Tching Thang to this effect: "Renew thyself completely each day; do it again, and again, and forever again."

-Walden

By his own volition, there will be no more renewal for Essjay. Let not the same be said about Ryan Jordan. Gracenotes^T § 03:52, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Life is such a wheel that a man can not stand upon it for long. And as always, at the end, we end up back where we started. (Final sentence of The Stand) Essjay has done the honorable thing and did what he knew had to be done. PTO 03:55, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

“ ...he was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last forever: I was wrong...

-- Funeral Blues

”

Another great one to mourn the passing of a close one. anthonycfc ^[talk] 04:14, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

“ Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly.

-- Albert Einstein

”

Cheers old friend. Sasquatch t|c 19:36, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

How Could It Be

One mistake and possibly the biggest discussion on Wikipedia ever starts. One of the most valuable users, now gone. WP:CHU will pile-up, and there will be even more bureaucrat backlog. How could we let this happen? Thanks for your time, Essjay. --TeckWiz ^ParlateContribs_@ 03:52, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

What a shame

This is truly a sad, sad day. I wish you luck for the rest of your life. PTO 03:54, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Stewards don't decide, only act. Several steward friends will miss you. Love. -- Drini 04:01, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

KM

Before you write something here, please think about the following:

This entire episode has raised serious concerns about the role of pseudonymity within Wikipedia, and especially claims of expertise from people whose identity is not known, and whether pseudonymous persons should be permitted to hold positions of exceptional responsibility. Rather than making those comments here, please instead make them in a more appropriate community discussion area, such as WP:VP or WP:CN.

Also, please consider reading this and this before composing any comments that you may have for Essjay.

Regards,
Kelly Martin (talk) 04:06, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

My thoughts

I completely respect your decision to leave. I am regretful that future generations of Wikipedians will not know the greatness that was Essjay. I hope you enjoy your time away from Wikipedia and try to think about the users you know before many of them turned on you. (I for one, am still very upset that many of them turned their backs on you and criticized you when you were one of the greatest things that have happened to this project and probably ever will.) I have to say though, that I am very proud of the users that stood by you until the end and continue to stand by you (Pshemp, Daniel, and I among them, off the top of my head). I do hope that you return one day, but realize the very unlikeliness of that. So, I only wish you the best, in whatever you may chose to do. Cbrown1023 talk 04:09, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I am also upset to report that your entire userspace (sans your user tak and user page) have been deleted. Cbrown1023 talk 04:10, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

He requested it. -- Drini 04:12, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I know, I was one of the users who carried out the request. I was just saying how sad it is that we deleted it all. Cbrown1023 talk 04:29, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Futher update, your userspaces on Meta and Wikiquote have been deleted as well. You also only have editor privileges Wikimedia wide, per your request. Cbrown1023 talk 04:55, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Bye

When people are lost the grief is really more important to those left behind than to those who have left.

So, although I'll miss the positive aspects of your involvement, my GoodBye is really intended for all those still here.

I hope and expect that we will all learn, grow, and improve from all this. For that I thank you.

--Gmaxwell 04:09, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Thank you

Thank you for the work you've done here as an admin, bureaucrat, and valued contributor. Best wishes. – Chacor 04:12, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Ditto; fly on littlewing. ~ Arjun 04:14, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks, and good luck!

Thanks for everything you have done here. Be seeing you! -- ReyBrujo 04:15, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks so much for helping to enhance this project as well as helping me with the MKF incident, as well as others. Feel free to contact me via e-mail. Real96 04:16, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Barnstar

		The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
		Hi Essjay, I am saddened by your departure, but I would like to let you know that you are one in a billion wikipedians. You have filled so many roles to serve the community, as well as you help to me about voting for the board. You are the only user to have the role of administrator, Bureaucrat, Election Official, CheckUser, Arbitrator, and oversight. I award you the Tireless Contributor Barnstar. You were one of the most dedicated wikipedians to the project, and that will not be forgotten by me, and I'm sure it won't by the community, and I hope you don't forget that. Best of wishes to where your future takes you.--Wikipedier (talk • contribs) 04:21, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I second this barnster. Well written. You deserve it. --TeckWiz ^ParlateContribs_@ 04:24, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Adios

I thank you for all your great contributions to Wikipedia. Hopefully, you will find success elsewhere in life. S h a r k f a c e 2 1 7 04:21, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Good-Bye

It is really sad to see you leave Wikipedia. You've been great admin, bureaucrat etc... I'll miss you so much, and also wish you luck for rest of your life. Daniel5127 | Talk 04:24, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Oh My...

IMO, a temporary "break", rather than "leaving for good", probably would've sufficed. Despite the recent affair surrounding you, I have no reason to believe that your contributor status would have deteriorated in any way. After all, this is supposed to be an open project, where anyone could contribute information as long as it can be adequately sourced. Should you ever feel better again, I strongly urge you to rejoin us, using an alternate identity if you must. :'( Scobell302 04:29, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Honestly, Essjay did a lot for us. I don't think it is fair to make him return as a contributor, when he, like many of his type of admin, do not do much in the way of article writing, but rather help administrate the project. Prodego ^talk 04:37, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Editing negative comments

I have to admit that I am surprised that everything but the gushing 'oh my, I am so sorry that you are leaving' comments have been edited. While plainly offensive remarks should be removed, critical comments should be allowed to stay. So again: leaving is an honourable decision. Off with you. Dpilat 04:43, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

There is a difference between reasonable criticism and dancing on someone's grave. Essjay has enough friends that comments of the second type are not likely to last long. Further discussion of the issue of pseudonymity of editors in positions of authority belongs elsewhere. Thatcher131 04:45, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Well, that doesn't bode well for the way that wikipedians accept criticism, does it?Dpilat 04:49, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

How is he going to accept criticism as a Wikipedian if he has left? (rhetorical question, note) Also, feel free to leave constructive criticism of Wikipedia in the appropriate venue, such as WP:VP. Gracenotes^T § 04:50, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I second that; if you are happy we've lost an editor of great standing, then each to his own. Unfortunately, we don't want to hear it here. Village Pump does. anthonycfc ^[talk] 05:27, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

That is a ridiculous distortion. I don't see anyone here being happy about loosing a prolific editor. What some are glad about is that an editor who caused a credibility hit to the Wikipedia community has accepted a request of resignation in an attemt to minimize the damage to the rest of the community. --Swift 02:07, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

I second Swift's comment above. I'd also point out in response to Gracenotes that the same statement can be asked in reverse: "How is he going to accept complements and condolences as a Wikipedian if he has left?" Either question is equally meaningless to the comments people want to leave here. —Doug Bell ^talk 02:11, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

I concur with Swift and Doug Bell. // Internet Esquire 02:17, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

As above. I would also like to add that I find the fawning comments on this page more distateful than any critisims. At least critical comments may add something towards resolution of this sorry state of affairs. Munta 02:33, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Frankly, some of the deleted critical comments I've seen weren't disrespectful in the least. As for his friends, it bears him bad witness that they should be so willing to cover up anyone's negative views on him. Are they really so ashamed of him that they cannot rationalize their respect in light of his actions? --Swift 02:07, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Criticism is one thing, random trolling (like the comment that used to be directly below this one) quite another. If somebody wishes to put a reasoned posting about his behaviour, then they can do so, but they are not allowed to simply put sarcastic mockery here or insult him for their own personal amusement as those are WP:NPA violations. --tjstrf talk 02:15, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Many of the deleted comments are in no way sarcastic mockery or insults for personal amusement. The one you deleted was indeed sarcastic, but not used for mockery. Rather, it made the complaint that some may be trying to cover up the fact that a person on the Arbitration Committee had not only made up a completely bogus persona and credentials, but furthermore used these in content disputes and repeated them in a New Yorker article.

Unfortunately, the tone of these critical of Essjay is often harsh. Given the damage this may cause to Wikipedia — a project dear to many other than Essjay and his friends — emotions are understandibly running a little high. As for that comment you deleted, the only fault that I could see in its wording was calling Essjay a "habitual lier" when "liar" would have been fine (as it would be a statement of fact, not a personal attack).

But emotions are also high in Essjay's friend's camp. As is extra important in these situations, reading people's comments carefully and Assuming Good Faith by looking at the issue from their angle will often help prevent distortions in the comments' perceived manner or intent. --Swift 09:09, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, but this is really the first time someone is calling one of my edits trolling (at least since I cannot find my statement here any more I am taking that my comment is included in tjstrf's remark). I am quite concerned about this project, and I find it - mildly expressed - annoying that views from people who are concerned with the credibility of the project as such are deleted. The attitude of those who are deleting is more than detrimental to our reputation. -- Jungletiger 12:13, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Best wishes

It's a shame that you're leaving Wikipedia. You've contributed quite a lot to the project and you've done great work as an admin and bureaucrat. Regardless, I bid you farewell, best wishes, and good luck.--TBCΦtalk? 05:26, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Seconded. I'll remember you Essjay. You've made a huge impression on Wikipedia, and the better far, far outweighs the worse. Cheers, Dfrg.msc 05:34, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for all the work and for your wisdom in moving on, all the best for the future. ... dave souza, talk 09:50, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Essjay may be gone...

but the work Essjay did for the many many projects he touched will not soon be forgotten. Be safe and happy, wherever life may take you, Essjay. ++Lar: t/c 05:43, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Good luck. - NYC JD (make a motion) 05:52, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Sickening

Note: Some discussion between Lantoka and SwissCelt moved to User talk:SwissCelt.

One of Wikipedia's most valuable contributors... brought down at the height of his achievements and success. Ruthlessly. After uncoutable tens of thousands of hours of work.

I'm still in complete and utter shock. This is a travesty of unparalleled proportions.

Essjay was a good guy who did unmeasurable good work here for a period of years. He really didn't deserve this. Many of us severely overreacted, and it's costing us now.

Dwell on that, people. Essjay is gone, and I highly doubt he'll be coming back. – Lantoka (talk) 07:13, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

The tales he told were very tall. Gwen Gale 07:45, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Yet, in my opinion, pale in comparison to the good he has done for Wikipedia. My point is, had we reacted better to this incident, Essjay would still be around to edit today. I'm sure Essjay would have apologized and resigned from at least ArbCom on his own. He was a good guy, and we were too harsh. And now we've lost an extremely dedicated contributor. Wikipedia is left with a void that will be very hard to fill. – Lantoka (talk) 07:55, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I don't think the last chapter has been written on Essjay's participation here. Gwen Gale 08:08, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Impressions

I do believe that the community shall have the fragrance of your immense work for long time even after your "retirement". I wish you all the best in your real life and best of luck! I also wish to see you again here - time is dynamic my friend. All the best! --Bhadani 07:57, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Second that. This episode is unfortunate, but your contributions to Wikipedia will always be remembered. Good luck. utcursch | talk 09:19, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I respect your decision

While I would have preferred that you stayed, I understand and respect your decision to leave. Unfortunately you didn't avail yourself of the opportunity to deal with your past deception with candor and honesty when you had the chance. I hope that you take from this episode some valuable life lessons in accountability—by deciding to leave, I must assume that you have. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for the good work you did in your time here. —Doug Bell ^talk 07:58, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

More impressions

I hardly knew Essjay, so it would be pretentious to say much, but I do feel very sad about all this as I think about it tonight. From the dealings I did have with him, and from everything I've heard about his work, Essjay was a wonderful editor and did a fine job as an admin and with the other responsibilities he took on. There's no evidence that any of his editing or other actions ever harmed the encyclopedia ... and they actually did huge good at the time. I don't condone the attempt to deceive or, particularly the incidents that have come to light of pulling rank (a rank he didn't have, of course) in content disputes, but he otherwise used all the powers he was entrusted with to the encyclopedia's and the community's benefit - which was why he kept getting more and more authority (which, again, he exercised well). I just wish this whole sorry tale could be rewritten somehow. Anyway, Essjay, I wish you all the best for the future. I hope you recover from this, learn from it, then put it behind you and put your undoubted energy and talent to good use elsewhere. Metamagician3000 10:15, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

...or even back here if you can ever find it in your heart to come back. Metamagician3000 10:20, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Dont leave!

Another profilic and excellent editor leaves; although I never actually made contact with you to my knowldege, I always saw your Username normally first on the User rights log for changing regular users to sysops, I hope you are not leaving because of the Community Noticeboard/Essjay thing. Maybe if you take a Wikibreak you could return in a few months, hopefully you'll be feeling better then, anyway everyone here is hoping you come back and become a Wikipedia again. Regards, Tellyaddict 11:27, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Protected

I protected your page because of the morons coming here and trolling.. You know where to go and what to do about it if you come back soon! --Phroziac ♥♥♥♥ 12:34, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Phroziac, you did the right thing. How is life? --Bhadani 13:20, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for everything

Essjay, despite all that went on, thank you for being possibly the best, kindest user that Wikipedia has ever had. You will no doubt be missed by the thousands of decent contributors here, and I wish you the best of luck with all your future endeavours.

All the best,

Majorly _{(o rly?)} 13:59, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Goodbye

It's a sad ending, but hopefully you can get on with your life and forgot this whole debacle. Best of luck with your future endeavors, Essjay! Your work here will be missed, but not forgotten. I hope you will come back to Wikipedia in the future. Nishkid64 17:57, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

I didnt deal much with you personally, but I do appreciate the work you did. Amazing how brutal it can get so quickly! It reminds me of college student government or high school yearbook or whatever... a group of people who get so caught up in something and then take it way too seriously. I hope to see you back. - grubber 22:57, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

Essjay, I didn't get to work with you much, whether it be on Meta, Commons, or the other Wikimedian projects, but I have always looked up to you, and respected you. We will greatly miss you. Good luck with your future endeavours. Thunderhead – talk 00:20, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Happy Spread-the-funny and-slighty-random-love day!

:) pschemp (talk) 00:48, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Great, spam is just what we need. —Doug Bell ^talk 00:56, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

That's not spam, and I'm his friend. Go back to your troll hole. pschemp | talk 00:57, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Civil as always I see. —Doug Bell ^talk 00:59, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Bitter as always I see. Really. I try to do something nice and get an uncalled for sarcastic comment first thing. pschemp | talk 01:38, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

A stern WP:NPA to both of you then. Prodego ^talk 01:34, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

To A Friend

You have been one of the single-most influential contributors to Wikipedia in my opinion, and that will always remain. The MedCom is what it is today because of you, and I'm going to at least try to do half as good a job chairing it as you did. I appreciate--as do the thousands of other people who've interacted with you--your absolutely selfless contribution to this project, and what that to me is more important than anything else. I don't know how many infinite hours we spent talking on IRC, or how many e-mails we've exchanged, but in all honesty, you've always been the same caring person to me. People need to honestly need to take their damn heads out of their asses and realize that it's not a big deal at all, but people are asinine, as we've often come to realize (and mock). I hope we can continue our corrospondance (on IRC or e-mail), as I've come to value both your opinion and friendship. I make this promise to you, the following quote will never leave my userpage, so long as I contribute to Wikipedia.

All I ask is that every time you click "save page" you be sure that what you are saving will make Wikipedia and the world a better, happier, and more friendly place, and if it won't do that, don't click save.

Until we talk again, Chad 01:23, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

That was a really nice message ^demon, cheers Glen 09:17, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Valé

Vale, amicus. GofG _|^|_| Contribs 02:37, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Later

We haven't met, but I've seen you working, and I have to say that everything that I have seen you do with your tools has been constructive and needed. I don't know what has happened, but I feel that Wikipedia has once again driven away another incredible contributor. You will be missed, 声援 -- The Hybrid 04:46, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Goodbye

I know that you may have quit and you may not know me (I admit most of my user page was based on yours) but I know that in your heart you know that you will return... --The preceding comment was signed by User:Sp3000 (talk•contribs) 05:00, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

As an additional comment - I always wanted to be like you - helpful, admin, etc...but now you're gone. Even though what you did, whether right or wrong, is relevant to some, I believe that you should be forgiven and let your reign as arbitrator last longer. --The preceding comment was signed by User:Sp3000 (talk•contribs) 10:46, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Barnstar

		The Editor's Barnstar
		For all your excellent contributions over the past years, and for all your tireless work in improving Wikipedia, I present to you the first barnstar I've ever given. Thank You for all the contributions you have made towards Wikipedia. K.Z Talk • Vandal • Contrib 05:25, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

For the record...

I would like to state that not all Wikipedians, perhaps not even all the well-wishers here, approve of Essjay's actions. That said, I will respectfully bow out of discussion on this page, and let Essjay's legacy be what it will. -- SwissCelt 06:20, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

German Signpost

You were mentioned in the Wikipedia Courier on de:. -- Punk Boi 8 07:48, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Fare thee well

I'm very sorry to hear that you are leaving. You have inspired many Wikipedians including myself, even though I have never met you personally. Just remember:

Whenever you turn on the computer,

and perhaps do a Google search.

See the result up the top?

It's Wikipedia.

A community of users,

helping to make the world a better place.

And that once you helped us all.

and you will be remembered.

Farewell and thank you, ab imo pectore,

Yuanchosaan^Salutations! 08:26, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Stop the Savagery

Essjay: If you did lie to protect yourself, then God forgive us for what we have done to you. If you lied for other reasons, then God forgive you. He will, and I already have. You don't deserve to lose your job or your privilages or be insulted for a mistake you admitted to and apologized for, especially after all those people to whom you showed mercy.—Primetime 13:34, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, I disagree. To be put in a position of trust and lie your ass off only shows one thing, you were out to protect yourself and damn the consequences. In any other world, he'd have been sacked and everyone would have been saying "serve him right." Sorry, harsh it may be, but I have no sympathy for the dude. Lies are lies, no matter which way you look at them!. Thor Malmjursson 10:37, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

I think honesty is overrated. Compare lying to genocide, slavery, murder, and rape. I'm upset enough about the last four that I really don't have any anger left whatsoever to spend on (mostly) innocuous lies. And if a little lie protected Essjay from being wronged in some more serious way, that is one less thing for me to be sad about.

Essjay has done a lot of good... building a free source of knowledge, helping other Wikipedians, and all that.

Please do not interpret this message as being disrespectful to your viewpoint, I only mean to express mine.

— Armed Blowfish (talk|mail) 13:06, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

He lied about his credentials from [approx] his first edit. I light of this I find it impossible to believe that disinformation was a -consequence- of him being threatened/having to protect himself. Other than that I agree fully with Thor Malmjursson. Softwarehistorian 14:33, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

A great editor, and the most trustworthy admin but I know you will be back soon

You will feel better in a few weeks. No one worth anything here thinks any less of you. In a few months time you will look back at this a laugh. David Spart 11:31, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Actually - many people (myself included) do think less of people who lie in order to gain advantage. Are we or our views not worth anything in this debarcle Munta 12:37, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Munta, your views have prevailed in the discussion and the decision that was made, so it's hard to see how you could feel they are not worth anything. But there is such a thing as a sense of tact, and of occasion. Newyorkbrad 12:54, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

I appreciate your point. I was just trying to highlight that saying "No one worth anything here thinks any less of you" implies that those that do think less of Essjay are not worth anything. This belittles anyone who doesn't share the views above. As such, even though it does not reference anyone by name, it does come across as borderline incivil. Maybe I shouldn't have said that some do think less of Essjay - and for that I appologise. However, my reasons for saying so still stand even if I should have phrased it better. Munta 13:23, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

My own two cents

I realize that, as always in my life, I am the King of Unpopular Opinions, but here goes.

Essjay...(Ryan?) I really enjoyed my discussions with you. I am astonished that you are only 24, and that much of what you represented on here was not true. On one hand, I am very disappointed, but on the other hand...I know as a gay man it's sometimes very easy for us to create and shuffle masks for our survival and our security. I don't say that as an excuse, but I understand how such a long, sustained deception could have been born, and how it could have lived for so long, so quietly, so easily.

I hope at some point you do come back to the project, in some way - perhaps not in a supervisory role, but still contributing. I don't think it's unfair or unexpected that some people are very angry and feel violated, but ultimately, one thing I always found special about your page and your editing credo was the sense of spirituality and care. I hope at some point people will find it in their hearts to forgive you, as we are all imperfect and human. Best to you, sir. NickBurns 16:22, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Good Luck in the Future

Essjay, I wish you the very best in your future endeavours. It disturbs me greatly that people pressed you so hard to return to Wikipedia after you had decided for your own reasons to move on - and perhaps that is why so many of the "senior members" of the community are having such a difficult time with the recent revelations. I dearly wish that pressure had never been exerted on you. Perhaps respecting people's decisions about their lives and their Wikipedia activity should be included in the lessons we take away from this unfortunate situation. I wish you godspeed and much support from your many friends as you move on from this difficult and very personally painful experience. Risker 19:05, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Good Riddance

- What a disgrace, there's no excuse for lying and then using your fake identity to strong arm editing. Wikipedia would be better off if you don't come back. All the positive comments left here by supporters are not taking into account that ALL of their hard work just lost credibility and worth because of your actions. (Bjorn Tipling 16:46, 5 March 2007 (UTC))

Considering all the good work that Essjay did, don't you think that comment is a little harsh? I mean, that's several years and many tens of thousands of hours of work on the Encyclopedia. And I think it's obvious that Essjay didn't expect that if/when his deception was found out that it'd receive national media attention and damage Wikipedia's credibility. That seems to be an unfortunate and unforseen consequence that I can't really blame Essjay for, personally. – Lantoka (talk) 19:26, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

To the reverters of the world... please actually read WP:NPA, and don't just assume reversions. If this comment is believed to be a PA then act according to WP:NPA, don't appoint yourself revert police status. mceder (u t c) 19:53, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Removal of text:

The community has not reached a consensus about whether personal attacks should be removed, although it has been a topic of substantial debate, and an essay about removing attacks has been written on it. To cite the Arbitration Committee:

'The remove personal attacks guideline (and the application thereof) is controversial. It has often been abused by malefactors, and may not have community consensus. It should, at most, be interpreted strictly and used sparingly.'

Removing unquestionable personal attacks from your own user talk page is much less of a concern than removing comments from other pages in Wikipedia. For text elsewhere, where such text is directed against you, removal should be limited, except in unusual circumstances, to comments that are listed above as clear violations of this policy.,

I would argue that attacks on the pages of editors who have resigned is an unusual circumstance, as there is no way for the target to defend themselves. However if this is going to simply turn into an immense edit war between those who wish to praise Essjay and those who wish to "balance out" the praise by deriding him, then perhaps the talk page should simply be blanked to include only Essjay's resignation message and then protected. It is no longer serving its intended purpose as a field of communication with Essjay. --tjstrf talk 20:05, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

I second this suggestion. Wikipedia is not your blog, post your opinions elsewhere. If I can get a third support on this I'll blank and lock the page. Ashibaka (tock) 20:13, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

God damnit, just remove this guy's personal attack. No need to nuke the entire talk page. – Lantoka (talk) 20:14, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Third support from me, even if it's unprotected in a few days from now, when emotions aren't running so high. But if the page isn't blanked, at least remove those very nasty "good riddance" comments. It's incredibly unkind to do that when someone has resigned. ElinorD (talk) 20:17, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Forth support from me. These attacks lead to edit warring. Something we don't need. Agathoclea 20:18, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

Dont Delete. Personally I would argue that the comment remain. However, deleting yet another page with all the repercussions that it entails would be a far greater "evil". If its one or the other then the comment should go. Munta 20:20, 5 March 2007 (UTC)

(edit conflict) One additional suggestion would be that a permanent link be added to both the state of the page immediately before blanking and the point immediately before Essjay put up his resignation notice, so that people don't accuse us of trying to cover anything up. --tjstrf talk 20:21, 5 March 2007 (UTC)