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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Tyler111 (talk | contribs) at 09:45, 19 March 2007. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Please write new comments at the bottom!

Template:JMSDF Combatant Ship

It is better solution to create ”current and future ship classes template”. See Template:Current and future combatant ship classes of the JMSDF.--Open-box 05:45, 24 October 2006 (UTC)

Please help me with a WIKI arbitration on the India-Pakistan section of FN CHarles de Gaulle. There is a user who keep on reverting to claims that are (in my opinion) not WIKI rules. Please arbitrate. I do not know how to call for an arbitration. Thanks. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 217.136.68.138 (talkcontribs).

Plagiarism stolen from the samurai archives

Thanks for taking notice of all of the problms with "Darin Fidika" stealing wholesale from the Samurai archives website. I have been making noise for three days ever since I saw user Nagaeyari post about it. But people keep flip flopping and waffling here. This is ridiculous. The articles are clear plagiarism. In many cases, the guy tried to hide his plagiarism by adding incorrect info, if you can believe the gall of the guy.

Since I usually am just a quiet contributor who doesn't get involved in this sort of thing, how do you think we should proceed? There are easily over 100 more articles to go. --Monkeyheadster 23:40, 30 October 2006 (UTC)

Unspecified source for Image:Geisha of Gion.jpg

Thanks for uploading Image:Geisha of Gion.jpg. I notice the file's description page currently doesn't specify who created the content, so the copyright status is unclear. If you have not created this file yourself, then there needs to be a justification explaining why we have the right to use it on Wikipedia (see copyright tagging below). If you did not create the file yourself, then you need to specify where it was found, i.e., in most cases link to the website where it was taken from, and the terms of use for content from that page.

If the file also doesn't have a copyright tag, then one should be added. If you created/took the picture, audio, or video then the {{GFDL-self}} tag can be used to release it under the GFDL. If you believe the media meets the criteria at Wikipedia:Fair use, use a tag such as {{fairusein|article name}} or one of the other tags listed at Wikipedia:Image copyright tags#Fair_use. See Wikipedia:Image copyright tags for the full list of copyright tags that you can use.

If you have uploaded other files, consider checking that you have specified their source and tagged them, too. You can find a list of files you have uploaded by following this link. Unsourced and untagged images may be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you. Angel EOW 02:00, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

Unspecified source for Image:Mineko Iwasaki.jpg

Thanks for uploading Image:Mineko Iwasaki.jpg. I notice the file's description page currently doesn't specify who created the content, so the copyright status is unclear. If you have not created this file yourself, then there needs to be a justification explaining why we have the right to use it on Wikipedia (see copyright tagging below). If you did not create the file yourself, then you need to specify where it was found, i.e., in most cases link to the website where it was taken from, and the terms of use for content from that page.

If the file also doesn't have a copyright tag, then one should be added. If you created/took the picture, audio, or video then the {{GFDL-self}} tag can be used to release it under the GFDL. If you believe the media meets the criteria at Wikipedia:Fair use, use a tag such as {{fairusein|article name}} or one of the other tags listed at Wikipedia:Image copyright tags#Fair_use. See Wikipedia:Image copyright tags for the full list of copyright tags that you can use.

If you have uploaded other files, consider checking that you have specified their source and tagged them, too. You can find a list of files you have uploaded by following this link. Unsourced and untagged images may be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you. Angel EOW 02:00, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

Flow M

Good to see he got blocked. Tiananmen Square protests of 1989‎ is always going to be a battleground article. Stay vigilant!! --Mattarata 17:07, 3 November 2006 (UTC)

Regarding Mao: The Unknown Story

Hi. Thanks for keeping this cordial and polite. (or as polite as we can manage. I understand feeling strongly about something can lead to somewhat heated moments.) I left a comment on the Mao: The Unknown Story discussion page. Your response would be valued. --Detruncate 03:31, 4 November 2006 (UTC)

John Smith's Willy

Hi. Sorry about the page move, it was only intended as a friendly joke. A lot of my friends call John Smith's bitter "John Smith's Willy" so I couldn't resist it. Anyway, I won't be doing that again so don't worry. Nice to see myself in your "vandalism hall of fame" though!--Boris Allen 15:19, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

Frank Hogan

Came across this through Gary123's berserker spree. Do you still want to delete this? I'm not sure which way I fall on it myself. If you do feel that Frank Hogan is non-notable, let's list it on WP:AfD. crazyeddie 00:08, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

It's up: Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Frank Hogan Go vote. crazyeddie 01:34, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

Re: the PVA article. A merger is a possibility, but let's hold off. I haven't really done any research on it yet. I wasn't even aware that the Chinese force was volunteer until I came across that article. It's not something that gets taught in history courses in this country - even in such classes as the "American Diplomatic Experience." I'm taking Modern Korean History next semester, I'll have to mention this to the prof. crazyeddie 16:20, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

Regarding User:Silivrenion speedy edits

Thanks for the insight. I'm just a little tired, and didn't fully check my edits before submitting. Again, thanks for the criticism, and I hope I didn't cause any big problems! Silivrenion 12:17, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

I'm not sure why you accused me of POV pushing, but that was a good faith attempt on my part to better organize the intro without changing the tilt in any way. It's not a content dispute or NPOV dispute. I've gone back to put some of the original wording back in, but if you're still not satisfied with it, please add what you think is still missing or remove what you think is inappropriate. -- ran (talk) 14:28, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

Hi,
Regarding the reorganization, what I intended was for the praise to go together, and the criticisms to go together. Right now the paragraph swings from praise, to criticism, to misplaced topic sentence (Mao is controversial), to praise, and to criticism again.
Cheers,
-- ran (talk) 20:32, 2 December 2006 (UTC)

Japan and Sir Edgar

Joe can you please DO something about Sir Edgar. He keeps arsing about with the Japan article imposing his views over everyone else. He's so petty he insists that it says "China and Korea" rather than mainland East Asia. We adopted the latter to stop loads of edits that were going on, but he had the gall to say he didn't care about having another vote - he has said he will keep editing whatever happens! This is ridiculous. As an admin can you please tell him to stop it. He's fueling an edit war because he will not back down under any circumstances. By the way please reply on my talk page. John Smith's 10:34, 13 December 2006 (UTC)

It looks like another admin is taking care of Sir Edgar. ···日本穣? · Talk to Nihonjoe 18:02, 13 December 2006 (UTC)
Yes, I need much, much care and love.--Sir Edgar 07:55, 5 January 2007 (UTC)

Mao Zedong's Intro

Hello John Smith's. Please read my comments in Talk:Mao Zedong. Sorry I have not figured out how to create the link to that page yet. wwoo22

I am happy with this version. Wwoo22 22:19, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

Hello John Smith's, At this moment, I am satisfied with your new version. I also think Aranherunar contributed well. For record, I have put some statements in Talk:Mao Zedong (Intro changes). Wwoo22 00:51, 20 December 2006 (UTC)

User:Gary has requested AMA assistance over a content dispute involving yourself. I am currently trying to get as much information on the dispute (as it spans many articles) as possible. Could you please give me an account of your disputes/relations with User:Gary anyone also involved and the particular articles in question. Thanks. Culverin? Talk 02:57, 21 December 2006 (UTC)

Regardless a case has been filed, so to make things easier and to have your voice heard please discuss the case here Wikipedia:AMA Requests for Assistance/Requests/December 2006/Gary123. Culverin? Talk 10:20, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Please refrain from undoing other people's edits repeatedly, as you are doing in Japan. If you continue, you may be blocked from editing Wikipedia. Note that the three-revert rule prohibits making more than three reversions in a content dispute within a 24 hour period. Additionally, users who perform a large number of reversions in content disputes may be blocked for edit warring, even if they do not technically violate the three-revert rule. Rather than reverting, discuss disputed changes on the talk page. The revision you want is not going to be implemented by edit warring. Thank you. Hong Qi Gong (Talk - Contribs) 18:21, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

See the two edits I just made in the article about the portal.Sumoeagle179 23:55, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

John, can you take a look at Talk:Civilization#Korea (Gojoseon) date of 2333BC is disputed ?

Apparently, some people (including probable socks) are trying to say that the "Korean civilization" existed since 2333 BC. That places the "Korean civilization" BEFORE the "Chinese civilization" (in this article), which I believe is wrong. (I personally believe 400 BC would be more accurate).

Also, there is a slow revert war in the article page as well, with a few people trying to delete the "Korean civilization" section altogether. But the peculiar thing is, somebody keeps adding a version of the following phrase[1] into the Civilization article:

This is eerily similar to what we had in the Japan article several months ago, intact with similar citations. It is difficult to prove anything now, but can you watch the Civilization page also for suspicious activity? Thanks for your help.--Endroit 22:03, 28 December 2006 (UTC)

i concur

i concur with your use of bold instead of very large headings in the Yayoi article. Alternatively, we could use really small subheadings if anyone complains like this:

Mumun Pottery Period

Nice to meet you John Smith's. Mumun 15:29, 29 December 2006 (UTC)

"Yayoi" section in the Japan article

Happy New Year's!

John, will you please take a look at Talk:Japan?

HongQiGong and I have come to an agreement on the wording in the "Yayoi" section. (Perhaps some grammatical fixes are in order though). Please check if it's OK and comment in the talk page.

If nobody objects, the poll we had (on "continental East Asia") will be moot, so you probably need to declare it closed. Thank you.--Endroit 02:55, 2 January 2007 (UTC)

John, I believe HongQiGong, Jefu, and myself agree on the following version....
  • The Yayoi period, starting around the 3rd century BC, marked the influx of new practices such as wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making, and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from the Chinese mainland and the Korean peninsula. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged on the Japanese archipelago.
Will you be willing to support it also? I'm also asking LordAmeth the same question. Should we ask others also? What do you plan to do next?--Endroit 08:49, 3 January 2007 (UTC)
Actually, HongQiGong, Jefu, LordAmeth, and myself already support this version. Please see Talk:Japan#Discuss underneath where it's marked "New Consensus Version". Please find where Jefu and LordAmeth signed, and please sign your name there also. Thank you for your support.--Endroit 17:54, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

John, as you can see from the edit wars that have ensued since you removed the bias warning from the Japan article, that tag really needs to remain there. And, frankly, I don't foresee ever being able to remove it. Edit wars crop up constantly on that article and new people materialize nearly everyday with some political axe to grind. Nevermind warning editors and trying to resolve the edit wars themselves, readers need to be warned that the article is potentially biased at any given moment.-Jefu 01:53, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Germany FAC

John, on the Germany FAC page, you said that you opposed the article's promotion per me. I am a little confused though, considering that I am the nominator and am trying to get it approved. Do you have any specific concerns? TSO1D 20:09, 3 January 2007 (UTC)

Sorry for bothering you again, John. But could you please take another look at the article. If you based your objection on Peta's concerns, I am confident that most of them have been addressed already, but could you please specify what aspects of the article you still find unsatisfactory. TSO1D 16:18, 4 January 2007 (UTC)

Re: Japan Needs You

Got your message, and I'll take a look - might not have a chance for a few days, but I should be able to get to it. I can also think of another wiki that "needs you" as well :P particularly because of your wiki experience. --Kuuzo 20:50, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Just took a look at the talk page mess. I have a very limited knowledge, not enough to conclusively prove anything about the "early years" - but from some limited lectures and reading it seems to me that things are usually described as "chinese" influence, I'd advise reading up on "himiko" - she was supplied with valuable items from China to "bestow authority" to Japanese chieftans via things such as mirrors (I don't ever recall Korea mentioned specifically, just the Chinese), and at least in the 7th century or so, Japan assisted certain korean factions with military assistance, which shows that by that point Japan was essentially independent. I would go on to assume that since Japan was never officially colonized as a Chinese tributary, just influence through trade, negotiation, and immigration, it would be considered "influence" rather than anything more powerful than that. But don't take my word for any of that, it's just my understanding based on spotty reading and the occasional lecture. Nagaeyari is the expert, he should take a look at it. Korean and Chinese nationalists are pretty rabid and ubiquitous, and next to impossible to fight off, and so that's not a fight I'm interested in jumping into, but I'll take a look at the other sections as well. --Kuuzo 21:00, 7 January 2007 (UTC)

Misora Hibari

Please read Japanse wiki about her ethnicity. Her father was drafted for WWII, in those days Koreans were exempted for draft. So it is sure that her ethnicity was Japanese. No one has doubt about it in Japanese wiki.Star80

Japan

Baekje people is one of ancestors of Korean people. But south korean peninsula before unification by Silla in 668 was mixture region of many ethnicity, and Baekje's ethnicity was mixture of them too. For instance, Baekje people had more than one langage.Star80

Thanks for your answer. But you know Korean usually thinks them a racially homogeneous nation? The korean nation is used to mean such a racially homogeneous nation. So it is different from Indea.Star80 09:55, 8 January 2007 (UTC)

Do you know anything about this?

On my talk page someone said, "Just quit you fag. Nigga Bitch." Seems very immature. Do you know anything about this?--Sir Edgar 02:07, 15 January 2007 (UTC)

Do not mindlessly revert in Japan article.

At least make an effort to understand the argument of others. You appear to me to be very biased, but try to restrain yourself and think clearly.--Sir Edgar 23:56, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

Hello John Smith's

I've requested 4 users to join us at Talk:Japan#Suggesting "China and Korea": LordAmeth, Sekicho, WoodElf, and Nihonjoe. John, can you please comment there as well? The following message was sent to these 4 users....
________________________

Our current discussion is between the following 2 choices:

Option 1 — Most recent consensus (as of 3 January 2007)...
  • The Yayoi period, starting around the third century BC, introduced new practices, such as wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from the Chinese mainland and the Korean peninsula. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged on the Japanese archipelago.
  • The points that differ are: "from the Chinese mainland and the Korean peninsula" in the 1st sentence, and "on the Japanese archipelago" in the 2nd sentence.
  • Pros: Some of us claim this is the more stable and accurate wording, using "Korean peninsula" instead of "Korea", and will prevent any potential revert-wars.
  • Cons: Detractors claim it is "original research" to replace "China", "Korea", and "Japan" with "the Chinese mainland", "the Korean peninsula", and "the Japanese archipelago", based on wording used by the majority of sources.
  • This wording was agreed upon (on 3 Jan.) by the 5 of us: Endroit, Jefu, HongQiGong, LordAmeth, and John Smith's.
Option 2 — Currently suggested wording...
  • The Yayoi period, starting around the third century BC, introduced new practices, such as wet-rice farming, iron and bronze-making and a new style of pottery, brought by migrants from China and Korea. With the development of Yayoi culture, a predominantly agricultural society emerged in Japan.
  • The points that differ are: "from China and Korea" in the 1st sentence, and "in Japan" in the 2nd sentence.
  • Pros: Some of us claim this is the more accurate wording based on sources, the majority of which uses "China", "Korea", and "Japan" (instead of "Chinese mainland", "Korean peninsula", and "Japanese archipelago").
  • Cons: Detractors claim this wording is cause for content dispute, and the word "Korea" is particularly problematic because a "state of Korea" did not exist during the "Yayoi" times as claimed by Endroit in the discussions.
  • This wording is currently being suggested by: Jefu, HongQiGong, and Sir Edgar.
FYI - Current Citations used for this passage...
  1. "The Yayoi period (c. 250 BC–c. AD 250)". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
    • Note: This source uses "from the Korean peninsula or China", uses "China" but never "Chinese mainland", uses both "Korea" and "Korean peninsula", uses "Japan" but never "Japanese archipelago".
  2. Diamond, Jared. ""Japanese Roots", Discover Magazine Vol. 19 No. 6 (June 1998)". Retrieved 2006-12-28.
    • Note: This source uses "from the Asian mainland", uses "China" but never "Chinese mainland", uses "Korea" but never "Korean peninsula", uses both "Japan" and "Japanese archipelago", also mentions "Russia", "Russian mainland", "mainland Russia", and "Okinawa".
  3. "Pottery". MSN Encarta. Retrieved 2006-12-28.
    • Note: This source says that Yayoi pottery were "made by a Mongol people who came from Korea to Kyūshū". This source uses only "China", "Korea", and "Japan".
  4. De Bary, William Theodore (2005). Sources of Japanese Tradition. Columbia University Press. pp. p. 1304. ISBN 023112984X. Retrieved 2007-01-29. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help)
    • Note: This source uses "Chinese mainland", "Korean peninsula", and "Japanese archipelago".
Comment

We are trying to build a new consensus again, and your comments will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!--Endroit 15:33, 30 January 2007 (UTC)

The consensus of a little club? Why are you so focused on consensus, Endroit? I'd like to ask John Smith's if consensus matters more or the truth.--Sir Edgar 00:37, 31 January 2007 (UTC)
The correct answer is: Consensus is more important in Wikipedia. Please see my talk page for details.
Having said that, nobody is trying to hide the truth either. In our case, the "truth" emerged through the (heated) discussions. And eventually, the consensus came around to support that truth. It was a painful process, perhaps, but necessary. This "Yayoi" monster was finally subdued, with our joint efforts. It should be even harder for people to revert-war now, now that you've joined us, Sir Edgar, and we have a better consensus than ever before.--Endroit 13:25, 31 January 2007 (UTC)
No, I think the truth matters more. Anyone can edit here and that includes trolls, vandals, sockpuppets... and me. Even if I'm outnumbered 1,000 to 1, I'll still do what I can do put the facts where they belong and express them appropriately. Whatever you and John Smith's decide to do, do it. I just hope one day, we'll all want the same thing for Wikipedia.--Sir Edgar 00:16, 1 February 2007 (UTC)

Hi John. I regret having to reverse your edit twice of a FEATURED PICTURE of the geisha and client in the GEISHA article. This particular version of the photo was selected as a featured picture, which means that members of the community have identified it as one of the finest images on the English Wikipedia, adding significantly to its accompanying article. Other versions of the image were rejected in favor of this one. This image is also prominently featured in its current form in the Japanese version of the article. It has further been picked up by a number of other foreign language versions as well as external web sites. I believe that individual members should refrain from changes that contradict the community consensus whenever possible. Again, this is a featured picture -- other versions of the image have not been recognized as such by community consensus and were in fact rejected in favor of this version during the selection process. Thanks very much for your understanding. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.120.173.31 (talkcontribs)

Hi, anon. The picture you mention does have featured status, but that does not mean it must be used. I find that the client distracts the eye too much from the geisha. So I switched in the one where he has been cropped more. This means the focus goes on the little-lady, as it should do. The fact it does not have featured status does not mean it cannot be used, just as the fact a picture has featured status does not mean it must be used. John Smith's 16:23, 8 February 2007 (UTC)
Hi, John. I appreciate your taking the time to explain your motives, and your are obviously determined to stick to your guns. I understand not wanting to distract from the subject, but this picture depicts the geisha-client relationship, which is a central aspect of the geisha's professional life. As for its featured status, while it is true nothing is a MUST in Wikipedia, I think that a picture with featured status SHOULD be used in the article since "it has been found by community consensus to add significantly to the accompanying article." In this case your viewpoint strikes me as not giving enough weight to the consensus with respect to the value of the community selected version of the picture vis-a-vis the version you personally prefer. Respectfully, I really hope we can continue to use the community-selected version. Since I don't have the time and frankly I don't think it would be proper for us to engage eachother in competing efforts to revert this article back and forth over and over again, I would simply ask that you consider changing it back to the way before. Thanks for reading. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.120.173.31 (talkcontribs)
I understand where you're coming from, and maybe it would be best if we leave it for now. However I will say one more thing - the editors on the article seem to be quite happy with things the way they are at the moment. John Smith's 22:56, 8 February 2007 (UTC)
This article has come a long way. The editors have done a fine job, and I'm happy to see people like you who are determined to invest their time to make it even better. I agree that we should put this matter to rest for the moment. I would just like to leave you with a few final thoughts in addition to what we've discussed in the hopes that you will mull it over in the coming days. First, I would point out that having a featured picture included in an article tends to draw attention to the article, for example, when featured on the Wikipedia top page as picture of the day. Also, because of it's special status, the featured version has been picked up internationally by a number of geisha-related websites, and these sites were essentially linked to the Wikipedia GEISHA article until the picture version was changed. Also worth mentioning, because of the rare glimpse at geisha/client social interaction during ozashiki, the featured version was at one point requested for a nationwide museum exhibit organized by Liza Dalby. Finally, I would just say in closing that while I agree with the logic that the cropped version places the geiko front and center, I personally think the artistic balance of the picture is adversely affected and the view of the geisha client interaction seems somewhat obstructed. I leave you with those final thoughts and with one last plea to reconsider! After all, putting out the best possible articles is all about critical thinking and having constructive discussions with one another. Thank you for your time and honest feedback, and be well. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.120.173.31 (talkcontribs)
First, can you please sign your comments. Second it does you no favours to mention Liza Dalby - I don't think very much of her. John Smith's 10:29, 9 February 2007 (UTC)
I prefer to remain anonymous on this topic, as I have friends in Gion and Pontocho, where it is considered taboo to discuss the work of geiko with outsiders. First, Liza Dalby is one of the sweetest and most genuine ladies you'd ever want to meet, and to this day she is highly regarded among the elders of Pontocho. I can't imagine why anyone seriously interested in the subject would not think fondly of her, as the geiko themselves do. Second, I hope you won't think for a moment that I am trying to win favours with anyone. Enjoy your weekend, John. No need to reply. Cheers. - Anon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.120.173.31 (talkcontribs)
I wanted you to sign your comments using the four "~" signs, not use your name - even making an account wouldn't give that away. I don't think Dalby is a "bad" person, but I get rather tired of her assertions that she was a geiko - a rather cheap attempt at increasing her circulation. John Smith's 10:54, 10 February 2007 (UTC)

Mao

This is in response to: Hi, you rejected a report of vandalism concerning an anon-IP here. This isn't a content dispute, because the book in question (Mao: The Unknown Story) DOES depict Mao as being like worse than Stalin. I don't know why he is doing it - maybe he is some Stalin-fanboy - but either way he is deliberately arsing about with the article. He keeps doing it, despite what anyone says. So how am I supposed to report him? It IS vandalism, even if it is minor. John Smith's 10:52, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

He doesn't seem to have a problem with the Stalin bit; it's the Hitler bit he keeps changing. Does the book say he was worse than Hitler? Does the book not say he was worse than Siderov? I don't know; I don't own the book.
While he's certainly going about it the wrong way, I still don't see it as actual vandalism. (I don't think a 3RR review would either, so be careful about edit warring on the page.) I'll keep an eye on it and try to discuss it with him. If he won't talk about it, then we may have a problem. In the meantime, you may want to add an inline citation to say exactly which page of the book supports the Hitler/Stalin statement. That will give you a better position as the dispute continues. Hope that helps. Kafziel Talk 13:18, 9 February 2007 (UTC)

Japan and the UNCHR report

Will you please take a look at Talk:Japan#BBC interview with Doudou Diène, before he submitted the UNCHR report? The BBC quote is old and inaccurate, and does NOT represent Diène's official position. But HongQiGong is blindly trying to reinsert the passage, and resorting to revert-war again. Can you please take a look? Thank you.--Endroit 17:24, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

You two are dear friends, aren't you? Lol. Seriously, I don't like the way you two are collaborating to whitewash text and delete important and relevant information in the Japan article. I hope you can both consider trying to create the best article possible by adding actual content, rather than trying to weasel them out.--Sir Edgar 23:58, 15 February 2007 (UTC)
Edgar, it's hardly my problem if you're so unpleasant that you don't have a good rapport with anyone on wikipedia... John Smith's 13:36, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

That's not true, but you don't know what the truth is anymore, do you? Anyhow, I don't care to be pleasant or make friends here. I'm only concerned about contributing to make articles more accurate and complete. I'm not sure what you're doing.--Sir Edgar 23:33, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

Nah, I think you're just pushing your own agenda - whatever that may be. John Smith's 10:07, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

Sounds like we both don't know each other very well. Let's keep it like that, shall we?--Sir Edgar 10:50, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

Lol, what - you'd prefer to maintain a misunderstanding between us? Maybe you could do with seeing a psychiatrist. You obviously have issues that need to be addressed. John Smith's 11:46, 20 February 2007 (UTC)
I think you've crossed the line here. I've posted your comments on Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents.--Sir Edgar 23:18, 20 February 2007 (UTC)
Oooh, I'm so scared. I think you've crossed the line one too many times yourself, being generally unpleasant and making accusations about people, while ignoring any pleas to cease or threats of involving admins. The idea you're now running to the very people you dismissed as not giving two hoots about is a big joke! Another thing for you to talk to a psychiatrist about, I think! John Smith's 13:19, 21 February 2007 (UTC)

Your reverts on Mao Zedong

Warning
Warning

Please refrain from undoing other people's edits repeatedly, as you are doing in Mao Zedong. If you continue, you may be blocked from editing Wikipedia. Note that the three-revert rule prohibits making more than three reversions in a content dispute within a 24 hour period. Additionally, users who perform a large number of reversions in content disputes may be blocked for edit warring, even if they do not technically violate the three-revert rule. Rather than reverting, discuss disputed changes on the talk page. The revision you want is not going to be implemented by edit warring. Thank you. Hong Qi Gong (Talk - Contribs) 00:49, 19 February 2007 (UTC)

Need your advice on JSDF trivia list

Hi, as you've been pretty active on the Japan-related articles I'd like to get your input on Fictional portrayals of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. The article is basically just a long laundry list of pretty much every tangential mention of the JSDF in pop culture originally added to the main JSDF article by various editors. I eventually stuck everything in a seperate article due to its length and because I thought they detracted from the primary focus of the article. At the moment I am seriously considering nominating the resulting article for deletion, as most of the content seems to me nothing more then glorified internal linkspamming. I'd appreciate it if you could provide your opinion on this, thanks. -Loren 05:20, 22 February 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for the reply. I've nominated the article for deletion at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Fictional portrayals of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. -Loren 04:56, 23 February 2007 (UTC)

POV-Pushing

Hi John... Never ceases to amaze me how narrow-minded and blind some of these true-believers can be... I'm thinking of a certain one who edit-warred details of specific war crimes into the main country article on Japan, and called those who questioned whether this was pushing POV through undue emphasis "Japanese nationalists", yet now uses the classic Japanese nationalistic/Holocaust-denier ploy ( "OUR historicans don't say so!") when white-washing an article on Mao. I guess only some killing is objectionable in his eyes. I've never had the stomach to associate with such people-- and I've met some from all sides-- but I wish you the best of luck in at least slowing down the biased POV this particular one seeks to spread throughout Wikipedia. (Now watch him parrot back the words like some 5-year-old thinking he's making a real point...) Regards. Dekkappai 19:03, 27 February 2007 (UTC)

LOL. Hey John Smith's, it looks like you've got an "ally" in a Japanese porn fanboy. That must make you feel great. And hey, Dekkappai, nice to know you're still thinking of me after all this time. Hong Qi Gong (Talk - Contribs) 19:11, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Lol, do you think there's something wrong with porn? Guess you have sex standing upright while singing the national anthem, huh? :D John Smith's 19:21, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Apparently porn, like killing, is only wrong when OTHER people engage in it, John. Dekkappai 19:27, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
LOL. Maybe you can help Dekky by researching Japanese porn stars and adding more articles about them. I'm sure he'd appreciate that and you'll probably find it rewarding, too. I can see a beautiful relationship forming between you two. And I'm kind of creeped out that you think about how I have sex. Hong Qi Gong (Talk - Contribs) 19:28, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Oh, now the schoolyard "duh, why don't you go do that" remark? Why am I not surprised you said that? What other witty rejoinders can I expect from you?
About the rest - "the lady doth protest too much, methinks". ;) John Smith's 19:35, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Hey John Smith's, why don't you go do that! LOL. Hong Qi Gong (Talk - Contribs) 19:37, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Hong, I said other rejoinders. I.e. something new and different. Maybe if you're still confused you could invest in a dictionary or something..... John Smith's 19:50, 27 February 2007 (UTC)
Know the great thing about these thugs, John? It's that they wind up being their own worst enemies. I really had no particular editing interest in the field of Japanese erotic cinema until I saw Hong making an obvious attempt to wipe the whole category off the face of Wikipedia. I'd like to think I played a part in seeing that that effort failed, and I'd like to dedicate all my efforts in this field to our friend Hong. I'm very happy to see he's been noticing them and enjoying them. Now, back to work on some more articles... Dekkappai 20:04, 27 February 2007 (UTC)

Please do not restore unwanted messages that a user has removed from his own talk page

Hi, please do not restore unwanted messages that a user has removed from his own talk page. Many admins, including myself, consider it to be harassment. The matter has often come up at admin noticeboards. I know nothing about your dispute with Giovanni, and I'm generally in dispute with him myself. But if someone removes a message, you know that he has seen it, and it will still be in the history if you subsequently need it for an RfC or RfAr. But don't keep replacing it — that's just hassling him. There's no rule against removing such messages. They're not meant to be kept as a black mark. Some admins do insist that a block notice be kept in place for the duration of a block, so that other admins can see it, but that's all. It's also not a good idea to use templace messages for an established user. Templates are for warning a user who may not be aware of the existence of a rule that he's in danger of violating. Thanks. Musical Linguist 00:03, 3 March 2007 (UTC)

3RR block

Hi, you've been reported for a 3RR violation at Great Leap Forward and have been blocked for 24 hours. Please take the time to review the 3RR policy. Many thanks, SlimVirgin (talk) 11:06, 4 March 2007 (UTC)

3RR

That message on my talk page is unbelievable:

  1. Because I haven't violated the 3RR.
  2. Because the message says "discuss disputed changes on the talk page" when you too have failed to. At least I have provided full edit summaries for each edit and you haven't.
  3. Given that you have been blocked for edit warring and I have never. Mark83 23:53, 9 March 2007 (UTC)
Well if you think I needed to be reminded about Wikipedia policy, fair enough. However not only have I never been blocked, but I have showed sufficient knowledge of WP policy that I have passed a Request for adminship. Please stop your moral high ground position - eg. "That doesn't mean you can get away with it" - I'm sorry but your claiming a superiority that doesn't exist. I cannot replace the information into the intro for obvious reasons, however I would like to discuss the issue further. Best regards, Mark83 00:03, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I apologise if that came across as "snide" - that was not my intention. And of course previous mistakes don't mean that they can be extrapolated into current behaviour, so apologies again. However as I said I would like to discuss the issue further. Wikipedia:Lead section says that "The lead section should briefly summarize the most important points covered in an article in such a way that it can stand on its own as a concise version of the article". And if a possible export of 2 or 3 £0.6 billion warships is not a "most important point" I have no idea what is. Mark83 00:19, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
But there's the problem, you qualified your position by saying "in my opinion". So you feel strongly that it shouldn't be in the intro and I feel it should be. We either have to expand our discussion or get a third opinion. You don't agree that it's a "most important point"? Mark83 00:24, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I'm not sure what you mean. That the lead should stay stable? No that's not what it means. If the PM was assasinated one night the lead should change ASAP. i.e. the lead should summarise the article as fully and as quickly as possible. Mark83 00:30, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Well I maintain that an export would be significant, however I concede your point about the possibility of a PM assasination/warship export not being analogous to an actual incident.
By the way, I've aplogised for my initial response and I stand by it. However might I suggest that your 3RR warning was overkill? My reverts weren't intransigent, the 1st was because you provided no edit summary and the 2nd (although you disagreed) was a genuine attempt at compromise. Mark83 00:46, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

re: Mao

Yep, as you know I have the firm view, based on my own readings but also based on authoritative Chinese-language reviews and studies, that Chang and Halliday's book is historically unreliable and highly biased in many respects. That they are being referenced only for the most extreme statements in this article (red hot poker, "Mao himself said...") is, I think, telling.

That more respected and more reliable sources do not contain these claims suggests their unreliability. This is why these statements, previously presented as fact, need to be qualified by "blah and blah claim". I have no intention of doing that to the other sources, because there is not a significant debate as to their accuracy, as far as I know. If you would care to point me to a source that suggests their unreliability at the same level as Chang & Halliday, please do so and I will add in "blah claims..." for them as well. --Sumple (Talk) 00:14, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Hmm I don't mind using that. But why do you think that's preferrable? --Sumple (Talk) 00:21, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Talk page reverts

I wouldn't know about this apart from the fact that the contributions conflicted with mine. However why are you removing other user's comments from your talk page? Mark83 00:21, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Because he's an irritating troll, and I've been told one is allowed to remove "unwanted" posts from your talk page. John Smith's 00:22, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

2003 Education figures

So are you going to update the 2003 figures or not? I will have a go if you don't, but then I wouldn't be sure of the accuracy. John Smith's 12:41, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Hi John Smith's. I would appreciate if you could remain civil. No need to bully people around. Regarding the 2003 figures, I already explained that they are less pertinent as an International comparison, because most European countries did not participate to it. The only proper figures for an International comparison are the 1997 ones, until we have the results of the 2007 study. No big deal really. PHG 14:04, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

FAC query - Japan

Hi, I've seen you vote on FAC candidates several times. Could you have a quick look at the Japan article and tell me whether you believe it is FA material? The biggest problem seemed to be over references, which have been added and properly formatted. As to stability, we've had problems with vandals - major problems between editors are resolved. John Smith's 12:34, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

I just gave it a cursory look-through, but the article seems pretty good The only section I find noticeably missing (compared to other nation-state FA's) is "Flora and fauna". You might also want to mention the whaling issue and the etymology of the word "Japan". There are a few citations preceding punctuation. ( Wikipedia:Footnotes#Where_to_place_ref_tags.) Personally I always take a page through the peer review process to get a page in the best shape before trying an FAC—it usually takes about a week or so.

Unfortunately vandals are a problem for nearly everybody; about I can do is keep checking my watch page for those articles in which I have an interest.

I hope this was of some small help. Thanks. — RJH (talk) 16:53, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Ok, maybe another peer review, then. But I don't think anyone knows much about flora and fauna, so maybe we'll leave it there. Cheers, John Smith's 17:12, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Sorry, I didn't know you'd already had a PR—so it's probably not needed. But you may want to address the citation-before-puctuation issue. There are some nation-state articles that don't have a "Flora and fauna" section, so that probably isn't a show-stopping issue. — RJH (talk) 17:25, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Application filed - if you could leave your comments they would be much appreciated. John Smith's 17:46, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Okay, I'll take a deeper dive as time permits. Good luck with your FAC. — RJH (talk) 18:08, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Japan FAC, response from SG

Hi, Sandy. We tried to sort out those citation problems. Any thoughts to leave on a fresh nomination? John Smith's 17:58, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

even ones that Sandy threw in. Not sure what that means, but whatever. Anyway, good luck with; I have been traveling for two weeks, one week at home, and have to travel another two weeks, so can't really get involved in a new FAC. ( I see a note above about footnote placement; I'll run the script that fixes them, in case you haven't already. By the way, unless I'm reading the comments above incorrectly, the instructions at WP:PR specifically ask that articles that are placed at FAC be removed from PR; you're not supposed to do both at the same time, and the wisest course is always to get a thorough PR before going to FAC.) SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:30, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Block

Hi John, you have been reported for a 3RR violation, and I have blocked you for 48 hours. I notice you were blocked for the same offense only 6 days ago, with similar incidents in the past. Please take this time to carefully study the WP:3RR policy, and consider your future actions here. If you decide to play by the rules and contribute productively and collaboratively, you are more than welcome to stay and help us build this encyclopedia. On the other hand, if you keep breaking the rules, your blocks will only get longer. I very much hope you'll choose the first option. Many thanks, Crum375 21:48, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for the tipoff

I had stopped visiting the Japan page because of the constant edit wars. Thanks for the info about the Japan FA nomination.--WoodElf 07:20, 11 March 2007 (UTC)

No problem! Edit warring has mostly stopped, due to agreements over key issues. I recently cut down the history section, as you saw. John Smith's 11:41, 11 March 2007 (UTC)

Hi John, I addresed the sub-sub-sub heading issue. I'm not sure it's a good change, however. Can you take a look? Many thanks in advance. Mike Searson 06:36, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Mike beat me to it. There is a lot of information and the original idea behind the subheadings was to help a non-aikido guy work through it - an organizational thing so to speak. I would appreciate it if you could take a look at the changes so far and comment further. I admit its hard for those already involved in the work to take a step back and look objectively.Peter Rehse 06:48, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks John.Peter Rehse 09:00, 19 March 2007 (UTC)

Japan featured article question

Actually, I was talking about wanting a more balanced article. May be we can edit out different parts. Who ever wrote the article seems to have skipped the entire 3rd thru 8th centuries. The introduction of buddhism is important cause it is still the most popular national religion, the concept of writing being spread on a massive scale is important for any civilization. The sections on WWII need to be more balanced also, otherwise this article will just appear to be some sort of propaganda article, where parts of history that are not appealing to the Japanese are glanced over or completely just deleted. --Tyler 09:41, 19 March 2007 (UTC)