This page is for bringing attention to usernames which may be in violation of Wikipedia's username policy. Before listing a username here, consider if it should be more appropriately reported elsewhere, or if it needs to be reported at all:
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If, after having followed all the steps above, you still believe the username violates Wikipedia's username policy, you may list it here with an explanation of which part of the username policy you think has been violated. After posting, please alert the user of the discussion (with e.g. {{subst:UsernameDiscussion}}). You may also invite others who have expressed concern about the username to comment on the discussion by use of this template.
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- The following discussion is an archived debate of the username below. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as Wikipedia talk:Requests for comment/User names). No further edits should be made to this page.
The result was Concencus seems to be that this doesn't violate the actual word of policy. It does not refer to a religion in a negative way and does not specifically claim to be a religious figure (however much that phrase is associated with one). Furhtermore, this is a good faith editor so good faith is assumed by the community. Lastly, as a point of order - please do not !vote on usernames. We appear to be heading down the same road that sparked the mfd. ViridaeTalk 07:50, 21 April 2007 (UTC)
The way, the truth, and the light (talk · contribs)[reply]
- It's being discussed, so may as well settle this. I am not expressing an opinion at this time. Not to say I don't have one. Cheers, --Abu-Fool Danyal ibn Amir al-Makhiri 16:10, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- What's wrong with that? NikoSilver 16:17, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Looks fine to me. WjBscribe 16:21, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The Reason I feel it is inappropriate because it violates the Username Policy The policy states that Names should not resemble Religious Figures. The way, the truth and the light resembles Jesus. That is my opinion.
--Random Say it here! 16:22, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- "The Way, The Truth and The Light" is a term used to refer to Jesus Christ. I guess it would be comparable to a name like Ar-Rasheed (one of the 99 Names of God in the Qur'an). Would we allow a user to use any of those names (or their English equivalents, e.g. "The Guide, Infallible Teacher and Knower")??? Mahalo. --Ali'i 16:27, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Wikitionary states the definition of "allude" is "To refer to something indirectly or by suggestion; to have reference to a subject not specifically and plainly mentioned." IMHO, "The way, the truth, and the life" alludes to Jesus--Random Say it here! 16:51, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Ok, I see... Indeed, it is a religious reference which alludes to Christ, not to mention that the user edits religious subjects ([2]). This may also imply authority. The religious beliefs of users are a very sensitive issue, so I also think that the username may be unnecessarily provocative for many. NikoSilver 18:38, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Likewise, I don't see a problem with this one. I think it's reaching. Policy says: "Usernames that are clearly expressions of faith are discouraged, however considered allowed unless disruptive." I think this is a clear expression of faith.Philippe 21:55, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Please listen, He told me on his talk page that is was not to express his point of view. The way, the truth, and the life is another name for Jesus. To say the least, he calls himself "The way, the truth, and the light." Policy states and I quote, "Offensive usernames include those that refer or allude to The names of religions or religious figures." There is my point.
--Random Say it here! 22:48, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Ahem... if you quote, why is the actual verbatim quote: "The names of religions or religious figures; in addition, usernames that invoke the name of a religious figure or religion are prohibited should they be distasteful, provoke or promote intolerance, are disrespectful of the religion, or promote the ideology that one religion is superior to others. Usernames that are clearly expressions of faith are discouraged, however considered allowed unless disruptive. Should a username not be clear as to the motive, it may be reviewed." CASCADIAHowl/Trail 01:04, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Disallow Jesus (can't remember where) said "I am the way, the truth, and the life", so it's similar to God saying "I am" to Moses. Don't think it's appropriate, and may be considered offensive. Also, I think it's too long (but that's just me...). I suggest changing it to "The way to the light", but it would still be slightly long... could also be "The Truth". · AO Talk 22:53, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow- Can't see this offending anybody. Also, only a cryptic reference to deity, if at all (isn't is the way the truth and the life though?)Borisblue 23:24, 20 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I'm not suggesting a ban or anything like that, just a change of name. AO suggested a good one, why not The truth. Just a thought.
--Random Say it here! 00:12, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Because The truth is already taken. See special:listusers. WjBscribe 02:02, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Because "life" and "light" sound similar in English, you often see the verse misquoted as "light" instead of "life". It is not a cryptic reference to Jesus, but, it would seem, a rather unambiguous one. Go whereever you want to go with that - I'm just providing the scriptural citation. ;) --BigDT (416) 00:50, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Clarification WP:U does not state, as previously misquoted, that usernames that allude to religious figures are disallowed. Or are we going by a logged version? CASCADIAHowl/Trail 01:07, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- If you go to WP:U you will find under a under inappropriate usernames, the section for Offensive Usernames. The heading to the section says "Offensive usernames include those that refer or allude to." It names several cases, the first being Religious Figures. At least that is what happens when I go to WP:U.
--Random Say it here! 01:16, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Even taking that into account, this username does not violate the spirit of the policy. As an aside, I find it remarkably hilarious and ironic that I, a pagan, am defending the use of a Christian passage as a username. CASCADIAHowl/Trail 02:03, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Why have people lapsed back into voting? The are quite a few opinions above that aren't adding much to this discussion other than lovely bold typed words. To clarify are we suggesting that any string of words from the bible are banned? In any of the many versions of that book - given the myriad different phrasings? I don't see why Christians should have a monopoly over the phrase "The way, the truth, and the light". It could come up in a number of contexts and I don't see it as (a) exclusively a religious comment or (b) inflammatory in any way. WjBscribe 02:08, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Put yourself in the place of a devout Christian opposing an RFA or supporting a ban on this user, and having to consider the spiritual implications of saying "I oppose The way, the truth, and the light" or "Ban The way, the truth, and the light". That just isn't right. Please, user, change your username. -- Ben TALK/HIST 02:36, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I defer (as always) to those who know more about the issue than I do. The reaction seems overly sensitive to me, but I accept that I may be not be aware enough of how this username will be received. If likely to upset, it should be discouraged.... WjBscribe 02:57, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow This is a beautiful username. We are being overly sensitive here. We should encourage such inspirational names. :) - Mr.Gurü (talk/contribs) 03:09, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment: What do you guys think about User:Fish? The Fish is as clear a reference to Jesus Christ as this user's name is. "The way the truth and the light" is a really vague allusion, and will not offend anybody. Borisblue 04:03, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow. Bad habit, but I keep wondering what's been written in our book of names before. User:The Way, User:Iamthatiam, User:GodsDead. User:I am Jesus christ was usernameblocked. My concern is that religious quotes are still a bone of contention, and can be misused. I don't 'see' it here, but I still hear it wrong, that is, as an allusion to Jesus Christ. Even if not 'meant' to be that quote, it will be read as that (and probably bannable in Turkey). And if not meant to be that quote, then the user should want to change it, as an unwanted coincidence. Given the other names we have, and in consideration of "... however considered allowed unless disruptive ...", allow it, even if I have misgivings. Hey, they're not claiming to be User:God's Webmaster. Shenme 04:26, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment** - Ben writes - "This isn't "any string of words from the Bible", WjB, this will be read (and has already) by some people as a claim to be Jesus Christ." So would you ban a username like "IAmAnElf" on the basis that it could be viewed as a claim to be an elf? TortureIsWrong 05:01, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- If Elf-worship were a major religion and elves were considered to be deities by a substantial portion of the world's population, then yes. --BigDT (416) 05:08, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Okay, so you're only concerned about major religions. Got it. The official BigDT position is that it's okay to be potentially offensive to minor religions. Sorry, but that's just your own bias (as a conservative Christian) showing. TortureIsWrong 06:21, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
May I please inquire as to why we have bolded !voting comments here? —— Eagle101 Need help? 05:45, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- May I also redirect the question... does this or does it not violate WP:U as it currently stands. —— Eagle101 Need help? 05:56, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The relevant entry, in full: (WP:U#Religion) "Offensive usernames include those that refer or allude to ... The names of religions or religious figures; in addition, usernames that invoke the name of a religious figure or religion are prohibited should they be distasteful, provoke or promote intolerance, are disrespectful of the religion, or promote the ideology that one religion is superior to others. Usernames that are clearly expressions of faith are discouraged, however considered allowed unless disruptive. Should a username not be clear as to the motive, it may be reviewed." -- Ben TALK/HIST 06:05, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Ok so the question is "is this phrase a part of a religion?", if so "is this phrase disruptive, distasteful, provoke, promote intolerance or promote the ideology that one religion is superior to others?". That is the question that needs to be looked at here. —— Eagle101 Need help? 06:17, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The only problem I can possibly see here is: Is the name distasteful, provokes, or disruptive? if so why? The other parts of the policy don't seem to apply, it does not elavate one religion over another, or promote intolerance. —— Eagle101 Need help? 06:43, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The definition of blasphemy includes: "the act of claiming the attributes of a deity", or as Thomas Aquinas phrased it in the Summa Theologica, "when something proper to God is ascribed to a creature". Whether you consult the Catholic Encyclopedia entry on blasphemy or Wikipedia's own Blasphemy article or some other source, I think you'll see that at the very least it does provoke strong feelings. -- Ben TALK/HIST 08:02, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the debate. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the entries talk page). No further edits should be made to this page.
Grampiantelevision (talk · contribs)
- Spam username, in violation of WP:U. Cool BlueLight my Fire! 00:40, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- You need to get out more ;-) User has definitely been editing scot/brit TV articles. No separation of concerns here. Don't know if fan or worker, but this name is a problem (CoI also?) Oh my! [3] Shenme 03:39, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I've posted a usernamediscussion on their tale page so they can see the problem. (insert grump about no notification here) Shenme 03:39, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Note, have you guys actually tried talking to him before bringing it here? All I see is a message saying I took your name to this noticeboard, in any case, if he is not activly promoting a product or service, and the name does not have any other issues, I would leave it be. —— Eagle101 Need help? 05:43, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I put the message there, because I do believe user's should be notified, and I also believe in discussing with them first.
- Notwithstanding the prior steps not taken, there are grounds for concern that there is a conflict of interest, perhaps represented by this "Screenshot taken by myself during an edition of North Tonight. Grampiantelevision". He's editing articles about the show he's possibly part of, North Tonight, the network he's possibly part of, BBC Two Scotland, and of course has done other worthwhile edits, [4], but still surrounding the industry he seems to be an active part of.
- There is quite a lot here to be nervous about. For instance, does he have the ability to source these images, apart from his workplace? Looks iffy.
- Clarification is certainly in order.
- One important note I'd like to make in the user's favor. The Grampian Television article makes note of the fact that the (stoopid) network decided to drop the name Grampian Television in March 2006, implemented May 2006. The user Grampiantelevision did not start contributing until September 2006. It may be a case of pining for the old days, and feeling/thinking/knowing that the owners no longer cared for the previous name. I'm sure the name is still trademarked, but the transgression may be (cough) in name only. So what do you do in the case of defunct company names? Shenme 08:21, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Even though the name is now defunct, the name still represents the same company, STV, just under a different trademarked name. Cool BlueLight my Fire! 11:28, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Potentially promotional username + COI edits = username block, is my formula. The fact that the user edits UK TV articles means that they should have to change username. GDonato (talk) 13:45, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The "screenshot taken by myself" - anyone can take a screenshot of a tv programme. It's a copyright violation, but it doesn't need to be an industry insider copyvio. I don't understand that COI concerns. BBC Two Scotland is part of the BBC, and thus has no connection with anything on the ITV network. Dan Beale 18:52, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- What I meant was a percieved COI. Some newcomers may believe the user is officially representing the TV company. GDonato (talk) 20:24, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Disallow obvious COI editing as above. Cheers Lethaniol 12:50, 22 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Offshoreholdingco (talk · contribs)
- Spam username Cool BlueLight my Fire! 12:54, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Is that the actual name of his/her company? I wouldn't think that "off shore holding company" would be a proper noun, but, rather, a general description like "fast food place" or "software company". --BigDT (416) 13:51, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow - As BigDT suggests, it's a generic term. Ironically "Cool Blue" is used as the name for many companies and products and is a much stronger case for a "spam username." TortureIsWrong 16:41, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I have seen that name being used in a lot of movies so it doesnt actually relate to one certain company and so it should be allowed...--Cometstyles 16:46, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Again, have we actually contacted the user before bringing them up on here? There is even a template for this ({{usernameconcern}}), though I think actually typing out your concern is better. In any case the user needs to be notified and given an opertunity to respond before being taken here. If it is that urgent/blatant of a violation then use WP:AIV and or WP:ANI (in cases where it is a bit more complex). In addition we don't vote. —— Eagle101 Need help? 19:07, 21 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow — this isn't the name of a company, so far as anyone has shown, and Cool Blue's reason "Spam username" doesn't really make sense. (Oh, and bolding the operational part of my opinion isn't voting; it's bolding the operational part of my opinion.) --Mel Etitis (Talk) 13:21, 22 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Allow per BigDT. Off shore is a general name.
SandyToksvig (talk · contribs)
- User name is the same as a well known figure (at least among anyone who listens to Radio 4), whom the user claims to be. However, the fact that all edits are questionable, and there is a subtle spelling difference (Sandy vs. Sandi), leads me to have concerns that this is a hoaxer. Sam Blacketer 11:58, 22 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]