Wikipedia:Requests for bureaucratship/EVula

EVula

Voice your opinion; Scheduled to end 19:14, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

EVula (talk · contribs · blocks · protections · deletions · page moves · rights · RfA) - I've been thinking about submitting an RfB for a while, and seeing as the CHU backlog is starting to grow (and that's somewhere that I'd like to spend time as a 'crat), I figured I'd go ahead and bite the bullet. :)

I've been an admin for about seven and a half months, and have been on Wikipedia for just shy of a year and a half. My activity in that time:

• As an editor, I'm primarily a wikignome; I've got very few "core" articles (and my watchlist currently weighs in at 1600 items), but instead try to spread my attentions around as much as possible. I'm proud of the fact that I've got 6,600 edits in the mainspace (I was worried about shifting too far away from encyclopedia building once I got my mop). I'm still a very active user of Wikipedia, as it is my primary reference source for anything, which helps me to maintain my nice wide spread of mainspace activity.
• As an administrator, I'm very active in combatting vandalism (either in mass reverts or in indef blocks of vandalism-only accounts). I try to be as communicative as possible, both to people who need my assistance and editors I've blocked. On User:EVula/admin, I've got a nice collection of references for myself (and can access from any page via a monobook.js shortcut), and also clearly posts my logs (I'm a big fan of transparent admins).
• As a prospective bureaucrat, I'm already active in RfAs; here lately, I've just been lurking (and wikignoming the tallies when they get out of sync), watching everyone's arguments, though I'm still quite active on WT:RFA. I try to jump on premature RfAs (sub 500 edits) as quickly as possible, as to avoid any biting (twenty "oppose" !votes can negatively affect a newbie, regardless of how well-meaning or positively-phrased they may be), and I created a (fairly good, in my opinion) template for telling editors why I closed them; the template has been fairly well-received on WT:RFA, and I'm always looking for ways to improve it. Given my activity in both WP:UAA and WP:RFCN, I feel that I have an excellent grasp of our username policy, and expect to be spending a good amount of time at WP:CHU and WP:CHU/U.
• Finally (and most importantly, in some respects), as a member of the Wikipedia community, I try to maintain a very open, friendly, and high-spirited attitude. I'm a big fan of cracking jokes to help alleviate stressful situations (and have netted myself five good humor barnstars in the process). Nothing exemplifies my attitude more, though, than my semi-famous collection of insults (which was recently reported to Jimbo himself; note about that). I've gotten plenty of positive feedback on that list, and I'm glad that I can do something to make the community a bit more fun. :)

Similar to how I felt about my own RfA (and to completely rip-off semi-quote Husond), I feel like I'm at the point where I'm comfortable taking the next step forward in my involvement with Wikipedia. I welcome any and all feedback (though I'd prefer not to see any "we don't need more 'crats" oppositions, since I disagree with that... actually, I'd prefer not to see any opposition arguments, to be honest), and I'll be more than happy to work on anything that the community feels is a point of contention with this RfB.

Candidate, please indicate acceptance of the nomination here: I guess. EVula // talk // ☯ // 19:21, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

Questions for the candidate

Dear candidate, thank you for offering to serve Wikipedia as a Bureaucrat. You may wish to answer the following optional questions to provide guidance for participants:

1. Have you read the discussions on when to promote and not promote? What do you understand the criteria for promotion to be?

A. Whoever has the biggest edit count gets promoted, right?
All seriousness aside, I'm aware that the percentages listed at Wikipedia:Guide to requests for adminship are 75%-80% for failure/pass, but those are just numbers (and bureaucrats are supposed to actually interpret consensus, not just do math). The criterion (as I understand them) are that successful admin candidates need to have a clean history of incivility (not to mention a clean block log, or at least an easily-explained one), show a strong grasp of Wikipedia's policies and guidelines, and have a wide spread of activity (both in the mainspace and in projectspace). I'm not saying those are the criterion that a 'crat should use (that would be gauging and following community consensus, with a few possible exceptions), I'm saying those are the ones I've observed. If I've missed the mark a bit on what the question was asking, I'd be happy to expand upon it.

2. How would you deal with contentious nominations where a decision to promote or not promote might be criticized?

A. Well, the second part of the sentence is completely irrelevant; I honestly don't give a rat's ass about being criticized for a decision (after all, I'm always right). However, in RfAs that aren't crystal clear, I'd obviously weigh the opposition arguments first (out-and-out ignoring any SPAs, while paying careful consideration to editors who seem to have a bone to pick with the editor). I'd also take a look at the support !votes; I'd prefer if people actually left a comment about why they support a candidate (example), but I'm not going to hold it against a candidate just because their supports just say "Support". In much muddier situations (like Gracenotes', rare as those may be), I'd be 100% in favor of having a 'crat-chat.

3. Wikipedians expect bureaucrats to adhere to high standards of fairness, knowledge of policy and the ability to engage others in the community. Why do you feel you meet those standards?

A. As an administrator, I've already been exposed to high amounts of confrontation; I don't feel that I've "lost my cool" when engaging vandals (even when I'm having death threats lobbed at me), and very rarely will I ever get into heated debates with another editor without still respecting their opinions (example). I've got a very clear line of communication with people; I've got nearly 2,100 user talk edits (I always warn the users I block, and I always keep their talk pages on my watchlist, so that I can address any complaints they may have on the block). I feel like I've got a firm grasp on policy, but I don't have a diff or number to toss to you as an example... I'd be happy to answer any additional questions about policy, though. :)

4. Do you have the time and do you have the desire to visit WP:RFA, WP:B/RFA, and/or WP:CHU on a regular basis to attend to those requests?

A. I addressed most of this in my initial nomination statement above. I'm already active at WP:RFA, and don't see that waning if I become a 'crat. I'm also expecting to be active on both the Change Username and Usurpation boards. The only place I don't expect to be active is on the bot page; bots are a completely foreign area of the project, and the last thing I want to do is jump in there and start ignorantly flagging bots. If there's a sudden need for more 'crats there, I'll be willing to do the necessary research to edit there without screwing stuff up, but until then, I'll just stick to my strengths. :)

5. If you had been the closing bureaucrat on the Gracenotes RfA, what would you have decided and why? CLA 23:29, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

Comment

Can we please not make this RfB about whether EVula supported Gracenotes, and everybody comments in relation to that. To sum up the point, I ask everyone to not make this a Gracenotes RfA referendum. Thanks! --Evilclown93_(talk) 23:32, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

My question isn't meant as a referendum on the Gracenotes RfA. I chose that one to see how EVula would have handled a difficult and controversial RfA and that was a recent one. If you prefer, I'll make the question more hypothetical, "If you had been the closing bureaucrat for an RfA that closed with 73% support, but most of the oppose votes were based on a single objection concerning the candidate's views in a policy debate, how would you have handled it?" CLA 01:08, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

If that is your question, I believe your citation of Gracenotes is either inappropriate or a misunderstanding of why the nomination was closed the way it was. -- Cecropia 02:24, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A. Well, I'm comfortable using Gracenotes rather than a generic "Editor X". As the page will show, I supported (and still support) Gracenotes as an admin candidate. The issue that brought down the RfA, while I personally disagreed with it, was still a valid reason in the eyes of many editors (and, until WP:EVULA becomes actual policy, I'd have to bow to consensus). I think that closing that particular RfA as a "no consensus, default to failure" is the only valid conclusion (sadly), though I sincerely hope that Gracenotes will have a successful RfA at some point in the (near) future.

6. What are your opinions regarding userboxes being used as templates transcluded in userspace as well as categories of wikipedians which may violate WP:NOT and seem to vary between being divisive or not encyclopedic. --After Midnight ⁰⁰⁰¹ 23:41, 24 June 2007 (UTC) To clarify this question: how relevant do you believe that an admin candidates views on this subject should be to deciding their promotion in a case where consensus was not otherwise clear. --After Midnight ⁰⁰⁰¹ 00:38, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A. Userspace, in and of itself, is not encyclopedic; however, I don't feel that that is a bad thing. Everyone spends so much time talking about what Wikipedia is not, which is certainly important (don't get me wrong, it's a good idea to make sure someone doesn't make their userpage into a soapbox for how the Jews were behind 9/11, etc.), but completely ignore what Wikipedia is (or, more specifically, what else Wikipedia is). For better or worse, Wikipedia has an entire community around it, which is full of diverse editors; some are here just to write an encyclopedia (which is something we all should be involved in), while others get their kicks from the policy bits (completely understandable; it's quite fun to take down vandalism-only accounts). Things that help to foster that community are great, as long as they don't do so at the expense of others (ie: a box saying you like Cowboy Mouth is fine, a box saying that you think all Muslims should die is not). Almost anything can be "offensive" to someone (for example, someone who hated Cowboy Mouth, aside from being just plain wrong, would be "offended" by the previously mentioned box). If something is in userspace, just leave it the hell alone unless it's actively insulting a person, group, or concept; yes, it's unencyclopedic, but as I've said elsewhere, this wonderful "build a free encyclopedia" idea won't go anywhere if it doesn't have a community around it. If you don't like an unencyclopedic userbox, just friggin' ignore it.

To answer the rest of your question(s) (sorry, got on a bit of a rant there), I don't have a problem with various Wikipedian categories to a certain extent, though I agree that it should be pruned somewhat (though I don't have any examples handy). I don't think that an admin's outlook on this should matter one iota, unless they were actively trying to keep a userbox/category that was derogatory (like Category:Wikipedians who think women should stay in the kitchen); such an attitude would run contrary to the level of civility the community expects from their administrators.

7. EVula, I've noticed (and you said so in your statement) that you update the "vote tally" quite often. Do you think having a tally on a discussion (something that is illogical) is really a good idea? Majorly (talk) 11:38, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A. If the tally were dropped, I'd be fine. It's the sort of thing that I don't have a real problem with, but it is instead indicative of a larger semi-/pseudo-problem, and that is the confusion about whether RfA is a vote or a discussion (wow, it's almost as if this answer segues into the next one...). I suppose I kind of like the tally, if for no other reason than sheer convenience (but even that is redundant to pages like Wikipedia:Bureaucrats' noticeboard/RfA Report and User:Dragons flight/RFA summary); I don't let the tally tell me I should !vote for someone (though if it's sitting at 80/0/0, I'd be surprised if I could find anything problematic), though I understand that not everyone has the same attitude. It's just a quick "ballpark estimate" of what the consensus is, but like I said above, bureaucrats aren't chosen for their math skills; the tally shouldn't be used as a true gauge of consensus.

8. We all know the theory, but in practice: is RfA a vote or a discussion? In particular would you say that people who '''Support'''~~~~ (i.e. with no comments or some weak humour attempts) in a hotly-debated RfA have any credibility?--Konstable 12:49, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A.

9. Do you believe that, based on the fact that it closed at only 68% Support, it was correct for Danny's RfA to be closed as successful? I realise that I will be criticised for asking such a specific question, but I can only support a bureaucrat who promises that they would never choose to ignore the good-faith opinions of 32% of the voters on an RfA. (Yes, I said voters.) Walton^talk 16:03, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A.

10. I believe you are a regular at IRC. I have seen IRC have a terrible influence on Wikipedia functions in several cases where things are discussed without the transparency that processes like RfA and RfB require. One incident led to the resignation of a bureaucrat some time ago. Would you discuss RfAs at IRC? How would you respond if someone you knew and trusted asked you about an RfA? How would you insulate yourself from being influenced by discussions at RfA concerning active RfAs and RfBs? -- Cecropia 16:42, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

A. I'll go ahead and answer this right now (pfft, screw work) since it's a quick answer. I've gotten on IRC a handful of times. Anyone who's talked to me in the admin channel will readily say that I practically never talk about anything official or serious; if anything, I'm even more irreverent there than I ever am on here. I go to IRC to relax (or to ask commons-related questions, as I'm not as familiar with their stuff as I am with ours), not to sort out administrative stuff (I join the admin channel primarily because I enjoy the company of the people there). So the quick answer: no, I wouldn't use IRC for RfA stuff. The "knew and trusted" bit would probably depend on the question, but again, I don't plan on IRC playing a role in my bureaucratic career.

General comments

• See EVula's edit summary usage with mathbot's tool. For the edit count, see the talk page.

---

Please keep criticism constructive and polite.

Discussion

Support

1. Cool - I get to be the first to support --BigDT 19:53, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
2. Don't see why not. A willingness and focus on spending time over at WP:CHU is commendable. Grandmasterka 19:54, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
3. Sure. Sean William @ 19:55, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
4. (3x ec) Strong support cool head, good member of community. I trust this user to do things right and not abuse the tools. ^demon^{[omg plz]} 19:55, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
5. Support, user is trustworthy and I see no reason why he would misuse the bureaucrat tools. Good member of the community. --Coredesat 19:57, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
6. Support - I completely trust you. Greeves ^{(talk • contribs)} 19:59, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

   Support Definitely! Good luck. Majorly (talk) 20:00, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

7. Support, enthusiastically. EVula is sane and knows what he's doing. As someone who has spent many months helping out with the rename pages, I can say that we really could do with another crat or two to help out. Its not the most fun of work and spreading it out is a good idea to avoid burnout. At the moment 3 crats have done the vast majority of the last 1000 renames (with Secretlondon doing about half of those). I believe EVula has the necessary skills and experience to help out in this area and with the other bureaucrat functions. WjBscribe 20:02, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
8. Support. The current WP:CHU backlog shows how much we need more bureaucrats - it only takes a couple of active bureaucrats to go on holiday at the moment and things start grinding to a halt. I've always found EVula an excellent, level headed person and I think he would make an excellent addition to the 'crats. Will (aka Wimt) 20:03, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
9. (EC)Support - I have seen EVula all around wikipedia. His decision making, endless good humor, and great knowledge of policy all mark him as an excellent user/admin already. Let's see:
   • 6600 Mainspace edits. Vandalfighting, deletes, article editing: All hallmarks of a good editor as well as a good admin
   • 2360 Wikipedia space edits. Large numbers in RfC (user names), AN, AN/I, and AIV. Excellent conflict resolution and user blocking edits.

   Overall, I think EVula is an excellent administrator who will make an excellent bureaucrat. --tennisman 20:04, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

10. Support (edit conflict) Even though there are around 20 'crats, the 'crat that does all the work right now is Cecropia. He is now even trying to learn CHU. There is a need for active 'crats. Evilclown93_(talk) 20:06, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
11. Support - more staff all round can only be a good thing for Wikipedia. We're constantly growing and the only thing stubbornly staying static is the number of bureaucrats. Single user login will increase the workload at WP:CHU if/when it finally lands and we should be in a position as early as possible to have sufficent 'crats able to deal with the workload. Changing usernames should be an admin action rather than a 'crat action, but until that's rectified, we're always going to be short of 'crats. Nick 20:10, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
12. Support I can definitely trust EVula with this. —Anas ^talk? 20:11, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
13. Why not? He has shown himself to be a reliable admin so he will probably be a reliable bureaucrat.--†Sir James Paul† 20:14, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
14. Support, definitely. I can see him being a good 'crat. Tim^{speak} 20:19, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
15. Support Trustworthy and funny: The best combination ever! (and the most difficult one) NikoSilver 20:20, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
16. Support. Duh. --Deskana (talk) 20:23, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
17. Support. EVula is a good admin and understands what is required to be a 'crat. Flyguy649^talk_contribs 20:30, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
18. Strong support - EVula is the RfA gnome! He does great work already at RfA such as removing and closing snowballs and generally helping things run more smoothly. I fully trust the candidate to neutrally close RfA's per community consensus, let's give him the tools so he can add a bit more to the process. Ryan Postlethwaite 20:31, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

    Yup, I'm a "he". I went ahead and fixed your statement. ;) EVula // talk // ☯ // 20:38, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

    Extra brownie points for correcting my mis-capitalisation of your username! Ryan Postlethwaite 20:39, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

    At this point, I'm striving for "RfB gnome" as well. ;) EVula // talk // ☯ // 20:41, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

19. (edit conflict) Support I have had a number of interactions with this user, and have been consistently impressed by the knowledge of wiki-policy shown. I would trust this user with the bureaucrat tools.--Anthony.bradbury^"talk" 20:34, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
20. Support. Oleg Alexandrov (talk) 20:34, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
21. (ec) Support - excellent track record with the sysop bit. No issues here - Alison ☺ 20:36, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
22. Would have preferred to see a good round year, but why the hell not. Can't imagine him rougely sysopping Willy on Wheels. Riana (talk) 20:43, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

    ...uh, yeah, I totally wasn't planning on doing that... crap! EVula // talk // ☯ // 20:49, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

    Foiled again! Riana (talk) 20:51, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

23. Dude,-I-know-this-guy support. --ST47Talk 23:09, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
24. Support...On Wheels!!! EVula will certainly be able to handle being a 'crat. Best of luck, —« ANIMUM » 23:32, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
25. Strong support, I seem to see him everywhere... which is a good thing, since he brings positive energy wherever he goes. I also have full confidence in his ability to remain neutral.  hmwith  talk 23:39, 24 June 2007 (UTC)
26. Support absolutely. WP:CHU really needs some more attention, and I've decided I do trust EVula with the key to the mop cupboard as well. I'm also echoing hmwith's statement about being positive, which is the kind of attitude we need in someone in such a position of trust. Best of luck, - Zeibura ^(Talk) 00:11, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
27. Support. Appears to be a fair, reasonable, and dedicated project member and therefore would be an excellent addition to the ranks of our overworked and underappreciated bureaucrats. CLA 02:53, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
28. Very Strong Support I haven't interacted with EVula for several months unfortunately, but I know for sure that he is a decent administrator. He will be an excellent Bureaucrat. Acalamari 03:14, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
29. Oh good Lord Support He deserved it long ago ON WHEELS!. —  $PЯINGrαgђ  03:40, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
30. Support Nat Tang ^{talk to me! | Check on my contributions!|Email Me!} 03:56, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
31. Support, without the slightest hint of doubt. EV is helpful, extremely active and knowledgeable, and always has a kind word and a lighthearted joke to defuse the worse situations. Exactly the kind of 'crat I've always loved (now don't get jealous, Cecropia and Raul! ;) Love, Phaedriel - 06:08, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
32. Support. ➪HiDrNick! 06:19, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
33. Support. If he can handle Ambrosia, he can handle us. Feezo (Talk) 07:31, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
34. Support I've not been here super long, but I see EVula often; and it's always a positive and helpful contribution or comment. Good admin, will make a good 'crat. Alcemáe T • C 08:40, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
35. KillerChihuahua^?!? 09:50, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
36. -- Y not? 12:35, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
37. Support. EVula is always right (I will work harder). Appreciate the humor, appreciate being willing to go with the consensus of the community rather than overriding. --AnonEMouse ^(squeak) 13:51, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
38. Outright Support I'm proud of this user.--Húsönd 14:24, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

    If anyone should be, it's you; I doubt I'd be as good an admin as I have been if I hadn't gotten your sound advice on my Editor Review lo these many, many moons ago. :) EVula // talk // ☯ // 14:35, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

39. Support seen your around on RFAs doing the tally thing. I don't think having you as a crat will do harm to the project. Black Harry (Highlights|Contribs) 14:48, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
40. Support--D-Boy 15:38, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
41. Support: If we need more bureaucrats at WP:CHU, then let's do this. EVula is a prolific and very solid editor/admin possessed of an admirable degree of common sense, which is probably the most important prereq here. The diffs cited in the "Oppose" section strike me as more along the lines of spade identification or attempts to defuse a situation with humor, rather than the kind of incivility that corrodes the project. Based on this editor's on-wiki record (I've never been on IRC in my life), I think he'll make an excellent bureaucrat. MastCell ^Talk 16:35, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

    Hell I was about to post the exact comment to reconfirm my support in view of the new evidence. I couldn't have put it better, and everything above applies to me too. NikoSilver 16:42, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

42. Support The candidate has the skills, experience, and trust necessary to carry out bureaucrat tasks. Agent 86 17:25, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
43. Support Great admin, no reason to think that he'll be a bad crat'. ~ peaceful dreams 19:05, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
44. I trust EVula. I've seen his work on AN and ANI, and elsewhere. He's always been civil and good-natured, and as far as I know, has never caused a massive, Wiki-shattering controversy. This is good. I don't believe he will explode the Wiki if we hand over 'crat access; in fact, I think he'll make it better. I'm all for it. ♠PMC♠ 19:39, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
45. Support From my experiences with EVula on Wikipedia and in the past, he's been a responsible guy who knows what's going on. Ravanacker | Talk 22:10, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

Oppose

1. I still need convincing that EVula isn't going to simply weigh nominations like a vote. Someone who adds their bolded vote to a discussion page, followed by unproductive comments like [1] gives me cause for concern. (Also, in my experience, when people use the word "!vote" what they really is exactly "vote" but they are avoiding what seems to be a taboo word. What's so hard about saying "discussion" and "comment"?) Also, [2] this assumption of bad faith was not great, and those are the only two places I've seen you recently, unfortunately. Dmcdevit·t 21:02, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

   (working backwards) I feel extremely uncomfortable about assuming good faith on that MfD because the nominating editor's own userpage has numerous userboxes that violate the exact same reason that they're citing for deletion (see some of the others statements on that page; I'm not the only one that has smelled a certain amount of hypocrisy in the nom). I don't interpret WP:AGF to mean "assume good faith regardless of evidence"; given the evidence, the reason behind the MfD appears to be "I don't like it", which is why I've behaved the way I have in that MfD.
   The unproductive edit that you cited was me being a smartass; I can't honestly say that I won't ever do that again, but I will try to reign it in a bit if it is a concern. However, I generally avoid being a smartass in conjunction with "official" activities (like blocks or deletions), so I don't see it being an issue if I become a 'crat.
   I agree that "!vote" is just a bypass around a general taboo, but sometimes it works (as far as grammar goes; I'm not about to have a poorly-written sentence just because of an anti-taboo taboo). I usually try to replace it with "arguments" (I'd like to point out that I used "!vote" twice and "argument" three times).
   As for the "bolded vote", that's just how I generally handle my comments in XfDs or on proposed changes; I don't really see any reason why I shouldn't post like that, especially given the fact that I really disagree with the proposed addition (would it have been any different if I'd not used a bullet and had instead said "I strongly oppose this blah blah..."?). I generally have set patterns for a lot of what I do (any warning on a user's talk page is titled "Note", any block notification is titled "Notice", etc.), and that's just another one of them.
   I'm not really sure what I can do to convince you that I won't votecount, aside from saying that I won't, as I haven't done much AfD closing recently... of the stuff I've closed recently, there's AfD/Star Destroyer and AfD: Pirates of the Caribbean: 4, but those don't really relate much to the concern (well, maybe the Star Destroyer one, as I considered the Delete arguments by merit of their content, which I found wanting). EVula // talk // ☯ // 22:11, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

2. Oppose. A number of "spontaneous" votes by IRC regulars always gives me pause. It's these votes that brought Wikipedia to its current sorry state. I don't want a Bcrat who would promote to admins any kid who has chatted on IRC for ten days and amassed enough support there (it's how matters stand now, but who cares). His/her user page shows regrettable immaturity. Dmcdevit's diffs are an additional cause for concern. Last but not least, I recall that EVula enthusiastically took part in the successful campaign to drive Giano from Wikipedia. Who knows who will be the next victim. --Ghirla^-трёп- 08:46, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   I'm rather concerned by the first part of this comment. Once you're convinced that an IRC cabal exists, everything seems to fall into place as "evidence" that reinforces your beliefs. EVula did not "canvass", on IRC in any channel, although discussion began about it once it was noticed. (Discussion about how broken RfB is, etc.). Perhaps it would be best to avoid screaming "CABAL!" in a crowded Wiki. Similarly, the Administrative Cabal is not out to get Giano, and Giano is not a martyr. What's done is done. Now, let's avoid polluting EVula's RfB with IRC/Giano drama, shall we? If you have something to say to me, take it to my talk page. Sean William @ 12:54, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   Are you still pissed off that I called trolling trolling? (see archived talk thread) I have extreme doubts to the reason for "reporting" my userpage to Jimbo, especially since you interpreted Jimbo's "I don't think it's a big deal"[3] as meaning "I completely agree with you Ghirla".[4] If you oppose this RfB, that's perfectly fine with me; I doubt we'll ever see eye to eye, but as long as it doesn't affect the project, we don't have to. EVula // talk // ☯ // 13:31, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   Additional request: can you provide any diffs for the "EVula enthusiastically took part in the successful campaign to drive Giano from Wikipedia" statement? I just noticed that, and I'm honestly quite upset about such a baseless claim. As far as I can tell, the only thing I did was to slap {{resolved}} on a thread and called it trolling (several other editors were calling it trolling as well, if I recall correctly). Not quite "enthusiastic participation" in my opinion. EVula // talk // ☯ // 19:36, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

3. This is one of those diffs which I find to be very problematic. EVula refers to others' comments as "bitching", which is very humiliating. Such downplaying can never keep you in my good books and creates concerns about how you would use the new tools once you have them. — Nearly Headless Nick ^{C} 12:10, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   Seriously, the comment below seals the deal. Even if you don't like a contributor, you can perhaps engage in some civil talk? Now, I would be the last person on earth to give somebody a lecture about civility, but obviously bureaucrats are held to higher standards. I still believe that you are a strong sysop and an asset to the project. Best wishes, — Nearly Headless Nick ^{C} 15:14, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   But.. wh... huh? I never said I don't like Giano; I'd never even interacted with him ever before than (and haven't again since). I completely agree that he was an utterly fantastic editor. But he was stepping way over the line there. Ranting about an IRC cabal and lobbing insults at everyone that disagrees ("No doubt even as I post this 'He who must be obeyed' is sounding the trumpet calling the drones away from their chatter to comment and pronounce further rubbish against me"... archived)... I'm sorry, but that's a textbook case of trolling in my opinion. Could I have used a different statement in attempting to nip that thread in the bud? Yes. Should I have used a different statement? I most certainly agree so now. :)
   As for the "bitching" comment, I'm willing to concede that, again, I could have chosen my words a bit more carefully. However, given the large amount of undue complaints being thrown at Beta's direction, I felt that it was a humorous statement... obviously, I was a bit off the mark there. I was just trying to be funny, though; that's all. EVula // talk // ☯ // 21:12, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

4. Oppose [5] Think what you will about Giano, thin skinned, excitable, quick on the trigger, he is (or was) one our most prolific editors. How you thought calling him a troll would help things is beyond me, especially while closing a still active discussion. Closing it with a different comment (maybe: Let's try and walk this back a little or Let's try and cool off for a bit) might have been fine. But the way it is, it was just a couple more splashes of fuel. Bureaucrat takes reasoned and calm judgment and I don't see it here, there are other examples in some of the opposes above. We've rejected a couple of great candidates here recently which is too bad, but that's no reason to turn this into a popularity contest.. RxS 15:02, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   I think I've largely responded to this in my comment to Nick. EVula // talk // ☯ // 21:12, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

5. Oppose per Nick. Even more than admins, b'crats need to be calm at all times: "bitching", "trolling", even the "are you still pissed off...?" that candidate typed in response to an oppose above -- these are all signs of someone with an unfortunately quick temper and/or a habit of choosing words poorly. One bad phrase from a b'crat, as he closes a controversial promotion, can causes weeks of discord around WP. There exists too much evidence of an ill-suited temperament here. Xoloz 15:29, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   About the "are you still pissed off" comment (I'll reply to the other statements later; I'm at work, and my replies require more thought than I can do between timesheets), that's just how I respond to someone who I strongly suspect of acting in bad faith against me. I made a comment about someone else entirely, and I was suddenly being given a boilerplate NPA warning. Then my name and userpage is getting tossed around at Jimbo's talk page, with all the commentary about it from Ghirla being that is entirely inappropriate (and I'm a little irked about the fact that Ghirla never bothered to tell me that I was being discussed; it would have been a nice gesture that would have done wonders for thinking it was in good faith). Then I see Ghirla come here and oppose my RfB on the grounds that I'm a member of the IRC cabal and state that I'm immature (by mis-quoting Jimbo). I'm sorry, but no, I don't find that acceptable at all. Dmcdevit, Nick, RxS, yours, and Visviva's concerns are all perfectly valid in my opinion, which is why I have taken/will take the time to give them well thought-out responses. Someone who's got an axe to grind? Not so much. EVula // talk // ☯ // 17:11, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

6. Oppose: Generally I don't oppose. I prefer to remain away. However, strong reactions to oppose made me uncomfortable. --Bhadani (talk) 18:47, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   I'm not entirely sure what exactly about my responses made you uncomfortable, and I'd be more than willing to assuage your discomfort if at all possible. (my response to Majorly below is also relevant to your concern, I believe) EVula // talk // ☯ // 19:22, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

7. Oppose per Bhadani. Maybe I was a little too hasty to support...? I mean, I think EVula is a fantastic admin, and in the past I've said with time he'd make a good 'crat, but there's things brought up here that worry me. And, slap me if I sound like a hypocrite here, but your responses to opposes aren't what I'd consider to be very helpful. Yes, I encourage discussion on RfAs (since it is a discussion), but "Are you still pissed off" just sounds unneedlessly aggressive. Sorry. Majorly (talk) 18:59, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   Well, as I said to Xoloz, I consider it an appropriate attitude towards someone who is making a (in my opinion) bad-faith Oppose here. If someone is actually giving me constructive feedback (such as everyone else has), I'm more than happy to engage in a dialogue with them (heh, probably something that'd be more apparent if I had the time to respond to Nick, RxS, and Visviva). I think I'd be an asset to the project if I could help out with username changes and whatnot, but I'm not going to coddle axe-grinders. I fully realize that I might be shooting myself in the foot over this, but I feel strongly enough about it to accept a failed RfB over. EVula // talk // ☯ // 19:22, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

8. Oppose In part for general civility, but in larger part due to stance regarding rather disparaging language with respect to another user. Even if they are acting in bad faith, you don't throw gasoline at a fire in the hopes of making it go away. To further defend that position...wow. I mean, *wow*. Feeling strongly about things is admirable. Feeling strongly enough about insulting someone to shoot your RfB to pieces? Don't be surprised at the result. --Durin 19:52, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   I didn't feel like I insulted Ghirla when I wrote that, and I still don't feel like I've insulted Ghirla now. It's not that I feel strongly enough about insulting someone to shoot myself in the foot; I feel strongly enough about not giving extremely bad-faithed arguments the same respect that I give good-faithed arguments. Everyone who has put their name under the Oppose or Neutral headings has given me constructive comments, except for Ghirla, who has instead opted to insult me and make baseless claims, which then mushroomed into other arguments (for example, I never knew that I didn't like Giano until someone pointed out that I apparently didn't). For stuff that is totally my fault? Oh yeah, I'm willing to own up to it. But I draw the line at stuff I didn't do. (I'm sorry if this post has also come across as overly-hostile; if I learn just one thing from this RfB, it's that I'm sloppier with my phrasing than I thought). EVula // talk // ☯ // 20:05, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

9. Oppose per the diffs shown by Sir Nick and Rx Strangelove. Those type of comments are insensitive, and not really making the situation better. This user could spend a bit more time in choosing his words (and his language). I just have a weird feeling about this RfB because of edits like [6] and [7]. EVula undoubtedly has been planning this RfB for a while, and his overeagerness makes me a tad bit uncomfortable. Despite my oppose, I have the utmost respect for EVula and his work on Wikipedia. Nishkid64 (talk) 21:43, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

   Oh, I make no illusions about having wanted to be a 'crat for a while. :) Aside from that comment on Majorly's talk page (that I'd forgotten about entirely, heh), I also asked Redux for some advice about being a bureaucrat (of course, just when the RfB looks like it's headed towards the crapper, I finally get the spelling right on the first try); you can see the archive of that at User talk:EVula/Apr-Jun 2007#Re: Your question. I was initially planning on waiting a bit longer, but then I saw Secretlondon complaining about how everything goes to hell in a handbasket whenever a 'crat takes a break [8] coupled with someone else who noted that the change username boards were in dire need of additional attention.[9] With that in mind, I decided to jump my own gun and submit my RfB. I realize that doesn't address the concerns about my sloppier-than-preferred wording, but that's at least a glimpse at my rationale for submitting the RfB. EVula // talk // ☯ // 22:00, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

10. Oppose The overall impression I have, combined with the other opposition votes leads me to oppose. Also the trophy board of trolling on your user page leaves a bad taste. --MichaelLinnear 21:52, 25 June 2007 (UTC)

Neutral

1. I would not hesitate to support this user for adminship (if he were not already an admin) or for checkuser (which doesn't require being a crat). However, Bureaucrat is a position of extraordinary community trust, and although the cases of unconstructive or (arguably) immature behavior raised above are not terribly serious, I'm afraid they are enough to dissuade me from supporting. Once again let me stress that I value the candidate's contributions enormously; however, I am not convinced that this is a good match. -- Visviva 09:06, 25 June 2007 (UTC)
2. Neutral I love what you do as an admin, but I honestly don't see the need for crat tools, and have some reservations with the civility issues raised above in the oppose section. Jmlk17 19:40, 25 June 2007 (UTC)