Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Request board

Guidance for Volunteers

You can help editors who post requests for comments on this board by moving the request to the right place. Don't respond directly to their request for comments here. Find the right place to post the request for comments. Consider: The Talk page of the relevant article The Talk page of an appropriate Wikiproject Other relevant Talk pages, e.g., MOS Talk pages If there is an ongoing discussion at a Talk page, consider adding a request for comment on behalf of the editor there. Before adding a new RfC, remember to check whether an RfC has already been posted on the topic, in which case you should not post an additional RfC. If there is no ongoing discussion, consider starting a new discussion based on the request posted here Add a comment to your post such as ''Moved from [[Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Request board]]'' ~~~~ Remember to sign your post Add a response to the user's talk page explaining what actions you took and any additional suggestions you may have, such as posting on an appropriate noticeboard posting at the Village Pump asking for Editor Assistance requesting an article suggesting they start a Collaboration If discussion has taken place on this page, you should manually archive closed discussions before deleting them. Delete the user post here with an appropriate Edit summary

Click here to add a new request.

Seeking wider, more informed, input on the reliability of Wikinews as a source

Given the particularly limited input on this discussion, I would like an RfC raised on this issue.

As the above discussion shows, the arguments put against Wikinews being a reliable source are:

1. It's a wiki, anyone can edit it.
2. It's self-published.
3. Wikinewsies are not 'qualified' journalists.

Those points are rebutted thus:

1. It is a wiki which uses FlaggedRevs as part of the publication process.
2. There is a formal policy for independent peer review.
3. Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward, Walter Cronkite, George Orwell—all well-respected for their journalistic work, and undertook no formal journalism studies. Additionally, contributing to Wikinews has been assigned coursework for degree-level journalism students from the University of Wollongong and University of Southern Indiana.

I can fully accept that synthesis work on Wikinews is not appropriate, the sources which Wikinews draws from are likely more appropriate. However, Wikinews' original reporting can, and should, be used as a source with which Wikipedia can be enriched. --Brian McNeil /^talk 13:30, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

Addendum

"Little known to the mainstream is that the Wikinews’ volunteer formal review process is tight and accountable, with checking and peer review of standards that mainstream news generally no longer adheres. Similar to The Economist, Wikinews contributors are permitted to write anonymously, in joint contributions, which are heavily reviewed to a standard far higher than a self-published blog (Thorsen, 2008) (Bruns, 2005). Veracity checks by Wikinews reviewers ensure at least two independently verified sources for every news point made in a story. Wikinews has no commercial imperative over the work. Qualified reviewers are experienced volunteers and work on copy as it arrives. Wikinews is unique, in that review is applied according to strict policies and processes. Like any act of publication, freedom of expression is limited by the prior restraints arising essentially from law, ethics and news policy."

This rather lengthy quote is from David Blackall's paper, Wikinews – a safe haven for learning journalism, free of the usual suspects of spin and commercial agendas. Although I am a co-author on the paper, these are David's words, and he is a senior lecturer in the UoW school of journalism. --Brian McNeil /^talk 14:04, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

Where do you propose holding such an RFC (Wikipedia talk:Identifying reliable sources is the natural venue for "general" reliability questions), and who do you propose drafting a neutrally worded RFC statement with prior to commencing an RFC. Fifelfoo (talk) 19:35, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

• If I knew where was the most appropriate place to put this RfC, I would not have placed it here. That, as the policy states (and great big caution-signed message at the top of editing this page warns), is precisely what this page is for. I believe that all the criticisms raised on the Reliable sources noticeboard were rebutted, but people are slow to change their minds; especially when doing so is an admission they were wrong.

I am, largely, the outsider to Wikipedia. I have to place some degree of trust that the above can, and will, be refactored into a 'balanced' request for comments by someone whose reputation is not invested in one side or the other of the dispute. And, that whoever does so will be able to correctly identify the most-appropriate place to put the RfC.

I do have to note that you're challenging the request for wider input, and not the points I see as the basis for your argument, which I offer a rebuttal to. I note the discussion has moved on, but that what I can only describe as "fundamentalist" attitudes are being displayed by some. --Brian McNeil /^talk 20:48, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

Your ability to read the consensus on WP:RS/N perhaps needs some improvement, but as you note you're not highly experienced with wikipedia so that's fine. Regarding the RFC; I don't believe the Wikinews has had its reliability addressed seriously or definitively by the community in the last twelve months, so it is fair to try to see if consensus has changed and make arguments. What I'd suggest is that we draft the RFC here, and when it is ready to go (ie: we both agree that it represents a neutrally worded solicitation of external input) we take it live on WP:IRS's talk page, and solicit external input as appropriate (village pump, centralised discussions, etc.). That way we can definitively gauge the wider community's sentiments. We can also plan to get an external closer for the RFC from an early period. How does that sound? Draft here together, then when it is ready, take it to WP:IRS. Fifelfoo (talk) 21:40, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

Experienced with Wikipedia? I'd rather not, thank you! ;-) I can understand the value of longer-running debates, but lack the patience to participate. But, what I'm seeking is someone who cares neither one way or the other to distill-down the arguments for and against.

Every point I've seen added to the debate by Wikipedians who've done little-to-no research into what Wikinews' peer-review process is gives me less and less respect for "consensus". Consensus could say the moon is made of green cheese, it would not make it true. Yes, I know it's one of the cornerstones of how Wikipedia works, but so is participating in a debate, or discussion, from an informed point of view. I see precious little of that—which is what gives me the scope to make the rather scathing "green cheese" remark.

Wikinews gets hit both ways. There's not just your arguments, dismissing the project's work as unreliable. The other side of the coin is we're accused of not following a "wiki ethos" in having independent review, archiving (i.e. fully protecting articles a week after publication), and basically not letting absolutely anyone 'publish' whatever they like.

What I do not see, where you claim there is "consensus", is any form of cogent rebuttal of the points raised in favour of considering Wikinews a reliable source. Really, I ask you, is the fact that we use the same base software as Wikipedia a reasonable, rational, and supportable argument against considering Wikinews reliable?

It is because of such, frankly idiotic, arguments (yes, I know it wasn't one of yours, but you should challenge such dubious reasoning) that I do not feel there is enough common ground for us to work together on taking this to a more formal RfC, and that someone else should do so. --Brian McNeil /^talk 22:14, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

You are correct: the software base doesn't matter. The reliability issue is that Wikinews is open access, and that the standards of review do not meet the required standards for en.wikipedia reliability (the Germans are much more lax, for example; and the Dutch are positively permissive). en.wikipedia has extremely strict standards regarding what an appropriate editorial standard for en.wikipedia's reliability standards are. RS/N has over five plus years rejected openly contributed material without a strict (very strict) editorial policies. If your primary project is Wikinews then I salute you, it is a noble thing to do, I'd rank wikinews well above fox, but well below the Guardian—kind of in the Sydney Morning Herald category of quality. But quality is not the perverse and bizarre thing that wikipedia demands of reliability. To change the consensus about the standards required would take a major RFC, because these standards are in place because of the contested nature of en.wikipedia, and because of some foundational choices regarding discipline and content disputes that were made on en.wikipedia. To reverse these would be a substantial community decision, opening the way for the general use of "find a grave" or "Jane's pornography blog" grade sources. And I don't know that wikinews would wish to meet en.wikipedia's demands regarding reliability—they would be onerous. Fifelfoo (talk) 22:23, 4 July 2012 (UTC)

Hide irrelevant inter-editor bickering. --Brian McNeil /talk 00:32, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

You insult Wikinews by implying it resides in the same category as "find a grave" or "Jane's pornography blog". And you put your own argument at risk classing it at a similar reliability level to the SMH, which English Wikipedia regularly, and frequently, accepts as a reliable source. I note that an involved editor has taken it upon themselves to close the discussion in a shameful display of bias. I will be looking for an avenue where I can highlight such not being an action carried out in good faith. --Brian McNeil /talk 22:50, 4 July 2012 (UTC) That noticeboard has become an angry and unreasonable mob.--William S. Saturn (talk) 22:52, 4 July 2012 (UTC) It's like a black homosexual trying to reason with a bunch of homophobic National Socialists. --Brian McNeil /talk 23:05, 4 July 2012 (UTC) Good analogy. Apparently one user wants to take this to the drama board because he can't reasonably dispute my statements.--William S. Saturn (talk) 23:07, 4 July 2012 (UTC) Brian McNeil, I recommend that you retract your comment as it is no different than calling people who disagree with you Nazis, which violates WP:NPA. Ian.thomson (talk) 23:12, 4 July 2012 (UTC) Brian, you appear to conflate journalistic quality (which Wikinews has, I occasionally read articles), with en.wikipedia's reliability policy. A quality source may be unreliable. A reliable source may be of low quality. These are different things. Fifelfoo (talk) 23:19, 4 July 2012 (UTC) Ian, I chose my words carefully, as an analogy, not with the intent to accuse people of being Nazis. So I will decline your invitation to retract a statement which you've misconstrued and misinterpreted. --Brian McNeil /talk 23:50, 4 July 2012 (UTC) The analogy being you:others::gay black men:National Socialists. Whether it's a metaphor or simile, you are equating those who disagree with you with Nazis. That is immature, disrespectful, and only makes any further argument coming from you look like it's a temper tantrum. Ian.thomson (talk) 23:55, 4 July 2012 (UTC) This is a serious problem here because there is a tendency to focus on the minute rather than the substance.--William S. Saturn (talk) 23:56, 4 July 2012 (UTC) I'm sorry, I'm just a bit disgusted at how Brian McNeil insulted those who suffered in the holocaust, and how you seem to think that it's OK for someone to act like Catholics, Jews, and Masons were only told "hey, just don't distrupt things and we'll let you retain your right to live and believe whatever you want." Ian.thomson (talk) 23:58, 4 July 2012 (UTC) Get over it.--William S. Saturn (talk) 23:59, 4 July 2012 (UTC) You're a great example for getting over it when you've reopened a closed discussion three times, that had to be closed because you refused to listen to consensus. You get over it, and you quit supporting honestly revolting behavior just because it's someone who supports what you want. Ian.thomson (talk) 00:02, 5 July 2012 (UTC) The "consensus" was a mob mentality. As proof on my talk page, I make my point and the user responds "whatever". If my points can't be disputed, how is there a consensus?--William S. Saturn (talk) 00:04, 5 July 2012 (UTC) You ignore when others dispute your points, and then when someone doesn't care to repeat the same argument over and over with you, you treat it like a victory? That's just rude to everyone. Why should anyone care what you think if you don't listen to others? Ian.thomson (talk) 00:10, 5 July 2012 (UTC) Ah, yes. You're going to weasel-word around that remark, aren't you? First it was "I'm accusing you of being Nazis", but that doesn't stand up to critical inspection. So, step down and "I've no respect for the survivors of the Holocaust". Uh-huh. That's the level this entire discussion has been conducted at. No reason, no actual acknowledgement of well-constructed arguments. That is why I employed the analogy I did, and that is why it is valid. --Brian McNeil /talk 00:13, 5 July 2012 (UTC) Wow, you're just as capable of ignoring what others say unless it suits you, too. I pointed out what happened in the conversations William S. Saturn has been in, and I pointed out how you equated those who disagreed with you with Nazis. Since I assume you two aren't trolling, I can only assume y'all need psychiatric help to help your basic grasp on reality. Ian.thomson (talk) 00:17, 5 July 2012 (UTC) What does any of this have to do with an RfC? If you want to continue this bickering, do so on your user talk pages. It doesn't belong here. Dominus Vobisdu (talk) 00:21, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Brian. Are you interested in crafting a neutrally worded RFC or not? Fifelfoo (talk) 00:47, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

I advised him to request the assistance of an uninvolved administrator on WP:AN if he is seriously intrested in doing so. Dominus Vobisdu (talk) 00:51, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

• I would like to at least try, can you point out any items I've missed with the three I listed above? Or, whilst keeping brief, phrase them more to your liking? That's probably the best starting point. Dominus' suggestion to then get an uninvolved administrator to distil things down is going to be easier if all the 'cards are on the table'. But, I won't be participating in the discussion anymore tonight, so no rush on that. --Brian McNeil /^talk 00:57, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Draft RfC

[Bold sections to be replaced with sub-headings before going live]

Is wikinews a reliable source?

1. In what circumstances is en.wikinews (Our article) a reliable source in terms of en.wikipedia's verification policy?
2. Should en.wikipedia's policies be amended to reflect this?

Nature of the source en.wikinews is a news source which generates content in the following ways:

1. [Kind 1], generated by [process 1]; [interwiki link to en.wikinews' documentation]
2. [Kind 2], generated by [process 2]; [interwiki link to en.wikinews' documentation]
3. …

these are then overseen and published by [process]…

Past discussions on en.wikipedia

The reliability of wikinews has been previously discussed on en.wikipedia:

1. Reliable sources/Noticeboard July 2012, closed as, "wikinews is a user generated source and therefore not reliable per WP:RS and WP:V."
2. Recently at WP:RS/N, where a particular interview was given a [Self-published source exemption] on the basis of [Expertise]
3. Last year at WT:IRS
4. Most recent previous RS/N archive discussion
5. Years ago: Link to initial WP page discussing use of Wikinews (prior to my edits)

Brief in favour [Three sentences max]

Brief against [Three sentences max]

Comments on RfC construction

That's what an RFC ought to look like on this topic. I suggest we edit it in the section above, together, until the content is filled out, and we both agree that this is the RFC that should go forward. Fifelfoo (talk) 01:30, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

are we doing all wikinewses, or just en.? Fifelfoo (talk) 01:32, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

• Thank you! I'm just dropping in to reassure you I've not abandoned this. As well as taking a break to avoid ending up excessively stressed with this, I've been going over some of the threads I'm tracking on a piece of investigative journalism related to the UK's draft communications data bill.

I think I'll get zero argument from my fellow Wikinewsies if I say that in characterising us as a news source, it isn't the majority of our output that the discussion concerns. Articles where we rely totally on more mainstream sources (what we call synthesis) are not stuff we'd expect to see Wikipedia cite. Logic dictates if we pick up information from the NYT, BBC, CNN and AP, you go back to those sources. [Aside: I do wonder, with the trend for mainstream news sources to vanish behind paywalls, if such synthesis works will, over time, provide value to Wikipedia if verified whilst the 'primary' sources are still accessible as matching them. But, that's a whole different ball of wax - exploiting our archiving policy, and wiki's article auditing to avoid losing content because the base sources are now inaccessible.]

The sort of stuff I'm looking at, and commenting on my own reportage is easiest, would be things like my article on the ACLU and EFF challeinging secret court orders. You can easily see that, assuming it isn't completely fabricated, a huge amount of work went into it.

From a review of yesterday's duh-ramah, can I offer a measly suggestion on filling the above out more? That is, the heading "Is wikinews a reliable source?". I'd propose replacing it with "Under what circumstances can Wikinews comfortably be accepted as a reliable source?" This trims the scope, ruthlessly, back to just our Original Reporting works and, I would hope, turns the presentation's viewing from "Wikinews is always unreliable to may be reliable, and here are the criteria you need to examine". The more articulate negative arguments on the noticeboard did indeed play up certain mainstream sources having a reputation for being reliable, but that such was not to be blindly accepted.

I'll close my, overly limited, input on this for this evening by saying "thank you" for helping move this towards an RfC. It is always a pleasure to be proven wrong when one assumes that someone is arguing dogmatically. --Brian McNeil /^talk 22:22, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

• Just re-reading the above, I note you ask "Are we doing all (language) Wikinews(es), or just English?" Other languages have adopted the same use of Flagged Revisions and independent peer-review to obtain Google News listings. They cannot be assumed to be as-rigorous. They're going down the same road as English Wikinews because of what a GNews listing can mean, but each is a distinct, independent, group of editors. --Brian McNeil /^talk 22:31, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

It might make sense to neutrally include information about Wikinews itself. For example, Brian presented information on its editorial process that may influence whether we think Wikinews demonstrates a pattern of fact-checking. According to WP:RS, "less established" news outlets are "less reliable," therefore, Wikinews' age and view numbers might help us measure its "establishment." On the other hand, I bet many of Wikinews' editors would qualify as an RS as a self-published expert. To prevent an emotional and reflexive response, we could also consider breaking down the RFC to a series of questions:

• Does Wikinews demonstrate a pattern of fact-checking?
• Is it an "established" news source?
• Do its editors qualify as an RS as a self-published expert?
• Do you trust information on Wikinews to be accurate?

Those are my suggestions. User:King4057 (EthicalWiki) 03:23, 19 August 2012 (UTC)

Yitzhak Kaduri's note about the Messiah's name

I'd welcome external comments on sourcing Cpsoper (talk) 22:19, 17 July 2012 (UTC)

Seeking wide input on the interpretation of Wikipedia's policy on 'See also'

Inviting as many editors as possible to comment. This is a general question on the interpretation of Wikipedia's policy on the 'See also' section of WP articles, not tied to any particular WP article. It seems the rules for 'See also' are not identical to those for the body of WP articles. Does every link in 'See also' have to be supported by a reliable external source that makes a connection between the link and the subject of the article? Or something in the link that mentions the article, or otherwise makes a direct connection with the article? For example, what if the material in a link is almost identical, or very similar, to the material in an article, yet editors are not aware of the existence of a source that mentions both the article and the link in the same source?

One argument is that the absence of a source implies that the connection between the link and the article is based on original research, and thus the link should not be included in 'See also'.

A counter-argument is that if such a source existed, we could have used it in the body of the article, and thus there would be no need to include it in 'See also' (because "As a general rule the "See also" section should not repeat links which appear in the article's body or its navigation boxes"). According to this perspective, 'See also' should be as inclusive as possible, and a link should be removed from 'See also' if and only if it creates a possibly libelous connection in a biography of a living person, or if the addition of the link is vandalism. According to this perspective, 'See also' should represent those links that could provide context to the content of the article, and if an editor believes in good faith that the link will provide that context, the link should be available to readers to make that judgement themselves. In other words, according to this view, WP:OR would apply if editors proposed to use the link to support a claim in the body of the article, not if the link is restricted to the 'See also' section and editors make no reference to the link within the body of the article. According to this perspective, if all WP policies applied to 'See also' exactly as they do to the main body of the article, there would not be a need for a separate section called 'See also'. According to this view, WP policies for the main body are designed to, metaphorically speaking, narrow-down, limit and constrict the range of material eligible for inclusion in the main body. This relative narrowing, limitation and constriction may be exactly one of the main reasons for the existence of 'See also'. In this view, 'See also' is designed to open-up the range of material eligible for inclusion, relative to the main body of the article. (However, some limitations on 'See also' still exist, such as restricting it to links to other WP articles.) According to this perspective, while the main body is designed to be relatively more exclusive, 'See also' is designed to be considerably more inclusive, to enable readers to explore deeper and broader, to discover, investigate, examine, travel more widely, wander and delve into, to help readers enhance their knowledge and understanding of the context, scope, breadth and depth of the article.

(This draft RfC reads like it favors one side, if a volunteer would like to modify it to improve neutrality it would be much appreciated.)

Thanks and regards, IjonTichyIjonTichy (talk) 19:19, 21 July 2012 (UTC)

The links in the "See also" section should be relevant, should reflect the links that would be present in a comprehensive article on the topic, and should be limited to a reasonable number (WP:SEEALSO). If there is nothing that would justify inclusion in the body of a more comprehensive article on the subject (i.e. a reliable source making the linkage), existing guidelines seemingly preclude such inclusion. You appear not to be asking how existing guidelines should be interpreted, you are instead apparently proposing that they be changed (your proposal would of necessity also require changes to WP:OR policy, to make it clear that it didn't apply to 'see also', which would allow additions based on contributor's opinions). Please make your proposed changes explicit, and then propose them formally at a more appropriate venue. AndyTheGrump (talk) 00:20, 22 July 2012 (UTC)

No, I'm not proposing they be changed. I'm trying to understand the spirit behind 'See also'. It seems that perhaps your comment may be focused almost exclusively on the letter of WP policies. I'm asking not only about the letter of 'See also', but also going beyond the letter and inquiring about the spirit of this particular WP policy, and, ultimately, to the heart of WP itself (albeit in a limited way). I'm curious to learn of editors' thoughts on the interesting questions that may arise - such as Are there certain (rare or not-so-rare) situations when an editor's opinion, even if not backed by a source, could justify inclusion of a link in 'See also'? From WP:SEEALSO: "Whether a link belongs in the "See also" section is ultimately a matter of editorial judgment and common sense." And thanks for taking the time and effort to post a comment. Regards and best wishes, IjonTichyIjonTichy (talk) 01:05, 22 July 2012 (UTC)

Wireless electronic devices and health ; WIFI (safety)

Magda Havas manuscript being added to the intro

Catch2424 is attempting to add the following to the intro: In 2007 Magda Havas, (B.Sc., Ph.D.) from the Environmental & Resource Studies, Trent University, Peterborough, ON, Canada wrote that laboratory studies of radio frequency radiation as well as epidemiological studies of people who live near cell phone antennas and/or use wireless technology indicate adverse biological effects (including cancers, DNA breaks and more).[3][4][5]

www.magdahavas.org is not a reliable source. Please stop adding this without consensus. TippyGoomba (talk) 16:34, 24 July 2012 (UTC) From my googling it seems like she has a poor reputation.[6][7] she even collaborates with a guy that makes these bizarre devices to filter "dirty electricity"[8] Bhny

---

Sorry, BUT It is NOT only her findings. it is all over the net... Also in the EU: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1387291/Mobile-phones-wi-fi-banned-schools-theyre-potentially-harmful.html http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2012/02/13/toronto-oecta-wifi.html http://www.nhs.uk/news/2011/05May/Pages/health-impact-wifi-mobiles-electromagnetic-fields.aspx http://www.wifiinschools.org.uk/ http://www.heartmdinstitute.com/wireless-safety/ban-wifi-schools http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/mobile-phones/8514380/Ban-mobile-phones-and-wireless-networks-in-schools-say-European-leaders.html http://www.techdirt.com/blog/wireless/articles/20110519/00442614333/european-politicians-look-to-ban-wifi-school-children.shtml http://www.cellphonetaskforce.org/?page_id=128 http://www.safeinschool.org/2011/01/wi-fi-is-removed-from-schools-and.html enough read? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Catch2424 (talk • contribs) 21:32, 24 July 2012 (UTC) No, that's not enough. At minimum, we require a peer-reviewed journal article. Please do not re-add the material until you obtain consensus here. TippyGoomba (talk) 21:52, 24 July 2012 (UTC) Seconded: “All over the net” is not a reason to add something. A health article has to be guided by WP:MEDRS. --papageno (talk) 22:16, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

---

If none of these resources is a reliable source which source is??? We need help from someone else to decide about this.

---

If Magda Havas is not an credible source, why is this person being referenced in the article? Agree reference to Havas should be removed.

This Is Pil

For the studio album article This is PiL, two users are involved in a dispute over the review scores. Me, Woovee has been asking the other user LongLivePunkRock (talk) to post his/her opinion on the Talk:This is PiL. No reply, but he/she keeps on reverting. All album wiki articles have a critical reception field that deals with both positive and negative reviews but this user doesn't accept this. Indeed, he/she carries on erasing several negative reviews. Wiki is not a fan site who makes hagiography : wiki has got neutral point of view amongst its policies.Woovee (talk) 20:59, 25 July 2012 (UTC)

Should Country Articles use the Official Name in the Title?

I believe that we ought to change the article title for sovereign states to reflect the proper, official name; common names should be redirects, not the article title.

Wikipedia desires to attain levels of professionalism equivalent to encyclopedias such as the Encyclopedia Britannica; why, then, is this policy not already followed. Perhaps the most egregious example is the article titled United States rather than United States of America. Equally as bad is China (which should refer to NEITHER country in my opinion, but be a separate article entirely.) instead of People's Republic of China. The current standard is both unprofessional and in some cases can be misleading, and as such I believe a change is in order.

I will post a formal argument shortly, but I just wanted to see what people think about this issue. I know that numerous edit wars have been waged over the subject before in the past (Côte d'Ivoire vs. Ivory Coast, United States vs. USA, China vs. People's Republic of China, the list goes on and on), and settling this issue officially would go a long way towards lessening the frequency of these incidents. In that regard, I believe that standardizing in favor of the formal name would go a long way in helping, but nonetheless I believe that the community as a whole would benefit from discussing a potential change here. Comments retracted: New proposal is below. Thanks to the below editors for clarifying a confused newbies' understanding of previous WP policy instead of biting him!

My apologies if this has been settled before; I could not find it in the discussion archives. Also, apologies if I've somehow done something wrong with the process...as you can see, I'm new here. Zaldax (talk) 20:16, 27 July 2012 (UTC)

The problem is that there is often a lot of contention and debate as to what the "offical" name of a country actually is. Do we follow the UN's "official" names, the IOC's "official" names, or should we follow some other international standard? No matter what we follow, someone is going to object. On the other hand if we go with whatever "name" is most commonly used in reliable English language sources (ie the current policy) there is rarely much contention or debate as to what the article's title should be. Blueboar (talk) 04:29, 28 July 2012 (UTC)

WP:Commonname is probably the best policy to become familiar with. As far as I'm concerned, it seems to be the consensus precedent that common names are preferable to official names, and I see no reason to overturn that consensus now. VanIsaac_WS^contribs 07:40, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

What about the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland? Democratic People's Republic of Korea? United Mexican States? Oriental Republic of Uruguay? And why stop at countries, what about the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations? You need to touch on more than the easy targets of China and the US if you want to suggest we move everything to the official name. --Golbez (talk) 16:25, 6 August 2012 (UTC)

I'd actually be in favor of those, too; in my opinion, whatever name a sovereign state uses for itself should be the name listed in an encyclopedia. In any case, it seems that WP:Commonname is well-supported enough that it remains consensus, and I've no problem with that. (Although I still do have an issue with the two examples I mentioned initially.) Cheers, Zaldax (talk) 20:08, 6 August 2012 (UTC)

Would we use the English translated name, or stick with it in their native language, since meaning can be lost in translation? This has only been slightly touched on thanks to Cote d'Ivoire, but this would writ it large. What makes United Mexican States more appropriate than Estados Unidos Mexicanos? The point of this is to say, just as "common name" can be ambiguous, so can what to use for the "formal name." --Golbez (talk) 21:59, 6 August 2012 (UTC)

Most, if not all, nations tend to issue some English language documents -- if they use the same name for English as their native language, who are we to correct them? If Mexico terms itself Estados Unidos Mexicanos, use that -- if they term themselves United Mexican States (which they do), I'd use that. Cote d'Ivoire is an example of the former (the fact that it currently resides at Ivory Coast is a prime example of this argument) Cheers, Zaldax (talk) 22:30, 6 August 2012 (UTC)

Who are we to correct any source... including those that use a name that is different from the one used "officially"? It is important to remember that WP:COMMONNAME does not say that we should never use the official name... it means we use whatever name is most commonly used by the totality of English Language sources. That might well be the official name (in fact, it often is). However... when it is not... when after examining the totality of sources we find that those sources don't use the official name, we follow the sources. Blueboar (talk) 20:42, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

Very good point, Blueboar. Come to think of it, you're absolutely right in that this isn't an issue in most cases; thanks to all editors who've posted here so far clarifying my understanding of WP:Commonname (which I admit, as a relative newbie, was rather tenuous at best.)

After thinking about the situation, and reviewing pages of controversial RMs, I've noticed a common trend; the issue of "common vs. official name" tends to be the most prominent when two potential names exist - one official, one un-official - and a strong case can be made for either as the common name. Thus, the issue with WP:Commonname is not the use of the common name over the official one, but what to do when the commonname itself is disputed. The cases I cited earlier are in fact stronger examples of this than what I originally, confusedly proposed. Seeing as how these controversial RMs occupy a huge amount of editors time, perhaps a discussion is in order to create a policy or guideline that would settle them? My proposal would be this: When the common name is disputed between two possible candidates - one official, one unofficial - favor the official name. This seems to me the most logical proposal; if we can't agree which name is more commonly used, why not use the official name, since it already has the benefit of status behind it?

This is a potentially huge addition to policy, that could solve a lot of RMs in the future, but I can understand that, as much sense as I think it makes, it will be quite controversial. There's also a good chance that I'm confused again, so I would appreciate input if that's the case, before wasting everyone's time on a massive discussion. Interest? Cheers, 17:27, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

Talk:9/11 Truth movement

A lead dispute, Which version better represents the topic [1]and is in keeping with Wiki lead policy found on many other articles? Talk page engagement has been ignored.--Inayity (talk) 22:18, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

Instead of just removing what happened, why did you not try to rephrase it? Something like "The 9-11 Truth movement contests the accepted account that..." Also, both of the editors that reverted you have discussed the matter on the talk page, which is hardly ignoring engagement. If anything, you ignored their engagement. Ian.thomson (talk) 22:31, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

It can do that if it briefly sum the issue, why do we need to restate it and waste lead space (succinctly) ? Is something wrong with 9/11, doesn't that and every website around the world tell every living soul what happened? Even the bushmen in South Africa know the "official" accounts. the talk page is clear evidence of what is happening and the quality of the "engagement, or lack thereof" . --Inayity (talk) 22:45, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

Per WP:GEVAL and WP:FRINGE, we don't hide that heliocentricism is fact in the Modern geocentrism article, and the same principle applies here. That Al-Qaeda destroyed the WTC is a fact, not an "official account." The 9-11 Truth movement has failed to understand that. The article must reflect both of those views.

And again, two other editors discussed the matter, which is engagement. If you meant "agreement," (a completely different word), then yes, there was no agreement with you, but there was engagement. Ian.thomson (talk) 22:52, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

lets just use the talk page as other comments are coming in. We do still have a duty to wiki rules regardless of our orientation.--Inayity (talk) 22:58, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

Yes, we have a duty to guidelines and policies such as WP:GEVAL and WP:FRINGE, which say that we do not portray conspiracy theories as equal to known facts. Ian.thomson (talk) 23:11, 30 July 2012 (UTC)

Concerning General Wikipedia Policies and their interpretation

I understand that a number of Wikipedia editing rules are a result of egregious abuses of editing--No original research, Neutral point of view, verifiability and secondary sources were developed with good reason. But these rules can also be misused and abused. And I have encountered such a situation. When a statement is made that most people would agree with, but that lacks attribution through a specific secondary source it is deleted as "original research". The rule has become--Don't think.

Before, encyclopedias were written only by top professional experts with specific credentials. But there are many people with a deep and abiding interest in a subject, who are experts in their own right, who are knowledgeable, but who aren't heard because they have not jumped through the professional hoops and played the games of power. Wikipedia is a welcome forum for us. And many minds working together through consensus are often better than one.

I recently began editing again after a 2 years hiatus. I was immediately met with two deletions (2 min and 18 min respectively. And the comments I posted were discounted and/or misinterpreted and there seems to be no willingness on the part of the other editor for any discussion. I haven't yet figured out where the other editor is coming from, but he apparently intends to make it impossible for me to post anything.--Margaret9mary (talk) 22:48, 1 August 2012 (UTC)And as you can see from the following, the editor concerned is interfering with my attempts to get comments from another source than him. And he has interfered and deleted part of what I was saying on this page--Margaret9mary (talk) 22:48, 1 August 2012 (UTC) One of the things he deleted was my comment that this subject's most important secondary sources date back to 1700-2000 years ago some of which are inaccessible to all but specialists in the field. But that over 25 books have been published on the subject in the last 10 years indicating a renewed interest in the subject and a reason for a WP article.--Margaret9mary (talk) 22:57, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

This issue could be seen as limited to the topic we are treating, but I see it as a larger issue. That WP rules are being taken so rigidly that the original purpose of WP is undermined or destroyed.--Margaret9mary (talk) 22:26, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

Note to other users that the above post was prompted by the above user attempting to add unsourced original research to an article, while the talk page for an unsourced forum-like discussion of the subject, and then asking what my beef was for reverting the former and discouraging the latter.

In response to the post: Encyclopedias written by experts are nigh impossible to correct, very limited in scope, and take forever to update. Wikipedia, with its rather open format, corrects serious errors almost instantly and minor errors still more quickly than any other encyclopedia, is very broad in scope while being far more in-depth than many professional works, and updates constantly. This is possible because we acknowledge expertise based on a user's academic capabilities (being able to cite secondary or tertiary sources neutrally) rather than they claim to know. If someone cannot cite one book on a subject, they really aren't experts, as far as Wikipedia (or indeed, most of academia) is concerned.

The original purpose of Wikipedia is to have an accurate encyclopedia that anyone can contribute to. This means that we have to use sources, and this means not giving special treatment to anyone (no matter how much they delusionally bloviate about being an expert on a subject while simultaneously and hypocritically denying the possibility of academic recognition of their supposed talents). Ian.thomson (talk) 22:40, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

Margaret9mary, I did not delete anything you posted on this page, it is incorrect (or outright false) to claim that I did so. Also in response to this, a source that dates back two millenia and is only accessible by specialists is a primary source, not a secondary source. A secondary source would be books by those specialists on that hard-to-access source. If you have 25 books on the subject, you should have presented them earlier. Ian.thomson (talk) 23:03, 1 August 2012 (UTC)

New COI template for company articles

• User:BigNate37/TM/Extant organization content notice (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)

One idea that gained traction in the village pump is adding a template to company articles alerting editors affiliated with the topic of WP:COI's advice for editors affiliated with the subject and asking editors to look for biased edits.

Our objective is to:

• Alert COIs of WP:COI's advice for "financial COIs" to use {{request edit}} to suggest changes
• Make volunteers more aware that their edits may have a real-world impact on the subject, to encourage editors to be more careful about balance, neutrality, citing sources, etc.
• Encourage more editors to watch the article for bias edits (both to protect companies from unfair edits and to protect articles from bias COI edits)

See the draft at: User:BigNate37/TM/Extant_organization_content_notice

Thoughts? User:King4057 (EthicalWiki) 14:02, 7 August 2012 (UTC)

The intent of the word "watching" may be unclear to a newcomer. I'd link "watching" to WP:WATCH. Regards, RJH (talk) 22:13, 8 August 2012 (UTC)

Done, good idea. User:King4057 (EthicalWiki) 20:20, 9 August 2012 (UTC)

I'd be interested in seeing this turned into an edit notice (eventually) instead of a talk page header, for higher visibility. Now, others have countered that BLP is our most important policy and its edit notice is more subtle: to that I would respond that BLPs receive a lot less advertisement-esque edits than corporate articles do. I will concede that for the short term, an edit notice is quite ambitious. BigNate37_(T) 04:42, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

Even bolder would be a BLP-like policy for companies, followed by a corresponding edit-notice. The idea has been kicked around a few times recently. Seems like a common-sense suggestion, but it would be quite an undertaking. User:King4057 (EthicalWiki) 20:40, 12 August 2012 (UTC)

Well policy isn't something one can boldly create, but I certainly agree that a parallel system à la BLP would be ideal, and I also agree that it is no trivial matter. The first steps toward that end would be clearly demonstrating that it is needed, and that the current system is not adequate for looking after organization articles. BigNate37_(T) 19:38, 13 August 2012 (UTC)

The need would not be difficult to validate looking at the number of advert articles, poorly sourced criticisms and imbalanced articles focused exclusively on controversy. Perhaps the first step would be to do an analysis of 100 random company articles and scoring their BLP/COI violations. I am not quite that ambitious. :-D User:King4057 (EthicalWiki) 06:17, 15 August 2012 (UTC)

(unindent) As worded, I would object to the mere existence of such a template. Taken literally, it should be applied to every company and organization article, every bio article, every biography article for a person largely notable in connection with a company or organization, almost every product article, and many others. This is far too broad a brush. If the actual intent is to use a far more limited criterion or set of criteria to apply such a template, then it should be reworded to reflect that narrower criterion. I am also not convinced that such a template will change editing behavior in any significant way. DES ^(talk) 17:18, 2 September 2012 (UTC)

Charles Wilson Peale

I would like to clear up miss information about Charles Wilson Peale the Artest. You have Priscilla Peale as his daughter who was married to Dr.Henry Boteler. The fact is Priscilla was his Granddaughter. Her name was priscilla Robinson Boteler. She was the Daughter of Angelica Robinson. Angelica was Charles Wilson Peales Daughter. She married Alexander Robinson. Priscilla was thier daughter. I am a member of the Boteler Family and can supply proof if you would like.

Sincerely,

Jane Houston

Hello. I am working on finding suitable references to confirm this. Thank-you for the correction.24.0.133.234 (talk) 00:31, 15 June 2013 (UTC)

Nichiren Shōshū‎

I would like to request for a comment on latest issues being discussed in the abvove mentioned article ... the issue extends to the talk pages on Nichiren and Nichiren Buddhism. Thank you.--Catflap08 (talk) 14:20, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

Liancourt Rocks

Talk:Liancourt Rocks#Reverts made Clover345 (talk) 18:34, 11 August 2012 (UTC)

Roog

Roog and Koox seem to be the same deity. I've proposed a merger, but the only person to respond in Talk:Roog is Tamsier, who created both articles and is very protective of all Serer-related articles. There are also some content issues that I believe need to be resolved. Eladynnus (talk) 19:48, 14 August 2012 (UTC)

I agree that this needs investigating. Tamsier is a wee bit hard to work with at times, so other eyes would be useful. Dougweller (talk) 15:23, 21 August 2012 (UTC)

The Use of interviews as Source

Hi

I am contributing to a page of a singer ( Misha B)

My Question is are interviews with the subject of the article (from a reliable source news or online resource) acceptable as sources?

any restrictions?...

Is the a difference between online video interviews and those i print?

...Zoebuggie☺whispers 15:13, 16 August 2012 (UTC)

Interviews are an acceptable source to use to support the information you are adding to a page. Of course they need to be reliable and not self published sources. There are no restrictions as long as you cite them correctly. The sources can even be in a different language. If your sources are printed, then you need to make sure you cite them correctly and you shouldn't run into any problems. Hope this helps and happy editing! Meatsgains (talk) 00:42, 13 December 2013 (UTC)

Hidden bias by labeling section "criticisms"

In a number of articles on Wikpedia, there is a section labeled "criticisms" but no section for the opposite viewpoint. I believe in order to remove this subtle bias from articles and to keep Wikipedia neutral a different approach should be followed. Either there should be an opposing and opposite section, or the criticisms section should be changed to something with a bias-neutral title like "opposing viewpoints", and criticisms as well as accolades for disputable entries should always include both sides for a balanced view when reasonably possible.

Consensus seems to be that any valid and notable criticism should be worked into the article where it applies rather than concentrated in a special section.--Charles (talk) 08:34, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Talk:Taylor Swift discography

Need opinions on what is an official single and what is promotional single. ^_^ Swifty*^talk 00:25, 27 August 2012 (UTC)

Adam Leitman Bailey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Leitman_Bailey Has been many edits by suspected sock puppets and need user assistance. I started and will do more tomorrow but would like to have others review and comment. 67.205.230.34 (talk) 11:04, 29 August 2012 (UTC)

sara foster.........wrong birthday

Sara Foster's birthday is listed as February 5..........every other place states August 2. Not even close!

working on this but there are contradictions!Looking for info. about her having a b-day party or something to confirm.TeeVeeed (talk) 01:02, 15 June 2013 (UTC)

Ahh-look at the article talk page. There is a link to Ms. Foster posting a Twitter msg. saying that her B-day IS Feb 5.TeeVeeed (talk) 01:04, 15 June 2013 (UTC)

WikiProject Woking

I am wondering if it is appropriate for a small group of editors to appoint themselves as "Admins" of a project and give themselves ranks. This seems to go against our open editing policy and may discourage wider participation. I have removed this a couple of times but it is always put back.--Charles (talk) 20:39, 13 September 2012 (UTC)

Hi. I see how you think it may discourage participation but the aim of this is, in fact, to encourage people to join. We feel that if we have admins members of the group will have someone to answer any of their queries. You could say that we are like a project co-ordinator of other Wikiprojects.

The ranks are there to encourage people to edit and to get them involved. We think that people are more likely to have fun, while making good edits, if there is some sort of award system. Anyway, we think that is getting out of hand. you also refuse to listen as many people involved with you have offered compromises. When they are offered you usually ignore them. I ask you-How can we sort this out if you don't talk to us? We are willing to compromise, whereas we don't think you will until you get your own way.

Thanks, Pbl1998 (talk) 12:08, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

If they want to give themselves ranks, or indeed uniforms, that is really for them to decide, but they should avoid the terms "admins" as none of the 3 are actually Wikipedia administrators, and this is plainly misleading. I have edited the project page to remove the term; other terms could be used, but please don't reinsert "admins" etc. Johnbod (talk) 16:17, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

Hi, I have changed the rank admin to Project Coordinators. I hope this okay. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me, Thanks - Willrocks10  Speak to me  18:19, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

CBS Records

To repeat the summary originally posted in Medcon, This dispute began when Norton began to (without consensus) inappropriately expand the CBS Records page (which at that time was not disambiguated and was about the unrelated 2006 company) with information on the pre-Sony CBS Records, which had at that point been located at the Sony Music Entertainment article. Steelbeard1 began reverting, and then Norton did, escalating the dispute into an edit war which was brought to the attention of the AN, leading to a page protection. The first discussion of the dispute is located on Talk:CBS Records (2006)#CBS Records (1962–1991) vs. CBS Records (2006). Steelbeard1 tried to resolve the dispute by boldly (and without consensus), disambiguating the CBS Records page, moving the 2006 company to CBS Records (2006), and splitting CBS Records International from Sony Music Entertainment. This apparently did not satisfy Norton, because the CBS Records International only covers the international arm of the domestic subsidiary (pre-Sony CBS Records) and the domestic subsidiary was still without an article. Argument ensued and was brought to the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard (where the discussion initially got off track with a conduct dispute) and the Administrators' noticeboard (and twice). Discussion continued on Talk:CBS Records and the DRN, before it was brought here to Medcom when the DRN was closed as no consensus. So far this dispute has gone through two talk page discussions, four AN reports, a 3O, a DRN case, various user talk pages, and on Medcom. Steelbeard1 (talk) 02:14, 14 September 2012 (UTC)

perhaps the reason for the failure to resolve is that the material could be equally well presented either way, provided it was sufficiently clear. DGG ( talk ) 18:19, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

RfC for Talk:Censorship in Islamic societies

I tried to tag the talkpage (Talk:Censorship in Islamic societies) with an RfC in the Media, Political, Religious, and Society sections using template, but it apparently did not take, or I screwed it up.

The questions that comments are requested on are:

1. Does this article require the use of solely academic sources;
2. Does the article require explicit use of the word censorship in the source; and
3. Is a restricted definition of censorship to be used, i.e. only by governmental agencies, or is the definition used in the Wikipedia article correct, where censorship may be by the government, media, private groups, or individuals?

Thanks, GregJackP Boomer! 23:33, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

CBS Records

To repeat the summary originally posted in Medcon, this dispute began when Norton began to (without consensus) inappropriately expand the CBS Records page (which at that time was not disambiguated and was about the unrelated 2006 company) with information on the pre-Sony CBS Records, which had at that point been located at the Sony Music Entertainment article. Steelbeard1 began reverting, and then Norton did, escalating the dispute into an edit war which was brought to the attention of the AN, leading to a page protection. The first discussion of the dispute is located on Talk:CBS Records (2006)#CBS Records (1962–1991) vs. CBS Records (2006). Steelbeard1 tried to resolve the dispute by boldly (and without consensus), disambiguating the CBS Records page, moving the 2006 company to CBS Records (2006), and splitting CBS Records International from Sony Music Entertainment. This apparently did not satisfy Norton, because the CBS Records International only covers the international arm of the domestic subsidiary (pre-Sony CBS Records) and the domestic subsidiary was still without an article. Argument ensued and was brought to the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard (where the discussion initially got off track with a conduct dispute) and the Administrators' noticeboard (and twice). Discussion continued on Talk:CBS Records and the DRN, before it was brought here to Medcom when the DRN was closed as no consensus. So far this dispute has gone through two talk page discussions, four AN reports, a 3O, a DRN case, various user talk pages, and on Medcom. Steelbeard1 (talk) 11:58, 22 September 2012 (UTC)

Could we get you to read over Wikipedia:Requests for mediation/CBS Records#Decision of the Mediation Committee before you copy and paste the same convoluted description over and over again. You are aware that the exact post is just above this one right? Adding the same thing over and over after being told is "too fragmented" and that other dont see the argument in this way is not going to help. Moxy (talk) 17:29, 22 September 2012 (UTC)

RFC on Current Wikipedia Licensing

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

---

In Summary: Should Wikipedia change the licensing policy to allow articles to be licensed as either CC-BY-SA (our current licensing) or CC-BY-NC-SA (very similar, but it would dissalow commercial reuse without consent of the authors.) on request of the author(s)?

The Long(er) Version:

Per | this discussion a wikipedia article was copied in whole, placed into book form and sold for profit, and because of our current licensing method, nothing can be done about it because CC-BY-SA actually allows for this. This type of licensing is, in short, allowing for our work to be plagiarized, legally. Some editors may have no issue with it, however, not all will.

Wikipedia, cannot, change over to a copyright license method, as it would counter to it's stated purpose, as it would create even more issues with allowing anyone to edit the work of another, even to make a correction, however, neither should Wikipedia continue to offer only a CC-BY-SA license as the sole option, as this would allow for plagiarism, albeit legal. Ironically, the same type of plagiarism would be categorically dis-allowed on Wikipedia if it were to happen.

I propose then, that Wikipedia offer an option for editors and authors to license their original work as either CC-BY-SA (which is our current licensing ) or CC-BY-NC-SA (still Creative Commons but with a restriction on commercial publishing).

In this way, Wikipedia remains free to use, without any licensing issues, the editors and authors receive protection from commercial gain from their work / plagiarism without their consent , and we avoid issues like the one mentioned above.

APPROVE:

• Approve (as the noimator ) "....We are all Kosh...."  <-Babylon-5-> 11:28, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Oppose, but this conversation is moot since even in the unlikely event the proposal gains consensus, the WMF will veto the change. A substantial volume of Wikipedia's readership is via third-party commercial mirrors rather than direct to this site (either websites like BBC Music which integrate Wikipedia pages with other content, or sites like Qwiki which reformat Wikipedia content into a format more useful for mobile browsers and touchscreens). Since shutting down every commercial site which runs on a Wikipedia feed (which is what you're proposing) would cause a massive PR backlash and get the WMF (rightfully) accused of using their weight to bully third-party providers and rivals, there's no chance the WMF would allow this change. Every edit you make, you're clicking a button labelled "If you do not want your writing to be edited, used, and redistributed at will, then do not submit it here" - if you're not happy about third parties reusing your submissions, you should be on Livejournal not Wikipedia. Mogism (talk) 12:02, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Comment - Not quite. Remember, CC-By-NC-SA would still permitt those sites to use content with consent of it's authors. So, tell me again what's moot, exactly ? "....We are all Kosh...."  <-Babylon-5-> 12:59, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

It would require the consent of every individual editor who has placed such a tag on their edit. This is impractical. DGG ( talk ) 18:11, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Oppose per Mogism and DDG. This is not workable, and is not needed. Contributors release the content when the post to WP, are aware of it, and give their consent. If they want to retain any portion of their copyright, then they need to publish the material elsewhere. GregJackP Boomer! 18:16, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Comment Not really impractical -- we allow for multiple licenses on images. It's merely an extension of that same system. Further, such a licensing would protect our contributors work from commercial release without their consent.

To leave the system in place is to allow for plagerization, something that just wouldn't be allowed on Wikipedia itself. "....We are all Kosh...."  <-Babylon-5-> 19:05, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• The proposer here seems to be confusing copyright with plagiarism. Our current licence disallows plagiarism, which is the representation of someone else's work as one's own, because it requires attribution. Phil Bridger (talk) 21:01, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Question. How is it proposed that this be done? On a per-article basis, or a per-editor? Only the former seems remotely practical, and even that would involve having to either select a 'default' for new articles (which one?) or making licence-selection compulsory for new articles. And then there is the issue of material in non-article space. Even if it was a good idea in principle - which I don't think it is - I can't see it being worth the effort, given the endless hassle it would create. AndyTheGrump (talk) 21:12, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

• Answer' On a per-article basis, just like our images are done. Yes, I agree, per-editor would be pretty crazy "....We are all Kosh...."  <-Babylon-5-> 11:17, 27 September 2012 (UTC)

• There's a big difference between images and articles. Images are nearly always the work of just one person, but articles are written by many people. Phil Bridger (talk) 11:29, 27 September 2012 (UTC)

• In my personal capacity, strong oppose. This would completely violate our mission. If you want contributors to consent to commercial reuse - they do consent to commercial reuse. They consent when they read "By clicking the "Save Page" button, you agree to the Terms of Use, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the CC-BY-SA 3.0 License and the GFDL. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license." and then hit save page. Ironholds (talk) 00:59, 28 September 2012 (UTC)

• Oppose Far too difficult and not needed. I see no good reason not to allow commercial use for all of our text. Ryan Vesey 01:33, 28 September 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose: "A wikipedia article was copied in whole, placed into book form and sold for profit, and because of our current licensing method, nothing can be done about it because CC-BY-SA actually allows for this." What's wrong with this? Why would we want to do anything about it? As long as there's attribution (and it appears there was, and is already required by CC-BY-SA), how does this do anything but help us by spreading awareness of quality content? Writ Keeper ⚇♔ 13:18, 28 September 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose The fact that we allow non-free content in the form of images is one of Wikipedia's greatest failings. There is no need to move articles towards that direction. Sven Manguard Wha? 21:20, 28 September 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose. Wikipedia's content is libre knowledge and a free cultural work (see definition). That must not change. -- Hex [^t/_c] 08:13, 29 September 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose - There is no plagiarism, and there is no copyright violation when commercial entities reproduce Wikipedia content. That is intentional thus the selection of the CC-BY-SA license. -- Whpq (talk) 21:36, 3 October 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose - Wikipedia can't truly be free if it's under NC. LegoK^ontribsT^alkM 18:28, 5 October 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose I love the idea of permitting NC or ND images as free because there is no risk of them being mixed with non-NC or non-ND free material. This is not the case with text, which is why all text on Wikipedia must be uniformly free. MBisanz ^talk 19:45, 5 October 2012 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Policies Concerning Selection of Featured Articles

I apologize to all if this is not the right place to ask/discuss this, but there appear to be so many choices, I'm not sure which is "right."

The Featured Article yesterday (9-25-12) was the "Lynching of Jesse Washington." It is an excellent article of importance and meets the criteria for selection as a Featured Article; but the photographs, including the one displayed in the Featured Article box, are quite graphic and disturbing. I know a lot of people who use Wikipedia as their home page, including a few children and teens and a few public libraries and schools. The photographs are very powerful and help to make the article compelling, but to have it reload and redisplay every time someone opens a browser window can be a bit much.

Since the Featured Article is selected by people (not random or a 'bot), should there be a policy to consider the nature of photographs when an article is chosen as the Featured Article? The "Lynching" story could have been selected without including the photograph in the box; peoples' attention would be drawn to it, without showing a horrific image except to people who choose to read the entire article.

I'm not advocating removing the photographs from the main article or avoiding challenging material for the Featured Articles, just some sensitivity to the fact that a wide variety of people, including children, routinely see Wikipedia (which I think is generally a very good thing!). Weather13 (talk) 17:39, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

I agree --- I realize Wikipedia is not censored, but when an image is either disturbing or not safe for work, then it should be collapsed with a notation of either *(Disturbing )* or *(NSFW)*. That way, the image stays, but is not viewable except by the viewers consent (given by uncollapsing the window ) "....We are all Kosh...."  <-Babylon-5-> 19:07, 26 September 2012 (UTC)

There is currently an RfC at the policy village pump. David1217 ^{What I've done} 04:00, 28 September 2012 (UTC)

Thank you, David 1217. I don't necessarily like how that conversation went, but I support community decision making. Thanks for the support Babylon5. Weather13 (talk) 00:37, 1 October 2012 (UTC)

The use of the antiquated BC notation versus the modern BCE notation

I've been reading a lot of ancient greek articles and almost all of them cite the dates using the acronym "BC" instead of the modern "BCE"

BC stands for "Before Christ" and including this in every historical article implies an affiliation to the christian religion. BCE stands for "Before Common Era", a much more general, modern and accurate acronym. Most of the historical community uses this acronym.

Should we be changing these articles to keep up with modern standards?

• Oppose, we allow variations in just about everything, American-British English, Chicago-MLA-Bluebook citations, date formats (DD MMM YYYY, MMM DD YYYYK etc. There is no need to require BCE over BC. GregJackP Boomer! 05:53, 30 September 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose It is a false dichotomy to label "BC" as "old" and "BCE" as modern. Allow both forms, as is currently done, and discourage people from randomly changing from one to the other, as is also now done. Beyond My Ken (talk) 23:01, 1 December 2012 (UTC)
• Oppose for the reasons given by GregJackP. JumpDiscont (talk) 06:10, 1 January 2013 (UTC)

suggested article? "Roseville Airport"

can't find anything about Roseville Airport aka Gratiot Field, fka Packard Field which was home of the Liberty Motor and developed into a now forgotten "ghost" airport. Now home of Eastgate Shopping Center in Roseville, Mi this airport was home to many female pilots several of which won awards for acrobatically piloting their crafts in high heels, etc while practicing bombing and strafing runs above the airfield. Detailed location and wayfaring information is available at wayfaring.com and detailed historical summary is availalbe at the examiner.com

74.199.78.110 (talk) 02:11, 1 October 2012 (UTC)

You can either request that someone else make the article for you (be aware that this may be very slow) or make it yourself. David1217 ^{What I've done} 02:58, 2 October 2012 (UTC)

Unfortunately, examiner.com is regarded as an unreliable source by Wikipedia (it publishes user-submitted material, with little editorial oversight). In any case, the only pertinent material a search on their website seems to be concerning a single book: Roseville's Airport, written by a local resident Gail Elliott. [2] Any article is going to require more than this single source, even if it meets our reliability requirements (the author appears not to be an established writer or historian). It might be a useful starting point though, if it lists the sources it is based on. AndyTheGrump (talk) 18:56, 5 October 2012 (UTC)

WP:NPOV issue

An extensive, indeed exhausting, discussion between two editors has taken place between myself and Tritomex here regarding the application of the core policy of WP:NPOV, re 'all significant views that have been published by reliable sources', to a generalization at Ashkenazi Jews

The generalization, formulated by Tritomex, runs (it’s ungrammatical, but ignore that):

There is a genetic and historic evidence that the Ashkenazi Jewish population originated in the Middle East.

This generalization is well supported in much of the scholarly literature. No dispute. There is apparently evidence which challenges this.

A major authority in the field, Avshalom Zoosmann-Diskin, is on record as disagreeing with that proposition. In a 2010 paper he writes:-

(a) The origin of Eastern European Jews, (EEJ) by far the largest and most important Ashkenazi population, and their affinities to other Jewish and European populations are still not resolved.'

His paper then compares

(b)two competing theories regarding the origin of EEJ,

His conclusion is:-

(c) The autosomal genetic distance analysis presented here clearly demonstrates that the investigated Jewish populations do not share a common origin. The resemblance of EEJ to Italians and other European populations portrays them as an autochthonous European population.p.4

To furnish us with assistance requires no knowledge of the subject, nor discussion of genetics. Tertiary sources, such as Jits van Straten’s The Origin of Ashkenazi Jewry: The Controversy Unraveled, published by Walter de Gruyter, confirms that there are two theories, not, as our article suggests, one.

In short, in the technical literature there appears to be two positions. Can third parties clarify what WP:NPOV requires here, and whether or not it is legitimate to exclude mentioning the other scholarly position which contests the generalization we have?

Perhaps the right place for this discussion is on the talk page. I don't know how to make a request that would alert the wider community to the issue. Thank you--Nishidani (talk) 15:56, 22 October 2012 (UTC)

Talk:Frank Marshall Davis

Poet Frank Marshall Davis has been the subject of several recent controversies and conspiracy theories surrounding his relationship to Barack Obama. As might be expected, such an article can tend to attract editors with partisan agendas. The issues on the table include how to deal with these issues in terms of fairness and NPOV. Editors without strong political attachments preferred. Is it possible to reach fair and constructive consensus on this sort of hot button partisan subject? Jander80 (talk) 21:05, 26 October 2012 (UTC)

On all issues dealing with fairness and NPOV, there should always be a reference backing up whatever claim is being stated. If a statement has a reference, then we must first look at whether or not it belongs on the page. Many times, users will add information that either promote or degrade a person, organization, etc. and is not even relevant to the page. If the information added does belong on the page, then the reference to support it needs to be examined. Is the source reliable? biased? neutral? These all have to be taken into consideration. Too many times users have a motive behind the page they are editing and it is clear to see their purpose for editing the page. Hope this helps! Meatsgains (talk) 00:35, 13 December 2013 (UTC)

Request to move Adolf Hitler's vegetarianism to Adolf Hitler's diet

Your comments would be appreciated at Talk:Adolf_Hitler's_vegetarianism#Requested_move. Nirvana2013 (talk) 19:23, 9 November 2012 (UTC)

Request for comment on Name for new article created out of Todd Akin rape and pregnancy comment controversy → 2012 Election (US) Republican party's comments about rape

I am placing the rfc here to get some different voices in this discussion. The request is to give an article based on the multiple comments during the 2012 election cycle a NPOV name. I would ask anyone who reviews this to look at this discussion and provide their thoughts on a name and provide inputs into the discussion.

I would object to the "Republican Party's comments" name. The statements were not statements by the party, and while the people who made those statements were from the party, they were a small handful out of thousands of serving party members, and many millions of total party members. Gaijin42 (talk) 16:12, 17 November 2012 (UTC)

Template issue

I would like to ask some help from more experienced users to resolve our debate (Here:Template_talk:History_of_Hungary#Roman_Pannonia). It is a complicated issue. The main question is what kind of articles we can use in the templates. Please join in our debate. Fakirbakir (talk) 17:11, 20 November 2012 (UTC)

Angelo Balanta- scouted by QPR scouts??? Rocky Baptiste- Born in Neasden- play for Gravesend & Northfleet????

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelo_Balanta

The article about Queens Park Rangers [QPR] Footballer Angelo Balanta claims that he was scouted by QPR scouts. This statement is entirely untrue- he was in fact bought to the club by his former teacher and mentor from the Hammersmith Pupil Referral Unit [PRU] Denny Mendoza. It was Denny Mendoza that discovered and introduced Balanta to the club after he played against him in a Sunday League match in which Balanta scored five goals including a header, right foot, left foot finish. Denny Mendoza is also the person that would drive Balanta to training, wait for him to finish training and then drive him home after training, at the beginning of his QPR career. Mr. Mendoza is NOT and NEVER HAS BEEN a scout for QPR or any other professional club. Please can your "encyclopaedia" publish the correct facts about this matter as the article as it stands at this moment states facts erroneously. My source for this is simple- I am Denny Mendoza!!!! Nietzsche Braza is a pseudonym.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky_Baptiste

The article about footballer Rocky Baptiste claims that he was born 8 July 1973 in Neasden, North-West London which is not the case. Rocky Baptiste was actually born on 8 July 1972 in Clapham, South London. He moved to Neasden at two years old and grew up on the Chalkhill Estate in Wembley Park. The article also claims that Rocky Baptiste played for Gravesend & Northfleet, when in fact Rocky Baptiste has never played for Gravesend & Northfleet at any time during his career. Please publish accurate details about living people [and dead people for that matter!!!]. My source for this is Rocky Baptiste has been my best friend since 1974 and is Godfather to my children and is sitting right next to me as I write.

Thank You

Nietzsche Braza [Denny Mendoza]

Tomoko Uemura in Her Bath

The article Tomoko Uemura in Her Bath, which is about the famous photograph of that name, has had an ongoing, off and on debate about whether to include the image as fair use. Currently, we are choosing to not reproduce the image under WP:Fair Use, per an apparent withdrawal by the family (the copyright holders) of consent for reproduction of the image. I understand the extremely good intent embodied in our decision, but i then dont understand how we can link to Masters of Photography, a commercial website, which has included the image (with their own understanding of the copyright status of the image, different from ours), but are obviously doing so for commercial purposes (not selling the image, but promotion of their website as a good site to browse famous images). My question is simple: Can we have it both ways? Not reproduce, but link to a reproduction which is violation of the reason for our not reproducing it? I am inclined towards reproducing it here by the way. I am posting here additionally as that article's debate is rather drawn out, and my post there may not get much attention (and its to me a very lively topic for clarification of our fair use policy).Mercurywoodrose (talk) 07:50, 12 December 2012 (UTC)

• I think we could use the photograph under fair use, but we are making a rare exercise of editorial respect for the family's wishes. I am content to wait until the copyright expires. --SmokeyJoe (talk) 12:59, 20 December 2012 (UTC)

Talk:LGBT parenting

Which, if any, of the three studies (Allen et. al., Regnerus, and Marks' critique of the literature) that were peer-reviewed and published in 2012 and dispute the consensus on parenting outcomes, should be included in the article? .jj (talk) 14:10, 12 December 2012 (UTC)

Request for comment on References

Background: Starting on December 10, 2012 an IP user began at one IP then moved to another deleting secondary (non-primary) or supporting references and even blanking sections such as at Mirro Aluminum Company.
Please see: Special:Contributions/75.2.208.87 Then jumping to ... Special:Contributions/75.0.192.157
I left a Welcome and a caution at User talk:75.2.208.87 then the behavior continued with reverts made by User:75.0.192.157 as, "rv frivolous revert by wikistalker who doesn't understand the issue - See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard/Archive_77#Reliability_on_genealogy_websites) "
This obviously is User:75.2.208.87 at a new different IP address as User:75.0.192.157.
My understanding on references is in question.
The floating IP user citing "self-published and user-generated sources are not reliable per WP:SPS and WP:USERGENERATED" solely on the belief that ALL genealogy related sites, besides those previously cited as unreliable, are forbidden to be used.
I understand that that those secondary or supporting references used were proper under WP:SELFPUB.
Besides not being a "Wikistalker" nor engaging in such behavior, I see the action almost as bullying. IE Making a threat so an editor will not do something.
Most of these articles I have no investment in, other than when reviewing them, I saw the secondary or supporting references as appropiate. So I restored them with the proper comment and got the "Wikistalker" comment.
Is it the opinion of the community that ANY GENEALOGICAL related web page considered forbidden for any type of reference? If this is a blanket community opinion, despite WP:SELFPUB ... then okay. I have seen this happen before. Such is social justice. Jrcrin001 (talk) 07:10, 14 December 2012 (UTC)

Is the lede paragraph of White privilege sufficiently NPOV?

Hi,

There is a great deal of discussion, both recent and historical, on Talk:White privilege about the lede paragraph of the article. Good-faith efforts to address the core issue of WP:NPOV have tended to fall short, leaving a number of editors clearly frustrated with the process. Intersecting concerns about WP:UNDUE have arisen in these discussions as well.

So the core question is, as currently written, does the lede paragraph of the article adhere sufficiently to WP:NPOV, or at least closely enough to work from as a starting point? If not, would a previous revision or a revision proposed on the talk page be a better starting point?

-- UseTheCommandLine (talk) 17:17, 21 December 2012 (UTC)

After reading the lead section of White Privilege, it is my opinion that the lead section is sufficiently neutral as per WP:NPOV. Hope this helps. smileguy91^talk 00:02, 20 May 2013 (UTC)

It's not normal practise to put a list of alternative definitions in a footnote to the first sentence, is it? Also I find User:Iselilja's comment that For instance it says "The concept of white privilege also implies the right to assume the universality of one's own experiences, marking others as different or exceptional while perceiving oneself as normal". This will not be true in for instance Mexico, where according to our Wikipedia article "national identity [is built] on the concept of mestizaje" rather persuasive. Still need work IMO. Balaenoptera musculus (talk) 18:07, 11 April 2014 (UTC)

WP:RS dispute

Do the credentials & notability/recognitions by "reliable" third-parties which are listed in this topic's paragraph which is labeled "2." (2nd paragraph down) make the disputed source a WP:RS? And do those credentials, his extent of having been published by the 3rd parties who are listed on that Talk page (e.g. those listed in the paragraph labeled "iii" and 1 paragraph thereafter), & other notability/recognition by 3rd-parties make him a source whom WP:RS exempts from WP:SPS, i.e. do you accept that his reputation with those third-parties (and his fact-checking, e.g. how he cites his claims) allows him to reliably self-publish...or to quote WP:RS: "Self-published material may be acceptable when produced by an established expert on the topic of the article (emphasis added) whose work in the relevant field has previously been published by reliable third-party publications (emph added)"? Do you trust at least some of those 3rd-party sources as being "reliable" sources?

(NOTE: The Doctor is being cited whilst admitting he has a political bias, in accord with section 4.7 of WP:RS; "bias"/POV isn't part of the dispute, e.g. His work is being stated as,"Proponents of this side hold that...XYZ ...and their opposition holds that...ABC.")

Please note any reasons for your position. Thanks.

Moshe Friedman

Disregard

 – already cross-posted over at BLP/N. Tiggerjay (talk) 08:43, 1 January 2013 (UTC)

Moshe Friedman page on wikipedia - need help on the page. He is very controversial need help. 65.88.89.32 (talk) 17:51, 29 December 2012 (UTC)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moshe_Friedman - Many changes and simply would request fresh eyes. Tellyuer1 (talk) 03:33, 4 January 2013 (UTC)

Template:No_medical_advice

Created due to the occasional requests coming in through either OTRS or users here on Wikipedia. I have no idea if something similar already exists, but I'd like feedback on the content and wording if it doesn't. Bjelleklang - talk 21:21, 4 January 2013 (UTC)

Neturei Karta Religious

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neturei_Karta Needs a ton of work - original sources, etc. Am going to start it today and appreciate others with an interest joining.Tellyuer1 (talk) 20:12, 5 January 2013 (UTC)

Bias in Cannabis (drug)

Recent edits to Cannabis (drug) have added a section on Safety which is strongly biased toward cannabis being a risk-free drug. Emphasis is on a claim that no marijuana related deaths have ever occurred. Yes, there are some sources where the author states no cannabis deaths to report, but using these claims selectively is misleading. Several reliable sources have reported infrequent deaths and also list cannabis smoke as a carcinogen (links to these articles or to abstracts are provided in the deleted history or on the Talk page). Summary:

• Forensic Science International

“Acute Cardiovascular Fatalities Following Cannabis Use”

• Journal of Pediatrics

“Cerebellar Infarction in Adolescent Males Associated with Acute Marijuana Use”

• Cancer Research, UK

“Does smoking cannabis cause cancer?”

• Revue Neurologique (French)

“Cannabis-induced cerebral and myocardial infarction in a young woman”

• Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases

“Cannabis-Related Myocardial Infarction and Cardioembolic Stroke”

• UCLA School of Medicine

“Effects of marijuana on the lung and its immune defenses”

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA, DAWN

“Area Profiles of Drug-Related Mortality” (this is a government tertiary source)

• State of California

“Chemicals known to the state to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity” (This is a government tertiary source)

• Center for Effective Drug Abuse Research & Statistics, Drugwatch

“Marijuana-only drug abuse deaths” (This is a tertiary source)

A marijuana supporter will not accept published medical journals and government reports that raise any safety concerns about cannabis usage. Wikipedia requires a neutral point of view and an unbiased handling of divergent sources. Certainly, cannabis is not as dangerous as several other hard drugs, but that does not result in absolute safety. Wikipedia should include both sources that discuss safety and sources that indicate problems. A balanced and neutral view is required.

Additional input and comments are welcome on the Talk page. Rlsheehan (talk) 16:51, 9 January 2013 (UTC)

E11

Please re-evaluate E11 European long distance path, since the article has been completely re-edited in a more encyclopedic style. The travel guide tag might be removed, since the travel guide type of details are now in WikiVoyage:E11 hiking trail. DrMennoWolters (talk) 10:07, 13 January 2013 (UTC)

Regarding the fast closure on Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Czech Footballer of the Year

I think this AfD was closed too quickly, a closure basis was not reached, and the statement for closing it is not applicable. There are several lists in this same vein that should me merged, they shan't stand alone. There is a clear policy for content fork and cleanup, all these lists are difficult to browse through, their content are behind stub level. And even though the subject is notable, expect to maintain all these lists by the end of the year. Wikipedia is not a directory for every single award in the world, as I stated in the discussion, ifso then every single category in every notable award (BAFTA, ASCAP, Billboard Awards, VMA, Academy Awards, EMMY and the list goes on and on) should have their own article or list. Which I decline to believe that is the case. Eduemoni^↑talk↓ 00:52, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

If you believe this AfD was closed incorrectly, you should take the matter to deletion review, which despite the name is the appropriate venue to discuss this. --(ʞɿɐʇ) ɐuɐʞsǝp 00:55, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

Isn't DRV for articles that got deleted? Eduemoni^↑talk↓ 00:56, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

As I said, despite the name it is the appropriate venue for this. See WP:DRVPURPOSE. --(ʞɿɐʇ) ɐuɐʞsǝp 01:10, 6 February 2013 (UTC)

AMIA Bombing Edit

I have made several attempts to add small section to the AMIA Bombing page under "Other Opinions"

All of my attempted insertions have been removed.

The last insertion read as follows :

"The Hunter Report which is relevant to AMIA Bombing investigation is discussed here" and I provided a legitimate reference. The reference was a House of Representatives Report 1995.

The edit was pulled by Soosim and the reason given "sorry johanne, i don't see hunter's name mentioned in the report at all."

This is untrue.

If Wikipedia is a media which is simply to be used to promote a particular political agenda and not provide balance, can someone please inform me of this so I can stop wasting my time ?

Many Thanks

--Johanne Johannes (talk) 13:43, 28 February 2013 (UTC)

Great Commission church movement

It has been proposed that Great Commission Ministries has sufficient notability to warrant its own article. The article has been developed at User:ClaudeReigns/GCM and is the product of research by User:ClaudeReigns with the help and at the suggestion of User:Chris.ridgeway, communications director for GCM. Since it is especially important to avoid conflict of interest and respect the communitarian spirit of Wikipedia, I hereby request an evaluation of the notability of Great Commission Ministries by the Wikipedia community by uninvolved parties, as well as discussion of any issues which might be of consequence in such a split. Note: the specific reason for requesting comment at RFC-econ is that the non-profit organization to be split has been previously evaluated as a subsidiary of the main organization, has a common board member, and has its own EIN - one basis for the split proposal. Obviously, this should also have the attention of RFC-religion if it is accepted. ClaudeReigns (talk) 17:48, 8 March 2013 (UTC)

David Driuzynski fight, knockout, concussion

Requesting editors come to David Dziurzynski to comment on the inclusion of information regarding a particular incident in this NHL hockey player's career which has stimulated secondary media debate on the issue of fighting in hockey. Issues at hand are notability and a raised concern about recentism. Three independent editors added the information, a single editor has reverted all three. Seeking consensus on how to proceed. 68.5.176.101 (talk) 01:00, 10 March 2013 (UTC)

Need to revise the Susan Lindauer Article to be Neutral and Unbiased

The current report on Susan Lindauer is a one-sided recitation of the former Bush administration's smear campaign to destroy her credibility. To present an accurate picture to a reader, it is not enough that the selected facts in a story be true; key facts must not have been omitted.

When an article fails to mention that there were other credible, professional witnesses in a hearing with evidence that counters accusations and judgments against an accused, and it fails to mention that the judge has been appointed by the party responsible for the accusations against the accused, I doubt any reader would consider that account of the accused as neutral, unbiased, or verified, or consider it to be in keeping with the noble aspirations espoused on Wikipedia's own ETHICS page:

"The success of WikiExperts is rooted in our commitment to upholding Wikipedia’s principles of Neutrality, Notability, Verifiability, and No Original Research. We provide consultation, research, writing, and translation services that adhere fully to Wikipedia guidelines. Without compromising the integrity of Wikipedia, our clients, and our own enterprise, we create, monitor, and update Wikipedia articles on behalf of our clients. In doing so, we implement strict internal rules that preclude us from uploading any disinformation or biased content."

Such is the case with your portrayal of Ms. Lindauer on the Wikipedia site. If you have any concern for integrity in your publication, I implore you to research the evidence that is available to you below and elsewhere to confirm that the piece about Ms. Lindauer needs balance and broader perspective.

AFFIDAVIT OF THAYER LINDAUER

I have practiced corporate law for 40 years, with a specialty in Multi-Level Marketing in the U.S. and international arenas. Though my expertise lies outside criminal law, I took my degree at the University of Chicago and I have broad legal experience. I am quite

satisfied that my niece, Susan Lindauer, has accurately described my involvement in her

legal fight, and the events related to her incarceration at Carswell Prison.

Most importantly, six months prior to her imprisonment, I interviewed several

important witnesses in her case, who forthrightly authenticated her claims. Those

witnesses included Edward MacKechnie, Scottish Solicitor for the Lockerbie Trial, who validated Susan's long-time work relationship with Dr. Richard Fuisz and his known

affiliation to the Central Intelligence Agency. I spoke with Paul Hoven, who admitted his

role as one of Susan's handlers, and further identified Dr. Fuisz as her second, CIA handler, overseeing her activities at the United Nations. I spoke with Parke Godfrey

about Susan's 9/11 warning, and other assundry issues in her case. During her

imprisonment, I spoke with a number of other witnesses and friends of Susan's, including, I believe, Ian Ferguson, the Scottish journalist and expert on Lockerbie.

There is no question but that Susan's history as an Asset, supervised by members of

U.S. Intelligence, would have been easily proven to the satisfaction of the Court. For those of us who trust in the legal traditions of this country, her case marked a

stunning reversal of expectations. Susan correctly relates that I have tremendous respect

for Judge Michael Mukasey and the predicament that he faced. There were serious questions of prosecutorial misconduct and withholding exculpatory knowledge from the

Court, since it was quite clear the Justice Department did not want to admit Susan's role

in Pre-War Intelligence or the 9/11 investigation, including her 9/11 warning. To incarcerate an American citizen without a trial or due process, however, opposes all of

the values that the U.S. Courts seek to uphold.

Though it might seem unlikely, Susan has accurately described the Court proceedings leading up to her prison surrender. That September day, we had no idea why the court

had ordered her to appear. Her public attorney insisted the Psychiatric Report by Dr.

Stuart Kleinman was still unavailable to him. Until we got to Court, we had no idea they intended to send her to prison, or deny her rights to a competence hearing, which is

routine procedure.

I did instruct her to fire Sam Talkin, and name me as co-counsel of her defense, so that I could demand a hearing on her behalf. It is true that the Court clerk instructed us that if

Susan tried such a thing, she would be seized immediately by U.S. Marshals, and would

forfeit her bail for the remainder of the proceedings. She was advised that if she consented to delay the hearing until after the Prison Evaluation, she would have three

days to get her affairs in order. Judge Mukasey amended that to 10 days.

There was no doubt that Susan wanted the hearing.

It is possible that Judge Mukasey expected Carswell's evaluation to be very brief.

Normally, these sorts of evaluations take 6 to 8 weeks, for other non-political defendants.

Indeed, after the court meeting, Judge Mukasey's clerk suggested to me that Susan would probably come home before Christmas.

Unfortunately, the politics of her contributions to Pre-War Intelligence and the 9/11 investigation swamped the proceedings. She has not exaggerated the threat of "indefinite" detention that she faced, or the aggressive push to forcibly drug her with Haldol.

It is absolutely correct that Carswell's psychology staff, the U.S. Attorney's Office in

New York, the FBI and the main Justice Department had direct knowledge that Susan had told the truth about her Asset work. I have spoken to witnesses myself, who told me

that they assured the FBI and/or psychologists at Carswell that Susan was telling the

truth. I must conclude the request for forcible drugging was politically motivated. Finally, Susan has stated correctly that I made three attempts to visit her at Carswell,

driving 700 miles each way. On the first two tries, guards refused to admit me to the

military base, telling me no prison was there. The second time, guards insisted the prison was closed on weekends. Only when Judge Mukasey ordered U.S. Marshals to stand by

as an escort was I admitted. This occurred at a critical moment, when I was trying to

broker a solution that would satisfy the Court and secure her freedom. At that point, we just wanted her home. The decision on competence was secondary to protecting her from

forcible drugging and winning her release.

"Extreme prejudice" strikes me as an appropriate title for the book, given what the government tried to do.

Ted Lindauer

Brian Shaughnessy's AFFIDAVIT

http://extremeprejudiceusa.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/brian-shaughnessy_attorney_affidavit1.pdf

Mr. William Gladstone 19 October 2009 Waterside Productions, Inc 2055 Oxford Avenue Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007

Dear Mr. Gladstone,

I am Parke Godfrey, a tenured associate professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at York University in Toronto, Canada. At the request of Ms. Susan Lindauer, I am providing this brief affidavit describing parts of my testimony at a hearing before Judge Loretta Preska

in June 2008. This is to collaborate her story for publication.

1. I have known Ms. Lindauer since 1991, while I was working on my doctoral degree at the University of Maryland, College Park. We were close friends until I moved to Toronto to accept a

faculty post at York University in August of 1999.

a. During that period, I spoke with Ms. Lindauer two or three times weekly, and we met once weekly, on average. b. Ms. Lindauer has an artistic and mercurial temperament. She is passionate as an activist

supporting her causes. She is a creative writer and former journalist. I never observed

mental instability or mental illness in her behavior. 2. Ms. Lindauer had various concerns and predictions of terrorist attacks, which she confided in me

and others.

a. In the year 2000, coinciding with the Lockerbie trial, Ms. Lindauer confided in me on several occasions her concern that the next terrorist attack on the United States would involve airplane hijackings and/or airplane bombings. She warned me to stay out of New

York City.

b. In the spring and summer of 2001, on several occasions Ms. Lindauer expressed heightened concern that a terrorist attack was in the works that would strike the southern part of Manhattan. She claimed it would reprise the 1993 attack on the World Trade

Center. She described the attack as completing the cycle started in that first attack.

c. I have read articles by Michael Collins describing Ms. Lindauer's 9/11 warning, and I am satisfied that he has accurately described my testimony before Judge Preska in June, 2008.

3. I was involved with Ms. Lindauer’s case in various ways after her arrest in March 2004.

a. In September, 2004, I was interviewed by the FBI in Mississauga (adjacent to Toronto) in the presence of an RCMP officer. (The RCMP insisted upon this as the interview was in

Canada and I was a Canadian resident.) I spoke with FBI Special Agent Suzan

LeTourneau. While the interview focused on mundane details of Ms. Lindauer’s life and her acquaintances, the conversation did touch briefly upon the indictment against Ms.

Lindauer, and on her predictions.

b. I made myself available to speak with the investigator working for her defense attorney. I was prepared for a lengthy conversation, including a discussion of Ms. Lindauer's 9/11

warning. I was surprised when the defense investigator cut short the conversation after

only five to ten minutes. His questions seemed far inadequate for the scope of the indictment against Ms. Lindauer, and for what I felt had to share with her Defense

Attorney.

c. Several months later, I contacted Ms. Lindauer's uncle, Ted Lindauer, who spoke with me at greater length about several issues in her case. I can verify that Ms. Lindauer felt compelled to seek her uncle's assistance interviewing witnesses for her case, before she got

sent to Carswell.

d. In early December 2005, I believe, a few months after Ms. Lindauer have been sent to Carswell Prison, I spoke with the psychologist handling her competence evaluation for the Court. During our conversation, I attempted to confirm with him that Ms. Lindauer had

made predictions of a terrorist attack in Manhattan to me and other prior to the 9/11 attack.

He seemed to have no interest in hearing this. Our conversation was brief. 4. I continued to be involved in Ms. Lindauer’s case in hearings leading up to her trial, which never

transpired.

a. In my opinion, contrary with the Justice Department’s lawyers, Ms. Lindauer is now, and always was competent, to stand trial. The decision to accuse her of incompetence was baffling to me and many others. I was forced to conclude that it was likely politically

motivated to block her request for a trial.

b. While she was still detained in prison, I offered to travel from Toronto and testify at any competency hearing, as a character witness, on her mental competence, on what I knew of

her political activities before her indictment, about her warnings of terrorist attacks, and

any other aspects for which the Court might be interested. c. I attended the hearing on forcible drugging in May, 2006. I offered to testify on that day.

In fact, I arrived at the Court assuming I was to testify. However, her attorney, Mr. Sam

Talkin, did not call me to testify that day. In conversation that day, I told him that she had made warnings of a terrorist attack to me and to others in advance of 9/11. I told him that

I was mortified by what the Court seemed to be doing.

d. In June, 2008, two years later, Ms. Lindauer was finally allowed to have a hearing on her competence to stand trial. I testified before Judge Preska, who had replaced Judge

Mukasey after his retirement, that I considered Ms. Lindauer fully competent in all ways,

and devoid of mental illness or instability. I testified about the terrorist warnings, and how I had spoken with the FBI in September 2004.

Despite my friendship with Ms. Lindauer and my dislike and distrust of activities of the Federal

Administration at the time, I tried to keep an open mind and to cooperate with the prosecution. I could only hope that the government had just cause in pursuing such a case, given the vigor and energy they

put in it, despite what that would mean for Susan. Otherwise, it is a poor indictment of justice.

On the other hand, I have never had any direct reasons to believe the points of the indictment against Ms. Lindauer, or evidence myself of them. I have confidence and trust in Ms. Lindauer.

Furthermore, I have been completely appalled over the way the Justice Department proceeded in its

dealings with Ms. Lindauer, as I hope most anyone familiar with her case would be. Throughout this entire ordeal, Ms. Lindauer has suffered harassment. She faced inexcusable

delays in setting a trial date (or in dropping the charges). She was repeatedly questioned in court over

the reliability of her terrorist warnings, despite that they had been collaborated by me and by many others in affidavits and under oath in spoken testimony. She was incarcerated in a mental facility

within a federal prison for, I believe, nine months, 1,300 miles from her home for supposed

observation. And then held in confinement for months afterwards. The FBI and the US Attorneys Office behavior in Ms. Lindauer’s case were abhorrent. It is quite clear that much more was going on. Susan Lindauer’s story should be told.

If anyone should seek further clarification about issues raised in this letter, I would be available to speak with them. I can be reached in Toronto at ph. 416-736-2100 x 66671 during working hours.

Thank you much.

Sincerely, Parke Godfrey, PhD

Bush Political Prisoner Gets Her Day in Court Wednesday, 11 June 2008, 10:36 am Column: Michael Collins

Bevin Boys: Conscripted Coalminers 1943-48

The article on Ernest Bevin's wartime initiative to replace Coal Miners lost to the Armed Services between 1943 and 1948 includes a list of famous 'Bevin Boys'. Top of the list is 'Sir Jimmy Savile DJ and Charity Worker'. I took my son to this site to explain an aspect of history, and although I knew Savile was a Bevin Boy, I was surprised to see his name on a page last updated 17th March 2013.2.120.246.31 (talk) 20:09, 13 April 2013 (UTC)

If JS was a Bevin Boy there is no reason for him not to be on the list. It would be better if he was listed in alphabetical order though.--Charles (talk) 08:14, 19 April 2013 (UTC)

Wikipedia writer

Hello, I am in need of a wikipedia writer. If anyone has suggestions please let me know. Must have the skills. Thanks you.

Hello. Why do you need a writer? Please sign your coments by typing four tildes(~).--Charles (talk) 08:11, 19 April 2013 (UTC)

Geert Hofstede

Geert Hofstede - Another editor and I disagree on whether details of Hofstede's main theory should be included in the article on the man. See the talk page to see our opposing views. We seem to be talking past each other. I believe, since this is the main theory of the most cited European social scientist, a bit of explanation of his six dimensions (rather than just naming them) is called for. I also believe the book given as a source is a proper reference. Kdammers (talk) 09:38, 19 April 2013 (UTC)

List of sopranos in non-classical music

The question is, "Should the existing photo gallery be removed from the above article?" The arguments are at Talk:List_of_sopranos_in_non-classical_music#Photo_layout. A Third Opinion has already been rendered (at the bottom of the above section), but there was an Edit War burgeoning. Sincerely, GeorgeLouis (talk) 17:29, 21 April 2013 (UTC)

Talk:Litecoin

The main reason for the request for comment regarding Litecoin is that I and a few others (User:CryptoAddicto, User:Strike_Eagle, User:Coin12349) want to include information about the memory intensive nature/confirmation times and how some claim this makes litecoin superior to bitcoin, User:Taktao does not want this. Taktao also wishes to say that litecoin is almost identical to bitcoin, whereas I and the others mentioned want so say that it's similar. We haven't really gotten anywhere (just reverting each others edits repeatedly). 198.144.156.55 (talk) 18:01, 24 April 2013 (UTC)

Just to clarify: I don't have a problem with it mentioning that some of its supporters claim it has advantages to bitcoin. I just asked that this mention be more concise, as the article seems to go into quite a bit of detail on claims of limited notability, for a relatively unknown cryptocurrency. As for being 'almost identical', this is consistent with how the Economist describes it, calling it a 'clone' of bitcoin, and consistent with what the source code, which is identical to bitcoin's source code apart from two changed parameters, shows Taktao (talk) 18:31, 24 April 2013 (UTC)

Talk: Soviet Union

The major issue has to do with the infobox for a Former Country. How many states should be listed as successor states? In particular, should the 15 constituent republics that are now sovereign nations be listed, or should the Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania) be excluded?

Talk:Air France Flight 447#RfC - What "Summary" should the Accident have?

An "Aircraft Accident" infobox appears at the top of this article. There has been a considerable amount of debate surrounding how to set the "Summary" (formerly "Type") parameter within the infobox. The debate has largely centered around whether to include the term "Pilot Error" in the "Summary" parameter. This has also resulted in a lot of edit-warring concerning the dispute. What "Summary" should the Accident have? HeyMid (contribs) 15:57, 11 May 2013 (UTC)

Section dedicated to original research

I would like to suggest a new category dedicated to original research, unpublished papers or simple observations and commentaries. Such a page might stimulate scholarly research resulting in Wikipedia acceptable references in some cases and add to the public value of Wikipedia.

PeterChildress (talk) 18:23, 13 May 2013 (UTC)

The idea is a creative one, Peter, but adding an original research/simple observations/commentaries section to Wikipedia may attract many pointless observations and original research that may not be fit for an encyclopedia. Wikipedia, underneath it all, is still an encyclopedia. I encourage you to take a look at WP:FORUM, what Wikipedia is not. WP:FORUM explicitly states that Wikipedia is not a publisher of original research. Hope this input helps. smileguy91^talk 00:00, 20 May 2013 (UTC)

2013 Stockholm riots

I have some trouble with users reverting back unsourced allegations that the 2013 Stockholm riots is mostly performed by immigrant rioters. My change is motivated by WP:SYNTH while I get a reversion with the motivation rv, Swedish pro-immigration bias. I'm protesting on the editors' talk pages. Now, what? Rursus dixit. (^mbork³!) 05:56, 24 May 2013 (UTC)

Talk:Hans-Hermann Hoppe#Academic freedom section heading title

Discussion is taking place at: Talk:Hans-Hermann_Hoppe#RfC:_Should_the_section_title_for_Academic_freedom_controversy_be_changed.3F
The following discussion has been closed. Please do not modify it.
What changes, if any, should be made to the section heading "Hans-Hermann Hoppe#Academic freedom controversy"? – S. Rich (talk) 21:37, 24 May 2013 (UTC) Note, a few minutes after I posted this notice, an editor changed the section title in question. It is now "Hans-Hermann_Hoppe#Controversy_over_views_on_homosexuality. – S. Rich (talk) 21:52, 24 May 2013 (UTC) User:Steeltrap should not have changed the heading, but this is part of the BLP violations and edit warring that will be reported to WP:BLPN after the weekend with the recommendation that User:Steeltrap be banned from editing the article. CarolMooreDC - talkie talkie🗽 00:52, 25 May 2013 (UTC)

Should the Empire State Building floor count include the 103rd floor?

The Empire State Building due to contrary belief is that the floor count ends at 102. This is not so, however. There is a small door on level 102 that leads to a small catwalk around the building that was originally a blimp landing dock. It is now only used by maintenance or celebrities and reporters, (along with the rare exception of others). Leoesb1032 (talk) 22:02, 27 May 2013 (UTC)

Template:Java platforms

This template seems to have an error with a noinclude tag. The problematic result also appears at the top of JavaFX. Please have a look. François Robere (talk) 11:17, 2 June 2013 (UTC)

Talk:Soviet_Union#New_Survey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Soviet_Union#New_Survey needs more participation 95.199.31.193 (talk) 19:31, 2 June 2013 (UTC)

Alger Hiss

Talk:Alger Hiss#New_Request_for_Comment Should the lead of the Alger Hiss article include the following information:

1. That there is a scholarly consensus of Hiss's guilt.

2. That notes from the Soviet archives have confirmed his guilt.

CJK (talk) 12:07, 6 June 2013 (UTC)

Frédéric Fontang

Talk:Frédéric Fontang

Should this article contain a footnote "a. often spelled Frederic Fontang[9]" In ictu oculi (talk) 07:27, 27 May 2013 (UTC)

Seeking wide input regarding the use of Chinese characters in article titles.

Please see Talk:Lì (Chinese surname)#Requested move. --Rob Sinden (talk) 11:35, 23 June 2013 (UTC)

Use of Terminology, Pirate and Derivatives

"Should the terms "pirate" and "piracy," when used to refer to copyright infringement (and/or associated activities) be changed to something else?"

This is a question that struck me while reading MPAA and it seems my opinion was not quite as universal as I had expected. There is an ongoing discussion on the article, and this RFC is not supposed to interact with it. 63.153.230.166 (talk) 23:57, 25 June 2013 (UTC)

Meh, forget it. Too many people have been sucked into entertainment industry propagandistic scare-words to make discussion of using factual instead of emotional terms to prove a point worth it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.167.76.232 (talk • contribs) 17:42, 30 June 2013

RfC on editing other user's article talk page comments with Flow

Wikipedia:Flow is a planned improvement to the way MediaWiki software handles article talk pages. There is an RfC about how to configure Flow regarding editing other people's article talk page comments. Your input would be welcome. The RfC is at Wikipedia talk:Flow#Request for Comment on editing other user's comments with Flow. --Guy Macon (talk) 13:40, 28 June 2013 (UTC)

Wikipedia:VisualEditor/RFC

A discussion of issues with the new Wikipedia:VisualEditor plugin. Adam Cuerden ^(talk) 23:21, 10 July 2013 (UTC)

Gun control RFC

There is an RFC that may be of interest to this group at Talk:Gun_control#RFC. Subject of the RFC is "Is the use of gun restriction legislation or other confiscations by totalitarian governments (Nazi, Communist etc) accurately described as "Gun Control". Are such instances appropriate for inclusion in the Gun Control article. (Details at RFC in article)" Gaijin42 (talk) 15:59, 20 June 2013 (UTC)

This RFC could use additional input. Gaijin42 (talk) 02:20, 12 July 2013 (UTC)

Jesus Christians

I am concerned about vandalism on the Jesus Christians entry in Wiki. I don't know how to deal with it.

The history is that several years ago I requested help in trying to improve the credibility of the entry, stating that I have a personal interest in the group, as it's co-founder. I was immediately banned from making changes to the page, simply because I have a personal bias (which I was actually trying to find ways of overcoming). Anyway, fair enough.

However, at the moment, a disgruntled ex-member (Susan Gianstefani) and her friend (posting as Jinny the Squinny) are going through the entire article inserting stuff that exaggerates Susan's role, including advertising a website that they started in the U.K. under the name of the Jesus Christians. Surprisingly, Susan and Jinny use their actual names when making changes, some of which have been undone by some apparently official Wiki editors.

However, the posts keep getting put back up. Obviously Wiki is no place for the likes of Susan and myself to carry on a debate. But for the good of the entry and the good of Wikipedia's reputation as well, I think that their posts should be treated the same as mine were when I was openly seeking ways to improve the credibility of the entry.

What can be done to get someone with a bit of clout in Wiki to clean up Susan and Jinny's alterations (and perhaps to be on guard against them just starting all over again under some other name)?

Dave McKay

• Hi Dave. It's really not that surprising that Sue and I are using our names because we have nothing to hide. None of our major changes have been undone have been done by "official wiki editors" as there's nothing wrong with them. In fact many editors have been reverting back to our changes. I've been editing Wikipedia for years for pages on topics on which I have an interest, such as Woolwich, aviation disasters and the Auto Stacker, to name a few. Our edits are fine. All we've done is expand and properly reference the history section and update the lede. No-one making any changes or vandalising the page has made any entries on the Talk page to clarify what they think is incorrect. I'm finding it hard to believe you have the Wiki best interests at heart when you (or someone from your IP address) has been vandalising the page. Perhaps proper Wiki dispute/mediation procedures should be initiated. Jinnythesquinny (talk) 14:46, 15 July 2013 (UTC)

Template:Infobox Yogasana

The above mentioned Template was designed for the Yogasanas pages. It is tried on Baddha Konasana page. Request please to rectify the colors, parameters, remove the desired paramentrs & add the required ones. Then I'll be translating it for Hindi wiki.
Thanks: --आशीष भटनागर (talk) 03:55, 16 July 2013 (UTC)

Talk: The Milgram Experiment

There are many published sources with lots of interpretations on The Milgram Experiment’s implications outside the laboratory. Clearly, it is a controversial topic. I would appreciate thoughtful input. Thank you for your time. Aetherist (talk) 14:14, 21 July 2013 (UTC)

Missing Article Redirect

There used to be a separate article titled Black Irish that was deleted and redirected to Irish people. While I admire the addition to Irish people, there should be a link to the article Black Irish, and the deleted page should be restored. KaldraDarkstar (talk) 00:59, 26 July 2013 (UTC)

Bio information on the Wikipedia page for Jennifer Carroll as biased and inaccurate

Jennifer Carroll (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

I have found information on the Wikipedia page of Jennifer Carroll as biased and inaccurate and I have made a number of attempts to correct the content; however, it keeps reverting back to the old information. I went through the process of posting on the Talk Page as another step to get this matter resolved and was told that this was the “wrong resource to go to for your concerns”. I was instructed to make my appeal through “Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Biographies”. I am informing Wikipedia that I find the following three points listed below on the page of Jennifer Carroll objectionable and the reasons are also listed. I would appreciate your assistance in getting this matter resolved. Thank you

Point 1. Carroll is no longer the Lieutenant Governor she received a new position, yet you continue to remove her new position after the first introductory line. Her current position should take precedence over her former job. “On April 24, 2013, Carroll joined Global Digital Solutions, as senior advisor; she will become president and chief operating officer after the completion of its planned merger with Airtronic USA, a woman-owned small arms manufacturer. http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/snapshot/snapshot.asp?ticker=GDSI”

Point 2. This is a subjective statement and one that is the writer’s opinion. Cite the facts of whom and when Carroll used poor judgment, “ increasingly viewed as an embarrassment to the man who chose her for the job” rather than someone subjectively saying so, where is Governor Scotts’ statement of this or his Administration statement of this. Where is the recording or written word of Scott or anyone else in the Administration stating that Carroll was an embarrassment? As a matter of fact, Scott repeatedly praised Carroll and her work? If the NY Times reporters comments cannot be proven, you cannot put information that is defaming if it is not supported with evidence. “The New York Times reported that Carroll's tenure as lieutenant governor was "marred by scandal and poor judgment" and she was "increasingly viewed as an embarrassment to the man who chose her for the job.”

Point 3. Site the allegations, who are they from? Cite the source that shows with evidence that Carroll was under criminal investigation. The FBI or Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not produce any documents or made any statements that Carroll was under investigation or was involved with the allegations associated with the parties of Allied Veterans. It later came out and it was never disputed by Governor Scott that Carroll resigned because he asked for her resignation. “Carroll resigned her post as lieutenant governor on March 12, 2013, following allegations that she was involved in an effort to steer money into Internet cafes that are fronts for gambling, the subject of federal and state criminal investigations”

Point 4. “She received a Master of Business Administration degree from unaccredited and now defunct Kensington University in 1995.” Kensington University received, under old California standards, permission in the State of California to administer degrees. Below is information I received from California Bureau of Post Secondary Education. Additionally, keep in mind that Carroll attended Kensington in the 1980's during the years of no internet as we currently know it. Carroll started her degree program in 1987 and finished it in 1991. RE: Kensington University Dear Ms. Carroll: The following correspondence is in reference to your inquiry to the Bureau for Private Postsec6ndary Education (BPPE) regarding the approval and closure of Kensington University, which was located in Glendale, California. The BPPE is not an accrediting agency. The BPPE is a California State regulatory agency and our legislative statute grants us the authority to approve private postsecondary educational institutions in California with an approval to operate. Kensington University which was located at 124 S Isabel Street, Glendale, CA 92014, received full approval to offer degree (of Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral levels) from the Council for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPE's predecessor agency) on June 1", 1976 until its closure on June 8, 1996. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me by telephone at (916) 431-6912. Sincerely, Valerie McZeek Office Technician

Point 5. “Carroll resigned her position on the National Commission of Presidential Scholars after a CBS investigation raised questions about her degree.” The above is not a true statement and there are no factual bases to back up this information. This comment was made by a reporter Jaime Holguin CBS News who stated in his article,” Florida Representative Jennifer Carroll just stepped down from the National Commission on Presidential Scholars.” He did not say Carroll stepped down because of the degree issue. This was an inference by you and readers. There is no evidence of Carroll stepping down because of the degree issue. Carroll’s three year term ended on the Presidential Scholars Commission and was asked to continue an appointment on a newly formed Veterans Benefit and Disability Commission and served out her three year term. She was the only female on the 13 member Veterans Benefit and Disability Commission. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Llorracj3 (talk • contribs) 15:39, 26 July 2013 (UTC)

I'm sorry, but I'm not a vandal

Excuse, but I wasn't vandalizing Melcombe Bingham. I live there. I was merely updating it, so could you change it back, please? I understand it may have looked like I was vandalizing it, but I really wasn't. I'd be very grateful if you changed it back.

Unfortunately, just being a resident of Melcombe Bingham does not give you the credentials to add information to Wikipedia pages. Your help is appreciated but there is no changing it back. If you could provide some sources to back up your claims then the information you would like to add can stay. Until then, it must the removed. Meatsgains (talk) 01:35, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

Quincy "Coach Q" Roberts

Quincy "Coach Q" Roberts is an American Football Coach. He played youth football for the Rosedale Jets in Queens, NY. He was a C.H.S.F.L. All Star in football at Christ The King Regional High School. Recruited by Washington State, Tennessee, Liberty, Howard, Viginia Union, University of Central Florida, Iona and Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. He accepted a scholarship from Edinboro and played Defensive Back. His secondary coach was Scott Browning, who is now the Head Coach of Edinboro University. He wanted to give back to the organizations he played for growing up and discussed it with long time friend and teammate Malik Cherry. Long time friend Jacques Leandre took over as the President of the organization and the rest was history. Coach "Q" and Coach Malik began coaching defense on an 8-9 year old team and went undefeated in the regular season. Coach "Q" has an impressive youth football record of 29-5-1 in the regular season and 31-8-1 overall. In 2010 as an Offensive Coodinator he experimented with the Spread Offense and passing, when it wasn't common. He also sprinkled the Single Wing and used the I Formation and Power I. Out of the 5 losses 4 losses and one tie came while coaching a developmental team of 10-11 yrs olds. in 2012, he had double duty, while he was a Defensive Coordinator at his Alma Mater Christ The King H.S., he was helped win a Championship with The Rosedale Jets 8 year old team and enjoyed 2 undefeated seasons at Rosedale. Coach "Q" has been an Offensive Coordinator and Defensive Coordinator. Is currently football with the Dr. Phillips Panthers in Orlando, FL.

Early Years "Q" was born in Flatbush, Brooklyn then late moved to Rosedale, Queens. Growing up in Queens and seeing artist like Run DMC, LL Cool J, The Fat Boys and Salt & Pepa. Fredro Starr from Onyx was his barber and neighborhood friends of The Lost Boyz. Hip Hop was a natual way of life. In the 5% Nation he is known as Lord Kalaam Allah. "Q" was an Underground Hip Hop artist named Barbecue from 1992-2004. He is associated with Dead Presidents Society (DPS), Nocturnal Project, QSR, QSR Cartel. He made an appearance on DJ Enuff's studio album "My Definition of Sound", mixtapes by DJ Enuff and Cipha Sounds of Hot 97 and several mixtape DJ's. He along with his brother Master Prince managed a teen sensation in Orlando named La Cola and Hip Hop Dj's "Voice of the Streetz" From 1993-2002 DPS (Dead Presidents Society), QSR (Quasar) and QSR Cartel received interest in Record Deals from Eleckra Records, Loud Reecords, Motown Records, PMD, Columbia Records, Universal Records and Def Jam Records. In 1994, QSR began making mixtapes where they remixed songs and freestyled on them. These mixtapes were like albums. They flooded locally and started to leak nationwide and in some different countries. QSR's manager wanted Divine, Power and Barbecue to spearhead the group and get a deal, then bring in the other artists of the group. In 1998, "Q" recorded songs and freestyles w/group members Divine and Powerful in a studio session for DJ Enuff that included various NYC artist like 50 Cent, Supernatural and Negroe League. QSR (Quasar) was a large group some compared with Wu Tang, but some of the members began to live in other states. Master Prince, Tru Being and Barbecue went down to Orlando, Fl, started recoding and doing shows with DJ Prostyle of 106 & Park DJ Prostyle (2005–2012)and currently Power 105 in NY. At the time he was at 102 Jamz in Orlando and started playing freestyles of Master Prince, Tru Being. The three called their project QSR Cartel and started their own label called Bubbles Entertainment. The plan was to keep promoting music in different states until they had enough leverage for a label deal. Barbecue to the other members of QSR, he didnt want a regualar artist deal and would rather work on the deals No Limit Records and Cash Money Records were getting from being indepedant.

After numerous promos and freestyles on 102 Jam. QSR Cartel did a market test and released the single "Chimney Wives Audio CD (April 18, 2000) Bubbles Entertainment/Orchard. The single was sold in Peaches Music Stores and Virgin Music. The song became a Hit and was played on the 102 Jamz song roation once or twice every hour. The group did radio interviews, shows, the song was on college radio and underground radio, not to mention mixtapes. They had a meeting with a Def Jam A&R who was in town and heard the pandamonium. The song was played by DJ Red Alert in NYC to record stations in Panama. The CD was even in Tel Aviv, Israel where the group did a show and promoted the single. It is still currently selling on amazon.com. Barbecue and Tru Being made a cameo in the movie Brown Sugar. Tru is currently working in film behind the scenes. The group has songs all over you tube. Divine, Power and now Spintek received an artist deal with Universal Records. The guys seemed unstoppable with a major and inpedendant label. QSR was eventually dropped from Universal. There are albums of music that has never been released including the anticipated QSR Cartel album "3 Letters W/40 Faces" http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dpopular&field-keywords=qsr

Personal Life: Has 4 Children and a fiance'

Template talk:Infobox weapon

We need some feedback and discussions on the Idea that Armored fighting Vehicles with turrets should have separate Dimensional Values assigned to both the Hull and the Turret.--Arima (talk) 04:07, 13 August 2013 (UTC)

Hungarian tribes vs. Magyar tribes

There is an intense debate over a moving request. All comments are welcome. Fakirbakir (talk) 10:31, 29 August 2013 (UTC)

Europa Universalis government types applied in real world

I have noticed that over the past week or two, government categories from the Europa Universalis III/IV roleplaying games have started being used for real world articles in Wikipedia.

Articles defining the terms, such as Noble republic, Merchant republic, Administrative republic etc. have been expanded or created (with, it must be acknowledged, relevant references showing that they have, at least to a limited extent, already been used in real world contexts), and these categories are beginning to appear in infoboxes (e.g. Corsican Republic has been changed from Constitutional Republic to Administrative Republic; the Republic of Venice from Oligarchic Republic to Merchant Republic).

While the new designations tend to be quite appropriate, I am concerned that Europa Universalis, well-thought-out though it is, is not what most people would consider a Reliable Source- and is indeed not being credited as the source anyway.

David Trochos (talk) 16:35, 30 August 2013 (UTC)

Should pages for Guttermouth discography and Uproar Festival 2010 (along with other years) be created?

I wish to start a discussion about whether or not pages for Guttermouth discography, Uproar Festival 2010, Uproar Festival 2011, Uproar Festival 2012 and Uproar Festival 2013 should be created. I have posted on the relevant talk pages, Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Music and Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Music/Noticeboard, and I feel that I have exhausted every option other than RfC. --Jax 0677 (talk) 16:27, 4 September 2013 (UTC)

Gedion Zelalem

Should not the Gedion Zelalem able to get one side he is a part of Arsenal FC first team squad. Feels like he's relevant now.

Talk:List of new religious movements

Is Landmark Worldwide (previously known as, Landmark Education, The Forum, est, etc.), which is discussed in the scholarship on new religous movements, eligible for inclusion in the List of New Religious Movements? • Astynax ^talk 08:41, 3 September 2013 (UTC)

Manually listed as RFCbot is currently offline. --Tgeairn (talk) 20:44, 5 September 2013 (UTC)

I can't add a supercharger's displacement to a 2-stage engine, it keeps getting deleted by the same person even tho i have proof

GT500 has 5.8L of mechanical piston displacement & 2.3L of mechanical supercharger displacement. Both compress & displace air. The supercharger turns faster on GT500 displacing more air, increasing atmosphere & Effective displacement.

MATH: 5.8L @15psig boost = 5.8L @30psi(absolute) 5.8L @30psia =11.6L of atmosphere(14.7psia) atmosphere is 14.7psia

Commonly used calculation (14.7 + boost pressure)/14.7

Tech article: "Increasing boost to approximately 15 psi, the equivalent of two atmospheres, is sufficient to effectively double an engine's displacement along with a corresponding horsepower increase" http://www.hotbikeweb.com/tech/0903_hbkp_turbos_nitrous_superchargers/viewall.html

What is engine displacement? how much atmosphere an engine moves per 4cycles of all the pistons *Volume is adversely proportionate to pressure, so you can't tell displacement without a set pressure of atmosphere. Displacement can be noted in Volume of atmosphere displaced for supercharged engines. atmosphere is about 14.7psia @sea level but we will round to 15 for ease. 5.8L @15psia would be 5.8L of air(atmosphere(15psia)) being displaced. GT500 has 15psi boost meaning 5.8L @30psi = 11.6L@15psia or 11.6L of air. 5.8L@30psia is NOT equal to 5.8L@15psi.

Any Cylinder getting 15psi of Boost(30psia) instead of N/A atmosphere(15psia) is moving(displacing) twice as much air. Any air going into an engine is being displaced, air going into the supercharger @atmosphere(14.7psi) will have to displace 11.6L of air(14.7psia) to get 30psia into 5.8L of volume. Supercharger BOOST/PRESSURE is created by DISPLACING AIR. for GT500 that is 2.3L turning about five times per 2 turns of the crankshaft.

Exercises: Does GT500 engine need twice as much fuel as a 5.8L N/A, keeping the stoichiometric ratio within limit proves the engine must be displacing twice a much, raising air pressure does not lower fuel ratio requirements.

Does a supercharger agitate the air and magically make the fuel more potent a fuel source or does it increase displacement, more air = more fuel.

   If a supercharger compresses air it is a stage of the entire engine.
   are superchargers called positive displacement for a reason.
   You CANNOT compress 5.8L of air to 30psia and still get 5.8L of volume.
   supercharged engines need to lower compression ratio because they are displacing more air.

Thermal inefficiency is made up by the fact a supercharger scavenges without needing valve overlap. GT500 exhaust valve open to atmosphere leaving 14.7psia in the chamber but when the intake opens to 30psia air flows in, half of the chamber has been scavenged. GT500 9:1 compression means 5.8L would have a .64L combustion chamber, half(.32L) has been scavenged making up for 5.55% of thermal expansion on the kelvin scale.

There is no magic way to increase the air going through an engines without it being displaced

If not explain 1 SCIENTIFIC PROCESS that would cause a supercharger's actions to make more HP in any other way than increasing displacement.

an engine’s ability to make power is directly proportionate to the amount of air and fuel that can be brought into the combustion chamber. The Magna Charger supercharger increases the displacement or “blows” more air into the engine. This is called “forced induction,” [1]

Simplest way to understand it: Put 15psi(absolute) in 5L you are displacing 5L of atmosphere Put 30psi(absolute) in 5L. That's 1atmosphere Boosted 15psi + 15psi you are displacing 10L of atmosphere Any engines pulling in 15psi Boost(30psia) instead of N/A atmosphere(15psia) is moving twice as much air 30psia is twice as much as 15psia

In one week i will being including the effective engine displacement of GT500 in the article, you have one week to get a more accurate number. ALL i need to source is GT500 15psi boost & piston's mechanical displacement to prove it's effective displacement.

11.6L is much closer to correct than 5.8L which is near to being 100% incorrect.

a supercharger is a compressor, an engine is a compressor, when rating a 2stage compressor, you don't just count one compressor!

Talk:Josh Willis

Does Josh Willis meet WP:ACADEMIC? The article was nominated for speedy deletion and I want to see what the general community of editors thinks. Jinkinson (talk) 03:49, 11 September 2013 (UTC)

Wolf attacks on humans

Primarily I dispute use of obscure historical documents, some several centuries or more old, reported by third parties and used as sources for purported factual information in article whose topic is science of animal behavoir. Secondarily, I dispute use of several highly politicized sources from left and right, on issue. I believe my concerns have been inadequately engaged on relevant talk page. I view current article as vehicle for anti-wolf faction. It has several good sources and these may be made foundation of a reasonable article...Or not. 76.250.61.95 (talk) 22:10, 12 September 2013 (UTC)

Which version needs to be included in the article?

Location - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Aam_Aadmi_Party Dispute - How to phrase Aam Aadmi Party's support to 2 protests carried out in June 2013 & September 2013?

Note:-There is no dispute over citations or references.

Version 1:

The Aam Aadmi Party has supported various regulatory complaints raised by rickshaw operators in Delhi." with two citations (one for the ads, one for the e-rickshaw stuff). or Something equivalent not exceeding one line.

Version 2:

In June 2013, Aam Aadmi Party protested Delhi Government's ban on putting ads on rickshaws & contested the issue in court which resulted in Delhi High Court ordering stay on this ban.

In September 2013, Aam Aadmi Party supported demands of battery operated rickshaw (e-rickshaw) drivers to have a clear guidelines/policy on e-rickshaws & because of environment friendly nature, suggested a subsidy on the purchase of e-rickshaws.

Those who advocate version 1 say that these protests are election related issues & will need 'more than one line' summary only if they turn out to be the deciding factor. Also inclusion of these issues with brief summary may violate WP:UNDUE policy.

Those who advocate version 2, say that logical conclusion of these protests is already reached with the help of supporting party therefore impact of these issues on Delhi Election is not a criteria at all. Moreover WP:UNDUE is not violated as it does not include anything incorrect information under the name of Aam Aadmi Party.--ratastro (talk) 12:27, 23 September 2013 (UTC)

Elemont

Elemont is a rapper from wollongong, who has regular plays on the radio. There is no Wikipedia page about him.

With a quick Google search, I could not find any sources or articles on Elemont. Could you provide some references that we could take a look at to determine whether or not he falls under Wikipedia's notability policy? If not, then he is not a notable rapper that deserves his own page. Meatsgains (talk) 01:39, 17 December 2013 (UTC)

Talk on Actor Model / Carl Hewitt

I think I might be bumping into another instance of Carl Hewitt in this discussion

I'm new to Wikipedia, so admitedly I did start the conversation in a bad manner, however I think the counter-attack is ridiculous.

Would be nice for someone neutral to step in.

Sexism article

Talk:Sexism - there is a need for help at the section about Criminal Sentencing. The discussion is taking place on the talk page of the Sexism article.2A02:2F0A:503F:FFFF:0:0:5679:42BB (talk) 02:55, 4 October 2013 (UTC)

Congressman Alan Grayson bio

The entry states that the Congressman made his substantial fortune as the 1st president of IDT Corp. Neither of the footnotes for that entry substantiate that assertion. The 1st links to the IDT website and no reference of Grayson is to be found. The 2nd link references a year 2000 legal case involving IDT and TyCom, the sole reference to Grayson is that of his law firms representation of IDT.

Andrew Lloyd Webber

Please take a look at the sources used to support the heading for Andrew Lloyd Webber and discussed on its talk page. An editor seeks to dismiss reliable sources and is politicking for support. 107.214.30.15 (talk) 23:36, 22 October 2013 (UTC)

Missing Pilot Edit Problem

I don't want to enter into a war with User JoelWhy, over this input the user has made at this location;

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valentich_disappearance&diff=579788318&oldid=579731706

A number of reversals were undertaken (see page history) with comments but it is obvious that this user will not play the wiki process.

THE ISSUE: On the following grounds that;

1. A "podcast" is not a reliable wiki source.

2. “Brian Dunning” is not notable.

3. Speculation using a fictional Movie is not relevant material to explain a real loss of life or death of a pilot.

On advice from user Darylgolden - My request is that can someone at WP:RFC look into this input/edit and make the necessary wiki fix/corrections.

Best Regards Vufors (talk) 05:29, 6 November 2013 (UTC)

Non-mainstream views of relativity

Length contraction (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

I must preface that I am a "tech-impaired" old man and find the labyrinth of this site confusing, so please excuse if this request is not in the right place specific to relativity (or move it if you will.) Regarding the goal (in “Scope and Goals”) to: "Carefully assess articles on non-mainstream views of relativity to determine if they should be in Wikipedia..." and regarding, from Policies and Guidlines: "Policies and guidelines should always be applied using reason and common sense”... There are many criticisms by well credentialed physicists of special relativity's claim of physical length contraction. I submitted Delbert Larson's (particle accelerator designer) conclusion that there is no evidence for length contraction, but my reference was not allowed in the "Length Contraction" section. There are many in the field who agree with that conclusion, but any criticism of length contraction is considered "non-mainstream" and therefore not allowed in the LC section. I ask for a "careful assessment" of the policy by which all criticism of physical length contraction (and of "contracted distances" between objects in space) is automatically considered to be coming from the "crank fringe" outside of the mainstream, therefore excluded form Wiki's presentation on LC. My contributions can be found both in the science reference desk and in the talk page on LC titled "Physical?" I hope for comments from a wide range of experts in the field. I have already been liberally insulted in the above pages for my insistence that planets and other physical objects and distances do not physically contract as a result of relativistic observation/measurement. (I was a professor of the philosophy of science and a psychologist before my retirement.) Thanks for your comments. May they please be civil and focused on the topic rather than ad hominem attacks. LCcritic (talk) 20:09, 7 November 2013 (UTC)

Talk:Sylvia Kugler

This German "author" seems to have never written more than a diploma thesis like millions of students. The other articles listed in her page cannot be found and are not referenced. Likewise, there was never a Grimme award winner named Sylvia Kugler.

213.55.76.171 (talk) 12:09, 8 November 2013 (UTC) Are you voluntary to support and establish new non profit organization in area of developing country?.

Lead section for Andrew Gilligan

I am in dispute with another editor about the removal from the lead of Andrew Gilligan of any mention of his 2003 report for the BBC. We have discussed it here: Talk:Andrew_Gilligan#Introduction_and_Leveson (you'll have to skip the parts about the Leveson issue). No one else has commented on the introduction, so it appears we are in deadlock. Assistance appreciated - thanks. UsamahWard (talk) 11:55, 15 November 2013 (UTC)

RfC on issue at Europa Report

There is an editor[[3]] who concentrates upon the single-issue of describing a certain alien creature as a specific breed of jellyfish, a ctenophore, on the Europa Report page despite having no sources for this original research. Editor consensus is that it is an inappropriate description, along with a sourced cite from the SFX people who built the alien. I assumed good faith and attempted to engage the user in the discussion process[[4]], but they switched to an IP and so far have refused to post on the relevant talk page, instead making numerous reverts on Europa Report and Ctenophora (ie. [[5]], [[6]], [[7]]) without any attempt to discuss the matter.

They do appear to be a brand new editor without knowledge of the Wikipedia basics, and do not seem to understand the Wiki definition of "reference", so I continue to WP:AGF. I am an inexperienced editor myself and have not engaged in the dispute resolution process before, and do not know how to contact an IP editor who avoids discussion. WP:RFC seems to be the proper next step if discussion cannot solve the issue. Could a more experienced editor take a look and let me know how to contact 71.174.143.126, and advise on the proper next step to somehow get this editor to join in the discussion and consensus process? Thank you! - Syd (talk) 21:22, 20 November 2013 (UTC)

The issue has been resolved as of Nov 25th, with a template and temporary block. Hopefully the editor will now join the discussion. - Syd (talk) 21:13, 3 December 2013 (UTC)

Location of Eskimo-Aleut language family within Russia

I wish to be more specific about the range in which these languages are found in Russia. The Russian Far East is a more specific and precise term in comparison to a much more vast territory known as Siberia (which also is only quasi-correct: More definitions of Siberia exclude the area in question than include it). The talk page is located at Talk:Eskimo-Aleut Languages: Siberia99.236.215.170 (talk) 22:45, 3 December 2013 (UTC)

Help reach consensus on the Sasanian Empire Talk Page on regards to a new map!

A few months ago, I put in a request on the Wikipedia Map Workshop for a new map of the Sasanian Empire to be made by the Wikipedia map cartographers. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Graphics_Lab/Map_workshop#New_Sasanian_Empire_Map.21

They told be that before they could make the new map, a consensus on the Sasanian Empire talk page must be reached first. So I went back on to the Sasanian Empire talk page and did just that. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sasanian_Empire#Recommendations_to_Map_workshop_team

I have been trying to build a consensus on the Sasanian Empire talk page for months. For a little while it was successful, two people responded to the topic on the talk page with one whole agreeing with my proposal and the other having a different proposal entirely, but that was months ago and no one has responded to the topic since then. That being said, I would like a request for comments on the Sasanian Empire talk page to help reach a consensus on this topic:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sasanian_Empire#Recommendations_to_Map_workshop_team

Regards! :D Keeby101 (talk) 11:26, 7 December 2013 (UTC)

Request for comments on Sasanian Empire talk page about a new map!

Background:A few months ago, I put in a request on the Wikipedia Map Workshop for a new high quality map of the Sasanian Empire to be made by the Wikipedia map cartographers. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Graphics_Lab/Map_workshop#New_Sasanian_Empire_Map.21

They told be that before they could make the new map, a consensus on the Sasanian Empire talk page must be reached first. So I went back on to the Sasanian Empire talk page and did just that. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sasanian_Empire#Recommendations_to_Map_workshop_team

Current:I have been trying to build a consensus on the Sasanian Empire talk page for months. So far only two people have responded to the topic on the talk page with one whole agreeing with my proposal and the other having a different proposal entirely, but that was months ago and no one has responded to the topic since then.

That being said, I would like a request for comments on the Sasanian Empire talk page to help reach a consensus on this topic!

Please see and comment on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Sasanian_Empire#Recommendations_to_Map_workshop_team

Regards! Keeby101 (talk) 08:23, 12 December 2013 (UTC)

72.68.218.68 (talk)Kincaid Expedition, March 190972.68.218.68 (talk) 17:58, 13 December 2013 (UTC)

Hi Wiki, I am wondering why no mention/articles exist regarding the Kincaid Expedition to the Grand Canyon in March 1909. Supposedly, Ancient Egyptian artifacts were discovered, before the Smithsonian shut the Expedition down and sealed the entrance. Thanks for your time. Sincerely, Jesse http://io9.com/5875252/when-the-smithsonian-discovered-an-ancient-egyptian-colony-in-the-grand-canyon

The Cranbrook Incident - Romney lost the election, can we finally discuss the truth on Wikipedia

During a political campaign any negative information about a candidate is highly objected to. A very big story hit the papers worldwide about Mitt Romney. It was termed the Cranbrook Incident. This was a well researched piece of journalism by a top newspaper that was backed up by interviews that cast Romney in a poor light. Enough jumped on this issue to squash the page and keep it off wikipedia. The only record of this giant media event that Wiki now has is a tiny one line within the bio for Mitt Romney that calls them school pranks and he doesn't remember what everyone was talking about. Romney lost, and he lost badly despite a huge flux of cash from Super PACS. It is my view that historians years from now will want to examine the reasons why he lost so badly. Everywhere but here on Wikipedia they will find lots of information. So everyone. Politics no more. This is now historical. I saved the page on my sandbox.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Pbmaise/sandbox#Mitt_Romney_Cranbrook_incident

Can we tell historical truth?

Pbmaise (talk) 11:36, 15 December 2013 (UTC)

WP: NFCC

I would like some input on this as there is some conflict over interpretation of this guideline, particularly the third guideline which states:

"Minimal usage:

Minimal number of items. Multiple items of non-free content are not used if one item can convey equivalent significant information.

Minimal extent of use. An entire work is not used if a portion will suffice. Low- rather than high-resolution/fidelity/bit rate is used (especially where the original could be used for deliberate copyright infringement). This rule also applies to the copy in the File: namespace."

• Some users are choosing to interpret this as an image should be used, even multiple NFC images, over a video as it is somehow lesser. This is confusing to me, mostly because they are using this interpretation to enforce against video related content regardless of its usage or justification, that an image should always be used over a video, even though the guideline mentions video related content and does not state, even loosely, that one should be picked over another.

• My read of this guideline is that the NFC content should be minimal measured against teh source, be this a 12 hour game, a 2 hour film, or a 2 minute trailer on youtube, it should be as minimal as possible while conveying as much as possible. It does not speak against video, and a well curated video, much like a sound file or image, is preferable over one just inserted for the sake of it, and of course that a single file, in this case a short video demonstrating multiple things, is preferable to several images displaying the same.

However, the former argument is being used heavily despite it being a very strict and abstract interpretation of the text cited at the beginning, and the lack of any guidelines on Wikipedia which argue against the usage of appropriate videos, music or images, appropriate being the important qualifier. Am I wrong here? We use videos in many articles effectively when it broadens understanding. DWB (talk) / Comment on Dredd's FA nom! 17:13, 24 December 2013 (UTC)

Attention for the page: List of countries and dependencies by area.

Attention for the page: List of countries and dependencies by area. I just wanted to let you guys know that French Guiana is not on that list and that Suriname is not the smallest country in South-America. Please amend it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_and_dependencies_by_area

Delete own user pages

Here is a proposal to give the user permission to delete his/her user pages and subpages. Else they have to nominate them for deletion and an admin have to delete it for them. Too long process. Herald talk with me 14:07, 10 January 2014 (UTC)

Want to find any family of Julius Krycki, born in the late 1800's and moved to america in 1900'sGalloping stallion (talk) 08:45, 12 January 2014 (UTC)

I am the grand daughter of a very brave man named Julius Krycki. He emigrated to America in the early 1900's. Lived in Union, Missouri (America)and married and had 4 children. He worked in a shoe factory for years. Very loving and kind. Before he left he had brothers and sisters and parents. I guess there may be nieces and nephews still there. A priest helped him leave the country. I'd love to have contact with any of his relatives still living or who knew of him. Louise

Could someone write an article about this guy? He's inspiring and I want to write about him in my graduation speech.

He came and talked at my high school about entrepreneurship. He reminds me of Blake Mycoskie.

His name is Krish Himmatramka.

He recently drank dirty water in the USA to bring attention to the water crisis: http://myfoxhouston.com/story/24377190/2014/01/06/young-houstonian-drinks-dirty-water-raise-awareness

He is also the founder of Do Amore Rings, a social-enterprise that is giving a lot of money per purchase when compared to other social-enterprises. I don't mind being a contributor, but I don't know how to start an article. In order to quote him in my graduation speech, he must meet certain requirements... he meets all of them except the box where I'm supposed to put a link to his Wikipedia Page. Thank you! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Kzhilton (talk • contribs) 16:53, 14 January 2014‎ (UTC)

I suggest you use your speech research to write the article. Sign posts with four tildes (4x~), by the way. Britmax (talk) 09:19, 15 January 2014 (UTC)

hello 01:21, 11 May 2014 (UTC) It could be a great learning experience for you to start the article. Make sure that every statement is objective, though - encyclopedia style. Try to get the historical perspective on the subject, or his current cultural impact/influence. You'll make mistakes, and perhaps earn certain editors enmity, but you can learn a lot, and editing Wikipeida articles can definitely make one a sharper writer. Go for it!

RfC notice: Superpower article

I opened an RfC entitled "RFC: Superpower article revision, no POV" on the superpower articles talk page. Please join the discussion. Antiochus the Great (talk) 22:53, 17 January 2014 (UTC)

I made a reply there too. This is a lot of sources on the Superpowers that were removed Dec 28, 2013[[8]] on that article that has been under a lot of heat since Dec 28, 2013. I find it offensive to an editor to call Russian Nationalist for POV pushing (I'm not Russian but the comment made is racist). I stated in my earlier comments on a thread left on Acroterion[9]. The point is, there's a problem with the newer version, it removes too much sources and clearly is sending the message in the wrong direction on edits made by one editor[10] 23:14, 30 December 2013‎ by Antiochus the Great (talk | contribs)‎(37,169 bytes)(-4,976)‎(tidy-up, re structure and paragraphing). I will note, there was no prior talk on these edits, it was push with discussion. Too much at once, is clearly wrong for this article.

Comments here left on Acroterion:

You can start another dicussion but you appear to be in the mess of the edit war Antiochus the Great. Acroterion I sent Antiochus the Great on his talk page to appear of using another ip and engaged in an edit war using the ip 109.76.220.159 and Antiochus the Great of POV pushing but he quickly removes my comments[11]. I looked at the history of the Superpowers[12] and Superpowers talk[13] but the result has been under edit war since Dec 28[14] and the discussion has been minor on there part. If you start with an edit, then talk first but the action Antiochus the Great has taken has been too much and no real discussion for such. There are disagreements but that is not stoping edit push. I think there is no resolution if this continues like what I see here[15][16][17][18] as this matter was never discussed, it just appeared without any talk, this is a problem.--103.1.153.206 (talk) 19:50, 17 January 2014 (UTC)

:Where did you get Russian national POV? I'm born and live in America. I have read Wikipedia's policy on maintaining POV and appeared to be using as required. This was my comments over there but no reply.--103.1.153.206 (talk) 23:32, 17 January 2014 (UTC)

Talk:List of military occupations

Should the Hawiian Kingdom (Currently the state of Hawaii of the United States) be removed from current states occupied by a military power? Do the sources to justify it seem reliable? The proponent for it's inclusion suggests the Apology Resolution is a legal admittance that Hawaii was illegally annexed and later illegally made a state. He claims one peer reviewed source. The source being a David Sai Phd. One of the lead proponents as I understand for what I'd call a Hawaii secessionist movement which seems rather fringe. The proponent for the inclusion insists that his sources must be completely refuted for it to be removed. If anyone has any reliable sources for the inclusion of Hawaii or opinion on the removal of Hawaii it would be appreciated.198.45.184.25 (talk) 16:33, 20 January 2014 (UTC)

politics behind me.it is very important to note one thing.according to the research I made from the MEMORIOL LIBRARY at the university of Nairobi,ECONOMIC POWER IS THE AVENUE TO ATTAIN POLITICAL POWER,through empowering our people,on the need to stabilize themselves,economically we are able to have an inflencial political move were the people understand the relationship between economics and politids— Preceding unsigned comment added by Aggrey ndeda (talk • contribs)

You know we often face the limitation of online sources being strongly skewed toward current and more recent topics. I tend to think a reasonable assumption can be made that reliable sources do exist in the history of Hawaii on the illegality claim. How ever ridiculous it may seem, I feel the claimant is correct in light of the current WP:NPOV not clarifying its application on yes/no (or inclusion/exclusion in cases of listing and categorizing) situations where WP:UNDUE cannot handle well. I wish if I could support your argument, but insisting on the fringe nature of the particular source may go against the spirit of NPOV as long as no qualifying statement or adjustment is made to WP:NPOV.

I am requesting for comments on a similar NPOV situation with wider scope in how to describe people from disputed areas at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Biography#Nationality of people from disputed territory/country/colony/region and your comments would be welcome. Yiba (talk | contribs) 04:39, 1 April 2014 (UTC)

Nicolas Maduro

There is evidence that the current president of Venezuela is Colombian born and raised. Please mention this in the article, as well as the evidence that he was made president by cheating in the elections by discarding votes. Please mention more about what is really happening under his rule. The current article is too short, and says very little about Venezuelan corruption. It also fails to mention his Anti-American speeches, etc.

Request for Help with Medical Research issue - not sure where it goes.

I am looking for a little help. We've been talking about the Qigong article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Qigong for quite a while now, and seem to be stopped by a few people who don't appear to want to allow any changes at all. I've been asking them to provide some alternative wording that would be acceptable, but am having difficulty getting past the discussion. Here is what I set up: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Qigong#Another_Attempt_at_Consensus_-_Intro_statement_on_Research

Was this appropriate? Is there anything else I can do to make the situation clearer? I'm not sure how to tag the discussion with rfc or I would do that. But most especially I don't know which page this issue should go on under request for comment. Math and Technology? There doesn't appear to be one for Health or Medical issues.

Any help you can give would be most appreciated. CJ (talk) 17:18, 16 February 2014 (UTC)

iOS 7

In the Reception section of the iOS 7 page, a user is insisting that it read, "iOS 7 has received positive reviews". Yet, I can cite numerous reliable sources that state clear negative reviews such as Mashable and Digital Trends. Should we compromise that "iOS 7 has received generally mixed reviews"?

Need editing help pls

Yoshiyahu Yosef Pinto

front page news of many papers indictment money laundering. need assistance adding pls http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/.premium-1.575555

Israel attorney general announced would indict a major rabbi on many serious charges - and have been unable to add to lead of his story. http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Rabbi-Pinto-to-be-indicted-for-bribery-341240 http://news.nana10.co.il/Article/?ArticleID=1037567

This rabbi has claimed he predicted 9/11 http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4487744,00.html http://www.buzzfeed.com/rosiegray/new-york-republican-accused-of-blackmailing-rabbi-called-isr

Pinto & wife were previously arrested http://english.themarker.com/the-life-of-a-rabbi-diamonds-suits-and-hamptons-summers-1.402506

Pinto & Financial Mismanagement http://www.forward.com/articles/136250/

There are many sources and was hoping for fair eyeballs. 65.112.21.194 (talk) 10:34, 21 February 2014 (UTC)

Problem with bithdate of many people

Hi,

I'm not a wiki contributor but I've seen this problem :

There's a lot of errors in the information toolbox, where the number of the month of year and the number of the day is inverted. Example

Eminem (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eminem) : October 17, 1972 What is in the bday span related to the toolbox : 1972-10-17 What is displayed : October 17, 1972 -> Great !

Florienco Abad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florencio_Abad) : July 13, 1954 What is in the bday span related to the toolbox : 1954-13-07 What is displayer : January 7, 1954 -> No !

Rasri Balenciaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasri_Balenciaga) : August 22, 1990. What is in the bday span related to the toolbox : 1990-22-08 What is displayed : October 8, 1990 -> No !

Is there a way to detect and automatically fix that in Wikipedia ? These are not isolated facts. I can estimate this problem on 0.07% Of the pages of category "Living People".

Regards,

SCUM Manifesto - Violence as a literary device or hate speech?

Requesting other perspectives in this debate over whether the SCUM Manifesto should be added to the category 'Violence against men' or if its satirical writing nature undermines this. Need NPOV to intervene. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:SCUM_Manifesto#Vote_for_categorizing_this_article_under_.22Violence_against_men.22

Talk:Azerbaijan

I created the "Name of Azerbaijan" section in the article Azerbaijan, where the usage of the term "Azerbaijan" was described. Here we could see a lot of sources claiming that the term "Azerbaijan" was used also for the lands on the north side of Aras river. In the map "Russia at the Caucasus" we can see it very well. I think in this section we can use this map which illustrates this fact very well.

But user Divot claims that the map is wrong. I don't agree with him, because there are no any sources saying that "the map is wrong".

Hablabar and Roses&guns don't want to see this section in the article. They see there some WP:CHERRY and some propaganda. But I don't see here any cherry and propaganda. In my opinion the section is about the usage of the term "Azerbaijan" in the region in the different periods of history and is based on several reliable sources (e.g. Iranica).

There were a lot of discussion on this issue, but the result was the dead end. See:

• Talk:Azerbaijan#Map for the section Name of Azerbaijan
• Talk:Azerbaijan#New Section Name Azerbaijan
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution noticeboard#Azerbaijan
• Wikipedia:Requests for mediation/Azerbaijan

The mediation was closed because two users (Hablabar and Roses&guns) didn't join. So the question is still open without argumented decision. --Interfase (talk) 12:09, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Talk:Khojaly Massacre Memorials

Users LGA and Hablabar without any consensus redirected[19][20] the article about Khojaly Massacre Memorial in Berlin to the article Khojaly Massacre Memorials. The articles about this monument we have in Azerbaijani, German and Russian Wikipedias. As a result a lot of information about this memorial was just deleted. Also the image of this monument is unused and is going to be deleted. I didn't see any argumented and normal reason for redirecting. There were a lot of useful information about this monument based on independent and reliable sources. I think that the article about this memorial in Berlin must be restored. We can have both articles about the list of memorials and about each memorial (from this list) itself.

Discussion was on the talk page: Talk:Khojaly Massacre Memorials. I filled the request on Wikipedia:Dispute resolution noticeboard, but neither user LGA nor Hablabar didn't join.

I'd like an outsider to judge matters from the viewpoint of Wikipedia policies and conventions: are separate articles warranted, or not? The question is still open. --Interfase (talk) 12:17, 18 March 2014 (UTC)

Do companies have an automatic right to have a link to their website?

External links policy allows links to company websites to show how a company sees itself. It does not say we have to have them or that there is any "right" to a link. If websites such as this which is under discussion at Talk:Ensignbus are pure advertising and seem to have no encyclopedic merit should they be included.--Charles (talk) 09:52, 24 March 2014 (UTC)

The only "rights" article subjects have is not to be defamed or misrepresented. That said, it is rather unusual to have an article about a subject that does have an official website and not include a link to that site. Such an exclusion would have to be well motivated, but it has nothing to do with any "rights". Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 06:41, 16 April 2014 (UTC)

John kornblum deliberately left out the name of his first wife of 23 years

Kornblum was married to Birgit Schonefeld for 23 years but failed to include this information. It was she who enhanced his career.

Should a consumable item be characterized as "medicine" or "medicinal" if there is no peer-reviewed published literature indicating actual medicinal value?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Seahorse#Medicine.3F

Thanks.

12.130.161.8 (talk) 00:14, 3 April 2014 (UTC)

Stoning

There is a need for a third opinion from neutral editors on the lede of the article Stoning.

The discussion is taking place at Talk:Stoning.

An editor is removing sourced information from the lede; is removing a map on the legality of stoning; and is misrepresenting sources.

The originl lede included this:

Stoning remains a legal form of judicial punishment in Iran, Qatar, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Northern Nigeria, Terengganu in Malaysia, Aceh in Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. Stonings after legal procedures have been reported only in Iran and Somalia; although several other countries practice extrajudicial stoning, while several others have sentenced people to death by stoning, but have not carried out the sentences.

and this map:

Countries with stoning as a legal penalty

  In law but no longer in use

−

  In law and in use

−

  In law, not actively in use at a regional level

The user has removed much of the information, as well as the map. The user has added to the lede: "In modern times, false allegations of stoning become part of political propaganda, as in case of Iran

and has refused a compromise that would read:"Iran has claimed that in modern times false allegations of stoning have become part of political propaganda."

Some help here would be appreciated.2A02:2F0A:507F:FFFF:0:0:BC19:9E5E (talk) 12:39, 4 April 2014 (UTC)

Talk:Coat of arms of Mauritius

Because of the difference in opinion of which COA should be used in articles, I am asking for a wider community consensus. Which file should rather be used on the english wiki, the work by Escondites or the updated one by Kingroyos? Kingroyos (talk) 19:04, 11 April 2014 (UTC)

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

A request for comments on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater article has been posted on the article's talk page. Please contribute your thoughts and ideas. 71.139.142.29 (talk) 14:33, 14 April 2014 (UTC)

Should a link to the WikiMedia Foundation Shop appear in the navigation menu of Wikipedia?

See this thread for background about this issue (help desk diff: [21])

A link to the WMF shop [22] now appears in the navigation menu of Wikipedia by default. The link can be disabled by individual users by changing user preferences.

The shop sells products such as T-Shirts, and all profits of the shop go to the WMF. In this regard, the shop has been likened to being no different to the long standing "donate to Wikipedia" link.

The shop link was implemented by the WMF with no previous discussion about whether it should appear in Wikipedia. WMF does not act based on Wikipedia consensus, but rather acts based on the consensus of the developers, who take Wikipedia consensus into account.

This RfC seeks to poll the community opinion regarding this issue, and when discussion has taken place to forward the consensus to the WMF developers for feedback.

Theoretically, there are 4 options:

1. No WMF shop advertising on Wikipedia
2. Wikipedia users can set their preferences to opt in to see WMF shop advertising
3. WMF shop advertising appears by default. Individual Wikipedia users can set their preferences to opt out not to see it (current situation)
4. WMF shop advertising on WP, no opt out option.

— Preceding unsigned comment added by Lesion (talk • contribs)

Support #2: Wikipedia users can set their preferences to opt in to see WMF shop advertising

• Support #2-- Shop link should be opt in, not opt out. Lesion 18:54, 14 April 2014 (UTC)

Support #3: Status quo: WMF shop advertising appears by default. Individual Wikipedia users can set their preferences to opt out not to see it

• Support status quo. I really can't see a problem with this. It's just another way to donate to the Foundation, just like the "donate to Wikipedia" link immediately above it, the Foundation does not make any profit from it, as all profits are explicitly used to support movement goals. I'm not sure the particular project they are supporting through it is that great an idea, but it certainly doesn't offend me or breach any of the Foundation's or movement's ethical principles. Users can already opt out from this via CSS, if they care enough, so there's no need for a specific mechanism for disabling this. -- The Anome (talk) 19:09, 14 April 2014 (UTC)
• Support per The Anome - this is much ado about nothing. The WMF has a long established right to solicit fundraising on the English Wikipedia - and any of the other websites that it owns. The link goes to the Wikimedia Shop which is simply a fundraising mechanism for the WMF. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 12:16, 15 April 2014 (UTC)

Support #4: allow, no opt out mechanism

• I really don't think anyone is proposing this option: it would involve extra effort to remove the CSS opt-out mechanism, and I'm pretty sure no-one at the WMF is considering this, since they have already taken some care to make the CSS opt-out possible in the first place. -- The Anome (talk) 19:16, 14 April 2014 (UTC)

Talk:2014

Should calendar pages--especially of the current year--include a list of that year's major religious holidays (such as Easter Sunday, Yom Kippur or Ramadan? --CalendarWatcher (talk) 03:48, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

Admins (and others that choose to comment) please note that a discussion here resulted in a clear consensus that the Holidays sections be removed from Year articles (they appear to only have existed for 2006-2015). DerbyCountyinNZ ^{(Talk Contribs)} 09:04, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

There were only a handful of editors involved in that discussion, and the outcome was to remove because it was noticed that there would likely be disagreement on what constituted a major holiday, not because it was clear that major holidays do not merit inclusion. Easter, for example, is internationally and theologically significant and celebrated by billions, many of whom are likely to type a recent year into the search box to find when it was, or more importantly, will be. It is my viewpoint that those events should be reinstated, as these holidays are excessively covered by primary sources and are global events. Elassint ^Hi 14:08, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

Global? That's just silly. Or ignorant. Or arrogant. Examples please. Pretty sure Easter's not a holiday in India, or China, or any Muslim country. That's taking a lot away from "global". And have you actually checked our definition of holiday? HiLo48 (talk) 04:11, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

Regarding Creation Narratives

Greetings! There is a discussion here that recently open up and it will be gaining notoriety in the near future as a hot topic. It is liable to cause some issues, especially NPOV related ones. Administrator and experienced user input is requested. მაLiphradicusEpicusთე 21:15, 20 April 2014 (UTC)

The mere fact that a self-declared Christian and Calvinist editor unilaterally shut it down hasn't exactly hasn't exactly cooled things off. It's now been re-opened, but peace shouldn't be expected any time soon with that kind of behaviour. HiLo48 (talk) 04:16, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

Skyhook (structure)

I have been attempting to write an article on Skyhooks on the Skyhook (structure) page, and have been running into non-stop vandalism from a specific wiki editor. I have attempted to engage this editor in rational discussion but to no avail. You can see it all on the Talk page for the article. Now this editor has locked the article with his vandalism in place. It is an issue that needs to be resolved and I would appreciate someone investigating the issue. I also tried taking it to the wikiproject spaceflight discussion board and was told by a police dispatcher there that my article "pays no heed to reality." I responded with peer reviewed references from NASA, Lockheed Martin, a former astronaut, and others, that are all to the contrary. Now all I am getting is silence. Is there anyone here with an aeronautical engineering/spaceflight background, who has the authority to resolve this?

Business Page for: Globus Medical Inc.

Request a business page for Globus Medical Inc. They do not currently have a page and are a public company.

Lev Nusberg

According to most research materials, the name is primarily transliterated from the original Russian to spell Nussberg (although occasionally, but rarely, Nusberg). The main title of the wikipage should be adjusted to Lev Nussberg, while within the text it should refer to "also known as" or "also referred to as" Lev Nusberg.

The Deutsch page has it spelled correctly, except the "V." initial must be removed from the main title.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lev_V._Nussberg

Please assist.

Template Talk:Islam#Inclusion of Ahmadiyya

There is a discussion whether (oft-repeated) discussion whether Ahmadis should be classified as Muslims or not and hence whether they should be placed in the Template:Islam--Peaceworld 16:06, 28 April 2014 (UTC)

RfC: Citizenship Issue for Spanish Catalan biographical articles

Dear Wikipedia community,

I'd like to ask what is the WP policy for biographical articles of notable people born in Catalonia. I have noticed that recetly, some biographical articles of Spanish personalities born in Catalonia have a lede that looks more or less like this:

-Whoever- is a Spanish Catalan -WhateverTheyAre-... Ex. Antoni Gaudí

In most articles however it is mentioned that the personality is Spanish only:

-Whoever- is a Spanish -WhateverTheyAre-... ex. Dalí

I think that in such a sentence in the lede of biographical articles, wikipedia generally referes to the citizenship of the person in particular.

Since Catalonia is not a state, as of today, I think it is not neutral to add Catalan next to Spanish because it might create the impresion on the reader that both are Citizenships.

in addition to this, I think that all these types of articles should follow some kind of uniformity or gidance to make them more neutral on these issues.

What is your opinion? Thanks Arcillaroja (talk) 13:38, 30 April 2014 (UTC)

I was randomly selected to comment on this. I agree that the wording should be clear about citizenship, but many articles are more specific about the ethnicity or specific birthplace of a person. "Spanish" before "Catalan" seems redundant, since I am assuming that all people born in Catalonia will be Spaniards. Maybe "a whatever title from Catalan, Spain" or some such? Please do not give too much weight to this opinion, since I am going only by the map, and know little about the politics of this area of the world. —Anne Delong (talk) 00:41, 1 May 2014 (UTC)

The guideline, Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Biographies, generally covers this field, which states lede should include "location, nationality, or ethnicity" as a part of context. It further explains that the context is mostly the country of which the person is a citizen, national, or permanent resident in modern-day cases. The guideline does a poor job of explaining what a 'national' for the purpose of Wiki biographies mean (Wikipedia:Nationality is a redirect link back to this section in the guideline), but it is reasonable to treat the term including ethnicity and regional/cultural affiliation, in addition to "subjects under state and/or sovereign power and protection". As I see the use of the word 'country' in the explanation is causing a lot of confusion and mis-interpretation of the guideline, I am contemplating a change. (Please see this discussion if you are interested.)

WP:NPOV is clear on things that can be viewed from two (or more) opposing (or different) points of view, that they need to be described/presented as such, never to be presented with one-sided view point. So when there likely are two groups of reliable sources, one describing the person Catalan (as ethnicity or cultural/regional affiliation) and another describing the same person Spanish (as citizenship or legal nationality), it is in accord with Wiki policy (WP:MOS is a guideline, WP:NPOV is a policy with higher priority) to list both descriptions with due weight. So while I clearly see the poorly defined guideline is confusing, I would generally support the use of "Spanish Catalan". (When a biography article says "American Indian", I don't see many readers taking it to mean the person holding two citizenships, and to a less degree, the same with Spanish Catalan or similar description.) I agree that there should be clearer guidances in this field, and contributions to the above mentioned discussion would be appreciated. Yiba (talk | contribs) 06:27, 1 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you for your help! From what I read in the lengthy concussion and research conducted, I understand that according to guidelines for body text, a solution could be something like:

Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was a Spanish Catalan architect from Reus ==> Antoni Gaudí i Cornet was an architect born in Reus, Catalonia.

Is this an acceptable solution?

Please note that this is a highly controversial topic of Spanish internal politics, as secessionist movements in Catalonia are presently on the rise. I thought that circumventing the hole nationality issue could help to solve it. It does however bother me the wording as it is now since, it automatically implies that nationalistic views are pressed in the article. Spain is one of the most decentralized states in the world. Nevertheless, the concept of country as recognized by the Spanish constitution is very clear: there is only one country, Spain. The rest are carefully named as Historic Nationalities. Putting two adjectives (Spanish Catalan) in the same part of the sentence implies that both words are members of the same category. And there is where the discussion comes. I am in favor of removing this whole thing, and presenting only facts: Mr. X was born in Y. Arcillaroja (talk) 09:00, 1 May 2014 (UTC

Well, the solution you are suggesting may be acceptable to you and me, but whether it is acceptable to other editors concerned is a different matter. (I am not clear why "Catalan Spanish" implies "nationalistic view", and what this nationalistic view is. But I am not interested in the dispute, or how Catalan people consider Spanish constitution to be.) The important thing is that Wikipedia is not censored, and if your intention is to 'enforce' the suggested change, then I don't support it, and further I would strongly advise against enforcing it, even if the intention is to avoid conflicts.

Many Wikipedia articles are on politically sensitive issues, and one of the most effective solutions in avoiding edit wars and such has been to stick to the principle "Wikipedia tries to describe the conflict, not to engage in it.". (In a way, your suggested solution moves away from describing the conflict.) So my advice would be to:

1. Take a step back from your own view and try to see the other view point.

2. Try to describe the conflict from both view points, looking for ways to better describing the conflict with fair and acceptable words from both view points.

3. Refrain from (and discourage others to) using Wikipedia articles as a tool/venue to push your own view.

I know the above is much easier said than done, but to me, always reminding myself "Wikipedia does not care if an article is 'right' or 'wrong', as long as all relevant views and what they consider to be right are fairly presented." works. Yiba (talk | contribs) 06:15, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Well Yiba. I think I'll take your advice. I feel nevertheless that this whole thing is being used to "internationalize" this topic (as nationalists form the Catalan side call it) by adding it on the lede of certain bio articles. In my opinion Wikipedia is being used tendentiously because we cannot clarify why this odd Spanish Catalan term is being used in certain articles and not in others. It would be totally out of scope of the topic described in the article. I was hoping for some kind of statement but it is clear that it is kind of a large grey area. So be it then! Arcillaroja (talk) 10:58, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

The subject's ethnicity (Catalan) should only be mentioned where a. it is properly sourced and b. it is directly relevant to the their notability. Other than that the person's nationality (legally defined citizenship of a sovereign country - in this case Spain) is sufficient. Wikipedia is not here to fight anybody's cause for them - we describe only what actually exists - not what some may desire reality to be. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 11:58, 2 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you for your comments. I do agree with you. I think, that many time the ethnicity of the subjects in the bio articles is not directly relevant to the subject itself. But other could argue that that is indeed the case. Arcillaroja (talk) 17:29, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

Catalan ethnicity would be relevant in cases such as a author/poet/singer/actor who writes/performs in the Catalan dialect or a politician who supports Catalan separatism. On the other hand the ethnicity of an engineer or athlete who happens to come from Barcelona is not relevant. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 18:05, 4 May 2014 (UTC)

I should point out that in this discussion no consensus has been achieved yet, so I'd discourage Arcillaroja from starting to edit several articles just because the last comment seemed to agree with his ideas (like he just did in Salvador Dalí, Antoni Gaudí, Antoni Tàpies, and Joan Miró).

Besides, Roger (Dodger67) mentioned engineers or athletes, not cultural figures. Also, calling Catalan a "dialect" is inexact and scientifically incorrect (dialect of what? What does Wikipedia say?), so let's just not take the last comment as absolute truth (but don't read this as an angry response please, I just don't agree and everything seems to be far from clear-cut).

Also, the other wikipedians should be aware that Arcillaroja has been trying to remove the word "Catalan" from the Antoni Gaudí article for months, and other contributors have always undone his edits because of lack of consensus and because they think mentioning it is relevant for the article and not POV, as you can see on the talk page and edit history.

Remember that a lack of consensus commonly results in retaining the version of the article as it was prior to the proposal or bold edit. Thank you.--Fauban 17:45, 7 May 2014 (UTC)

Please also see the incipient discussion here. Bus stop (talk) 18:39, 7 May 2014 (UTC)

Although Wikipedia is not a democracy, consensus should always be reached. Constrictive discussions are very positive. As I said before, the main interest in this issue is how to deal with Nationality/ethnicity in Wikipedia for bio articles. In my opinion, there should be some policy in Wikipedia to harmonize the bio articles in respect to this. It is strange indeed that articles such as Picasso do not mention his ethnicity while the ones dealing with persons born in Catalonia do. In addition to this, I might remind you that this Spanish Catalan issue has arise in a relatively short period of time and coincidentally, it comes together with the current uprising of independence movements. Arcillaroja (talk) 07:45, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Sorry I forgot to answer Fauban. First, please refrain from writing about me, who you think I am or what my motivations might be. Stick to the subject. Just to clarify, I tried to revert this and other articles to their 'original state'. I have been more or less active in Wikipedia for many years, and this Spanish Catalan issue was not there not that long ago. I do not see why bio articles of people born in Catalonia should be treated any differently than other Spanish bio articles. In my view, this is a way of pushing the Catalan Nationalistic sentiment in articles that do not have anything to do with it. If you notice the discussion above, we are trying to reach a neutral way to deal with this. In any case, preset political mood should not be a reasson to change the content of articles that have nothing to do with it. It's bad for Wikipedia. Arcillaroja (talk) 08:19, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

The Spanish constitution recognizes Catalonia's Statues of Autonomy which define Catalonia as having its own national identity. Consequently, I do not see why Spanish Catalan would be problematic. "Spanish" identifies the country and "Catalan" specifies the national identity of the person who is the subject of the article. Politics are irrelevant as BOTH Spain and Catalonia agree that Catalan is a nationality. Factchecker25 (talk) 12:57, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Fully agree with Factchecker25. Arnoutf (talk) 17:29, 8 May 2014 (UTC)

Thank you for your comments. I feel that this is the core of the question as the agreement on nationality is not there. Nationality (in Spanish) is a term chosen very carefully. It has never officially been defined. You can have some background information here and here

As you can see, there is a conflict in the use and the meaning of this term. In English, nationality can mean, as talk rightly says, ethnicity among other things. This in Spanish is not always the case. And Certainly not in the case we are discussing here. I fully agree in that Catalan is a "Historic Nationality" but I don't agree in the way it is mentioned in the articles. This because in using it might seem that Catalan is a nationality in the sense of Citizenship. It also promotes nationalistic view by deliberately introducing this question into the lede of the articles. In any case, I advocate for getting rid of all this and just mention where the person was born. There is no need to mention if the person was Spanish, Catalan, both or what not... If you check Wikipedia in Catalan, you'll find that all these bio articles mention these persons just as Catalan as it is a political statement to do so. It would be very bad for Wikipedia if we let people use it for political purposes. Arcillaroja (talk) 08:33, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

But we have French art, Spanish art, the School of Paris and the New York School (of art). Styles seem to be associated with regions. Don't we inform the reader (potentially) by noting "Spanish" and/or "Catalan"? Bus stop (talk) 10:48, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

This is the English language Wikipedia. How the term "nationality" is used in the Spanish language is not relevant. Stating that "there is no need to mention if the person is Spanish, Catalan, both" is an opinion. In an encyclopedia, the goal is to avoid opinion and POV. Spain and Catolonia both officially recognize Catalan as a nationality. Whether or not it is an ethnicity or whether or not it "seems" like it could be a citizenship are questions that are outside the scope. It is appropriate to indicate nationality in the lede, Spanish Catalan is a nationality, so it is appropriate to indicate it as such. Everything else is obfuscation -- it is clear that at least one editor here is pushing an agenda to remove Catalan, an agreed upon nationality, from being depicted as such. This does not reflect present facts and is therefore not appropriate for an encyclopedic project. 71.125.17.206 (talk) 12:33, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

I'm open to friendly discussion. Catalonia is not a nation (i.e. not in the legal sense, according to the Spanish constitution, which is the document that organizes and defines the territorial organization of Spain). And please refrain yourself, this is present legal fact, not my opinion. The question of "historic nationalities" is highly controversial. My opinion, is that we could avoid the whole thing by mentioning the place of birth. The whole question of nationality is contentious specially within Spain. It is also something relatively new in a historical perspective. I don't think that Wikipedia should take part on this. Spanish Catalan implies that there are two nations, and at this moment, according to the constitution, it is not the case. Arcillaroja (talk) 13:15, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

But as the anon user above states. Spanish definition of nation does not matter, not even a little bit here. We are discussing in English, so the English definition should be the only one that has any weight. That the word is less loaded than in Spanish can be seen from Canada for example which recognizes more than 630 (!!)nations within Canada. Arnoutf (talk) 17:09, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

Dear Arnoutf, I agree with you that English is the language that we have to look at. And indeed, I'm not a native speaker and maybe I don't understand the full meaning of the word nationality in English. It is tempting to translate the word directly from Spanish since they both look very similar. But you might be right. I wanted to bring to the community's attention the fact that there are many "nationalities" recognized by the Spanish constitution (Not only the Catalan). There are also others such as Andalusia, for example. Yet, I don't see that Pablo Picasso is described as a "Spanish Andalusian" painter. Nor was Dalí until short described as a Spanish Catalan painter (perhaps because he was a notorious anti-nationalist). I see a tendentious use of Wikipedia in order to promote National identity. But that is my opinion, of course. What is not my opinion is the fact that the reform of the statute of Catalonia was rejected by the constitutional court because the word "nation" was mentioned in it. The articles containing this word were derogated. I honestly think that it is wrong to put all this issue in the lede of any Bio article. I think that there will be other editors and users that will find this odd. It is really ridiculous that the Spanish Wikipedia names them Spanish only, the Catalan wiki names them Catalan only and the English uses both. Why not setting a neutral wording? Just where they were born. Arcillaroja (talk) 18:55, 10 May 2014 (UTC)

To be honest this kind of debates have been ongoing for years. As I said elsewhere, I would be highly surprised if English words (like nation) were used in any official Spanish text, so please provide a reference stating such claims. In any case in my view it would be best if Spanish editors (including Catalans) would just back off as this issues seems to be highly sensitive to all. Arnoutf (talk) 19:04, 10 May 2014 (UTC)

psychological torture -{ 14 April 2014 }-.

96.254.150.37 (talk) 14:36, 30 April 2014 (UTC) 96.254.150.37 (talk) 14:36, 30 April 2014 (UTC)the text on psychological torture was shortened removing what forms of torture are.Restore text please. see older page on psychological torture,on wiki. before April 14 2014 .

additional field to which request for comment applies

Talk:Malakia

Complete alteration of an article by a single editor

Esoglou (talk) 17:19, 9 May 2014 (UTC)

Gary Null

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Null

He is an apparently galvanizing figure who is a New York Times Bestseller and award-winning broadcaster and producer of documentaries. Looks like his article needs more editors to give a better presentation than what is currently being offered. There appear to be editors with biases that are more interested in letting a previously biased article stand than have a fairer tone adopted.

hello 01:18, 11 May 2014 (UTC)