User:Peter/Xyrael RFA

Target start date: 2006-09-01; ending: 2006-09-08

Let's see, Xyrael is civil [1], friendly while editing [2] and helpful [3]. He has made good contributions to [4] (more than one edit) and removals from [5] from articles. Gives sensible third [6], afd [7] and rfa [8] opinions. Trusted as VandalProof moderator [9] and makes good use of it to revert vandalism [10], and welcome users [11].

Incidentally, in case anyone was missing the checklist - I have checked all the basics are okay. I've also given some fairly extensive admin coaching sessions on IRC, and will continue to make sure Xyrael knows what to do as an admin if any help is needed. So, if you agree let's get another admin to help clear those backlogs, keep the vandals in check and smooth the editing process.

Questions for the candidate

Dear candidate, thank you for offering to serve Wikipedia in this capacity. Please take the time to answer a few generic questions to provide guidance for voters:

1. What sysop chores, if any, would you anticipate helping with? Please check out Category:Wikipedia backlog, and read the page about administrators and the administrators' reading list.

A: Unfortunately, I foresee using blocking powers most as part of my fight against vandalism. I don't particularly look forward to cutting people off from editing, but I accept that it can be necessary and would use it to stop vandalism when warnings have been given out by myself or others to a sufficient degree. I should imagine that removing obvious CSD candidates during new page patrol will also be a handy skill. I would also like to take part in closing xfDs and working with WP:RFPP et al. As a metapedian, I should think I will have a lot to do.

2. Of your articles or contributions to Wikipedia, are there any about which you are particularly pleased, and why?

A: Aside from trying to play a role in AfD and 3O I have helped with the wikification and general improvement of a small number of articles, and started the Awareness WikiProject which is making progress. PolyHeme was almost entirely a copyvio and through other work I became involved in adding an image and organising the information, as well as rewriting it and then citing the page it was lifted from. I have added information to the freenode article on the server technology of the network and am working on the philosophy; it doesn't look that great at the moment but the information is there. I have some interest in the Discworld series of books and in libraries, and have made significant contributions and improvements to the article on L-space (before, after - I believe I have prompted renewed interest in the article as there have been several edits since mine that build on what I have written). Additionally, I correct spelling and grammar all over the place and have uploaded several nice images for articles. However, my biggest achievements have been with maintenance; as said before I am primarily a metapedian and I have put a lot of work into fighting vandalism, primarily with VandalProof of which I am a moderator. I also try to be a friendly and useful face around many of the IRC channels where I can be found giving advice where possible and I am a member of Esperanza.

3. Have you been in any conflicts over editing in the past or do you feel other users have caused you stress? How have you dealt with it and how will you deal with it in the future?

A: There are three links that in my opinion solve the vast majority of conflicts around here, as shown at the top of my talkpage: catalysts, civility and assuming good faith. I solve conflicts with words rather than reversions and I don't think I've ever had to revert more than once consecutively (with the exception of vandalism). I think I can farely cite the most involved events here: a dispute over civility (one, two) involving several other wikipedians and a complex mediation (one (scroll around for some more on that page), two) that spilled over onto user talk pages. Conflict is always going to be around on a project with so many folk involved, but I firmly believe that we can make a difference by using our common sense and thinking about what is best for everyone for building the encyclopedia, keeping people contributing and thinking of our eventual goals.