User talk:Itcouldbepossible/Archive 2022/January

Reusing citation

Please visit WP:REFNAME to understand how to reuse a reference in Wikipedia. 2402:3A80:1A46:59C1:7464:5E96:E0F9:F254 (talk) 14:21, 31 December 2021 (UTC)

Thanks a lot for making the change, and also linking me to the help page. It's good that you follow me everywhere and help me out. Thanks. And since you don't have an account, I would like to say 'Happy New Year' to you here on my reply. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 03:09, 1 January 2022 (UTC)

Happy New Year, Itcouldbepossible!

Happy New Year!

Hey Itcouldbepossible, Thank you very much!

Have a prosperous, productive and enjoyable New Year, and thanks for your contributions to Wikipedia.

~ ToBeFree (talk) 03:04, 1 January 2022 (UTC)

Permalinks

Hi, Itcouldbepossible, sorry I missed your follow-up question at the Teahouse; I'm glad to see that AssumeGoodWraith explained it well. ⁓ Pelagic ( messages ) 14:20, 3 January 2022 (UTC)

@Pelagic Well, no worries. Its not that you will always be ready to answer all my questions. Everyone is busy, no one is a Wikipedian by profession (as far as I know). AssumeGoodWraith has explained it to me really well. So no worries. Cheers. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 12:11, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

Blocking

You've put a block notice in an IP's talk page. But only administrators have the right of blocking any user or IP. So it won't come to any use. Thank you. Shinnosuke15, 09:25, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

@Itcouldbepossible, to add to the above, remove both "User:Enterprisey/revert-and-block.js" and "User:MusikAnimal/responseHelper" from your script list. The two are useful only to admins. Hemantha (talk) 10:59, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

@Hemantha Yes, I had installed them, and could not use them. Thanks for telling me that they are only for admins. Thanks again. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 12:07, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

@Shinnosuke15 Yes, I knew that. But, I was thinking that the user script could do more. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 12:07, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

Placing of fictitious block notice

You placed a block notice on User talk:45.249.83.111, although the user has not been blocked. A block notice will be placed (if thought appropriate) by an administrator if they block a user. You should not place a block notice, or in any other way masquerade as an administrator. --David Biddulph (talk) 09:28, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

@David Biddulph@Shinnosuke15@Hemantha First of all, let me tell you that, that IP address is my own. I edit using that. I opened my talk page in incognito mode and left a talk page message. I was testing the revert and block script. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 12:06, 5 January 2022 (UTC)

Query

Hi, Itcouldbepossible. Did you accept any form of payment to create Draft:Shreema Bhattacharjee or any other draft/article? It's very important that you answer honestly. -- Tamzin^{[cetacean needed]} (she/they) 14:00, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

Well Tamzin, I swear on Jesus, that I have not accepted any form of payment to create the draft. In fact I did not edit for money, and I hate WP:UPE. I had just created the draft, and had later forgotten about it. But it appears that it may be WP:TOOSOON to make an article regarding her.

Now, I have answered you honestly, now would you please tell me why you wanted to know this fact? What made you think that such a thing could happen? Any problem that I can assist you in? I would really love to do so. Regards. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 15:18, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) Tamzin Interesting fact to be noted that many of the drafts mentioned under User:Itcouldbepossible#Drafts_that_I_can_improve are started by editors who have been proven to be involved in sockpuppetry and/or are WP:PAID/WP:COI by media houses. Thus, Itcouldbepossible, it is important that you disclose if have been paid/sponsored by any media houses/talent management firms to create pages in Wikipedia. 2402:3A80:137B:A850:F449:1CBE:67FE:A33A (talk) 15:42, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

Ok, to make this clear, let me tell you that though it true that most of the creators of those drafts have been involved in many misdeeds as Wikipedia, but I am in no way having any conflict of interest with any of those drafts. To speak the truth, I have no conflict of interest, except the Mohun Bagan Football Team, and because of this COI, I do not even look at that page leave alone editing. I sometimes like promoting the team on social media through posts, but this is Wikipedia, and promotion is not allowed here. So, I don't even look think of promoting the football team. So is really necessary to disclose that COI on my user page. If needed, then I can obviously do it. It is best to be crystal clear in everything, to avoid any doubt. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:42, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

And, let me tell you how I found all those drafts. I am interested in Bengali TV series, films, and actors and actress. Now, "interested" does not mean "conflict of interest". People can be interested in many things, but that need not mean that I also have COI of the subject. But currently, I am focusing only on Bengali Tv series, and actors and actress. Creating articles about films is really tough. Lot of reliable sources needed.

To get those drafts, I searched with random keywords like "bengali actor", "bengali model" "indian bengali model" "bengali actress", "bengali daily soap", "bengali TV series" "bengali romantic", "bengali comedy", and so on. I also modified my search to seach for these words only in the draft space. Then, it gave a huge list of things, and I spent a couple of hours to make a shorter, and clear list out of the large raw list. So, I hope, I have cleared every thing, and also the secret behind finding all those drafts. And moreover, I don't see any problem with adding drafts created by sockpuppets, or WP:PAID editors. People don't own anything here, isn't it? No one can say "that belongs to me". So, there should not be any problem with editing or adding problematic drafts to a list. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:50, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Well I'll be honest with you about why I asked this, Itcouldbepossible. I just had a long talk with a woman who claimed to be Ms. Bhattacharjee, who insisted that she had paid someone to create that draft and who wanted to know why it wasn't in mainspace. Obviously I can't prove that she was telling the truth—it could be an elaborate troll, or she could have paid someone who failed to deliver, and then you coincidentally created the page—but I hope you can see why I'm concerned. -- Tamzin^{[cetacean needed]} (she/they) 21:15, 9 January 2022 (UTC)

Well, Tamzin, they had tried to be really clever. But it would not have worked for me. First of, Ms. Bhattacharjee is an actress and a model, who I don't think has any knowledge about Wikipedia, though I accept that this is a big project, and people are supposed to at least know about it. Well, even if she knows about Wikipedia, it would be really awkward, if they also knew about you. Then, I have to accept the fact that she is also a wikipedian, and that too, has gone through many discussions, has seen SPI cases, or to say in short, has been on Wikipedia for really a long time!!! , which is really not possible as far as I think, because in a few news interviews, she has said that she is really busy, and it has also happened, that she did not even have time to spend time on social media.

So, lets leave all these. Moreover, why you? Though, I regard you as a very capable editor and problem solver, but it is really unlikely that she also knows this fact.

Now, let me tell you, what I think. This actress, she is quite famous, not because she has done many shows, its sort of what you call "internet famous". So, many want an article on Wikipedia regarding her. So, many are trying to play the fool, claiming themselves to be her. And moreover, how do you know that the person with whom you were was a woman specifically? And my second thought is that, she could have paid someone to create a page for her, and the person who was paid, must have failed in the task. And now they are telling their client, to tell you, or ask you why the page in not in mainspace yet, or it could even be the same person who had been payed for creating the article, creating sock accounts and asking you stuff. Well, but the fact that I had created the draft merely is a coincidence with this event. And I have not accepted any payment from her, and more specifically, I have only seen here on TV and social media, and thats all. No face to face meeting.

PS: Whoever, is playing this game, may also want to put me in trouble, like they might tell you that they have told me specifically to create the draft or article. But, please know that it is false. But even, I cannot make you believe me, which is fine from your part. Why will you believe me, and not the other person? What special am I here?

So, now a suggestion from you... Should I stop working on the draft, and seek CSD? If you insist, then I have no problem doing so. Atleast in that way, I can prove that I have not accepted any payment. Waiting eagerly for your suggestion. Thanks and Regards. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:15, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply, ICBP. To clarify, the person claiming to be Ms. Bhattacharjee came to #wikipedia-en-help ^connect, rather than contacting me directly or knowing much of anything about Wikipedia. So it's not implausible that it's her. But absolutely, I have no way to verify that that person is who they said they are, and know way to verify that you're who she was referring to as the person she'd paid. (She offered to pay me to review the article! Then cursed me out when I said no. That was amusing.) As to the rest, your points are reasonable, and I will take your word for it. It's up to you whether to G7 the draft. Googling her, it looks like she might actually be notable, perhaps more so than some articles I've seen about Indian actors and actresses. If you plan to keep working on it, then that's up to you. If you don't plan to, though, deleting it might be a good way for us to spot a UPE, if someone recreates it not long after. -- Tamzin^{[cetacean needed]} (she/they) 06:30, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) @Itcouldbepossible and Tamzin: There has been instances in past where TV actress themselves have paid people to create wikipedia pages even failing WP:NACTOR. See Special:MobileDiff/1025201559 Thus, Tamzin and ICBP both of your concerns stands justified here. 2402:3A80:6DF:E366:7C83:4157:55F2:CA8C (talk) 06:43, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Well, I see, that it was a complicated piece of SPI case, and many editors were revealed in the scam. And, I was also once accused in the same case, though I think it was proved wrong. Anyway, I accept the fact, there editors sometimes charge money for creating Wikipedia pages. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:41, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

The same paid editor has also tried to create Draft:Shreema Bhattacharyajee in the past most probably in return of money from Ms. Bhattacharya. 2402:3A80:6DF:E366:7C83:4157:55F2:CA8C (talk) 06:48, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Tamzin Yes, Draft:Shreema Bhattacharjee can be created as she seems to pass WP:NACTOR and WP:GNG as Google search suggest she has performed in numerous TV series. But the article should never be created on basis of money.They should be created on her merit and notability in Wikipedia2402:3A80:6DF:E366:7C83:4157:55F2:CA8C (talk) 07:07, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes, I have thought that I will improve the draft, and I would really love, if you assist me in doing so. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:50, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes, could be, because the article, Annwesha Hazra, that the user, and his socks created was mainly promotional content, as I can see from the web.archive.com version. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:46, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

@Tamzin Well, thanks for clarifying it. I also think the same, not only considering here Instagram and Facebook fans, but seeing her acting career. So, I think it is best to develop the draft into an article. And considering the fact that there was a chat on IRC, I don't think that it was she herself, as IRC is a far fetched matter of Wikipedia, and someone doesn't know about it just like that. So, things can be quite understood, I hope. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:38, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) Please note that we do not consider notability based on Instagram, Facebook followers or YouTube subscribers on Wikipedia. Also, there are numerous examples where people pay money themselves or through their managers to get an Wikipedia article. So, I think your assumption is wrong that an actress can never create article/ pay themselves. There are numerous sites like for example UpWork where such deals take place. I think @Tamzin: will agree with above. Also, ICMB please visit WP:CHAT to understand what does IRC serve in Wikipedia. 2402:3A80:6DF:E366:7C83:4157:55F2:CA8C (talk) 07:54, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Ok, I understand. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:07, 10 January 2022 (UTC)

Tech News: 2022-02

Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. Translations are available.

Recent changes

• A oauth_consumer variable has been added to the AbuseFilter to enable identifying changes made by specific tools. [1]
• Gadgets are now able to directly include JSON pages. This means some gadgets can now be configured by administrators without needing the interface administrator permission, such as with the Geonotice gadget. [2]
• Gadgets can now specify page actions on which they are available. For example, |actions=edit,history will load a gadget only while editing and on history pages. [3]
• Gadgets can now be loaded on demand with the withgadget URL parameter. This can be used to replace an earlier snippet that typically looks like withJS or withCSS. [4]
• At wikis where the Mentorship system is configured, you can now use the Action API to get a list of a mentor's mentees. [5]
• The heading on the main page can now be configured using MediaWiki:Mainpage-title-loggedin for logged-in users and MediaWiki:Mainpage-title for logged-out users. Any CSS that was previously used to hide the heading should be removed. [6] [7]
• Four special pages (and their API counterparts) now have a maximum database query execution time of 30 seconds. These special pages are: RecentChanges, Watchlist, Contributions, and Log. This change will help with site performance and stability. You can read more details about this change including some possible solutions if this affects your workflows. [8]
• The sticky header has been deployed for 50% of logged-in users on more than 10 wikis. This is part of the Desktop Improvements. See how to take part in the project.

Changes later this week

• The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 11 January. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 12 January. It will be on all wikis from 13 January (calendar).

Events

• Community Wishlist Survey 2022 begins. All contributors to the Wikimedia projects can propose for tools and platform improvements. The proposal phase takes place from 10 January 18:00 UTC to 23 January 18:00 UTC. Learn more.

Tech news prepared by Tech News writers and posted by bot • Contribute • Translate • Get help • Give feedback • Subscribe or unsubscribe.

01:22, 11 January 2022 (UTC)

Rollback

Hi Itcouldbepossible. After reviewing your request, I have enabled rollback on your account. Keep in mind these things when using rollback:

• Getting rollback is no more momentous than installing Twinkle.
• Rollback should be used to revert clear cases of vandalism only, and not good faith edits.
• Rollback should never be used to edit war.
• If abused, rollback rights can be revoked.
• Use common sense.

If you no longer want rollback, contact me and I'll remove it. Also, for some more information on how to use rollback, see Wikipedia:Administrators' guide/Rollback (even though you're not an admin). I'm sure you'll do great with rollback, but feel free to leave me a message on my talk page if you run into trouble or have any questions about appropriate/inappropriate use of rollback. Thank you for helping to reduce vandalism. Happy editing! FASTILY 01:42, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

Well, you don't know how happy I am. Thanks a bunch Fastily. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 03:33, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

My message to You Please Reply

You bloody mary ,you son of a bitch ,you dirty dog how dare you message me, I will edit whatever I want so stay away from that this is my first and last warning. 2409:4060:2014:13C2:0:0:1D8F:38B0 (talk) 07:44, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

Well you may now. Please don't vandalize Wikipedia, and don't use these swear words. Thanks, Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:45, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

Hi Please reply

You bloody you son of a bitch you black dog you bloody mary , how dare you to edit my pages now see what I will do to you your account will be blocked immediately, so never edit my pages dare I say .And who the hell you to block me do you know who I am ,so next time be very careful. 2409:4060:2014:13C2:0:0:1D8F:38B0 (talk) 07:58, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

Hi

Please read my messages 2409:4060:2014:13C2:0:0:1D8F:38B0 (talk) 08:25, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

A questionable rollback

Greetings,

normally this kind of content isn't considered to be rollback-worthy spam, doubly so when it's in an userspace sandbox of an established editor. Jo-Jo Eumerus (talk) 19:35, 12 January 2022 (UTC)

@Jo-Jo Eumerus Oops, I am really sorry. Actually, it was my first RCP revert, and I did not quite understand what had happened. I know saying these now might look like an excuse, specifically when I am a rollbacker now. But see, I still consider myself new, and I am really really sorry that I have edited your user space. Yes, I very well know that userspaces or sandboxes are not to be edited without the owner's explicit permissions, but that was a mistake, and I did not quite understand what I had done. I am really sorry. Please forgive me this time. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:01, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@Jo-Jo Eumerus I always try to make good faith edits, but sometimes, there are mistakes from my part, so sorry. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:02, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Um, it wasn't my userspace you rolled back with your edit? Jo-Jo Eumerus (talk) 11:23, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@Jo-Jo Eumerus I actually copied the reply I had given to User:Aoba47, and forgot to modify the reply that I had sent you. So there, things get revealed now, which I had actually tried avoiding. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 12:39, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) @Itcouldbepossible: To avoid such mistakes, try to follow what is written at WP:ROLLBACKUSE 2402:3A80:1A4A:7B3E:C0C0:C3A5:DCEF:FE55 (talk) 05:22, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Thanks for the help. For the time being please look at User talk:Torterra Ketchum 5999#January 2022, where Rose Wolf has written you something. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:35, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Tip

When reverting vandalism, you really don't need to give them a level 1 warning, or 4 consecutive ones before reporting. – AssumeGoodWraith (talk | contribs) 06:05, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@AssumeGoodWraith I don't quite understand you. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:06, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@AssumeGoodWraith Can you be a little more clear? If I report without giving all warning, once an admin said that all 4 warnings are to be given before reporting to WP:AIV to give to give time to stop disruptive editing before reporting. Thats all. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:24, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Most of the time, actual vandals can be reported after 2-3 warnings and warnings can start up at 3. Maybe it's down to whatever admin is reviewing the AIV reports. I personally haven't given 4 consecutive warnings since I first joined. – AssumeGoodWraith (talk | contribs) 06:29, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@AssumeGoodWraith Please see this. We are supposed to always start with level 1 warnings, except in cases where there is a serious WP:BLP. So, it would not be right to give level 3 vandalism warnings at the very beginning. And if you are talking about giving another level 4 warnings where one already exists, which I remember doing here, then you are right. I forgot that one level 4 warning was already there. I was also busy reverting the huge number of vandalism that was taking place at the same time.

I use reply link to reply and there is a ping button to ping others, so I don't have to write so much. I just click the username, and the ping is automatically generated. Why? Doesn't the ping reach you? I remember someone also telling me how to ping properly. Is it that my pings doesn't reach you? Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:53, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

I was raised differently on the wiki, I guess.

Didn't know there was a ping button. I thought you either edited the page or used discussion tools. – AssumeGoodWraith (talk | contribs) 08:31, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

@AssumeGoodWraith Oh yes, I do that only. I thought that the reply option that turns up after comments is called "reply link". Yes, I use that only, and there is a button that look like a black user type man with a plus on his head on the top right side. I use that to ping others. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:43, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Also, you can ping easier with this template: {{ping|Itcouldbepossible}} which produces @Itcouldbepossible:

Mandela Barnes

Barnes did NOT receive a degree. That is not trashing him, merely stating fact. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2600:1011:B06D:EDD6:680F:34EE:FCAF:7D8D (talk) 06:18, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Well, I would accept the fact if you give suitable sources. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:22, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Hi Someone used swear messages on my talk page

Someone called 2409:4060:2014:13C2:0:0:1D8F:38B0 used Hindi slags and other swear messages on my talk page , and instantly deleted those messages , so can you help me please cause I am new to Wikipedia. Thank You. 115.96.140.211 (talk) 07:52, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

Hi, I will obviously help you. But there is noting posted on your talk page. What swear comments are you talking about? The IP that you told me was blocked yesterday, and I don't see that the user had written anything to you. Please could you be a little clear. Also you can create an account which has many benefits, and many editors other than me can also help you out. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:58, 13 January 2022 (UTC)

hi it's me

Yeah I told you he deleted those messages , that guy wrote to me 2 days ago and I didn't knew h is blocked , so I apologise. And I will definitely create an account but not know  probably 1 or 2 months later . Thanks.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 115.96.140.211 (talk) 09:07, 13 January 2022 (UTC) 

Ok, no problem. You can create an account when you think it is necessary for you. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:39, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Dubtown

Please stop changing the warden Washington Wikipedia. Dubtown is the nickname for Warden Washington. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 147.222.226.214 (talk) 09:06, 16 January 2022 (UTC)

Well, I don't think so. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:41, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Article

Dada Amake Ektu help korun Amar ekta Article Kore din . Email - dianahawd@gmail.com 117.226.254.55 (talk) 15:21, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Please do not respond to this as its a IP socking of Long Term Abuse (LTA) of User:Blogs19 who wants to spam and self create his article 'Susovan Sonu Roy'. He usually adds his name in different Bengali TV serials. See the complete report here 2402:3A80:1A40:D54B:6C6B:70E2:125A:2C9C (talk) 15:54, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

• Please accept my Article ... And move it to the main space. Please

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz — Preceding unsigned comment added by 117.227.3.52 (talk) 18:22, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Spamming by above LTA in disguise (IP already blocked for 31 hours). The drafts fails WP:ANYBIO and is a promotional piece. 2402:3A80:6E1:C5E0:902A:3CA:B6D7:C20 (talk) 19:21, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

• I'll pay money if you accept my draft ... Please move it to draft space ... Please

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2409:4060:211B:E63F:0:0:11AF:F8B0 (talk) 19:46, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

2409:4060:211B:E63F:0:0:11AF:F8B0 is IP of LTA User:Blogs19 (IP already blocked for 31 hours) 2402:3A80:6E1:C5E0:902A:3CA:B6D7:C20 (talk) 19:49, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

Ok, I see.. There are many things going on. In no way, I will entertain any request made by LTA abuse users. Don't worry, but thanks a lot for warning me. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:06, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Please Accept my Article ... Move it to the mainspace ... Please please please 🙏 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz Verdidiazy (talk) 07:18, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Again! please note the above user is a sock of LTA User:Blogs19 here to misuse Wikipedia for spamming and promotion. 2402:3A80:6F6:1B99:883F:EDD9:CE02:4229 (talk) 07:31, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

I understand it very well. Filed a checkuser to block the user. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:40, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Itcouldbepossible notifying the SPI case at suspect talk-page is not necessary always when the suspect is a LTA. Also, you did not provide evidences/diff. Please read instructions at WP:SPI before you open a SPI if you have not done before. Anyways, I have informed the checkusers. 42.106.204.171 (talk) 07:51, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Ok, got it. I thought diffs are not necessary, because everyone knows about the scamming. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:13, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Please accept my Article ... And move it to the main space. Please I'll pay lot of money that's out of your mind ... 💵💵💵 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz Verdidiazy (talk) 08:51, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Cannot do it. Sorry. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:52, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

You are a LTA user, evading your block. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:53, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Please I've taken money from Asim Riaz ... It will be loss for me please 😭😭😭 Verdidiazy (talk) 08:54, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Verdidiazy Sorry, I cannot help you. I don't support WP:UPE in anyway. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:00, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Try to understand I've taken money from Asim Riaz ... And it will be loss from me ... Please 🙏🙏🙏 Verdidiazy (talk) 09:01, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Verdidiazy You have taken money...so why are you telling me??? Its you who should have the headache, and not me. You can ask someone else if you like. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:03, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Please 🙏🙏🙏 I'll pay you ... I know you are improving lot of Actors page ... Please Verdidiazy (talk) 09:05, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Verdidiazy Sorry, I don't edit on Wikipedia for payment. I just spend my free time here. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:13, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

I've taken money from Asim Riaz ... Then what will happen ??? Verdidiazy (talk) 09:14, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Verdidiazy Well, if you are asking suggestions from me, then I would suggest you to return the money to him, and explain that Wikipedia is not a place for promotion. And tell him also about this project's policies, if you can. That's all I can help. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:16, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

No I can't 😭 Verdidiazy (talk) 09:21, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Verdidiazy Then, I am sorry to say, I cannot help you. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:21, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

• Hey (IP) where are you ??? Please Accept my Article ... Move it to the mainspace ... I can give you lot of 💰 ... Please 🙏https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz Verdidiazy (talk) 09:30, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

I've blocked the above for a month. Probably a sock. Deb (talk) 09:59, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Deb: Thanks, but a block for month will not help. He comes back immediately within hours of block with new account or with IPs and spam Bengali TV soaps. He is a LTA of User:Blogs19. See the old and new SPI report. 2402:3A80:1C42:4D9F:D92:493D:7642:C4C4 (talk) 10:05, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes, I've just been looking at that. The article is protected so he can't do anything beyond creating a draft. I could protect the draft as well but that seems counter-productive. Deb (talk) 10:07, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

The funny thing is that they have also asked anti vandal User:ClueBot Commons to move the draft. See Special:MobileDiff/1066309475. Thanks. 2402:3A80:1C42:4D9F:D92:493D:7642:C4C4 (talk) 10:13, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Hilarious. Can't see that working. Deb (talk) 11:06, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

New account

Hello Itcouldbepossible. Since you messaged me on my first account, I want to let you know that I think I accidentally got logged out, and I forgot my password. So please redirect any messages you have for me to this account. Just giving you a heads-up :). Sincerely, CertifiedAmazing2 (talk) 18:31, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

@CertifiedAmazing2 Ok, I understand. You can add email to your new account, so that you can reset your password if you ever forget it. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:58, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Tech News: 2022-03

Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. Translations are available.

Recent changes

• When using WikiEditor (also known as the 2010 wikitext editor), people will now see a warning if they link to disambiguation pages. If you click "Review link" in the warning, it will ask you to correct the link to a more specific term. You can read more information about this completed 2021 Community Wishlist item.
• You can automatically subscribe to all of the talk page discussions that you start or comment in using DiscussionTools. You will receive notifications when another editor replies. This is available at most wikis. Go to your Preferences and turn on "Automatically subscribe to topics". [9]
• When asked to create a new page or talk page section, input fields can be "preloaded" with some text. This feature is now limited to wikitext pages. This is so users can't be tricked into making malicious edits. There is a discussion about if this feature should be re-enabled for some content types.

Changes later this week

• The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 18 January. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 19 January. It will be on all wikis from 20 January (calendar).

Events

• Community Wishlist Survey 2022 continues. All contributors to the Wikimedia projects can propose for tools and platform improvements. The proposal phase takes place from 10 January 18:00 UTC to 23 January 18:00 UTC. Learn more.

Tech news prepared by Tech News writers and posted by bot • Contribute • Translate • Get help • Give feedback • Subscribe or unsubscribe.

19:53, 17 January 2022 (UTC)

about speedy deletion

hello. why you put speedy deletion on my article ? you said is only to promote can you show me what i'm promoting ? Sal Rich is an entreprenneur well know is facebook page is verifed. i wrote about him and his company with notable sources . remove the speedy deletion. this is not good . — Preceding unsigned comment added by Imcherokeedazz (talk • contribs) 08:01, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

@Imcherokeedazz The page that you are continuously moving to mainspace, is made for promotional purposes. Wikipedia is not a place for promotion. Please see WP:PROMO for more information. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:04, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Advice

Hi. Thanks for your question. You said "But could you change the type of salt to extended confirmed users." I understand your point of view so I will explain. I made it admins only because I don't think that there will ever be an article about this person unless it's created by someone with a conflict of interest. Getting extended confirmed permission is not so difficult that it couldn't be achieved by such a person. However, anyone who genuinely wants to create a good article will be able to find an admin who can lift the protection; in fact, they would probably come to me and I would consider lifting it. Also, any such person can still create a draft article on the topic. I judge each such case on its merits, and in this case I felt that maximum protection was necessary. Deb (talk) 09:25, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Article

Contact Me Email - riazaseem007@gmail.com https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz_(actor) Please move it to the mainspace Towerlofts (talk) 12:32, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

The above is a sock of LTA User:Blogs19. SPI already reported. Thanks 42.106.205.172 (talk) 14:47, 18 January 2022 (UTC)

Article

Hey , I've created a Article will you review it and move it to the main space ... Please 🙏🙏🙏 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Asim_Riaz Shockpablog (talk) 13:43, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

Please review it and move it to the main space 🙏🙏🙏 Shockpablog (talk) 13:52, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

@Deb There he goes again. Please do something. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 13:57, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

Reverting with non-specific edit remarks

Regarding Anders Behring Breivik. Please use Talk:Anders Behring Breivik if you are not sure if the article has mistakes. Another possibility is that you contact users that have more knowledge about the topic than you might have. Thanks. 89.8.95.209 (talk) 17:05, 19 January 2022 (UTC)

Hello

Hey user I saw you are from Kolkata, Nice to meet you.... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:01, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी Thanks, and where are you from? Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:02, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

Kolkata ... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:03, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी Ok, I get it. Thanks for letting me know about it. I may contact you whenever necessary. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:04, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

Of course; I'm also making this draft where I need some guidance; if you have time kindly check the draft and say what's the condition of the draft. ... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:08, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी I can obviously help. In what way do you need assistance? Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:10, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

I would request you to clean the draft and the grammatical mistakes; also help adding the sources and comment your views on the draft. ... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:13, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी Ok, will obviously try to do so. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:14, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

What's your view on the draft? ... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:16, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी I think it is good, but it needs some more reliable sources. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:19, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes; we need to wait few months to find out more RS to add; I would request you to add source if you find. ... २ तकरपेप्सी _talk 09:24, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@२ तकर पेप्सी Yes, and for the time being, I think he fails WP:NACTOR, and WP:GNG, but I hope reliable sources would come up in due time. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 09:25, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) @Itcouldbepossible: its highly WP:PROMOTIONAL, the article has been deleted several times recently. See Ayan Nayak (deletion log), Draft:Ayan Nayak (deletion log) and Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Ayan Nayak. It may be an attempt of evading WP:SCRUTINY but don't report as it does not need. I would suggest leave to experienced volunteers from WP:AFD to decide. 2402:3A80:1A44:1E6E:E54C:946E:6C27:E9B7 (talk) 12:01, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@Itcouldbepossible: On digging their contributions I suspect २ तकर पेप्सी is doing WP:PAID (please don't report again as there are no strong evidences) works because on looking at their article creations all are deleted due repeated-recreations. 2402:3A80:1A44:1E6E:E54C:946E:6C27:E9B7 (talk) 12:11, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@Itcouldbepossible: See this. It looks २ तकर पेप्सी was hired by ZEE5 in past. And finally this is confirmation with the URL ( https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User_talk:Anachronist&oldid=1041996493#Can_you_provide_an_draft ).So, don't entertain him/her anymore.2402:3A80:1A44:1E6E:E54C:946E:6C27:E9B7 (talk) 12:30, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

Thanks 2402:3A80 for the detailed report. I really don't understand how you know about all these user's past. But thanks for letting me know the information. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:25, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

Frustrating as it is

I share your frustration, but we need to WP:DENY / WP:DNIV. Curb Safe Charmer (talk) 11:37, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@Curb Safe Charmer Ok, I understand your point. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 11:40, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

I'M BACK

HEY, REMEMBER ME ??? MYSELF Pritam Kumar Roni Das IS BACK , IF WE SOCKS DOING START DISRUPTIVE , THEN YOU ALL EDITORS GOING TO LOOSE , ALREADY I'VE CREATE AN NEW ACCOUNT .... AND I'M GOING TO ANOTHER WIKI , CATCH ME IF YOU CAN 👹👹👹 2409:4060:210C:9331:0:0:1DC7:B0 (talk) 19:03, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

(talk page stalker)@RoySmith and Billinghurst: please see the open threat from LTA User:Pritam kumar roni das 2402:3A80:6A8:47AF:C0E7:9183:93A1:C097 (talk) 19:26, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@2409:4060:210C:9331:0:0:1DC7:B0 But why? Why do you want to disrupt this nice and great project? What wrong has this project done to you? Why do you want to disrupt it again and again? Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:00, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

Itcouldbepossible I will not comment or post any further on your talk-page since a lot of vandals/LTAs are disrupting here since I have reported many LTAs. Next time if you get threats report at WP:ANI 2402:3A80:6A8:47AF:C0E7:9183:93A1:C097 (talk) 19:54, 20 January 2022 (UTC)

@2402:3A80:6A8:47AF:C0E7:9183:93A1:C097 No, I never asked you to stop writing or commenting on my talk page. I really don't care if there is vandalism on my page. I am always one click away from reverting the vandalism. I also got a blocked notice from some IP. God knows who. But that should not stop you from writing on my talk page, since your edits are always good faith. I give you full permission to write on my talk page, regardless of how many vandals come here. You always help me, guide me, and what not. I can get into serious trouble, if you don't guide me, since I don't know all that happened before I started my editing career. Just like that Draft:Ayan thing. I would not have known about it, if you would not have told me. So nothing should stop you from writing or commenting here. I don't care about LTAs and vandals disrupting the page. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 06:06, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

Super Mario's Wacky Worlds

Hey, I saw the bit of going back and forth on Super Mario's Wacky Worlds, but the IP was trying to revert vandalism introduced by Peytonweth. The old revision mentions that the game was released on the "Nintendo Aardvark" which is a hoax and claims that the game was a success. The IP even mentioned in the edit summary that no source was given for any of the information he deleted, which you reverted. I don't know what's going on between you two, but please remember to assume good faith before you hastily revert. --ThomasO1989 (talk) 02:30, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

@ThomasO1989 But see this. Previous to my revert someone already reverted the edit made by 97.71.19.167. After a couple of edits, again the text was added by Fragrant Peony. So twice since it happened, and no objection was raised about the reverts, I thought that the removal of text was vandalism. That is why I reverted it. Please share your views. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:57, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes, but I think this brings up the point that the edits in question should actually be reviewed instead of blindly reverted. --ThomasO1989 (talk) 19:35, 21 January 2022 (UTC)

@ThomasO1989 Ok, got your point. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:44, 22 January 2022 (UTC)

Draft:Reset (web series)

If you look at the page history, I accidentally removed the paragraph with sources. Please re-examine it. Thank you. — Preceding unsigned comment added by MVP-nostalgia (talk • contribs) 06:25, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

@MVP-nostalgia I moved it to draftspace since it was not developed properly. Thanks for submitting it again. I am sure it would get accepted this time. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 07:36, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

Thanks. Looks like this series is also available in Bengali subtitles. https://www.viki.com/tv/38357c-reset#subtitle_team — Preceding unsigned comment added by MVP-nostalgia (talk • contribs) 06:25, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

Ok, but please sign your comments. You can use ~~~~ to sign comments. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:03, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

Tech News: 2022-04

Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. Translations are available.

Changes later this week

• The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 25 January. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 26 January. It will be on all wikis from 27 January (calendar).
• The following languages can now be used with syntax highlighting: BDD, Elpi, LilyPond, Maxima, Rita, Savi, Sed, Sophia, Spice, .SRCINFO.
• You can now access your watchlist from outside of the user menu in the new Vector skin. The watchlist link appears next to the notification icons if you are at the top of the page. [10]

Events

• You can see the results of the Coolest Tool Award 2021 and learn more about 14 tools which were selected this year.
• You can translate, promote, or comment on the proposals in the Community Wishlist Survey. Voting will begin on 28 January.

Tech news prepared by Tech News writers and posted by bot • Contribute • Translate • Get help • Give feedback • Subscribe or unsubscribe.

21:37, 24 January 2022 (UTC)

Communicating in languages other than English

Hi Itcouldbepossible, it's great that you are reaching out to new editors whose English is not very strong. Could I ask you to include an English translation (not a machine translation) every time you post in Hindi or some other language? If some other editor would like to contribute to the discussion at Talk:Sarsop, it's almost impossible to do so unless there is a reliable translation of the previous discussion. In the Teahouse it's actually really important to answer questions in English, because it is such a high-visibility page. If new editors think it's OK to ask or answer questions in languages other than English, it will eventually lead to some good-faith English-speaking editor producing an incomprehensible or misleading or insulting reply in a language they don't know. So the ideal situation is when someone like yourself, who speaks English and Hindi, can provide a response in both languages and, importantly, tell the editor who asked the question that they do need to communicate in English. If somebody's English proficiency is too weak to carry out a basic conversation on a talk page, their time would be better used by editing the Wikipedia version in a language they have a better command of. --bonadea contributions talk 10:44, 25 January 2022 (UTC)

@Bonadea I am really really sorry Bonadea for the late reply. I agree with what you say, but the long reply that I left at Talk:Sarsop#Help, it would be really difficult to translate the whole thing to English, won't it be? For small discussions, I can obviously provide a translation, but for huge discussions, leaving a translation would really be tough. Please please reply to this message and tell me what is to be done. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 04:48, 31 January 2022 (UTC)

Someone using swear messages on my talk page

Someone called 2409:4060:E84:CB90:0:0:AACA:2507 is using swear messages on my talk page , I warned him but still he his using if you want you can check my talk page. So can you please help me get rid of this user. Thanks Cricket Fan 18 (talk) 12:18, 25 January 2022 (UTC)

@Cricket Fan 18 I think the problem is solved now. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 13:05, 25 January 2022 (UTC)

Yes now it's solved , some one blocked that guy for 13 days Cricket Fan 18 (talk) 13:14, 25 January 2022 (UTC)

Pending changes reviewer granted

Hello. Your account has been granted the "pending changes reviewer" userright, allowing you to review other users' edits on pages protected by pending changes. The list of articles awaiting review is located at Special:PendingChanges, while the list of articles that have pending changes protection turned on is located at Special:StablePages.

Being granted reviewer rights neither grants you status nor changes how you can edit articles. If you do not want this user right, you may ask any administrator to remove it for you at any time.

See also:

• Wikipedia:Reviewing pending changes, the guideline on reviewing
• Wikipedia:Pending changes, the summary of the use of pending changes
• Wikipedia:Protection policy#Pending changes protection, the policy determining which pages can be given pending changes protection by administrators.
  

Mz7 (talk) 21:02, 27 January 2022 (UTC)

@Mz7 Thanks a lot. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 03:04, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

A cup of tea for you!

Because tea is good for you! I often drink tea while editing the encyclopedia. ♥Th78blue (talk)♥ 03:57, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

@Th78blue Thanks buddy. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 03:57, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

A barnstar for you

		The Anti-Vandalism Barnstar
		Thank you for protecting Rainbow flag (LGBT), a page that is near and dear to my heart. Congrats on the Pending Changes Reviewer, btw. :) Etriusus (talk) 05:41, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

Etriusus (talk) 05:41, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

Oh my God, I cannot believe it. Thanks a lot Etriusus. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:44, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

Itcouldbepossible, you earned it, mate. This can sometimes be thankless work but everyone needs some kindness now and then. Etriusus (talk) 05:50, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

@Etriusus Thanks for being so much kind. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 05:52, 28 January 2022 (UTC)

Need advice

Give me some advice . How I improve the 2022 Open Sud de France – Singles page ?? Or Give me some information about this page. খাঁটি বাঙালি (talk) 16:23, 29 January 2022 (UTC)

@খাঁটি বাঙালি First of all, all citation, as facts needs to be verifiable. Secondly there has to me a lead section to summarize the contents of the article. Secondly develop the tables information that with relaible sources to make it verifiable. Add ratings to the article talk page, and add more categories. That is all that I can suggest to you at this moment. Thanks. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 16:46, 29 January 2022 (UTC)

@Itcouldbepossible, I searched a lot but did not find at least one citation. Thanks খাঁটি বাঙালি^Talk খাঁটি বাঙালি (talk) 16:51, 29 January 2022 (UTC)

@খাঁটি বাঙালি Then it could be the fact that is WP:TOOSOON. Please wait until sources turn up, and don't remove notices. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 17:33, 29 January 2022 (UTC)

Andy Murray

Hi i was trying to make a change to Andy Murray page because Daniil Medvedev equal his achievement of reaching final after 1st Grand slam.I tried to edit it 2-3 times but there was a problem.If you could edit it it or help me i will be thankfull. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2A00:4802:A20:9984:51A0:B13C:8200:D7C2 (talk) 17:14, 30 January 2022 (UTC)

 Done You can check back again. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 04:25, 31 January 2022 (UTC)

Sorry, but this edit was previously reverted by JavaHurricane. So without his consent I cannot add it back. I am really sorry about it. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 04:29, 31 January 2022 (UTC)

2022 Maharashtra Open & Open Sud de France

Dear Itcouldbepossible, i've noticed you have moved the articles to the draftspace section, in order to delete them. Since the articles are related to event that are happening right now, and they are supported by independent sources, these are not a valid criteria for deletion. Please review WP:CSD.

Madenry Yes but I moved the articles to draftspace because they had large tables with no data. Then when the user moved the pages back to mainspace again, I CSD ed those. Itcouldbepossible^Talk 08:50, 1 February 2022 (UTC)

Tech News: 2022-05

Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community. Please tell other users about these changes. Not all changes will affect you. Translations are available.

Recent changes

• If a gadget should support the new ?withgadget URL parameter that was announced 3 weeks ago, then it must now also specify supportsUrlLoad in the gadget definition (documentation). [11]

Changes later this week

• The new version of MediaWiki will be on test wikis and MediaWiki.org from 1 February. It will be on non-Wikipedia wikis and some Wikipedias from 2 February. It will be on all wikis from 3 February (calendar).

Future changes

• A change that was announced last year was delayed. It is now ready to move ahead:
  • The user group oversight will be renamed suppress. This is for technical reasons. This is the technical name. It doesn't affect what you call the editors with this user right on your wiki. This is planned to happen in three weeks. You can comment in Phabricator if you have objections. As usual, these labels can be translated on translatewiki (direct links are available) or by administrators on your wiki.

Events

• You can vote on proposals in the Community Wishlist Survey between 28 January and 11 February. The survey decides what the Community Tech team will work on.

Tech news prepared by Tech News writers and posted by bot • Contribute • Translate • Get help • Give feedback • Subscribe or unsubscribe.

17:41, 31 January 2022 (UTC)

Bots Newsletter, January 2022

Bots Newsletter, January 2022

BRFA activity by month

Welcome to the ninth issue of the English Wikipedia's Bots Newsletter, your source for all things bot. Vicious bot-on-bot edit warring... superseded tasks... policy proposals... these stories, and more, are brought to you by Wikipedia's most distinguished newsletter about bots.

After a long hiatus between August 2019 and December 2021, there's quite a bit of ground to cover. Due to the vastness, I decided in December to split the coverage up into a few installments that covered six months each. Some people thought this was a good idea, since covering an entire year in a single issue would make it unmanageably large. Others thought this was stupid, since they were getting talk page messages about crap from almost three years ago. Ultimately, the question of whether each issue covers six months or a year is only relevant for a couple more of them, and then the problem will be behind us forever.

Of course, you can also look on the bright side – we are making progress, and this issue will only be about crap from almost two years ago. Today we will pick up where we left off in December, and go through the first half of 2020.

Overall
In the first half of 2020, there were 71 BRFAs. Of these, Y 59 were approved, and 12 were unsuccessful (with N2 8 denied, ? 2 withdrawn, and 2 expired).

January 2020

Yeah, you're not gonna be able to get away with this anymore.

• Y ST47Bot, Seppi333Bot, Qbugbot 4 · N2 PkbwcgsBot 25, PkbwcgsBot 26
• A new Pywikibot release dropped support for Python 3.4, and it was expected that support for Python 2.7 would be removed in coming updates. Toolforge itself planned to drop Python 2 support in 2022.
• Two new bots dropped in January 2020: ST47Bot, the successor to STBot, and Seppi333Bot, whose task was to perform a weekly update of four "massive" wikitables for WikiProject Molecular Biology.
• Cydebot, an adminbot operated by Cyde since 2006, was blocked after going berserk on categories that hadn't yet been CfD'd.

February 2020

Speaking of WikiProject Molecular Biology, Listeria went wild in February

• Y AnomieBOT 78, Cewbot 2, DannyS712 bot 67, DannyS712 bot III 63, PearBOT 6, DemonDays64 Bot 2 · N2 PearBOT
• On February 1, some concerns were raised about ListeriaBot performing "nonsense" edits. Semi-active operator Magnus Manske (who originally coded the Phase II software|precursor of MediaWiki) was pinged. Meanwhile, the bot was temporarily blocked for several hours until the issue was diagnosed and resolved.
• On February 18, ST47Bot got into a tussle with Amalthea (bot), and had to be partially-blocked from Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Cases/Overview.

March 2020

• Y MajavahBot, SDZeroBot, TheSandBot 6, TheSandBot 7, Bitbotje, FACBot 6, TheSandBot 8, Qbugbot 5, Cewbot 3, SDZeroBot 2, PrimeBOT 31, WikiCleanerBot 12 · AntiCompositeBot
• In March, a long discussion was started at Wikipedia talk:Bot policy by Skdb about the troubling trend of bots "expiring" without explanation after their owners became inactive. This can happen for a variety of reasons -- API changes break code, hosting providers' software updates break code, hosting accounts lapse, software changes make bots' edits unnecessary, and policy changes make bots' edits unwanted. The most promising solution seemed to be Toolforge hosting (although it has some problems of its own, like the occasional necessity of refactoring code).
• Some of the twelve bot tasks approved this month were TheSandBot 6 (removing blocked users from Category:Wikipedia usernames with possible policy issues), and TheSandBot 7 (removing unblocked users from Category:Wikipedians who are indefinitely blocked for promotional user names). SDZeroBot 2 was approved to refine geographic stub tags. New bots approved this month were MajavahBot (to patrol WP:EFFPR), SDZeroBot (to merge stub tags), and Bitbotje (fixing DISPLAYTITLE modifications, DEFAULTSORT errors and broken behavior switches in draftspace).

April 2020

Listeria being examined

• Y TheSandBot 9, BHGbot 5, DannyS712 bot 69, SDZeroBot 3, ST47ProxyBot, WugBot 4, SDZeroBot 4, DatBot 10, WikiCleanerBot 11, WikiCleanerBot 13, WikiCleanerBot 14, AntiCompositeBot 2, Cewbot 4 · N2 DaedanBot 1 · Creffbot
• A discussion on the bot noticeboard, "Re-examination of ListeriaBot", was started by Barkeep49, who pointed out repeated operation outside the scope of its BRFA (i.e. editing pages in mainspace, and adding non-free images to others). Some said it was doing good work, and others said it was operating beyond its remit. It was blocked on April 10; the next day it was unblocked, reblocked from article space, reblocked "for specified non-editing actions", unblocked, and indeffed. The next week, several safeguards were implemented in its code by Magnus; the bot was allowed to roam free once more on April 18.
• ST47ProxyBot joined the stable in April, after a BRFA started in December was finally completed. As an adminbot, it was authorized to block IP addresses belonging to open proxies, public VPN services, and web hosts. New tasks approved for existing bots included BHGbot 5 (diffusing categories), TheSandBot 9 (taking over some tasks from the inactive RonBot), and WugBot 4 (updating data at {{Interactive COVID-19 maps}}). Also, DatBot 10 was approved to scale down non-free SVGs — I didn't even know that was a thing.
• A discussion at Wikipedia talk:Bot policy was started by Thryduulf about whether WP:BOTCOMM should explicitly specify that bot operators must be responsive to concerns raised on English Wikipedia specifically (as opposed to Phabricator, SourceForge, Toolforge, et cetera). Eventually, the policy was amended to its current form:

Issues and enquiries are typically expected to be handled on the English Wikipedia. Pages reachable via unified login, like a talk page at Commons or at Italian Wikipedia could also be acceptable [...] External sites like Phabricator or GitHub (which require separate registration or do not allow for IP comments) and email (which can compromise anonymity) can supplement on-wiki communication, but do not replace it.

May 2020

We heard you like bots, so we made a bot that reports the status of your bots, so now you can use bots while you use bots

• Y MajavahBot 3, DannyS712 bot 70, CitationCleanerBot 5, Dreamy Jazz Bot 4, QEDKbot, William Avery Bot 2, DannyS712 bot 68, PrimeBOT 32, TheSandBot 10, Bot1058 7, BHGbot 6, EaglesBot 2, Cewbot 5, WikiCleanerBot 17 · N2 MDanielsBot, PhuzBot 3, Gedimon · ? PearBOT 7
• MajavahBot 3, an impressively meta bot task, was approved this month for maintaining a list of bots running on the English Wikipedia. The page, located at User:MajavahBot/Bot status report, is updated every 24 hours; it contains a list of all accounts with the bot flag, as well as their operator, edit count, last activity date, last edit date, last logged action date, user groups and block status.
• Other approvals for this month were William Avery Bot 2 (processing redirects in {{R from scientific name}}), DannyS712 bot 68 (allowing users to schedule bot reminders for themselves), TheSandBot 10 (removing blocked/locked users from Category:User talk pages with conflict of interest notices), Bot1058 7 (updating Wikipedia:Requested moves/Technical requests/Permalink), Dreamy Jazz Bot 4 (adding {{WikiProject Biography|living=no}} to talk pages where their associated article is in a year of death category), and QEDKbot (deleting and nominating empty categories).
• General syntax fixing tasks were approved for DannyS712 bot 70, CitationCleanerBot 5, PrimeBOT 32, BHGbot 6, Cewbot 5, and EaglesBot 2, as well as WikiCleanerBot 15, 16, and 17.
• Seven bots who fell below activity requirements (with neither the bots nor their operators having any edits or logged actions in two years) had their bot flags removed. They were NekoBot, Robert SkyBot, DASHBotAV, VoxelBot, JackieBot, ReferenceBot, and CensusBot.
• On May 12, EmausBot was blocked.

June 2020

A partial block averted at the eleventh hour for the robot that makes Legos

• Y QEDKbot 2, AnomieBOT 79, WOSlinkerBot 6, Yapperbot 2, Yapperbot, AnomieBOT 80, Dreamy Jazz Bot 5, WikiCleanerBot 18, HasteurBot 15, MusikBot II 4, NoSandboxesHere · N2 RedWarn · ? Seppi333Bot 2
• In July 2017, Headbomb made a proposal that a section of the Wikipedia:Dashboard be devoted to bots and technical issues. In November 2019, Lua code was written superseding Legobot's tasks on that page, and operator Legoktm was asked to stop them so that the new code could be deployed. After no response to pings, a partial-block of Legobot for the dashboard was proposed. Some months later, on June 16, Headbomb said: "A full block serves nothing. A partial block solves all current issues [...] Just fucking do it. It's been 3 years now." The next day, however, Legoktm disabled the task, and the dashboard was successfully refactored.
• On June 7, RexxS blocked Citation bot for disruptive editing, saying it was "still removing links after request to stop". A couple weeks later, a discussion on the bots noticeboard was opened, saying "it is a widely-used and useful bot, but it has one of the longest block logs for any recently-operating bot on Wikipedia". While its last BRFA approval was in 2011, its code and functionality had changed dramatically since then, and AntiCompositeNumber requested that BAG require a new BRFA. Maintainer AManWithNoPlan responded that most blocks were from years ago (when it lacked a proper test suite), and problems since then had mostly been one-off errors (like a June 2019 incident in which a LTA had "weaponized" the bot to harass editors).
• David Tornheim opened a discussion about whether bots based on closed-source code should be permitted, and proposed that they not. He cited a recent case in which a maintainer had said "I can only suppose that the code that is available on GitHub is not the actual code that was running on [the bot]". Some disagreed: Naypta said that "I like free software as much as the next person, and I strongly believe that bot operators should make their bot code public, but I don't think it should be that they must do so".
• Two new bots had their first BRFAs approved: Yapperbot, to replace Legobot for handling the Feedback Request Service, and NoSandboxesHere, to remove {{user sandbox}} from articles in draftspace using Category:Non-userspace pages using User sandbox.

Conclusion

• What's next for our intrepid band of coders, maintainers and approvers?

• Will Citation bot ever be set free to roam the project?
• What's the deal with all those book links that InternetArchiveBot is adding to articles?
• Should we keep using Gerrit for MediaWiki?
• What if we had a day for bots to make cosmetic edits?

These questions will be answered — and new questions raised — by the February 2022 Bots Newsletter. Tune in, or miss out!

Signing off... jp×g 23:22, 31 January 2022 (UTC)

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