Misplaced Pages

Revision as of 20:19, 31 December 2008

Welcome to my talk page. Please sign and date your entries by inserting ~~~~ at the end. I'll reply here if you post here.
Start a new talk topic.

Interested in potentially featurable images? Help improve existing material from the Misplaced Pages/Commons archives at User:Durova/Landmark images. Durova 18:53, 20 December 2007 (UTC)

Israeli-Palestinian conflict disclaimer Yes, I'm a member of Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Israel Palestine Collaboration and mentor to Jaakobou. That doesn't mean I'm an expert in the content dispute. Roughly I've got as much knowledge of those issues as a well-informed Jerusalem resident would have of U.S.-Mexico border relations. Well-informed by Jerusalem standards isn't the same thing as knowing this week's border crossing waits along la frontera, and vice versa. Durova 18:59, 28 January 2008 (UTC)

Shiny happy people holding hands newly posted to my blog.

My edit count, fun but meaningless. I've probably racked up more edits sorting popular song stubs than contributing dozens of featured pictures. Durova 02:15, 29 July 2008 (UTC)

:/

So, what do you think it is this time, the grawp editor? A copy-cat? 4chan?— Dædαlus /_Improve 11:50, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

May I ask what you're referring to, please? Durova 16:46, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Ah, I see now. Silly little fellow. Compulsively advertises his shortcomings. Not likely to lose his virginity anytime soon. Durova 18:14, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Hey! I started this; see;

• the boy with the equipment insecurities was back

  (followed a long run of shite on id:wp; here, here, here, and here)

• and I love this revert
• which was all rather per this bit of dickery.
• other shite; what he wants, and yearns for (and a psychiatrist would have even better insights into the desires implied)

Cheers, Jack Merridew 13:44, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

Oh dear oh dear oh dear... Durova 19:52, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Mentorship

I appreciate your offer and hope that it can be implemented. I also welcome a review/audit of my article edit history. I appreciate the positive expressions in the the discussion regarding the perceived quality of my actual adits, and look forward to an opportunity to continue contributing to WP in a cooperative, rather than belligerent manner. Boodlesthecat 16:11, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. I do hope it works out. Would you like to begin a dialog here? Durova 16:49, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Here would be fine. Looking forward to your comments, questions, advisories, etc. Boodlesthecat 18:43, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Cutting to the chase: you are very lucky to have support from editors in good standing. Three blocks while arbitration is underway? It's very rare to come out of that without a siteban. Thank you very much for your courteous beginning. The top priority needs to be extending the same courtesy toward the people you're in conflict with. Here's hoping it's the start of a new beginning. Durova 20:13, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Yes, and again, I do very much appreciate the opportunity. Boodlesthecat 22:09, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

It's not all my decision, but if this gets the green light let's give it our best shot. Durova 22:22, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Mentorship request

We are also looking for a mentor for this user. Compared to some others, it should be relatively easy, and he has already expressed regret for his past actions, promised to abstain from certain topics/problems, and agreed to work with a mentor.--_{Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus| talk} 18:32, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Okay, posted. Durova 20:32, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you!

Thank you so much for your comment Durova , I truely appreciate! Best regards PHG (talk) 01:17, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

You too. I sure hope things work out for the best. Durova 01:31, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Luv the socks

I stopped by to give a thorough look at the new review of PHG's Commons uploads and something reminded me that you once had a page on photos in need of restoration. Long story short, I ended up on your user page while hunting around and got quite a chuckle out of your sock army. Also, I'm glad to see that some of the restoration has bloomed into a full blown project. I've been learning photo restoration over the past year and have a few professional tools now, so I'll definitely be pitching in. Shell 02:24, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much, and wonderful news about the photo restoration. It's about time I did another FP drive. Ping me if you'd like to collaborate and conominate. All the best, Durova 02:27, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

A review?

Would you mind giving a review of me? I respect your opinion (not that I don't to anyone else) and would appreciate feedback. No RfA planned, I don't want one, I would just like feedback from a respected editor like yourself. RockManQ 02:35, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

You certainly have varied interests. I'm not a fan of the editor review format, and since that location is basically set up for potential adminship candidacies it's a bit tough to gauge what type of feedback you're seeking. Follow your heart; build an encyclopedia. Try to be a net plus. There's room at this site for all types of volunteers. Best regards, Durova 02:42, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. I'm not interested in the "sadomasochistic" torture named RfA. I only really !vote there to help people. I've seen what can happen and I wouldn't want to go through that. RockManQ 03:30, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, it keeps getting tougher. Didn't used to be that way. People used to say they were no big deal. Somehow they became one anyway. Doesn't matter much; this site gives ops to everybody that would be reserved for sysops most other places. So what subjects interest you? Durova 03:36, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Doesn't matter, I'll write and do anything if required :) My primary interests, though, are WP:MILHIST, WP:CHM, WP:WPTC, and WP:BOO. RockManQ 23:27, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

No clerking

Hi. Please ask a neutral party to clerk my vote page. Don't do it yourself. Thank you. Jehochman 16:15, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Will do. Durova 16:35, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. After the election is over can we talk about your concerns? Jehochman 18:32, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

I'm not opposed to discussion. Bear in mind, though, that what matters is actions. So far your response at your user talk page was to alter my post into a borderline personal attack against me and then blank the thread. A man who calls sunlight the best disinfectant should be able to handle polite criticism better than that. Use the best disinfectant in your own house if you want people to believe you run a clean home. Durova 18:41, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Friend, the altered caption was a good humored prank, nothing more. You posted rather strong criticism of me in the first instance in a forum where for all practical purposes I could not respond (see also: ambush). Contrast with others who expressed their concerns in advance and gave me the opportunity to respond. I wish you would have followed my personal dispute resolution process if you had such strong objections. It's all water under the bridge now. Yes, let's talk later. Jehochman 19:07, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Was it really that much of a surprise? You knew that the WikiVoices interview volunteers had recused from posting candidate questions. You had already sought and obtained my private opinion about all the actions I cited in objection. And by putting yourself up as a candidate you invited--no, demanded--that relevant conduct be scrutinized. If others are swayed then perhaps the opinion holds merit. Would that you had listened before you leaped. Durova 19:38, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Yes, it was a surprise. I have no idea what's going on with WikiVoices, did not give any interviews and would have enjoyed if you had asked me a tough question so I could provide a thoughtful answer. You could have asked a question Dec 1, and then voted. I've been extremely prompt about answering everybody (except Moulton). Jehochman 20:33, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

My real questions were asked days--weeks--months ago. As far as a year ago, when your reaction to the Zeraeph outcome was icy. Your actions last month settled any remaining doubts. Like I wrote at your talk, I miss the Jehochman I thought I used to know. When I believe you're in the right I'll still stand up for you, same as I always have. Best wishes. Durova 20:39, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. Jehochman 20:44, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

News Story from the Register

I am visiting your user page because I read some fairly ugly stuff about you in The Register. It seems you take your work seriously, but that the rules about NPV and the general spirit of Misplaced Pages is of little concern to you.

Ah, hi. Thank you for coming to me. Unfortunately that story went to print with several factual errors; I wasn't contacted for comment. A year ago I made a bad user block; no question about it. That story you read claimed it lasted three days. As you can see for yourself, I actually undid it in 75 minutes. Plus extended prompt apologies and did my best to atone for the mistake.

The 'Secret mailing list' wasn't actually secret; it was listed like any other Wikimedia Foundation mailing list. Its name was (and is) cyberstalking, and its principal purpose is exactly what that implies: dealing with serious offsite harassment that targets Misplaced Pages volunteers. First to emphasize: the fellow I blocked was not harassing in any way. That was my error; I take ownership of it. But the list wasn't evil. For an idea of the seriousness of the cyberstalking problem, see this P2Pnet News article. I went public with another volunteer after the situation got so bad that the FBI opened investigations. When I joined the cyberstalking list it was mainly because of a different problem: a website had been running a recent picture of my 74-year-old uncle along with his real name and a not very subtle threat to harass him in real life if I didn't stop editing Misplaced Pages. I've fielded other harassment situations also, and was getting it from several directions at the time I had that lapse in judgment and made the bad block. It wasn't so much the harassment that got under my skin--it was unhelpful interference from well-meaning people when I was trying to solve one of the problems. I handle trolling better than I handle disloyalty. Everyone has an Achilles' heel. That's mine.

Some people will never forgive me. I live with that. I've done my best to solve the problems related to that list, though. It turned out someone had been socking and trolling that list the whole time--stirring up confusion and exploiting people who were there to protect their families. I helped get to the bottom of that. In the past year I've contributed over 150 featured content items, become a sysop on three sister Wikimedia projects, and become an OTRS volunteer. I resigned my adminship on this project in light of the error; stepping down was the right thing to do. Someday, perhaps, I'll earn enough trust again. While I was writing this somebody blanked your question and called it trolling. It's a fair question, though. I don't hide from my mistakes. Very respectfully, Durova 23:20, 2 December 2008 (UTC)

Kudos!

Just wanted to say that this was a fabulous, calm, and (hopefully!) productive response.--Fabrictramp | talk to me 01:15, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. :) Durova 01:36, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Do you mind....?

Do you mind if I use the troll with shortcomings image? I thought I'd ask nicely, but if you don't want me to, I'll remove it. RockManQ 03:42, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, it's copyleft. You don't actually have to ask me. Please keep it uncontroversial and fun. :) Best, Durova 03:44, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Do-it-yourself mentorship?

Durova, I noticed that you are involved in mentoring from your comment concerning mentoring of Boodlesthecat. This has nothing to do directly with that, although I do think I share some problems in common with him, since we both often edit controversial articles, with difficulties presented by rather intractable opposing editors. (There is a difference, in that Boodlesthecat is more knowledgable, and less abrasive, than me.) Editing in these concitions can quickly lead to an impressive block history, which in the more refined circles of WP also leads to reduced credibility.

While I am not looking for a mentor, since I tend to have a do-it-your self inclination, I would be interested in knowing if you have any general suggestions that might be helpful in easing what can easily become an ascending spiral of editorial confrontation.

Thanks. Malcolm Schosha (talk) 14:18, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

• Almost three years ago as a new editor I was stuck in a similar spot. Trying to improve an article while interacting with a couple of very difficult people. For an unknown editor who could barely muster the courage to tug at an administrator's sleeve, that's a problem. So I started the essay Misplaced Pages:No angry mastodons as a reminder of the type of editor I wanted to be. Hope it helps. Durova 18:03, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Heh

Very clever. :) –Juliancolton 20:41, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. And oh dear, the fellow turns out to be a vegetarian... ;) Durova 20:51, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/PHG

An Arbitration case involving you has been opened, and is located here. Please add any evidence you may wish the Arbitrators to consider to the evidence sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/PHG/Evidence. Please submit your evidence within one week, if possible. You may also contribute to the case on the workshop sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/PHG/Workshop.

On behalf of the Arbitration Committee, Daniel (talk) 23:06, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. Durova 23:17, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi

Hi Durova. Would you happen to have answers to the following questions? Best regards PHG (talk) 18:39, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

• Aren't French Army/Navy photograph Public Domain as in the US?

• Not automatically.

• Regarding the images from Randier "La Royale", would they be OK on En:Misplaced Pages under a pre-1923 license? If so, I am ready to delete them and transfer them to En:Misplaced Pages.

• With more complete documentation of the source information they might be. Please include full title, publisher, page number, publication date etc. as you would for any other citation.

• I double-checked, but Randier in "La Royale" doesn't give credits or references for any of his numerous photographs. What do we do in such a case?

• American copyright law is tied primarily to publication date, rather than the author's lifespan. Nearly everything published before 1923 is public domain under U.S. law and the rare exceptions aren't relevant to the type of uploads you've been doing.

• Is there a rule against downloading from personal homepages/blogs, even when the images are obviously Public Domain? Since it is often impossible to know the author, are these, again, acceptable on En:Misplaced Pages under the pre-1923 license?

• Reliable sourcing is required for all citations, including images. From a personal homepage or blog, we don't know whether the original has been attributed properly or altered.Here is an example from my own blog that is not quite faithful to the original Raphael.

Thank you very much for asking these questions and best regards. Durova 18:50, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you! Let me give you an example. Following your hint I uploaded Image:Canonniere Comete (1884-1909) bf 1923.jpg on en:Misplaced Pages with a pre-1923 license. The photograph is from Randier, p.392. Now, I don't have an exact publishing date before Randier (Randier himself started publishing from 1961). The image was necessarily taken between 1884 and 1909, probably by the French Navy, and it is totally unlikely that it was never published until Randier. What do you recommend in this case? Do we base ourselves on the most likely assumption, or do we just delete the file?
My understanding is that Misplaced Pages rules are in general rather lax, and very few contributors ever go to this level of stringency: for example a user using a private webpage and a guess for Image:Gribeauval.jpg: honestly I am just surprised that I am being so harshly criticized for doing just what everybody else does around here (and in general I think I do far better than the average). Again, I don't mind following more stringent rules, but why don't the rules apply to everyone? Cheers PHG (talk) 19:29, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

I use common sense in regard to publication of old photographs. If an image appears to have been made professionally for publicity purposes then I don't challenge a later source that is probably a republication. Some editors may view this differently; you roll the dice there. For the most part that's relatively safe in the instances you're talking about (disclaimer: I'm a former U.S. Navy photographer so that's informed by experience I'd be hard pressed to cite).

Regarding other local uploads, we really do need more volunteers in the area. I resigned my admin bit at English Misplaced Pages so I don't tend to look into local uploads unless they appear at an admin noticeboard. About half a year ago I helped catch a fellow who had gotten a copyvio all the way to featured picture. Fortunately we uncovered the problem before it ran on the site's main page. About 85% of his uploads had to get deleted. It was tedious work--not just distinguishing the good from the bad but also writing up a report that other users could understand. The admin who deleted them locally was more than a bit mystified at first. So this site is behind in that regard--and I'm sorry it is. For your own part I urge you to do what I do: walk the straight and narrow. You and I are both featured content contributors; whatever we do will be noticed and imitated. Let's set the best example. Durova 20:13, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for your comments Durova. Honestly, I thought it was common-sense (and know it is common practice) to upload 19th century images under the 70-year license, but I'll know better from now on :) I gather that you agree though that it is common-sense to upload such an image as Image:Canonniere Comete (1884-1909) bf 1923.jpg under the pre-1923 license on en:Misplaced Pages. Thank you so much. This basically will solve most possible issues with my 19th century photographs. It is comforting to have the back-up of somebody like you, as I guess it protects me a bit from being lynched again as if I was a criminal. If you wish, I would appreciate if you could soften a bit your language against me at the Arbcom case. I think I've shown a great track record for the last year, and honestly your harsh reaction to my uploads was a bit of a surprise and quite distressing. Cheers PHG (talk) 20:37, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

Well your reaction to my report is a very pleasant surprise. As long as things get ironed out in that regard in a normal way, I'll be amending my statement to ArbCom soon. Very glad to see you receptive to feedback. Been pulled in quite a few directions lately. One pleasant surprise is this, which I might be able to draft an appeal for a high resolution version of for restoration. The German government has released 100,000 images copyleft. Imagine getting a shot of the Berlin Wall being built onto Misplaced Pages's main page. Best regards, Durova 20:48, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

PD

He's actually back, now. rootology (C)(T) 23:41, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

I'll wait for confirmation on that. He linked to his 'main' user page where he was listed as sitebanned by Jimbo Wales. Now you know I've been about the most vocal critic of Charles Matthews this site has. If I get firm confirmation Peter had standing to vote on these elections I'll remove that strikethrough myself. But only if. Whoever's making that call, you get them in touch with me. Okay? Durova 23:50, 4 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the 'star

The email I've received since posting that message has boosted my confidence that their grievances are baseless. Offsite manipulation is the sort of thing that Wikipedians should rally against. Cool Hand Luke 16:57, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

The star was a formality. Thank you very much for deserving it. :) Durova 19:46, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi again

Hi Durova. What line do you think we should take regarding these last images from personal pages around the Web? They are exact in their definition (appart possibly from Claude Minie, whose appearance I have no personal certainty about), and obviously pre-1923. Isn't it common sense to keep them with the proper pre-1923 license? Cheers PHG (talk) 19:19, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

• Image:Montigny_Mitrailleuse.jpg
• Image:Chinese_officers_with_Montigny_Mitrailleuse.jpg
• Image:Magazine_plate_of_a_Montigny_Mitrailleuse.jpg
• Image:19th_century_Spar_torpedo_boat.jpg
• Image:Claude_Etienne_Minie.jpg

If you could find out the original books they came from and work from that, then it would be fine. This is analogous to situations where editors try to source an old newspaper article to somebody's private homepage reposting of the article: the original source they worked from may be public domain and reliable, but we don't know whether the reproduction is faithful. Durova 19:31, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

I guess that's the voice of wisdom, and I guess that, strictly speaking, you're right. It's just that these images are so obviously proper, and so obviously 19th century. So many people upload on Misplaced Pages without ever having this kind of rigourous sourcing requirements. I'll just delete them then (sadly). Cheers PHG (talk) 19:41, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

Plenty of times I've seen material that I'd love to use, but just can't prove. Or sometimes I could but it'd be too burdensome to look up. Perhaps you could get in touch with the people who run those websites and ask for their cooperation? Either they could start accounts and upload themselves, or they might provide full source information. With uncontroversial material of high encyclopedic value I'm inclined to be reasonable as long as we can point to a regular reliable source. Best, Durova 19:46, 5 December 2008 (UTC)

yup

... LessHeard vanU (talk) 00:24, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. Durova 00:37, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

The Military history WikiProject Newsletter : Issue XXXIII (November 2008)

The November 2008 issue of the Military history WikiProject newsletter has been published. You may read the newsletter, change the format in which future issues will be delivered to you, or unsubscribe from this notification by following the link. Thank you.
This has been an automated delivery by BrownBot (talk) 16:18, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

Solange Knowles

Hey there Durova, I worked on Solange Knowles and I think I've resolved all the issues on the review page. If I've missed anything, let me know. DiverseMentality 23:37, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

Wow, very swift response. I should be able to give it a second review by tomorrow. Working on an FA drive. Best wishes! Durova 23:44, 6 December 2008 (UTC)

Hey there Durova, hope you haven't forgotten about this. DiverseMentality 22:10, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Please counsel me

Hello, I am user:Skäpperöd. You will find me on articles regarding the History of Pomerania, if you scroll through the articles in template:Pomeranian history you will most probably find me prominent in the edit history of most.

The trouble I have is with user:Molobo. I addressed some of this trouble at Moreschi's talk and also at the current Arbcom case Piotrus2. That is where I saw you inviting other users who don't know how to proceed correctly in wiki editing for mentorship. Since I never saw you everywhere else and you seem to be a respected and prolific community member, I turn to you now.

I got two questions to begin with, one about an underlying problem of mine and one about a current thread:

• (1) I feel stalked and attacked by Molobo. He has been messing up my edits (eg turn a sourced sentence into "German foo claims", recently in the Polish Corridor and the Darlowo articles) and has accused me of various stuff, the worst for me being I'd misquote sources - it's mostly about how biased I am supposed to be. I had adressed that at Moreschi's talk without a response, I had adressed some at arbcom without a response, I had adressed some other at WQA without a response. I have really no idea of how to proceed with Molobo, I somehow lack the trust that it is possible to work with him on this encyclopedia. This is kind of a general, underlying problem I have.
• (2) I started a thread Misplaced Pages:Reliable_sources/Noticeboard#Towns.27_websites_as_a_source_for_history at the RS noticeboard. This thread is a mess. How do I proceed to turn this thread into something useful? The thread indicates that the policy about whether or not towns' websites are RS regarding history is not clear enough. Some editors say no, some yes, some yes under certain circumstances. I therefore started another thread Wikipedia_talk:Reliable_sources#Websites_of_towns. Is that the right way to proceed? Would a survey be the right way? Are there RS-gods whose judgement is binding and who I need to ask or does the community decide "democratically" about the RS-policy?

Please write me a message also if you can't help me. Regards Skäpperöd (talk) 07:49, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi, it's a little past midnight in my part of the world. letting you know I've seen this, although I won't have time to dig into it tonight. Regarding issues such as misuse of sources (very weighty), could you give an example? If it's a text source in English or German you're welcome to send me a scan of the page. Best wishes, Durova 08:13, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Well I can give you the links to my posts thought to draw some outside attention to my troubles, but as I said above, these posts all remain(ed) unanswered, and I do not ask you to open up everything again but rather to advise me how else I shall proceed - since the way I tried it was obviously a dead end of a dirt road.

• My first post to an "outsider": User_talk:Moreschi#Molobo
• Since Moreschi did not answer, I went to ANI: Misplaced Pages:Administrators'_noticeboard/IncidentArchive485#Molobo_targeting_and_discrediting_Sk.C3.A4pper.C3.B6d
• My second one to Moreschi: User_talk:Moreschi#Molobo_again
• Evidence how Molobo messes up sourced statements to say something different: Misplaced Pages:Requests_for_arbitration/Piotrus_2/Evidence#Evidence_presented_by_Sk.C3.A4pper.C3.B6d
• Evidence how Molobo in this arbcom makes statements not supported by the given diffs to get rid of his opponents - with that faked evidence he succeeded in having an arbitrator draw a ban proposal on another editor (Stor stark7 - before you think of cabals, I had only once interacted with him before, my aim was more to show what Molobo's "sourcing" is like and to prevent people getting banned because of this): Misplaced Pages:Requests_for_arbitration/Piotrus_2/Workshop#Molobo.27s_evidence

The recent RS-threads are linked above. What is bothering me in his current editing is stuff like that , , both making a RS look like some "German claim". The second diff led me to the RS thread. Note that the "dispute" about who granted the town its city rights really is none, the Swenzones were the local nobles, the margraves their overlords, they had to do that concerted anyway, but I guess Molobo was/is not aware of the area's history, just saw a German source introduced by me and a Polish website allegedly opposing this and turned a 1312 town law issue in a matter of Polish/German national interest. I meanwhile rewrote this paragraph to make the historical aspects more clear.

Thank you for having a look. I do not expect you to solve all my problems for me. I just want some outside input on how to behave, how to deal with conflicts like that and how to turn the current RS-thread into something everyone knows from what can be used as RS and what not. I'm somehow lost with all that and need some neutral feedback primarily on me, what I need to change. Regards Skäpperöd (talk) 11:30, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Polish website allegedly opposing thisWhat Skappperod doesn't write to you is that this "website" is actually official position of the city authorities itself.--Molobo (talk) 13:37, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Indeed I deal with Polish-German relations. Some of Skapperod's edits include:

-Using Nazi propaganda book as source for history of Poland. -Claiming that both Poland and Nazi Germany engaged in "Atrocities were committed on both sides during and after the invasion.". -Giving quotes that just aren't there in the book: -naming other Wikipedians 'bandits' While Skapperod pointed out me, his edits are already being criticised by a number of editors who never had connections to me :

The issue with Skapperod is uncritical usage of solely German source when dealing with articles concerning Polish history, no attachment to reliable sources guidelines(I just discovered he used a personal book-called circa War crimes of Allies-Terrorists attacks against Germany- as source scholary data, and will post it today if time permists on RS noticeboard), and manipulation of quotes. Additionally he believes Polish names of former German locations that contained Polish population to be "nationalist-communist POV". More examples can be given. Unfortunetly Skapperod seems unaware of Polish history nor why his edits are becoming controversial to several editors. The lack of knowledge of Polish history in the topics he deals with wouldn't be a big problem in itself, however his stance that such information is "communist-nationalist POV" and defence of extreme POV sources is something of concern to those articles. I believe Skapperod should accept more that history is not only German. --Molobo (talk) 11:07, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Since Molobo appeared here, I think it is actually quite useful to get an impression of my problem.

• The Nazi allegation - read about it at the arbcom evidence link above.
• The "my claim" both sides committed atrocities: They both did, and that is sourced, the Germans however did more, a fact also introduced by me with the respective data, read all about it at History of Pomerania (1933-1950) and Talk:History of Pomerania (1933-1950).
• The nth allegation of me misquoting sources: I provided the URL at Talk:Polish Corridor.
• The "Polish names are nationalist communist" allegation: I reverted his insertion of Recovered Territories ideology to the Former eastern territories of Germany article, read all about this nationalist communist post-war ideology in the rec. terr. article, and while you are at it, see Talk:Recovered Territories for my and Molobo's thoughts.
• The "Allied Warcrimes" or similar stuff - I did not yet have a chance to get into this, it must have been a while ago and I do not remember that specific book right now. Maybe I used it and maybe it is a bad source. Then it needs to be fixed. Maybe everything is totally different, would be no surprise either. Update: this is the book .

Posts like the above throve me towards believing Molobo has targeted me and aims at discrediting me wherever he can. See it as an illustration of my problem. Skäpperöd (talk) 12:12, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Skapperod-could tell us why you name other Wikipedians 'bande'?

As to the rest Durova, as you see "The "my claim" both sides committed atrocities: They both did, and that is sourced, the Germans however did more" I have yet to see the citation for this and quotes. But you might get the idea what the issue is with Skapperod-while Germany tried to exterminate Jews and Poles, made Holocaust, murdered tens of milions of people, Skapperod gave wording that Poland and Germany "both did" atrocities. This is understatement to say the least. No evidence of "Polish atrocities" was presented-the only thing Skapperod gave was supposed arest of some Germans and known German provocation. At best that would give him a thousand or so dead-and yet Poland and Germany are compared by him as both "comitting atroctities". This was unacceptable and in fact critizied by number of editors besides me. And as you see Skapperod is unwilling to accept the Polish history in territories that for some time were part of Germany-he essentiallly re-wrote the whole Recovered Territories article to portay the actuall fact of their Polish Past as "nationalist communist post-war ideology". He does not accept that they are Polish names of Poznań, Wrocław region-to him again that is nationalist communist post-war ideology. "The "Allied Warcrimes" or similar stuff " Actually it's Allied Warcrimes-Terrorist attacks on Germany. The title itselfs indicates a terrible POV, and I anybody should see it before using such book.--Molobo (talk) 12:43, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

• Oh and If you are wondering-I was notified about this thread in here

--Molobo (talk) 13:38, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, this thread seemed from the beginning to be a bit tangential to my offer of mentorship to two particular editors. Skäpperöd, you've come asking for advice. My advice is as follows:

1. Use high quality sources. If an assertion reflects expert consensus then by definition it ought to be expressed by a variety of experts. So if one scholar whose reliability is prone to challenge writes something and scholars from Oxford and Yale agree, then by all means cite the Oxford and Yale professors (you wouldn't need the other fellow then). And if nobody else agrees--or the only other people who do are equally dubious--then the assertion probably fails this site's standards for inclusion. Plenty of times I've thought something is probably right but left it out because I couldn't get adequate sourcing for it, or I've had to revise a statement I'd thought was accurate when better material points in a different direction.

2. Pay particular attention to the undue weight clause of WP:NPOV. A lot of this site's disputes hinge on that clause in policy--it's one of the most important standards this site has. For instance, the article United States invasion of Panama doesn't say both sides suffered casualties; it states up front that the Panamanians had 100-1000 soldiers killed and 300-4,000 civilians killed while the U.S. had 24 killed, 325 wounded. Differences are important. If experts disagree on the extent of those differences (the Panamanian losses are hard to gauge) then one solution is to cite the low and high ends of the available figures, or else low and high with an additional notation of where the majority of experts seem to be. As editors, our role isn't to present a scenario to the site's readers so much as to give them information that they can use to draw their own conclusions.

Here's hoping that helps. Best wishes, Durova 20:26, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

I just meant to go to your house, lean back a little and reflect. Sorry for the mess I caused here. Maybe you want to read this and compare to what Molobo made of it above. I think I follow the guides given by you. Maybe you point out to me where the low quality sources are in my edits and what is undue? Thank you anyway even if you don't want to go into depth, I appreciate that you took your time. Skäpperöd (talk) 21:01, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, source recommendations would take a more thorough knowledge of the subject than I posseess (I have studied German and Polish history, but not this era particularly and haven't kept up with new developments). So perhaps if there's an FA writer on the subject who's not considered a partisan to the disputes. Or else see if a university professor or research librarian would offer suggestions. Best, Durova 21:05, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

You have experience of this user

I am deeply concerned about the lack of respect for consensus that I see on Misplaced Pages talk:Sexual content by a user whose name I will not link here, and whom I believe you have mentored in the past. I have placed a comment in his talk page regarding this. While I am sure it is likely to be a waste of everyone;s effort I would appreciate advice on the next step to ask for an uninvolved admin to inspect what is taking place here and to reach an impartial verdict. I've no idea how to go about this, and would appreciate technical guidance about the correct next step. Fiddle Faddle (talk) 18:40, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

I'm pretty confident an impartial admin would view that as disruptive but not harmful. He isn't removing the 'rejected' template so whatever else he does there has minimal impact on the rest of the project. If his goal is to persuade people then he's long since passed the point of diminishing returns. Dispute resolution is already underway--you could weigh in at his conduct RFC if you want. Best wishes. Durova 18:54, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

If you mean the prior and current RfC it doesn't appear directly relevant. I will weigh in happily enough, and sadly, too. I see equine necrophilia, of course, and the stench of decayed horseflesh is overpowering. I think I am really asking "What the heck does one have to do in order to make him understand?" Fiddle Faddle (talk) 19:36, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

"There are some people that, if they don't know, you can't tell them." - Louis Armstrong Durova 19:38, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Sadly, for all the positive value such a person may be, such lack of understanding, a militant lack, seems to me to outweigh any benefit. Fiddle Faddle (talk) 19:51, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Spitsbergen photo

It can only be spelled Spitsbergen in English, Dutch, Danish, Norwegian, etc. I fixed the title, which unfortunately can't be corrected. Please do not revert my edits. Thanks. Jonas Poole (talk) 21:37, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

If you wish. Durova 21:41, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Would prefer a more genteel edit summary, though. Durova 21:56, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Bluemarine

I don't know if it's acceptable for me to comment at Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration#Request to amend prior case: Bluemarine, but you should explicitly deny access to the article Matt Sanchez in any amendment. It may be understood, but I think it should be explicit. -- SatyrTN (talk / contribs) 22:11, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Absolutely, he'd have to stay well away from that article. I'll add a few words to make that explicit. If you wish to comment at the request for amendment then by all means do so. What I hope to do is bring out the good in him without reopening the old wounds. Best regards, Durova 22:37, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

As well, I would like to know the explicit protocol to follow should these rules be broken. Who should be contacted? ANI or the ArbCom? You? Should he be warned on his talk page, or is an indefinite and immediate block warranted? --Moni3 (talk) 23:16, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

You're welcome to propose whatever protocol sits best with you. He stopped socking last spring when I caught him at it and got a pledge from him. I'd hold him to any pledge he makes now, including terminating the mentorship and requesting a reblock myself if problems arise. Durova 23:31, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Talk:Defeated Sanity/GA1

I done the copy-edit. Feel free to review again! =D Cannibaloki 03:50, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you

I appreciate the gift - I will definitely put it on my user page posthaste. I've always desired the Omni International Mall of Miami, and the image of the parking garage only makes it more enticing! :D CL — 23:21, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

Screamin' Jay Hawkins

Okay, I have decided to take you up on that offer, after all, it probably does behoove me to contribute to potential featured articles, and have begun to add references and content to the article. I am still looking for more. Best, --A Nobody 06:15, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

Ah, thank you! Best, Durova 16:31, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

You are welome! Sincerley, --A Nobody 16:34, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

Bluemarine

Please CC myself or another clerk, or an arbiter when you confirm Bluemarine's identity.--Tznkai (talk) 02:59, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, there's really not viable doubt about it. I've been corresponding with him since spring and he joined WikiVoices for an interview. His voice and style are the same in those interactions as on his television appearances. I'm contacting him once more to make absatively posilutely certain, but really am quite sure of it already. Durova 03:04, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Thats fine, but I'd like to have that confirmation "on file" as it were if the issue comes up.--Tznkai (talk) 03:59, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Bluemarine motion passed

The Committee's decision in this case and the preexisting community ban of Bluemarine (talk · contribs) are modified solely to the extent that Bluemarine is unblocked for the limited purpose of his making contributions related to increasing the accessibility of Misplaced Pages to users with handicapping conditions. This includes uploading encyclopedic audio files, formatting audio file templates, and captioning those audio files, as well as editing his userpage and talkpage, all under the mentorship of Durova (talk · contribs). Except as expressly provided in this motion, the ban on editing by Bluemarine remains in effect. If Bluemarine violates the terms of his limited unblock, or makes any comment reasonably regarded as harassing or a personal attack, he may be reblocked for an appropriate period of time by any uninvolved administrator. If Bluemarine complies with these conditions for a period of 60 days, a request for further modification of his ban may be submitted.

For the Arbitration Committee,
Daniel (talk) 09:54, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Talk:Solange Knowles/GA1

Somehow we have done improvements on the article based on you review. Please take a look. By the way, the template on the talk page was not updated but on the GAN page says it has been put on hold. Thank you. --Efe (talk) 13:01, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi. Just informing you about the pending review. But no rush. =) --Efe (talk) 14:30, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Your opinion needed

Dear Durova, could you please offer your opinion of the Florida Catholic Newspaper picture being discussed here  ? The Florida Catholic Newspaper is published by the Archdiocese of Miami. I took this picture of the newspaper myself and uploaded it with a release to public domain. The picture is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Miami page. NancyHeise 17:40, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Hello and thanks

Hi, I noticed your link to the Turkish translation of Louis-Maurice Boutet de Monvel. A lot of my featured picture restorations have been showing up with notations that they're also featured pictures at the Turkish Misplaced Pages. Do you have anything to do with that? If so, very flattering. And may I repay the compliment by restoring a piece of Turkish history? Best regards, Durova 01:02, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

• Hi, your picture restorations are very well...I think, nothing else to do...thank you...
• Restoring Turkish history...now I don't know but hope i can care n' restore for your compliments:) Best wishes!...Vikipedist (talk) 02:51, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Scientology

An Arbitration case involving you has been opened, and is located here. Please add any evidence you may wish the Arbitrators to consider to the evidence sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Scientology/Evidence. Please submit your evidence within one week, if possible. You may also contribute to the case on the workshop sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Scientology/Workshop.

On behalf of the Arbitration Committee, Daniel (talk) 04:20, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Anonymous, pseudonymous or collective work

Hi Durova! User:Angusmclellan kindly pointed me to this which states that, under French copyright law: "if the work is anonymous, pseudonymous or collective, it is 70 years following the end of the year of publication of the work (unless the authors named themselves).". I guess that would properly cover uploads for Commons of such works as the Encyclopedie Larousse Illustree and other anonymous or collective works? What do you think? If it makes any sense, could you consider adjusting parts of your User:Durova/Problems with PHGCOM uploads at Wikimedia Commons‎ accordingly? Best regards. PHG (talk) 05:52, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Suggest you post a noticeboard query regarding that. Hadn't thought of that; it might apply. See what other contributors have to say. Might be a good idea to query the French language boards where the contributors are more familiar with that reference work. Best wishes. :) Durova 05:57, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi Durova! Here's the response I received from Commons: . What do you think? Cheers PHG (talk) 16:33, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

Goldman image

Hey Duvora, thanks for the restoration on the Goldman image. The original that you did the restoration from, however, seems to be rather poor quality compared to the Library of Congress's version. In particular, the edges seem to have been blurred and the highlights blown (perhaps in an effort to compensate for printing artifacts). What are your thoughts on doing a restoration from the Library of Congress's TIFF file? Kaldari (talk) 23:09, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Actually, it looks like the Library of Congress has two very different versions of that same image. Kaldari (talk) 23:12, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Yes, the alternate you showed had been edited in a rather clumsy manner. Notice the harsh outline at the shoulder and hat. Best, Durova 23:22, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Unfortunately, it seems that both of those versions must have been poor reproductions from some original version that is perhaps lost now. While I was looking through the LOC photos, though, I found an even better (completely different) image, that I have attempted to restore: Image:Emma_Goldman_seated.jpg. Maybe together, we'll build up a collection of Goldman images that are even better than the LOC's collection :) Kaldari (talk) 23:53, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

I couldn't get better than a 2MB file from the LoC. Working with what they had... :) Durova 23:57, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Bnguyen at ANI

Hi Durova. I've reported him, if you can repost the technical details of all the images, taht would be appreciated. Thanks, YellowMonkey (bananabucket) 01:04, 12 December 2008 (UTC)

Oppose

The sock they suggested that I am has never edited ANY of the pages I have at any time. This is a blatant attempt to discredit me, I stated that my ip was dynamic and the reason I made the account was to avoid being associated with the edits a month ago. Please oppose. Fru23 (talk) 01:51, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

If you haven't been socking then you should have nothing to fear from a checkuser request. Our checkusers know what they're looking at and are very careful. Durova 01:54, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

See

thanks86.42.100.167 (talk) 04:48, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Your vote and my comments

I am writing to apologise unconditionally for my comments about your oppose. This is completely uncharacteristic behaviour on my part and I owe you an explanation.

I have been quite seriously ill for the past two weeks. I developed cough/flu symptoms about 28 November. My temperature was running at 38/38.5 9 (101) for most of the first week and my blood sugar was roughly double its normal level (I'm diabetic). By last weekend, my temperature was up to 39.5 (103) and I had developed a secondary lung infection. My doctor put me on antibiotics (which I'm still on) but they are only now starting to kick in. I'm unlikely to be back at work for another week.

In the meantime, I carried on with questions (with varying degrees of coherence) and, stupidly, commented forcefully on opposes. This is absolutely out of character and you won't find anything comparable among my 20,000-ish prior edits. This was not a standard reaction to stress but an exceptional symptom of illness. In addition to losing around five kilos in two weeks, I also lost my normal resilience and good humour.

Anyway, my apologies again for sounding off. It was uncalled for. All the best, --ROGER DAVIES  09:15, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you, Roger. I'll strike through my comment at the talk page immediately. Durova 17:27, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Checkuser

That sock of Fru23, trying to find out how the checkuser works, is pretty funny. The banned User:Tecmobowl made similar inquiries and similar threats when they wouldn't tell him how they knew it was him when he used a sockpuppet. He be long gone now. Baseball Bugs 22:51, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Your former adminship

I was personally surprised to find that you weren't an administrator, especially coming across this; a unanimous RfA of yours. How come you gave up being an administrator? --Dylan620 _Contribs 13:25, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

Short version? Made a bad block. I was open to recall. Lifted the block, apologized. People still weren't satisfied; I handed in the bit. Durova 18:13, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

As I've said before, I would likely support a retry and I would think having someone you actually blocked twice support you should help. Best, --A Nobody 18:19, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

I, too, would support you on Misplaced Pages:Requests for adminship/Durova 2. There you go; you'd have 2 support !votes right off the bat. --Dylan620 _Contribs 18:28, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

Aw, thanks very much both of you. For now let's leave the matter on a little musical entertainment. Best, Durova 18:44, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

Interesting. I couldn't imagine it being much worse than if I ever ran (no plans to do so!)... Best, --A Nobody 19:08, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

Note

I reverted PR on a comment and opened this action for community inspection - here. I'd appreciate your input/review as well. Jaakobou 18:22, 14 December 2008 (UTC)

RfA thankspam

		Thank you for your participation in my recent RfA, which failed with 61/52/7; whether you supported, opposed or remained neutral. Special thanks go out to Wizardman and Malinaccier for nominating me, and I will try to take everyone's comments on board. Thanks again for the trust the community has placed in me. A special Christmas song for you all can be found at the right hand side of this message! Apologies if you don't like RfA thankspam, this message was delivered by a bot which can't tell whether you want it or not. Feel free to remove it. Dendodge Talk, 17:24, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

CSI WP:RFAR/Scientology

Hi, I am going to collect evidence for the Scientology RFAR as an independent third party. I want to point out that I am not the wiki-police nor do I have any kind of official role.

On your statement you mentioned several users from an old arbitration case that has changed usernames. Just to verify (although it is rather obvious) Is the case in question Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/COFS? Also can you tell me which users became who so that I have a better map of the accounts involved. If you could post them in the following format it would be of great help. Please also put a * after the connections that are offical (backed by a SSP or RFCU).

• A (talk · contribs) -> B (talk · contribs)* -> C (talk · contribs)
• D (talk · contribs) -> E (talk · contribs) -> F (talk · contribs)

I intend to draw a graph like User:White Cat/RFAR/graph to document individual users activity.

To what extent are you involved with the Scientology dispute? Have you made any significant contribution to Scientology related topics? To what extent have you used admin tools?

-- Cat 17:26, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

COFS became Shutterbug, Justanother became Justallofthem, and Smee became Cirt. Best, Durova 17:49, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

Regarding your followup: other than nominating Rick Ross for courtesy deletion per my longstanding offer to BLP subjects who want to opt out, I don't recall editing this topic at all. The situation came to my attention through the conflict of interest noticeboard in spring 2007 after a checkuser report confirmed that several accounts were editing through official Church of Scientology servers. I care very little about Scientology or new religious movements, but I care very much about the integrity of Misplaced Pages. So, like a variety of other sticky disputes, I tried to work out the problem at the community level and then initiated a request for arbitration. As initiator I was formally a named party at last year's COFS arbitration. I initiated the present case also. A while after last year's case ended I began mentoring Cirt. I conominated his RFA. To the best of my recollection I didn't use administrator tools at any time in this dispute. Hope that answers your questions. Durova 19:07, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the quick answers.

At Misplaced Pages:Requests for adminship/Cirt I am looking at an implied discussion between you and Jossi which was removed for "security reasons" care to elaborate what is going on there. Jossi believes his conduct on that RFA is the main reason why you find him unsuitable.

-- Cat 00:28, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

With respect--because it looks like you're honestly doing your best--this question places me in a rather difficult position. It's been my long-held view that ethical decisions where good people disagree belong in the hands of the individuals who live with the consequences. This regards Cirt's privacy, not my own, and so I really must defer to him. Durova 02:32, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

I see. Fair enough, I'll talk to him. The private info is probably oversighted by now. -- Cat 07:45, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

POTD notification

Hi Durova,

Just to let you know that the Featured Picture Image:RedCrossNursen.jpg is due to make an appearance as Picture of the Day on December 18, 2008. If you get a chance, you can check and improve the caption at Template:POTD/2008-12-18. howcheng {chat} 00:02, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Hi, thanks for the heads up. I'll look. You do so well with these there's hardly ever anything to improve. (BTW I hope my newest FPC doesn't offend you as much as that infamous seagull; think it might work for April Fool's Day if it gets promoted?) Durova 00:14, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

It's not a matter of me being offended ... short of goatse, I can take quite a bit. The whole thing about the Main Page, though, is that it's our front door, so-to-speak. Even if we look silly on April Fool's Day, we shouldn't look crass, IMHO. howcheng {chat} 00:41, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Cheers

for the excellent comment here. Enigma 04:27, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. :) Durova 05:16, 17 December 2008 (UTC)

Merry Christmas, Durova!

If you are either a firm friend of mine, have signed my autograph book, are a member of WPTC, or are someone I simply like or admire:

Dylan620 _Contribs is wishing you a Merry Christmas! This greeting (and season) promotes WikiLove and hopefully this note has made your day a little better. Spread the WikiLove by wishing another user a Merry Christmas, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past, a good friend, or just some random person. Don't eat yellow snow!

Spread the holiday cheer by adding {{subst:User:Flaming/MC2008}} to their talk page with a friendly message.

• A cookie to promote WikiLove!
• A glass of milk, to wash down that cookie, and to promote more WikiLove!
• Don't forget to put this on top of your Christmas tree...

--Dylan620 _Contribs 00:16, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Aw, thank you very much! (drinks milk) MmmmmMMmmmm, cookie! :) Durova 00:17, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Glad to see you're enjoying it! I gave you the gift because you meet one or more of my criteria; I look up to you, and I guess we could have a friendship developing. :-) --Dylan620 _Contribs 00:26, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Aw, thanks. All the best. :) Durova 00:33, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

You know what I found funny? They've added a reply to the {{cookie}} template.. it's {{munch}} I just learned that today :) SirFozzie (talk) 00:35, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Too bad they don't have a reply to {{milk}}! –Juliancolton 00:39, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Merry Christmas! (why am I not getting any spam :P) VX! 00:43, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Stomping around with large boots!

Hi D, I tried here (VP/ACFeedback) to add another image, but I think I've just made a big huge mess of the section format. Can you look and tell me what I should have done better? Alternatively, just revert my recent edits, to which I have no great attachment in any case. Thanks! Franamax (talk) 09:55, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Done. Durova 18:37, 18 December 2008 (UTC)

Questionable Scientology inline citations

What is your viewpoint about this one:(334 links)? And that one:(1471 links)? Shutterbug (talk) 05:51, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

If you wish to create a follow-up report patterned after mine then feel free to do so; I will link from my subpage to yours when you are ready. My viewpoint is that arbitration is a poor choice of timing and venue to raise these matters. These are content issues, and as such are the community's responsibility rather than the Committee's. Durova 06:02, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Mind you, I haven't brought this up at the Arbcom. But continuous use of poor references was and still is a key source for disputes over Scientology-related articles. At least for the last two years or so. Obviously it had to escalate to the Arbcom because nobody took responsibility for the problem during all this time (including me, who was surprised to learn that something like a WP:RS/N exists. So much for staying on top of policy changes). I will provide my part to this after the Holidays, hopefully broken down by article. Shutterbug (talk) 03:35, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

So if it was a key source for disputes, when did you take these issues to dispute resolution or the reliable sources noticeboard? Durova 04:03, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Template:Don't template the regulars

This Template was originally meant in good humor, good faith, but User:Dbachmann keeps changing it so it is cold sarcasm. Consensus(no one has changed it but him since you created it) is obviously against him, is there a way to fix this?— Dædαlus 10:40, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

I've left him a note. If it continues to be a problem let me know and I'll nominate the thing for courtesy deletion. Best, Durova 18:21, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Advice

Dear Durova,

What are your thoughts on this image? Do you think it's featurable?

Thanks,

Majorly 19:27, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

It's within the size requirements and historic factors account for using an engraving. Black and white engravings are a tough sell at featured picture candidacies because most of the participants are photographers. Have a look at the spectacular work by Shoemaker's Holiday: he's our engravings expert (and a tough act to follow). Your image needs restoration, which is hard to do at the low resolution you've got. Is it possible to get a better scan of the thing? I see potential. Durova 19:37, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

I could scan it at a higher resolution, yes. I'll get back to you. Majorly 19:43, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Try to get the scanner glass as clean as possible and use your highest DPI. Get me an uncompressed .tif if possible. The bigger the better. My current project is 51 megs; I don't call a file big if it's under 100. Best, Durova 19:49, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

The best I can get is 41 MB. Should I email it to you? Majorly 20:45, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Gmail won't transfer files larger than 10MB. You could post it to a hosting site and let me download, or email me for my Skype ID. 41MB sounds excellent; thank you very much. :) Durova 20:48, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Beefed up Wikiscanner discussion on IPCOLL

Saw you comments on the BLP survey and didn't realize wikiscanner couldn't get past user names. I started a discussion on this at IPCOLL talk - including new CheckUser feature - (just process page now) but nothing useful has come up yet. I've also asked at a couple of policy pages about policy on mentioning this on talk page and gotten zilch response. So thought it would be useful to have a discussion of what policy should be if it turns out to be either a really effective tool or a really crappy one that we shouldn't be using at all. CarolMooreDC (talk) 21:20, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

POTD notification

Hi Durova,

Just to let you know that the Featured Picture File:Archangel reindeer3.jpg is due to make an appearance as Picture of the Day on December 25, 2008. If you get a chance, you can check and improve the caption at Template:POTD/2008-12-25. Reindeer for Christmas -- woohoo! howcheng {chat} 00:39, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Aw, I hadn't even thought of that. :) You're inspiring me onto the naughty list, though. There's a Japanese print of a fisherman's wife and an octopus that I've always wanted to restore... Happy holidays.

And by the way, if I finish an architectural design for the White House, any chance of it going up in time for inauguration day? Durova 00:50, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

User:TonyTheTiger already requested File:Obama Portrait 2006 trimmed.jpg (which I didn't run in the days prior to the election) for Inauguration Day. howcheng {chat} 03:57, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Good choice. :) Durova 04:01, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

This pic appears not to be a FP at Commons. Perhaps it should be (or at least a VI or QI?)... what do you think? ++Lar: t/c 15:31, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Image:A Wilde time 3.jpg

Your Featured picture candidate has been promoted Your nomination for featured picture status, Image:A Wilde time 3.jpg, gained a consensus of support, and has been promoted. If you would like to nominate another image, please do so at Misplaced Pages:Featured picture candidates. Noodle snacks (talk) 01:20, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. :) Durova 06:02, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Appalled

Appalled by this User:Durova/Scientology_arbitration/Jossi_evidence. Your apologism for Cirt, seems to have no boundaries, what a shame. So don't count on me to ever share a concern with you via email. ≈ jossi ≈ (talk) 04:53, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Jossi, as you may note from my case evidence I am by no means an apologist for the people I mentor. You've erred and I've erred, at different times and in different ways. I've stood up and taken ownership of my mistakes. Please have a good meal and sleep on the matter; it would be heartwarming to see you step forward and set things right. Best wishes, Durova 04:58, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Your questions

Some questions you had a few days ago are probably answered here. Durova 18:33, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

Regarding this, one clarification: there have been ten prior formal dispute resolution attempts between Cirt and Jossi. They're listed in the second section of my userspace evidence presentation. Regards, Durova 05:38, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

That is probably true but this was sort of like a cross-examination... I have been asking people a lot of questions - of which some I knew the answers. This is to get a sense of their perspective. I am supposed to explain their edit pattern after all. -- Cat 05:47, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I see. Per the tenor of Jossi's comments this evening, a good meal and a night's rest may do him some good. I've posted an offer to support his withdrawal from this case, if he wishes it. Thanks for your efforts, and I hope you can appreciate now why I was reticent about answering your questions. Best regards, Durova 05:53, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Why do you want his withdrawal though? It seems like there is enough room for a separate RFAR between Jossi and Cirt... It seems like the Scientology rfar is trying to address two seperate issues. Unfortunately I still do not understand why you were reticent about answering my questions. -- Cat 15:38, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Well, he wanted to withdraw. I don't object as long as the relevant problems are addressed. Three reasons I was reticent about answering your questions: one is that I did need to check to make certain I didn't cross any improper lines (those weren't my secrets I had been keeping), another was that I really did hope Jossi would take the initiative to set things right himself. In a lot of ways he's been a fine Wikipedian. It's too bad this was part of the mix also. The third reason was that there was just so much material to put together. It's not the sort of thing I could explain in 25 words or less. Durova 00:08, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Image copyright, File:ShowofShows4.jpg

Hi. :) Probably due to the change in name from image -> file, DumbBot has started listing images at WP:CP, which did have the benefit of unearthing some that have been tagged a while with {{copyvio}}. I just wanted to let you know that the "copyvio" tag is only for text. I don't know if you knew that already and accidentally used the wrong one here, or if you weren't aware, but in either case it seemed like a good idea to give you a heads up. :) The plethora of image deletion tags, in case you (like me) need reference, are located at WP:GID. With this particular image, the tag of choice is probably {{Non-free reduce}}, although I'm not sure that will help at all, since Category:Non-free image size reduction request is so insanely overpopulated. I've put the tag on it, though. Otherwise, non-free images that don't meet guidelines are listed for investigation at the also back-logged WP:NFR. (Oi! Tickets back to July! We really need more image admins. :/) --Moonriddengirl 13:32, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the heads up; this definitely isn't a low resolution/scaled down image. I happened across it while doing a policy compliance sweep of music articles. Maybe I'll take some time after I catch up on a few things to work on that size reduction request category. Best regards, Durova 17:55, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

IP vandalism, personal attacks against you

Dear Durova, I have started Misplaced Pages:Administrators'_noticeboard/Incidents#IP_vandalism.2C_personal_attacks_against_User:Durova, as it seems a number of IPs are making unconstructive edits to various pages with your username in them. Sincerely, --A Nobody 19:27, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

Thanks very much for watching my back while I was out. Did some really fun holiday shopping today. Merry Christmas/Happy Channukah/Happy New Year. :) Durova 23:56, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

You're welcome; hope you bought something nice. Sincerely, --A Nobody 01:10, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

DRV

I have requested a review of your deletions of User talk:Smee and User talk:Smeelgova. Please see Misplaced Pages:Deletion_review/Log/2008_December_22. John254 19:55, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the heads up. Durova 19:59, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

WikiCup notice

The 2009 WikiCup will begin on January 1, 2009. The first round will run through March 31, 2009. For more information on this tournament, read the "about" section on the main WikiCup page.

This year, we have a different system in calculating points. At User:Garden/WikiCup/Submissions, you will find information about submitting your article (and other) work to earn points. Each contestant will have their own individual subpage for submitting completed work to us.

This year, User:ST47 will also be running one of his bots to calculate mainspace edits and read your submission subpages to calculate the point values you receive based on our scoring chart.

Questions or comment? Ask at the talk page or go directly to Garden or IMatthew's talk page. Good luck and Happy Holidays! -- ayematthew ✡ and Garden. 14:14, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

161 featured credits, eh?

That's a mighty impressive total. Do you have a list of your credits? --Dylan620 _Contribs 01:30, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

They're linked from my main user page. More in gallery format than list format. Durova 01:47, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

UM...

		The Photographer's Barnstar
		116 featured pics on this server alone? You obviously deserve this. A job well done, and keep up the good work! --Dylan620 Contribs 02:15, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Aw, thank you very much. :) Durova 02:20, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Oops, made a miscalculation; I counted the header image, so that's 115 featured pics on this server. Even so, that's still a massive amount, so you get to keep the barnstar. ;-) --Dylan620 _Contribs 01:56, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

Best wishes for the holiday season

Ecoleetage (talk) wishes you peace!

Thank you very much. :) Durova 04:34, 24 December 2008 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!

		Merry Christmas!
		Template:Sound sample box align right Christmas medley A chiptune medley to annoy Ironholds :D Problems playing this file? See media help. Template:Sample box end Durova, here's hoping you're having a wonderful Christmas, and here's also hoping that all your family and friends are well. Lets all hope that the year coming will be a good one! If we've had disputes in the past, I hold no grudges, especially at such a time as this. If you don't know I am, I apologise, feel free to remove this from your page. Come and say hi, I won't bite, I swear! It could even be good for me, you know - I'm feeling a little down at the moment with all of these snowmen giving me the cold shoulder :( — neur ho ho ho 00:02, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you! :) Durova 22:27, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Happy holidays

Thanks for making 2008 an interesting and enlightening year for me; at some point, our paths have crossed and I've found your comments amusing, helpful or thought-provoking—I'll let you guess which!

Thank you. :) Durova 22:28, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Merry Christmas

A Nobody is wishing you a Merry Christmas! This greeting (and season) promotes WikiLove and hopefully this note has made your day a little better. Spread the WikiLove by wishing another user a Merry Christmas, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past, a good friend, or just some random person. Don't eat yellow snow!

Spread the holiday cheer by adding {{subst:User:Flaming/MC2008}} to their talk page with a friendly message.

--A Nobody 02:12, 25 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you all very much. :) Durova 22:28, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages:Featured picture candidates/Indecency

Your Featured picture candidate has been promoted Your nomination for featured picture status, File:Indecency2.jpg, gained a consensus of support, and has been promoted. If you would like to nominate another image, please do so at Misplaced Pages:Featured picture candidates. Wronkiew (talk) 21:58, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you. :) Durova 22:29, 26 December 2008 (UTC)

Question

I see you a lot a WP:FPC, so I wondered if you could tell me what "EV" means? I'm not quite sure, but I'll take a stab at it and go with "Emotional Value. VX! 05:34, 27 December 2008 (UTC)

Encyclopedic value. Durova 05:37, 27 December 2008 (UTC)

Well then, I was just plain wrong :) VX! 23:24, 27 December 2008 (UTC)

A decoration for you

The Tireless Contributor Barnstar Upon aimlessly browsing your userspace, I was struck by the sheer quantity of contributions you make to this—and other WMF—projects. For your hard work each and every day, your efforts in achieving "featured" status on Misplaced Pages assets of a number of different types, and your consistent warmth both here and on Skype, I award you the "Tireless Contributor Barnstar." Please accept the decoration as a small token of appreciation! (Oh, and I do maintain that you have been one of the project's most competent administrators to date. :-)) My best regards, AGK 23:18, 27 December 2008 (UTC)

Happy holidays!
AGK 23:20, 27 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much! :) Durova 01:07, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Fringe science

An Arbitration case in which you commented has been opened, and is located here. Please add any evidence you may wish the Arbitrators to consider to the evidence sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Fringe science/Evidence. Please submit your evidence within one week, if possible. You may also contribute to the case on the workshop sub-page, Misplaced Pages:Requests for arbitration/Fringe science/Workshop.

On behalf of the Arbitration Committee, Daniel (talk) 00:57, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

Frozen Pinecone

Thanks for the suggestion. I have expanded the description and added the picture to other pages. Cheers, ṜedMarkViolinist 02:44, 29 December 2008 (UTC)

Frozen Pinecone

I have added the variety and description. Cheers, ṜedMarkViolinist 17:33, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

RE: WikiCup Questions

Sorry for the lateness in my reply here :D I'm afraid I'll have to say no to both of those as content must be nominated and promoted within the round, to keep it fair; also, it would be best to keep it to Misplaced Pages to avoid discrimination against those who do not edit on sister projects. Sorry. Garden. 22:26, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

No need for apologies, and thanks for the answers. :) Durova 22:30, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

POTD notification

Hi Durova,

Just to let you know that the Featured Picture File:Ocean currents 1943 (borderless)3.png is due to make an appearance as Picture of the Day on January 5, 2009. If you get a chance, you can check and improve the caption at Template:POTD/2009-01-05. howcheng {chat} 19:42, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

Thank you very much. :) Durova 20:07, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

Joan of Arc humor

In the spirit of the new year, Thomas Lawrence (c. 1820-96), long considered one of the finest Victorian clowns, wrote in his personal joke book discovered in 2007: “What’s the difference between a rowing boat and Joan of Arc? One is made of wood and the other is Maid of Orleans.” See Thomas Lawrence as quoted in Ben Schott, Schott’s Mischellany Calendar 2009 (New York: Workman Publishing, 2008), October 22. Sincerely, --A Nobody 20:19, 31 December 2008 (UTC)