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Editor of the Week awards[edit]

I have decided to no longer facilitate the Editor of the Week awards. I know you are no longer involved but I needed to "turn the keys" over to somebody and you seemed like the best, most interested party. Perhaps Isaacl can help find a replacement. He has always been ready with a helping hand and advice when I needed it. The accepted nominations number about 16 editors which is the most ever. Buster Seven Talk 03:59, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

• Isaacl is more than qualified, and I would hope he would consider it. To be honest, he would be my hand picked choice as well due to his participation and experience. I appreciate your work on the program and I know others do as well, but I understand that after a couple of years, you might be ready for other things. For me, it is the one jewel that came from the Project. The Project still has hope, but not with me at the head. I wanted to start something and let others take the lead, but that never happened. It would be a shame if we lost this one program that does make a difference. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 11:23, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

• That's the problem. You don't realize that I was your replacement at WER and I did the best I could (never recognized, it seems, from what you say above. But that's neither here nor there at this point. Good luck in your future endeavors and in your life. Buster Seven Talk 15:20, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

• I'm not sure what to do then. I've backed off the Project because I feel that matters beyond my control made it lose focus, and I never wanted to be "in charge" there. Or anywhere. Simply being an admin is more than I want many days. I piddle some here, but real life has been a lot more interesting as of late, with trying to move back into town, a new girlfriend (who is way too sexy for me but she doesn't know it), and the business taking off. I've avoided getting bogged down with large project here because my real life is finally hitting its stride. But I can understand your frustration. Whatever you do, seek happiness, and I hope you find it. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 15:28, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

• Although there are a number of issues with my taking on this task (not the least of which is that my views on the award are out of synch with others), the most important problem is time. I cannot at this point commit to taking on any significant tasks with Wikipedia. I have essentially been an unretained editor for a while, with the reasons captured on one of the Editor retention project pages as well as User:Isaacl/Community, but right now the amount of spare time I have to offer is very little. I will think about who might be a good replacement; maybe one of the stalwarts who returned recently to nominate worthy editors? isaacl (talk) 16:47, 24 May 2016 (UTC)
  • My suggestion is for Worm That Turned, though I'm not clear if there is any interest in taking on a bigger role in the Editor of the Week recognition. isaacl (talk) 01:53, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
    • Maybe we should ask @Worm That Turned: to see if he would want to be the "backbone" of the effort? John Carter (talk) 21:22, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
    • He is more than qualified, and perhaps he can make something where I failed. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 21:24, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
      • Sorry if I was unclear; I was only speaking of someone to facilitate the Editor of the Week recognition. I don't see this as something where you failed; it has been a moderate success (though it did not succeed in building a community around the recognition, which is why Buster7 has been left running it for years). isaacl (talk) 00:29, 26 May 2016 (UTC)
        • No, you were clear, I was referring to WER in general when speaking of personal failure. Actually, Buster's efforts are what kept the lights on. Retention is a difficult topic and there was enough political blowback for simply letting people openly opine that it felt like censorship, which is why I eventually faded away. Sometimes it seems like we are not allowed to be critical of Wikipedia at Wikipedia. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 00:56, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

    Very kind of you all to think of me, but I just don't have that sort of interest in Wikipedia any more. A number of factors have meant that I spend less time trying to steer Wikipedia, and more time doing stuff I enjoy, like writing about interesting topics. I started this year embroiled in an Arbcom case, and to wipe that stench off, I've helped write 11 good articles. I intend to keep on that much more pleasant tack, and whilst I approve of the Editor of the Week subproject (and was quite happy to throw a bunch of names that way), I just don't have the energy or perseverance to manage it, sorry. Worm^TT(talk) 16:59, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

  • Long story short, I'm in a holding pattern until someone moves out of a house I am buying, 50 miles away. My stuff has been packed 18 months, then I have to get this house ready to sell, something I've been working on but too many boxes are in the way. Starting soon, I'm going to be very scarce while I move, unpack, setup a real home, setup the old studio, clean and paint this house, etc. I may be absent for days or weeks at a time. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 15:27, 25 May 2016 (UTC)

• • • Dennis, Just wanted to say that I hope the move goes well. These are always fraught times as Susie and I know and you will be in our thoughts. Look forward to seeing you around Wikipedia afterwards. Best regards, David, David J Johnson (talk) 16:26, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
      • I appreciate. Once this one is sold, I will *finally* be on way towards a normal life, then living 10 minutes from work and 10 minutes from a very nice lady who has taken a fancy to me. Living like this for 18 months can't be put into words. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 16:34, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
        • Hello Dennis: If performing interior painting, use a semi-gloss! North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 16:53, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
          • I think I'm doing painting, two double sized garage doors, a couple of doors, the entire sunroom including ceiling... The color I picked is a dead ringer for a couple of spots that needed touching up in the bathroom, same sheen as well, so I dodged having to paint the whole bathroom. The rest is all brick and aluminum/vinyl eaves, and there is no way I'm going to go paint the barns. I've been tearing down extra fencing, going through gallons of weedkiller (I buy jugs of concentrate, mix it 4x recommended strength. Screw the planet, I have poison ivy to kill) and the entire basement flooded due to a clogged drain, now fixed, but I get to repair the basement. Fortunately, I know how to do all of this, from sheetrock to framing, but it still takes time. Precious time. Home today, and I get a text, so about to call a customer and sell them some UV bulbs. I just don't get much of a break, and I come here when I do. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 17:48, 25 May 2016 (UTC)
            • Two words: sump pump, or five words, uninterrupted power source sump pump. For paint, you can spray, which is easier, or roll, which typically looks nicer = more curb appeal. Never heard of sheetrock, but I've heard of drywall. That kind of work is kind of like softball; more fun with beer. You oughta move to Colorado... Cheers, North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 01:43, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

• Any "gloss" paint is for bathrooms or kitchens. (Steam from shower and cooking). My money is on flat or eggshell. The gloos-ier the paint the more noticeable any imperfections on the wall. Buster Seven Talk 02:18, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

RIP WP:WER?

• Hey DB: Yeah, eggshell is good for indoor living areas, living rooms, etc. Also, burn the fences. Or leave them in place. RIP WP:WER? North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 14:42, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘It isn't about RIP, it is about needing new management. I don't have the time or the heart for it, and it appears neither does Buster. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 15:01, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Yeah, I've been reducing involvement in WikiProjects, such as at WP:TAFI, despite the obvious advantages of their existences. North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 15:03, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Try Jim Carter. He was a big help and an early contributor of solid nominations. I'm sure both Isaacl and I can guide him thru the early orientation process. Buster Seven Talk 20:19, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Alternately, I think User:Gerda Arendt, who is already doing something substantially similar, might be willing to combine efforts in some way.John Carter (talk) 20:54, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Gerda had some philosophical differences with how it is done, she and I had talked about it at length and she noted she wasn't right to help out then. I'm not sure if anything has changed since then. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 21:06, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

(I typed at the same time:) Before Dennis set EotW up he asked me about combining, - I explained that Precious is limited to the viewpoint of QAI (aka cabal of the outcast), trying to give the prize to users who share the ideas and values of the project (at least to some extent) and who don't oppose its members. I recently found help in giving, and I am more open to anybody passing Precious without much restriction, just updating the list, please. I have no time to do more myself. - After edit conflict: some things changed but my free time is rather more limited. Like your phrase "philosophical differences ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:12, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Respect and love, Gerda, as always. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 21:17, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

Same, Dennis. Best wishes for your move! Remember that we talked about Farmer Brown. Look ;) (some things changed, some even to the better) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:22, 26 May 2016 (UTC)

break[edit]

@Buster7: Anything I can do here? Jim Carter 09:37, 27 May 2016 (UTC)

@Jim Carter: Well, Yes, Jim. As you can see from the above I will no longer be facilitating the Editor of the Week Award. I thought you might be willing to take over the responsibilities of the project. The Accepted Nomination Queue is full and should last till the Fall. All the other peripheral stuff like the "Eddyboxes", "Hall of Fame" and "Recipients Response" are also part and parcel of the task and are in place. Give it a try. You will probably like it! Buster Seven Talk 12:57, 27 May 2016 (UTC)

See Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Editor Retention#EOTW announcement for perhaps a fellow facilitator. Buster Seven Talk 07:21, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

Together the Carter Brothers, John and Jim, (I know...they most likely have never met in person) have contributed 21 nominations so they are good choices. Worm contributed 12...also a good choice. Before he retired a few years ago Khazar2 had contributed 7; maybe he might be convinced to help. L235 made 10 and assisted with chores for a bit before he took on clerking duties. No one else that is not an administrator comes to mind. I contributed 37. There have been probably 120 editors that have nominated another editor...above and beyond the repeaters mentioned. I'm confident someone will step forward and take the keys to the EotW workshop. It's been a nice place to work. Buster Seven Talk 07:48, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

I wanted to mention that I appreciate Buster7's work that may have not been noticed, specifically, awarding the 100,000 edits barnstar to users. (No "editcountitis" here, I perform a lot of automated edits, such as deletion sorting, relistings, etc.) Awards and accolades such as Editor of the Week are important in the Wiki-world to recognize people's contributions and encourage a supportive environment amongst ourselves. Plus, the graphic design of the stars is often visually pleasant to view. . I'd love to voluneer for EOTW, but my editing availability is waning. I do like WP: WER, and hope that WP:EOTW activities continue. Here Comes Sunshine. North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 09:20, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘ Jim Carter asked me why I stepped aside. One of the recent EOTW's, SusunW]] has been teaching me the proper way to create biographies. WPA muralists is an interest of mine. Last year I created a list of ""Women in Red" muralists and Susun has graciously taken under her wing for flight training and article creation. I'm still a supportive member of WER and I'm confident that someone will come forward and take the wheel and move us closer to our goal. WER was never a failure...it just lost its way for a moment. It has all the potential to be a success and make Dennis a "proud wiki-papa". Buster Seven Talk 14:04, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

• Hi Buster, thanks for pinging. I'm happy to be a temporary stop-gap facilitator until at least September, but past that, I'm afraid I don't think I'll have enough time to do anything consistently. (Also, clerking for arb and for SPI kind of take a lot of time.) Thanks, Kevin (aka L235 · t · c) 15:45, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

Thanks, Kevin. "U da man!" I'm 1/2 an hour from leaving the city till Tuesday. Why don't we forego the Award this Sunday and I'll brief you when I get back. Its easy enough but there are a few steps in the process. And, when you start I or Issacl are never more than a ping away. Buster Seven Talk 16:20, 28 May 2016 (UTC)

@Buster7: Sounds good. Kevin (aka L235 · t · c) 17:34, 29 May 2016 (UTC)

Impact[edit]

Impact

Thank you for your impact
in raising awareness for editor retention, more important for the project than individual articles!

Better late than never! And again: an invitation to pass it where you notice impact, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:07, 27 May 2016 (UTC)

Lame false accusation of "vandalism" by uninformed "admin."[edit]

Heads-up[edit]

As you commented on Sfarney's earlier request to WP:AE concerning my editing, I thought I should let you know that I've posted an enforcement request concerning Sfarney's editing. It's at Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Enforcement#Sfarney. Prioryman (talk) 00:43, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

• I left a note there. Since I warned them just 4 or so days ago, I'm a bit hesitant to jump on sanctions unless the pattern continues past that warning. I won't stop another admin, but I want more input. As I state there, I don't have high hopes, the editor probably means well but really has blinders on when it comes to interpreting policy, and clearly has a preconceived idea of how Scientology should be portrayed here. If the pattern continues, past that warning, I don't think there is any question that a topic ban will be the result. Intensity isn't your friend when it comes to DS areas, as you know. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 01:26, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

IP block needed ASAP[edit]

The IP you commented on has just continued the edit war. Mdrnpndr (talk) 00:53, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

• Done and left a note on the IPs talk page. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 01:21, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

WP:AE#Sfarney[edit]

Dennis, you say you gave a 'fairly detailed warning' less than a week ago. Can you link to that? I am trying to establish that the editor has been formally alerted under Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/Discretionary sanctions#Awareness and alerts. Unless your notice to Sfarney is earlier, I think this post, warning Prioryman, establishes that Sfarney was aware as of May 20. Thanks, EdJohnston (talk) 02:07, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

• That is the one. I didn't think to look to see if he had been given the DS warning, bad assumption on my part. I guess at this point that is all we can do is do the official template. In hindsight, I should have done so then, although it we would still be here. That doesn't stop anyone from taking action outside of AE, but I'm still inclined to give him a little rope since I did give him that warning. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 10:35, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

Puffmuffin[edit]

Re Puffmuffin's posting of links that contain viruses - IMHO, this was a deliberate act. Do the rules allow for an instant block, or must we warn first? Such actions are certainly not what would be expected from an editor who is here to add to the encyclopedia. Mjroots (talk) 17:45, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

• I don't think it was intentional. The website hasn't been edited in 2 years, is on a blog platform and probably hasn't had the software updated, and was probably pwned by a script. The site isn't a reliable source from what I can tell, and shouldn't be used for anything serious, even if it didn't have the ransomware/virus, but I have no real reason to think they did this on purpose. Many others have used this same website for links (now all removed). Dennis Brown - 2¢ 18:03, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

OK, thanks. Mjroots (talk) 18:27, 31 May 2016 (UTC)

Your hatting of the AE appeal at AN[edit]

FYI https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=&oldid=606947133#Appeals_and_modifications allows people to appeal on AN194.40.144.21 (talk) 10:12, 1 June 2016 (UTC)

• I stand corrected, thanks for the heads up. I'm not used to seeing them there and there is a strong preference for using WP:AE, but you are correct. I reverted myself. Dennis Brown - 2¢ 10:15, 1 June 2016 (UTC)

Ancient[edit]

A plate of testaroli, an ancient dish, served with pesto at a trattoria in Pontremoli, Italy
– An entry at List of ancient dishes –

Hey Dennis and Dennis' page watchers: Check out List of ancient dishes. Better yet, chip in to improve it. Cheers, North America¹⁰⁰⁰ 20:17, 2 June 2016 (UTC)