User talk:Eric Corbett

There are many aspects of wikipedia's governance that seem to me to be at best ill-considered and at worst corrupt, and little recognition that some things need to change. I appreciate that there are many good, talented, and honest people here, but there are far too many who are none of those things, concerned only with the status they acquire by doing whatever is required to climb up some greasy pole or other. I'm out of step with the way things are run here, and at best grudgingly tolerated by the children who run this site. I see that as a good thing, although I appreciate that there are others who see it as an excuse to look for any reason to block me, as my log amply demonstrates.

Quoll Help?

Hello Malleus, I was wondering if you could possibly make your way back to the quoll article. I think you will be impressed with the amount of information that has been added since your last visit. Then again, that means a lot of grammar mistakes probably hiding within the article. I would greatly appreciate your help and hope that you will consider revising the article. Your work with the AP Biology wikiproject is not underestimated, as you are, to our class, a Wikipedia God. Thank you so much for the time and effort that you put into the project and I hope that you will help the quoll article progress to GA, and maybe FA one day. Thanks! :)--Savetheoceans (talk) 03:39, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Sure, I'll be glad to help; I'm fascinated by the idea of a marsupial cat! I probably won't get to it until tomorrow though. Malleus Fatuorum 22:57, 7 November 2011 (UTC)

Any help, anytime is a blessing in itself. I'm so excited that you think the quoll is fascinating... If there is one thing this research taught me, it is that there are some interesting animals out there :) --Savetheoceans (talk) 00:36, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

There are indeed. Just remind me, are you in a part of the US where it's allowed to teach evolution without giving equal weight to intelligent design? I only ask out of interest, nothing to do with the quoll. Malleus Fatuorum 00:42, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

We try to keep religion as far out of our AP Biology classroom as possible.--Savetheoceans (talk) 16:37, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Hey! I was thinking about putting my article quoll up for GA. Do you think that is a good idea?--Savetheoceans (talk) 15:59, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I think you've done a very fine job with that, and it's close for GA I think. Let me look through the whole thing again this evening and I'll post up at the peer review anything I think needs attention. For instance, this is a bit unclear: "Females have six nipples and develop a pouch which opens toward the tail only during the breeding season". The way that sentence is structured makes it look like the pouch opens toward the tail only during the breeding season, and toward somewhere else at other times of the year. But presumably it doesn't have a pouch at all except in the breeding season? In which case something like "Females have six nipples and develop a pouch during the breeding season that opens toward the tail" would be clearer. But from what I've looked at so far I don't think there will be anything major, so I think you could reasonably be looking to have a go at GA in the next day or so, by the weekend certainly. Malleus Fatuorum 16:21, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I am absolutely bursting with excitement! I will make that change ASAP! Thank you sooooo much for helping me reach my goal! :) --Savetheoceans (talk) 16:30, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Being the ignorant American that I am, I have an incredibly hard time deciphering if what I have written could be spelled in a British way. I am also just awful at spelling, as with all of your edits you are probably aware of by now. I have fixed all of the other peer review requests but the spelling. I was wondering if you could help me with that? --Savetheoceans (talk) 00:20, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

It's not ignorance, it's just lack of experience with Wikipedia. I think we've pretty much fixed all the British vs. American spelling stuff (things like "center" vs. "centre", "color" vs. "colour") so no worries there. Neither is the "correct" spelling of course, but the convention is to conform to the spelling variation used by whoever created the article. I haven't finished going through the article yet, and I'll have a few more comments to make tomorrow, but please don't be discouraged by my apparently never-ending stream of criticism; I'm only trying to help you make this article the best you can make it. When it gets that little green GA badge, which I'm sure it can, I want to you be able to look back at it in a few months time when you've moved on to other things and think "Wow, did I really write that?" Malleus Fatuorum 00:58, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Thank you so much for all of your help. It is a bit discouraging to see a huge stream of corrections, because it shows you how wrong you are. But then again, being humble is a good thing. If you look at the glass as half full, as I do, I don't see a ton of corrections, but a genuine interest in helping out the world's youth. Every correction is also a lesson, it teaches one what they did wrong and what they can do to fix it. This project has definitely inflated my ego to extreme proportions. Whenever a relative comes over, the first thing I show them is my article. The never ending criticism has led to never-ending praise from my family and friends and I thank you for that. That little green badge will be so rewarding once I get it, because it will show that after all of the "blood, sweat, and tears" I produced something that others see as professional. I am sure not in a few months, but in a few years when I go to write applications to colleges, I will remember this project. I think it will help me stand out from the crowd as far as applications go, so the amount of work I put in, I might get out of it to help me better my future. Thanks so much for putting up with my teenage writing abilities, and for fixing all of my mistakes, as I am sure that reading this probably pains you, as this little blurb is likely riddled with grammatical errors. Thanks again --Savetheoceans (talk) 14:13, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

I'm happy to help where I can. A lot of the praise ought to go to your teacher though, for his foresight and perseverance with the AP Biology project; I'm sure it hasn't always been easy for him. Malleus Fatuorum 19:50, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Some stroopwafels for you!

Thank you for all of your help to the quoll article but more importantly, the WP:APBIO project. Your edits are greatly appreciated. Without them the AP Biology project would not be what it is today! :) Savetheoceans (talk) 01:48, 8 November 2011 (UTC)

Apparently, the first AP Bio project missed the memo on filling your talk page with baked goods? Glad to see that you are still a guiding light in the project.--Yohmom (talk) 02:54, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Hardly a guiding light. I think that's more you and the others who've been there, got the T-shirt, and are still around to help those coming behind you despite no doubt being very busy with your own studies. BTW, what on Earth is a stroopwafel? Malleus Fatuorum 03:18, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

A rather nice Dutch biscuit, best eaten in Amsterdam before the genever.  :-)--J3Mrs (talk) 09:20, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

NO! NO! Come on now! (Sorry, haha.) It is a million miles away from a biscuit, and I'm not even sure you can buy the fresh ones in Angstydam. Listen, they consist of two somewhat thin wafers pressed together with a cane syrup/butter syrup in the middle; in lots of medium-sized towns you can buy them fresh, hot out of the press, all sweet and crumbly and gooey! They are delicious. Hey Malleus, I only dropped by to tell you that I posted Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/Wikipedia:RIDICULOUS; if that essay gets deleted, the redirect is up for grabs. I thought maybe you'd have an idea for using it. Drmies (talk) 14:47, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Haha.. Glad the stroopwaffels are a hit! I had them once in Europe. The barrissta put them on top of our coffee, and the caramel got warm and melty. They are kind of like the american wafers, like nutty bars, but instead of peanut butter, they have caramel. Needless to say they are delicious! :) Thanks again for all the help!--Savetheoceans (talk) 00:43, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

• Savetheoceans, be careful now that you don't get blocked for having an offensive user name. Any destroyer of oceans could rightfully claim you're intentionally offending them. (And yes, that's the way to serve them. Glad you enjoyed.) Drmies (talk) 01:17, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I once tried to save the oceans but it made the other banknotes soggy. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 16:37, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Request

Could you or one of your talk page watchers possibly help tidy up the refs on Bob Shaw? I don't have time right now to figure it out. --John (talk) 18:32, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

I've made a few changes, changing one reference to a template, adding publishers where needed, and making sure the authors' names are presented consistently. Having looked at the Robert Reginald book, I think it's a 2009 reprint of the 19754 second edition, but haven't changed the reference yet. Generally I don't see Google book links with retrieval dates, I assume because while the links may change the books won't. Sometimes I see links to Google books removed althogether because they don't work for everyone and they're still accessible via the ISBN link. Nev1 (talk) 19:00, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Thank you for your fast work Nev. Please feel free to finish referencing cleanup as you see fit; it really isn't my field of expertise. --John (talk) 19:08, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Think I'm done. I changed the Reginald reference to reflect it was the 1974 edition. I double checked WP:CITE on the guidance for Google books. It says "When a book is available online through a site such as Google Books, it is useful to provide links to the relevant pages ... Although there is no requirement for such links, working links should not be removed once added" so I'll leave them as they are. Nev1 (talk) 19:22, 9 November 2011 (UTC)

Stylebook

Malleus, I'm having more and more fun reading Fowler. I found another one, though, that's kind of interesting. It has sample sentences like such as "The girl I had anal sex with freshman year has a great set of tits" (for restrictive comma usage), "'I'm going to finish this drink, and then you're a fucking dead man,' he said" (comma inside quotation mark), and "They're too drunk to realize I sold them oregano" (they're/their/there). Happy days, Drmies (talk) 00:15, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Looks very interesting. I see it's available on Amazon for just £2, so I may buy a copy. Malleus Fatuorum 14:55, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Lead writers guild

Would any of your circa 384 page-watchers be interested in writing the lead (lede) of Ely, Cambridgeshire (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views) please? I started about a month ago trying to improve the article from what I thought was a rather confused collection of mainly contemporary news. Although I feel I have made progress, I'm just not that good. If the lead could be improved, it might spur me on. See also Ely request for feedback, Ely help request, Ely help offered, Project UK Geo. request and Project UK cities request --Senra (Talk) 12:12, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I'll take a look at it this evening hopefully, if nobody else has before then. Malleus Fatuorum 14:56, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Banner

Malleus, unarchive that thread where you were asked to be in the banner-- it is entertaining even without you, but it would be undiplomatic of me to say why :) Check this one out; the response was fitting for the flawed logic, but youda been blocked already. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 20:00, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

As you wish. Malleus Fatuorum 20:12, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

FWIW, I spoke with Matthew for about an hour via Skype. I'm not in the banner and I never said anything that could remotely construed as appropriate for the banner. It was an interesting conversation. --Moni3 (talk) 22:20, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Bwaaaaaaa ... fly on the wall comes to mind ... so, how's that Skype thingie work? Look at these monkeys ... at least they have their clothes on. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:39, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Interview with Wikimedia Foundation

Hi Malleus, selection criteria have mostly been word of mouth as we interview editors. I personally love foul-mouthed uncivil louts, so I'd be down to interview you, if that's what you were implying and if you're inclined. Moni was recommended by another editor who enjoyed working with her. As for what we're looking for in the process, it seems to be editors who inspire readers to click the donate button. The most successful appeals have been the ones from people who feel that Wikipedia is changing the world for the better. And they are able to express that sentiment in a convincing, interesting way. More on the fundraising tests this year here and here. Would you want to participate? Please let me know. Cheers, Matthew (WMF) 21:52, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

popcorn.gif --Moni3 (talk) 21:57, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

I for one would pay to read a personal appeal from Malleus Jebus989^✰ 22:08, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

Err no, I don't think that would be a great idea. Malleus Fatuorum 22:09, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

I was just trying to imagine a personal appeal from Malleus to give money to the Foundation. :D SlimVirgin ^{TALK|CONTRIBS}

It's a mind-boggling thought. :-) Malleus Fatuorum 22:27, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

Malleus, you should write a parody of Jimbo's appeal! :D  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 22:41, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

Maybe "Johnny Rotten" Lydon would oblige?  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 22:44, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

How much exactly would you pay, Jebus989? I have a number that might make it worth our while :) Matthew (WMF) 22:54, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

Probably in the region of several million pounds! Jebus989^✰ 09:43, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for checking in Malleus. Best, Matthew (WMF) 23:27, 14 September 2011 (UTC)

I also turned Matthew down, but mainly because I felt me on a banner ad would not endear me to fellow Wikipedians. He didn't even call me names.--Wehwalt (talk) 01:46, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

Hi Wehwalt, I was only using the name Malleus used for himself on Moni's talk page. I wouldn't volunteer that if I didn't think it was in the spirit of his humour. Matthew (WMF) 16:50, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

Likewise, I turned Matthew down, assuming that the most upbeat and positive of editors would be ideal for this project. Ones who are aesthetically pleasing and superhumanly excited about giving money to Wikipedia. I can't muster that kind of impossible enthusiasm. Perhaps Matthew should explain how he might edit an ad using interviewees who treat Wikipedia like a the last magic grizzly bear on earth; a fascinating creature that can recite poetry but hasn't eaten for two years. --Moni3 (talk) 11:54, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

I used to play College Bowl for my university, including one year it was televised on the Disney Channel. I heard later that the reason Disney only ran the one year was that the players were not aesthetically pleasing, having been selected as good players rather than good lookers. I suspect the same is true of Wikipedia editors. Matthew may have some difficulty there.--Wehwalt (talk) 13:38, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

I won't make claims about him aesthetically, but Brandon's banner has been the most successful to date. As for editing an ad for an interviewee with that disposition, I personally think it would be fun. I can't say it would work for fundraising, but I'd gladly try. Matthew (WMF) 17:52, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

Nonsense, Malleus is just the guy to be our Bob Geldorf. Otherwise it will end up looking like "I'd like to teach the world to give money to Wikipedia". Johnbod (talk) 14:43, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

I should be interested in seeing how Malleus' editing methods translate to fundraising.--Wehwalt (talk) 14:45, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

how's this for an idea. Casliber (talk · contribs) 14:58, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

• LOL*. That rivals "First we sow the seeds, then nature grows the seeds ..." as my favorite Young Ones scene. :D

 Kiefer.Wolfowitz 06:54, 16 September 2011 (UTC)

I just hope when or if Malleus accepts to take part in the fundraiser that at least he is better looking than those two dudes currently appearing on the banner. Dr.K. ^{λogosπraxis} 21:00, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

(Unarchived at SandyG's request. Malleus Fatuorum 20:13, 10 November 2011 (UTC))

There's more chance of England beating Spain 10–0 in Saturday's friendly at Wembley than there is of me ever taking part in a fundraiser. So you'll never know how good looking and distinguished I am. Or conversely that I look like a refugee from ZZ Top. Malleus Fatuorum 22:37, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Well, every girl's crazy about a sharp-dressed man... *riff* --Moni3 (talk) 22:44, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Neither one of those (good looking and distinguished or ZZ TOP refugee) fits my mental image of Malleus. I won't tell you what does, as I don't want to offend. Of course, mental images aren't too predictive of reality; my own mental image of myself is much younger and more handsome than the hideous wretch I see when I'm stupid enough to look in the mirror. --Floquenbeam (talk) 22:49, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

You won't offend: here's an extract from a documentary I starred in. I'm sure we all have our mental images of each other. For instance, I imagine SandyG as a rather elegant Latina with a great ass. :lol: Malleus Fatuorum 23:12, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Where's Moni when ya need her? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 01:40, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

OK. I picture you as the homeowner in Up. --Floquenbeam (talk) 23:17, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Not even close. Basically you need to be thinking more of an anarchist cum ageing hippy look. ;-) Malleus Fatuorum 23:36, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Oh no. Another anatomy-related edit from you Malleus. I wonder who will react first; the civility control people with a block or wikiproject medicine with an invitation for you to participate. Dr.K. ^{λogosπraxis} 23:24, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I don't understand all the fuss about words like ass and arse here on Wikipedia and I hope that I never will. Malleus Fatuorum 23:36, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Acceptance of the use of such terms depends on the circumstances and the actors involved. The actors, the terms, the context, the agendas and the politics involved may create an environment where any satisfactory resolution is impossible. Dr.K. ^{λogosπraxis} 23:54, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

At least the gentlemen currently on the banner represent a wide spectrum of Wikipedia editors. Between the office and heavy metal types I'm sure Malleus will comfortably fit somewhere inbetween. Dr.K. ^{λogosπraxis} 23:02, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I see no mention of copyvios in all those articles created. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 20:21, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I'm obviously missing something. The articles that who created? Malleus Fatuorum 20:28, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Keep watching those banners... Actually it doesn't start here properly for 4 days. Johnbod (talk) 21:29, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I've only seen a couple of banners, and none at all for the last two or three days. Have I just been lucky? Malleus Fatuorum 21:42, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

I'm getting four that keep popping up: Jimbo, a male author of 2400 articles, a female author of several hundred articles, and programmer Brandon Harris. I can't find anything that reliably suppresses them for an extended period of time either. NW (Talk) 21:59, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Dont you just click on the 'X' in the top RHS and think no more of it...? Casliber (talk · contribs) 00:45, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

The characters are so compelling I can't help but watch. Is there any way the banner can be converted to a wallpaper or screen saver? Dr.K. ^{λogosπraxis} 01:32, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

What relationship do the words of these two editors have to the reality encountered daily by the 25 to 50 editors who put up and defend quality content on Wikipedia?

• Context for Alansohn: User talk:SandyGeorgia/archtemp#Your RfA comments, Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Alansohn 2
• Context for Brandon Harris: [1]

SandyGeorgia (Talk) 16:19, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Brandon Harris has a slightly more active account. Nikkimaria (talk) 04:25, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

How does this "ass" "arse" stuff work here exactly?

A short while ago I was blocked by the saintly WMF employee who goes by the name of User:Kaldari for this comment: "Please carry on, so everyone can see what an ignorant arse you are", not addressed to him I might add.

Yet this evening what seems to me to be a rather similar comment goes by unremarked: "I have found Keepcases to be a major horse's ass", which follows another editor and I being called "jerks".[2] There are only two explanations for such discrepancies: incompetence or corruption. Malleus Fatuorum 01:39, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Regarding "incompetence or corruption"?

Nice use of the inclusive "or"!

 Kiefer.Wolfowitz 11:09, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

I would go further and describe it as tendentious linguistic nationalism. Fifelfoo (talk) 11:13, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

What a pain in the arse. I am usually inclined to put such things down to incompetence rather than corruption, though at a certain point there is no practical difference. Do you mean to say that Kaldari hasn't apologized to you yet? --John (talk) 16:08, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Malleus referenced the latest gratuitous nastiness at RfA by another Super Buddy.  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 16:50, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

I don't know, maybe we ought to really have a code against calling people spent ejaculate, given that some cultures consider this to be capitally offensive; and, enforce said code with cross-cultural blindness and vengeance. Fifelfoo (talk) 20:59, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

The Old Testament really is a bundle of fun. Malleus Fatuorum 21:05, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

He shoulda died, after all ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-L3JMk7C1A SandyGeorgia (Talk) 16:32, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

It tickled me that he got you for the "arse" bit, but the "ignorant" bit went uncommented on. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 17:01, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Get to work

[3] - apparently from this Parrot of Doom 20:57, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Oooh, I'd get to use the words "dildo" and "vagina" without being blocked, very tempting. Malleus Fatuorum 21:03, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

You could make a whole new article, witch paraphernalia, or witch phallusernalia perhaps :) Parrot of Doom 21:14, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

According to someone on Reddit, where I found the above picture, Michael Harner is responsible for the claim. He may have a few detractors so it may be bullshit, but it's certainly an interesting claim on witches all the same :) Parrot of Doom 21:20, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

I'd been thinking somewhat along those lines anyway, since discovering the significance of metal pins to the Pendle witches story. But the flesh is weak. Would I have time to finish it (or even start it) before the next clod-hopping administrator has a mind to block me? Malleus Fatuorum 21:31, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Ooohh, that book (Botany of Desire) was assigned reading in my freshman college-level English class, as a study in metaphor. Really quite good, and some fascinating history, too. Dana boomer (talk) 21:47, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

... and I find female administrators even more intimidating, although also cuddly and snuggley; in the nicest possible way of course. :lol: Malleus Fatuorum 22:13, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

You can cuddle me any time pet (...just don't tell my hubby). I have half a dozen capital sources on the subject of witches flying ointment, including a rather OR one from someone who had the national collection of Henbanes (bet I need a latin name for that link), and brewed beer from the stuff. Elen of the Roads (talk) 23:15, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Seems like this might have legs, so to speak. I rather like the idea of an article on Witch's flying ointment. Malleus Fatuorum 23:23, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Flying ointment Parrot of Doom 23:30, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Would you fucking Adam and Eve it. Another abandoned stub. Malleus Fatuorum 23:34, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

I worked on a VT for the upcoming 2011 Turner Prize this week. One of the exhibits was Landscape with Dog Shit Bin, by George Shaw. His series of paintings, created with Humbrol oils, was just about the most abstract and realistic I've ever seen - I hope it wins, individually they're representations of all the shitty forgotten urban landscapes we take for granted, but they each possess a strange beauty. I found myself staring at two of them for many minutes each. Of course the Daily Mail will hate them almost as much as they'll hate the two exhibits from female artists, but it got me wondering. Why, when Wikipedia is becoming obsessed with wimmins [sic] editing rights, do Karla Black and Hilary Lloyd not have articles? You'd think that someone would have jumped at the chance to create articles for two artists shortlisted for one of art's most infamous prizes. Parrot of Doom 22:17, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

Well well, it appears that one of your talk page stalkers has been busy... Parrot of Doom 23:08, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

Greater Scaup Help

Hi, Im working on the Greater Scaup article for the Wikipedia: WikiProject AP Biology 2011 project. I would greatly appericate it if you would help by looking over spelling and grammar errors. Thanks--Haydenowensrulz (talk) 16:24, 10 November 2011 (UTC)

Thank You so much for the edits on the Greater Scaup article, I really appreciate it. I'm going to try to keep a steady pace on the article and my goal is to get it up for GA before Christmas. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Haydenowensrulz (talk • contribs) 14:47, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Fishy

What happened to Iridescent??? :( :( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration_Committee/Noticeboard#Iridescent Something's fishy here... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.117.61.71 (talk) 09:18, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

I have absolutely no idea. Malleus Fatuorum 15:11, 12 November 2011 (UTC)

Well, we haven't fed him to the Pirhana, if that's what you mean. Last I heard from him by email was a good bit previous to the last time he edited (and that was over a month ago). I gather wherever he works isn't phone/email friendly, and I got the impression he rather expected to be out of contact for a bit, so I don't think there's anything worrying in that sense with not hearing from him (I hope). Some of you guys know him better I think maybe. Any of you heard from him? --Elen of the Roads (talk) 19:10, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Shut the fuck up

MF routinely gets blocked for words like "arse". An editor once told me to "fuck off" in a discussion that involved several arbs -- not even a warning. An editor told Moni3 "fuck you" in a discussion that was linked at ANI-- only warning came after the fact from me.

The meme that valued contributors get away with incivility is propogated by long-time respected editors, who overlook the real complaint we have, which is that civility is unevenly enforced. So ... here is our latest example:

• "Shut the fuck up" from an admin (no warning on his talk page that I can see)
• Reaction at AN.

A slightly different reaction than we saw in Kaldari v. Malleus, no? And where does this notion that it's "content contributors" who "get away with uncivil behavior" come from, anyway? Answer: admins who don't create content and support other admins saying "shut the fuck up"?

These are the issues WMF should be addressing, but the PR generated wouldn't be as sexy as the alleged "gender gap". SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:13, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

I want to see images of this sexy gender gap. Parrot of Doom 18:26, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Well, maybe Wikipedia could better promote the "gender gap" issue by putting up the Commons picture of one female admin whose photographer employed the age-old tricks of 1) position the camera slightly above, while you 2) show cleavage and 3) cross your arms tightly, while 4) pushing upwards. Wanna bet ten dollars that same female admin has decried the gender gap? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:22, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

That works for me, especially the cleavage bit. There's a list of admins with photos on a site that Wikipedia doesn't allow links to, presumably on the basis that it's a link to photos of admins. The ones I find scariest are those wearing hats indoors. I find people wearing hats outdoors scary enough, especially when they're driving cars. I expect the increasingly daft DSDM has a term for those like me with a fear of people wearing hats, or will do soon. Malleus Fatuorum 05:34, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

What exactly does the WMF do, except provide nice well-paid jobs for their cronies? Malleus Fatuorum 18:31, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

On the other hand, there are far better examples of arbitrary treatment of incivility out there, to be honest. In fact when two people run off to the useless cesspit that is WP:WQA, and then continue to bitch and moan at each other there, frankly they always ought to be told to shut the fuck up. In fact, we should have {{uw1-shutthefuckup}} for the purposes. Black Kite (t) 18:38, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

I have yet to see anything positive come out of WQA. It could be the venue's lack of teeth. --Guerillero | My Talk 18:42, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

yea, but. You're both getting off topic. What if Malleus had said it? And where does the meme that vested contributors only get away with it come from? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 18:58, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

I think you know what would've happened if Malleus had said it. My point really was that something like that shouldn't be blockable, but is, depending on who reacts to it. Black Kite (t) 19:24, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Quick...Wikipedia:Run to Mommy before it gets deleted :) --The Pink Oboe (talk) 19:02, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Anyone want to play "spot the misery guts"? Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion/Log/2011 November 13 --The Pink Oboe (talk) 19:27, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Oh, just stop being a pissy-arsed fucker, will ya? SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:30, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

I of course reverted the deletion. I wonder how long that edit will take to come back and haunt him and bite him on the arse/ass (delete as appropriate)... taken out of context of course. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 19:33, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

I wouldn't worry too much about Off2riorob, I rather suspect he's a a bit of an idiot who has a tendency to run to mummy. Parrot of Doom 20:22, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Whoo-hoo, Jumbo's got involveed, he even 'graced' my talkpage with a out down, albeit a lame one. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 13:58, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

@TPO, It might be good to chill out for a while, and let others respond for you. Somebody named JamesBWatson just tried to threaten TPO with a block---again after TPO had disengaged from the conflict. One wishes for more of GWH's intelligence, humor, and light touch in the civility police.  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 15:10, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

The (bad) block was made, appealed, and (hardly a surprise) the review found that (regardless of the alleged reason for the block, which was BS) unspecified other behavior justified a block. This is a good opportunity to read a book, and make notes for Pink Floyd.  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 20:04, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

FWIW, I don't really care when editors tell me to fuck off. Everyone has a breaking point and it's not like I'm actually going to fuck off at someone's command. --Moni3 (talk) 19:06, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Me neither, but that's not the point. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:12, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

What's the fucking question? --Moni3 (talk) 19:14, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

What if fucking Malleus had fucking said "shut the fuck up" instead of "arse"? How fast would he have been blocked? And why is it claimed that the priviledge of being uncivil belongs to vested contributors rather than admins? Now, answer the fucking question or shut the fuck up. By the way, for anyone who hasn't seen it Go the Fuck to Sleep is the Funniest Book Ever. SandyGeorgia (Talk) 19:24, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

That's not the topic. The topic is that everyone pretty much recognizes that everyone else in uncivil. The Civility policy seeks to support the knee-jerk block reaction to any slight, insult, or plain-spoken comment. But this is just another form of laziness. Of course it's easier to block when you see an editor use "fuck". That way you don't have to read anything or understand the nuances of what's happening. And of course we all know that this kind of block is ineffective at solving anything than temporarily bolstering the shaky self-esteems of some admins. The question is HOW we get admins to understand that they were supposed to have been chosen because they are smart and heady individuals who don't react quickly without any thought. One editor can bump in a hot thread and calm it down by saying the right things and it really helps if that helpful editor understands the issues at play, which are a lot of the time, how articles are constructed. The conflicts here represent real-life, life and death conflicts in the real world. How anyone can logically justify the existence of the current civility policy is a mystery. --Moni3 (talk) 19:30, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Hi, SandyGeorgia. Thanks for sharing Go the Fuck to Sleep. IMO only a very few days could make it a GA, as it's well organised and has almost enough citations. I told these who worked on the article that they should get the credit, but should not delay, as I'm so tempted myself. --Philcha (talk) 07:32, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Watch Samuel L. Jackson reading Go the Fuck To Sleep!. :)  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 07:55, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

That is frankly fucking awesome. With a three year old that doesn't understand the concept either, how could I have not noticed this until now? Black Kite (t) 21:56, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of MediaCityUK

The article MediaCityUK you nominated as a good article has been placed on hold . The article is close to meeting the good article criteria, but there are some minor changes or clarifications needed to be addressed. If these are fixed within seven days, the article will pass, otherwise it will fail. See Talk:MediaCityUK for things which need to be addressed. Jezhotwells (talk) 22:13, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Spotted Eagle Ray

Thank you for the help on the peer review page! I tried to address all the issues, I believe between my partner user:UND77 and I we got to all but a few. The article is really coming along! Your help has been great! Marissa927 (talk) 00:01, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

The article is coming along really well, and its now probably about time you expanded the lead. It's way too short to get through GA right now. Malleus Fatuorum 00:22, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Okay, thank you! I'll go work on the lead. And do you mean the lead is way too short, or the entire article? Marissa927 (talk) 15:28, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Just the lead. Malleus Fatuorum 16:46, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Okay thank you. Ill get working! Marissa927 (talk) 21:00, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

You rock Malleus!

See [4] PumpkinSky talk 03:12, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Carnivorous Marsupial: the Quoll

I would love to know your opinion on the status of the article. I think that it may be ready for GA, but a second pair of eyes can never hurt. thanks --Savetheoceans (talk) 14:04, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

I'll take another look and get back to you later. Malleus Fatuorum 17:26, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

thanks!--Savetheoceans (talk) 19:20, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

No particular hurry but ...

Do not feel pressured in the least, but I'd appreciate at some point your feelings on how much work I need to do on United States Assay Commission to take a reasonable shot at FAC. Sources are available but inconvenient, for example the National Archives. You will probably appreciate it, it is the former US version of the Trial of the Pyx.--Wehwalt (talk) 16:52, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

You know at least as much as I do about what's expected at FAC, but I'll have a look anyway. Malleus Fatuorum 17:28, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

I've walked in there confidently to leave on a stretcher.--Wehwalt (talk) 20:22, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

I've been relatively lucky there so far, but no doubt my time will come. Malleus Fatuorum 20:27, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

Thatcher and apartheid

I'd be grateful for your input at Talk:Margaret Thatcher. --John (talk) 00:27, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

I hesitate to even look; you have the cloak of invulnerability, I'm just a peasant. Malleus Fatuorum 00:51, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Even peasants have rights here, especially if they co-write good articles. There's a good addition being proposed, but it needs the right weight and form. See what you think if you have time. --John (talk) 01:03, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

I'd hoped that we might be able to take Thatcher even to FA, but I'm afraid my motivation tank is running on fumes. Apart from helping out Jimmy Butler's students, and Ealdgyth with her bishops, I can't see me doing very much more here. So well done to User:Kaldari. Malleus Fatuorum 01:11, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Fairy nuff. What is you take on Vic and Bob? Just watched the first bit of the latest series of Shooting Stars and it seems just as fresh and funny as ever. --John (talk) 01:59, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Civility

These comments were inappropriate.[5][6] Please try to be more civil in the future, or your access to Wikipedia may be blocked. --Elonka 05:42, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo- the future form of Wikipedia articles. Sponsored by "Nappytabs" dancewear- how can anyone dance wearing a diaper? Ning-ning (talk) 08:22, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Easy. You free your mind... and your ass will follow. ---Sluzzelin talk 08:30, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Well… he's a damn sight more interesting than Nappy'n'Tabs. Ning-ning (talk) 08:35, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Elonka, your repetitions remain unhelpful and are boring.  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 08:37, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

News at Ten

Admin gets blocked for a week, for incivility. Will wonders never cease? --The Pink Oboe (talk) 09:06, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

The block was for a NPA violation---about "liar".

TPO, I think that this would be a good chance for you to edit articles. I suspect that you are on many administrators' watch lists, and you have too much to contribute to get yourself blocked. Be safe!  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 09:34, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for the advice, I'm just bored and practising the well-known technique of prevaricating to avoid going upstairs to my office to start work. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 10:16, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Opiate advice

Should I include medicinal opium-eating in the Ely article or should I self-censor? Ely, more specifically the Isle of Ely, was apparently a nineteenth century centre for the sale of opiates to the people of The Fens. According to White (1865) quoted by Darby (1956) "One thing is certain, opium-eating for medicinal purposes prevails largely in the fens" --Senra (Talk) 21:40, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Looks like it was used as a palliative for malarial symptoms. The emphasis on the death rate is a bit innumerate- deaths due to opiate poisoning appear to have run at 0.1% of total deaths per annum during the 1860s. That review by the Texan is quite annoying. Ning-ning (talk) 21:58, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Why would you want to self-censor? It was legal to use it at that time and, even if it wasn't, it's part of the history of Ely. Richerman (talk) 12:21, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Copy editing mentoring

Hi Malleus Fatourum, after stumbling across MediaCityUK, and having heard of your expertise in copy editing, I'm thinking if you are willing to mentor myself? I'd dearly love to know how to write concise and coherent articles, and I think that you're a good person to teach me because of availability and because, well, you're good at it. Thank you. --Sp33dyphil © • © 09:29, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

I don't think I could do better than to refer you to User:Tony1/How to improve your writing; it's full of great tips. Malleus Fatuorum 14:44, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Is the erroneous assumption of bad faith uncivil?

I don't suppose anyone would like their comment to be heard on this matter? --The Pink Oboe (talk) 11:37, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Just expand your redirect into an essay.  Kiefer.Wolfowitz 12:13, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Unfortunately images are my bailiwick and dexterity with words is less than ideal, especially as a series of mini-strokes just recently have affected my ability to spell correctly, not to mention the difficulty in remembering words (especially names of things). --The Pink Oboe (talk) 12:34, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

very smart

Offense cannot be given, only taken. This shines a whole new light onto all the conflicts I've seen you in... Choyoołʼįįhí:Seb az86556 ^{> haneʼ} 12:06, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

But is it a light that you're capable of understanding? Malleus Fatuorum 12:25, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Understand yes. Agree with, no. :) Choyoołʼįįhí:Seb az86556 ^{> haneʼ} 12:29, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

(edit conflict) I firmly believe that being offended isn't automatic, it's a choice the offended person makes. Many people go through life actually looking to be offended so that they can voice that they are offended. I can't believe how many people complain about the offence this redirect could cause. The most basic problem with political-correctness is that it's based on not offending people. That's an impossible feat. People will always choose to be offended by the strangest, little things. --The Pink Oboe (talk) 12:32, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Depending on your gender, that attitude makes you either an asshole or a bitch — which, of course, is your choice. Choyoołʼįįhí:Seb az86556 ^{> haneʼ} 12:45, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

OK, you've made your point, but you're not going to persuade anyone here. And I find it rather ironic that you have just called TPO an asshole, when I was blocked for a rather similar remark only a couple of weeks ago. That kind of double standard so very evident here is what offends me, not childish name calling. Malleus Fatuorum 12:54, 16 November 2011 (UTC)