User talk:Newyorkbrad/Archive/2015/Feb

"Courtesy Blanking" of entire Gamergate case

Would you please review the "courtesy blanking" by Guerillero of over 1.8 million bytes of community evidence and debate in the recently completed Gamergate case and, if you feel such a draconian step was unmeriited, work towards its restoration? LINK Thank you, —Tim Davenport /// Carrite (talk) 21:01, 1 February 2015 (UTC)

I will leave this for the current arbitrators and clerks to address. However, please note that even when a page is "courtesy blanked," the entire contents are still available in the page history in case there is reason to look at them. Courtesy blanking a page is by no means the same thing as deleting the page. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:02, 1 February 2015 (UTC)

Museum hacks and museum edits

Hello there!

Upcoming events:

• February 6–8: The third annual ArtBytes Hackathon at the Walters Art Museum! This year Wikimedia DC is partnering with the Walters for a hack-a-thon at the intersection of art and technology, and I would like to see Wikimedia well represented.
• February 11: The monthly WikiSalon, same place as usual. RSVP on Meetup or just show up!
• February 15: Wiki Loves Small Museums in Ocean City. Mary Mark Ockerbloom, with support from Wikimedia DC, will be leading a workshop at the Small Museum Association Conference on how they can contribute to Wikipedia. Tons of representatives from GLAM institutions will be present, and we are looking for volunteers. If you would like to help out, check out "Information for Volunteers".

I am also pleased to announce events for Wikimedia DC Black History Month with Howard University and NPR. Details on those events soon.

If you have any questions or have any requests, please email me at james.harewikimediadc.org.

See you there! – James Hare

(To unsubscribe, remove your username here.) 03:11, 2 February 2015 (UTC)

Frank C. Newman (redux)

Now that we both have more time(!), I'm following up a talk page discussion from nearly two years ago: User talk:Newyorkbrad/Archive/2013/Apr#Frank C. Newman. It was about the article on Frank C. Newman. At the time you said you might be able to look up some more sources. I was thinking of returning to this article at some point this year. No need to do anything right away, but did you have any more thoughts on what could be done here? Carcharoth (talk) 22:23, 4 February 2015 (UTC)

Wikimedia DC celebrates Black History Month, and more!

Hello again!

Not even a week ago I sent out a message talking about upcoming events in DC. Guess what? There are more events coming up in February.

First, as a reminder, there is a WikiSalon on February 11 (RSVP here or just show up) and Wiki Loves Small Museums at the Small Museum Association Conference on February 15 (more information here).

Now, I am very pleased to announce:

• Tuesday, February 17 from 10 AM to 3 PM there will be #WikiTurgy at the University of Maryland. Join fellow theatre enthusiasts for a “mass act of public dramaturgy!”
• Thursday, February 19 from 10 AM to 4 PM we are hosting the Howard University Black History Edit-a-Thon. We are working in partnership with the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of African-American and African diasporic history.
• Tuesday, February 24 from 6 PM to 8 PM we have the Black History Month “First Edit” at NPR. Help improve Wikipedia and help others make their first edit to Wikipedia!
• Finally, our monthly dinner meetup is on Saturday, February 28.

There is going to be a lot going on, and I hope you can come to some of the events!

If you have any questions or need any special accommodations, please let me know.

Regards,

James Hare

(To unsubscribe, remove your username here.) 18:20, 7 February 2015 (UTC)

A barnstar for you!

	The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar
	Defeating vandalism and harassment in the nick of time. 7&6=thirteen (☎) 22:45, 11 February 2015 (UTC)

Thank you very much. Best regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:55, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

A barnstar for you!

The Barnstar of Diligence

I have been following the GamerGate arbcom process, and through it your participation has always struck me as thoughtful and rational with well-reasoned statements supporting your choices (far above and beyond every other arb). With the size of the case, it's fitting that this should be the last one you sit through as arb. Conversely I am disappointed that so many external parties are blasting the outcome, but the fact that both of the opposing external parties involved seem to disapprove just goes to show that the decision was probably the right one! Vynwood (talk) 15:15, 4 February 2015 (UTC)

Thank you very much for the kind remarks (and apologies for my delay in acknowledging them). Best regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:56, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

just for laughs

I see you don't really "do" userboxen (I use only a few myself) but knowing you as I do I thought you'd appreciate this. Note the bananas. Beeblebrox (talk) 20:14, 27 January 2015 (UTC)

This user was on the English Wikipedia's Arbitration Committee.

I previously shared this within the Committee, but my views on leaving ArbCom might best be reflected in this video reflecting the recent transfer of the Chief Judge position on the Ninth Circuit from Judge Kozinski to Judge Thomas, beginning around 27:50.

Less flippantly, I'd like to thank everyone in the community who entrusted me with this responsibility for three terms, and I look forward to doing other work around the wiki. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:05, 27 January 2015 (UTC)

As one of them (not from the beginning, as my user is only 5 years old, and when a friend told me he was an arb once I had no idea what that meant), and also as someone who isn't into userboxes: I was asked about one, and here it is for you, as a reminder

This user has been identified as an Awesome Wikipedian, first on 20 September 2007.

--Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:15, 27 January 2015 (UTC)

• I went hunting for a suitable barnstar but none of them seemed suitably battle-scarred or said "congratulations on surviving". Thank you for your many years of service, Newyorkbrad; I hope you'll stick around and work on some other things as well. I'm sorry that your last case had to be such a messy one. Risker (talk) 02:10, 29 January 2015 (UTC)
  • How quickly the mighty fall ... one moment you're Senior Arbitrator and the next you're haggling on ANI over the worst original Star Trek episode. (Wouldn't it be cool if real life had a episode for delete? Get enough votes and it never happened. That and the last Seinfeld episode) NE Ent 03:00, 29 January 2015 (UTC)
    • Nonsense. "The Way to Eden" and "Spectre of the Gun" were much worse. Regards anyway, Newyorkbrad (talk) 03:06, 29 January 2015 (UTC)

• Congratulations on the official end of your Arbitration Committee service. Looks like you will soon be testing the waters of ArbCom as a litigant at the soon to be announced Star Trek case. May the force be with you, O Captain, My Captain Kirk. --DHeyward (talk) 03:20, 29 January 2015 (UTC)

Congrats from me too. :-) On the Star Trek matter, I left a note on the ANI thread. I'm just popping by here because I left several pings in that edit and I wasn't sure if all those I pinged got the pings. No worries if you did get it, but there are several pings I should follow up from a while ago that I got no answer to if there is some problem with pings. Carcharoth (talk) 23:06, 3 February 2015 (UTC)

Thank you. I did get those pings and appreciated them. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:10, 3 February 2015 (UTC)

I hope we can expect future entries on Newyorkbrad blog, particularly any reflections on the strengths of the arbitration system and where there is room for improvement. Having worked with dozens of different arbitrators, I'd be particularly interested in what you think is the best "makeup" of the committee...surely, there is room for legalistic minds, pragmatic people along with those who take a more long-term or big picture view. Thanks again for your service and I'm glad I had the pleasure of meeting you at WikiConUSA. Liz ^{Read! Talk!} 20:46, 4 February 2015 (UTC)

Thanks. I'm sure I'll post more from time to time. I also have an interview upcoming in the "Signpost" where I'll be sharing some thoughts. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:57, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

User:192.110.200.44

Hi,

Strong quacking noise coming from this one with regards to User:Osama Bin Laden III. Could we nip this one in the bud as well. Amortias (T)(C) 00:37, 14 February 2015 (UTC)

Seems to have stopped. If any recurrence, please let me know, or report to AIV. Thanks, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:02, 15 February 2015 (UTC)

Heather Bresch

Hi NewYorkBrad. I think we met at a Wikimania conference a while back where you expressed an interest in BLP pages. I'm trying to work this one up to GA with a COI while following the Bright Line, per my usual, but am encountering some accusations that I'm "trying to spin the article"[1], that I'm canvassing (for using BLPN, IRC, Jimbo's Talk page, and other editors that contribute heavily to BLP pages)[2] and other criticisms[3] from the same two editors, who were advocating that this was not undue (for example).

While I'm sure there's room for constructive criticisms (it is difficult to describe her advocacy for legislation without advocating for the legislation itself in the article). My own little crystal ball is telling me that it might be a very long and drama-filled path to GA. Since you are or were on ArbCom, I figured you had a lot of experience (probably more than you'd prefer) dealing with embattled articles, ABFing, etc. and thought you may have some wisdom on how an editor in my position might proceed without being a jerk, creating excessive drama or violating the principles of WP:COI. CorporateM (Talk) 19:50, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

I never said anything about that section being undue or not undue. Are you being paid to defame me? Hipocrite (talk) 20:14, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

No, they don't have budget for that. Jehochman ^Talk 20:51, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

Really? Mylan spent 1.4 BILLION dollars on selling, general and administrative expenses last year. You don't think they could find a quick G to pay him to make things up about what I have or have not said? Hipocrite (talk) 20:57, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

Sometimes I wonder if we're not helping CorporateM increase his/her income. Is it paid by the hour or by the result? Nomoskedasticity (talk) 20:59, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

It's clearly by the hour. I made it clear I take bribes to clear out of articles. $1k and I'll leave any topic area. $5k and I'll agree with you about anything you want. I'm for sale. Hipocrite (talk) 21:00, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

I'll do the same for more. It's highest bidder, nu? Nomoskedasticity (talk) 21:04, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

I actually hope you are both sarcastically mocking me and have not genuinely participated in that kind of arrangement. Editing a page contentiously than accepting money to leave it alone - sounds like extortion to me. CorporateM (Talk) 22:27, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

Nomoskedasticity and Hipocrite, this sort of perpetual casting aspersions and unbridled criticism may result in you being sanctioned. Please, if you have evidence of wrongdoing, bring it forth in the proper venue and get it resolved. Otherwise, be silent about this issue. Jehochman ^Talk 23:03, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

FYI to you and anyone else with threads on this page: I'm suffering from a bad cold this week, and not operating at 100%. I'll try to take a look at the page you mention over the weekend. Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:55, 13 February 2015 (UTC)

Thanks! I don't think there are any extreme BLP issues at this point, but am trying to make general improvements in making it more comprehensive and better-sourced. You can see the latest discussion here. Hope you feel better soon! CorporateM (Talk) 20:05, 15 February 2015 (UTC)

Thank you all for thinking of me. I've reviewed the article and the talkpage, and don't have anything to add to the discussion right now. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:03, 15 February 2015 (UTC)

Hello...

...nothing going on, just wanted to say that I hope you're enjoying your release from Arbitratorhood. Revel in it while you can, because in a couple of years (or maybe less) I'm sure people will be bugging you to run again. Best, BMK (talk) 02:23, 10 February 2015 (UTC)

Thanks for the posting, and no comment on your last point. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:04, 15 February 2015 (UTC)

UTRS

Thank you for the clarification. If my post came across as a disagreement, it was not meant that way in the least. I was trying to clarify my thoughts, and using your post as a reference. I don't have the training to couch my posts as clearly as some, and my apologies if I wasn't entirely clear. Hopefully you know how highly I regard you and your work here. Best always. — Ched :  ?  00:36, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

Thanks. We're on the same page. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 00:37, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

"weakest basis"

Obviously hasn't Googled me lately, has he? :-) --SarekOfVulcan (talk) 01:47, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

Sigh

You didn't run again?!!

Not that I expect my words or anyone else's might have swayed you, but it's times like this when I'm not happy RL has taken so much of my time and am away from the wiki.

You had an incredible run, and something to be proud of, to be sure.

And now I'm going to go see if I can find you a barnstar, and then find my peril sensitive sunglasses and check to see who else is no longer on the committee. Sigh... - jc37 21:31, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

28, Floq, Carch, WTT, Risker ... all gone for now. Wishing my best to the current group, they have big shoes to fill, but hopefully they are up to it. Let's see how they do, and who may return in 2016. — Ched :  ?  22:10, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

Barnstar!

		The Newyorkbrad Multiple Barnstar
		With sincere thanks for your many years of service on Wikipedia's Arbitration Committee.

With my wish that you keep joining in enlightened discussion, contributing your poesy and other "NYB comments" to talk pages, and in all, just being NYB on Wikipedia.

They didn't have a barnstar for eloquent verbosity, but I thought these were appropriate regardless : )

I find it hard to believe you haven't received a barnstar since 2010 - I think User:Newyorkbrad/Decorations may need updating : )

And I hope anyone who agrees with this comments too : ) - jc37 22:30, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

I agree with the comments but don't give barnstars, only Precious (look up) ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:35, 16 February 2015 (UTC)

• +1 Like — Ched :  ?  02:01, 17 February 2015 (UTC)

Trouble again with BLP real name, full name and the subject's preferred name

Hi Newyorkbrad: There are multiple reverts of a person's name, which you commented on at the talk page for D.M Murdock, who prefers to be called (and is more commonly known as) Acharya S, would you please look at this? Thanks! Raquel Baranow (talk) 02:19, 19 February 2015 (UTC)

A subject is the ultimate reliable source for their own name and should be given wide deference, except when there's a compelling reason not to, such as if the subject is a criminal trying to evade scrutiny of their actions. Clearly no such arguments apply in this case. Jehochman ^Talk 02:49, 19 February 2015 (UTC)

on being "legally able" as an argument

Anent "copyright" and "being legally able to publish":

[4] gives an example of a deficient copyright under US law enabling the publishing of material without the proper owner's consent.

Being "legally able" to do something is not the proudest reasoning known to man.

(also posted at UT:Jimbo) Collect (talk) 19:21, 22 February 2015 (UTC)

There are certainly things that we could do without violating the law, but that are nonetheless best left undone. Newyorkbrad (talk) 19:28, 22 February 2015 (UTC)

I first read Lord of the Rings in paperback. I could not really fit a hardcover in my pocket or afford one when I was a teenager and doing a lot of reading. Take what you will from that. Chillum 19:32, 22 February 2015 (UTC)

The ACE paperbacks from 1965 run up to $200 a set in decent shape. Ballantine is half that. ACE reading copies run about $40 a set, Ballantine runs about $15 a set. Collect (talk) 23:01, 22 February 2015 (UTC)

Email

I've sent you one. I may have forgotten to edit the subject line, so my name may not appear in your email header. Best, — Ched :  ?  08:28, 23 February 2015 (UTC)

Topic ban question

Hey Brad, I've topic banned an editor under the GamerGate ArbCom discretionary sanctions for the first time and wanted to make sure I have it right. Do I need to log the sanction somewhere? Is there a notice template? Thanks! Dreadstar ☥ 18:55, 23 February 2015 (UTC)

Ah, I think I've found it. Dreadstar ☥ 18:57, 23 February 2015 (UTC)

cloud cuckoo land

Please read Template talk:Infobox officeholder and the interesting claim that an RfC which was closed as failing due to "strong arguments" actually passed, and that it immediately negated the prior RfC which fixed the weird "successor not a successor by any stretch of the imagination" close, resulting in the proposer "unclosing" the RfC and ruling the prior RfC as voided. The proposer also asked for the close to be overturned, which I found a tad "out of process" here. See also [5].

Is cloud cuckoo land here? Collect (talk) 16:04, 25 February 2015 (UTC)

Reading through those discussions is making my head hurt. I promised myself this year that I would at least take a few months off from hurting my head on Wikipedia. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 16:18, 25 February 2015 (UTC)

I asked Guy whether Kraxler's edit on Rangel was what he expected an editor to do as a result of his close where he noted strong arguments against the proposal, and danged if reading the proposal says "this voids the prior RfC" in any way <g>/

Then K posts:[6]:

I know you don't want me posting here. And I usually wouldn't. But blind-reverting with a wrong rationale is not something I can let pass. I don't claim anywhere at Charles B. Rangel that the previous consensus was voided. My edit does not implement the previous before the previous consensus, but follows explicitly the instructions by Guy in his closing rationale. Which you opposed to have amended. SSo, now cool down and sit on it for a while, I would say a week of discussion on the talk page is appropriate. Anymore reverts, and ANI will have a thread about somebody who does not respect a closing rationale by an uninvolved admin. It's always in order to discuss, but not to act contrary to, consensus

Where he says he follows what Guy explicitly told him to do (?) and that my revert to the SQA could be reported to AN/I! Please tell me what the heck is happening on Wikipedia - it took ages to get the first RfC done to make some sense in infoboxes, and now the new "result" would look like hell (IMO). Cheers and apologies.

By the way -- without even waiting a second to see what Guy says see [7] where Kraxler is blatantly edit warring and asserting as a "god-function"

this was done according to the expressly stated instructions in the closing rationale, one more revert and the thing goes to ANI, directly

Is this the act of a competent administrator at this point? (Rhetorical question and not a personal attack) Collect (talk) 16:24, 25 February 2015 (UTC)

(Talkpage watcher sticking my oar in)Collect, I think what NYB is politely hinting at above is that, having stepped down from ArbCom, he'd like to take a break from dispute resolution (or indeed, dispute reading) for a while. I'm sure you'll agree that he's entitled to such a break after his long service. If you think there needs to be extra uninvolved admin eyes on the dispute you're referring to, why not raise at WP:ANI and see who volunteers to help? WJBscribe (talk) 17:19, 25 February 2015 (UTC)

I know - and I also know some admins watchlist this page (actually more than apparently look at AN/I AFAICT) - so I do not feel extremely guilty. I long ago swore off the drama boards as an OP -- but you might have fun reading AN/I lately, indeed. Cheers to all. Collect (talk) 20:10, 25 February 2015 (UTC)

Evidence

I asked that partly because of [[8]]. I didn'yt ask with no evidence I asked based on prior history and the admission already of a sitting arb. Sorry that disturbed you and feel free to revert if you don't care. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 22:03, 26 February 2015 (UTC)

Noted. Regards, Newyorkbrad (talk) 22:04, 26 February 2015 (UTC)