User talk:I'm Spartacus!/Archive 6

Some RfA related ramblings
Hey there,

I had some RL issues over the last few days, so I’ve only just gotten the chance to start editing again, though I have had some time to observe, look around etc., and thus I’ve been keeping an eye on Requests for adminship/Milk's Favorite Cookie. I guess I was somewhat drawn to this one because I felt like the candidate resembled me a bit, back in the day of Requests for adminship/Giggy. I can’t remember you being around for that one, and I only recall seeing your name recently, but my memory isn’t always the best.

Something I guess I found interesting about the RfA was in how many ways one’s innocent, good faith, comments could be taken in a multitude of different ways. I opposed based on my impersonation of the first thing I read when first looking at the nom (I typically only read the nominations if they’re made by a user whose RfA-judgement I place highly…this wasn’t the case in this one (and for reference, I read all of your nominations since Seresin)), and so it was something that stuck with me. That diff I pointed to was supposed to point to some of my opinions, given in response to your question, about the morals/ethics of blocking, and the like.

Both MFC’s Q1 answer (or so he contends) and my link-to-a-diff were taken the wrong way. I found MFC’s answer rather disappointing though…I would have hoped that rather than a blanket “that’s not what I meant”, I could have been given at least a “I meant this, that, and the other, sorry if I made a huge typo”. (For the record, I thought of a few alternative meanings for that statement, some of which seemed quite reasonable, but I stayed in oppose for many other reasons given, including Friday’s (and for the record, I like brackets! (or are they parenthesis? :))) My comment was taken the wrong way in that SorryGuy though I was pointing to an MFC comment (and if one person asks, it means at least 10 had the same question, or so they say).

I suppose the last few paragraphs could have gone to MFC as well…I’ll probably leave him a note about them too, so perhaps he can take away the lesson that I learnt a while back – always consider how what you write will be read. But I’ve come here because you mentioned your surprise at me not being an admin. (You might’ve been joking, I can’t tell with you anymore :P)

I know you’re rather involved in that whole admin coaching thing…this was something I utilised leading up to my RfA linked to above, but since then I haven’t really held the entire program in the highest regard. The recent revamping of it was something that I’ve been pleasantly surprised by…but I still think the strength, or weakness, of any such program on Wikipedia depends on the people involved rather than in the rules and instructions associated with it. You seem like a good guy, and if you’re up for it, I’d be interested in some form of “coaching”. Before saying anything, you might wanna read Requests for adminship/Dihydrogen Monoxide 2 and the related stuff linked to from it. And before you ask, I don’t plan to run anytime in the next few months.

So yeah, gimme a yell with any general, or specific, responses to this. I’d be interested to here your thoughts on the first few paragraphs, and a response, if you wish (and don’t feel obliged!) to the last ones. Cheers, dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) 22:48, 28 March 2008 (UTC)

I have this page watchlisted, no need to talkback me if you want to reply here.


 * I definately was not joking, I had always assumed you were an admin. I'll take a closer look at your edits this evening (hopefully) and your failed RfA...Balloonman (talk) 00:58, 29 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I've reviewed your RfA's and I don't see anything that time can't fix. The question I have, before becoming a coach, is what can coaching do for you?  Are there things that can be done to help you out or is it more a matter of waiting and redeeming yourself.  In order for me to assess that, I'm going to have to look at your history elsewhere a little bit more...  As for your question about your first RfA... no I didn't get involved with RfA's until around October/November/December of last year.  Then because of my work, January/February I took a wikibreak.Balloonman (talk) 07:46, 29 March 2008 (UTC)
 * H20, take a look at this page and let me know what you think?Balloonman (talk) 19:40, 29 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Took a brief look (have some PRs to do before I really think about it), all looks dandy. In answer to your other question (what can coaching do for you) - I'm not really sure...but I kinda feel like I'd just like to get this whole RfA thing out of the way and just get back to writing (hence the Wiggles stuff below!), but also with the tools in hand if I need them. And it does sometimes get frustrating to feel like I'm back at a failed RfA on a seemingly regular basis. But I'm being too negative now, and that's means it's PR time! :) dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) 23:33, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

I've replied at User:Dihydrogen Monoxide/admin coaching. dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) 01:28, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

FA expert
You said, on my talk page: Hey Figureskatingfan, Just wanted to give you a heads up, I have invited H20 to take a look at The Wiggles. He has written 8 FA articles and significantly contributed to 7 others. This user is from Australia and is part of the Australian Music portal. We'll see if he can help you get this article over the hump. Also, don't renominate it without mentioning it on the talk page first ok?


 * Will do. And thanks for asking for H20's help.  Actually, thanks for everything you've done for this article.  I think we're SO close to FA, and much of that is your input and general helpfulness. --Figureskatingfan (talk) 19:46, 29 March 2008 (UTC)

Jeremiah Wright
Thanks for fixing the MiszaBot a threw in. I just copied it from the Obama page and must have missed the name change.  Grsz  ' 11 ' 23:32, 30 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I could tell it was from the Obama page, as it would have saved the archive at the talk page for Obama! I also changed the size to 100K, I think 200K is too big.Balloonman (talk) 23:33, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

RfA Thanks
 A message from Warthog  Demon.

Happy First Edit Day
Idontknow 610 TM 19:20, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

-- S M S  Talk 19:25, 1 April 2008 (UTC)

Essay
Your essay at User:Balloonman/How to nominate somebody for RfA is actually a really good read. As a WikiGnome, I did find some errors, like missing commas, a question mark being used when it shouldn't, and "head-hunter" being spelled two different ways. However, you were probably asking about content. I think it is well-written and describes the "perfect" nomination, however, I would also like to point out that, personally, when I'm perusing WP:RFA and come across a four paragraph introduction (especially when accompanied with extra large answers), I don't participate in that RFA. I don't want to read a wall of text. So, what I'm trying to say is that the essay describes what could be an excellent nomination, but you might want to put something in about not going overboard. I don't know, maybe I'm the only one who prefers a little more conciseness. If each paragraph is only three or four sentences, then having four paragraphs wouldn't be too big, but if each paragraph was seven or eight, it might be a put off. Now I'm talking more than I'd like, but if you have any more questions or would like me to read over it again, feel free to contact me. Useight (talk) 15:45, 2 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the feedback, you are probably right... let me think about how to include "not going overboard" into the essay.Balloonman (talk) 15:52, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

Admin Coaching
Yeah, I did write them. Go ahead and copy them over to the AC page. Nishkid64 (Make articles, not love) 18:21, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

The Military history WikiProject Newsletter : Issue XXV (March 2008)
The March 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) 00:31, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

RfA Thanks
Thank you for the encouragement. I am sure that I will be the better user for it all.--MrFishGo Fish 16:44, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

Wright
Can we get semi protection back. When full was lifted it was not replaced and the idiots are back.
 * DoneBalloonman (talk) 21:30, 3 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Hey, sorry about that. I meant to place the semi back once the full expired. Tiptoety  talk 23:41, 3 April 2008 (UTC)
 * No problem... I wish there was a way to have it come back automatically.Balloonman (talk) 23:50, 3 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Yeah, also it would be great to have a way to change expiration times for move and edit protection so that pages like ANI could always be moved prot'd but when needed semi'd for a actually period of time instead of needing to un-protect by hand. Tiptoety  talk 23:52, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

For when you get back
Featured article candidates/The Wiggles - I didn't get the chance to help much, so I left a major review. Cheers, dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) 01:47, 5 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Argh, I specifically asked Figureskating to mention it to us before he posted it for FAC again... oh well...Balloonman (talk) 01:58, 5 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Heh...well, you were on break, so he might not have known. Doesn't matter too much - there's plenty of time given if you're actively fixing problems. Fingers crossed! Cheers, dihydrogen monoxide (H2O) 23:49, 5 April 2008 (UTC)

Re:Kmweber
Yes, but as soon as he sees a self-nom, he clearly does not read through any of it. Instead, he simply goes straight to the oppose section and copy/pastes his usual response. That is wholly unfair against the person who's RfA it is, and in my view, that is unacceptable.  Lra drama 18:15, 10 April 2008 (UTC)


 * OK, so what are your views on my perception of Kmweber?  Lra drama 18:19, 10 April 2008 (UTC)
 * He's free to use whatever criteria he chooses to evaluate a candidate. There are reasons that each of us will stop reading an RfA and reach a verdict.  Some may be more or less meaningful than another.  How many people simply !vote on every RfA "Support per above" or "Support, I see no problem here."  Their votes are no more useful than Kurt's, but they don't get attacked for making them.  Do I agree with Kurt's rationale?  Definitely not, but he has the right to make it.  Do we criticize Wisdom89 for opposing candidates for number of mainspace edits?  Or others who have strict criteria and routinely vote on that criteria?  Even when the vast majority holds a different standard?  When you (or others) criticize kmweber for his position, that is when his !votes become disruptive.  The 'crats know exactly how much weight to give his position.  Ignore his !vote and move on.Balloonman (talk) 18:26, 10 April 2008 (UTC)
 * OK. OK ok, you've made your point. Thankyou for discussing it. Tbh, it's something we all needed. I'll leave him to it in the future.  Lra drama 18:31, 10 April 2008 (UTC)


 * I've replied at my talk. Dorftrottel (bait) 19:07, April 10, 2008

On Dorftrottel and Kmweber
You may not have noticed, but I just had a discussion with Dorftrottel regarding his opposition to Kurt's opposition. He's not going to change his opinion to Kurt just as Kurt isn't changing his opinion on self-noms. I'm just going to start ignoring it. Keegan talk 20:16, 10 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Thank you. Balloonman: I've also commented at WT:RFA. Dorftrottel (criticise) 21:11, April 10, 2008
 * I'm not so concerned about their changing their opinion, they are free to have the opinions that they have. But Kurt's right to oppose has been upheld repeatedly on the matter, thus, any disruption that is generated as a result of his !votes is a direct result of people objecting to his position.Balloonman (talk) 22:00, 10 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Where did I challenge his right to comment the way he sees fit? I dropped some quipping comments to note my opinion regarding his rationale; you took it and created a big fuzz over it. You alone created this particular drama episode. Not Kurt, not me, not anyone else. You did. Dorftrottel (bait) 00:20, April 11, 2008
 * The fact that you, and others, like to attack him and belittle his position creates the stir.Balloonman (talk) 00:38, 11 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Sorry, no. That's your faulty perception. I'm sometimes commenting on the validity of his rationale. I am not going to just ignore his oppose comments like he was a village idiot. Now, you have today said that I harassed Kurt, implicated above that I challenge his right to comment in RfAs, that I like to attack him and to belittle his position. None of that is even remotely true. Dorftrottel (troll) 00:44, April 11, 2008
 * I'm saying that certain elements within the community, to which you belong, harass him. Your post is among the latest in a long series of posts.  You (pl) feed him and you (pl) disrupt RfA's with your (pl) constant highlighting his opposes.  If you (pl) ignored him he would not create any disturbance.  Instead, you (pl) egg him on and your (pl) attacks on his legitimate (albiet questionable) stance disrupts the process.Balloonman (talk) 02:48, 11 April 2008 (UTC)
 * You show surprisingly little respect for the comments of someone whose right to comment you defend in spite of the fact that he himself doesn't seem to particularly mind. Also, plural or singular doesn't matter to me when you include me. Moreover, at WT:RfA you specifically addressed me as causing disruption. I'm guessing you're of the type who can hardly ever admit when they went overboard. I am therefore now going to leave it at and you alone with this. Dorftrottel (canvass) 03:50, April 11, 2008
 * And that is because you (singular) declared your intention to continue to badger kurt---which makes you singular a particular part of the you (pl) problem. It doesn't matter if he doesn't care, it is YOUR (pl) posts that create the disturbances. Balloonman (talk) 04:02, 11 April 2008 (UTC)

You could have let someone else handle it. Dorftrottel (complain) 00:21, April 12, 2008
 * Evula's solution is perfect.Balloonman (talk) 01:26, 12 April 2008 (UTC)
 * That's subject to debate, and I beg to differ. But what I really meant is of course that the removal of a comment of mine by you, of all people, after our exchange and after all the disruptive, aggressive and all-around ludicrous accusations you levelled against me is less than perfect. Dorftrottel (troll) 06:39, April 12, 2008

LOL. Dorftrottel (vandalise) 15:51, April 29, 2008

a new article for DYK
Hello, Balloonman, there is a new article on a Chinese athlete Jin Jing. We want to push this article onto the "Did you know" on the main page. Could you give us some comments on the talk page of that article? How should we improve that article? If it's a good one, could you please help us put this article onto the "Did you know"? The question could be '[Jin Jing|Who] is called the "Smiling Angel in Wheelchair" by Chinese people?' Thanks!--Supportjinjing (talk) 23:34, 10 April 2008 (UTC)

Doco about Military Brats
Came across this recently and thought you'd be interested: "Film captures the loneliness of growing up as a military 'brat'"

Might be a valuable source for the Military brat article I see you're still contributing to. Regards: Alcarillo (talk) 23:03, 11 April 2008 (UTC)


 * Forgot to add film's official link: Cheers. Alcarillo (talk)
 * I've seen some stuff on this film, but am not sure how to incorporate it into the article... will take a look at it tho.Balloonman (talk) 01:25, 12 April 2008 (UTC)

RFA Thanks
Thank you for your comments on my RFA. Even though it failed with 28 supports, 42 opposes, and 15 neutrals, I am grateful for the suggestions and advice I have received and I do hope to improve as a Wikipedian. If you ever need my help in any endeavor, feel free to drop me a line. -- Shark face  217  19:50, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

Tiny Request
Hey Balloonman, I recently discovered the nearly nonexistent article on foregrips. I've been trying to find ways to expand it, but as of now I can't find any references for the page. Also, a free image of a weapon with a foregrip that has been uploaded by a Wikipedian would be nice. I figured you might own a firearm with a foregrip. Any help with the article would be greatly appreciated. Thanks -- Sharkface T/C 20:44, 13 April 2008 (UTC)
 * LOL, I'm not sure how to take this ;-) You think I might own guns... While I do own quite a few weapons, they are all martial arts type weapons.  No firearms... Balloonman (talk) 23:58, 13 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Aw, no firearms? And martial arts type weapons only? You must really be that good. [[Image:Face-wink.svg|23px]] -- Sharkface T/C 01:49, 17 April 2008 (UTC)

Dorftroffel
Thanks, but let it go. He's not doing anything I'm not. Kurt Weber ( Go Colts! ) 00:46, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * If you notice, I haven't responded to his attacks in several days--eventhough he's attacked me in several forums. I will, however take the lead of Evula and delete needless attacks on you or your position.  The community has spoken repeatedly that you have the right to speak and be heard---even if it is a minority position.  His comments, and those of like minded people, are what creates the disruption.  And the community is growing more tired of those attacks than they have of your position---as is witness by Transhumanist's recent RfA.  Where his comments about you stirred at least 10 !votes against him including a few that had supported him, but changed their position after his comments about you.Balloonman (talk) 01:03, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Just to lift your apparent confusion: You have attacked me. You caused disruption, if anyone did. TTH's comment in his RfA was plain unfriendly and totally inappropriate, that's why. Balloonman: You are not the policeman of the W..iki. Got that? Good. Then please stop your unilateral attacks and disruption. Thank you. Dorftrottel (ask) 17:45, April 14, 2008
 * And we wonder why Dorf has had two accounts indef blocked in the past?Balloonman (talk) 18:06, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Balloonman, that was uncalled for. Dorftrottel, your recent activity on R.Baley was uncalled for.  I wish you two lived closer to each other so you could hash this out (in one friggin venue.  You'd probably agree with each other more than you disagree.  Keeper   |  76   |   Disclaimer  18:12, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * You are probably right, and for that I do apologize. But I have stopped responding to Dorf several days ago, but he has decided to start attacking me all over the place. He's made comments on at least 3 RfA's and another admin's talk page.  For a person who, claims to want to put it behind, he simply wants to fuel the fire.Balloonman (talk) 18:22, 14 April 2008 (UTC)

In case you or anyone wonders how and why I was blocked, as I say on my disclosure subpage: Examine the linked block logs, ask the blocking admins, ask me at my talk page, or drop me an email. However, using it as an argument to bail out of your own responsibility for your continued suboptimal handling of this matter, is... just your wavelength. Why don't you just go ahead and indef block me if you think that's appropriate and that it wouldn't be overturned? You are fueling the fire, by removing my comments, by continuing to say that I attack and do not respect Kurt Weber's right to vote (which is bullshit entirely of your own making), and by refusing to at least letting someone else handle it. Dorftrottel (harass) 18:31, April 14, 2008
 * I know I read your page and this jumped out at me: my occasional total lack of civility and patience with fellow humans. I've tried to break away from this, but you keep posting to my talk page and making rude comments elsewhere.  I've chosen to ignore you---elsewhere---despite your continued agressiveness and belyaching towards me.  If you want this to die, then move on.Balloonman (talk) 18:52, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * How can I move on when above you reconfirm your willingness to arbitrarily remove my comments from RfA and continue your attacks and incivlity and assumption of bad faith? You continue this, not me. And as far as civility goes, please make sure to check out this collection of nice diffs. Dorftrottel (talk) 19:24, April 14, 2008

Comments--civil or not--directed towards other users are one thing--that's not what I'm talking about. I appreciate your good intent, but seriously, the comments he and others have made towards me don't bother me at all. You're just trying to help, I understand, but you don't need to fight my battles for me. If the person being targeted by someone's remarks doesn't mind them, then civil or not, why worry? Kurt Weber ( Go Colts! ) 18:59, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
 * The salient question here is, what is the good Dire Straits song? Tan  |  39  19:01, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Why Worry, from Brothers in Arms. Kurt Weber ( Go Colts! ) 19:31, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
 * * Smacks forehead * Tan  |  39  19:42, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

My RfA...
 Thank you... ...for your participation in my RFA, which closed with 85 supports, 2 neutrals and 1 oppose. I'm extremely grateful for all the the kind comments from so many brilliant Wikipedians I've come to respect and admire, as well as many others I've not yet had the pleasure of working with, and I'll do my best to put my shiny new mop and bucket to good use! Once again, thank you - both for the RfA support and the help and guidance you've given me in the past. It's much appreciated ;) EyeSerene talk 17:23, 14 April 2008 (UTC)

New Venue
Lots of heat, need more light. (this is being crossposted) Please hash this out here. Keeper  |  76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  18:15, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * You both keep saying you want this to go away. Yet you both keep posting. This has degenerated into mud slinging, from both sides.  "No, you're incivil."  "No, you are!"  Am not! Are too!.  Cripes. Can you not hear yourselves?  Each of you should present your case in one place, perhaps just settle it?  Life's too short for this.  I recommend the ring, linked above.  Settle it please?  <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  19:34, 14 April 2008 (UTC)
 * It seems this has gone away on its own. Deleting my stab at dispute resolution.  Glad to see it gone. :-) <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  20:11, 16 April 2008 (UTC)
 * As long as he lets it die, I'm happy to see it go away. If he continues to take the pot shots on various RfA's or spread garbage around, then I might take it to an RfC.  I've not responded to him anywhere (but here) in several days despite his efforts to (IMHO) pick a fight. (Which is why I never responded on your page.  I'm willing to let this disappear.)Balloonman (talk) 20:34, 16 April 2008 (UTC)

Funny, I was thinking about opening an RfC about your conduct in the matter. But there is something you could do: Go to EVula's page and read their updated comments there. Dorftrottel (troll) 03:48, April 17, 2008
 * I continue to leave the subject alone. I even let you get the last word in, but you insist on picking a fight don't you?Balloonman (talk) 03:44, 18 April 2008 (UTC) LOL


 * Oh, for the love you two. <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  15:25, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Request page move
Page move request per WP:COMMONNAME, Annand Ramdin is commonly referred as Victor Ramdin never Annand which you can see on his Team PokerStars profile, I cannot page move due to activity on the redirect, there for only an adimn can do this, will you please fix this?▪◦▪  ≡S i R E X≡  Talk 16:09, 17 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Nevermind, I found request template that worked, thanks anyways.▪◦▪ ≡S i R E X≡  Talk 06:46, 18 April 2008 (UTC)

CapitalR's RFA
Hi Balloonman.

CapitalR contacted me about his RfA and I saw what you wrote on his talk page. Yes, I would love to co-nominate him. The reason I haven't gotten around to nominate him myself was that I was worried that I wouldn't be able to write a "good" nomination since I am not experienced in these matters. But as co-nominator it wouldn't matter as much if I miss out on some details in the process. So I will give it a shot and write up what I honestly think about him, which I think will make him blush! :))

--David Göthberg (talk) 12:55, 19 April 2008 (UTC)
 * You might be interested in this Essay on the subject of RfA nominations.Balloonman (talk) 18:19, 19 April 2008 (UTC)


 * Thanks. And yes, that essay is good advice.
 * I have now written my co-nomination for CapitalR's RfA over at Requests for adminship/CapitalR. Tell me if anything is strange with it. (Among other things I am not a native English speaker and I am in the middle of a flu.)
 * --David Göthberg (talk) 15:15, 21 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Hi Balloonman, I'm going to put my RFA in the live queue in an hour or so...just thought I'd let you know. Thanks again for the great nomination, I really appreciate it.  --CapitalR (talk) 23:29, 22 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Hi again, thanks for the nomination and support during my RfA, which just passed. I know it's not easy to put a nomination together (especially for a user you're initially unfamiliar with), and I appreciate the time and effort you put into my nomination a smooth process.  Thanks again, and let me know if you ever need some template work done.  --CapitalR (talk) 01:07, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

DYK
Looking for someone to post the update, if you can manage it. Gatoclass (talk) 08:52, 20 April 2008 (UTC)

Your question
Hey Balloonman, I appreciate you giving this some thought. I have answered your question, hopefully in an unconvoluted manner. If you require any kind of clarification, please don't hesitate to ask. Cheers mate. <font color="#660000">Wisdom89  ( <font color="#17001E">T |undefined /  <font color="#17001E">C ) 04:00, 21 April 2008 (UTC)

Thanks...
for putting a box around the "discussion" of Kurt's most recent oppose rationale, as seen here. I was about to delete the whole thing, your response to box it was much more civil than how I was feeling about the whole thing. Honestly, if I lived anywhere near Kurt, I would probably spit in his face, if not break his nose. Desysop me for personal attacks, I DGAF. Having had a relative that committed suicide, that I miss terribly, and every fucking day, and wishing tremendously that he would have given but a little cry for help, so that he could receive help, I have been purposefully avoiding his atrocious comments that I've now seen in more than one post. I have no respect for Kurt M. Weber anymore, even though I've defended him (as have you) as an editor in the past. I wonder if he would have the same position if it were his own family member and his/her cry for help? What if his daughter was the IP posting a suicide note? Would he want us to do nothing within reason? What if it was one of his band students? Would he encourage them to "go ahead, its within your rights?" How would he even be able to look the distraught parents in the eye? (and as a former public school teacher, how would he even avoid prison?)  I'm so pissed I could quit this place, only that he would still be here unchecked. I'm going offline ATM, for my own good, and for Kurt's. I don't swear much, and I rarely if ever direct it at another person or editor. Fuck you, Kurt. What a pompous and arrogant stance that you've chosen. <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper  |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  21:27, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I have to agree... this rationale was a little over the line... and I felt that Tan nailed it perfectly, that he was just looking for a reason to oppose. I will continue to defend him against people who attack him, and not his position, but man... *&^#@$ Balloonman (talk) 21:36, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I've posted this post on his talkpage as well. He'll probably delete it.  I dare him to respond.  I've never been angry at this imaginary world before, until now.  What an ass.  I don't give a shit, he's an ass.  He can vote inclusion on every ridiculous page he wants.  He can oppose every admin candidate he wants.  I'll defend him.  But this is so far over the line that I'm about ready to call it in.  Thanks for allowing me to use your talkpage for this.  I'm going offline now, perhaps I'll have a better perspective tomorrow.  <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  21:40, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
 * After seeing this I felt the need to Support per Kurt.  Enigma  message Review 22:12, 23 April 2008 (UTC)
 * After thinking it over, I'm actually offended that someone would oppose based on that answer, which was pretty damn good. It's not enough that the 'crats will likely discount it. I feel it should be stricken. I would've done it, but I'm not WP:BOLD enough.  Enigma  message Review 22:21, 23 April 2008 (UTC)

Admin coaching
I know you're full up now (3 coachees at once!), but would you be willing to consider coaching me in the future, after you finish with one or more of your current coachees? It's been suggested a few times that I pursue an RfA, and I like what I see with the admin coaching program, but there are always a ton of people there seeking to be coached. I don't think I'm really the ideal candidate anyway. Let me know what you think.  Enigma  message 06:42, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Without doing any research, my initial impression of you is favorable... so let me take a closer look at your edit history this evening/tomorrow and I'll let you know.Balloonman (talk) 16:07, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Not that you aren't looking at contribs anyway, but I'm pretty sure I attempted to coax Enigmaman into adminship within the last few weeks myself. Don't remember exactly how the conversation went, but I'm positive that I brought it up to him (and not the other way around).  I think you'll find a good candidate. <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  16:12, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Ah, there it is! I knew I wasn't going crazy.  It's in my archive.  <font color="#21421E" face="comic sans ms">Keeper   |  <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">76   |  <font color="#ff0000"> Disclaimer  16:18, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Thank you for the kind words, Keeper. Balloonman, I look forward to your thoughts. Due to some recent controversy, I'm taking a short break, but I'll be back tonight or tomorrow.  Enigma  message 16:19, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm assuming the controversy is related to TheProf07?Balloonman (talk) 06:46, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

Enigma, I would be happy to accept you as a coachee, but I first have to ask why? Looking at your edits and your history, I would be happy to nominate you now (as would a dozen other respected admins/users.) I think your biggest problem is that you would have to tell some people who wished to nominate you "no." (Personally, I think more than 3 co-noms makes the candidate look desperate for support rather then qualified.) Why don't you just go for it? Is there something that I'm missing? Is there an area you need help with? What would the purpose be behind coaching?Balloonman (talk) 06:45, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I was thinking to improve my chances of passing an RfA. I imagine everyone needs coaching in some respect. :) For some reason, I've never been that confident about my chances of having a successful RFA. You're right that it's not that I couldn't find people to nominate me (I've had about 8 different offers). It's more my own reluctance. But I hold your opinion in high esteem, and if you think I could pass an RFA in the near future without coaching, then that's what I shall do.  Enigma  message 06:48, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Passing an RfA is never a sure thing... you never know what somebody might dig up. But I honestly think that you are ready without coaching... heck, in your case, coaching might be deemed a negative!  I view coaching as a way to help candidates who are close to being ready to pass an RfA fill in gaps and understand what is going on.  I try to encourage them to broaden their horizons so that they are more well rounded.  Others criticize coaching as a way to game the system (and for some it is.)  If you were to go through coaching, it might be perceived as a way to game the system.  Again, if you want a nom from me, I would be happy to write one up (tomorrow---I'm going to bed).  Otherwise, you might want to think about who you want to be your nominators (again, you can have all 9 people nom you, but I think 2-3 is the most anyone should have.)  You might be interested in two essays I wrote, User:Balloonman/How to pass an RfA and User:Balloonman/How to nominate somebody for RfABalloonman (talk) 06:58, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Oooh oooh, if I can't nom, can I support pre-transclude?  MBisanz  talk 06:58, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Mbisanz, you need to take a look at bullet 6Balloonman (talk) 07:02, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * (ec)Hahaha. To Balloonman: I've actually seen Opposes based on admin coaching, like what you said. Some view it as problematic in some cases, I guess. I will look at your essays, thanks. I saw those when reading the back-and-forth that led to CapitalR's nomination. I agree on no more than three nominators, because that seems to be the consensus opinion. Finally, I also saw the two notable RFAs where the candidate was opposed for too many supports pre-transclude, thus presenting the community with a fait accompli and also attempting to WP:GAME the system. :P Ahhhh, so many things to oppose for, so few RFAs...  Enigma  message 07:03, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I just realized that I wouldn't be following one of the steps of your admin essay if I didn't get an admin coach. Just kidding, although maybe that should be an optional step. Anyway, I hope you don't mind if I make a few minor corrections to the essay.  Enigma  message 07:13, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Go for it.Balloonman (talk) 07:26, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Done. Anyway, I will let you know when I feel ready. Thanks for the comments and the offer. Good night.  Enigma  message 07:28, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

I just went in search of the "controversy" that you mentioned... I had thought it was the one around theprof07, but I now see that it was around an issue dealing with 3RR and your use of Rollback. Let me take a look at this a little closer tomorrow. This might hamper an RfA in the near future, but let me get a sense of what happened.Balloonman (talk) 07:42, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I wasn't really involved with the incident with TheProf. I just reverted the vandalism to Serecin's userpage. The 3RR incident is a little involved. I think I took it too far, but I also believe that I was in the right. The only reason I got involved in the first place was to help editors who were having trouble with POV edit warrior (also a SPA, which recently received a 24 hour block). I learned that the AN3 noticeboard was not the place, because the 4 reverts were not all within a 24 hour period. I do think it has the potential to derail an RfA, even though I don't really think I was in the wrong.  Enigma  message 07:46, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Yeah, the thing that hurts is the timing and the fact that two admins have said that you used rollback wrong. Again, I'll take a look at it, but it might be best to wait a few weeks or even a month before running.  But let me dig deeper into this first.  Everybody is allowed a bad day, thus the question becomes, can we show a positive history that can overcome this?Balloonman (talk) 14:42, 25 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I believe it was one admin. Irpen isn't an admin. Additionally, two admins who actually investigated agreed with me.  Enigma  message 21:27, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

Hey there Enigma, I think you should probably wait 4-6 weeks before running for Admin... but when you are ready, I would be happy to be one of your 2-3 nominators! I don't want you to go through coaching as I don't think you need it, but I would suggest reviewing the policies about rollback. Eventhough it might have been a case of vandalism due to the nature of the edits, rollback probably wasn't used correctly. Rollback should only be used for obvious vandalism---eg if you have to investigate why the use of rollback was justified, then it probably wasn't. Other than this minor slip up, I think you should be good to go. Again, if you want me as a co-nom, I'd be more than game--and you know the types of nom's I write!Balloonman (talk) 06:40, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Maybe I shouldn't have rolled back, but I guess I was lazy. The guy is a blatant edit-warrior and a cause of disruption on Wikipedia. I thought that reverting his edits would be a net positive. I understand where you're coming from, but I don't know if I can wait 4-6 weeks. I'm getting messages on a daily basis. Maybe after two more weeks of uncontroversial editing.  Enigma  message 06:44, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Two more weeks should be fine... just realize that some might oppose you for it... but I honestly think the people most likely to oppose you are lining up to nominate you instead! I think most of us will realize that this was a mistake/one time incident and realize that your other edits far out weigh this isolate incident.  The longer you wait, the better off... but I would have no problem with your running tomorrow!  Just realize that there is a risk to doing so.Balloonman (talk) 06:59, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Ah, of course. But I'm also a believer that time is a limited cleanser. I'd get opposes based on it whether I ran tomorrow, a week from now, or 2 months from now. The key is that with time, opposition usually weakens and diminishes. For example, some that might oppose tomorrow, might decide that two months without further incident is proof that it was a one-time occurrence.  Enigma  message 07:23, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Egzactly, but it doesn't diminish the fact that time does heal some potential objections.Balloonman (talk) 07:40, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of a successful RfA.  Enigma  message 08:49, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * LOL... it's one of those trade offs. In 4-6 weeks I am almost positive you will pass.  Right now, you SHOULD pass, but if you fail it will be 3 months before you would be able to run again.  Don't worry, unless something major is dragged out of the closet, you will have my support.Balloonman (talk) 14:33, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Sounds more to me like "If you come out of the closet, I will oppose your RfA". :o What happened to "not that there's anything wrong with that"?  Enigma  message 19:59, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Nah, I'd only oppose if somebody found out that you ate children or something equally strange ;-) I vetted your edits pretty thoroughly, thus I don't think you are a canibal or something equally as shocking!Balloonman (talk) 21:04, 30 April 2008 (UTC)

Editcountitis
Accusing me of WP:EDITCOUNTITIS at an RfA are we? People have been killed for less! : ) <font color="#660000">Wisdom89  ( <font color="#17001E">T |undefined /  <font color="#17001E">C ) 18:20, 24 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Hey, you're the one who voted support I mean neutral I mean oppose ;-) Balloonman (talk) 05:17, 25 April 2008 (UTC)

Rfa thanks
Thanks for supporting my recent request for adminship which was successful with 89 supports, 0 opposes, and 2 neutrals. Unfortunately all I can offer is this lame text thanks rather than some fancy-smancy thank-you spam template thingy. I was very pleased to receive such strong support and to hear so many nice comments from editors whom I respect. I’ll do my best with the tools, and if you ever see me going astray don’t hesitate to drop a note on my talk page. Thanks again for your support!--Bigtimepeace | talk | contribs 03:48, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

RfA/Lady Aleena
oops, absent-minded me. Thanks for the heads-up. :) --PeaceNT (talk) 06:15, 26 April 2008 (UTC)

Admin_coaching/Status
Just went over there to check on a few things. Is your Capacity and Expectations box correct? May be one or two things to fix.  Enigma  message 05:55, 27 April 2008 (UTC)
 * updatedBalloonman (talk) 06:08, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

Dean Martin
I notice you semi-protected this page because of a mention on the Simpsons. Per Protection_policy, "Semi-protection should not be used as a pre-emptive measure against vandalism that has not yet occurred". I have therefore removed the protection after a request on WP:RFUP. Just dropping you a courtest note to let you know. Stifle (talk) 11:37, 28 April 2008 (UTC)

Military Bio help?
Hi there! User:Keeper76 suggested you as a source for help with a military bio. I found Frank Libutti in WP:BACKLOG and in the course of cleaning up the copy/paste from his mil bio (I know it's not a copyvio but it was still just a text dump) I found out he's quite notable. I'm working on the article now but I really have no idea what's encyclopedic from his military career and what's trivial because I don't know much about the military. The article is still a WIP as I'm adding info on his NYPD/DHS work, but I'd appreciate an eye on it -- or a point in the right direction if there's someone who would be a better help. Thanks! TRAVELLINGCARI My storyTell me yours 16:38, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Hey TC, I'm involved in MILHIST. If you want, I'll take a look at your work on the article and give you any kudos/input/troutslaps I can find. Feel free to check out my work (links on my userpage), or ask me specific questions on my talk page. <font color="#CC7722" face="Papyrus">Tan  |  <font color="#21421E" face="Papyrus">39  16:42, 29 April 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks, Tan. Feel free to have a gander over there. I think some of it's usable, but I think it probably needs clean up stemming from total unfamiliarity with the subject. Let me know when you want me to get out of the article to avoid edit conflicts. Gentle trout slaps please, I have to present tonight and bruised is not my ideal look ;) TRAVELLINGCARI My storyTell me yours 16:45, 29 April 2008 (UTC)

Lady Aleena's RfA

 * I will follow your advice if I am ever nominated again to give better responses to the questions asked me. It is too bad that some of my answers were not as well thought out as my thankspam. [[Image:Smiley head happy.svg|15px]] - LA @ 13:19, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
 * I suspect that you will be... you are a strong candidate. Your break hurt and your answers hurt.  Show a little more consistency in your tenure here and a little more effort in your questions, and you should be fine NEXT time.Balloonman (talk) 14:41, 1 May 2008 (UTC)