User talk:Maky/Archive 2

Triple crown nom
If you look at the bottom of User talk:Staxringold/Archive14 you can see Think Blue (who nom'd it) on this subject. Think Blue and I worked together (though he covered far more episodes than I did) getting newer seasons of 30 Rock to a featured topic and here Think Blue was working on the 4th season. Think Blue nom'd it, but we both worked significantly on that article, and Think Blue noted this on my talk page. Staxringold talkcontribs 19:13, 13 September 2010 (UTC)
 * Looks good to me, though Think Blue doesn't appear to note it. In case someone double-checks my work, you might ask Think Blue to note it on his userpage, just to be safe.  As for the award itself, I will try to post it this afternoon.  If I can't get it done, it may have to wait until I get home late tonight. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:21, 13 September 2010 (UTC)
 * Thanks so much! Staxringold talkcontribs 20:14, 13 September 2010 (UTC)

Maps
If you have time, could you make a map for Miniopterus griveaudi? It's been found in ~16 sites in northern and western Madagascar (see Goodman et al., 2009, p. 4, online at, for precise locations), plus Anjouan and Grande Comore in the Comoros, which already appear on your raw distribution map. If you have yet more time, distribution maps for the other Miniopterus in this group would also be appreciated. Thanks, Ucucha 23:16, 25 September 2010 (UTC)
 * Sorry for not getting back to you. I've been out of town doing research at the National Zoo in Washington D.C.  I have tomorrow off since I got home a day early, and I will try to create the map as you requested. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:07, 3 October 2010 (UTC)
 * Great. I hope your visit to DC was productive. Dr. Godfrey was in fact at Harvard a few days ago to give a talk about Hadropithecus, but I unfortunately couldn't be there. Ucucha 21:01, 3 October 2010 (UTC)
 * Ahh... I wish I could have gone to the talk. Anyway, sorry I didn't get around to making the map.  Today was busier than I expected, and I just learned that my second employer ignored my request again and scheduled me for 5 nights this week, meaning I'm booked nearly the entire week.  I will try to make the maps soon.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:57, 4 October 2010 (UTC)

Alexander the Great edition triple laurel crown



 * Thanks! –  VisionHolder « talk » 03:00, 3 October 2010 (UTC)

Featured article candidates/Dustbin Baby (film)/archive2
Hey, I'm contacting you because you participated in the last FAC. I have renominated Dustbin Baby (film) for featured article status, and I was wondering if you wanted to take another look. Thanks. J Milburn (talk) 10:58, 27 October 2010 (UTC)

Triple Crown
Hi, I noticed that you have previously promoted nominations for the Triple Crown awards, and that the page now has entries going back for just under a month. As you are trying to have a Wikibreak, I am wondering if you would welcome any assistance in this area. I am happy to help out here if this is permissible. Thanks. – S Masters (talk) 02:15, 28 October 2010 (UTC)
 * I was doing it mostly out of reciprocal altruism. I had a nomination up, and I was hoping someone would help pass mine in return for looking at theirs. I had no prior experience with promotions, but the process is pretty straight-forward.  (I had previously done promotions for the Four Award, so nothing new.)  If you would like to help out with the promotions, go for it.  Just review the nominations carefully and I'm sure things will be fine. I would help, but I'm still pretty busy.  Sorry for not helping more. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:56, 28 October 2010 (UTC)
 * OK, thanks. I'll try to help clear the backlog. I will check each entry carefully. Cheers. - S Masters (talk) 16:25, 31 October 2010 (UTC)

Orphaned non-free image File:Lemurs of Madagascar 2nd ed.jpg
 Thanks for uploading File:Lemurs of Madagascar 2nd ed.jpg. The image description page currently specifies that the image is non-free and may only be used on Wikipedia under a claim of fair use. However, the image is currently orphaned, meaning that it is not used in any articles on Wikipedia. If the image was previously in an article, please go to the article and see why it was removed. You may add it back if you think that that will be useful. However, please note that images for which a replacement could be created are not acceptable for use on Wikipedia (see our policy for non-free media).

If you have uploaded other unlicensed media, please check whether they're used in any articles or not. You can find a list of "file" pages you have edited by clicking on the "my contributions" link (it is located at the very top of any Wikipedia page when you are logged in), and then selecting "File" from the dropdown box. Note that any non-free images not used in any articles will be deleted after seven days, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. Thank you. Skier Dude ( talk  01:09, 15 November 2010 (UTC)

IPA
Hi,

I appreciate any help you can give. I answered you on my talk page. Even if you don't know the IPA well, you can probably catch mistakes I make (cf. Malagasy language for a correspondence between orthography and IPA -- though that article needs work!). If we have enough IPA transcriptions to make it worthwhile (mostly animal, place, and personal names, presumably), we can set up an IPA key for Malagasy to go along with the IPA-mg template, which currently is just a redirect, like other national languages.

Also, I wrote half of the IPA article, so I could coach you if you have any questions on it.

Please address any concerns here or on my talk, though, as I won't be watching many of the articles. — kwami (talk) 22:50, 17 November 2010 (UTC)

Hamadryas Baboon article
Hello, can you please re-review the Hamadryas baboon article for WikiProject Primates? It's come a long way and surely can no longer be considered a "start" article. 24.180.173.157 (talk) 01:50, 14 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Thank you for asking for a re-assessment. Upon reviewing both the article and its edit history (spanning from March 2010 until present), and based on my interpretation of the WikiProject Primates quality assessment scale, the improvements barely merit C-class.  I say "barely" because I'm not sure if the article meets the requirement of being "substantial", but I will give the benefit of a doubt.  The Hamadryas Baboon is a very heavily studied species and is kept in captivity, so I'm sure there is a lot more information available on it.  The article is also missing many citations, but that does not appear to be a requirement for C-class rating.  Otherwise, the sources provided (so far) look good.  My other major issue involves the pictures.  The captions ("Eating an apple", "Male and female", and others) do not adequately inform the reader.  Captions can be much more descriptive, such as: "Males and females are distinguished by their differences in color" or "The Hamadryas Baboon will eat fruit in captivity, although it is not a regular part of its diet in the wild."  Of course, you will want the material stated and cited in the body text.  I would also move the last picture out of the References section.  It's best to place pictures in their appropriate section where possible.  I know the Description section overlaps with the taxobox, limiting the space for pictures, but that can be fixed by expansion and enhancing the lead.
 * The article has a long way to go, but please keep up the good work. I would love to see it make Good Article status someday! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:03, 14 November 2010 (UTC)


 * Thanks, I wish I could contribute more but I can't do any more on my own. If you can get other people to expand the article I'd be happy to help. 24.180.173.157 (talk) 23:13, 15 November 2010 (UTC)
 * What exactly are your limitations? A lack of reliable sources?  Sometimes Google Books can give you immediate access to books on primates, and local libraries can also get stuff in for you.  A lot of times you can email the experts on a species and they'll send materials to you.  Or is this a time restriction?  If so, I completely feel your pain.  Unfortunately, it's hard to motivate people who are knowledgeable about wildlife to contribute to Wiki.  Our best bets are students.  I would love to see more instructors turn their students loose on Wiki... for a grade.  Why write a paper (to be thrown away later) when you could collaboratively develop an educational tool for the world?  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 23:22, 15 November 2010 (UTC)
 * What would it need to reach a B class or good article status? 24.180.173.157 (talk) 22:51, 18 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Let me start by saying you've got a good start. I would recommend getting your hands on every source you can find.  Secondary sources, such as Walker's Primates of the World or The Pictorial Guide to the Living Primates would be a good start.  Your public library might be able to get stuff like that in for you.  Expansion is key, particularly for the "Ecology" section.  It's also critical that every statement is supported by a reference.  Having a "General Sources" section won't do.  People need to know where the information came from.  If they want to verify the facts, they shouldn't have to comb through multiple books or articles.  At the very least, narrow it down to a specific article, and verify that the information is there.  As it stands, each section has at least one sentence that's not supported by a citation.  I could mark them, if you'd like.  Also, if a source covers more than one contiguous statement, you can use it at the end, rather than after every sentence.  (If you need me to clarify, I will.)  Additional, you'll want to move the picture out of the References section, and make sure every caption is supported in the text with a referenced statement.  Lastly, as the article grows in length, the lead will need to grow proportionately.  The Hamadryas Baboon is a very heavily studied species, so there's got to be a lot more out there than what's covered in the article.  Honestly, I would liken it to the Ring-tailed Lemur article, which although currently rated as Featured Article, is probably best considered a B-class or GA-class article.  In the case of the ring-tailed lemur, there is so much research and literature available on the species, one could write multiple articles about it, such as the yet-to-exist articles: Ring-tailed Lemur behavior, Ring-tailed Lemur ecology, etc.  (Eventually, I'll do that.  But for now, I'm preparing for the massive re-write and hoping no one calls it into a Featured Article Review in the meantime.  Admittedly, I've had too much to drink tonight, so my apologies if this is hard to follow.  If you need clarification on something, just let me know.  Again, I don't want to discourage you, but for such a well-known species, you've got a lot of work cut out for you.  I'll support you as best I can.  If anything, this article will toughen you up and turn you into a veteran Wikipedia editor, especially if you take it all the way to Featured Article.  Again, I'll help you as much as I can.  Best of luck! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 08:04, 19 November 2010 (UTC)

Tarsiiformes DYK nom
Hello! Your submission of Tarsiiformes at the Did You Know nominations page has been reviewed, and there still are some issues that may need to be clarified. Please review the comment(s) underneath your nomination's entry and respond there as soon as possible. Thank you for contributing to Did You Know! Simon Burchell (talk) 19:36, 20 November 2010 (UTC)

DYK for Tarsiiformes
The DYK project (nominate) 00:03, 23 November 2010 (UTC)

WP:MAMMAL Collaboration
Hey VisionHolder, as you were always the most enthusiastic one in mammal collaborations, I was wondering if you were willing to help me start another one. I noticed you had a few nominations. What do you think? (I know you're on break, but just in case you see this, please reply.) Cheers, The Arbiter  ★★★  23:19, 27 November 2010 (UTC)
 * I'd be up for it. My strongest preference is to do Slow Loris, mostly for conservation reasons.  There's too much demand for it as a pet due to YouTube videos, and if people are hitting the page hard as a result, there should at least be a decent amount of material about the species, including its conservation status and threats.  It's also a more general article, not specifically about a species.  Therefore, the community might value it more.  Just my $0.02. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:42, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Wow, that is interesting stuff! Well, it looks like the voters so far are in favor of Possum, so we may have to hold off on Slow Loris. I still need to set a time to close the voting, and also need to make sure enough of the super-active members of the project get notified. I hope most of them watchlist the WP:MAMMAL talk page… Anyways, I appreciate all the help you give this project! The Arbiter  ★★★  02:56, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Technically, it's a tie between Possum and Slow Loris... though Monkey would be another good one that I would strongly support. Have you asked UtherSRG if he's still up for working on this?  I haven't seen him doing much besides admin activities recently.  I'm assuming he has a lot more material about possums than I do.  In fact, I have absolutely nothing on hand to work from.
 * And thanks for the barnstar! –  VisionHolder « talk » 15:48, 28 November 2010 (UTC)
 * No problem, my pleasure! Anyways, we had a great turnout to collaborate on the fossa article. I'm going to see if I can raise a few more people, like Ucucha, UtherSRG, etc. Cheers,  The Arbiter  ★★★  18:03, 28 November 2010 (UTC)

Old book
Hello Visionholder, I'm a French contributor and either over there we can see and really appreciate the herculean work you're doing. ;) I like to look for, and quite oftenly find, pictures and other fascinating things in old books available on the net. I've found this one (in the public domain because published in US before 1923) and I hope it could interest you. For some primates it's really difficult to find an illustration, so this book could be useful (some skulls but also beautiful plates). I appologize for my approximative english, for the answer (if you give me one) you should probably notify me on my french talk page. Regards, Totodu74 (talk) 18:11, 9 December 2010 (UTC)
 * I'm glad to see you appreciate it, in fact this kind of discovery is due to the habit to look for the original publication, it's worth to try every time. In a wider way we also tried to create a project to organize our different finds (it's more handy to stock it then treat it). This project doesn't really succeed in federating people around illustration, maybe the idea could find its way on WP en: :) Best regards (and bravo for your good French!), Totodu74 (talk) 17:55, 10 December 2010 (UTC)

Tarsier photos
Yes, please have him email permissions-commons@wikimedia.org with a list of the photos and the free license he would like to release them under. Thanks! Kaldari (talk) 23:56, 10 December 2010 (UTC)
 * Thank you! I've emailed him with the details and hope that he will take it from here. –  VisionHolder « talk » 01:33, 11 December 2010 (UTC)

Announcement
Hello! I'm The Arbiter, one of the coordinators for WikiProject Zoo. I am proud to announce the launch of a new portal: Portal:Zoos and Aquariums! ZooPro, ZooFari, and I worked hard to create a new portal for information on zoos, aquariums, and the associated projects and articles on Wikipedia. If you could head on over, take a look at our work, and maybe learn some more about zoos and Wikiproject Zoo, it would be great! Cheers and Happy Editing!

Delivered by MessageDeliveryBot on behalf of The Arbiter (talk) at 03:35, 14 December 2010 (UTC).

WikiProject Animals/Draft capitalization guidelines
User:ZooPro has suggested that I request your feedback and/or modifications to this proposal. If you think that it has worth, I would like to post an RfC, notify relevant groups, then announce it at WikiProject Manual of Style. If this is unlikely to be helpful or achieve anything, please be frank. I won't be offended.

Quick links:
 * Original discussion
 * Naming conventions (fauna)
 * PROPOSAL
 * Discussion between ZooPro and Anna Frodesiak at Anna's talk
 * Discussion between ZooPro and Anna Frodesiak at ZooPro's talk

This message has been sent to:
 * 1) User:Anthony Appleyard
 * 2) User:Donlammers
 * 3) User:Innotata
 * 4) User:Intelligentsium
 * 5) User:Materialscientist
 * 6) User:Mokele
 * 7) User:Rlendog
 * 8) User:Ucucha
 * 9) User:UtherSRG
 * 10) User:Visionholder
 * 11) User:ZooPro

Many thanks. Anna Frodesiak (talk) 05:54, 5 January 2011 (UTC)

The Fountain peer review
Thanks I do plan on getting to it sometime kinda/sorta soon, but I recently moved and I have yet to get home Internet access. I'm reluctant to do any serious editing because I don't have all of my files (i.e. I'm editing on campus now.) If you want to overhaul it, I say go for it--there's nothing stopping both of us working on this article and Erik has done about 70% of the work anyway. Please add to it if you can/want and I'll join in when I get a chance. Thanks again for posting. —Justin (koavf)❤T☮C☺M☯ 04:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Have you had a chance to read over my comments about the narrative? Depending on how you feel about my interpretation, I would love to fix that section up.  But clearly we need to make sure that we agree on how the movie is to be interpretted.  Anyway, let me know how you want to proceed and I will take a look.  And when I have time, I may help out with a few other things as well. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:47, 7 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Hello, I replied to your comments at the peer review, mainly regarding the plot. (Link for convenience.) Erik (talk &#124; contribs) 16:29, 7 January 2011 (UTC)

Question
Do you know whether Andringitra Strict Nature Reserve (where the IUCN says Monticolomys occurs) is the same as Andringitra National Park? I'm pretty sure there is at least one case (Bemaraha?) where there are adjacent National Park and Strict Nature Reserves with the same name... Ucucha 21:59, 1 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Good question! I found a website that explains that they are the same:  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:05, 1 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks; I'll use the more up-to-date National Park name in the article, but made a redirect for the SNR. Ucucha 22:16, 1 January 2011 (UTC)

It would be nice for Monticolomys and Macrotarsomys to have distribution maps. Some time ago, you promised to teach me to make Malagasy maps in Inkscape; a few days ago, I tried unsuccessfully to make such a map myself, so if that offer stands, that would be great. I also made a stub on the Forêt des Mikea, an important habitat (two local endemic mammals!). Perhaps you have something to add on the local lemurs. "Lemur diversity in Madagascar" cites an interesting-sounding paper about the lemurs that I don't have immediate access to: Ucucha 20:32, 3 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Ganzhorn, J. U., & Randriamanalina, M. H. (2004). Les lémuriens de la forêt de Mikea. In A. P. Raselimanana, & S. M. Goodman (Eds.), Inventaire floristique et faunistique de la forêt de Mikea: Paysage écologique et diversité biologique d’une préoccupation majeure pour la conservation. Vol. 21 (pp. 87–93). Antananarivo: Ministère de l’Education Nationale et de la Recherche Scientifique.
 * In regards to the distribution maps, I'd be happy to walk you through how to make them. Are we talking about putting dots on maps, or coloring in entire areas? Dots are easy.  Coloring in irregularly shaped zones will take some work, and honestly, I'll probably have to do one just to refresh my memory.
 * For the Forêt des Mikea article, it looks like quite a few articles in the book The Natural History of Madagascar mention it. If I add stuff to the article, how do you want me to handle the references?  You can see in the Lemur article that it was a beast to reference because of the redundancy it creates in the references if you cite numerous articles within the volume.  Just let me know what you want me to do. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:25, 3 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Both dots and irregular shapes, I suppose. I'll need a couple of dots to get the range of M. petteri, but the range of Macrotarsomys bastardi should probably be an irregular shape. Monticolomys could go either way. (It's almost midnight here, though; so we'll perhaps have to find some other time.)
 * Feel free to change the reference style for Mikea in any way you want; I simply made it as it is because then I could copy the ref from the article on M. petteri. Ucucha 22:47, 3 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Let's try for tomorrow evening or sometime when you're back in the states and on the same timezone. We should be able to make the maps then.  If you can do audio, maybe we can chat through Gmail.  As for the references, I hope you don't mind, but I may switch to what has become my standard: LDR (list-defined references).  I know I had fallen in love with LDR, but I never realized how hard it has become for me to work with text that doesn't use it.  (It's just so much easier for me to read the code when the refs are all out of the way and in one organized place.)  I won't ask you to use the R, though. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 23:21, 3 January 2011 (UTC)

A couple of things with Forêt des Mikea: First, instead of using LDR, I just used the cite template with Harvnb to make it easier for the reader to trace back the ref to the specific source. Second, I suspect we'll want to rename the article to Mikea Forest. I'll leave that for you to decide. However, my sources all use the English name, and I'm guessing English Wikipedia probably should, too. Third, I don't have a lot of time tonight, so the article may be a little disorganized when I'm done. Feel free to organize it and turn it into a proper article. Fourth, although I've just started, the article is now long enough to submit for DYK, if you want. I'd do it when I'm done, but I have some stuff offline I want to work on tonight, if I have time. Feel free to do it tomorrow, otherwise I can. –  VisionHolder « talk » 01:08, 4 January 2011 (UTC)
 * No, it looks good, and seems well-organized. I think you did something weird with the refbegin and refend templates, which I hope I've corrected. I've also renamed the article, since "Mikea Forest" seems a common enough English name. I'll also submit it to DYK. Ucucha 08:21, 4 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Template talk:Did you know. Ucucha 08:35, 4 January 2011 (UTC)

As promised, User:Ucucha/Mapper. Ucucha 15:08, 5 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Very nice. I'll have to give it a try the next time I have something like that to map.  Now if only we could draw shapes using the IUCN data.  ;-)  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:17, 5 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I'll try to work on that. I'll first have to figure out how those "shapefiles" work. Ucucha 10:24, 6 January 2011 (UTC)

Unrelated: I just found this paper on Microcebus taxonomy. Ucucha 15:36, 8 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! I've saved a copy and added it to my folder on Microcebus for when I can finally get around to re-writing that page.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:00, 8 January 2011 (UTC)

Cuisine of Madagascar - FA status
Hi VisionHolder, Thanks for offering to review Cuisine of Madagascar for FA status. Right now, I'm working on figuring out how to include different page numbers for each instance when a particular source is cited. Hopefully not much work will be needed to get the article where it needs to be.

You mentioned that the date for the human settlement of the island is incorrect. I've read quite a few highly reliable sources that give the range I cited. However, based on the sources you tend to use which often cite carbon dating (and I'd tend to give precedence to that kind of evidence!) that earlier dates would be more accurate. Can you recommend a specific source that gives those earlier dates for human settlement of Madagascar?

By the way, I just realized today that you were the one who took the image I'm using of the zebu herder burning the thorns off the raketa. How did you get that great shot? I see you did work with Azafady in the fall of 2009 - you must have been in some fairly rural parts of southwestern Madagascar. What were the species that your conservation work there focused on? Burning raketa seems like something you'd only see if you really got off the beaten path, something most tourists never do. It's great to meet someone else (if only virtually) who got to experience the country in a way that goes well beyond tourism.

Keep up the commendable work here on Wikipedia and best of luck with your resolutions for 2011. Like you, I'm passionate about helping to fill in the holes in public knowledge about Madagascar. We'll probably be working together a bit on here, and if I can ever be of help don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers, -- Lemurbaby (talk) 21:25, 7 January 2011 (UTC)


 * I'm sorry to tell you, but the FAC process can be a beast. No matter how "perfect" I think I've made an article, even after prior experience with the FA process, I am always surprised at how much work I usually have to do to get an article to pass.  But please don't get discouraged.  After your first FA or two, you know what to look for and you can typically go back and use your previous FAs as templates for your next FAs.  It gets easier and more fun with time.  If you need help with the citations, just let me know.  If you want a simple template article for the types of citations you're talking about, look at the code of Mikea Forest. It uses one of the fancier approaches, but it's fairly simple and organized.  If needed, I can try to find time to help.
 * As for the dates of settlement, you cite only one source in the article, and the source is from 1996. I believe the sources I use are newer.  Do you have newer sources that still give a more recent date, and if so, what are they?  Probably my best and most recent source for my dates come from ref #17 (Godfrey, Jungers & Burney 2010, Chapter 21) on the Subfossil lemur article.  It's a chapter in the newly published book "Cenozoic Mammals of Africa".  I have a draft copy from one of the authors in PDF form that I could send to you if needed.  Just email me through Wiki so I can email it to you.
 * In regards to the zebu herder photo, I wouldn't call it a "great shot" (I wish I had had a much better camera), but thanks. The boy was a member of the family I stayed with for a week.  He was a great kid!  I took the photo near Beloha, a few weeks after my Azafady work was done.  (In Azafady, we mostly studied L. catta. at Petriky and E. collaris at St. Luce.)  I had hired the brother of one of our guides to take me around the south, but ended up doing the poor-man's tour, flying by most of the scenery on taxi-brousse.  I wasn't interested in the tourist stuff, except for Berenty, and I even got to take a zebu cart with a family out into the spiny brush to stay briefly in a village that supposedly hadn't seen a Caucasian in probably a few decades or maybe a century.  Because I misunderstood the fee for the tour guide, I ended up not having enough money to see anything more than Isalo, and spent over a week in Tana just living with the family of a college student.  Someday I hope to go back with more money so that I can see more.  Unfortunately, the people there think Americans can make money appear from thin air, and they refuse to believe that Americans can be poor, too. (I'm still in debt from that trip, but fortunately I learned to live off the Malagasy diet of rice and beans.  It works in the U.S., too! )  It's also heartbreaking to watch your tour guide go spend all the money you paid him on fashionable clothes and a flashing cell phone, rather than taking it home to his wife and kids.  (No doubt, he planned to impress some white chick, divorce his wife, and marry for money (like his brother did).)  Anyway, a very sad place, but full of some of the happiest and friendliest people I've ever met.  I'd go back in a heartbeat, and given the opportunity, I would never return to the U.S.
 * And thanks for offering to help. The same offer is open for you.  I'm sure we'll be in touch. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:22, 8 January 2011 (UTC)
 * P.S. - I have a lot more photos from the bush involving rural life. I don't have everything I saw, and I was often shy about using my camera.  However, I will release just about any and every photo if I think they're needed.  I have uploaded some of them to Facebook, so you can always search for me, befriend me, and browse the photo album for more material, then email your requests to me if needed. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:25, 8 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Thomcord (grape)
The DYK project (nominate) 12:02, 8 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Mikea Forest
The DYK project (nominate) 00:03, 9 January 2011 (UTC)

GA review for Rova of Antananarivo
Heya Visionholder, FYI I just nominated the article on the Rova of Antananarivo for GA status. I've been doing a lot of work on it over the past few months and I think it's just about there. I know you're busy but thought you might be interested in doing the review or at least looking it over and sharing your initial impressions with me if there are ways it should be improved before the GA reviewer reaches it. All the best, -- Lemurbaby (talk) 18:43, 10 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm glad to see you continuing to work on Malagasy culture articles! I'd be happy to review the article, but it might have to wait a day or two.  I did do a very quick look-over, and I noticed two things: 1) a few statements are unreferenced, and 2) many of your pictures are not on WikiCommons.  You can always request that the pictures be moved over for you.  There's already a category for it: Category:Rova of Antananarivo.  I wish I could say that I had a better picture for you, but the only one I took was of the cliff with the big "Antananarivo" sign (like the Hollywood sign), with the Rova in the upper right corner.  (Not a good picture if you're looking to show the Rova.)  Unfortunately, no one pointed out what that building was  up there, otherwise I would have taken more.  (My guides and I mostly took the back roads and alleys, so it was hard to follow maps.)  I did, however, take a few good photos of the Palais d'Andafiavaratra (which I'm going to upload now), in case you ever want to write an article about it.  I also have a lot of photos overlooking Tana, since I stayed up on the hill, just a few hundred feet from the Palais d'Andafiavaratra. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:38, 10 January 2011 (UTC)

Expert review
Hello there,

given the interest you expressed in strategy:Proposal:Expert review, I wanted to bring Expert review to your attention. At this point, it captures the current efforts in this area. There are some obvious ways in which you could help:

1) There's an existing proof-of-concept JavaScript displaying expert reviews for articles for which they are available. That script could be significantly improved, and potentially be promoted to gadget status.

2) We need to develop the product specifications for what expert review in Wikipedia should look like (starting with the simplest implementation that makes sense). The Meta page has some initial draft notes, but mock-ups, thoughts and additional documentation would be much appreciated.

3) We should think about what the most effective and scalable ways are to mobilize large groups of experts to participate in review processes, and to validate their credentials. There is an opportunity right now with the APS, which has just launched a Wikipedia initiative, and is willing to ask its 20,000 members to help with expert assessments. But we should think about the longer term as well.

Your participation in these and other areas would be much appreciated. Hope to see you on Meta,--Eloquence* 01:34, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Bengal Slow Loris
The DYK project (nominate) 18:02, 12 January 2011 (UTC)

Grape article
No, I got caught up in several things and have been ignoring the review. It has been nagging me and I intend to get through it in the next several days. I should be the one being trouted for dragging my feet. --Jeremy (blah blah • I did it!) 16:06, 14 January 2011 (UTC)
 * As it turns out, I will be out of town from Sunday through Wednesday due to a death in the family. Feel free to do the review in my absence, and I will be sure to make the necessary fixes when I return. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:25, 15 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I am sorry for your loss. --Jeremy (blah blah • I did it!) 08:01, 15 January 2011 (UTC)
 * My condolences! Ucucha 10:26, 15 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks, but no worries. My grandfather was in his 90's and had already lost his sight, much of his hearing, and his wife.  He was ready, and I said my goodbyes to him years ago.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:24, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Marojejy pages and Anjanaharibe Sud...
Hi,

I do not know things about Wiki and even this talk page but I'm gonna try...

I understand that you will be able to work in a couple of weeks, no problem, it will give me time to improve the french one. I don't know how to add images... I don't know a lot of things !

For translation in Malagasy... and maybe in German... I will try to find people able to do it.

If you need somebody to translate some of your incredible job (just saw it, like for the Cuisine of Madagascar), just ask me.

Regards,

Eric M. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Marojejy (talk • contribs) 17:58, 15 January 2011 (UTC)
 * It's good to hear from you. I will gladly help you learn how to use Wikipedia once I return home.  I am excited to work with you.  Please take some time to familiarize yourself with Wikipedia's five pillars, and please note the importance of citing sources.  If you do not cite reliable sources, we will have problems.  I have several good books to help us write about Marojejy National Park.  Also, please visit the editing tutorial and don't be afraid to use a sandbox to practice.  I look forward to working with you.  Chaleureusement, –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:12, 15 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Also, Cuisine of Madagascar is not my article. Lemurbaby wrote it.  Most of my articles are about lemurs, such as Lemur, Golden-crowned Sifaka, Ring-tailed Lemur, etc.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:14, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

OK, perfect. I'm currently working on the french one and I'm trying to discuss with Fralambert who is doing very good job improving the page. I will wait you to be less busy to start the english page project. Best. Eric. M. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Marojejy (talk • contribs) 07:57, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Javan Slow Loris
Thank you for this contribution to our second decade of wikipedia Victuallers (talk) 06:02, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Monticolomys
Could you have a look whether there is anything of interest on Monticolomys koopmani in The Natural History of Madagascar? It's the last potential source I haven't checked yet, though I expect it won't have much that is not already in the article. I just got back to America, so I could look at my copy of Mammals of Madagascar, which didn't have any new info, though it did show me that I had stupidly put the wrong set of measurements in the article! Ucucha 15:40, 16 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry for the delayed response. I just got back in town.  Monticolomys koopmani in mentioned in the book.  It's listed in 3 tables that appear to have either information not present in the current article or more specific data.  There is also a couple large paragraphs of text that seem to further support the last half of the 2nd paragraph in your "Taxonomy" section.  Do you have access to the book at your library, or do you need me to add the information? I could also type up the information and email you if you'd like. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:05, 20 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! I'll actually be in Cambridge in a few days (sooner than I expected), so I can easily give the library a visit. Ucucha 00:54, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Pic
Bengal Slow Loris here (and more funny-looking primates afterward). Sasata (talk) 19:43, 19 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the link! If you find more, just keep posting them here.  I'm finally back in town, but not sure if I have the energy after all the travel to do much on Wiki tonight.  I'll try to look at the slow loris articles soon.  Before I left, I finished 2 sections of the Slow loris conservation article, so hopefully I can finish that this weekend. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:09, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Do you...
Like to move it?


 * I don't dance, but it's always fun to watch animated lemurs do it... even if it is a bit anthropomorphic. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:30, 20 January 2011 (UTC)

Bornean Slow Loris
Ok, I've plopped my expansion down, your turn to have a go. Needs quite a bit of work: a longer lead; better description–I could find very little that dealt with this species specifically, so you might want to add some general slow loris info to beef it up (or hopefully you have some sources I don't have); general copyediting/reorganizing. Let me know if I need to check my sources for mis-attributed statements :) Sasata (talk) 02:42, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Now that I'm partially caught up.... There is one ambiguous ref (#11 "Groves.") and there seems to be confusion over whether journal refs are being listed in the "Literature cited" subsection or in the regular refs. Which way were we going with this?  Some, like "Nekaris 2010" have specific page refs and general refs, while others like "Wells 2004" just have general refs.  If we're adding page numbers for all journal refs (like Ucucha usually does), then please add them.  Otherwise I'll save the "Literature cited" for books and move the journal articles into "References" section.  Also, I should note that Sfn works by listing the last names of the first 4 authors (unless you set "ref=" to something other than "harv").  It helps with things like multiple "Nekaris 2007" articles, but if you only use the first person's last name, the link won't work.  I don't mind fixing them, as long as I know which ref you're referring to.  ;-)
 * Otherwise I'll work on expansion for as long as I can tonight. I've got a triple margarita sitting in front of me, so at some point I'll have to lay off the writing and work on more mind-numbing stuff.  The article looks great, and I can't wait to get it going on GAN.  Thanks! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 05:17, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah, I guess we should set a citation style for all of these articles so they can be all be consistent when the topic comes together. Doesn't really matter to me, I'm more or less comfortable with the Sfn system now, so you pick, and I'll follow it. I'll check the refs again before GA to clarify any ambiguity with multiple refs with the same author name, or adding page #'s if needed. That triple sounds good, I'm stuck in suburbia with a hot chocolate/ovaltine combo with marshmallows on top; can't take too many liberties unfortunately when the kids wake you up at 7 am! Sasata (talk) 05:37, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Well, we've been inconsistent so far. Javan used Sfn on both books and journal articles, while Bengal only did it for books.  It's more work doing it for both because you have to monitor the pages, but I have to admit that I tip my hat to Ucucha for his diligence for keeping track of page numbers on journal articles.  However, complex book citations like those on Lemur make me cautious about trying to mix journal citations in with book citations.  (I once suggested segregating "Literature cited" into "book" and "journal" subsections when I was developing the referencing system for Lemur, but I got very strong opposition to that idea.  However, I'm wondering if the online environment will benefit from or necessitate new citation styles like what I suggested.)  So I'll leave it up to you.  Putting only books in "Literature cited" is less work, but makes it harder to find the specific quote.  Putting both books and journals in the "Literature cited" takes more work in keeping track of page numbers and gets complicated if we start citing books filled with what are essential journal articles (like on Lemur).  However, it's more helpful to the reader who checks our sources.  I favor the latter... but only under the conditions that journals and books get subdivided in the "Literature cited" subsection.
 * As for the triple margarita, it may be nice to let go (especially after the really shitty year I've had), but having a family to grow old with with trump it any day, and especially when you can have the joy of seeing grandchildren someday. I doubt I'll ever have that.  At least the responsibility of kids only lasts about 18 years.  After that, you can drink all you want.  ;-)  Best,  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 06:10, 23 January 2011 (UTC)

What minimal information I've found has been added to the article, and I'm done fixing up the references. I have listed all books and journal articles in the "Literature cited", leaving only reports and web references under the general "References" section. I hope you're happy with it. We'll need to go back and find page numbers for the articles with more than a couple of pages if we take this route. I also had a problem with the Lydekker ref, because Sfn wouldn't work with "1893 [1892]". Otherwise, I'll now be going through the article to copyedit and expand the lead. If you have any questions or comments, just let me know. –  VisionHolder « talk » 02:16, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Looks great—you and Ucucha really tore through that thing! I'll start working on another species in a couple of days... after I get my mind straight first by working on a mushroom article :) Sasata (talk) 02:30, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Take your time! The remaining species are going to be a lot harder because they've been recognized longer (as well as being represented in captivity), so keep that in mind.  I also need to work on the conservation article.  When you have time, though, we'll need the page numbers added for some of the sources. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:49, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Lead is done, and we now have a DYK nom with a hook that both Ucucha and I like. Since we've hit every available resource and all 3 of us have hammered this article to death, I'm going to nominate for GAN.  Hopefully I'll get some pictures within the coming weeks from Nekaris or one of her grad students. There is one graphic we could probably use to illustration the habitat loss issue: File:Borneo deforestation map.jpg, however, I'm not sure if the licensing is good on it.  The source can be found here and it looks fairly free, but the usage constraints may cause a problem.  Someone else mind taking a look?  My brain is fried by now. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 05:50, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Agree that would be a good image to use; I agree it's obvious they want us to use it, but it's not clear about the licensing. I'll run it past J Milburn, who's my go-to guy for image concerns. Sasata (talk) 06:29, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Asked. (p.s. Ucucha feel free to add your name to the GAN for the record.) Sasata (talk) 06:36, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, Ucucha, please add your time to the nom. I got tied up and Sasata beat me to adding you names, so since he's added his, I'll let you add yours.  And thanks, Sasata, for taking that question to someone who would know best. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 06:48, 24 January 2011 (UTC)

Bornean Slow Loris
Hello. This is a heads up that I nominated this article for a WP:DYK due to the expansion fivefold. Here is a link Template_talk:Did_you_know.--v/r - TP 02:48, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for saving me a step. I was just waiting to finish re-writing the lead before I did the nomination.  Don't worry... it wasn't going to miss DYK.  ;-)  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:56, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * My bad, sorry for jumping the gun then. I saw you guys starting to talk about working on another article and I've been trying to get my feet wet with DYK so I thought it was a perfect opportunity.  It's a very interesting article, you guys did great work.  What I found most interesting was that "Although considered a subspecies of the Sunda Slow Loris (N. coucang) until 2001, molecular analysis confirms it is a genetically distinct species."  I think that would make a great DYK except it doesnt have a citation.--v/r - TP 03:08, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * You're looking at the lead, which is a summary of the cited body (thus not requiring a citation). The lead is also being re-written (by me) as we speak.  I'll have it done soon if the numerous distractions stop rolling in on Wiki and in my email.  I don't mind you jumping the gun.  It's good to see new editors taking initiative.  We all have to learn our way around somehow.  For me, I don't care that you nominated it, although for the future, keep in mind that some editors will mind.  The only thing I would recommend is asking first.  This article had 3 more days to be nominated before it's window closes, so in cases like this, you have plenty of time to ask first. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:13, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I didn't even think about that, I'll keep in mind to ask the contributors before I nominate next time. I can certainly see why someone might mind and I feel stupid now for not thinking of it sooner.  Now I'm a bit embarrassed.  Well thank you for being considerate of my ignorance.  Lesson learned.  Anyway, I proposed a new hook although it isn't incredible either.  It was just one of the cited sentences formatted for DYK.--v/r - TP 03:47, 24 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Don't worry about it. I don't even want to share my mistakes.  Worse yet, I still make them.  As for the hook, it's not uncommon for DYK nominations to have 2 or 3 alternate hooks.  I'm sure I'll come up with one of my own when I'm done with the lead.  (You can always strike out a hook if you decide against it later.)  May the best hook win! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:50, 24 January 2011 (UTC)

Rova of Antananarivo GAN
Welcome back Alex, I finished the edits on the Rova of Antananarivo article. It's ready for you to have a look at it when you have the time. I hope you're doing all right. Thinking of you. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 04:46, 22 January 2011 (UTC)
 * The origins section on the Architecture of Madagascar article has now been written. Both of these are ready for your review now. As far as page numbers for the Cuisine of Madagascar article, I visited the university library on Wednesday but the book I need to get page numbers from was checked out, so that may be stalled for a few weeks. In the meantime, let me know if anything else in that article is jumping out at you as needing to be strengthened in the run-up to FA. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 18:19, 22 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Hi Alex, checking in to see if there's anything else you want done to the Rova of Antananarivo and Architecture of Madagascar articles - otherwise they're probably ready for you to slap the GA on and be done with them. It looks like you have a lot on your plate so maybe it will help lower your stress to clear these two from your mind for now. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 18:11, 25 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry. I thought you were watching the reviews.  I made more comments for both reviews a few days ago and have been waiting to see you address them.  Next time I'll put a note on your talk page.  Both articles are nearly ready, in my opinion, but still have a few lingering issues.  As long as nothing new is added and these issues are addressed, then I'll be ready to pass them. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:44, 25 January 2011 (UTC)

Template talk:Taxobox
Actually, I keep all changes on my watchlist instead of only the most recent ones-- I find it gives me a better perspective of where the action is at any given moment. I've not been watching my watchlist the past few days due to course load, but I'll certainly have a look since you've mentioned it. Bob the WikipediaN (talk • contribs) 15:06, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

WikiProject United States Public Policy
Hi,

I am a student at Simmons College and I am working on WikiProject United States Public Policy for a class. I am new to editing and if you would be available to me a mentor to me I would appreciate it. Looking forward to learning more about editing. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Michelle.K.Rico (talk • contribs) 21:23, 26 January 2011 (UTC)


 * Welcome to Wikipedia! I would be happy to be your mentor, Michelle!  You may ask me questions at any time, and don't hesitate to ask for clarifications on anything I say.  So how is the world of Wikipedia treating you so far?  Is there anything you'd like help on? –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:21, 26 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
— HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   00:02, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Bornean Slow Loris
Thank you for your contribution to the wiki Victuallers (talk) 00:06, 28 January 2011 (UTC)

did you know...
that you can claim fair use on photographs on non-living people? (I saw your note on Ucucha's talk page) Check out the rationale I used at for File:Herman_phaff.jpg if you've never done fair use before. Nice work btw - hope you managed to get some sleep! SmartSE (talk) 13:39, 28 January 2011 (UTC)
 * No, I did not know... that should earn you a DYK! :-) However, I'm still going to try for a Creative Commons license—I would like for his photo to be usable on the other Wiki projects, if possible. In the meantime, I'll make use of the fair use option (after I get home from work). –  VisionHolder « talk » 14:48, 28 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Haha thanks. Good point about CC. Just so you know, FU images can't be used at DYK though, in case you were thinking of using it. SmartSE (talk) 16:53, 28 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Don't worry, I've already learned that one. In fact, that's another reason I have my fingers crossed for a quick reply to my photo requests. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:25, 28 January 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 28 January 2011
Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 00:35, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Gibson guitar
You placed a top tag on the Gibson Guitar Corporation page. I don't believe the page suffers from half as many "multiple issues", but I know the external link in the serial number section is allowable per WP:External links.
 * I am happy to fix these multiple issues but believe they require further elucidation. Unless you write on the article's talk page I will remove the top tag after a while. Fleetham (talk) 17:36, 29 January 2011 (UTC)
 * I will reply in a few moments on the article's talk page. –  VisionHolder « talk » 17:43, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

You deserve a Helping Hand Barnstar

 * Thanks! I'm enjoying watching you develop as an editor.  You're already very good and have a ton of potential on top of that!  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:35, 29 January 2011 (UTC)

Helmet Vanga
Sounds good. I'll work on it when I get home. Sabine's Sunbird  talk  18:50, 30 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Cool! If you want to see what the photo options are, email me and I'll forward the photos on to you.  Some are very similar, so I didn't want to ask for them all.  If you want to take your picks of what's available, I'll forward your request along. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:55, 30 January 2011 (UTC)

Cuisine of Madagascar FA
I was surprised they closed this down - there's been plenty of activity on it over the past month. Ah well, once that book is returned at the library I'll finish the references and make whatever other minor tweaks we need to make, and it should be ready to resubmit again. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 19:06, 31 January 2011 (UTC)
 * FAC is a challenge in more ways than one. Your nomination was archived (or failed) because of a lack of reviews as well as updates.  I still had a few outstanding requests/comments with no replies, and you had not posted an update about the page number concern, if I remember correctly.  But most importantly, people weren't reviewing—a common problem on Wiki.  FAC is increasingly become a tit-for-tat game due to a lack of reviewers.  This isn't fair, of course, to the new nominators who aren't experienced enough to be doing reviews of their own.  It also sucks for people like me who aren't that good at reviews and get sick of dealing with them because of the fights that usually break out on them.  Wiki's always pushing for more new editors, but in truth, we need reviewers more.  For now, I would suggest working on the the suggestions from the old FAC, and after the required two week wait, try re-nominating.  It might even be worth mentioning at the top of your nomination that this is the first article you've tried to push through FAC, so you're not experienced enough yet to offer reviews of your own.  Other than that, the best I can say is to keep trying, and be as prompt as possible about addressing the issues that people bring up. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:50, 31 January 2011 (UTC)

Nice job on that national park article. Can you improve some of the others? I did try to make you a relief map but I see you now have one! You and Lemur are doing much needed and great work for Madagascar on here. Its lovely to see people actually working on Malagasy topics let alone seeing good articles!!♦ Dr. Blofeld  01:21, 2 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! I will definitely be writing more as I find time.  Right now I'm trying to convert an important prototype template into a functional template, plus I have a some major collaboration going on involving slow loris articles.  But don't worry—I plan to re-write all the lemur articles as well as the national park articles... and possibly more. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 01:32, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

CITES
I'd say so. Bob the WikipediaN (talk • contribs) 16:10, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Hi there
I need a mentor for my course, and I noticed you have an interest in Env Law/Policy. Which is my focus in Western Carolina's MPA program. I'll probably be working on Nuclear policy this semester. Thanks, and look forward to possible working together!

Kay-z — Preceding unsigned comment added by Kayz911 (talk • contribs) 17:14, 27 January 2011 (UTC)
 * Kay-z, I'd be glad to be your mentor. I'll respond shortly on your talk page. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 17:59, 27 January 2011 (UTC)

Great thanks so much!

Sorry, I have been sick and our class last week was canceled due to weather, so I just read your message. I have a lot of background in Nuclear Policy, and I am also utilizing the help of a class mate that runs a neutral-supportive non-profit promoting nuclear awareness and education for children. We both agree that there is not 1 unifying page for the current nuclear policy in America (yes a lot of the information is already on Wiki, but it's all 5-6 different pages). We have already identified a key page that could be updated: Nuclear Power 2010 Program However, as you will see it is horribly lacking. I posted a offer in the discussion tab for me to revamp the article or to make my own page for current US nuclear policy (ie. 2005-current) and integrate that article into the new one (as well as others across Wiki) and keep it updated since most of the policy from the Energy and Policy Act of 2005 is occurring (in the form of Federal Loan Guarantees) was we speak for Utility companies.

What do you think of this page and my idea? Thanks, KayZ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Kayz911 (talk • contribs) 17:46, 3 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Again, I'll respond on your talk page since mine is getting a bit long. –  VisionHolder « talk » 18:39, 3 February 2011 (UTC)

Talk:Bornean Slow Loris/GA1
Sorry about the delay. I've left some more thoughts, but I have promoted it, as it is of GA quality. Well done! J Milburn (talk) 13:57, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks. I left my replies there.  If you have further questions, comments, etc., I'm all ears. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:55, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

Morgan dollar
Hi Visionholder. Sorry to bother you, but I was just wondering if you had any other concerns about the Morgan dollar FAC? If you don't feel like looking it over, that's fine of course (I know these topics are very boring to a lot of people), but I wasn't sure if I addressed your concerns or not. My apologies if you were going to come back later, I don't want make you feel like I'm rushing you or anything!-RHM22 (talk) 18:37, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry... I've been very busy with multiple reviews, a collaboration, and multiple article re-writes. I will re-check things sometime today/tonight. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:46, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Sure, it's no rush at all. I was just making sure that I wasn't being belligerant about the article before. Don't worry about it if you're too busy. By the way, do you like sloths as well as lemurs? I've also found sloths to be one of the most interesting animals.-RHM22 (talk) 18:49, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Belligerant?? You?? Lol! Hell, your review has renewed my interest in doing FAC reviews.  Prior experiences have resulted in some nasty comments directed my way—hence my reluctance to do reviews.  You have been very flexible, prompt, and friendly—a model for FAC nominators!  You have no reason to apologize.  As I said, I will gladly finish the review.  I'm looking forward to posting my support.
 * To answer your other question, I have worked around sloths before. They are incredible animals.  A happy middle-ground between the sloths and the lemurs are the sloth lemurs, a few of which I have written FAs about.  (See Babakotia & Mesopropithecus.) I really wish I could have seen those. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:41, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Well, I'm glad I wasn't too hardheaded then! I know what you mean about rude editors, though. Sometimes I'm amazed at the things that are said to people who are only trying to help. If they wouldn't say that to someone who was trying to help them them write a book or an article in real life, why would they say it here? I mean, I understand that they're proud of their work and don't want to change it because someone else doesn't like it, but most of the critiques I've read while looking at FACs are very accurate.
 * Those sloth lemurs are very interesting. Some of the extinct creatures are really incredible to imagine. One thing I would like to have seen is a giant ground sloth.-RHM22 (talk) 20:10, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh yes! I wish I could have seen Megatherium and its relatives. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:30, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the support on Morgan dollar! I really hope I didn't make you feel obligated or anything. By the way, didn't Thomas Jefferson discover or catalog one of the megatherium species?-RHM22 (talk) 21:05, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Found it: Megalonyx jeffersonii. Apparently Jefferson thought it was a lion!-RHM22 (talk) 22:04, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Simpson, 1945, p. 70: "The supposed genus "Megalonyx Jefferson, 1799," long sentimentally cherished by American palaeontologists, is non-existent. Jefferson definitely did not establish such a genus in zoological nomenclature, but it can be ascribed to Harlan." Ucucha 23:04, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I don't have your sources, Ucucha. Is the species and genus articles improperly named and in need of merging? I've been been fixing vandalism on a very slow Wiki connection, so I can't look at much right now. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 23:21, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * The only error seemed to be that Megalonyx incorrectly gives Jefferson as the authority for the genus. While Jefferson used the name "Megalonyx", he did not use formal binomial nomenclature and his name is unavailable. Ucucha 23:32, 4 February 2011 (UTC)
 * To be clear, I corrected this, and don't see any more changes that are necessary. Ucucha 23:33, 4 February 2011 (UTC)

DYK for William Charles Osman Hill
— HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   06:02, 5 February 2011 (UTC)

Would you mentor me?
Hi Adam,

I am part of this class. One of our class assignments is to write an article for wikipedia on some environmental economic topic. I am in a group with two others with the topic "Federal and State Environmental Relations." You can read a bit about me on my user page.

As a preparatory assignment, we've been asked to choose a mentor. Given your interest in law and policy, I thought I'd ask you to mentor me. I've been using mediawiki for years, so I'm fairly comfortable with technical questions, but I don't know much about idiosyncratic wikipedia syntax or policies, so if I have questions, it will likely be in that area.

Thanks!

Sean.giambattista (talk) 01:49, 6 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Adam, I would be happy to mentor you. I will gladly help you navigate the syntax and policies any time you need it.  Do you have any questions at the moment?  If not, don't hesitate to ask when you do.  If you class requires nominating your work for DYK ("Did you know?") or GA (Good article), be sure to talk to me before getting started. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:03, 6 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Thank you for being willing to help me navigate the syntax and policies. I do not have any questions at the moment, but I will be sure to ask you when I have a question to which I cannot find a satisfactory answer.  I do not believe my class requires the article to be nominated for GA.  The class One of the requirements does seem to be nominating the article for DYK by March 31, so I've been reading the W:DYK rules and the Additional DYK Rules.  If you have any other advice, I'd be pleased to hear it.
 * Sean.giambattista (talk) 02:19, 6 February 2011 (UTC). Also, my name is Sean, I thought you were Adam.  Thanks again!


 * No, the key thing is that you adhere to those rules you are reading. I didn't want you to jump in and start editing over the course of a week, and then decide to nominate for DYK.  As you can probably tell from the rules, that wouldn't work too well.  Generally, the best way to earn a DYK credit on a new article is to develop it in a sandbox under your user space, then move it to the main space when you're ready for the article to go live.  If you plan to expand an existing article, you'd also work on it in your sandbox, but then I typically copy and paste the content into the target article.  Anyway... we're jumping ahead.  For now, Welcome!  Btw... do you need me to use talkback templates to notify you of my replies, or will you just add my talk page to your watchlist and check in occasionally? –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:27, 6 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Since I was notified of a reply last time, I assumed I would be notified in the future of any replies. But now I know how that works, I'll just add the rss feed to my reader and keep track that way.  Thank you for the advice! Sean.giambattista 14:05, 8 February 2011 (UTC) EDIT: The RSS feed is for all wikipedia changes!  So I'll just check back periodically, no need to use talkback templates.


 * The best way to do it is click the "star" next to "View history" at the top when on my talk page. This adds a page to your "watchlist".  Then when you go to your watchlist, you'll see when my talk page has been edited.  However, my talk page is used by many people, so ultimately you'd have to check in whenever you log in.  With the talkback templates, you'll need to edit your talk page and delete the talkback code once you've checked my reply, otherwise the talkback templates will start to accumulate and you won't know if they are from the latest reply or from one of the previous replies.  If I delete the talkback template to add a new one, then your talk page will look identical.  Granted, it will say that you have new messages when you log in, but you still won't see any change to the appearance of the page.  If you like the talkback templates, I'll be glad to use them.  All I ask is that you delete the old ones on your talk page so there is no confusion. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:24, 8 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Thank you for all the advice, I hadn't thought of the difficulty of communication. I've added your talk page to my watch list, no need to use talkback templates.  It seems easier that way.  Sean.giambattista (talk) 04:17, 9 February 2011 (UTC)


 * No problem! In fact, you chose the method that I use.  It's really not that difficult once you get use to it. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:22, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

Mentor request
Hi...I am Endah, just start to learn for editing wikipedia. Would you be my mentor? endah_nia 02:12, 9 February 2011 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ekurniaw (talk • contribs)
 * I would be glad to. I will reply on your talk page. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:42, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 13 February 2011
Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 18:26, 11 February 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Marojejy National Park
Orlady (talk) 00:02, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

Marojejy National Park
Hi Alex, I saw you just nominated this for GA. I know your high standards and the article looks beautiful. I would be happy to pass it outright, but since you know I'm a less experienced reviewer than you I wanted to check with you first to see if you would prefer to wait for a reviewer who might be better placed to hold the article to even more rigorous standards than your own. Let me know. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 15:53, 12 February 2011 (UTC)
 * To be honest with you, I've been torn over whether or not to ask you to review it. I have already asked another friend (Ucucha) to review it since he often reviews my GANs that are on their way to FAC, but he's very busy at the moment.  And just as I started to write this reply, I noticed he had started to do a copyedit to the article this morning, which may mean that a review is coming very soon.  Ucucha watches my talk page, so I will let him chime in on this.  Otherwise, there is absolutely no harm in letting you do the review.  It would give me feedback from a perspective that I'm used to and it would give Ucucha a break.  If it's okay with Ucucha, all I ask is that before you pass it that you look over the FAC criteria, paying particularly close attention to WP:NPOV, WP:NOTAGUIDE, and comprehensiveness.  It might even be wise to review WP:MOS.  Basically, I'm looking for an opinion on the article's readiness for FAC.  Thanks! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:14, 12 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Talk:Marojejy National Park/GA1; I've listed some issues. However, all help is welcome, and it'd be good if you (Lemurbaby) also had a look over the article to spot any issues. Ucucha 18:17, 12 February 2011 (UTC)

GAN - Andrianjaka
Hi Alex, I just nominated the article about Andrianjaka, the 17th-century Merina king, for GA. Have a look when you have the time and let me know what you think. It's a short one! -- Lemurbaby (talk) 16:50, 13 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Good to know! I will be along shortly.  And by the way, I forgot to congratulate you on the new job.  Since you'll be within easy driving distance (~3–4 hrs) of the Duke Lemur Center in Durham, NC, you are always welcome to come visit.  I'm only a volunteer, but I'm sure we could arrange for you to join a tour group that I'm leading if you were to ever come down and see the place.  It's always nice to meet the people you've been working with in person.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:36, 13 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I've wanted to visit the Duke center ever since I first learned about it from a Duke undergrad who was on a study exchange to Madagascar with me back in '99. It would be a pleasure to come down your way, meet you and see your center! As an undergrad I did some cognitive behavioral studies with lemurs (red ruffs) at the Woodland Park Zoo (involving self recognition in a mirror) - much more primitive than what's done at Duke, but it still yielded some unexpectedly interesting results. Lemurs are the greatest. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 00:05, 19 February 2011 (UTC)
 * By the way, revisions are done on Andrianjaka - it should be ready to cross off your list when you have a minute. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 00:07, 19 February 2011 (UTC)

Main page appearance
Hello! This is a note to let the main editors of this article know that it will be appearing as the main page featured article on February 22, 2011. You can view the TFA blurb at Today's featured article/February 22, 2011. If you think it is necessary to change the main date, you can request it with the featured article director,. If the previous blurb needs tweaking, you might change it—following the instructions of the suggested formatting. If this article needs any attention or maintenance, it would be preferable if that could be done before its appearance on the Main Page so Wikipedia doesn't look bad. :D Thanks! Tb hotch *  ۩  ۞ 04:50, 18 February 2011 (UTC)

 

The evolutionary history of lemurs occurred in isolation from other primates on the island of Madagascar for at least 40 million years. Lemurs are prosimian primates belonging to the suborder Strepsirrhini, which branched off from other primates less than 63 mya (million years ago). They share some traits with the most basal primates, and thus are often confused as being ancestral to modern monkeys, apes, and humans. Instead, they merely resemble ancestral primates. Lemurs are thought to have evolved during the Eocene or earlier, sharing a closest common ancestor with lorisiforms. Fossils from Africa and tests of nuclear DNA suggest that lemurs made their way to Madagascar between 40 and 52 mya. Having undergone their own independent evolution on Madagascar, lemurs have diversified to fill many niches normally filled by other types of mammals. They include the smallest primates in the world, and once included some of the largest. Since the arrival of humans approximately 2,000 years ago, they are now restricted to 10% of the island, or approximately 60000 km2, and many are facing extinction. (more...)


 * Congratulations on this, it is a very impressive article. Not sure if this was discussed during the nomination period but the BBC is currently airing a new series narrated by David Attenborough called Madagascar. It is shown on Wednesday nights so the article will hopefully gain some extra hits from viewers who want to know more. This coming episode, the third, will include Verreaux's Sifakas, mouse lemurs and Ring-tailed Lemurs and has previously covered the Silky Sifaka, indris and the Crowned Lemur. Cheers, Jack (talk) 13:42, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Unfortunately, I don't have TV, so I'll have to wait until they put it on DVD.  I can't wait to see it!  As for this article, this is the kind of thing I would eventually like to see for each of the major primate groups, and then a parent "Primate evolutionary history" article. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:39, 18 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Way to go on this article! You're just knocking them out of the park left and right. Nice work. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 00:06, 19 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Lol! Thanks!  I wish I were churning articles out left and right.  Unfortunately, I get distracted very easily, and the more I do on Wiki, the slower I get at everything.  When I got settled back in from my Wikibreak, I was churning articles out quickly—about one or two a week.  Once I started messing with a new template, I slowed down dramatically.  Now with reviews (both giving and receiving), I'll be lucky if I turn out one article a month.  Unfortunately for me, I need to focus on just one or two things to stay productive.  You, on the other hand, pop out articles faster than I can keep up with.  :-P  I'm not complaining, though.  I love reviewing them because I get to learn so much about Malagasy culture and history. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:36, 19 February 2011 (UTC)


 * Just found out that the program thanked Erik Patel in the credits so I guess he was the scientific advisor for the Silky Sifaka segment. I will have to email and congratulate him! Also a large part was filmed in Marojejy. Cheers, Jack (talk) 22:14, 19 February 2011 (UTC)

attribute version of your photo
Hi Alex, I couldn't figure out how to make a proper derivative file of your work. I cropped one of your photos and re-uploaded it. Please feel free to fix it (or tell me how to fix it) if there is a better way to show the credit needs to go to you. -- Lemurbaby (talk) 18:15, 20 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I made a small change that should be sufficient. Otherwise, I think it looks fine. –  VisionHolder « talk » 18:28, 20 February 2011 (UTC)
 * By the way, the easiest way to upload a derivative work is by using DerivativeFX. Ucucha 18:36, 20 February 2011 (UTC)

Mentoring students: be sure to check in on them
This message is going out to all of the Online Ambassadors who are, or will be, serving as mentors this term.

Hi there! This is just a friendly reminder to check in on what your mentees are doing. If they've started making edits, take a look and help them out or do some example fixes for them, if they need it. And if they are doing good, let them know it!

If you aren't mentoring anyone yet, it looks like you will be soon; at least one large class is asking us to assign mentors for them, and students in a number of others haven't yet gotten to asking ambassadors to be their mentors, but may soon. --Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 20:09, 21 February 2011 (UTC)

ODNB
I have regular access... whatcha need? Sasata (talk) 22:33, 21 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I was wanting to search on William Charles Osman Hill. I also noticed that their sister site (?) is "Who's Who" (a link from the login screen), which may also list him.  If you don't mind looking, I'd appreciate it... even if nothing turns up. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:39, 21 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thought you might ask about him... but nada, sorry. My library doesn't subscribe to the Who's who. Sasata (talk) 22:42, 21 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh well. Thanks for looking.  If you see anyone talking about access to Who's Who, please let me know.  I know he was mentioned in one of the older editions, and it wouldn't surprise me if he was mentioned in the online edition. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:56, 21 February 2011 (UTC)

Lemurs!
Just wanted to let you know that your Lemur contributions have been amazing. Keep up the awesome work! Killdevil (talk) 03:51, 22 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you very much! I appreciate appreciation.  :-)  Lately, I've been working on semi-related tangents, but I hope to get back to writing about lemurs very soon.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:54, 22 February 2011 (UTC)

I figured that was you
Good job on the FA on them lemurs! --Jeremy (blah blah • I did it!) 18:44, 22 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks, I appreciate it. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:25, 22 February 2011 (UTC)

Ralambo GAN
Hi Alex, Heads up to you - I just wrapped up the article about Ralambo, Andrianjaka's father, and nominated it for GA. Your comments would be much appreciated as always if you have the time. By the way, I've been meaning to tell you how really impressed I am at how you find time to do so much here on Wikipedia. You are an incredibly prolific and productive editor and reviewer. I'm on vacation before starting my new job, so I can spare the hours online... but I know you're a busy guy offline and yet you still manage to do it! Kudos to you for finding a way to keep it up! -- Lemurbaby (talk) 23:11, 22 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for letting me know about the new GAN. I've claimed the review and will try to leave comments in the next day or two.
 * As for finding time, it's not that hard. I'm underemployed (working 20 hours a week) and I have no personal life.  And I'm fine with that, honestly.  I have more hobbies and interests than I can find time for.  Anyway, thanks!  And speaking of my work, I just published Conservation of slow lorises.  It's a bit depressing and in serious need of a proofread/copyedit—which I hope to get around to tomorrow night—but it's still interesting, none-the-less. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 07:40, 23 February 2011 (UTC)

Slow Loris
Hey VisionHolder, sorry but I have been without internet access for a while. Im still working on Slow Loris, so don't think that I've gone away! Cheers,  T he A rbiter Talk 00:10, 27 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Good to know! We're still chipping away at it slowly.  Several of us needed a short break, but we're just about ready to resume.  We plan to finish up the last two species articles, and then move on to the genus article. Just keep in touch with the crew on the talk page. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:12, 27 February 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes sir!  T he A rbiter Talk 01:15, 27 February 2011 (UTC)

Non-free image
I just noticed File:Extent-of-deforestation-in-borneo-1950-2005-and-projection-towards-2020.jpg has the "non-free logo" template. Is that an error? The image quite clearly doesn't qualify under the non-free content criteria. Ucucha 23:10, 27 February 2011 (UTC)
 * I wanted to be sure the best course of action with that copy of an online image, so I took the question to IRC and asked on the Commons channel for people to look at it. Several admins took a look, decided the images had to go, but all recommended using a fair use copy on enWiki.  It was set up per their directions. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:56, 28 February 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Conservation of slow lorises
Materialscientist (talk) 00:02, 28 February 2011 (UTC)

Sunda Slow Loris GAN
Hi Alex, just put the Sunda Slow Loris (I'll keep capitalising until we come to consensus :)) for GAN nomination if you want the co-nom? Cheers, Jack (talk) 14:06, 5 March 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for asking. Honestly, it's up to you.  You have done nearly 90% of the work, so I'm not that concerned about the co-nom. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:54, 5 March 2011 (UTC)

Hamadryas baboon
Hello, I made some expensions to the Hamadryas baboon article. Can you please revalute? LittleJerry (talk) 03:14, 10 March 2011 (UTC)
 * I don't have much time tonight, but I can try to look again soon. At a quick glance, a few citations are needed.  That's the biggest thing.  Otherwise, it looks like it's getting close to B-class. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:53, 10 March 2011 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
The article Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary 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:Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary for things which need to be addressed. SMasters (talk) 12:44, 12 March 2011 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
The article Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary you nominated as a good article has passed ; see Talk:Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary for eventual comments about the article. Well done! SMasters (talk) 15:19, 15 March 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Small-toothed Sportive Lemur
— HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   16:02, 15 March 2011 (UTC)

Marking articles students are working on
Howdy, Online Ambassador!

This is a quick message to all the ambassadors about marking and tracking which articles students are working on. For the classes working with the ambassador program, please look over any articles being worked on by students (in particular, any ones you are mentoring, but others who don't have mentors as well) and do these things:


 * 1) Add  to the articles' talk pages.  (The other parameters of the WAP assignment template are helpful, so please add them as well, but the term = Spring 2011 one is most important.)
 * 2) If the article is related to United States public policy, make sure the article the WikiProject banner is on the talk page: WikiProject United States Public Policy
 * 3) Add Category:Article Feedback Pilot (a hidden category) to the article itself.  The second phase of the Article Feedback Tool project has started, and this time we're trying to include all of the articles students are working on. Please test out the Article Feedback Tool, as well.  The new version just deployed, so any bug reports or feedback will be appreciated by the tech team working on it.

And of course, don't forget to check in on the students, give them constructive feedback, praise them for positive contributions, award them The WikiPen if they are doing excellent work, and so on. And if you haven't done so, make sure any students you are mentoring are listed on your mentor profile.

Thanks! --Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 18:15, 15 March 2011 (UTC)

Getting ready to put Madagascar article refs in templates - opinion?
Hi Alex, I'm settled in DC now... and may go spend some time in the Library of Congress this afternoon if the crowds aren't too bad. How've you been? It's been a while since we connected. What's on your plate at the moment? Over the past few days I've been working on the Madagascar article like we discussed, and I'd eventually like to get it up to FA. That means doing it right the first time. :) So now that I'm getting ready to start putting all the references into templates (and archiving urls etc), I wanted to get your opinion on the best format to use. You've seen the one I usually use on my articles, which I use just because I'm most familiar with it. When I tried to get the Cuisine of Madagascar article prepped for FA, I tried using something a little different in order to cite the page numbers. There are so many ways to do this. With your greater wealth of experience, what jumps out at you as the best way to approach the citations on the Mada article so it won't have to be revised at a later point? -- Lemurbaby (talk) 13:44, 19 March 2011 (UTC)
 * How ironic... I was just looking over the Madagascar article right when you posted this. :-)  It looks very nice.  Personally, I'm a fan of list defined references with Sfn.  My lasted collaborative work, Slow loris, is an example.  I believe we used the approach with your last GAN.  The question then becomes whether you put journal articles in the "Literature cited" section, or just books.  I'm starting to favor both, reserving regular refs for web references as well as other odd sources.  If you need me to convert the article, just ask.
 * As for me, I'm starting to wind down on Wiki for a little bit. I'm going to stick around to push through some GANs and FACs, but otherwise I need to work on writing my research article and book.  Once those are done, I'll be back on Wiki with a vengeance.  But as I said, I won't be leaving entirely.  I'll still be checking in multiple times a day. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 13:53, 19 March 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 21 March 2011
Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 22:28, 21 March 2011 (UTC)

Mentor request
Hi, I am a student at Syracuse University and am taking a class called the Transnational Impact of NGOs. Our final project is to edit articles on Wikipedia about a certain issue we are interested in. I chose women's education and I was wondering if you would be willing to be my editor for this project. Let me know. Thanks! -Talia — Preceding unsigned comment added by Troth2 (talk • contribs) 13:12, 27 March 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I will be your mentor. I have replied on your talk page.  If it makes things easier, we can conduct all of our conversation there. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:59, 27 March 2011 (UTC)

For your enjoyment.
This is not wikipedia related but something that I thought might amuse you, I recieved today on my desk an incident report involving our ring-tailed lemurs. A keeper was doing general maintenance in the enclosure and put down her radio and keys for around 30 seconds when two of our lemurs decided to steal them and hide them in the night dens, for 40 mins the keeper was locked inside an enclosure with no way to alert anyone (its an off exhibit area set far away from other enclosures) and only after one of the lemurs pressed the panic button on the radio was anyone alerted to her plight. I have proudly added it to our collection of reports where animals got the better of a keeper and will upload a photo of the offenders with their prize to commons shortly. Needless to say the keeper will not be making the same mistake again. Zoo <font color="#FFD200" face="Papyrus">Pro 03:16, 30 March 2011 (UTC)
 * LMAO!! And to make this better, I'm reading this after a couple of glasses of wine!  I'm particularly interested in how they moved the radio.  It must have been very light.  Ironically, I was just musing over the "impossible" behaviors I had witnessed ring-tailed lemurs (though not so troublesome), but this one actually surprises me given all I've seen of their behavior.  If you didn't live so far away, I'd want to meet this lemurs.  ...  ... I wish the zookeeping world wasn't so political.  I've been banned from getting a job with lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center for reasons I don't even know, despite years of high praise.  God, I miss that line of work...  You're very lucky!  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:32, 30 March 2011 (UTC)
 * We use icom radios that are waterproof and weigh 280g though so are rather light considering. The two individual animals in question have a history of mischief making but I doubt even their keeper expected them to run off with her gear. Needless to say we have been watching the CCTV footage with interest (I almost fell off my chair laughing). I will email you a copy after our IT team has made it capable of being emailed. It never ceases to amaze me what animals get up to. <font color="#004730" face="Papyrus">Zoo <font color="#FFD200" face="Papyrus">Pro 05:40, 30 March 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Slow loris
— HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   16:02, 30 March 2011 (UTC)

Lemur photos
Hi Visionholder. If you haven't seem them already, there are some very nice freely licensed lemur photos starting here. A few of these have been uploaded to Wikimedia Commons already, but most haven't from what I can see. Cheers, mgiganteus1 (talk) 15:12, 1 April 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for letting me know. I will try to look into it! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 05:12, 3 April 2011 (UTC)

WP:FOUR for Conservation of slow lorises

 * That was fast! Thanks! –  VisionHolder « talk » 05:12, 3 April 2011 (UTC)

Another Madagascar history article nominated for GA
Hi Alex, FYI I just finished researching and writing the article on 16th century Merina king Andriamanelo and nominated it for GA. If you have a chance to take a look, your comments are always appreciated. All the best, -- Lemurbaby (talk) 15:07, 3 April 2011 (UTC)
 * Sure, I'll try to get to it in later today. Could you do me a favor?  I'm swamped at the moment with a ton of reviews, moving, and my own research paper.  Could you flip through the pictures from Flickr listed on my talk page under the header "Lemur photos" and upload the best ones for each species, as well as some more photos of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park.  There should be an option to upload from Flickr on Commons, and all I ask is that you point it to the url of the highest-res version of each photo.  Would that be too much to ask?  If you don't feel comfortable categorizing them, just put them all in "Category:Lemuriformes" and let me know when you're done.  I can quickly sort them out. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 15:13, 3 April 2011 (UTC)

Main page appearance
Hello! This is a note to let the main editors of this article know that it will be appearing as the main page featured article on April 17, 2011. You can view the TFA blurb at Today's featured article/April 17, 2011. If you think it is necessary to change the main date, you can request it with the featured article director,. If the previous blurb needs tweaking, you might change it—following the instructions of the suggested formatting. If this article needs any attention or maintenance, it would be preferable if that could be done before its appearance on the Main Page so Wikipedia doesn't look bad. :D Thanks! <font color="#4B0082">Tb <font color="#6082B6">hotch * <font color="#006600"> ۩ <font color="#DAA520"> ۞ 06:25, 7 April 2011 (UTC)

<div style="background-color: #D4AF37; border: 1px solid #1234aa; box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -moz-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -webkit-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); border-radius: 1em; -moz-border-radius: 1em; -webkit-border-radius: 1em; padding: 8px; height: 1%;"> <div class="plainlinks" style="background-color: #FFFFFF; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: #88a; box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -moz-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -webkit-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); border-radius: 1em; -moz-border-radius: 1em; -webkit-border-radius: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 1em .5em 1em;">

Thomcord is a seedless table grape variety and a hybrid of the popular Thompson Seedless or Sultanina grape (a Vitis vinifera variety) and Concord grape (a Vitis labrusca variety). Thomcord was developed in 1983 by Californian grape breeders working for the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), as part of a test to better understand a new seedless grape breeding procedure. Its aromatic, "labrusca" flavor is similar to that of Concord, but mellowed by the mild, sweet taste from Thompson Seedless. Thomcord grows well in hot, dry climates, ripens between late July and mid-August, and is tolerant to powdery mildew. It is a productive variety, yielding an average of 15.1 kg of grapes per vine. The plant is not restricted for propagation and distribution. Virus-free propagation material is available from the Foundation Plant Services (FPS) at the University of California, Davis, and its genetic material is archived at the National Plant Germplasm System. After 17 years of testing, it was declared ready for use in 2003. It is expected to appear in supermarkets, possibly as a specialty item. (more...)


 * Cool! Thanks! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 13:03, 7 April 2011 (UTC)

Graphic_Lab/Map_workshop
Hope you like it--Sisyphos23 (talk) 10:55, 9 April 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, the map looks wonderful! Thank you for your work.  I hope to work on the article this summer.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 13:00, 9 April 2011 (UTC)

Public Policy Initiative Recruiting Assessors for Spring
hi Visionholder,

I saw your submission to Wikimania and I wanted to invite you to check out the quantitative article quality metric employed at Wikiproject: United States Public Policy, and I was hoping you would be interested in assessing articles with the Public Policy Initiative. There is more info about assessment on the 9/13/2010 Signpost. If you're interested or just curious you can sign up on the project page or just contact me. I am planning to submit my research about article quality at Wikimania (if my submission gets accepted) so maybe we could collaborate too. Let me know what you think! ARoth (Public Policy Initiative) (talk) 20:44, 14 April 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you for the offer, but unfortunately I will probably be taking a bit of a Wiki-break starting very soon and will not have time to do much extra assessing. I have multiple research papers to write as well as a book, and I'm trying to force myself to finish those before the summer is up.  Good luck, and maybe next time. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:22, 14 April 2011 (UTC)

A Texas Librarian's View on the Reliability of Wikipedia
Hi, I found your invitation to continue the discussion, and have therefore replied here. I must say, although I have contributed to Wikipedia in the past (one article, entitled "Maurice Firuski,") I never knew it had pages such as this, specific to individual users. I guess I will need to make myself a profile. How does one accomplish this?

You said: "A Texas Librarian: First of all, I'm not deliberately trying to contradict you. We both agree that the current system on Wikipedia has issues. And although we have similar educations, you have gone on to work in libraries, whereas I did not. We see things a little differently..."

Well, I don't mind, because I haven't been a librarian all that long, and I am still trying to make up my mind about a number of things, including Wikipedia. I definitely see its potential, but I am cautious as well, given its "open source" nature. (I realize it's not "source code" per se, but I think the analogy fits.) At any rate, my opinion on Wikipedia and its subsequent reliability is a constantly evolving thing; I want to accept it for what it was intended to be, but at the same time, its vulnerability to those whose interests are less than pro bono publico, is a bit overwhelming, and dare I say, somewhat discouraging. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Christopher.altnau (talk • contribs) 4:56 pm, Yesterday (UTC−4)


 * I'm glad to hear from you. To answer your questions in order: When logged in to your Wikipedia account, you will find your username up in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.  It will be a red link (the same as in the auto-generated signature you tried to fix and then deleted).  Click your user name and it will take you to a page for creating a new user page.  As you learn the Wiki code and CSS, you can make it decorative, but for your first edit, just include some information that you would like to share about yourself.  I've already created your talk page, which you will probably have noticed once you log in.  (A bar at the top of the page should appear, notifying you of a new message.)
 * Anyway, the "open source" nature of Wikipedia can be a weakness when people are not involved. It's like a public park.  If the park gets a ton of traffic, but no one bothers to help pick up stray pieces of trash or help police the use of the park (i.e. notifying the police when they see drug deals or telling people to stop carving their initials into the trees), then the quality of the park will degrade.  With lighter traffic, it may degrade more slowly (fewer people fouling it) or more quickly (because someone notices that it's obviously not monitored).  That's why, in my opinion, it's important that people get involved with Wiki, either in light editing (grammar fixes, page clean-up, formatting, etc.) or serious article development.  If we had more editors not only working to develop the articles that interest them, but also monitoring them daily for vandalism, Wikipedia would become a much more valuable resource... just as a public park is much more cherished by the people when it's clean and meets the people's needs.
 * I also completely agree that we have to be wary of people or organizations with agendas. They pose a serious threat to the credibility and reliability of Wikipedia.  Again, this is where public involvement is important.  If the millions of users who visit Wikipedia regularly did more than just read articles, but also helped monitor editing activity and became involved in discussions over article content, any such shady activity would be more visible.  Granted, even that's not perfect since even ordinary people bring their own bias.  All you have to do is watch the Evolution article and its talk page so see how public involvement can create more work than it alleviates.  But in general, if (for example) people monitored the Walmart article or the Halliburton article, it would be a lot harder for people representing those companies or groups that oppose them to unbalance the article without anyone knowing.  It may create a lot of heated debate, but that's better than having a paid editor sneak in and silently re-write the article in favor of one side or the other.  As I've said many times before, Wikipedia is what we make of it.  Similarly, if we all go to the park and throw our garbage on the ground and turn a blind eye while people carve their initials in trees or drug dealers monopolize certain corners of the park, then we lose something... not just in the park or Wikipedia, but also in ourselves.  As an information specialist, I suspect that we should agree upon this point.
 * Anyway, I encourage you to contribute to Wikipedia in what ever way you prefer. If you ever want to develop an article and want help, please let me know.  Alternatively, there is a very high demand for reviewers (more-so than writers), so if you're not keen on doing research and writing, but prefer to critique the work of others, I can direct you to several areas on Wikipedia where your help would be greatly appreciated.  Either way, please keep in touch and I hope to see you around Wikipedia... hopefully for years to come.  (P.S. - Don't forget to sign your comments with ~ .) Best regards, –  VisionHolder  « talk » 12:28, 18 April 2011 (UTC)

Gorilla
Hello, I was thinking of doing some improvements to the gorilla article, since the collabration thing has been delayed. Should I do it or wait for Mammal Collabrations to start running again and for the article to be voted collabration of the month? LittleJerry (talk) 14:37, 21 April 2011 (UTC)
 * If you think you can make improvements to the article, please do not wait for the collaboration team. Anyway, I'm going to be taking a break from the collaborations for a little bit in order to finish some research articles I'm working on.  I'm not sure about the other team members.  Don't be afraid to be bold and do what you can. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 17:58, 21 April 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia Ambassador Program Newsletter: 22 April 2011
Delivered by EdwardsBot (talk) 16:38, 22 April 2011 (UTC)

Main page appearance (2)
Hello! This is a note to let the main editors of this article know that it will be appearing as the main page featured article on April 30, 2011. You can view the TFA blurb at Today's featured article/April 30, 2011. If you think it is necessary to change the main date, you can request it with the featured article director,. If the previous blurb needs tweaking, you might change it—following the instructions of the suggested formatting. If this article needs any attention or maintenance, it would be preferable if that could be done before its appearance on the Main Page so Wikipedia doesn't look bad. :D Thanks! <font color="#4B0082">Tb <font color="#6082B6">hotch * <font color="#006600"> ۩ <font color="#DAA520"> ۞ 20:28, 25 April 2011 (UTC)

<div style="background-color: #D4AF37; border: 1px solid #1234aa; box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -moz-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -webkit-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); border-radius: 1em; -moz-border-radius: 1em; -webkit-border-radius: 1em; padding: 8px; height: 1%;"> <div class="plainlinks" style="background-color: #FFFFFF; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: #88a; box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -moz-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); -webkit-box-shadow: 0.1em 0.1em 0.5em rgba(0,0,0,0.75); border-radius: 1em; -moz-border-radius: 1em; -webkit-border-radius: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 1em .5em 1em;">

The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal that is endemic to Madagascar. It is a member of the Eupleridae, a family of carnivorans closely related to the mongoose family. Its classification has been controversial because its physical traits resemble those of cats, yet other traits suggest a close relationship with viverrids. The fossa is the largest mammalian carnivore on the island of Madagascar and has been compared to a small cougar. Adults have a head-body length of 70 - 80 cm and weigh between 5.5 - 8.6 kg, with the males larger than the females. It has semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles that allow it to climb up and down trees head-first, and also support jumping from tree-to-tree. The fossa is unique within its family for the shape of its genitalia, which share traits with those of cats and hyenas. The species is widespread, although population densities are usually low. It is found solely in forested habitat, and actively hunts both day and night. Over 50% of its diet consists of lemurs, the endemic primates found on the island, though tenrecs, rodents, lizards, birds, and other animals are also documented as prey. The fossa is listed as "Vulnerable" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The greatest threat to the species is habitat destruction. (more...)

Orphaned non-free image File:Extent-of-deforestation-in-borneo-1950-2005-and-projection-towards-2020.jpg
 Thanks for uploading File:Extent-of-deforestation-in-borneo-1950-2005-and-projection-towards-2020.jpg. The image description page currently specifies that the image is non-free and may only be used on Wikipedia under a claim of fair use. However, the image is currently orphaned, meaning that it is not used in any articles on Wikipedia. If the image was previously in an article, please go to the article and see why it was removed. You may add it back if you think that that will be useful. However, please note that images for which a replacement could be created are not acceptable for use on Wikipedia (see our policy for non-free media).

If you have uploaded other unlicensed media, please check whether they're used in any articles or not. You can find a list of "file" pages you have edited by clicking on the "my contributions" link (it is located at the very top of any Wikipedia page when you are logged in), and then selecting "File" from the dropdown box. Note that any non-free images not used in any articles will be deleted after seven days, as described in the criteria for speedy deletion. Thank you. Courcelles 04:57, 27 April 2011 (UTC)

FAC Review
Hi there Visionholder! Hope all is well. Would you mind reviewing Calabozos?  ceran  thor 00:29, 1 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Certainly. If I haven't made comments by tomorrow evening, just ping me.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 06:10, 1 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Fixed your concerns and left a few responses. I'll review slow loris tomorrow, if that's okay.  ceran  thor 01:59, 6 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks. I've been very busy today, but after work tomorrow I hope to review your fixes on your review and hopefully have time to make fixes for any comments you make on mine.  Don't worry about the delay. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:46, 6 May 2011 (UTC)
 * The article was promoted (yay!), so if you could leave the comments on my talk page, that would be great.  ceran  thor 18:08, 7 May 2011 (UTC)
 * The article looks good to me, and as far as I can tell, you made all the most important changes I requested. Congratulations!  Otherwise, I have tried my best to address your concerns on the slow loris FAC.  Thanks again!  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:31, 8 May 2011 (UTC)

World Heritage Sites in Madagascar
Hi Alex, It's been a while - how have you been? I just set up a page for World Heritage Sites in Madagascar using the List of World Heritage Sites in Spain page (a Featured List) as a model. I'd like to include a map of Madagascar showing the locations of each of the sites and have been experimenting but haven't been able to figure out the coding, even after looking at and copying what I found on some of your pages. If you have time, would you please take a look at it and show me how to do it using one of the sites, so I can use it as a basis to complete the rest? -- Lemurbaby (talk) 09:26, 2 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Hi there! I've used the template that the sample list used to generate a map of the three sites (using the coordinates you used in your table).  Let me know if you need additional help. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:18, 2 May 2011 (UTC)
 * It looks great. Thank you! As a side note, I'm giving Malagasy cuisine another run through FAC. It's been sitting there for about a week with all the issues addressed. I saw your Slow loris has also been sitting there for a while. How long can the articles just sit without a reviewer taking action to support, oppose or comment? Is there anything that can be done to move it through faster? What's the average time the FAC process takes if there aren't major changes to make, in your experience? For the heck of it, because there isn't much more to add I'm going to see if List of World Heritage Sites in Madagascar can earn Featured List status (I've requested a peer review in the meantime), but only after I move Rova of Antananarivo through to FAC (it's stalled now waiting for a copy editor). That's what's on my plate... what are you working on? -- Lemurbaby (talk) 10:37, 3 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I saw the FAC and hope to find time to review it soon. FACs can take a long time.  I usually create a queue of articles and expect two to three weeks (or more) for the review.  Once one passes, I submit another.  They say the best way to get reviews is to do reviews, but you're new to FAC... something you should probably note at the top of the FAC.  (Just say that you're too new to the process to offer reviews of your own.)  But, to be honest, the tit-for-tat system doesn't always work.  I'm now trying to do between two and five reviews immediately after I submit an article, and it still takes weeks to get more than one or two reviews.  There's a big debate over how to handle the review shortages because it's seriously threatening the project.  IMO, the biggest problem is that the people on Wikipedia are putting more effort into attracting writers than reviewers.  Anyway, all you can do now is wait.  If you feel comfortable offering a review, you can try it out.  (Just be warned that many nominators have teeth... yet another problem with the process.)  As for the list, feel free to nominate it for FLC.  If you want, we can even co-nominate and I can help if there are any problems.  I do suggest one thing on the table: remove sorting for the "Location", "Period", and "UNESCO data" columns because the feature is mostly useless or redundant.  As for me, I'm kind of taking a Wikibreak.  I'm working on writing a few research articles, two (or three) about lemur names (to be coauthored with Ucucha and Colin Groves) and one about the behavioral and evolutionary divide between prosimians and simians.  After that, I plan to write a book about my lemur experiences to be published in tandem (roughly) with the latter paper.  In the meantime, I'm mostly just submitting and monitoring FACs, doing a few reviews, and participating in other discussions.  I hope all is well with you and the new job. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 15:36, 3 May 2011 (UTC)

Small question
I know that you are very busy, but as I am translating for the Spanish Wikipedia several of your articles about the lemurs (lemur is at present a FA candidate), I would be grateful to you if you tell to me that it means ""mostly lacking webbing"" in the sentence ""Its fingers are slender, padded, mostly lacking webbing, and semi-dexterous with flat, human-like nails."" at the beginning of the last paragraph of the "Anatomy and physiology" section in the article ring-tailed lemur. Thank you very much in advance. --Furado (talk) 12:59, 9 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you for doing the translations! I always love to see the lemur articles in other languages.  Your work is greatly appreciated!  The quote you asked about refers to the webbing or extra skin between the fingers.  It means that there is little of it between the fingers, just like on our hands.  Some primates have one or more paired of webbed fingers, making them appear almost connected.  If that's not clear, please let me know. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:54, 9 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, now I understand it. Thanks for answering me of so clear form. --Furado (talk) 22:52, 9 May 2011 (UTC)

Out of curiosity
Are you still interested in expanding the sugar glider article? LittleJerry (talk) 00:54, 19 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I am still interested, but I don't see myself having time to do so until at least early 2012. (I'm on a sort of Wikibreak at the moment, and once back—possibly several months from now—I have a list of about 3 or 4 articles that I need to write first.)  Any particular reason you ask? –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:38, 19 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I just think we could use some marsupial articles up to GA status. I plan to improve the wombat article myself. Since you helped bring those lemur and lorises up to FA and GA, you could do the same for the article on the sugar glider. LittleJerry (talk) 12:13, 19 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I would eventually like to do it as a collaboration. The page gets tons of hits, no doubt from the numerous people who love exotic pets, but have no idea how to take care of them.  (And to think they're probably looking to Wikipedia for answers... what a comforting thought!  Poor animal...)  Anyway, I see it as a similar situation to the slow loris, although sugar gliders aren't endangered by the pet trade.  However, the article does need better information about its ecology, behavior, etc., followed by a quick, meaningful summary of the exotic pet stuff.  But, again, it will have to wait.  Don't worry—it will stay on my radar. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:38, 19 May 2011 (UTC)

Wikipedia Ambassador sweatshirt
Hi! This is the last call for signing on for a Wikipedia Ambassador hooded sweatshirt (in case you missed the earlier message in one of the program newsletters about it). If you would like one, please email me with your name, mailing address, and (US) sweatshirt size. We have a limited number left, so it will be first-come, first-served. (If more than one size would work for you, note that as well.)

Cheers, Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 19:43, 19 May 2011 (UTC)

Copyediting
Yes, I was done; I've been out for a couple hours now, so I didn't see your message. I didn't find much else to improve, though I can keep an eye on the article discussions if you want. Circéus (talk) 01:44, 22 May 2011 (UTC)

Please take the Wikipedia Ambassador Program survey
Hi Ambassador,

We are at a pivotal point in the development of the Wikipedia Ambassador Program. Your feedback will help shape the program and role of Ambassadors in the future. Please take this 10 minute survey to help inform and improve the Wikipedia Ambassadors.

WMF will de-identify results and make them available to you. According to KwikSurveys' privacy policy: "Data and email addresses will not be sold, rented, leased or disclosed to 3rd parties." This link takes you to the online survey: http://kwiksurveys.com?u=WPAmbassador_talk

Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments, Thank You!

Amy Roth (Research Analyst, Public Policy Initiative) (talk) 20:46, 24 May 2011 (UTC)

Barnstar
Congratulations, and thanks for answering my questions and comments. Axl ¤  [Talk]  15:51, 27 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! I respect your reason for opposing, but historically cladograms haven't been required to be at 100% font size, probably for the same reason that image captions are in a reduced font size.  Anyway, I appreciate your thorough review.  Best regards, –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:02, 27 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Eh? I think that you are confusing me with someone else. Axl  ¤  [Talk]  16:11, 27 May 2011 (UTC)
 * With Snek01 I think. Ucucha 16:13, 27 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry about that. Wow... I must have been really sleepy last night when I read the "oppose"... I could swear it had been your edit to the FAC, and I didn't even bother looking at it this morning.  Again, sorry.  Thanks again! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:21, 27 May 2011 (UTC)

Skype calls soon Alex?
Hey bud, I see there are some unskilled editors making citation errors on my article and trying to move it all around (gerr lol). I responded to them, and hopefully they will make their changes soon or I'll have to delete some of their uncited info. see how that will go. Also I'm almost done with my lead in, so once that done and this guy cleans up his sources (youtube links include, eh gad!) we should talk on skype some more about GA status. I've been really busy so sorry I've been out of touch. I got recommended to a featured interview for our policy blog on Wikipedia for a student profile (if that was you that recommended me, thanks, your the man!), also I've been invited to the conference in Boston in July (all expenses paid, hehe). So will you have some time in the coming weeks or so to talk a bit? If your busy we can talk another time as well. Hope all is well otherwise Alex. Later, Kc Kayz911 (talk) 09:56, 26 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm glad to hear about the interview and the conference. I was invited to the conference, but couldn't get out of work to attend.  Anyway, as for Skype, we can try to do that soon.  From now until next Tuesday, I'm trying to stay focused on my research article I'm writing since I have an extended weekend.  After that I'm sure we can schedule something. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:55, 26 May 2011 (UTC)
 * sorry to hear you will not be able to attend, I'll def put a good word in there for you on your work my man. Ok very good, keep it up, we'll talk soon. Get that research done. I'm trying to get this guy to give me the sources for the info he put in there and go from there. Talk soonKayz911 (talk) 03:12, 31 May 2011 (UTC)

FC
Hi Alex, could you check the blurb and the caption for your new FA? Did I get it right? Tweak if necessary. Tony  (talk)  14:41, 29 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the listing on The Signpost. I'm not sure if I'd call it a "Sumatran Sunda Slow Loris", given that they are also found on the mainland, so maybe just the species name.  Also, I don't know if it can be squeezed in anywhere, but in addition to securing pictures from David Haring, I was able to solicit the photos, sources, and input from most of the major names in slow loris research and primate conservation, making this a massive collaboration project that extended beyond Wikipedia.  Nekaris is getting all the media attention, but I'm still hoping someone will point out the role Wikipedia has played in the reaction to these viral videos.  When latest video came out, we started to first publish our re-write of the article, and at the time you could see a sudden shift in the comments on YouTube, with a strong increase in the number of "take a look at Wikipedia" comments (and of course the corresponding spike in the page stats).  It's unfortunate that the opportunity was lost, but it could have been a big news story for Wikipedia. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 15:13, 29 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I've emailed you. Tony   (talk)  15:49, 29 May 2011 (UTC)
 * Better check what I wrote, in FC. Off to bed now. It will be published in about 12 hours. Please edit if necessary. Tony   (talk)  17:47, 30 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I corrected some of the wording regarding the traffic. Feel free to make further adjustments. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:10, 30 May 2011 (UTC)


 * That thing overleaf that I took to be a dog: does it have a white sclera? Are the bronze-coloured eyes an ornament (in the Darwinian sense)? PS the furry primate is interesting too. Tony   (talk)  13:28, 31 May 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry... I just crawled out of bed. What?  I'm lost. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 15:12, 31 May 2011 (UTC)
 * This was a not-very-good attempt at two jokes and a serious request for information (about the eyes of the lemur draped over your shoulder). Tony   (talk)  07:46, 1 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Ah... now I see. No, lemurs don't have a white sclera, and I've never read anything about the evolutionary importance of their eye color.  I do love their eyes, though. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 15:05, 1 June 2011 (UTC)
 * So do I. No whites of eyes means their predators and their prey can't see exactly where the lemur is looking. Are you working through all lemur article on WP? Tony   (talk)  16:11, 1 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I'm working to re-write all 100+ articles, but things are on hold temporarily until I can finish writing a research article and a book. (I've got enough FAC candidates to give me distractions anyway.)  It's a monumental challenge, but one that I'm really looking forward to completing.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:49, 1 June 2011 (UTC)

Broken Sfn citations
Hi, I found and updated a piece of JavaScript (originally by Svick) that detects Sfn and other citations where the link is broken. It's at User:Ucucha/HarvErrors.js. See User:Ucucha/sandbox for an example of the output (when you have the script installed). Ucucha 13:20, 2 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry... please refresh my memory on how to install this. Work has fried my brain. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:15, 2 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Add  to User:Visionholder/common.js. Ucucha 21:21, 2 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the instructions, and excellent! You've just saved me a lot of time for when I review my citations!  I used to have to go through and click each link.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 22:29, 2 June 2011 (UTC)

Citing
Hi Visionholder, I happened to read your (three-month old) post here, specifically "The book information gets very redundant unless you get creative." Have you tried Chicago's style of doing it? See the Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships references at Minas Geraes-class battleship. There's one citation for the full book, naming the authors, and all the chapter citations are shortened to <tt>Author, "Chapter title." In Editor's name(s), Book title, page range.</tt> Just my thoughts if you still haven't found a satisfactory solution. Kind regards, Ed [talk] [majestic titan] 04:24, 10 June 2011 (UTC)
 * That's another possibility, but the limitation there is that people may follow the link to it and not know what "Conway's" is or where to find it. –  VisionHolder « talk » 08:09, 10 June 2011 (UTC)
 * That's what the editor names are for, but seeing as you don't use Chicago anyway, you could always just include the full book title in the shortened reference, or tweak it to fit the formatting of whichever referencing format you use! Ed [talk] [majestic titan] 06:57, 11 June 2011 (UTC)

Small questions
Me again... In the first sentence at "Cognitive abilities and tool use" section in the lemur article, we can read ""with monkeys and apes often described as having more cunning, guile, and deceptiveness."" I am not sure that it means the word deceptiveness in this context. Another question: In the the fourth paragraph at "Cultural references" section we can read ""...or burn their village and move."" does it mean that the people fire or burn their own village and move to another place? Thank you very much in advance. --Furado (talk) 09:03, 3 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm sorry... I thought I answered this already. This is what I mean by "deceptiveness."  And yes, I mean that people have been known to set fire to their village and move. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 08:11, 10 June 2011 (UTC)
 * My god! the superstitions can be terrible... Thank you again. --Furado (talk) 19:02, 11 June 2011 (UTC)
 * The article about the lemurs is FA in Spanish language now. Thank you again for your great job!. Cheers, --Furado (talk) 07:57, 16 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Excellent! Congratulations! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:35, 16 June 2011 (UTC)

other article
Are there any other marsupial articles you plan on inproving? The common brushtail possum is also kept as a pet. LittleJerry (talk) 00:07, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I wasn't really planning on it. I was only thinking of the sugar glider as a collaboration for WP:MAMMAL.  As for my own articles, I have a ton of lemur articles to write, plus I've promised to write a few articles about conservation organizations and primatologists. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 00:43, 13 June 2011 (UTC)

Ring-tailed lemur
Congratulations for your work in the article. The translation of Furado has become to good article in the Spanish version. --Aleuze (talk) 17:12, 16 June 2011 (UTC)
 * That's exciting to hear! Thanks!  Keep an eye open for changes, though.  A few months back, I was in the process of re-vamping the article and only got half way done.  There should be much more to come, including several articles specifically about their behavior, anatomy, and ecology. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:19, 16 June 2011 (UTC)

Bugtilemur
I copied a sentence from Evolutionary history of lemurs to Bugtilemur, because it seemed contradictory, I hope you agree with that. --<font color="#082567">Egmontaz  ♤  talk  14:36, 17 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Yep, good move. Thanks! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:36, 17 June 2011 (UTC)

FA for List of World Heritage Sites in Madagascar
Hi Alex - Guess what. I got my first piece up to Featured status today: List of World Heritage Sites in Madagascar. Yes it's just a list... hopefully Malagasy cuisine won't be far behind it so I can get a whole article on Madagascar culture up to that standard. Just wanted to share the good news. And our mission to bring solid information about Mada-related topics to the wider web continues... Lemurbaby (talk) 03:32, 19 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Excellent! Congratulations!  You deserve it for your excellent work.  I can't wait to see some of your articles make FA status.  Keep up the great work. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:34, 19 June 2011 (UTC)

Primate as TFA
For your information, Primate is likely to be TFA soon. Ucucha 04:25, 2 July 2011 (UTC)
 * <Head hits the desk> ... Thanks for letting me know. In a way, I'm happy... in a way, I'm not.  (Likewise, if Ring-tailed lemur went TFA, I'd be very disturbed.)  Not only does the article need some work (as all articles do as they age), it's going to be a circus because it's an order of mammals that includes humans.  This is going to be fun...  It's a good thing I'm going to have more free time soon.  Thanks for letting me know.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:42, 2 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, TFA is always a headache... I'll be watching the article, at any rate. Ucucha 04:44, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

Nomination for deletion of Template:Portal bar
Template:Portal bar has been nominated for deletion. You are invited to comment on the discussion at the template's entry on the Templates for discussion page. Chris Cunningham (user:thumperward) - talk 18:36, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

Nomination for deletion of Template:Subject bar
Template:Subject bar has been nominated for deletion. You are invited to comment on the discussion at the template's entry on the Templates for discussion page. Chris Cunningham (user:thumperward) - talk 18:46, 2 July 2011 (UTC)

DYK
Hi, I just added a couple of words (it's in prep room 4). But now there's a clash of less/more. What about removing the numbers altogether, especially as the dime is in the pic. Could the pic be brightened a little? Tony  (talk)  07:06, 2 July 2011 (UTC)
 * The "less/more clash" wasn't part of my original hook... so I'm not sure who added "even less,"... I have no problem removing the mention of weight, though. As for the picture, File:Sphaerodactylus parthenopion 004.jpg, Materialscientist already did brighten it.  I guess this is just one of those nice photos that doesn't shrink well.  I guess we don't have to show it on the dime.  We could always use File:Sphaerodactylus parthenopion 003.jpg instead.
 * By the way, I appreciate the quick addition to the queue, but I was wondering if it would be possible to delay this DYK for at least a week. The explanation, as poor as it may be, is given at the bottom of the GAN review.  If you want a slightly better explanation, you may email me.  Sorry for the trouble.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 13:35, 2 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, I inserted the less than, and wanted your advice on trimming the numbers. Have you asked at DYK for it to be postponed? Tony  (talk)  03:19, 3 July 2011 (UTC)
 * PS the dime is lovely, because it matches the duality of the hook. Tony   (talk)  03:20, 3 July 2011 (UTC)
 * The problem with the "less than" part implies that the sources explicitly compare the animal's weight to that of a dime, which it does not. For that reason, I suggest leaving the hook the way it was (since the animal's weight is sourced).  Otherwise, no, I have not requested the hook be delayed at DYK... mostly because I don't feel comfortable with what I've done.  In short, I've removed sourced content from an article (even though I was the one who put it there), and I don't have justifications that fall under any of Wikipedia's guidelines.  I've already asked that the GAN be either put on hold until I can resolve the issue (offline) or that it simply be failed... at least until I can resolve the issue and re-submit.  How do you suggest proceeding?  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:32, 3 July 2011 (UTC)

Nest-building in primates
Thank you for the very constructive edits in this brand new article. Could you point to me to adequate material on prosimian nest-building? Alternatively, would you like to develop that section yourself. In addition, I have yet to locate an image of a prosimian nest. Do you know of any such image? I'm a great fan of Duke Lemur Centre which your user page mentions as your place of work, ever since I heard about in Gerald Durrell's books. AshLin (talk) 05:29, 6 July 2011 (UTC)
 * It's a pleasure to meet you. I don't work at the Duke Lemur Center, but I volunteer there.  Regardless, I have not yet secured an image of a nest for any prosimian species, but I would like to someday.  If I do find one, I will be sure to post it.  As for sources that discuss nest building in prosimians and developing that section, I can take a look, but it might not be immediately.  Most of the sources that I have on-hand mention nest-building in passing, and I have a feeling most sources will make brief mention on a species-by-species basis.  I'll try to remember to add material as I come across stuff.  Good luck with the article! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 06:33, 6 July 2011 (UTC)

Reminder
You were going to check how User:Peter_coxhead/Test/Clade looks in IE6: are the labels more-or-less vertically centred against the brackets to which they refer. Thanks! Peter coxhead (talk) 07:43, 6 July 2011 (UTC)

Capuchins
I’ve had it up to here with Wikipedians assuming something is unconstructive without even checking, see intelligence of Capuchins. Proxima Centauri (talk) 18:12, 6 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I apologize for not offering an explanation when I reverted you—I originally tried but an edit conflict with your next edit required me to use "rollback"... and because I was at work and stuck using IE6, it didn't pop up with option to leave edit comments. Furthermore, I was at work and very busy, so I didn't have time to explain on the talk page.  What I wanted to say included two things.  1) You didn't cite references.  Added unreferenced material to a featured article will result in a revert.  (If you want help learning how to use referencing on Wikipedia, just ask.)  2) The study of "intelligence" in primates is a very complex topic, which that simple statement did not imply.  I'm not trying to be a dick, I just expect you follow Wikipedia's guidelines, particularly WP:VERIFY. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 20:33, 6 July 2011 (UTC)

GA nomination for Ranavalona III
Hi Alex, Long time no talk. I hope all's well on your side. I think the article on Ranavalona III is pretty close to GA. It probably needs some polishing but I've looked at it so long, I can't really tell anymore. If you have the time, your comments are always appreciated. Link to the nomination is here. Lemurbaby (talk) 16:24, 9 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for letting me know. I've claimed the review and will try to post comments soon. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 02:36, 10 July 2011 (UTC)

photogenic monkey
here. Tony  (talk)  07:49, 14 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Lol! I like the comments, particularly the ones that asked what make and model the camera was, because apparently it meant that even they could figure out how to use it well. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:32, 15 July 2011 (UTC)

Duke Lemur Center
Not sure why you are wasting time putting citation needed tags on start class articles, which by definition still need citations (minimum WP criteria for rating as start is four paragraphs, no citations), unless you doubt the statements (I haven't checked them either, but assume good faith on the part of whoever wrote them). Then again, it's your time to waste. The new material I added, I took directly from the citation. I don't make things up, so it should all be supported even if it is differently organized. If you have additional information, perhaps you could add it? If you add URLs, I can turn them into citations. If you dispute the information, that should be discussed on the talk page. Don Lammers (talk) 12:42, 25 July 2011 (UTC)


 * I prefer to mark articles in some way to let readers know when missing citations (or other problems) are an issue. To the experienced Wiki editor, we know to look for the article's assessment and can often spot a "Stub" or "Start-class" article on sight, but most other people don't.  Since you removed the banners that noted the issues, I put the inline citation missing tags in.  Also, I wasn't accusing you of "making things up" in my comments.  It was late, and I was too tired to verify everything.  The thing that made me suspicious was your language.  Like most "zoo people" (and people in other specialized fields), you burst right into technical terminology while assuming people know what you're talking about.  For example, you start talking about "releasable buildings" without introduction, and even though the meaning should be obvious, it isn't for the general public.  Because of this, I assumed you are either associated with the DLC or simply have a lot of knowledge about the facility... basically the paragraph reads like it was written by a staff member.  Again, not to accuse you, but I've seen it before where people who write about the stuff their involved in often write beyond their sources.  They have something they want to cover and their source covers 90% of it, but then they add a few missing (and unsourced) words to complete the information.  I've even done it myself, particularly when I first started.
 * As for me adding information and information/citations to the article or otherwise improving it, honestly, I've made an offer to the DLC staff to write the article, but their support and cooperation has been far from enthusiastic. They have archives of newsletters that I could work from to cover the history of the facility, but I have yet to get my hands on them.  Furthermore, I've already had an encounter with one of the staff members who demanded that I remove information from Wiki about one of their failed colonies.  (Everything was fully sourced and even passed FAC.)  When I told them that I couldn't and emphasized that I had written the material in a conservation-oriented tone, and noted that other editors using the same sources could take an entirely different (and unfavorable tone), they didn't care.  Unfortunately, it's been indicated that my refusal to cooperate on this issue is one of the reasons I've been told to not apply for jobs there.  Needless to say, if I wrote this article, I would treat it like all my other high-end articles—it would be comprehensive, and would include detailed mention of their failed colonies... whether they like it or not.  I still volunteer at the facility, so for now I'm mostly avoiding the article to avoid further heated conflicts.  All I do now is monitor the article to make sure the DLC staff or some good-intentioned fan does not turn the article into an advert or redirect to their main website or Facebook page... in addition to monitoring for vandalism, as usual.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 17:30, 25 July 2011 (UTC)
 * It sounds like we are in basic agreement (except I figure that any reader that can't figure out something isn't cited is a couple of oars short). Quite frankly, I don't really know what a "releasable" building is (though I can guess from the context), or particularly a "semi-releasable" building (and that one is not obvious from the article context). I primarily monitor zoo articles, but I am not a zoo professional -- I'm a technical writer with a young son who is a freak for animals. Insiders either trying to remove content they don't like, or add advertising-like content, are a constant problem (which is why thus far I have avoided approaching organizations I write about directly). My motivation on this article was simply to move it from stub to start -- I may come back to it eventually, but unless someone else edits it (at which point I will at least check to see what they did) this is not likely to be soon. I have just done a bit of copy editing because I found some spelling errors, and I removed the "releasable" and "semi-releasable". The first is actually explained in the text so it doesn't need to be "named", and the second I don't know what it really means, so it's probably best left alone. Cheers Don Lammers (talk) 01:09, 26 July 2011 (UTC)

Ambassador Program: assessment drive
Even though it's been quiet on-wiki, the Wikipedia Ambassador Program has been busy over the last few months getting ready for the next term. We're heading toward over 80 classes in the US, across all disciplines. You'll see courses start popping up here, and this time we want to match one or more Online Ambassadors to each class based on interest or expertise in the subject matter. If you see a class that you're interested, please contact the professor and/or me; the sooner the Ambassadors and professors get in communication, the better things go. Look for more in the coming weeks about next term.

In the meantime, with a little help I've identified all the articles students did significant work on in the last term. Many of the articles have never been assessed, or have ratings that are out of date from before the students improved them. Please help assess them! Pick a class, or just a few articles, and give them a rating (and add a relevant WikiProject banner if there isn't one), and then update the list of articles.

Once we have updated assessments for all these articles, we can get a better idea of how quality varied from course to course, and which approaches to running Wikipedia assignments and managing courses are most effective.

--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 17:31, 27 July 2011 (UTC)

Rova of Antananarivo FAC
Hi Alex, I just listed Rova of Antananarivo at FAC but NikkiMaria is already opposing for "prose issues" that I find minor. Hopefully she will realize this too. But if you do have time to have a look and weigh in I would appreciate your perspective. The FAC is here. Lemurbaby (talk) 11:46, 27 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I saw it last night, and I hope to do a review sometime this week. I'm not sure what the opposition is about, so you'll just have to wait for the response.  I know you frequently make significant changes to articles after I review them at GAN, so there could be major issues that I'm not aware of.  That and FAC often gets stricter and tougher as time progresses.  My first FAs would never pass FAC in their current state.  It's a matter of learning the standards, and continuing to adapt as things change.  You are doing the right thing by addressing their issues promptly and asking for clarification on how best to proceed. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 17:26, 27 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks. She has now struck the Oppose, so the FAC is progressing in the right direction. Most likely the three support votes are all that will be needed now. Lemurbaby (talk) 21:34, 31 July 2011 (UTC)

Sugar glider again
Out of curiosity, when you work on the article do you intend to bring it to GA status? LittleJerry (talk) 03:52, 3 August 2011 (UTC)
 * When (and if, at this point) I work on the article, I plan to get it to GA and eventually FA status. Like I've said, I'm incredibly backlogged, but hoping that I can turn it into a collaborative effort with a few other experienced editors.  My only concern is that because the article gets so much traffic, and because interest is dominated by a mostly legal pet trade, I fear edit wars will break out over the article.  But at this point, I'm looking at next year at the earliest... if not later.... much later.  Sorry.  I'm doing the best I can. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:00, 3 August 2011 (UTC)

Next up: getting Madagascar to GA
Thanks for the pass on Ranavalona III and the kudos for the Malagasy cuisine FA (so happy!). Now that I've gone through it once, I feel more confident about doing it again and plan to try next with a FA nomination for Rova of Antananarivo in a couple of weeks. But in the meantime, the next GA project will be Madagascar. I'll keep you posted as it gets closer to being nominated. I'm going to try to basically write it at FA level so it can get there sooner rather than later. Lemurbaby (talk) 12:18, 20 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Sounds like a good plan. I'm very eager to see Madagascar at GA or higher. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 12:21, 20 July 2011 (UTC)
 * By the way, it looks like Malagasy Cuisine is going to be a Today's Featured Article - an editor just protected it for that purpose. :) Lemurbaby (talk) 14:11, 8 August 2011 (UTC)
 * I noticed! Congrats!  I'm working on a review of the Rova article now.  I'm about half way through so far, and no comments. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 14:14, 8 August 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Virgin Islands dwarf sphaero
Calmer  Waters  00:03, 9 August 2011 (UTC)

Featured Article promotion

 * No problem. Thanks! I like the personalized congrats, and I'm impressed that you know about Gerald Durrell. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:38, 10 August 2011 (UTC)

Nest-building in primates
A general article on primate behaviour especially involving learning and tool use cannot be of the lowest possible importance. In other wikiprojects we tend to give higher assessment to the general natural history articles than the species writeups which are of low importance unless the species is notable. In my opinion, if you dont feel it merits high importance at least it should be of mid-importance. It definitely meets this criteria - "as it fills in some more specific knowledge of certain areas". AshLin (talk) 02:26, 11 August 2011 (UTC)
 * For a while, the members of WP:PRIMATES talked about how to consistently assess the importance of articles, so I came up with a point system found in the collapsed window at WikiProject Primates/Assessment. Though I'm sure it's not perfect, the point system seems to work well for most cases.  I added up the points for the article (going under "Subject") and got a score of 2 out of 12.  It could possibly go as high as 4... and 5 is the cut-off for Mid importance.  The fact is that aside from some great apes and the nocturnal prosimians, most primates don't build nests.  Though interesting, you don't see a lot of mention of it in the literature.  I might be willing to concede a "Mid" rating, but we also have to consider our own bias in our analysis.  With that in mind, what are your thoughts?  (Trust me... there are a lot of lemur-related topics I'd love to rate higher... and did until I came up with this objective point system.)  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:05, 11 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Your quantitative system is a good approximation to begin with but it is more focused on taxon-specific rating. Any natural history article would score low by it. I would recommend a "mid" level rating to any generic article on natural history articles about primates unless it warranted a better rating. I would also recommend developing a separate guideline for such articles or modification of this quantitative system to cater for a broader field than taxa. AshLin (talk) 05:50, 11 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Can you give some examples? I tried to handle the issue under the fourth section, "Subjects", plus I gave some examples, such as Human evolution, Brachiation, Primate cognition, and Toilet-claw.  Name some others and we can score them to see if it needs adjusting.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 10:00, 12 August 2011 (UTC)

DYK for Seacology
The DYK project (nominate) 16:02, 15 August 2011 (UTC)

Your GA nomination of Seacology
The article Seacology 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:Seacology for things which need to be addressed. – Quadell (talk) 17:16, 17 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the review! I'm looking at it right now. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 17:18, 17 August 2011 (UTC)

File:Cox & Senio 1997 Goldman Environmental Prize.jpg
Hi, if you can tell me the date you sent the email to OTRS and the subject (and which queue—permissions-commons?), I'll track it down for you so you have one less thing to worry about at FAC. HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   02:59, 18 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Sent to permissions-commons today (17-Aug) with the subject "Fwd: photo of Fuiono Senio".  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 03:58, 18 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Got it. HJ Mitchell  &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?   12:46, 18 August 2011 (UTC)

Online Ambassadors: Time to join pods
Hello! If you're planning to be an active Online Ambassador for the upcoming academic term, now is the time to join one or more pods. (A pod consists of the instructor, the Campus Ambassadors, and the Online Ambassadors for single class.) The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) explains the expectations for being part of a pod as an Online Ambassador. (The MOU for pods in Canada is essentially the same.) In short, the role of Online Ambassadors this term consists of:
 * Working closely with the instructor and Campus Ambassadors, providing advice and perspective as an experienced Wikipedian
 * Helping students who ask for it (or helping them to find the help they need)
 * Watching out for the class as a whole
 * Helping students to get community feedback on their work

This replaces the 1-on-1 mentoring role for Online Ambassadors that we had in previous terms; rather than being responsible for individual students (some of whom don't want or help or are unresponsive), Online Ambassadors will be there to help whichever students in their class(es) ask for help.

You can browse the upcoming courses here: United States; Canada. More are being added as new pods become active and create their course pages.

Once you've found a class that you want to work with&mdash;especially if you some interest or expertise in the topic area&mdash;you should sign the MOU listing for that class and get in touch with the instructor. We're hoping to have at least two Online Ambassadors per pod, and more for the larger classes.

If you're up for supporting any kind of class and would like me to assign you to a pod in need of more Online Ambassadors, just let me know.

--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 16:37, 19 August 2011 (UTC)

PS: There are still a lot of student articles from the last term that haven't been rated. Please rate a few and update the list!

Thank you!
Thank you for your offer to help as I develop my course and Wikipedia assignment. You mentioned that "there are a lot of articles under the topic of conservation biology that [you] would like to see get some attention." I would be grateful to see a list of ideas that I could pass on to students at this early "brainstorming" stage. Our students have not yet signed up with user accounts, but once they do there will be ~30 of them seeking advice, suggestions, etc. At any rate, at this point I would welcome any suggestions you have for new articles or articles that need substantial additions - of course, all related to Conservation Biology. Kyleharms (talk) 19:50, 31 August 2011 (UTC)

Thank you for the suggestions! Kyleharms (talk) 14:24, 1 September 2011 (UTC)

Logging
Settle down, please--this summary is uncalled for. I've never removed that link before, and rather than just sticking it back, you could find a more elegant place for it, in the text. BTW, I don't have to 'document' (in triplicate?) anything, certainly not if it's minor. Drmies (talk) 13:28, 5 September 2011 (UTC)


 * I apologize if it seemed inappropriate--I was targeting the general audience with that comment. The "See also" has been removed more than once recently in the same manner: when other criticism of the company is removed, with no mention of the tag's removal.  Please try to be more specific in your edit comments, particularly if are you going to remove content.  The removal of content is not minor, and you did not document its removal ("in triplicate") anywhere.  Instead, you said you were removing one unsourced criticism and removed another potentially critical piece of information in the same edit without mention.
 * Btw, if you're trying to be civil, I suggest avoiding sarcasm like this. Your handling of the link was much more appropriate the second time around.  I also agree with your removal of the political content.  Unless it becomes a major story in U.S. news (and it may), I also do not feel Wiki should make mention of this blog war.
 * As for placing the "See also" link in the text (as you did), I had been unable to find a way to work it in. With where you placed the link, the source for that particular statement does not make that connection.  The "appearance" issue, on the other hand, is a result of the NPOV tag.  If there is a conflict between these two categories of templates, then that is a broader issue to be taken up elsewhere, not on a politically contentious article by way of undocumented content removal. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:33, 5 September 2011 (UTC)

Photos removed from wiki
Hi Visionholder

I am rather taken aback by the fact that two photographs (Files JMS in Garden.jpg., JMS in Office.jpg) I put up on Wiki have been removed. I do believe I made all proper efforts to get permission for their use and have obtained. The three images I was permitted to use were sent to me by Maggie Clune of the PR Office of the University. The photos are the copyright of the University. What is more, the photographs were particular selected by John Maynard Smith's colleagues as most representative of this highly esteemed and beloved scientist and educator. I cannot believe that with all this done, the images should be withheld from the Wiki reading public. It is difficult enough to find time to contribute to the Wiki project, but having to spend so much time and effort involved in red tape just to put some APPROVED materials on Wiki is more than disheartening

With Respect Howard Kornstein

Below is the relevent email received from the University of Sussex the copyright owner.

''' RE: Request for permission to use photo Maggie Clune to you - yesterday More Details Add to: To Do, Calendar IMAGE7_1.JPG, JMS_office_beer_in_background.jpg, JMS.jpg

Dear Howard, Many thanks for your email. Please find attached three images of John Maynard Smith, for you to consider using in your Wikipedia entry on Game Theory. These are the images preferred by those who knew him at Sussex. Credit should read University of Sussex. The black and white photo was taken in 1965; the office photo show JMS at work in his University of Sussex; the garden photo shows him in his garden in Sussex. I hope these photos will be useful to you. Kind regards From: hkornstein@aol.com [mailto:hkornstein@aol.com] Sent: 04 September 2011 16:11 To: press@sussex.ac.uk Subject: Request for permission to use photo

I am the principal author on the subject of Evolutionary Game Theory on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolutionary_game_theory). This very significant form of evolutionary mathematical modelling was conceived and developed by John Maynard Smith while he held the post of Dean of its School of Biological Sciences at Sussex University. I would like to use the photograph (see below) of John Maynard Smith on the Wikipedia Website. This photo appears on your own website as part of an obituary of this great biologist, posted by the University ( http://www.sussex.ac.uk/newsandevents/pressrelease/media/media399.html ) and which it is my understanding the University holds copyright. Yours Respectfully Howard Kornstein 3 Attached Images — Preceding unsigned comment added by HowieKor (talk • contribs) 11:51, 6 September 2011 (UTC)


 * Howard, I greatly appreciate the work you have done and will gladly help you get those images restored. You have correctly followed nearly every step necessarily to place such images on Wikipedia, but you missed a few important details.  There are two informational pages I suggest reviewing: Requesting copyright permission and Example requests for permission.  In short, you need to email your contacts at Sussex University, fully explain the license you are requesting the photos be released under, and request that they explicitly state the license in their release of the photos.  (I simply ask them to say, "We release the attached images under CC-BY-SA.")  Simply saying that you can use the images "on Wikipedia" is not enough.  Wikipedia requires either a free license (such as CC-BY-SA or others), and the owners of these photos must be aware of the details and give informed consent to release the content.
 * Once the permission is obtained, please upload the files to Wiki Commons instead of Wikipedia. This will make the photos available not only to English Wikipedia, but other language Wikis (and sister projects) as well.  Also, be sure sure to follow the directions I linked to above and submit the email you receive from Sussex University to OTRS.  You will also need to include the OTRS pending tag, OTRS pending, to the image information.  The best way to do this is to use the old upload form on Wiki Commons.  After that, you may use the photos as you did before.
 * All of these extra steps may be very confusing, so if you need additional help, please email me. I'll be glad to help.  In fact, I hope to re-write John Maynard Smith's Wiki article someday, much as I did for William Charles Osman Hill, so the images would be much appreciated.  Again, thank you for your work. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:06, 6 September 2011 (UTC)

Re: Photos removed from wik
Hi Ok... I will really try my best to get formal and detailed approval from the University for these photos..... I do hope however this further effort on their part will not totally put them off. The formalities and requirement to review all the legalisms in what amounts to a intellectual property rights contract is enough to make any Public Relations Department run for the hills, especially one at a University. In any case I will give it a go.

I'm very pleased that you hope to extend and expand the Maynard Smith content on Wiki... I do think at the moment it is really quite thin, given the contributions that he has made to the field of Biology and the esteem (and affection) in which he is held by his peers.

The photo I had obtained for use on his biography thread (particularly picked out by colleagues) is a gem..... Maynard Smith, Dean of the School of Biology, working in his study and in the background some of his home brew beer fermenting jars bubbling away.... a totally charming and perfect portrait of the man. By the way, if you do write up Maynard Smith I hope you have a chance to view most of the series of interviews of Maynard Smith by Dawkins where Maynard Smith talks about his life and work  http://www.webofstories.com/play/4624?o=MS it gives such a good insight into both the man and his work.

All the best Howard — Preceding unsigned comment added by HowieKor (talk • contribs) 19:27, 6 September 2011 (UTC)


 * I understand that once you start talking legal stuff, it often intimidates potential image donors. I also understand that going back with a second request can be off-putting.  What I suggest is to humbly apologize, explain simply that Wikipedia can only include free content, briefly explain the CC-BY-SA licnese, and state that all they need to do is reply by saying, "The University of Sussex releases the attached photos under CC-BY-SA" while also re-attaching the photos.  If you don't feel comfortable with this, I will gladly get in touch with them and explain any concerns about the license.  (The truth is that if these images are available online, people will use them regardless of the license.  So there's no need to get wrapped up in the legal aspects of this.)  Just email me using the link above and provide the necessary contact information, and I would be happy to help explain.  In fact, it would probably be good if I got to know these contacts since there are other researchers mentioned on Wikipedia from that university for whom we will also need pictures.
 * Thanks for the link. I'm not sure when I'll get around to writing the article given the piles of work I have on my plate, but I will try to make time for it soon. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:48, 6 September 2011 (UTC)

Hello!
My name is Kristi Fernandez-Kim, and am Campus Ambassador for LSU. Thanks for being our Online Ambassador for the Conservation Biology class! It'll be nice working with you! LEMURS ARE AWESOME!--만두 (talk) 04:43, 13 September 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you! It's nice to meet you, too. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:45, 13 September 2011 (UTC)

Request for Comment: Capitalization of common names of animal species
Hello. Just letting you know that I've posted the following at a number of project talk pages:

Anna Frodesiak (talk) 04:44, 16 September 2011 (UTC)

Thinking about FPC
I'm thinking of bringing the Drymoreomys pictures to FPC; see User talk:J Milburn/archive33 and User talk:Ucucha. What do you think? Ucucha (talk) 21:41, 20 September 2011 (UTC)
 * It's worth a shot, but honestly, I've tried for FP a couple of times, and it's rough. I'd expect some opposes because of the blade of grass that obscures the photo, plus all the reasons that J Milburn gave.  The catch with FP is that the nomination runs for a certain length of time, and if you don't get enough supports (even if the supports out-number the opposes), the nomination fails.  But like I said, it's worth a shot. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:51, 20 September 2011 (UTC)
 * OK, see WP:Featured picture candidates/Drymoreomys. Thanks again for your efforts towards getting those released! Ucucha (talk) 23:52, 20 September 2011 (UTC)
 * Not a problem. Glad to help.  I'm glad to see that you're getting so many supports so quickly.  I admit, I was pessimistic, but mostly due to past experiences.  My last attempt on a very high-quality image was foiled by a small shadow in a corner and some minor cropping issues that was beyond my control... plus a lack of votes: Featured picture candidates/Thomcord.  After that experience, I'm not really sure what, if anything can pass FP. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 04:58, 21 September 2011 (UTC)

Update on courses and ambassador needs
Hello, Ambassadors!

I wanted to give you one last update on where we are this term, before my role as Online Facilitator wraps up at the end of this week. Already, there are over 800 students in U.S. classes who have signed up on course pages this term. About 40 classes are active, and we're expecting that many more again once all the classes are up and running.

On a personal note, it's been a huge honor to work with so many great Wikipedians over the last 15 months. Thanks so much to everyone who jumped in and decided to give the ambassador concept a try, and double thanks those of you who were involved early on. Your ideas and insights and enthusiasm have been the foundation of the program, and they will be the keys the future of the program.

Courses looking for Online Ambassadors
Still waiting to get involved with a class this term, or ready to take on more? We have seven classes that are already active and need OA support, and eleven more that have course pages started but don't have active students yet. Please consider joining one or more of these pods!

Active courses that really need Online Ambassadors:
 * Sociology of Poverty
 * Architectural Design
 * Introduction to Educational Psychology
 * Intro to Mass Communication
 * Psychology Seminar
 * Theories of the State
 * Advanced Media Studies

Courses that may be active soon that need Online Ambassadors:


 * Housing and Social Policy
 * Anthropology, Wikipedia, and the Media
 * History & Systems
 * Horror Cinema
 * Digital Media... just bits in a box
 * Composition I
 * Telecommunications Management
 * Training Systems
 * Stigma: Culture, Deviance, Identity
 * Art and Terrorism
 * Political Violence and Insurgency

--Sage Ross - Online Facilitator, Wikimedia Foundation (talk) 23:15, 27 September 2011 (UTC)

Featured Article promotion

 * Thanks! –  VisionHolder « talk » 13:33, 6 October 2011 (UTC)

Main page appearance: Marojejy National Park
This is a note to let the main editors of Marojejy National Park know that the article will be appearing as today's featured article on October 12, 2011. You can view the TFA blurb at Today's featured article/October 12, 2011. If you prefer that the article appear as TFA on a different date, or not at all, please ask featured article director or his delegate, or start a discussion at Wikipedia talk:Today's featured article/requests. If the previous blurb needs tweaking, you might change it—following the instructions at Today's featured article/requests/instructions. If this article needs any attention or maintenance, it would be preferable if that could be done before its appearance on the Main Page. The blurb as it stands now is below:



Marojejy National Park is a national park in the SAVA Region of northeastern Madagascar. It covers 55,500 ha and is centered around the Marojejy Massif, a mountain chain which rises to an elevation of 2132 m. Access to the area around the massif was restricted to only research scientists when the site was set aside as a strict nature reserve in 1952. In 1998, it was opened to the public when it was converted into a national park. It became part of the World Heritage Site known as the Rainforests of the Atsinanana in 2007. The wide range of elevations and rugged topology of the massif create diverse habitats that transition quickly with changes in altitude. Warm, dense rainforest can be found at lower elevations, followed by shorter forests at higher elevations, followed still by cloud forest, and topped near the peaks with the only remaining undisturbed mountain scrub in Madagascar. Better growing conditions for plants can be found on the eastern side of the mountain, which receives more rain than the western side. This habitat diversity lends itself to high levels of biodiversity. At least 118 species of bird, 148 species of reptile and amphibian, and 11 species of lemur are known to occur within Marojejy National Park. (more...) UcuchaBot (talk) 00:01, 12 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Congrats, Alex! It's a beautiful article. No doubt this will inspire some people to travel or support conservation in Madagascar as a result of your hard work. Lemurbaby (talk) 05:01, 12 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I agree; in fact, I've added Madagascar to my list of "Places to pick mushrooms before I die", thanks largely to the exposure I've had to the country from reading your work here. Cheers, Sasata (talk) 05:16, 12 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you, everyone! Definitely go visit soon.  Get a good tour guide, and make sure he takes you off the beaten trail.  It's an amazing country with amazing people. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 08:10, 12 October 2011 (UTC)

Need to move a page
Hi Alex, How have you been? I hope things are going well. Jaguar and I have been discussing and we agreed that we need to move the content of the current "Kingdom of Imerina" over to the page called "Kingdom of Madagascar" (which currently redirects to Kingdom of Imerina), so that the Kingdom of Imerina page can discuss the 400+ year history of the Kingdom of Imerina prior to its 19th century expansion over the bulk of the Island. Historically there isn't consensus about whether to call that 19th century polity "Kingdom of Imerina" or "Kingdom of Madagascar" but since most Europeans and the Merina monarchs themselves considered their role to be sovereigns of Madagascar, and certainly not only Imerina, and because there is a need to give Imerina its proper recognition as a state in its own right and demarcate the point when the change happened (from ruling Imerina to ruling the greater part of the island), Jaguar and I agree the two pages need to exist independently here on Wikipedia. Since you and I had that discussion before about blanking pages etc, I'm hoping you can help provide direction or assistance to get the content moved to where it belongs (from Kingdom of Imerina to Kingdom of Madagascar). The new page will include a discussion of the academic/historical debate about what to call the kingdom, among other changes we'll need to make. Thanks for your help with this. Lemurbaby (talk) 03:39, 18 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. If you're looking to move a page, I suggest reading: Help:How to move a page.  Since you want to over-write the redirect, it sounds like you need to go to: Requested moves  Hope this helps! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 23:15, 19 October 2011 (UTC)

Back to Madagascar
Hi Visionholder: I'm headed back to Madagascar in November, and wonder if there's anything in particular you'd like me to keep an eye out for. I do have some recordings of wild lemurs (Indri, White-ruffed, etc.) that I've been meaning to upload forever; I'll get those up before I leave again. And I've got photos of a bunch of wild lemurs which I'll stick up as well. Nice job, by the way, on the Marojejy National Park article; it was great to see a Mad article on the main page! MeegsC | Talk 14:14, 19 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Thank you very much for the offer! Honestly, photos of any and all lemur species you encounter would be helpful.  Also, habitat photos would be much appreciated.  You might also ask Lemurbaby if she needs any, if you haven't done so already.  My next project: the aye-aye! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 23:18, 19 October 2011 (UTC)
 * I should also add that I eventually hope to write about all the national parks, so if you can take photos of important geographical features, habitat, etc., that would be very helpful. Thanks again! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 19:36, 20 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh, wonderful - I hope you have a beautiful trip! Would you mind sharing your itinerary? I'm doing more of the cultural/historical/contemporary Malagasy life type articles, and from that perspective we could use more photographs - of towns, all the features of Ambohimanga, images for any of the Twelve sacred hills of Imerina, each of the traditional instruments, different kinds of tombs and houses, major natural features (rivers, lakes etc), different kinds of lambas (especially a lamba akotofohana if you visit a museum), a good shot of mofo gasy, and maybe a good shot of a typical hotely meal, complete with ranonampango. If you do have plans to visit any of the royal hills, we could use better shots of the reconstructed buildings at the Rova of Antananarivo (especially Besakana and Mahitsy), interior shots of anything (but especially Andrianampoinimerina's palace) at Ambohimanga, and historic elements at the other hills, such as Ralambo's tomb at Ambohidrabiby. It would also be fantastic to get better shots of some of the World Heritage Sites there, namely Betafo, Tsinjoarivo, Isandra and Antongona. If at all possible, getting audio of the various traditional instruments would be wonderful (as long as they play some short folk tune and not a copyrighted piece), although we would need written authorization from the person playing the instrument(s) that they release the audio under some kind of free use agreement. That's my wishlist, but please don't go out of your way. I'm based in Rwanda now and I may be able to get myself there sometime in the next six months, when I'll put the same offer out to you both myself. :) Bon voyage and soava dia!Lemurbaby (talk) 04:33, 20 October 2011 (UTC)

Angonoka tortoise
Alex, a collaboration is going on to improve Angonoka tortoise, it is a critically endangered species of tortoise endemic to Madagascar. Some things you may know about or can find out, the name 'Angonoka' is based on the Malagasy word ‘Angonoka’. Do you know what this means? The word 'yniphora' even, it could be Malagasy language perhaps? Also is there a base map for Madagascar so that distribution range map could be added? Any assistance welcome. Regards, SunCreator (talk) 18:04, 29 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Sorry for the delayed reply. The map template I use is File:Madagascar range map template.svg.  As for ‘Angonoka’, none of my books offer a translation, aside from it being the name of that specific tortoise.  My guess is that the origin of the name is either lost, or derives (like many local lemur names) from the Polynesian language from Borneo... possibly derived from the name of a tortoise found there.  However, that would require original research.  As for the species name, 'yniphora', the ending '-phora' means to carry or movement, but I don't know the first part.  Your best bet there is to track down the original scientific publication in which the species was described and hope that the author explained the origins of the names they chose.  Best of luck! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 08:44, 30 October 2011 (UTC)


 * Thanks for the map, nice to have a good starting place! yniphora naming was by french zoologist Léon Vaillant. The orignal manuscript is here! (pdf) page 441 is where yniphora is used. Translating roughly "ces caracteres permettent de distinguer a première vue ce Chelonien des autres Tortues proprement dites actuellement connues; je proposerai de la designer sous le nom de Tesudo yniphora, faisant allusion a la forme speciale de la partie anterieure du plastron." => "these characters distinguish a first glance this Chelonians [from] other Turtles known at present; I propose to the designer by the name of Tesudo yniphora, referring to the special shape of the anterior part of the plastron.". So doesn't tell us anything really about the name, that I can make out. Regards, SunCreator (talk) 00:53, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * The first element might be ὕνις (hynis) "ploughshare" . In your quotation, Vaillant says he derived the name from the form of the anterior part of the plastron, and his description of that part of the animal says that there is a long, flat projection at the plastron. I think it is probably the ploughshare-bearing tortoise, but we'd better have a source that makes that explicit. Ucucha (talk) 02:48, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * And indeed, it seems that the species is actually also called "ploughshare tortoise". Ucucha (talk) 02:51, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Wow! Your mastery of my word roots leaves me in awe, Ucucha!  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 12:02, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * It does seem likely, in 1910 Léon Vaillant himself called it Testudo hyniphora with a leading h from Vaillant & Grandidier (ex errore), Hist. phys. natur. polit. Madagascar, 17: 40. p.268), but this is considered an error. Maybe the original was a typo, or perhaps the leading h is not required to keep it's meaning, original research sadly. Regards, SunCreator (talk) 14:15, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * In Greek the h is not a separate letter; it's merely a diacritical mark on the first vowel. Thus it often gets lost in transcription, and probably especially so in languages in which h is not pronounced, such as French. Under the rules of zoological nomenclature, the spelling used by the original author of the name usually stands, even when it is incorrect Greek or Latin. Ucucha (talk) 14:34, 31 October 2011 (UTC)
 * Brilliant Ucucha. I'm wondering if I can mention any of it. Regards, SunCreator (talk) 14:48, 31 October 2011 (UTC)

Note
Which top 3 non-primate animals among the Euarchontoglires are most closely related to humans? <font color="grey" face="Tahoma">Pass a Method <font color="orange" face="papyrus">talk  15:02, 11 November 2011 (UTC)
 * Colugos are likely the closest living relatives of primates, but the evidence isn't entirely clear; it's also possible that the treeshrews are closer or that treeshrews and colugos are more closely related to each other than to primates. Ucucha (talk) 15:38, 11 November 2011 (UTC)

Future of the US Education Program and the Ambassador Project
There is a discussion about the future and the growth of the US education program along with the future of the Wikipedia Ambassador Project here. Voceditenore (talk) 08:06, 18 November 2011 (UTC)

Ape articles
I think at least one article on a (extant) great ape should be up to GA or possibly FA. I think Orangutan may be close to GA status but one obstacle is that some sources are books with extensive page ranges. I got them from Primate Info Net. What do you think? Do you have the resources to correct the issue? LittleJerry (talk) 02:02, 19 November 2011 (UTC)
 * I agree. That would be a good thing, and Orangutan is pretty close to GA.  Personally, I don't have the time or resources to fix it up.  Most of my materials are lemur-specific.  If you wanted to fix it up, you should be able to get most of the recent primate books through your local library.  After that, go through the article, flag and eventually delete information without sources, and replace sources that are less reliable (like websites) with reliable secondary sources.  As long as the article covers all the major topics for the species thoroughly, and the sourcing is up to par, then it should be good for a run through GAN. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:56, 20 November 2011 (UTC)

Wow
Hi noble man, I just wanted to tell to you that what you have done about Madagascar wildlife is great. Madagascar and Malagasy owes you much. You are an extraordinary man. I decided to join your (big) Madagascar project to contribute in what I have some little knowledge (especially history and music), in my free sparse time. Kaluvau (talk) 16:48, 26 November 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks. If you're looking to help out with history and music, you might be able to collaborate with Lemurbaby, who does more of the cultural stuff.  I mostly focus on the lemurs and national parks. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:55, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

Merry Christmas!!
Merry Christmas!! Make merry not just on this wonderful holiday but all through the next year. The best wishes from the Old Europe. --Furado (talk) 11:34, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

GA Review
Hi, I'm with the WikiProject AP Biology 2011. I've been working on the Olympic marmot as part of a project, and now, multiple reviewers have told me that it's ready to be reviewed for GA! I nominated it, but TCO suggests to recruit reviewers to facilitate the process, and he directed me to you and a few other users. I would like to ask if you weren't too busy, to do the GA review for the Olympic marmot. I'd really appreciate it! I'm going to ask a few of the other names he gave me about this too, and whoever has the time to get to it first can review it. Thanks! Imthebombliketicktick (talk) 16:53, 31 December 2011 (UTC)
 * Looks like someone beat me to it. Let me know if you need additional feedback or a second opinion.  Good luck!  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:35, 31 December 2011 (UTC)
 * I will, thank you! And happy new year! :) Imthebombliketicktick (talk) 08:09, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Gerp's mouse lemur
Hi Visionholder. Hope the new year is finding you well. It's good to see a new excellent and interesting lemur article from you. I was reviewing it at DYK, but I am not sure you are aware that there is a new requirement - that self-nominating editors with more than 5 DYK credits review another DYK nomination (you may have done this but an article you reviewed isn't listed in your nomination). Rlendog (talk) 16:40, 9 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes, I am aware of it. In fact, in the template creation, my editing comment reads: "nominate -- review coming tomorrow".  (Sorry for not putting it in the comments.)  It was very late (or early), I had been drinking a full bottle of wine, and I was tired.  Anyway, I will get started on the review shortly. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:01, 9 January 2012 (UTC)

Jaojoby GA nom
Hey Alex, It's been quite a while - very Happy New Year to you! I hope all's been well. I've been busy with several Mada articles and have finally gotten the one on Jaojoby up to something like GA standards (I think - although this is my first attempt at an article on a specific musician). I've listed it as a GA candidate and would appreciate your feedback if you have the time. Cheers, Carrie (Lemurbaby (talk) 04:01, 11 January 2012 (UTC))
 * Good to hear from you! I will gladly help, but I need a couple of days to sort out some things I'm working on.  If you don't see a review by Thursday, please poke me. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 08:42, 11 January 2012 (UTC)
 * My apologies. It looks like someone beat me to it.  If you need a second opinion or want a second (informal) review, just ask. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:59, 12 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Looks like this reviewer is a bit tied up... haven't heard anything from him but hopefully soon. BTW I'm working my way through the Madagascar article now. I'm almost at a complete, fully referenced draft. When that happens I will get a copy edit and peer review, then put it up for GA. I'll keep you posted. Lemurbaby (talk) 05:50, 14 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Excellent! Keep me posted on both articles.  If the reviewer doesn't get back to you, I'll step in. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 16:55, 14 January 2012 (UTC)

Urinary tract infection
Have tried to address the concerns you have raised, let me know if I have missed anything. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 10:37, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Thank you. I'll be working on that today and will try to finish before the blackout.  Sorry for the delays in getting back to you.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 13:07, 17 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the comments and will work on fixes. Just as a note two words I never use are "patient" as we are not writing for health care providers, and "physicians" as we are not writing for patients. Another issue with using physicians is that in many places such as "nurse practitioners". I also never use "suffers" as I have seen many people with horrible diseases who do not suffer and some with the common cold who suffer greatly.-- Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 15:42, 20 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Good to know. My vocabulary for proper medical jargon (from an encyclopedic standpoint) is woefully inadequate, and I'm hoping to learn more through this review.  In the changes I made, I used the only words that I could bring to mind.  Please adjust as needed and help me learn, please. –  VisionHolder  « talk » 18:13, 20 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Have finished trying to address your concerns... -- Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 18:18, 20 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Thank you. I will try to look things over soon.  I did notice, though, one error that needs fixing: You added new material with the reference "Nurse10", but did not actually provide the reference.  Could you please fix this? –  VisionHolder  « talk » 21:38, 20 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Fixed, should have been Nurse2010... -- Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 12:30, 21 January 2012 (UTC)

DYK for Gerp's mouse lemur
— HJ Mitchell &#124;  Penny for your thoughts?  00:02, 18 January 2012 (UTC)
 * I strongly suspect that this will be one of the most viewed articles in the history of DYK, since it's now been the lead at DYK for almost thirty hours because we didn't edit the template during the blackout. Congrats!  Nyttend (talk) 05:42, 19 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Lol... not looking like it. I just checked, and it only had 20k hits for yesterday, so it has a long way to go.  Granted, people were able to bypass the block by disabling Javascript, but I doubt that many people did.  Plus the article has primarily been displayed (without the block) at a time when North America and Europe is asleep.  But we shall see....  Either way, I'm sure the researchers who worked with me to provide pictures will be very happy.  Thanks! –  VisionHolder  « talk » 05:47, 19 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes, but it's still on the Main Page, an hour after the blackout ended — you can imagine that tons of people are back on here right now, and lots are looking at it. Twenty thousand hits is far above average; I've been responsible (either by writing or nominating or both) twenty DYK lead articles, and the highest hit count I've ever gotten is Jean Thurel with under 18000.  Nyttend (talk) 06:01, 19 January 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes, very true. I guess I got spoiled with my DYK for Slow loris (39.2k).  But still, it is a weekday, and a lot of people in the U.S. have work in the morning.  I'm sure most will be hammering Wiki at 8am, when they roll into their desktop jobs.  My guess is that the next DYK set will also see a good spike.  –  VisionHolder  « talk » 06:10, 19 January 2012 (UTC)
 * It looks like it's about #50 all time, which is pretty good. Slow loris currently ranks 13th. Rlendog (talk) 22:10, 20 January 2012 (UTC)