User talk:Rich Farmbrough/Archive/2012 July

Category:User htz
Category:User htz, which you created, has been nominated for possible deletion, merging, or renaming. If you would like to participate in the discussion, you are invited to add your comments at the category's entry on the Categories for discussion page. Thank you. Pichpich (talk) 21:54, 30 June 2012 (UTC)
 * G7 it. Rich Farmbrough, 18:50, 1 July 2012 (UTC).

lets hope
you get unblocked soon and do better edits — Preceding unsigned comment added by Windows.dll (talk • contribs) 23:59, 22 June 2012 (UTC)
 * The account unblocks on 6 July, and the damage done by the Arbitration Committee means that my contributions will be far less. Quite how the restrictions and blocks create benefit for anyone apart from a few malcontents has never been proposed, much less demonstrated. Rich Farmbrough, 08:43, 26 June 2012 (UTC).


 * straight punishment, all things considered. Penyulap  ☏  16:40, 26 Jun 2012 (UTC)
 * Three or four more articles today went uncorrected - this is just through my general use of WP. How this punishes me is a mystery, it actually saves me time.  Other readers of those articles, however are punished. Rich Farmbrough, 20:38, 2 July 2012 (UTC).

bot tutorial
Hi Rich,

Would you be willing to tutor me in creating a bot to run this task? I've requested it several times, but I think you're the only one who'd ever be likely to take it on, so I'd probably better do it myself. I've never created a bot before, and my background is just basic generic programming.

— kwami (talk) 20:42, 30 June 2012 (UTC)
 * I'll have to look at the task, but I don't see why not. Rich Farmbrough, 20:40, 2 July 2012 (UTC).

The Signpost: 02 July 2012

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Searching a website
Hi. Re: IUCN. They have a search facility and I think the results are handed out by a php or something similar. It is not essential, but I think it would be handy to search the webstie with a script, but I have not been able to find a suitable expression for "get" in Perl LWP. The code in the redlist html indicates a "post" method is used. Otherwise, I can use urls directly to the species pages and the "get" works. Just for scanning purposes of the wiki mark-up code, I have just found out that "get" does not work with the url "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=White-crowned_Parrot&action=edit", probably for similar reasons. Do you have any comments? Snowman (talk) 15:27, 5 July 2012 (UTC)

Teahouse
Hi Rich, thanks for helping at the Teahouse. One more thing you can do - because many of the vistors are new editors we try to put talkback notices on their talk pages when their question is answered (detailed here). I found a script that does this semi-automatically if you're interested. -- Neil N   talk to me  23:52, 8 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes, I'm a complete idiot. I forgot about your restriction. Truly sorry. -- Neil N   talk to me  23:56, 8 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Yes I am interested, though I am forbidden from using such dark magiks. Rich Farmbrough, 23:58, 8 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Incidentally I made a quicker verison some time ago. Rich Farmbrough, 00:00, 9 July 2012 (UTC).


 * It's here: User:Writ Keeper/Scripts/teahouseTalkbackLink.js. It adds a TB link to every signature. Click the one besides the questioner, add the section title, and it will place a TB notice on the talk page. -- Neil N   talk to me  00:04, 9 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Thanks. Currently laptopping from Heathrow, on my way to Wikimania, so can't do much sophisticated stuff. Rich Farmbrough, 00:10, 9 July 2012 (UTC).


 * You understand of course that you are forbidden from using an eTicket, automated pre-boarding, inflight semi-automated service requests, and must claim your baggage by physically walking to the plane and rummaging around in the boot for your bag rather than depend on any automated or semi-automated baggage system, yes? Also be aware that you must eschew any pre-printed name tag while at Wikimania. Please take one of the blanks provided and physically write your name on the tag. If you choose to ignore this warning, you will be flogged, and forced to walk the gang plank at flight level 10,000 on your return journey. --Hammersoft (talk) 17:26, 9 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Nononono. It's clear that flying is an assisted way of travelling so Rich will have to get to Washington using his own two feet (we'll allow the use of a rowboat). Given that there's approximately 5,900 kms between London and Washington, doing 30 kms/day will get him to Wikimania on January 22, 2013. Hope he's packed his longjohns! -- Neil N   talk to me  18:18, 9 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Hmm. You know, Google Maps says he can use a kayak to go from Tokyo to Seattle . But, no such boating option is available for crossing the Atlantic . I'm afraid he'll have to walk on water. --Hammersoft (talk) 19:06, 9 July 2012 (UTC)

I got to Washington by a number of forms of transport:
 * 1) foot (Walking and running)
 * 2) travelator
 * 3) escalator
 * 4) lift
 * 5) tram
 * 6) bus
 * 7) underground
 * 8) railway
 * 9) car
 * 10) plane

Despite realising the opportunity I restrained myself from travelling on the luggage carousel. Rich Farmbrough, 23:22, 9 July 2012 (UTC).

Nomination for deletion of Template:Javascript in categories
Template:Javascript in categories has been nominated for deletion. You are invited to comment on the discussion at the template's entry on the Templates for discussion page. — This, that, and the other (talk) 03:01, 10 July 2012 (UTC)

The Signpost: 09 July 2012

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Hi Rich
That's me Viswa Prabha വിശ്വപ്രഭ talk 06:57, 11 July 2012 (UTC)

Help me install AWB on my laptop, and then help me do some talk page template updates. I can show you what I do by hand, and you a can show me how to automate it. Perhaps I may want to put in requests instead of doing some complex things myself.--DThomsen8 (talk) 11:30, 12 July 2012 (UTC)

Cheers
Enjoy your stay It was a pleasure to meet my fellow millionaire&mdash;I hope you had an excellent stay and please let me know if you think we can collaborate in the future. Cheers. —Justin ( koavf ) ❤T☮C☺M☯ 21:51, 15 July 2012 (UTC)

You have a new message on your Meta-Wiki talk page
Hello Rich, you have got a new message here. &mdash; T. 05:21, 16 July 2012 (UTC)

Howdy Rich
It's Daniel Nasaw with the BBC - we met Thursday at Wikimania. Thanks for your time and your help - the piece should be up on the website tomorrow Sunday 15 July. Meanwhile, I'm hoping I might talk to you briefly on another Wiki related topic. I don't know where on the planet you'll be but if you're happy to talk early in the upcoming week, would you please give me a shout at daniel dot nasaw at bbc.co.uk and we can set something up? Thanks so much. Dnasaw (talk) 15:54, 14 July 2012 (UTC)
 * I just read the BBC story (Wikipedia: Meet the men and women who write the articles). Congratulations! - Pointillist (talk) 08:34, 15 July 2012 (UTC)


 * WooHoo! I'm glad to know my friend Richard is a good looking guy, it's a bit of a worry online, you never know what your friends look like. I've only ever been seen by one wikipedia editor (mental note: organise a hit).
 * Penyulap  ☏  09:01, 15 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * Congratulations on making the news - and it wasn't for riding the baggage carousel (you can only do that if you look like cow luggage, or even cow luggage). BTW - you look like my hubby, only hubby is rather greyer. I don't know whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. --Elen of the Roads (talk) 22:22, 15 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Wowow! It was awesome meeting you at the conference! I stopped by to congratulate you on getting your face on the main page of BBC's US News website! Thanks for fixing all the articles on mixed martial arts. You really are a Wikipedia ninja.  Blue Rasberry    (talk)   20:15, 16 July 2012 (UTC)

Wikimania!
It was great to meet you IRL this past week! And congrats on being featured in that BBC article - as I believe the youth are putting it these days, you're a rock star :) Accedie  talk to me  23:42, 16 July 2012 (UTC)

The Signpost: 16 July 2012

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Well done!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18833763

--Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 03:31, 21 July 2012 (UTC)

Wikimania
Hey Rich - Just wanted to drop you a note to say it was a pleasure to meet you at Wikimania, and put a face to a name I've seen all over the project. Hope you are well and enjoyed yourself in D.C. -- David  Shankbone  05:28, 21 July 2012 (UTC)

Nomination for deletion of Template:Portal frameless
Template:Portal frameless 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) 11:37, 22 July 2012 (UTC)

July
Note that I am travelling without a permanent Internet connexion until the beginning of August. Rich Farmbrough, 02:38, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Which is hardly going to help me get the quick tip I asked you about in an email just then. oh well, I hope you're having fun. Yer lucky butt. Penyulap  ☏  08:51, 24 Jul 2012 (UTC)

Ramadan
I have been doing some good things with the Ramadan article. At least, that is my opinion. There seems to be one editor who disagrees, see the talkpage. In any case, do you think I'll get to pick my virgins myself? Debresser (talk) 00:48, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * By pick do you mean "choose" or "pluck"? It is somewhat in dispute, I understand, as to the correct translation of that phrase anyway. Rich Farmbrough, 02:29, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * I pluck my chickens and choose my chicks, thank you very much. 07:16, 23 July 2012 (UTC)

"Illegal activities"
Accusing the Arbitration Committee of "illegal activities" in my book, is definitely not OK. Please explain why you posted that and why it is not an actionable violation of our conduct policies. NW ( Talk ) 12:03, 22 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Egregious copyright violations for a start. In the deeper past there are other events.  The critical point, which has been missed I think, is that quite apart from systemic errors and groupthink, it is extremely naive to assume that all functionaries now and in the future will be deserving of the trust placed in them by the community.  We have empirical evidence to the contrary.  For this reason, if no other, we should design our processes and procedures in such a way as to maximize good governance, by providing a reasonable set of checks and balances. While being an admin is no big deal, being a functionary (specifically Arbitrator, Checkuser or OTRS) is a big deal.  Clearly making herculean efforts to ensure the quality of the post holders is of limited values, we may cite national, corporate and religious leaders. It is a shame that comments I have made to this effect appear to have been interpreted by some as attacking current postholders either individually or collectively, whereas, whilst I have expressed serious concerns about specific actions of postholders, primarily as a group, these are not of the type or nature relating to basic trustworthiness.  Rich Farmbrough, 18:45, 22 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Perhaps a large part of this is the reader's (my) fault, but when I read your comment, I took the third sentence to be a simple continuation of the second sentence, making it seem like you were accusing all fifteen Arbitrators of being criminals. I would deeply appreciate it if you could go back and clarify your statement, if only to make it clear to others like me who might misread your point. NW ( Talk ) 22:17, 22 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Or invent something amusing about the 15 that we can all enjoy. Penyulap  ☏  22:56, 22 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * If it were necessary to invent things for there to be a problem, there wouldn't be a problem.  I am surprised at the emails I have received from those who read that comment. Rich Farmbrough, 02:21, 23 July 2012 (UTC).
 * I did read it as accusing us all of some criminal activity (then I thought - but how does he know I ran that red light?) - would I be right in guessing you were intending a reference to Rlevse and his copyright problems? Elen of the Roads (talk) 23:51, 22 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Depends on which country you live in as to which ridiculous laws you'd be breaking at all times, like possessing a lobster is actually a felony in the United States. Penyulap  ☏  23:56, 22 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * I didn't know it was a felony but I did know that possessing any living creature is considered rude and somewhat creepy. Movies have been made about it...usually children and attractive young women...but not a lobster that I am aware of. Might make a good spongebob episode though! Kumioko (talk) 02:05, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Only if it is loaded, I think. Rich Farmbrough, 00:41, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * It's a felony all right, it was in a lecture video I saw, I'm away from home to see doctors right now, but when I return later I'll find it for you, it's a good video. Penyulap  ☏  02:17, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * Sorry I couldn't resist, I was referring to a different kind of possession that usually involves a catholic priest, a crucifix and rotating head. Kumioko (talk) 02:24, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * as opposed to the freezedried lobster crushed and portioned into small plastic bags and sold by the gram. Penyulap  ☏  02:31, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * Pen, you know I often type a smart comment, then hit the back button rather than the save button. I find that little voice that asks "is this really witty/helpful/erudite, or am I just going to come across like Mister Nigel-murray" is very helpful sometimes.Elen of the Roads (talk) 01:46, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Elen, sometimes I think that we should all remember that we are just a bunch of people with not a lot else to do except get on our computers and work together at trying to make the world a better place, I think sometimes we get so tied up in the details of the processes that we use that we lose sight of the big picture, so sometimes I do try to say "hey come on now, we're just people, let's lighten up a bit and not be too serious as stress can be pretty bad for our health" I'm not saying there isn't a blance and a time to be serious there is,. but all work and no play makes us all Grumpy. And look at poor Andy ! I do everything I can to cheer him up, and he never gives me a secret smile or a gruff 'go away' and I think it's better that way actually. I picture him sitting at his computer frowning at the ambulance I gave him. I think he has a frown for every occasion, and every activity he does around the house. I think when he was little, and skipping down the street, he'd do it with a frown. He'd be like "La la la la lah" skipping and frowning at the same time. It works for Andy, it's the thing I like best about Andy the Grump. Oh, and I've tried to start humour eradication drives before to make this place more serious, oh how I have tried, but I got little support in my endeavours. Jokes and humour are a menace to society and need to be stamped out I agree, but who's with me ? I think too many people like a little bit of stress relief now and then, and gosh darn it, I think occasionally, not very often, I can raise a smile, and I don't think that's all bad for our health and wellbeing and the community as a whole.
 * That said, I do put my foot in my own mouth sometimes, I just got uninvited from someones talkpage for something I wish I hadn't said, and can't exactly go back and apologise where I'm not welcome to comment. So yes, I am human and have regrets too often for my liking. Penyulap  ☏  02:13, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * Should have explained myself better. The lobster comment was funny - especially Kumioko's addition. But your previous comment.....why would Rich want to make up stories about how I was involved in criminal activity?  In Bones, Vincent Nigel-murray was so nervous around people that he talked all the time, and a proportion of everything he said was inappropriate or offensive even though he never intended it that way. A fun character in a tv series, but not a great role model. When I don't manage to stop myself, I have a habit of making "humorous" quips that are actually inappropriate.  Rich can confirm this, because I've done it to him before now. Elen of the Roads (talk) 10:20, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Well I did make up a humorous SF story, indirectly featuring the committee, to try and demonstrate the dangerous waters we find ourselves in, in a less threatening manner than spelling it out to those currently nurturing the cute baby alligators. Unfortunately my dystopian tale was largely ignored, as far as I can tell, so it's not a path I am likely to tread again. Rich Farmbrough, 14:02, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * I must have missed that. Did it feature me as an ass-kicking hot babe.  No such luck I expect - I was probably the grumpy old bat in the cardi who kept rambling on about the good old days. Elen of the Roads (talk) 14:10, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * User_talk:Rich_Farmbrough/Archive/2012May. The last page of archives before ArbCom broke that, appropriately.  And no, you are not a grumpy old bat in a cardi, this is fiction remember? Rich Farmbrough, 14:24, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * I loved that story, however, not being familiar with Arbcom, I missed some of it's tales. Penyulap  ☏  16:06, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)

I would add a clarifying word or two, however the page is now protected. Once again discussion is being stifled. I note some absurd points on the talk page, doubtless there were also absurd points in the case, since I was prevented from commenting on it, I have not followed it in detail, nonetheless from what I have seen the standard of the case seems to be barely above the sophomoric, and it can be accounted no more than an accident if some of the proposed remedies appear to coincide with the decisions a more mature and deliberative body might have made. Rich Farmbrough, 01:05, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Page unprotected. NW ( Talk ) 01:55, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * Thank you. Rich Farmbrough, 02:18, 23 July 2012 (UTC).

Federal offence in the United States, possession of a lobster.
here it is. Sorry it is a not a felony it is a "Federal CRIMINAL statute" to possess a lobster. Clearly I do not spend enough time studying US Federal criminal statutes to remember clearly the difference. The video is very good for people who live in the USA it includes a lot of real expert advice, and from what I do understand about the USA it's a place where, like en wikipedia (which is based too much on that same culture), mistakes are permanent (deadly or indef). Innocent people are put to death in Texas, USA as explained here in the same way as people are indeffed here on wikipedia. Basically it's not relevant if the editor or the person is 'factually innocent' as was the case with my last block, the fact that I was innocent was considered irrelevant by the reviewing admin. Strange case in the video, it mentions a (mentally ill) man who was tricked into confessing to 'assist the police to catch the real killer', and he was convicted instantly by a jury and spent 20 years in prison until DNA evidence proved him innocent. The judge stated he would have indeff penaltied (executed) him if Michigan had the indeff penalty bit at that time. I'm not saying that I was blocked because I was acting strange, I'm saying innocence has nothing at all to do with some block reviews on wikipedia, and in the case of my last block appeal it is fundamentally and patently true that innocence as I was, that had nothing whatsoever to do with the (I have to stop myself here from calling him an idiot) the admin's decision. Anyhow, there is of course the lesson to come out of it all, or the victory, which is my talkpage is babysitting a prototype template which allows the community to both back up our admins, or point out to them the problem to them. At the moment it's rough, it needs the third section 'unclear' as well) Penyulap  ☏  16:03, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * When people are executed, they lose their life. When editors are indeff'ed, they have another opportunity to get a life.  Cheers, Jclemens (talk) 16:09, 23 July 2012 (UTC)
 * I guess when you get put to death in the USA, you don't have to live there anymore. Penyulap  ☏  16:22, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * I am afraid that you wield your power thoughtlessly if that is what you believe. On a mundane level the blocks imposed by Elen and Arbcom made me ineligible for a number of Wikipedia related jobs for which I would otherwise have been well suited.  On a more severe level ostracism and isolation are correlated with suicide and violence. (Volkart 1983) Rich Farmbrough, 17:16, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Some people were telling me at ANI that I can't mentor a newbie because of my last two blocks, what a crock of s*** right there. But hey, it's as good an excuse as any pointless excuse. Many countries have strange laws that say speeding ticket this no running for office that or whatever, interesting is Julian Assange is going to run for a seat in the Senate of Australia (government) and apparently he may well be able to do it from a jail cell anywhere along the way from England ? through Switzerland to death row in America, all while picking up the Nobel prizes and what have you along the way. I think it's brilliant. Penyulap  ☏  17:29, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)
 * For clarity, by Wikipedia related jobs I mean real jobs paying real money, not on-wiki roles, badges or hats. But arguably that too, apparently I was eligible to  re-stand as an admin immediately, but do ArbCom seriously think anyone could weather the kind of event that would be? Rich Farmbrough, 17:38, 23 July 2012 (UTC).


 * Again someone said they'd like to see me be an admin on my talkpage, so yeah, I have ideas on how to weather such an event :) but in my case I don't actually care to. Penyulap  ☏  17:45, 23 Jul 2012 (UTC)

Wishing you well
I hope you culminate your travels safely and profit greatly for the endeavor. Assuming Godspeed, it would be great if when you are more available if you could directly assist a few tasks ongoing at WP:RECP. I know you have skills that would greatly enhance some immediate efforts. Sincerely 76 Strat String da Broke da (talk) 04:53, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

Nomination of Nu gaze for deletion
A discussion is taking place as to whether the article Nu gaze is suitable for inclusion in Wikipedia according to Wikipedia's policies and guidelines or whether it should be deleted.

The article will be discussed at Articles for deletion/AfD discussion title until a consensus is reached, and anyone is welcome to contribute to the discussion. The nomination will explain the policies and guidelines which are of concern. The discussion focuses on high-quality evidence and our policies and guidelines.

Users may edit the article during the discussion, including to improve the article to address concerns raised in the discussion. However, do not remove the article-for-deletion template from the top of the article. Callanecc (talk • contribs) talkback (etc) template appreciated. 11:31, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

The Signpost: 23 July 2012
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Astrobots
Good news! Astrobotster User:Merovingian seems to have become active again recently. Please if you would watch User_talk:Merovingian and comment as you would. You seem to understand him better than I. Chrisrus (talk) 16:09, 24 July 2012 (UTC)

Ramona Quimby merger proposal
Hello. There's a merger proposal relating to an article or articles you've contributed to, relating to the Ramona Quimby books. You are invited to read about and discuss it here: Talk:Ramona (novel series). Thank you. Tlqk56 (talk) 00:06, 26 July 2012 (UTC)

Helping the Welsh Language Wiki
Hi Rich, I've left a message here for your attention. It basically asks which bot should I approve for the new coordinates on Welsh language Wiki. Thanks. Llywelyn2000 (talk) 06:35, 5 June 2012 (UTC)
 * Go for it! Llywelyn2000 (talk) 05:29, 13 June 2012 (UTC)
 * Before I can authorise your Bot, don't you have to pop in to Wiki-cy? Otherwise I can't see you. Llywelyn2000 (talk) 18:49, 13 June 2012 (UTC)
 * Please log in to Wikipedia-cy and make a bot request here. Thanks. Llywelyn2000 (talk) 04:17, 18 June 2012 (UTC)
 * You've got permission, so when you have the time, let's do it! Llywelyn2000 (talk) 08:08, 25 June 2012 (UTC)

You've been busy! Anything I can do to help? Llywelyn2000 (talk) 05:50, 27 June 2012 (UTC) Whawww! You've done some great work on the Welsh Wikipedia: great coo-ordinates and geotagging stuff on Welsh Mountain Peaks - brilliant!

Hi Rich. Is it too much to ask whether you could help us a second time? I've uploaded / written around 2,000 articles - by hand! - based on Scottish peaks. Could we do the same with those, and get a map to show their location in Scotland? What you did on the Welsh one was fantastic, and it would greatly improve the Scottish articles, just as much. Diolch yn fawr! Llywelyn2000 (talk) 11:58, 5 July 2012 (UTC)


 * Not sure if you missed this one Rich? Or is it too much of a climb this time?! 2,000 Welsh articles on Scottish Peaks above 610 m; and no map in sight! Take a look here please. Thanks. Llywelyn2000 (talk) 22:45, 15 July 2012 (UTC)
 * This one too much of a mountain to climb, Richard? Llywelyn2000 (talk) 04:54, 28 July 2012 (UTC)

The Signpost: 30 July 2012
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