User talk:Wtfiv

Andrew Jackson
I could award any number of barnstars for your efforts and you deserve many of them but I want to say my personal appreciation. You took on a very difficult task. You accepted criticism with class and listened to us as we dumped our thoughts on you. I think we have an infinitely better article today than when we first came upon it.

I've been an advocate and activist supporting American Indian/Native American positions at rallies, powwows and the such, for the better part of my life. Everything I believe or even want is not reflected in the article. I am human, I am biased. But when I fully accepted the Wikipedia way on the encyclopedia I came to appreciate the beauty of discussion, compromise and consensus. I, and some of my colleagues, have experienced serious allegations of collusion, canvassing and "vote" stacking on various articles related to Indigenous topics. Allegations that are simply untrue and hurtful but not completely unexpected. I'm in the somewhat unique position to understand them but also understand Wikipedia. I think the primary issue is people who don't regularly edit here don't understand how the encyclopedia operates. They only see that we aren't complying with their worldview.

It has taken a toll on me, as I am sure it has on you. That's why I am here now to thank you for your time, your energy and your continuing effort. You were the perfect one to take on this challenge and you did so with delicacy and class. -- A Rose Wolf  14:38, 13 March 2024 (UTC)


 * Thank you so much for your very kind and thoughtful comments, and I appreciate the time you took to do so! For the most part, I enjoyed the project- trying to represent Jackson in a way that all editors with stakes are relatively satisfied with it. And though I doubt the original editor feels it, I tried to respect their contributions even as I addressed all the other concerns.  In the process, I have been very grateful that both you and Carlstak have been there keeping an eye on things.  I feel you are my guideposts to ensure what I tries to keep the balance in view, and I'm glad that you are keeping an eye on the article.
 * I totally understand that what you want to see in the article doesn't reflect what you'd like to see. That's the nature of Wikipedia, I think.  For me, it is the same.  I figure the writing itself puts me in it, but my goal is to try and find that place where the majority of editors can live with what is said.  On the way, I very much appreciate what I learn, particularly as I verify or add sources.
 * Because you have a clear perspective that you are open about, you may be accused of stacking votes are being part of a cabal, but my experience with what I've seen is that you are passionate for Native American issues, particularly Cherokee, but fair, polite and thoughtful. I've noticed a number of times when you were positive and encouraging toward people who see things very different than you do.  It is that kindness and thoughtfulness that makes me glad to have come to know you in this Wikiworld.    I know that Wikiworld can get frustrating for all of us, and I am sorry that it has taken a toll on you.  But know that while you are staying with it, and being one of the voices here, the Wikipedia and the editorial discussion world is a better place because you are part of it.
 * (I apologize for my late reply, I very much appreciate your kindness in taking the time to write this, and- one more- appreciate your thoughtful passion as an editor.) Wtfiv (talk) 16:45, 18 March 2024 (UTC)


 * I also should apologize for my delay. I had to take a small break. When I read articles I see colors. I hear the Song of their life. People are not perfect. Lifesong's can be messy but even in the darkest moments when truly horrific actions manifest terribly tragic results there are still Rainbows, still rays of light, even if our natural eyes can not see. Only .0035% of light is what we call visible. There are wavelengths of light we have not even begun to understand as a species. Like a finger strumming the strings of an instrument these waves pass through us and with each one a new musical note of the universe is born. Our symphony joins with that of others and even the entire universe combined. This is what I hear. This is what I see. Music is all around us. So we do have impact. We do matter. This project matters. And you do wonderous soul work, my friend. -- A Rose Wolf  11:31, 3 April 2024 (UTC)

Battle of Tinian
I know you are flat out with the Battle of Saipan, but your effort prompted me to overhaul the subsequent Battle of Tinian, which I have up for review at WikiProject Military history/Assessment/Battle of Tinian, and there is no one better qualified to review. Hawkeye7  (discuss)  00:19, 13 April 2024 (UTC)


 * Hi Hawkeye,
 * I saw! I had started putzing with that myself, considering it for a "next project", but what you did looks really good. It has also helped me out, providing me with insights on how flexible I can be with a Pacific War article. (e.g., It addresses my misperception that those OOB sections were an informal best practice for these articles, something like an infobox.) I'm moving fairly slowly on the Saipan, but I think it's worth it; the reviews raise points worth considering. I had planned on reviewing the Battle of Tinian as soon I finished with Saipan, but I'm not sure how soon I'll get that done.  If you'd like me to review sooner, I can do that.
 * As an aside, I envy that you have access to Hayes, 1982! I've never seen it; it looks like it is out of print, rare, and incredibly pricey used.  But even the description and your hints make it seem like an insightful read of decision-making at the highest level.  Your mention of it up made me realize how little the essential guiding role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in WWII is understood. Wtfiv (talk) 00:59, 13 April 2024 (UTC)


 * For a next project, there always the Battle of Guam (1944). I suggest reading through the review of Battle of Tinian, because there might be some points that also apply to Saipan. Saipan is much better known and documented than Tinian. One history vs hindsight point that came up: there is an impression that the islands were seized primarily as a base for the B-29s. In fact that was a secondary priority, and on 6 August Nimitz even issued a directive that work on naval installations was to have priority over airbases for the B-29s.


 * I don't know where I got my copy of Hayes. It sits on the shelf here, within easy reach. Regrettably, the third work in the series, on the war with Germany, was never written. Hawkeye7   (discuss)  06:58, 13 April 2024 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the tip. I'll look at it more carefully in a couple of days.  And I agree about the capture of the Mariana's.  Miller in Plan Orange assumes it to be a base, and I understand that to the chagrin of the Army Air Forces, Nimitz gave priority to making Guam an advance naval headquarters whereas they wanted. I allude to the point when talking about Saipan as an interdiction site, but it sounds like I need to be more direct.  I'll look at what the points you got in the Tinian article, and see what else could be added to Saipan.  Thanks again! Wtfiv (talk) 15:08, 13 April 2024 (UTC)

April thanks
Thank you for improving article quality in April! -- Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:20, 20 April 2024 (UTC)

today a sad task - memory of Andrew Davis - turned into entertainment (yt at the bottom of his article, actually both) -- the latest pictures capture extreme weather --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:21, 23 April 2024 (UTC)

Today's story mentions a concert I loved to hear (DYK) and a piece I loved to sing in choir, 150 years old (OTD). --

June music
... forgot to sign the above, sorry. - Franz Kafka died 100 years ago OTD, hence the story. I uploaded a few pics from the visit of Graham87. -Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:25, 3 June 2024 (UTC)

Today is "the day" for James Joyce, also for Bach's fourth chorale cantata (and why does it come before the third?) - the new pics have a mammal I had to look up. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 19:54, 16 June 2024 (UTC)

New pics of food and flowers come with the story of Noye's Fludde (premiered on 18 June), written by Brian Boulton. I nominated Éric Tappy because he died, and it needs support today! I nominated another women for GA in the Women in Green June run, - review welcome, and more noms planned. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:06, 18 June 2024 (UTC)

July music
My story today is - because of the anniversary of the premiere OTD in 1782 - about Die Entführung aus dem Serail, opera by Mozart, while yesterday's was - because of the TFA - about Les contes d'Hoffmann, opera by Offenbach, - so 3 times Mozart if you click on "music" ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:33, 16 July 2024 (UTC)

Today's story is about a photographer who took iconic pictures, especially View from Williamsburg, Brooklyn, on Manhattan, 9/11, yesterday's was a great mezzo, and on Thursday we watched a sublime ballerina. If that's not enough my talk offers chamber music from two amazing concerts. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:22, 20 July 2024 (UTC)