User talk:Zippybonzo/Training/CVUA/Students/MP1999

Hello, welcome to your Counter Vandalism Unit Academy page! Please make sure you have this page added to your watchlist. If you have any general queries about anti-vandalism (or anything else), you are more than welcome to raise them with me at my talk page.

Make sure you read through Vandalism as that's the knowledge which most of the questions I ask you and tasks you do will revolve around.

This page will be built up over your time in the Academy, with new sections being added as you complete old ones. Each section will end with a task, written in bold type - this might just ask a question, or it might require you to go and do something. You can answer a question by typing the answer below the task; if you have to do something, you will need to provide diffs to demonstrate that you have completed the task. Some sections will have more than one task, sometimes additional tasks may be added to a section as you complete them. Please always sign your responses to tasks as you would on a talk page.
 * How to use this page
 * Once you graduate I will copy this page into your userspace so you have a record of your training and a reference for the future.

Twinkle
Twinkle is a very useful tool when performing maintenance functions around Wikipedia. Please have a read through WP:TWINKLE.
 * Enable Twinkle (if you haven't already) and leave a note here to let me know that you have enabled it.
 * My Twinkle is already enabled. - MP1999  talk  13:31, 29 June 2023 (UTC)

Good faith and vandalism
When patrolling for vandalism, you may often come across edits which are unhelpful, but not vandalism - these are good faith edits. It is important to recognise the difference between a vandalism edit and a good faith edit, especially because Twinkle gives you the option of labelling edits you revert as such. Please read WP:AGF and WP:NOT VANDALISM before completing the following tasks.


 * Please explain below the difference between a good faith edit and a vandalism edit, and how you would tell them apart.


 * Please find three examples of good faith but unhelpful edits, and three examples of vandalism. You don't need to revert the example you find, and I am happy for you to use previous undos in your edit history if you wish.
 * Good faith
 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_Korean_defectors&curid=3682015&diff=1154494371&oldid=1153723371%7CNorth (might be unsourced but edit was done in good faith)
 * ✅ can you please give 2 more examples. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 14:13, 29 June 2023 (UTC)


 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Daniel_J._O%27Donnell&curid=481110&diff=1158277689&oldid=1157217015 (A IP blanks an "unnecessary" controversy section)


 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eddie_Holman&curid=4905361&diff=1158276767&oldid=1158275239bur
 * ✅, All good, you're free to move onto the next section in your own time. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 14:52, 29 June 2023 (UTC)


 * Vandalism


 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=JiDion&diff=prev&oldid=116245181


 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alfie_May&diff=prev&oldid=1162365438


 * https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Danny_Gonzalez&diff=prev&oldid=1162305538
 * ✅ All 3 good here. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 14:13, 29 June 2023 (UTC)

Warning and reporting
When you use Twinkle to warn a user, you have a number of options to choose from: you can select the kind of warning (for different offences), and the level of warning (from 1 to 4, for increasing severity). Knowing which warning to issue and what level is very important. Further information can be found at WP:WARN and WP:UWUL.


 * Please answer the following questions:
 * Why do we warn users?
 * This is because their edit may or may not have been done in good faith or it is likely to be an error, and we warn them to make sure they edit constructively.

Why we use it Usually it is used in case of excessive or continuous interference from a user or specific IP.
 * When would a 4im warning be appropriate?
 * Could you please check your answer, as a 4im warning is an immediate final warning, which your answer doesn't seem to reflect.
 * ✅ yes that answer is more accurate. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 15:38, 29 June 2023 (UTC)


 * Should you substitute a template when you place it on a user talk page, and how do you do it?
 * Yes, you should replace a template on the user talk page. You can replace a template by adding a subst at the beginning, for example


 * What should you do if a user who has received a level 4 or 4im warning vandalises again?
 * I would suggest reporting them to WP:AIV.


 * Please give examples (using ) of three different warnings (not different levels of the same warning and excluding the test edit warning levels referred to below), that you might need to use while recent changes patrolling and explain what they are used for.
 * for unconstructive editing or vandalism.


 * used when reverting a user's disruptive edit(s).


 * when a user's edit doesn't adhere to WP:NPOV.

Make sure you keep in mind that some edits that seem like vandalism can be test edits. This happens when a new user is experimenting and makes accidental unconstructive edits. Generally, these should be treated with good faith, especially if it is their first time, and warned gently. The following templates are used for test edits:, and.

I just wanted to make sure you know about Special:RecentChanges, if you use the diff link in a different window or tab you can check a number of revisions much more easily. If you enable Hovercards in the Hover section of your preferences, you can view the diff by just hovering over it. Alternately, you can press control-F or command-F and search for "tag:". some edits get tagged for possible vandalism or section blanking.


 * Find and revert some vandalism. Warn each user appropriately, using the correct kind of warning and level. Please include at least two test edits and at least two appropriate reports to AIV. For each revert and warning please fill in a line on the table below

I've added the same exercise below, and would like you to complete it again, please read the instructions. My tips for you to successfully complete the exercise are: Thank you, Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 09:11, 30 June 2023 (UTC)
 * 1) Use your own reverts, not other peoples.
 * 2) Make sure you warn the users.
 * 3) Include at least 2 test edits.
 * 4) Include at least 2 reports to Administrator intervention against vandalism.


 * Find and revert some vandalism. Warn each user appropriately, using the correct kind of warning and level. Please include at least two test edits and at least two appropriate reports to AIV. For each revert and warning please fill in a line on the table below

Shared IP tagging
There are a number of IP user talk page templates which show helpful information to IP users and those wishing to warn or block them. There is a list of these templates


 * Shared IP - For general shared IP addresses.
 * ISP - A modified version specifically for use with ISP organizations.
 * Shared IP edu - A modified version specifically for use with educational institutions.
 * Shared IP gov - A modified version specifically for use with government agencies.
 * Shared IP corp - A modified version specifically for use with businesses.
 * Shared IP address (public) - A modified version specifically for use with public terminals such as in libraries, etc.
 * Mobile IP - A modified version specifically for use with a mobile device's IP.
 * Dynamic IP - A modified version specifically for use with dynamic IPs.
 * Static IP - A modified version specifically for use with static IPs which may be used by more than one person.

Each of these templates take two parameters, one is the organisation to which the IP address is registered (which can be found out using the links at the bottom of the IP's contribution page. The other is for the host name (which is optional) and can also be found out from the links at the bottom of the IP's contribution page.

Also, given that different people use the IP address, older messages are sometimes refused so as to not confuse the current user of the IP. Generally any messages for the last one-two months are removed, collapsed, or archived. The templates available for this include:
 * OW for when the messages are deleted from the talk page.
 * Old IP warnings top and Old IP warnings bottom for collapsing the user warnings and leaving them on the talk page.
 * Warning archive notice for when the messages are archived, and that archiving follows the usually naming sequence (that is, /Archive 1).

NOTE: All of the templates in this section are not substituted (so don't use "subst:").

Tools
Recent changes patrol includes a list of tools and resources for those who want to fight vandalism with a more systematic and efficient approach.

What you have been doing so far is named the old school approach. As well as manually going through Special:RecentChanges, it includes undos, "last clean version" restores, and manually warning users.

There are a large number of tool which assist users in the fight against vandalism. They range from tools which help filter and detect vandalism to tools which will revert, warn and report users.

If you would like to use, or learn to use any of the following tools, please leave a comment below;
 * I have finished reading the contents of this assignment and I am ready for my next assignment as I remove vandalism every day.@Zippybonzo - MP1999  talk  19:24, 3 July 2023 (UTC)

Twinkle
The first tool I want to mention is Twinkle, it's a very useful and I strongly suggest you enable it (in the Gadgets section of your preferences). It provides three types of rollback functions (vandalism, normal and AGF) as well as an easy previous version restore function (for when there are a number of different editors vandalising in a row). Other functions include a full library of speedy deletion functions, and user warnings. It also has a function to propose and nominate pages for deletion, to request page protection to report users to WP:AIV & WP:UAA (which we'll get to later).

Rollback
See rollback, this user right introduces an easy rollback button (which with one click reverts an editor's contributions. I'll let you know when I think you're ready to apply for the rollback user right.

SWViewer
SWViewer is a tool that allows you to monitor possibly unconstructive changes from multiple Wikimedia wikis, to use it you require the rollback user right.

RedWarn
RedWarn is an incredibly useful anti-vandalism tool, which can be used to accept pending changes, and revert unconstructive edits. RedWarn contains many automation features, such as opening the warn menu and automatically selecting a reason and warning level after reverting.

AntiVandal
AntiVandal is an powerful tool, similar to Huggle, that allows you to revert and warn users with 1 button. Use of this tool requires the rollback user right, or inclusion on its whitelist.

Huggle
Huggle is a Windows program which parses (orders them on the likelihood of being unconstructive edits and on the editor's recent history) from users not on its whitelist. It allows you to revert vandalism, warn and reports users in one click, it requires the rollback user right.

Dealing with difficult users
Occasionally, some vandals will not appreciate your good work and try to harass or troll you. In these situations, you must remain calm and ignore them. If they engage in harassment or personal attacks, you should not engage with them and leave a note at WP:ANI. If they vandalise your user page or user talk page, simply remove the vandalism without interacting with them. Please read WP:DENY.

✅ could you describe how you can differentiate between the two from the type of message they would send you, and leave examples. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 03:19, 7 July 2023 (UTC) that’s not a valid reason, can you explain what the message would be like both from a good faith editor and troll. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 12:18, 8 July 2023 (UTC)
 * Why do we deny recognition to trolls and vandals?
 * This is because recognition and/or infamy may motivate bystanders to commit acts of vandalism. Recognition is a motivation for vandalism.
 * How can you tell between a good faith user asking why you reverted their edit, and a troll trying to harass you?
 * If a user has made mostly good faith edits, the editor will consider them a good faith user and provide an explanation as to why their edit was rolled back. If the user has done most of the vandalism, the editor will consider them a troll and revert their edits to their talk page or user page.
 * First I see whether the revert is reasonable or not. If not, I will ask the revert editor and revert my edit for a while. If the reason keep unexplained and reverted again, I will revert and issue a warning. Second, I will view its contributions and talk page history. If it has a good reputation, I might thing to comply. If not, I will revert and issue a warning


 * Good faith users would generally ask in a nice tone. Trolls tend to use bad and insultive language. - MP1999  talk  21:26, 8 July 2023 (UTC)
 * ✅ @MP1999 adding new section below. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 14:49, 9 July 2023 (UTC)

Protection and speedy deletion
Protecting and deleting pages are two additional measures that can be used to prevent and deal with vandalism. Only an administrator can protect or delete pages; however, anyone can nominate a page for deletion or request protection. If you have Twinkle installed, you can use the Twinkle menu to request page protection or speedy deletion (the RPP or CSD options).

Protection
Please read the protection policy.

Pages should be semi protected if the page is being vandalised by several IP addresses, in a situation where blocking each IP doesn't necessarily work.
 * In what circumstances should a page be semi-protected?
 * ✅ or edit warring. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 03:01, 10 July 2023 (UTC)

High-risk and well-used templates, as well as very visible pages like the main page and files with very generic names.
 * In what circumstances should a page be pending changes level 1 protected?
 * definitely not, please check your answer. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 03:01, 10 July 2023 (UTC)
 * I would say they should be protected in similar circumstances to semi protection, but if it is only a few troublesome users and not all IPs editing the page being vandals, then pending changes would be applied so that good faith users can still submit their edits. - MP1999  talk  18:49, 10 July 2023 (UTC)
 * Not to the main page. The main page would not be appropriate for pending changes protection. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 01:46, 11 July 2023 (UTC)
 * Pending change protection is used when a page is experiencing a high level of vandalism or disruption, or when there is a content conflict. Pending change protection allows only automatically confirmed users to edit the page. Level 1 Security Pending Changes is the lowest level of security, and is used when a page has experienced a moderate level of vandalism or disruption. It is also used when there is a material dispute that has not been resolved - MP1999  talk  17:42, 11 July 2023 (UTC)
 * I'll accept that, it's definitely not correct, but I'll see how you do in the final exam. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 04:32, 12 July 2023 (UTC)
 * In roughly the same circumstances as semi-protection except on articles with a very high edit rate. - MP1999  talk  15:06, 12 July 2023 (UTC)
 * Not necessarily, it's also used in BLPs and similar. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 16:05, 12 July 2023 (UTC)

When there is Edit warring or content disputes among editors
 * In what circumstances should a page be fully protected?
 * ✅ or high risk pages. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 03:01, 10 July 2023 (UTC)

When a deleted bad article is recreated multiple times.
 * In what circumstances should a page be creation protected ("salted")?
 * ✅ Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 03:01, 10 July 2023 (UTC)

Talk pages are protected for a limited duration, when their are severe cases of vandalism
 * In what circumstances should a talk page be semi-protected?

|diff you have to make the request. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 01:47, 11 July 2023 (UTC)
 * Correctly request the protection of one page (pending, semi or full); post the diff of your request (from WP:RPP) below.

Speedy deletion
Please read WP:CSD.

The purpose of speedy deletion is to quickly remove unambiguously non-useful pages. Administrators can do this and forgo discussion. ✅
 * In what circumstances should a page be speedy deleted, very briefly no need to go through the criteria?


 * Correctly tag two pages for speedy deletion (with different reasons - they can be for any of the criteria) and post the diff and the criteria you requested it be deleted under below.
 * CSD G11  I need to know which page you tagged. Zippybonzo &#124; Talk (he&#124;him) 01:49, 11 July 2023 (UTC)
 * U5 User:Votemostpopular