Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Tom Birdseye


 * The following discussion is an archived debate of the proposed deletion of the article below. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review).  No further edits should be made to this page.

The result was no consensus. Black Kite (talk) 21:34, 30 March 2020 (UTC)

Tom Birdseye

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Tagged for notability since 2008. Does not pass WP:Author. Mccapra (talk) 08:37, 12 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Note: This discussion has been included in the list of Authors-related deletion discussions. Mccapra (talk) 08:37, 12 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Note: This discussion has been included in the list of Literature-related deletion discussions. Mccapra (talk) 08:37, 12 March 2020 (UTC)


 * Delete This article has existed for 12 years with no reliable sourcing at all. We really need to do something to speed up removal of articles sourced only to the subject's own website.John Pack Lambert (talk) 18:32, 12 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Delete - Per John Pack Lambert. Analog Horror, ( Speak ) 19:41, 14 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Keep: satisfies point #3 of WP:AUTHOR by virtue of the sources in Attack of the Mutant Underwear and Just Call Me Stupid (other sources could probably also be found). – Arms & Hearts (talk) 18:00, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Keep per WP:NEXIST. Notability is not based on the sources currently on the article; it's based on the existence of independent reliable sources. Length of time is also irrelevant per WP:IMPATIENT. Arms & Hearts pointed out there are existing sources on the book pages. This article should be improved, not deleted. -- Toughpigs (talk) 19:15, 18 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Comment Thanks but I think the extremely weak sourcing for those two books demonstrates the non-notability of the books rather than the notability of the author. Those “reviews” are pretty clearly routine publishers’ PR and not in depth independent pieces. Mccapra (talk) 05:01, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Delete Plenty of bookseller promos, press releases, and passing mentions but nothing that meets basic notability standards: multiple in-depth articles from reliable, independent sources. Glendoremus (talk) 16:27, 19 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Comment Articles like this make me think we need to require all articles to go through AfC and ban any article going live onto the platform that does not have as a source something other than the subjects own website. Wikipedia is not supposed to be a webhosting service, but for 12 years it has been one for Birdseye. If we want Wikipedia to be the encyclopedia it is meant to be, than we need to judge articles by what they contain and people who want to keep the articles need to start adding the claimed additional sources into the articles.John Pack Lambert (talk) 02:04, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Completely agree. The burden of proof should be better balanced so that article creator (or some interested party) has some responsibility to demonstrate minimum notability before any article goes live. Glendoremus (talk) 17:01, 21 March 2020 (UTC)

 Relisted to generate a more thorough discussion and clearer consensus.

Please add new comments below this notice. Thanks, xinbenlv  Talk, Remember to "ping" me 05:36, 21 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Comment, could the nominator and the deleters above please provide proof to their allegations that reviews by School Library Journal, Booklist, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, are "routine publishers’ PR", "bookseller promos, press releases, and passing mentions". Coolabahapple (talk) 13:52, 22 March 2020 (UTC)
 * Comment, have removed notability tag from Just Call Me Stupid as it is notable (see its talkpage). Coolabahapple (talk) 14:18, 22 March 2020 (UTC)

Keep per the significant coverage in multiple independent reliable sources.  The article contains 13 paragraphs about Tom Birdseye's writing career.    <li></li> <li><li>Griswold, Jennifer. (2007-11-21). "Real-life inspiration. Author makes literature fun" (pages 1 and 2). The Oklahoman. Archived from the original (pages 1 and 2) on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-03-24. – via Newspapers.com.</li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> <li>Keating, Kevin. (1995-03-31). "Teacher returns as author. Former instructor enthralls students with his own tales" (pages 1 and 2). The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original (pages 1 and 2) on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-03-24. – via Newspapers.com.</li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> <li></li> </ol>

<ol> <li> The article notes: "Born July 13, 1951, in Durham, NC; son of Irving Earl (a minister) and Mary Hughes (a librarian; maiden name, Carmichael) Birdseye; married Debbie Holsclaw (an educator), May 18, 1974; children: Kelsey, Amy. Education: Attended University of Kentucky, 1969-72; Western Kentucky University, B.A. (mass communications), 1974, B.A. (elementary education), 1977. Hobbies and other interests: Skiing, hiking, canoeing, camping, mountain climbing." The article notes: "Writer. Ocean Lake School, Lincoln City, OR, teacher, 1977-83; Washington Elementary School, Sandpoint, ID, teacher, 1985-88. Has also taught English in Japan." The article contains 13 paragraphs about Tom Birdseye's writing career.</li> <li> The article notes: "Tom Birdseye hated writing in school. Since that time, this new Corvallis resident has authored 10 children's books. And he has traveled to about 400 schools, describing the fun of penning on paper. ... Only his wife, Debbie, knew he hoped to publish. ... As soon as his daughters leave for school, Birdseye spends mornings writing in his Corvallis study."</li> <li> The article notes: "Five years ago, when Tom Birdseye was a fifth-grade teacher in Lincoln City, Ore., he noticed one of his students always brought 'The Guinness Book of World Records' to read during the 'Sustained Silent Reading' period after recess. ... That started a train of thought in Birdseye's mind that, four year and one trip to Japan later, resulted in his first children's book, about a boy determined to achieve immortality by breaking the record for eating bananas. Its title, naturally, is 'I'm Going to Be Famous.' The book, published by Holiday House, recently went into a second printing, said Birdseye, a Sandpoint kindergarten teacher. Dell has bought the paperback rights, he said, and a softcover edition should come out next year. ... Birdseye's second children's book, to be published by Holiday House in March 1988, is 'Airmail to the Moon' and is aimed more at kindergartners and first-graders. It's about a Kentucky mountain girl who loses a tooth and then searches for it after it is stolen."</li> <li> The article notes: "Tom Birdseye, the author of nine books, will meet kids and read from his works at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Coos Bay Library, 525 Anderson Ave., Coos Bay. ... Birdseye lives with his wife and two daughters in Corvallis. He grew up in North Carolina and Kentucky. ... Birdseye was not interested in writing. After two college degrees, a year of living in Japan and teaching 10 years, that's what happened though. At the age of 35, he became a published author. He has written five picture books for ages four through eight: ..."</li> <li> The article notes: "Birdseye, who lives in Oregon, didn't like writing when he was young because his handwriting wasn't very good, punctuation was tricky and his spelling was bad. ... Birdseye was a teacher when he got the idea for his first novel, 'I'm Going to be Famous.' It's based on one of his students who was reading 'The Guinness Book of World Records' and looking for a record to break. Since then he's written several picture books and more novels. He's also written two non-fiction books in which children discuss race and religion."</li> <li> The article notes: "Mid-valley children's author Tom Birdseye has been presented with the 1999 Sibley Lampman Award by the Oregon Library Association's Children's Services Division. ... Birdseye received the Children's Choice Book Awards from the International Reading Association in 1989 for 'Airmail to the Moon' and in 1995 for 'A Regular Flood of Mishap.' He is also the winner of four Children's Choice Awards from other states."</li> <li>Griswold, Jennifer. (2007-11-21). "Real-life inspiration. Author makes literature fun" (pages 1 and 2). The Oklahoman. Archived from the original (pages 1 and 2) on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-03-24. – via Newspapers.com. The article notes: "'Have you ever been tackled by a pair of mutant underwear?' It's a question that doesn't faze Tom Birdseye. As the author of 18 children's books, including 'Attack of the Mutant Underwear,' Birdseye uses quirky episodes from his own life as ideas for his books. When a Jefferson Elementary School student asked him last week about his personal experience with mutant underwear, he had to admit that was from his imagination. He's never really been attacked. ... The idea for his first book came from a student in his fifth-grade class when he was a teacher more than 25 years ago, he said. The boy was reading the Guinness Book of World Records and making a list of records he thought he could break. It piqued Birdseye's interest. He checked the book out himself and developed a story around the idea. After four years of writing, editing and persistence, he became a published children's book author, and his career was launched."</li> <li> The article notes: "And Tom Birdseye, whose forte is building forts, thinks that's a shame. ... So, the former elementary school teacher decided to score points for forts by writing 'A Kids' Guide To Building Forts' (Harbinger House, $8.95), with easy-to-follow instructions. Illustrated by architect Bill Klein, the paperback book explains in words and diagrams how to construct lean-to forts, igloo forts, sand forts, desk forts and others made from leaves, boards, boxes, chairs, blankets and tables. ... Growing up in Durham, N.C., near the woods, Birdseye says he and his friends spent many pleasurable hours building forts."</li> <li> The article notes: "He carries a tiny notebook and pen at all times, so he's ready when an idea hits. Or happens. He's working on another picture book and a chapter in a novel now, and has already published 13 books. His titles include 'I'm Going to Be Famous,' 'Just Call Me Stupid,' and 'Airmail to the Moon.' ... He was a 31-year-old kindergarten teacher when he met a woman who encouraged him to think about writing. He took a class from her and four years later was a published author."</li> <li> The article notes: "Now, Birdseye shares a kindergarten teaching job with his wife, Debbie Holtzclaw Birdseye. Making the decision to cut their salaries in half was a big move for the Birdseyes. 'We've got time as opposed to money,' he says. The couple wanted more free time not only because of Birdseye's writing, but because of their 1½-year-old daughter, Kelsey. ... While Mrs. Birdseye works and Kelsey sleeps, Birdseye spends a couple of hours each day writing. He just finished a book geared to the 5- to 7-year-old audience, and is working on an adult novel about a 78-year-old Japanese man who decides he wants to be an American cowboy. (He spent a year in Japan, teaching English and taking notes.)"</li> <li> The article notes: "'Airmail to the Moon,' Birdseye's first picture book, won a 1989 Children's Choice Award from the International Reading Association and the Children's Book Council. ... Birdseye's second picture book, 'A Song of Stars,' is an adaptation of an ancient Asian legend about two stars. ... The author has also written two intermediate-level books for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders: 'I'm Going to be Famous,' and 'Tucker.' The first is about fifth-grader Arlo Moore and his attempt to become famous by getting into the 'Guinness Book of World Records' by eating the most bananas. Soon his sister and his friends also become involved in the record setting."</li> <li> The article notes that Tom Birdseye is a Danville High School graduate and that when he was in college he double-majored in architecture and elementary education. The article notes: "A former middle school teacher, Birdseye writes children's books. His themes have included divorce, waiting for a new sibling and losing a tooth. His family moved to Danville in 1965. His father, the late Irving Birdseye was pastor of First Presbyterian Church. His mother, Mary Hughes Birdseye, still lives in Danville. ... He taught school for six years in Oregon, where he read to his students every day. ... Birdseye and his wife, Debbie, and daughters Kelsey, 6, and Amy, 2, recently moved to Arizona. His 'Waiting for Baby' grew out of Kelsey's expectations while the family waited for Amy to arrive."</li> <li> The article notes: "However, Birdseye's first book was the chapter book, 'I'm Going to be Famous.' At the time he was teaching fifth grade, and more attuned to chapter books. ... Another of his books is his version of a story about a forgetful boy that his dad told on camping trips. Yet another was triggered by his daughter's attempt at making bread for dinner to surprise the family. His newest book, 'Oh Yeah,' was inspired by his daughters camping in the backyard."</li> <li>Keating, Kevin. (1995-03-31). "Teacher returns as author. Former instructor enthralls students with his own tales" (pages 1 and 2). The Spokesman-Review. Archived from the original (pages 1 and 2) on 2020-03-24. Retrieved 2020-03-24. – via Newspapers.com. The article notes: "Turning elementary students on to reading and writing isn't always easy. But Tom Birdseye, a former Sandpointer teacher turned children's author, had no trouble Thursday. ... Birdseye formerly taught kindergarten children at Washington Elementary and has written 11 books since 1982. He was back Thursday to help demystify the writing process for kids."</li> <li> The article notes: "Who: Tom Birdseye Hometown: Corvallis, though he's a native of Durham, N.C. Latest accolade: Last month Birdseye was awarded the Oregon Library Association's Evelyn Sibley Lampman Award, given to an Oregon author, educator or librarian who has made a significant contribution in the areas of children's literature and/or library service in Oregon. This is the state's most notable children's library service award. Family matters: Birdseye is married to Debbie Holsclaw; they have two daughters. Typical day: 'I'm an early bird, up at 5:45 a.m. and in my office at 6 a.m. -- it's in the back of the house. I write for six to seven hours a day. Beyond that, I'm toast.'"</li> <li> The article notes: "Tom Birdseye, author of 17 books including 'Tarantula Stories' and 'I'm Going to be Famous,' visited Natcher Elementary School on Friday to teach students that life experiences - whether their own or other people's - can be things that resurface in a story later on. ... The author, who graduated from Western Kentucky University and now lives in Corvallis, Ore., most recently wrote a book titled 'Attack of the Mutant Underwear,' which Natcher students and faculty honored by wearing boxer shorts outside their pants all day Friday. The inspiration for the book came from an embarrassing incident in Birdseye's childhood involving a department store dressing room and an untimely opening of the door, which led to a girl seeing Birdseye in his underwear."</li> <li> The article notes: "His name is Tom Birdseye and he lives in Oregon and he was a teacher until he turned 30 and decided to write children's books. That was 29 years ago and he's written 18 of them since then. He's working on 19 and 20. He came to Lincoln to spend the week talking about writing at Roper."</li> <li> The article notes: "A story written especially for our younger readers. When Tom Birdseye was a kid, he was a lousy speller, his favorite subject was recess and he got into big trouble for talking too much. But he loved to hear his dad tell stories over the campfire, especially a favorite tale called 'The Forgetful Boy.' 'I liked it because it was about a kid even more forgetful than me,' he says. When Birdseye grew up he became a teacher and retold the story to his students, until it grew and grew and one day turned into a book called 'Soap! Soap! Don't Forget the Soap!' This year Nebraska kids voted Birdseye's as their favorite young children's tale, and they honored him in Lincoln Friday with one of three Nebraska Golden Sower Awards."</li> </ol>

There is sufficient coverage in reliable sources to allow Tom Birdseye to pass Notability, which requires "significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject". Cunard (talk) 07:56, 24 March 2020 (UTC)</li></ul>


 * The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the debate. <b style="color:red">Please do not modify it.</b> Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review). No further edits should be made to this page.