Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard/Archive 111

The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy article
Hey there! user:ch2017 posted about this a few weeks ago, but it looks like it's already been archived. I'm one of her colleagues, and I'm helping her out because I've used Wikipedia in the past.

Basically, both of us have a COI. (I explained mine on my talk page, but I'm basically part of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's communications team and I was asked to help update the EERE article.) The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy article hasn't really been updated in 9 years, when I last updated this page under user:elispen. At the time, I did what I'm doing now: I posted on the COI/N board, where someone offered to review my draft. When it was good to go, they posted it to EERE for me.

user:ch2017's original draft was deleted for copyright issues, so I heavily edited it, checked all the sources, and made sure everything was cited. I also removed a lot of non-neutral language.

So here's my question: could you point me in the right path? The EERE talk page is pretty dead, so posting there hasn't gotten the drafts any attention. Where can I find someone to review my draft? My colleague tried sending it to AFC (through the submission button in the sandbox), but I'm not quite sure if that's the right way to go to update an existing article.

My draft's here.

Thanks for your help! Es2017 (talk) 20:10, 31 January 2017 (UTC)


 * , there's a specific template you can use to call attention to your draft on the article's talk page. The instructions are  here. Once you've done that, it will show up on the requested edits list. Unfortunately, there's a bit of a backlog, but this gets the attention of editors who might not have visited the article's talk page. Thanks for asking! BlackcurrantTea (talk) 15:34, 3 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I just pinged on the EERE talk page that I would help bring in the draft + more info. --M ASEM  (t) 15:41, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

Brian Skerry


Editor appears to admit to COI here (although not logged in at the time). The article isn't too bad, and the subject may be notable, but many of the sources are not independent (subject's employer Nat Geo) and parts are unsourced or overly promotional. I already removed an "Awards" section. This article could use a good neutrality check, which I don't have the time for right now. Kendall-K1 (talk) 16:20, 30 January 2017 (UTC)


 * I guess I should add that the article has been around for several years, but was recently almost entirely replaced by new content written by this editor, who is apparently an employee of the article's subject. Kendall-K1 (talk) 02:50, 31 January 2017 (UTC)

Block request
I'd like to request a block. Can I do that here or should I go to ANI?


 * Margor replaces old article content with a new article including poorly sourced Awards section:
 * I remove the awards section:
 * I ask Margor if he has a COI, and he appears to reply that he is a paid editor:
 * I put a COI notice on Margor's talk page:
 * In response to questions, I leave a welcome template and try to point Margor to appplicable policies:
 * Margor continues to edit directly, restoring the Awards section and removing the COI template:
 * Margor has yet to fully disclose his COI.

Kendall-K1 (talk) 17:07, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

Kendall-K1 I never replied that to you! (and he appears to reply that he is a paid editor): Brian Skerry was interviewed (no paid) in order to have sufficient content for this entry.

And again, who else would be able to provide relevant details? Someone completely unfamiliar with Brian Skerry? Correct?

From you: That means we need to be able to point to some published source where we got the material.

Please, look at references! Every sentence in Awards has published source! Margor.88 (talk) 17:21, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

This one seems straightforward: Only 20 edits, yet
 * producing two fully-formed articles in their sandbox in one edit then moving them into mainspace.
 * Pamela Meyer Ph.D
 * Athletic conditioning
 * creating a redundant article Athletic conditioning as a shell for an obvious advert (see if you can spot it)
 * pumping up a few other low-notability articles created by other editors
 * Playspace - concept promoted by Pamela Meyer Ph.D, above
 * Created by : 32 edits, last on 2011-09-09, all on this article
 * Also, contributions by (22 edits) and  (9 edits). The latter contributed a graphic; a quick Google search shows that "Brandy Agerback" is an associate of Pamela Meyer, and does graphic work for her.
 * C. John Wilder
 * Created by :	36 edits, last 2012-07-29, all related to this article
 * Jesus Christ Only TV
 * Created by 49 edits, but still active, but that's a different rabbit hole.

--Calton | Talk 03:43, 4 February 2017 (UTC)

ArchitectureNerd
, based on the articles created, seems to be a paid editor. What's baffling is the edit histories, which seem to a show a chain of moves from sandbox to a series of new and unrelated titles. Can anyone tell me what's going on there?

In any case, the articles in question are: --Calton | Talk 12:28, 26 January 2017 (UTC)
 * Better Dwelling
 * Lisa Campbell
 * Caimeiju
 * Women Grow
 * MobileSyrup
 * Brian Gluckstein


 * Maybe I'm missing something, but it looks like they just recycled their sandbox, a common practice. FYI I fixed your link to the user to show userlinks instead of article links. --Krelnik (talk) 16:33, 26 January 2017 (UTC)


 * was I not suppose to use my sandbox for starting articles? I figured writing a decent amount before moving it to a live article made more sense. ArchitectureNerd (talk) 22:33, 29 January 2017 (UTC)
 * - as far as I can tell your sandbox use is just fine, I was explaining it to above. They seem to think you may be a paid editor, are you? If so there are some disclosure things you need to do, see WP:PAID for detials. If not, please excuse the intrusion! --Krelnik (talk) 14:45, 3 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Okay, cool - thanks! I'm most definitely not a paid editor. From the sounds of it these accusations seem fairly routine, so I don't mind the intrusion at all. Is there anything I can do to help prove I'm not, or do I just wait until Wiki admins hand down a decision? Thanks btw. ArchitectureNerd (talk) 23:12, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

Nope, not buying it. It's an assembly-line process that also serves to obscure the creation of new articles. For a new editor, you've gotten pretty good at cranking out a series of low-notability, thinly sourced, puffed-up, and promotional articles on an odd assortment of topics: a marijuana activist and her organization, two blogs, an interior decorator, and a California property-sales website specializing in Chinese properties. --Calton | Talk 03:48, 4 February 2017 (UTC)

Jason Pontin
My previous investigation into the years of COI editing led to the page being significantly scaled back by editors. I since noticed the editing allegations have since been disputed, however this seems unlikely to me when they are reviewed both individually and contextually. Since then, significant edits have restored the content without COI being disclosed. Deku-shrub (talk) 12:56, 29 January 2017 (UTC)
 * New editor, seems to have really, really similar editing habits and interests & is expanding this article, maybe what you meant by "restored content". - Brianhe (talk) 21:33, 29 January 2017 (UTC)
 * I am not . I have never edited a Wiki page from Washington DC or Virginia. My disagreements with Aubrey de Grey are irrelevant to the notability of my page - and it's odd that Deku-shrub (talk) should bring them up. In terms of COI, I did not "restore" anything deleted by editors, but provided the citations that Deku-shrub (talk) demanded. I clearly meet the standards of notability as the editor in chief and publisher of the world's oldest technology publication MIT Technology Review, a veteran writer and editor, the Chairman of the MIT Enterprise Forum, and the founder of Solve. Many less famous writers and editors, leading much smaller publications have pages. Jpontin (talk)
 * It is never a good idea to edit the article on oneself--as this demonstrates. The way to improve one's article is to make suggestions on the article talk page. Anything else inevitably raises the suspicion of improper editing.  DGG ( talk ) 05:57, 4 February 2017 (UTC)

Daniele Trevisani


Daniele Trevisani is an independent researcher, consultant and 'freelance coach'. I happened to notice that he was referred to by name in a dozen or so Wikipedia articles, often (but not always) referencing ebooks published by 'Medialab Research', which a few minutes of googling shows is a self publishing company set up by Trevisani. A couple of examples: one and two.

Every one of these references was inserted by User:Culturalresearch. The majority of that users edits are about Trevisani. Culturalresearch also started a Wikibook at Book:Basic_Concepts_for_Human_Factor_and_Team_Training_in_Extreme_Environments which says the article selection is by Dr. Daniele Trevisani. I have removed all these references, save the Wikibook.

I've just been notified that Culturalresearch has been writing to third parties (here and here) that by doing so I have been destroying the mission of Wikipedia. I'm bringing this here to see if I was indeed off-base on this one. - MrOllie (talk) 15:08, 3 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Thanks for bringing out this issue. I am a Fulbright Scholar Award receiver (back in 1989) for Intercultural Communication Research, an now an independent researcher and a writer. My books are publicly visible here https://www.amazon.com/Daniele-Trevisani/e/B00J78K9H0 - I have a 30+ years backgrond of research, and I thought good to contribute, so I made hundreds of contributions in Wikipedia, in fields such as semiotics, communication, management, human potential, strategic sciences, and others, sometimes a single character, correcting a misspelled world, and sometimes completely rewriting and adding sections to voices such as "Human Potential" that did not take into account any European perspective. I contributed about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Potential_Movement#Human_Potential_in_Europe. I always thought that openness to a diversity of sources was in the interes of wikipedia readers and future generations. The right to know is the main right for future generations. If out of hundreds of contributions I happened to quote (repeat, quote, nothing else, following any wikipedia rule on quoting) some brief extracts from books published by Franco Angeli (main Italian publisher in social science and management in Italy), and Medialab Research (small independent publisher active only in social science) or other research where my work is cited, I wish to know what is the main guiding principle: try to contribute or not to contribute? Where is the threshold bewtweeen not writing an article since you are a researcher that contributed to that article, such as here
 * My research on intercultural communication started in 1988 and since then, it is quoted in hundreds of thesis, books, research articles, mainly in latin america and spanish speaking countries, such as here. But not only, my works have been cited 281 times in research and books according to Google Scholar, is it forbidden for me to share that research at any level? Shall I feel guilty for having done research?


 * Is wikipedia better off now that MrOllie deleted my contributions and my possibility to contribute on topics where I have knowledge that can be useful to wikipedia users first of all? Please check with your own eyes, really carefully, if they were contributions or not. Thanks for your attention --Culturalresearch (talk) 17:11, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

No, you were right on the money, Ollie. I'll leave it to more qualified people to decide what to do with Mr. Promo here. 2600:1017:B021:C0D4:AAD0:D736:8B47:9A7E (talk) 23:47, 3 February 2017 (UTC)

I saw this case based on 's post at the Teahouse. I don't have experience at WP:COI, but I remember a case at Galileo affair where an Italian professor requested that we add two of his articles to a bibliography. After some comment by and  we added the articles to the bibliography, and 1-2 sentences of relevant text to the article. I liked that approach because the professor's work was relevant and they weren't pushy about it.

In this case I'm afraid the additions look more like promotion. I think Culturalresearch should agree to stop editing on any topic related to themselves, stop citing themselves in any way, or should not edit Wikipedia at all. -Darouet (talk) 23:58, 3 February 2017 (UTC)


 * In general the acceptable way to add references to one's own published work is to suggest it on the talk page of an article, are similarly. It's very difficult to be objective over whether one's own work is sufficiently important to be added. This would be especially true if it is self-published!  DGG ( talk ) 04:21, 4 February 2017 (UTC)

It's probably also worth mentioning that User:Explorerplainstone seems to have a similar editing pattern with regard to this subject (and their user page addition is very similar to that of Culturalresearch. I was about to file an SPI but figured mentioning it here first was better. Chrissymad  ❯❯❯  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯  13:55, 4 February 2017 (UTC)

Adel Gholami
Anybody else find it suspicious that a new account produces this article with basically one single edit? I don't know much about sports, so staying away from it, just thought I'd mention it here. --Randykitty (talk) 13:16, 4 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Normally, I would, but there has been an article on him at the Persian Wikipedia since 2014 . It may have been just a translation of that. Note also that the English is rather poor in places, e.g. and . Normally, paid-for articles are a bit better in that respect. Voceditenore (talk) 11:18, 6 February 2017 (UTC)

Phil Ligrani


Academic autobiography, with WP:OWNERSHIP issues. Account has received COI warnings several times over the course of more than five years. The article needs attention from objective editors. 2601:188:1:AEA0:6D90:86ED:97C4:6554 (talk) 06:55, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I've re-written this and will keep it on watch. See my comments at Talk:Phil Ligrani. Voceditenore (talk) 15:24, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Thank you very much. And yes, given the subject's involvement, this needs to be watched. 2601:188:1:AEA0:9C72:D001:B02E:25B8 (talk) 19:10, 7 February 2017 (UTC)

Jon F. Vein


Article's subject has WP:OWNERSHIP issues, primarily with persistent addition of unsourced and/or promotional content. This may require article protection. 2601:188:1:AEA0:9C72:D001:B02E:25B8 (talk) 22:44, 7 February 2017 (UTC)

Pharmavite
A recent edit to the above article jumped out at me from my watchlist, but I do not have any time to look into it. Could someone experienced with these things take a look? Thanks, Josh Milburn (talk) 02:41, 8 February 2017 (UTC)


 * It looks a bit promotional to me, and it's their only edit. I put a notice about COI policies and a link to this noticeboard on their talk page. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 06:09, 8 February 2017 (UTC)

Lucy Dodd


Reviewing the article, a COI tag had already been put on article. More than 95% of the article has been created by User talk:Davidlewisgallery. I'm not quite sure what to do. It might already be reported. scope_creep (talk) 20:49, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I don't think the article is notable. It concerns a new artist. Can't see how she can be notable scope_creep (talk) 20:52, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Hello Scope creep. I've taken the liberty of fixing the article and user links in your notice above. I had a look at the article, and note that she has had several exhibitions, two of them reviewed in the New York Times, and at least one in Art in America which indicates a fair amount of notability. However, the main editor needs to change their user name per WP:CORPNAME. Voceditenore (talk) 16:07, 10 February 2017 (UTC)
 * That's cool. I'm glad something worthy has came out of it, an article about somebody that involves creativity, that most sublime talent. scope_creep (talk) 16:37, 10 February 2017 (UTC)

Johnvr4 and Beacham Theatre


Hello, I am an editor of Beacham Theatre and am in discussion(s) (3 of them to be exact) at WP:ELN and two other places. I am being falsely accused of WP:SOAP and promoting X (plus Y and Z) when submitting arguments supporting additions of relevant external links to that entry that aid in understanding for the reader. I have pointed out that these accusations are without merit and uncivil yet they persist as the primary argument against inclusion of the links in question WP:IAR being another argument for exclusion. Several links are being debated. How does one prove that they are not promoting (X, Y, or Z) and seek another opinion for clarification on the matter? For example does this the link increase the understanding of the reader of this statement at the entry Thank you.

Example: "The late nights at the Beacham featured DJs, beat matching, rare and obscure dance music on vinyl records, intelligent lighting, and themed decor that at times included original paintings by local artist Rollo."

External link: Blacklight art by Rollo via The Orlando Weekly "Then and now: Orlando's legendary EDM culture" Johnvr4 (talk) 18:35, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * WP:FORUMSHOPPING. Theroadislong (talk) 20:08, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * WP:Local consensusWP:UCEPE Johnvr4 (talk) 20:48, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * If I thought there was a strong COI case, I would have notified you. I didn't, so there are no accusations relevant to this noticeboard.
 * I already asked if you want an explanation for what I meant. The offer is still open. --Ronz (talk) 21:11, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * @user:Ronz Sure I'll listen to any clarifying explanations. For the record, It was not just one editor and I interpreted the "comments" as accusations that I was connected, intending to promote (X, Y, or Z), or worse had been paid to do it.  That is is why I came here. I thought they could check it out with a tool or something...  The page was my labor of love for history about a building-even (or especially) the very ugly parts of it which no one would ever consider a promotion. I did an architecture report in college in the 1990s that only touched on history. Someone there over 25 years ago gave me copies from a box of of papers they inherited.  Now that I edit WP, I gathered my old notes, sources online, and in local archives and started editing. That is my connection. Johnvr4 (talk) 21:52, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the background. WP:SOAP introduces distinctions between encyclopedic vs promotional content. Wikipedia has rather massive efforts to curtail the problems of promotional content, of which this noticeboard is a part. When someone adds a link to the work of a non-notable figure (Rollo in this case) to an article where that figure's work has only the briefest of mention (it's not even clearly referenced in this case), then that link will likely be removed as promoting a non-notable figure's work who has only tangential relevance to the topic of the article. An editor that adds many such links will likely face being blocked for adding promotional material.
 * I think we should wrap up this discussion, but I wanted to give you some response. --Ronz (talk) 22:24, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * That seems to be another place where you have gone off the rails. The above link is not to a Rollo web site (if there even is one) or about rollo It has one pic of his art directly relating to the subject or the entry. The link is to a slideshow about Aahz and the cultural significance it created.  Aahz is the Alternate name and reason for the international notability of the Beacham.  The link goes to a feature about subculture that late night at the Beacham theater (AKA Aahz) spawned.  The feature explains: "Explore the roots of Orlando's thriving EDM culture by reading our cover story Dance dance revolution, an oral history of all-night raves, legendary DJs and other important ways that Orlando's '90s dance culture majorly influenced EDM as we know it today.  The pics simply accompany the source article Then and now: Orlando’s legendary EDM culture and each pic (there are several Aahz-related images) has a caption with how it relates to the main article which is cited in the current entry.  Those photos add to the understanding of the reader. For example: what was rollo art? Where did the name "Egypt" or "Unity" for the Beacham come from etc.
 * Perhaps you should have posted your explanation here: WP:ELN instead of the WP:TENDENTIOUS edits that you did post in lieu of discussion, a simple answer, or any semblance of a quality argument supporting your position here: and here: .  Johnvr4 (talk) 15:26, 10 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I doubt you'll get anyone to agree with you, much less gain consensus. --Ronz (talk) 15:41, 10 February 2017 (UTC)
 * You've forgotten that consensus is based on the quality of an argument. Like this one:
 * "...Those Saturday nights -- eventually known as "Aahz"-- would kick-start an underground culture and spawn countless DJ careers. Orlando would never be the same...By 1991-1992, Orlando experienced its own "summer of love" through the culture that sprang up around the weekend acid-house nights at the Beacham Theater presided over by Collins and Dave Cannalte, and nurtured by Beacham promoter StaceBass... From then on the crowds would refer to the Beacham as "Aahz" no matter what the owners called it."
 * Your subjective opinions and WP:TENDENTIOUS WP:POINTs in place of valid discussion have zero merit in determining consensus. Your WP:VOTE does not count. It is irrelevant. Johnvr4 (talk) 18:05, 10 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Am I promoting? If so, what? And How? (manual sign) 18:39, 10 February 2017 (UTC) JohnVR4
 * Can I suggest that you stop being so aggressive and start assuming good faith, you are a single purpose account with no other editors currently supporting your tendentious edits, Wikipedia works on consensus and you clearly do not have it. Theroadislong (talk) 22:54, 10 February 2017 (UTC)

Showstudio.com
Someone take care of this. Please and thank you. Timothy Joseph Wood 14:20, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I've nominated it for speedy deletion as spam--it's been an advert since its first version in 2007. I think deletion is a longshot, so I'll also ask for page protection, since it's being deluged with promotional content by multiple users. 2601:188:1:AEA0:65F5:930C:B0B2:CD63 (talk) 14:38, 9 February 2017 (UTC)


 * You can add Nick Knight (photographer) and User:Pookylee to the list. Fairly obviously either people from the company or someone they hired. A promo block would be super duper. Both accounts are ad only par excellence. Timothy Joseph Wood  15:11, 9 February 2017 (UTC)


 * , Thanks for that, but still one more to clean up. Timothy Joseph Wood  15:19, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * hasn't edited after you told them about COI and disclosure. They should have a chance to follow policy before a block is levied. --Neil N  talk to me 15:22, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Meh. Obvious paid editing farm is obvious, but whatever works. Timothy Joseph Wood  15:26, 9 February 2017 (UTC)


 * FMI, already been declined for G11, just FYI. Timothy Joseph Wood  15:41, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * It's at AfD. Prognosis doesn't look good for the patient. - Brianhe (talk) 23:54, 10 February 2017 (UTC)

SonarQube
I work for SonarSource SA, the company behind SonarQube.

Unaware of the COI policy, I edited the SonarQube page this morning to remove most of the egregiously outdated information.

Two outdated points remain: the "Live SonarQube instance" URL should be updated from http://nemo.sonarsource.org to https://sonarqube.com. The site has been renamed, although there is a redirect in place for now.

Also, the screenshot in the summary box is outdated. I've attached a more current one.

Ideally, someone would make these changes for me.

BTW, I've no idea whether this is the right place to post these additional requests (in addition to the initial request for forgiveness) but I can't quite make out from the instructional page what I'm supposed to post on the relevant Talk page. Ganncamp (talk) 19:33, 6 February 2017 (UTC)
 * You may find the plain and simple COI guide helpful. I left a note on your talk page and added a template to the article's talk page. I'm having problems reaching http://sonarqube.com, so maybe someone else here can help with that change. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 08:55, 7 February 2017 (UTC)

Sorry BlackcurrantTea (talk), I got the protocol wrong. It should be httpS://sonarqube.com. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ganncamp (talk • contribs) 14:27, 7 February 2017 (UTC)

All taken care of. I think this can be closed. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 00:14, 11 February 2017 (UTC)

Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers


New article created by a user with similar username hinting at COI. User has not responded to COI messages on talkpage. At the least, this article needs scrutiny of the total of six sources used, three of which include the group's Facebook page, website, and press kit. Brianhe (talk) 23:31, 3 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I removed one particularly inappropriate section. I think there is some genuine notability for some of the people, but the bio sections on the others should be removed also. I leave it to those who know more about the genre.  DGG ( talk ) 04:24, 4 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I removed the marketing links to Amazon. The rest will be difficult because it relies on primary sources and has no inline citations. Almost requires a complete re-write. Kendall-K1 (talk) 14:45, 6 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I am new to Wikipedia, and need more info on this COI issue. I would like to make the improvements with any of your help. Before it is deleted, I would be happy to make any changes to help it be in line with the rules of the site. I am Alyssa Brewer, Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers' publicist. I feel that I should have the biggest right to compose their Wikipedia page. Please advise me on how to do so correctly, and we will have no more problems. — Preceding unsigned comment added by AlyssaBrewer103 (talk • contribs) 22:11, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * An identical version of this article was deleted last week as spam and for copyright violations. I've nominated it again. The above claim, I am Alyssa Brewer, Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers' publicist. I feel that I should have the biggest right to compose their Wikipedia page. well summarizes the problems here. 2601:188:1:AEA0:9C72:D001:B02E:25B8 (talk) 22:28, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * To whom it may concern, since everyone is completely overly critiquing the Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers page and you have nothing but time..I challenge you to check my facts on the page and see if you can write a better article. Do your research and verify all my info. As I can assure you it is all genuine and verifiable. The page is not finished. All that is currently listed does not even tip the iceberg on what they have done on their 37 active years in the music business. Why would anyone waste the time to publish false information. Please understand a lot of time and effort went into this article, and it is specifically done for the band's fans to be able to read about their favorite Bluegrass band. I have added certain things that were asked for. Thank you, and I hope we can work this out without having to delete it. AlyssaBrewer103 (talk)


 * Now a new account has popped up and removed the templates, including speedy deletion. I'll ask for page protection, and when this is done I'd recommend a sock puppet check. 2601:188:1:AEA0:9C72:D001:B02E:25B8 (talk) 03:56, 8 February 2017 (UTC)
 * What is a sock puppet check? And can you take the speedy deletion box be taken down? There is no material in the article that I can see that is questionable. I will check again. There are now 17 citations or so, and the warnings are still there. There are plenty of Wiki pages linked and a lot of citations citing info to reliable sites. I checked each and every one. I do believe that the page is a great project, and whoever is helping me knows their stuff. If you could please respond to my comments, I would greatly appreciate it. I am feeling quite harrassed for this is my first time ever doing a page or editing one. The people in this thread are stating vague reasons without giving the specific content that is a red flag. Instead of threatening to delete it (for unknown reasons to a new user) please just give me the help and time I need. AlyssaBrewer103 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 04:12, 8 February 2017 (UTC)
 * In brief: Sock and meat puppeting refers to editors using multiple accounts, or having friends edit sympathetically, either to avoid being blocked or to give an appearance of greater numbers. As for the sources--many that you added appear to link to the group's website, which is a promotional vehicle and not a reliable source. Most of the prose is indeed promotional in tone, and most of the editing bears the print of conflict of interest. As well, much of what's there is a copyright violation. All of this is explained by the warning templates. The problem is that thus far no administrator has deleted this blatant press release. Many new editors mistake Wikipedia for a promotional venue; that is the case here. The reasons this has been nominated for deletion are eminently clear, as they were when this was deleted a week ago. 2601:188:1:AEA0:9C72:D001:B02E:25B8 (talk) 04:22, 8 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Such a waste of time. Congratulations you have been no help. We need no help with extra promotional vehicles. There are no copyright violations for I am the representation of this band, and Gary Brewer owns all of his content. A band's website is their most reliable source for info because AS YOU SAY it is a promotional vehicle. They make a living from this, and they couldn't do that if any of it were untrue. Please go ahead and delete my account and anything you want. I am done working on it, and I know you will delete it anyways. AlyssaBrewer103 (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 06:28, 8 February 2017 (UTC)
 * There are several messages on your talk page that point you to the various Wikipedia policies that are relevant here. If you refuse to read them I don't know what else we can do to help you. Kendall-K1 (talk) 14:23, 8 February 2017 (UTC)

Opang Jamir
The username suggests it is used by two people (Opang and Metsubo Jamir), that created 10 of the 36 sources of the article. The remaining sources appear like they are not independent. The article is about one of the two people operating the account, that allegedly won a contest, whose article was deleted for lack of notability. I've started an AfD to delete the article and I've got already 1 vote for delete, that stated the account was a "WP:SPA", i.e. a single purpose account. The "single purpose" of the account is creating an autobiography, and this is a conflict of interest. Luis150902 (talk | contribs) 15:24, 25 January 2017 (UTC)


 * This seems like a pretty clear COI. The user continues to edit the article, and has not engaged either here, at his talk page, or on the article talk page. Kendall-K1 (talk) 00:09, 29 January 2017 (UTC)
 * Thanks for voting delete. The deletion was unopposed, the article got deleted and the user got indeffed with the block summary . The account's single purpose is creating an autobiography. Luis150902 (talk | contribs) 13:01, 6 February 2017 (UTC)

Hum TV related articles and template




With the exception of two edits to Geronimo Stilton by Humtvdramaedit, all edits by both users have related to Hum TV. received a COI notice on 4 February. I posted one for  a little while ago. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 04:23, 13 February 2017 (UTC)

AnEditorNameA


User has been referred to WP:COI by User:Meters and I multiple times but has not disclosed or responded at all. User makes promotional articles about heads of the design company Design Within Reach, and in several cases has made disruptive edits to already existing pages, or has hijacked a page such as John Edelman, in order to subvert New Page review. On both pages about people when looking at the pictures provided, they claim that they are the owner of the images(here and here); it is their "own work", which provides more evidence. User:GabetheEditor (talk) 22:14, 1 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I was thinking of opening this myself. I believe "reverted" in the first sentence should read "referred". [fixed, no longer needed] The user in question has recently stated that he is not being paid for the edits, but has not addressed COI fully.. See Articles for deletion/John G. Edelman. More comments later. Meters (talk) 22:28, 1 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Likewise - I also placed a Conflict of Interest template on the talk page of this editor. A new editor creating articles about one specific company and their senior staff - definitely not typical of a new editor and a sure sign of a conflict of interest. Assuming Good Faith is a noble thing, but common sense overrides all. Exemplo347 (talk) 22:56, 1 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Corrected the linked article from John McPhee to John McPhee (entrepreneur) Meters (talk) 08:49, 2 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Yup. my AGF is done. This appears to be a COI editor, and despite his denial, quite possibly a paid one. There is also an attempt to move an existing article out of the way so that a new article could take its title, an attempt to highjack an article, and a very strong possibility of socking in an attempt to derail an AFD,
 * A new editor, AnEditorNameA, changed a redirect into a promotional company article complete with copyvio material from a PR source. The editor restored copyvio material and promotional material after it was removed. Linked to the article from existing articles Rob Forbes and Herman Miller (manufacturer). Created promo articles on senior staff John G. Edelman and John McPhee (entrepreneur) and linked the various articles. (Note that he first tried to cut and paste John Edelman out of the way to John Edelman (Baseball) and when that was undone simply tried to highjack the article ). When John McPhee (entrepreneur) was put up for a promo speedy within minutes an IP (User:50.74.232.106 ) with zero previous edits (and no subsequent edits) quickly showed up to contest the speedy. Fair enough, the speedy was quickly declined, and it could have been an unintentional edit while logged out, but when the article was taken to AFD, a new account User:Designtime1225 was created and made exactly two edits: adding an "OLD AFD" template to the talk page falsely claiming that the AFD had closed as KEEP, and then removing the AFD template from the article . This aggressive defense smacks of paid editing. Meters (talk) 08:53, 2 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SPI WP:Sockpuppet investigations/AnEditorNameA initiated. More comments there are welcome. - Brianhe (talk) 17:33, 2 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Question It appears that the people here are waiting for action at SPI, instead of taking action themselves. Is that accurate? If so, it's silly. Exemplo347 (talk) 09:54, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I think it's just a matter of COIN being backed up. We've only got a couple of admins who are active now. Kendall-K1 (talk) 19:37, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SPI unsurprising results; account is now indef blocked. All three articles are either deleted or redirected. I think this is done now. - Brianhe (talk) 05:34, 13 February 2017 (UTC)

SpotOption


A person announcing themselves as the marketing director for this binary options company is WP:OWNing the article. First as an IP that geolocates to the company, then with a registered account a few minutes later to make identical deletion of sourced content. Both appearing to be at work wikiwashing the content. Because of WP:REALNAME I believe their claim to work for the outfit. Admin intervention may be required. -Brianhe (talk) 16:06, 13 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Yes, their statement "The description was erroneous. As the VP Marketing director of the company, only my description should be valid. (Tag: references removed)" was a bit much. Keep watching. SpotOption is the back-end behind most of the binary option industry, including Banc De Binary, an area where we've had huge COI problems.. John Nagle (talk) 00:55, 14 February 2017 (UTC)
 * At first I thought we were being trolled, the claim was so over the top. *shrug* -- Brianhe (talk) 01:25, 14 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Now we are getting legal threats from a brand new SPA . Really could use an admin here. - Brianhe (talk) 16:35, 14 February 2017 (UTC)

SpotOption is closely linked to Banc De Binary, either as SO's formerly largest customer, or having BDB's CEO as one of SO's founders, or both. The rumor-mill says that BDB is just rebranding and will relocate in another place under a different name (actually I could source that, but the newspapers saying that are pretty much just speculating or giving general warnings IMHO). In any case, I can't see any place now for making fine points on Wiki rules about the binary options industry, which has huge regulatory problems now, especially when they appear to be made by COI editors.

Just to be clear on my own POV, I wrote Wikipedia Signpost/2017-02-06/Special report about Banc De Binary Smallbones( smalltalk ) 18:52, 14 February 2017 (UTC)

Smartmatic


I am a user who updates Venezuelan articles often and add to Wikipedia as I read along. I began editing the Smartmatic article for the first time months ago in October 2016 when I was introduced to the topic in my reading. I did not have any intentions as I was just adding from what I read. My edits were soon combatted by various users and sockpuppets who had connections to Smartmatic. The reason I am back here is to make sure that the article is protected from further COI edits and potential sockpuppets.

So, the user AVM has been making edits on the Smartmatic article since 2008. AVM, who said on my talk page that they are "a personal friend of its (Smartmatic's) CEO" has continued to remove sources and accuse users of having an "ill-intentioned resolve to damage the reputation of a Corporation". Following this, they removed the COI tag from the article, even though AVM was involved in the COI/Sockpuppet investigation themselves. I do not wish to have AVM blocked from Wikipedia as they have contributed to Wikipedia in many ways, though since they have a personal relationship with the CEO, I am asking for advice on how to resolve further conflicts.

As for the user E-DemSnoopy, I am curious of their intentions since they are a recently created account (27 January 2017) that was made just weeks following the ban of Smartmatic's main sockpuppet user, Smmtt (31 December 2016). Soon after their account creation, E-DemSnoopy began editing Smartimatic and editing the page of Antonio Mugica, the CEO of Smartmatic. Their edits have not been too contentious, though the timing is suspicious due to the preceding sockpuppet edits.

Knowing how deep users have gone defending Smartmatic in the past, making multiple sockpuppet accounts, I am starting this discussion to protect the article and I would be happy if my suspicions were wrong :) -- ZiaLater  ( talk  ) 04:16, 14 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Context can be gained from previous discussions re Smartmatic in archive 108 and archive 109. This article is an ongoing problem. - Brianhe (talk) 04:50, 14 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Hi  ZiaLater  I am quite surprised you are actually bringing me into all this discussion. First, I have no personal connection with Smartmatic or its CEO, so to leave that clear from the beginning. Second, I am sorry that I started editing when you had an ongoing investigation, it might seem bad timing for you, but I did not realize that was a problem. Then, I know I am a new editor and because I know how intimidating and harsh other editors can be, I read all the available guidelines and materials about WP before starting, so I have to say I feel a bit attacked to be mentioned here without reliable arguments. Just above our lines, we can read: "This page should only be used when ordinary talk page discussion has been attempted and failed to resolve the issue, such as when an editor has repeatedly added problematic material over an extended period." and "Be careful not to out other editors. Wikipedia's policy against harassment takes precedence over the COI guideline." I seriously think you have not respected neither of those guidelines with me. I just asked to improve a questionable reference cited over 10 times -supporting serious facts- in just one article (and that it does not have a link!) and I then took the time to write in the talk page, asking with my best intentions, for help (I am sorry, but I do believe there are some of us who want to start editing Wikipedia without secret agendas, and who want to actually discuss the disagreements on talk pages before coming here).
 * I have not repeatedly added problematic material over an extended period (nor in the Smartmatic or Mugica articles, electronic voting, eDemocracy, eGovernment, Estonia elections, that are the articles I have come across to edit so far, because of my interests), so please I would very much appreciate it if you first approach me as a fellow WP editor (in talk pages, assuming good faith as I do with you and the rest of the community).
 * Moreover, and concerning the Smartmatic article, after I read it and found it lacking of valuable information I decided I could collaborate with some editions, and then I saw all the conflicts going on in the talk page. I am the kind of person who likes challenges, so you got me there. Even if all your edits have been to add negative references to this organisation (which I do not think violates WP policies, except maybe for encouraging some of other editors to balance the content and achieve a NPV on the article); I got curious (as you say) about why you created the article of its CEO (living person), and that's why I went to research further and make some editions (not deleting anything, just adding). I am sorry, but I will keep on researching about these topics (events, organisations public and private working on eDemocracy) and when possible I will try to keep adding references and balanced content. It is a fact, the more people try to unbalance an article, the more editors will come to edit. I surely will. If you want to tag me as COI or sockpuppet, I will try my best to explain to you and other wikipedians and monitors why I am not and I hope they do assume good faith and check the editions and references.
 * Just to let you know, not every person who edits the Smartmatic article has a conflict of interest, but then, would you mind if I ask whether you do? Thank you. (Ps. I wrote in the talk page of the article, to see if we can reach a consensus on the one reference I challenged. Sorry, I thought that was the proper path to follow in WP). E-DemSnoopy (talk) 12:25, 14 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Not accusing you of anything and not trying to out you. I just wanted to make sure that users editing the article were not just popping in out of nowhere, I've seen it happened. Don't be offended by it at all, especially if you're not guilty you shouldn't have to worry. I wanted to raise the concern since Smartmatic has been controversial to edit for some odd reason. The sources do the talking, our interpretation should be set aside. But like I said above, I'd be happy if my suspicions are wrong, so I do have good faith but just would rather be safe than sorry.-- ZiaLater  ( talk  ) 03:47, 15 February 2017 (UTC)

Wayne Dupree


I was watching Twitter for tweets about Wikipedia and possible issues when I noticed a tweet pop up with personal information on an IP editor who had vandalized a Wikipedia page. More interestingly, the person who tweeted it was the subject of the Wikipedia article. What concerned me most is that he said "glad we're on it." I tagged a few issues with the article and then raised my concerns on the talk page, with a link to the tweet. Nearly immediately, Cllgbksr asked about it on my talk page, and I simply directed him to the talk page of the actual article. About 30 minutes later, he replied saying that the tweet had suddenly disappeared and that he couldn't see it. I was now suspicious. I looked back in history and saw that this guy had created and effectively owned the article with nearly all the edits to it by him. I'm not quite sure what to do at this point, as I've never seen something like this before, so I finally decided to post a notice here. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 21:23, 15 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I replied "almost immediately" because I noticed the tag you put on it when I was reviewing the article after editing it. I engaged you on your talk page as to why you tagged it and you redirected me back to the Dupree talk page, of which I responded for you to please check the link you provided that was the source of your "concerns", since I clicked on it and there was no tweet. You then provided me with an archive.  You tagged the article based on what now appears to be a screen shot of a tweet and is a big miss and unfounded speculation, trying to paint "me" as the "we".   You, nor I, or anyone else, has any idea who the "we" is he's referring too but him. One or several of his thousands of fans who listen to his show, could have told him about the vandalism and he assumed they fixed it and maybe he just took it upon himself to report the vandal on twitter after seeing that user in the article revision history, since anyone can access Wikipedia and view history including him.  Do you think Sean Hannity doesn't review his own article on Wikipedia and who makes revisions?  There is no "there there" on closeness...other users have contributed to the article...some more substantially than me... so your statement "created and effectively owned the article" is patently false. Last, I recently cited more secondary credible news sources re: Dupree and am in the process of creating a social media section since his tweets gain national media attention. Also, if you took the time to read the talk page history you'd see discussions with other users in this regard. So you can get off the "owned the article" talking point Cllgbksr (talk) 23:19, 15 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Let's not get too bothered about what's happened off-wiki and concentrate on the content here. What I see here though is that the first version of that article contained a lot of information that I can't find elsewhere online such as the DOB and the names of the subject's children. This is certainly indicative of a COI and while the article is now reasonably referened (apart from the DOB), I'm not seeing the kinds of sources required to meet WP:BIO and the use of a promotional biography as a source is not ideal. SmartSE (talk) 11:03, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I can clear up why his kids names, DOB and other background info was in the first version. As I explained to one of the other editors who asked my connection to Dupree when the article was being created, I was in Cleveland last summer during the RNC and interviewed Dupree for the purpose of doing an article on him (as a black conservative I find him interesting, the interview was something I wanted to do) when his radio show was covering the Republican convention.  My interview covered his background, I asked for his age (DOB) and his childrens names, his parents names, what his life was like growing up, his service in the military and his career in radio.  Standard questions any reporter would ask of the person being interviewed.  It was the first time I had met Dupree and haven't seen him since. I am not affiliated with him or his radio show in any way, shape or form.  I have experienced a lot of pushback on his WP article, which I believe is because he is a black, conservative, radio host that supports Trump. The sources are being picked apart.  I find it disturbing that after his article was vandalized, I was the person being targeted because of the contributions made to the article, I had nothing to do with his tweet, and the vandals were given a pass.  So I'm a little pissed off right now that my credibility as a neutral WP contributor is being called into question, because a "Columbo" was trying to connect dots that weren't there.  I find this to possibly be a racist, bigoted and politically motivated response from WP editors who do not approve of black conservatives and I find it highly offensive to be treated in this manner. Cllgbksr (talk) 13:54, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I don't disapprove of black conservatives. This isn't a political inquiry, nor is it based on race or anything that is not simply "the interest of Wikipedia as a whole". I would do the same thing to any Wikipedia article where the same odd activity as such occurred. Please assume good faith and do not accuse people of such things just because of a dispute. Anyway, said information violates WP:NOR (as you likely already know), and the sources were being picked apart not simply because of any "targeting" but because they have issues. I agree with on the promotional biography: I noticed it was not ideal and the fact that it is the most cited source bothers me greatly. In fact, I'd say the source is very questionable due to the seemingly promotional nature, to be honest. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 16:31, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * That biography was published by Conservative Political Action Conference. An organization that has been in existence since 1973. An organization that has enough notoriety to be on Wikipedia.  Do you have any evidence to suggest they are not a credible source? Cllgbksr (talk) 17:05, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * ...None of those are actual criteria for identifying a reliable source. As well, my point is not hindered by any of those. In fact, I'd also like to point out that since said conference has him as a speaker and has given awards to him, despite the obvious political motivation, they may also have conflicts of interest that are simply financial-wise: they may be interested in making all their speakers seem like important people so they appear to have a collection of speakers whom are all notable, so more people buy tickets. WP:V notes that "Sources that may have interests other than professional considerations in the matter being reported are considered to be conflicted sources." and they clearly may have interests other than simple professional reporting. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 17:18, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Per WP "However, reliable sources are not required to be neutral, unbiased, or objective." WP:Biased. Cllgbksr (talk) 17:32, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * In specific contexts. I would like to note that my source also quite clearly states: "Questionable sources should only be used as sources for material on themselves." This is a page on a living person, not the Conservative Political Action Conference, and therefore it should not be used as a source. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 17:39, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * You're the one labeling Conservative Political Action Conference as a questionable source. I've asked you for evidence to support they aren't a credible source for the biography they published on Dupree.  Second, re-examine what you wrote minutes ago-- "In fact, I'd also like to point out that since said conference has him as a speaker and has given awards to him, despite the obvious political motivation, they may also have conflicts of interest that are simply financial-wise: they may be interested in making all their speakers seem like important people so they appear to have a collection of speakers whom are all notable, so more people buy tickets." -- When I see the word "may" used several times that's a red flag.  Your entire argument to discredit them is based on your own subjective opinion of how you think they do business and operate. If you can find a biography that CPAC has published that was later fact checked to be false, please link me to it.  Cllgbksr (talk) 17:58, 16 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Speaker Bios are almost always written by the speaker. Even if this is a rare case where someone else wrote it, CPAC has an obvious interest in promoting their speakers. We can use it, but only like we would use any other self published source - for content that isn't particularly self-serving, and not to establish notability should the article go to a deletion discussion. - MrOllie (talk) 18:11, 16 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Should I go ahead and make edits based on this fact using WP:BLPSELFPUB as a guideline? – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 18:38, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * The article does not warrant deletion discussion. Dupree's notoriety has already been established by other sources than CPAC.  This has already been litigated on the Dupree talk page. One user being GorillaWarfare who is an administrator and arbitrator who wrote "Everything in the article is cited, and where sources affiliated with Dupree are used, I feel they're used in compliance with the guidance on primary sources."Cllgbksr (talk) 18:37, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * We are not discussing deleting the article, as far as I know. We are discussing the content of the article and how it should be edited. As well, you should remember that admins are people too and they may miss issues. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 18:42, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * GorillaWarfare was discussing some sourcing tags, not notability specifically. And with all respect to GorillaWarfare, no single user, even an admin/arb, decides if an article is notable. The sourcing on this article is really weak - the only biographical sources I see are self published, the others are either trivial mentions or instances of Dupree acting as a pundit - and simply appearing on television and giving an opinion isn't a lock on notability. I think there's a decent chance this article would be deleted if someone were to take it to AFD. This guy may well be notable, but the sourcing we have right now is not demonstrating that. As to WP:BLPSELFPUB, if you think you can make an article better, you should. Getting reverted is no big deal, and it'll give a concrete foundation for a talk page discussion. - MrOllie (talk) 18:54, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Indeed: all news sources either mention Wayne Dupree as "one of two programs by RSBN" and never more than in passing, or simply as a pundit. Simply for discussion's sake I have given names to all the sources that I think are reliable (may have missed some) with the name tag. BusIns, Politi, and SalonT simply mention him in passing due to his show being one of the original programs on RSBN. WCBMBE, CNNChr, and MSNBCa seem to only have him on due to him being a pundit: none of them have him on for more than a single episode according to the sourcing. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 19:26, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I'm going to tell you why you don't see the softball WaPo and NYT articles that Wikipedia loves to use for sourcing. Wayne Dupree is a black conservative radio host that supports Trump.  He's not going to get those articles from the media that go into a lot of depth on his background.  It's a political conflict of interest for the left leaning media. And if Breitbart writes one about him - you'll say the source isn't credible.  In the conservative world Dupree is a name that is recognized and he has interviewed a lot of notable people including our President multiple times on his radio show. I'm not the least bit shocked that "Liberalpedia" would want to delete this article.  It doesn't fit in their left leaning narrative. It's always going to be subjected to extreme scrutiny.  What cat? says it's not a black conservative thing - but I have to wonder. Of the contributions/edits I've made to other articles, articles I've read on Wikipedia more thinly sourced than this, I've never, ever seen the type of pushback this article has gotten.  Cllgbksr (talk) 19:42, 16 February 2017 (UTC)
 * If you see more thinly sourced articles then cite them. I'm editing this article because I had noticed it. I am not able to edit articles I have not seen. As well, Wikipedia is not about the truth. It's about what's verifiable. It's not our fault if the media does not talk about someone. Please assume good faith. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 19:55, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * "Please assume good faith"... Okay... Not that you need my permission, edit the article then. I will continue to work on the article to make it better. Any suggestions you may have on improving the article will be appreciated.  Cllgbksr (talk) 20:08, 16 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Well, the issue is, indeed, as I had claimed it wasn't before until brought new info to the table (sorry?), now the deletion of the article because the sources are either in passing or not enough to claim notability. Sorry that I hadn't looked into it before. I'm going to make an effort to look for some relevant, notable sources and then if all else fails, go to AfD. Hopefully someone there will have a source that I had missed if it comes to that (which it hopefully would not) so the article can stay instead of being deleted. – 🐱? (talk) (ping me!) 20:15, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Proposed closure Would anyone object if we close this thread and take the sourcing conversation to the entry's talk page since it seems like this conversation is not longer about COI? (And for my two cents, while I understand why there were COI concerns, I also accept Cllgbksr's explanation of where the unpublished information came from; it doesn't feel like COI to me, it just feels like a new editor who didn't get all the help they should have at AfC about Wikipedia sourcing standards--if you check the edit history, you'll see the entry was moved out of AfC with, even if we count generously, only a single mention in a single secondary source: so it makes sense that an editor working on their first article would take that to mean the sourcing was sufficient; they'd have no way of knowing that's really, really unusual for AfC, and likely to draw this kind of scrutiny.) Anyway all to say, we seem to be done with the COI issue yeah? Innisfree987 (talk) 20:41, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Thank you for clearing that up, I hope you can understand why it appeared suspicious and that this discussion is only out of concern for neutrality rather than anyone's race or political views. I agree that discussions about sourcing are best done elsewhere. I am also making my own searches. SmartSE (talk) 20:51, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Understood. Appreciate you looking for additional sourcing for the article.   No objection on moving to the entry talk page. Cllgbksr (talk) 21:43, 16 February 2017 (UTC)

IQ Option


This article was previously deleted at Articles for deletion/Anyoption and then recreated by User:Rrusl u, an absolutely pure SPA. The company's website has been blacklisted for spam. The article has been tagged by others as advertising, orphan, and copyvio. I removed the most obvious advertising and now have been reverted by the SPA. Smallbones( smalltalk ) 15:08, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

Hello everyone! Well, I just recovered the piece that I've been working on lately and protected it from Smallbones's act of vandalism — I have no other words to describe what he did to it. It's my first article, true, and I'm ready to improve some of its minuses, but not in such a way. This user replaced the paragraphs that appear advertising to him with judgemental and speculative subvertisements (that, above all, sound rude and not really stylistically correct) — that's all he's done. From my perspective, this article was previously deleted with no purpose and with no due attention. I tried to build it again from scratch based on all I managed to find about IQ Option on the net. All advertising, orphan, and copyvio tags should be first reviewed and justified on the article's talk page. At this point, no one has posted any evidences of advertising or copyvio and no one showed any will to discuss the issue in a positive way.Rrusl u (talk) 15:22, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

Rrusl u (talk) 15:12, 17 February 2017 (UTC)

AMCA Toronto


Created by new user the day they joined. Notwithstandng the promotional nature of their original version, the main thing is the logo. Both the source and author is, but it was uploaded to Commons on 3 Februrary this year- by User:Captcharro , thirty minures before they put it into their draft. So clearly a close connection to the company. O Fortuna! ...Imperatrix mundi.  17:42, 8 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The article was deleted at the user's request. I guess that leaves the logo at Commons, not a matter for this noticeboard. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 08:00, 18 February 2017 (UTC)

Magento


Highly promotional content being added by these two users, one with a username that implies a connection to article subject. Edgeweyes (talk) 14:15, 15 February 2017 (UTC)


 * and have also contributed to this.  wrote a related article which looks like an ad, Magestore. I've posted notifications of this discussion for all of them. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 08:37, 18 February 2017 (UTC)

Matchbox Championship


After looking over the article, which had no sources cited, I added citation needed templates and read the revision history. Upon reading the username of the person who created the article, I noticed their username was very similar to the article they had created. I used Twinkle to send a welcome message with the COI notice in it for reference on their user talk page. After returning to the article, I found that the same person who created the article, had reverted my edits for citations needed, and added more unsourced information to the article. I just finished typing a message asking why on the article talk page, and also restored the citations needed templates. After looking at this users contributions, I found that the only article they are working on, is the one they have created. See here: Contributions/Matchbox123. ActiveListener95| (˥ǝʇs Ɔɥɐʇ)    04:21, 17 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The article has been deleted . BlackcurrantTea (talk) 09:02, 18 February 2017 (UTC)

Amit Kumar (president of Honest people party) Comment


I checked the website listed on the article, and it is exactly the same name as the editors name who created the article. Upon checking this users contributions here: Special:Contributions/Amitryan there are only two articles he has contributed to. Also on his talk page, there was another similar article that was CSD:A7 that was deleted due to notability issues. ActiveListener95| (˥ǝʇs Ɔɥɐʇ)    05:26, 17 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The article has been deleted . BlackcurrantTea (talk) 09:06, 18 February 2017 (UTC)

Chain of editors
I was following up on someone something I thought might be the work of a paid/COI editor, when I began to notice connections and a pattern: an editor with few edits would create an article -- usually in a sandbox before being moved -- and a different editor (also with few edits) would expand it or even work on it while still in the other editor's sandbox. Rinse, lather, repeat. Working backwards along this chain, I found four bits of info along the way which seem particularly suspicious:


 * Lbloome adds a COI notice to the text of the Maritime Labour Convention Implementation Study. Not the talk page, by the way, the article text.
 * User:Ccioffe uses "we" and "our website" in complaining about the copyvio deletion of Frank E. Celli, and was subsequently warned about paid-editor disclosure.
 * User:JRLisk's AFC submission for Lawrence Friedhoff includes comment by by User:FoCuSandLeArN, whose history should be familiar. This last bit is mighty thin, but it still got my attention.
 * The most-recent three editors's user pages are blue, each because of a one-sentence aphorism. An odd coincidence, maybe.

A chart can be found at User:Calton/Watchlist with the connections, but the basic list of editors is:


 * 24 edits - last on 2017-02-17
 * 37 edits - last on 2017-02-17
 * User:Lbloome/sandbox/rs (Matthew Rabinowitz)
 * User:Lbloome/sandbox/sp (Gullands Solicitors - deleted as spam)
 * User:Lbloome/sandbox/pv (INTTRA)
 * User:Lbloome/sandbox/ps (Insurancewith)


 * 60 edits - last on 2017-01-18
 * User:Algernon64/sandbox/jq (major rewrite of Mark Wright (footballer, born 1963))


 * 12 edits - last on 2017-01-09
 * 15 edits - last on 2016-12-12
 * 44 edits - last on 2016-11-16
 * 66 edits - last on 2016-11-14
 * 52 edits - last on 2016-10-18
 * 7 edits - last on 2016-10-07
 * User:Moninou/sandbox (Immunexpress)
 * User:Moninou/sandbox (Immunexpress)


 * 59 edits - last on 2015-04-30
 * 4 edits - last on 2015-09-23
 * 3 edits - last on 2015-11-09

Articles are:
 * (major edits, not creation)
 * (major edits, not creation)
 * (major edits, not creation)
 * (major edits, not creation)
 * (major edits, not creation)

--Calton | Talk 09:11, 18 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Huh, it looks like someone's already opened an SPI investigation. --Calton | Talk 09:23, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Between that and the work you've done, perhaps all of them will be caught. One can hope. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 09:45, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I've noticed more related editors that are linked to one PR company:
 * (recently blocked for copyvio)
 * (included above)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * SmartSE (talk) 15:36, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

Neiyay
I blocked this user yesterday as an obvious undisclosed paid editor. Articles created / extensively edited:


 * people
 * ✅ - proposed deletion
 * ✅ - proposed deletion
 * ✅ scrubbed
 * - proposed deletion, declined by GF editor
 * ✅ - scrubbed (more may be possible)
 * ✅ - proposed deletion
 * -  probably notable due to national award
 * -  possibly notable computer scientist
 * ✅ - scrubbed by Smartse
 * ✅ - probably notable due to various coverage incl. Jakarta Post; cleanup by Smartse and Brianhe
 * corp and other
 * ✅ (in draft, previously deleted but accounts seemingly unrelated)
 * ✅ speedy
 * ✅ reverted edits
 * ✅ speedy
 * ✅ - proposed deletion
 * ✅ speedy
 * ✅ - proposed deletion

SmartSE (talk) 13:55, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Working my way through the list. Have proposed deletion of at least two of these so far. Fitria Yusuf is problematic as heavily cited to Basa Indonesia sources. Any thoughts on how to deal with it? - Brianhe (talk) 23:00, 9 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Think I'm done now with the cleanup on this set. Neenyo is beyond my interest/ability to discern notability for genre musicians, so I'll leave it alone. - Brianhe (talk) 01:35, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

Site soliciting clients
People per hour

A site soliciting paid clients S Philbrick  (Talk)  15:56, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Thanks for this. Looking at their portfolio, they claim to have written and . The Taschen claim is BS AFAICT, and Vanna Bonta was created by  who I blocked 18 months ago. User:Doc James has had some success in getting pages like this taken down before - seeming as they are either lying or blocked, maybe that might work? SmartSE (talk) 21:13, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * This job listing seems to have been carried out (very poorly!) by an OM sock: . SmartSE (talk) 21:25, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * - the company seeking promotion in that advert - was also created by an OM sock. SmartSE (talk) 21:46, 5 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I've reported the user and requested the listing is removed. If I don't get any response, WMF legal might be able to pull some strings. SmartSE (talk) 10:53, 6 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Perfect. Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) 11:59, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The link has been taken down (along with a SEO one too). Kudos to the site. SmartSE (talk) 12:23, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

You Made Me


This user, who is the subject of the biography Todd Meagher (entrepreneur), has been trying to remove/alter information in the above article by claiming in the edit summary that a lawsuit requires it (also see this response to reversion). In addition, he has made edits to his own biography to remove mentions of a lawsuit, which I suspect may be one and the same. Not sure what to do here. &mdash; Train2104 (talk • contribs) 06:04, 14 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I added an autobiography template to Todd Meagher (entrepreneur) and a COI-editnotice to the article's talk page. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 14:48, 14 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Editor has been blocked for making legal threats. --Drm310 (talk) 15:07, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

Shimmer and Shine Elasto Painters


Article on a basketball team created in one single edit by a "new" editor. Perhaps it's copied from somewhere or otherwise this is an incredibly gifted editor... Randykitty (talk) 10:11, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Looks like a huge COPYVIO to me. needs deleting imho. -Roxy the dog. bark 10:21, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * But copied from where? I need the source before I can delete it. --Randykitty (talk) 10:25, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * At first glance it looks identical to Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 10:30, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * There are no sources cited for any of it !! Trying to identify the original source from which it is copyviod is I agree difficult, Google gives me loads and loads. -Roxy the dog. bark 10:38, 18 February 2017 (UTC)
 * At AfD, voted delete. Please go there and vote so the AfD can be snow closed. Thanks. John Nagle (talk) 19:49, 19 February 2017 (UTC)
 * It is an exact copy of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters except for the change of the team name. And in case you don't know, Shimmer and Shine is a Nickelodeon TV show, and not the name of this team. The creator of the article is clearly vandalising, and I am pretty sure the article can be speedied. Adamtt9 (talk) 20:06, 19 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Just click on the logo in the article and that becomes extremely evident. Ravensfire ( talk ) 20:12, 19 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I have speedy deleted the article. Lectonar (talk) 15:24, 21 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Someone should probably close the AFD then. Adamtt9 (talk) 19:35, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

Veritas Capital


Aabril2794 first two edits were to delete information from Veritas Capital. The third edit not only deleted an entire section but the editor used the summary "Content deleted by request of Veritas Capital." They went on to delete even more of the article with no reasoning given. I reverted these deletions and gave them a COI warning based on that edit summary. They waited two hours, and deleted all the same information again. I outright told them a second time that they must disclose any conflict of interest they have. There has been no reply. Justeditingtoday (talk) 16:22, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Clearly a self-admitted COI editor. The article looks OK, with the COI edits now undone. Google news search doesn't turn up any unmentioned major events that need to be in the article. We seem to be OK unless the COI editor comes back. John Nagle (talk) 03:15, 22 February 2017 (UTC)

Hearsay Social


Hi! I work for a communications firm that represents Hearsay, and I've proposed several specific updates to the article on its Talk page. These include updating the company name, adding a logo and some other info to the infobox, and clarifying and adding detail to the article. I won't be editing directly due to my COI, so I would really appreciate it if someone could take a look and implement my suggestions or offer feedback. Thank you! Mary Gaulke (talk) 18:08, 7 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Hi, checking in again here before this gets archived into the abyss. Has anyone had a chance to take a look at my request? Thank you! Mary Gaulke (talk) 16:41, 21 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Hi. I changed the name (moved the page) to Hearsay Systems and the URL because these seemed to be the most urgent, and relatively simple. For the others, I'm afraid I must refer you to the note about the requested edits backlog. I also changed the name at Wikidata, though didn't figure out how to change the URL there. Since it was imported from here, it may update automatically. Thanks for your patience and being open about your COI. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 06:35, 22 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Thanks so much for your help! Mary Gaulke (talk) 17:13, 22 February 2017 (UTC)

Martine Leavitt
An IP claiming to be the subject of the article has removed cited material they do not like. 

Reported without comment or prejudice. Article is on my watchlist due to previous AV edit. Gricehead (talk) 16:25, 16 February 2017 (UTC)


 * While I'm here, could one of the arbitration committee stalkers of this page do a courtesy revdel on the IP's edit summary on this page, they left an email address. Otherwise, the article may start going up and down my watchlist like a ... yoyo. I'm inclined to replace the removed section. It's well sourced, but there may be unspoken issues there that I sympathise with. The subject appears to have blanked her personal website too. The question is why? -Roxy the dog. bark 10:29, 18 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Info was sourced and contained details of a visiting academic appointment to BYU, and extant in the article is details of Mormon book awards so hiding her LDS connections doesn't stretch to removing accolades. The period at BYU is significant info & should not be redacted. It appears the author has exercised editorial control over the article in the past - details of name change (sourced) removed by .ca ipaddr & edit summaries 'Adjustments requested by Mrs Leavitt)'In short, no reason to not re-add this sourced info, winning mormon awards brings notable status to her religious affi;iation.--92.5.85.99 (talk) 18:05, 22 February 2017 (UTC)

Central University of Science and Technology


User with apparently COI name created the article using sources from the institution and promotional language. Maintenance tags were added and they deleted, with warnings given on their talk page, but all were ignored and the same editing continued, eventually leading to a 31 hour block by for disruptive editing. After the block the user has returned and made the same problematic edits. I have put a level 1 'paid' template on their talk page asking them to engage/disclose, but at this point I'm not sure if they are even aware they have a talk page, and they have not responded to anything there or at the article itself. I considered reporting for vandalism/disruptive editing again, but thought perhaps this was the better forum? Thanks Melcous (talk) 05:11, 22 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Whether the editing is COI or not, it's time to re-block . Since their first block expired yesterday, they have:
 * repeatedly removed cleanup templates without explanation or addressing the problems identified
 * copied text verbatim from copyrighted sources
 * added inappropriate external links
 * They have been warned about all of these by multiple editors, and have done them again anyway, without engaging in discussion. Perhaps a second block will get their attention and make them realize that there are some rules to follow and they don't own the article. --Worldbruce (talk) 07:11, 22 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Note: editor has been indefinitely blocked for disruptive editing. Melcous (talk) 12:28, 22 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Note:It seems they have declared a connection. --Lemongirl942 (talk) 13:53, 23 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I have added the connected contributor template on the talk page. --Lemongirl942 (talk) 14:02, 23 February 2017 (UTC)

AfC integrity and Centipede Press
Please refer to integrity concerns on article talkpage. The editor reintroducing deleted material hasn't responded there, nor to my on their user talk. Brianhe (talk) 07:49, 21 February 2017 (UTC)
 * - SPA? (1 edit only to talk though)
 * - SPA? (1 edit only to talk though)
 * - SPA? (1 edit only to talk though)
 * I added Dcmapa to the above as well, although to their credit they have not edited the article. It seems the article has quite a few citations which are not really useful. It could do with some trimming as well. --Lemongirl942 (talk) 14:13, 23 February 2017 (UTC)

Michelle B. Cowley CV.

 * - states they are Michelle B. Cowley
 * - states they are Michelle B. Cowley

Since the creation last year by the curiously named SPA editor above, this article has been going up and down my watchlist [redaction]. It was declined for Speedy delete early on on the grounds that being a Royal Statistical Society elected Fellow was grounds enough to establish notability. I have my doubts, but wanted other opinion from here. -Roxy the dog. bark 11:00, 13 February 2017 (UTC)
 * You caught my attention with the phrase and improved my Monday mood immensely. Some article cleanup just now, but more eyes on this would be good. The autobio (?) editor is still at it and obviously not yet engaging in discussion here, the article talk, or their own talkpage. Brianhe (talk) 21:15, 13 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The editor seems to have new-editor issues with sigs but has at least now posted on talk:Michelle B. Cowley. Oh, they also confirmed that they are the subject of the article. I'd like to step back from this as they had a problem with my tone on the talkpage. - Brianhe (talk) 01:27, 14 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I'm glad I improved your mood; if we didn't enjoy ourselves here there would be no point. Your improvements are appreciated, and at least Cowleym is now in a discussion. We'll see how that progresses. -Roxy the dog. bark 09:10, 14 February 2017 (UTC)

I hate to be the spoilsport here, but we all please should bear in mind that discussions on this page are likely to be read by the article subjects. Although I am sure there was no bad intent, in the context of discussing a BLP about a female academic (or anyone else, for that matter), expressions such as [redaction: the one used above] should most definitely not be used. Newyorkbrad (talk) 21:07, 15 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Really? -Roxy the dog. bark 23:29, 15 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Yes, really. If the subject of the article saw this thread, what sort of impression of the professionalism of Wikipedia do you think she'd get? I don't expect to see anything like that again. Newyorkbrad (talk) 23:51, 15 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I have a personal rule about posting on a subject when really effin' angry. I don't normally do it, and it saves me loads of grief I believe. Firstly, my comment was about the article not the subject of the article. It said the article right there in the comment I made, at the beginning. It was there to distinguish between the article and the subject of the article. Meh. Point taken though. -Roxy the dog. bark 09:06, 16 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Deleted the article per the users request. Doc James  (talk · contribs · email) 11:49, 16 February 2017 (UTC)

The Silvertones


I have left a templated welcome and an extended note at SuaniM's talk page because they claim to be employed by the management of The Silvertones. I've also opened a discussion at the article talk page. - Sitush (talk) 21:10, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

Wander Creative Productions music PR

 * (Bluedogtn sock)
 * (Bluedogtn sock)
 * (Bluedogtn sock)
 * (Bluedogtn sock)

HotHat started the 1GN article; now somebody apparently related to Wander Creative Productions is taking on a spinoff artist. I think this might be the blocked editor HotHat aka Bluedogtn sockfarm. But maybe not, hard to split WP:SOCK from WP:COI sometimes. Pinging who seems to have experience in this article space. - Brianhe (talk) 16:01, 21 February 2017 (UTC)


 * WanderCreative's been blocked based on username policy, and Walter Görlitz left an edit summary on the Carmen Justice article saying that the Christian music project will keep an eye on it. The only edit to 1GN this month has been formatting. Maybe this is resolved. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 13:04, 28 February 2017 (UTC)

Ada Ehi


This is likely the subject editing her own article; she's inserting tons of promotional material there.  City O f  Silver  00:01, 28 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I posted a notice on their talk page about this discussion. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 12:22, 28 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Thank you for catching my error there. I'll try to remember to notify folks in the future.  City O f  Silver  03:03, 1 March 2017 (UTC)


 * You're welcome, . It's easy to miss when you're trying to get all the details right for a noticeboard. I see she's still editing the article. I added a COI editnotice to its talk page. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 04:34, 1 March 2017 (UTC)

Smartmatic... again...


More single purpose, barely active users have been showing up on Smartmatic's article. One user at least appears to be a "Digital PR Strategist, Online Reputation Manager" that has met with Smartmatic in a country closely related to the article (not trying to out any users, but this is what this article is dealing with!) while the other user also promotes online elections in the said country (you can find that information). Having to deal with "Online Reputation Managers" and others that have been actively performing dubious edits on this article for years now, I recommend some sort of block on this article that allows only confirmed or extended confirmed users. I know something has to be done and have been on this board asking for assistance for some time now. Previous discussions surrounding this article are included in Archive 108, Archive 109 and Archive 111. ZiaLater  ( talk  ) 04:24, 2 March 2017 (UTC)


 * I left notices for both editors about this discussion. (Although you left a basic COI notice for Vanjpadilla, you still need to let them know about this.) BlackcurrantTea (talk) 05:37, 2 March 2017 (UTC)


 * Thank you.-- ZiaLater  ( talk  ) 05:48, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

Adam Conover
The above IP, claiming to be Conover himself, has edited the talk page for the article about him asking for help uploading a more recent photo of himself than the one currently being displayed on the article. Eyes would be appreciated here, as would help in getting Conover to confirm his identity so he can upload a photo with the right licensing for us to use. Everymorning (talk) 04:50, 2 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I don't think the IP's identity necessarily needs to be verified for them to upload a file. As long as the choice of licensing is accpetable per c:COM:L or WP:COPY, then uploading the file it's not really a COI problem. Even adding it to the article should probably be OK, unless someone considers such a thing to be contentious. In that case, the IP should be encouraged to discuss things on the article's talk page. Moreover, even though the IP has stated they are Conover, I don't think it necessary to try and push them into a more formal verification of their identity per WP:OUTING. As long as the IP edits in accordance with relevant policy and guidelines, they should be fine. -- Marchjuly (talk) 05:50, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

Michellegrabner editing Michelle Grabner‎


Editor has been editing exclusively the article on herself. Michellegrabner has been warned by two different editors about conflicts of interest. 32.218.43.65 (talk) 23:15, 2 March 2017 (UTC)

David and Simon Reuben


Agentles has been left multiple COI notices, but continues to edit. Prash2000 has been left one COI notice, and appears to have stopped, at least for now. For both editors, all their activity is David and Simon Reuben-related. Edwardx (talk) 11:04, 3 March 2017 (UTC)

Peter DeMarco


Firstly, Peter DeMarco could be considered a pseudoscientific practitioner of medicine. Peter DeMarco (revision before I found it), is completely whitewashed and written almost entirely (evidence) by User:Onthelist. Digging further, I started to suspect Onthelist had a conflict of interest.

Evidence:
 * The state of Peter DeMarco before I found it: . It doesn't mention the hepatitis cases, even hedged like "the department of health claims...", nothing. Over-emphasizes that "Save Our Shots" thing. Way too many pictures. A "Professional distinction" section that doesn't have any mention of professional distinction.
 * Onthelist's contribution history is almost entirely about medicine and regenerative medicine.
 * In this edit Onthelist add "personal correspondence" as a reference. Personal correspondence with Peter DeMarco, if that isn't obvious.

Brightgalrs (/braɪtˈɡæl.ərˌɛs/)[1] 16:26, 3 March 2017 (UTC)

Roblox

 * - semi protected persistent vandalism
 * - AfD redirect, indef autoconf protected
 * - no AfD (I boldly redirected as similar bio failing WP:GNG), requesting protection same as David Baszucki
 * - deleted
 * almost WP:SPA with old edits of Roblox, has vandalised/test edited pages   promo, possible connection with Roblox board?  no COI declared
 * User:Vendetta The Great - deleted
 * WP:SPA creator of Erik Cassel
 * - creator of David Baszucki
 * - recreation unsourced stub after AfD, repeat recreate  ... (including removing speedy delete tag etc)


 * Long-term attempt to create two bios failing GNG, despite AfD Articles for deletion/David Baszucki.
 * Claims of "Restoration By request of Roblox Corporation board".
 * Requested protecting Erik Cassel similar to David Baszucki to prevent recreation of bio failing GNG.
 * Suggest some attempt at communication to assist this/these editors to declare COI, or get dialog going so that "messenger" of Roblox board's wishes knows how to go about creating/requesting article (with COI), so discussion here may be a good start. Widefox ; talk 18:01, 3 March 2017 (UTC)

Heutagogy


We have the inventor of the term "Heutagogy" (which means self-directed education) rewriting the article. . This has been at COIN before; see the talk page. The edit seems to be about removing material that isn't specific to him and his approach. Heutagogy seems to be a very small pond; the references mention the same people repeatedly. Some of the same people seem to be involved with "Education 3.0". Here's the way the proponents define the term.. Nomenclature here is a problem. Some sources use the term "self-directed learning", but that term is also used in the disabled/special needs community, seemingly without reference to Hase & co. Not sure what to do about this. But Hase should not be editing the article directly. He's had two previous COI warnings on his talk page. John Nagle (talk) 07:06, 3 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I've reverted that edit – though I'm pretty doubtful about some of the content that was restored in doing so – and proposed a merge to Autodidacticism. Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 10:22, 3 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I suggested at the merge discussion "How about moving autodidacticism to self-directed learning, and making autodidacticism and heutagogy both redirects. Any content unique to heutagogy should be mentioned at self-directed learning." The terminology in this area is not settled. See Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Education/Archive_8 We're probably better off going with a plain-language title. This also gets us out from under the WP:OWN problem with the founder of heutagogy.  John Nagle (talk) 21:21, 3 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Sounds good to me, . Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 18:59, 5 March 2017 (UTC)

Philipp Plein

 * articles
 * users
 * - has self-identified as "Marketing manager at Philipp Plein"
 * - indefinitelly blocked for advertising
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789
 * - has self-identified as "Marketing manager at Philipp Plein"
 * - indefinitelly blocked for advertising
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789
 * - indefinitelly blocked as a sock of A3789

I have cleaned up the article before, since it seemed to be dedicated to promoting this fashion designer. Lately, an SPA turned up and reinserted much of the puffery I deleted. I suspect a COI, but proving it is difficult if not impossible. Can I get some eyes on this article? Thanks. Kleuske (talk) 14:37, 20 February 2017 (UTC)
 * There is definitely a problem with promotional tone and content at this article, and I agree that a conflict of interest looks likely here. I have reverted to your last version of the article.  Deli nk (talk) 16:10, 20 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I agree. There's a pattern of inserting promotional content, and re-adding it when other editors remove it, mostly by . I posted a notice about this discussion on their talk page. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 11:45, 21 February 2017 (UTC)
 * has been blocked indefinitely. On the off chance they're related, I added a level 1 advert notice to the talk page of an IP editor who added back the promotional content. It might just be a new editor trying something out; it's their only edit. BlackcurrantTea (talk) 04:44, 22 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Another older editor, User:Globetrotter15810, reappeared today and has been blocked as sock of A3789. See Sockpuppet investigations/A3789. Deli nk (talk) 20:15, 23 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Bagged 3 more socks two days ago. GABgab 02:29, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center


Tellingtales states at Talk:International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center that he/she works in the communications department of the company and all of their edits relate to the company. Can someone please counsel them? They are accusing Wikipedia of having a double standard by allowing other articles to have only one source or one main source. Doug Weller talk 09:31, 5 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I have opened a thread at the editor's talk page. I can't help with the content issues due to my TBAN on GMO stuff, but I can work with the editor on how we manage COI generally. Jytdog (talk) 20:32, 5 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Just as an aside CIMMYT isn't really a "company" in the way we usually think of companies. I'm not going to edit the article because CIMMYT has a close relationship with my department and university. But CIMMYT does a lot of great work and WP would benefit from a good article (maybe even a WP:Good article) about them. So I'd plead for a bit of patience here. Shock Brigade Harvester Boris (talk) 21:30, 5 March 2017 (UTC)
 * COI is COI and PROMO is PROMO, and fwiw some of the worst abusers of WP for PR that I have encountered have been nonprofits and universities. We are not a vehicle for promoting anything.  I am hopeful that Tellingtales can get oriented and will be able find one or two editors who will work with them to improve the article.  Looking at the history I see at least one person who might be willing and would be helpful, and will reach out to that person once I am done working through things with Tellingtales.  Jytdog (talk) 22:22, 5 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the correction. I know it's not a company and am not sure why I didn't write "organisation". Doug Weller  talk 11:46, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

Interpublic Group, again

 * (created) - Oaktree Capital Management CEO
 * Efficient Power Conversion CEO
 * iSuppli CEO
 * Oaktree Capital Management CEO
 * Oaktree founder
 * Oaktree Capital Management CEO
 * Oaktree founder
 * Oaktree founder

Interpublic Group-related articles have been involved in "shenanigans", see archive 91 for an overview. It makes me suspect that edits like this are wikiwashing. Also listing some other stuff this editor has worked on, for evaluation. Brianhe (talk) 20:32, 24 February 2017 (UTC)


 * This doesn't look good. The edit at Interpublic Group removed material about the SEC taking action against them, with an edit comment of "editing to remove unnecessary content". The article has a "happy talk" problem. It doesn't mention the overtime pay lawsuits, the shareholder lawsuits [http://www

.adweek.com/brand-marketing/settlement-nears-ipg-lawsuits-74758/], the race discrimination lawsuit (Interpublic won that one), the big client accounting fraud., and the long string of money-losing quarters. Somehow, the COI editor missed those. John Nagle (talk) 21:16, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Jay Wintrob also has a happy talk problem. The article subject was a top executive of AIG during the huge AIG bailout in 2008, but the article presents his time there as positive. Bloomberg says he was passed over for the CEO job at AIG. On the other hand, no news source blames him for the AIG mess. John Nagle (talk) 21:25, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Marks, Frank, and Karsh are all Oaktree Capital Management people. Oaktree is an investor in "distressed debt", and moderately notable, but we probably don't need articles for four of their executives. John Nagle (talk) 21:32, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
 * I proposed deletion of Jay Wintrob. - Brianhe (talk) 16:57, 25 February 2017 (UTC)
 * PROD contested, I upgraded to Articles for deletion/Jay Wintrob. - Brianhe (talk) 01:24, 26 February 2017 (UTC)

Hi. I’m sorry about the confusion with this article. I’m relatively new to Wiki but I was trying to follow the whole “edit boldly” thing and some of the information in the Interpublic article seemed too detailed. Like the level of detail that only someone who worked for the company would care about. It also seemed oddly skewed toward what the company did to fix the problem. So I tried to make it neutral, if that makes sense. I also wasn’t sure if I did too much or not enough, which is why I left the tags in place. I was hoping other editors would weigh in. I didn’t know about the overtime or discrimination issues (and I don’t think they were in the original article, either) but I’d be happy to add them. Odetta19 (talk) 17:27, 2 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Hi User:Odetta19. Thanks for posting here.  This board is about Conflict of Interest, and your usename was posted here, because based on your edits, it appears that you have some connection with the subject matter you have edited -- you have an apparent COI.  You have not made any disclosure however.  Would you please reply here, and let us know if you have any connection with Interpublic Group or any of the executives about which you have written, either directly or through some intermediary (e.g. a PR service or writing service or the like)?  The question is not about your identity but your relationships.  Once you reply, we can talk about next steps (if you have some relationship, you can still be part of the editing community - there are just some things you should do differently)   Thanks! Jytdog (talk) 18:36, 2 March 2017 (UTC)


 * Hi User:Jytdog. Thanks for the response. No, I don’t have a conflict of interest. I’m a business major, so I picked a few articles that seemed like they were in need of editing. But again, I’m new and still learning, so I appreciate the feedback.Odetta19 (talk) 15:34, 3 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Odetta19 Rather than providing an evaluation of whether you have a COI or not (you are new here, so may not understand how that is defined here in WP) would you please respond to the question of whether you have any connection with Interpublic or executives?  An internship?  Any connection?  Thanks. Jytdog (talk) 17:41, 3 March 2017 (UTC)


 * Hi User:Jytdog. Sorry! I wasn't sure of the proper way to respond. No. No connection to any of them. Thanks!Odetta19 (talk) 18:49, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

RohithKumarPatali


Blocked this account due to advertising concerns. Clean up of some articles still needed. Doc James (talk · contribs · email) 17:08, 6 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Did a bare minimum of removing inappropriate ELs. in RSN archive 190 you said you think filmibeat.com should not be used as a BLPRS. What do you think of its use in these articles? - Brianhe (talk) 19:15, 6 March 2017 (UTC)

Chris Urquiaga


Chris Urquiaga appears to be an autobiography or a product of PR. Article was created by User:Urquiaga8, an SPA with an obvious username connection to the subject. Music is outside my area of wiki-expertise, so I don't know if the subject of this article meets Wikipedia's criteria for inclusion. Can someone else please have a look? Edgeweyes (talk) 13:27, 6 March 2017 (UTC)
 * I'm no expert either, but I can't see sufficient notability for inclusion here. On that basis, I've nominated it for deletion. Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 14:38, 6 March 2017 (UTC)
 * The page has been userified, so I reverted many of Urquiaga8's contributions which involved mostly just adding links to Chris Urquiaga. Edgeweyes (talk) 13:55, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

Patch Media
This came up at Norwalk, Connecticut, where Patch.com was listed as "local media". Looking into it, Patch seems to be only a site that sorts media by geographical location, and as far as I can tell is not really terribly different from adding Craig's List to articles as local media, since they break down their listings by location.

But, looking into it more, it looks like this has been done on probably...I dunno, hundreds of articles on towns and cities. So it seems to fairly obviously be spam, but I just figured I'd post here to see if anyone vehemently disagreed. Timothy Joseph Wood 17:38, 24 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I realize this is not exactly the normal type of post here, but looking through the blame machine, I'm not seeing this really added by anyone other than new users and IPs, (e.g., , , ). Since the site does in fact hire some local (probably freelance) writers to as far as I can tell, write the occasional story that is then posted as "local news" to every "town-site" within a few hundred miles (to mix in with their national coverage), it seems likely that it is not actually any kind of coordinated spam from a few COI editors, but a spam from lots and lots of COI editors making sure that the site is added to articles on the local geographic areas where they happen to do freelance writing.


 * Poking through WP:RSN I find this and this, both times very new users adding Patch as a source, and showing up to defend it, which is consistent with whatever you would want to call this...I guess...distributed spam.


 * Maybe this is a thing that people are aware of. I dunno. I don't think I've come across it before. Timothy Joseph Wood  18:39, 24 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Probably neither Patch nor Craigslist should appear as "local media". The New York Times has an automatically-selected per-state section, and we don't list that as local media. John Nagle (talk) 20:56, 24 February 2017 (UTC)
 * If news is dedicated to a locality like Patch is, where I find a greater amount of relevant and useful articles than local-based papers like RiverJournal or the Examiner, then what does it matter where it's based or where the staff writers are? We add news sources to articles to tell readers - 'here's where you can read current events related to a municipality'. And in many cases Patch does that better than local-based papers, so it'd be a shame not to list it. ɱ  (talk) · vbm  · coi) 14:09, 25 February 2017 (UTC)
 * If that's why you are adding things to an article then you are wrong. Wikipedia doesn't give product or website recommendations. If we cover local businesses or media outlets it's because 1) they're actually local, which a site like this doesn't seem to be in any meaningful way, and 2) they have some encyclopedic relevance to the town like a longstanding local paper would have.
 * And while I appreciate your opinion on the quality of the site, at least the New Yorker seems to disagree saying their sites are like digital Yellow Pages, promotional bulletin boards accompanied by news about all the fun things going on nearby. Quality varies widely, and one senses a tension between journalism, which often conveys uncomfortable news, and boosterism, which makes everyone feel good about the home town.
 * And that was in 2011 when they reportedly had one employee per site. By 2014 they had one employee per two sites, before they laid off hundreds of workers. So no, it does not appear to have any meaningful connections to these individual places other than a button you can click, which casually sprinkles their national news with local human interest pieces written by ametures. Timothy Joseph Wood  14:32, 25 February 2017 (UTC)
 * Patch was previously a valid online news site, which can be mentioned in local media, such as at Kent, Ohio, where it is placed into context, including a valid source for when it changed. It's like mentioning a defunct newspaper. --JonRidinger (talk) 16:46, 27 February 2017 (UTC)
 * The key term is "quality varies widely". I have found various Patch versions to be the ONLY source of local information sometimes. When you have a geographical area that is not generally covered by news media, and IF there are decent editors, they have some good stuff. TeeVeeed (talk) 20:44, 7 March 2017 (UTC)
 * "Quality varies widely" sounds a lot like "unreliable source" to me, and even if it were reliable, it wouldn't change the fact that their entire business model appears to be pretending to be local medai while not actually being in any meaningful way. Timothy Joseph Wood  20:51, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

Richard Warshak


Every contribution from these three users involves editing the article Richard Warshak, adding external links to warshak.com, or adding references to Richard Warshak to other articles. The article on Richard Warshak may be an autobiography (article creator is Warshakn who has an obvious name connection) and contains plenty of promotional text and peacock wording and the article contains 15 links to warshak.com. Deli nk (talk) 13:43, 6 February 2017 (UTC) Edit:one additional user, Rawars, added to the list. Deli nk (talk) 14:05, 15 February 2017 (UTC)


 * Wow. This one's really bad. Almost all the references are to books written by Warshak. I don't think this guy is even notable, and this may be an AfD candidate. Kendall-K1 (talk) 16:11, 10 February 2017 (UTC)


 * The following message from Rawars was left on my talk page and may be useful to this discussion: Deli nk (talk) 14:05, 15 February 2017 (UTC)
 * "I appreciate your investment of time and energy in diligently editing the entry about me. As the subject of the page I did not want to make a change on it, even to remove the three template warnings added at the top regarding a contributor with a close connection, words that promote ina subjective manner, and COI and NPOV. But I did want to call your attention to the following. About five years ago a relative updated the page primarily by adding citations to my published work, references, links to other Wikipedia entries, and external links. I shared with her my concern that her identity could cause COI concerns and she has not contributed to the page since 2012. I reviewed the changes she made and find that these reflect a neutral point of view with information that is easily verifiable by consulting the academic journals whose citations she added. She is not the person who created the entry for me and I do not know the identity of the person who did that or made other changes. I see no other COI or BPOV problem on the page and hope that the statements of issues at the top of the page can be removed."
 * Rawars, personally, I think there still are conflict of interest issues to be resolved because the article was created by someone you know and has seen little editing from anyone unconnected to you. With all due respect, the whole point of the conflict of interest guidelines is that it should be someone other than you that determines that the article reflects a neutral point of view.  That's why I started a discussion here - to solicit assistance from independent reviewers to have a look.  Deli nk (talk) 14:05, 15 February 2017 (UTC)

The article was not created by anyone that I know and in fact someone had to bring to my attention that there was an entry for me. I have wanted to make changes to the page to contribute to the NPOV and remove most of the links to my website, but have not done so because Wiki’s policy is for the subject not to edit his own entry. On Feb 22 Melcous made changes that I think contribute to the NPOV and improve the entry. Melcous did remove the mention of my consulting at the White House on family law reform because of the lack of a source for this. If it adds to the page I found a source on the Internet that describes the meeting with White House Assistant Domestic Policy Advisor William Galston. At that meeting I was one of only three participants who were invited to deliver summaries of the scientific literature to guide family law reform. The description of the meeting is on page 86, paragraph 3 of this pdf file: http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED386269.pdf — Preceding Rawars (talk) 18:31, 3 March 2017 (UTC)unsigned comment added by Rawars (talk • contribs) 16:40, 26 February 2017 (UTC)


 * I have nominated for deletion here: Articles for deletion/Richard Warshak Kendall-K1 (talk) 22:52, 5 March 2017 (UTC)
 * That appears to be an old AFD. The current one is Articles for deletion/Richard Warshak (2nd nomination).  Edgeweyes (talk) 13:24, 6 March 2017 (UTC)
 * Oh yeah. Thanks. I was looking at the old one; it survived, but I thought if no new sources had come up in six years it might be time for a fresh look. Kendall-K1 (talk) 21:58, 7 March 2017 (UTC)

Arunkapadia
Articles created the Arunkapadia UPE sock farm: Diffs confirming paid editing: Special:Diff/768169912/Special:Diff/768170555 —&thinsp;JJMC89&thinsp; (T·C) 02:44, 3 March 2017 (UTC)


 * I'm in favor of nuking whatever we can. GABgab 22:33, 8 March 2017 (UTC)