Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Croonerman/Archive

11 January 2013

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Same style of writing disagreements, also has a previous history of Ip socking. Would request checkuser to verify. Hell In A Bucket (talk) 15:30, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Croonerman was indeffed on January 10. 301bNYC was created the following day. 301 has made only three edits since creating the account, all related to the Brian Evans (singer) article, which, along with related material, was Croonerman's sole interest at Wikipedia. The first edit by 301 was this one, where he changed the signature of the IP address to be 301's. I think that's pretty conclusive that there's a tie-in between 301 and the IP. The last two edits were the same material to different talk pages. In the the edits, 301 appears to be saying that he lives in an apartment building in NYC (goes with the user name) and that 20 users in that building share the same modem. Now, that's an odd thing to say in the context of Brian Evans. Croonerman, who is probably Evans, almost undoubtedly edits from Massachusetts (I can't prove that, of course). The IP that 301 is taking responsibility for geolocates to Boston. So where does this claim that he's from NYC come from? As for expression style, there isn't much to go on, but the only thing I see is a frequent use of quotes. I've already linked to the edits by 301. Here are some examples of Croonerman's use of quotes: #1; #2; #3. In that last one, he appears to claim he's from Maryland, but his shifting stories (read lies) don't count for much (he's admitted to lying).--Bbb23 (talk) 00:27, 12 January 2013 (UTC)

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 * - Please add specific diffs to justify a CU. Rschen7754 23:11, 11 January 2013 (UTC)
 * - Okay, thanks. Definitely worth a look, and justified due to potential block evasion. Rschen7754 00:39, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
 * This was a duck, but I had a feeling that there were sleepers around, so I ran the check. You don't need me obviously to tell you that they are ✅. -- DQ   (ʞlɐʇ)  06:47, 12 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Blocked IP for a week. Closing. Rschen7754 06:50, 12 January 2013 (UTC)

25 January 2013

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Block evasion, addition of copyrighted images which was an issue with Croonerman[] (I note a user Zappaman added the picture but again this was their only two edits so I strongly believe that was Croonerman/Brian Evans too but too long ago to conclusively prove via checkuser), also first edits to the Evans Page with addition of previously unused pictures and out of the way pictures. The time for the IP block is over which shows immediate resumption of posting on pages regarding Crooners with the same self promotional stuff []. I apologize in advance if I'm wrong but this doesn't smell right and is likely a duck test. Hell In A Bucket (talk) 11:05, 25 January 2013 (UTC)

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 * Comment: The photo in the diff above is certainly not a photo of the singer, and it is not a copyrighted photo. To me, the named account looks like a vandal rather than Croonerman. ​—DoRD (talk)​ 12:45, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
 * The earliest date in the file/page history shows was in 2005 by User:ChildOfTheMoon83. Child said it was a picture of Brian Jones, a different person,although I don't know what happened to the picture, and it doesn't show up in Child's upload history, so I don't know who uploaded it. Then there's an indication that the source is missing and the file was speedily deleted on that basis. Along comes User:Zappaman who replaces the description and wipes out the no source template. Zappaman did all of his editing on one day (October 29, 2006). He also created a deleted article, Brian Keith Kevans. As of October 29, 2006, there is a picture of an adult holding a microphone (it may be Evans, I'm not good at that). Somewhere along the line, the picture got changed to the current picture of a baby. I can't figure out how that change took place. Based on the one addition by User:Watcheronthestorm, I can't tell who he is or what he's doing. I think he thought he was putting in a picture of Evans, but the whole thing is more weird than anything else.--Bbb23 (talk) 13:28, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Okay, now I see what happened. Hell in a Bucket requested speedy deletion of the local copyvio image, so now the image defaults to the commons-hosted baby picture. Thanks for the tip, Bbb23. ​—DoRD (talk)​ 13:41, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Watcheronthestorm is a ✅ match. ​—DoRD (talk)​ 13:45, 25 January 2013 (UTC)
 * Sock blocked and tagged; IP blocked for another week. Writ Keeper &#9863;&#9812; 15:42, 25 January 2013 (UTC)

18 February 2013

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Multiple blocks for block evasion and sockpuppetry. Suggesting a much longer block on this Ip due to continued history of block evasion. This should be a duck test block Hell In A Bucket (talk) 14:06, 18 February 2013 (UTC)

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Blocked. Yunshui 雲 &zwj; 水  14:16, 18 February 2013 (UTC)

23 April 2013

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First edits is to a page with recently lifted sock protection [], socks of Croonerman always come to this page first or a page related such as Havershill but there is only interest in promoting Mr. Evans. I suspect block evasion. Hell In A Bucket (talk) 03:30, 23 April 2013 (UTC)

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 * From the CU results, all I can say is that they are editing from the same location as the master and previous socks. ​—DoRD (talk)​ 12:23, 23 April 2013 (UTC)
 * Together with the behavioural evidence that's enough to convince me; blocked and tagged. Yunshui 雲 &zwj; 水  12:27, 23 April 2013 (UTC)


 * Nothing more to do. Rschen7754 07:23, 24 April 2013 (UTC)

25 April 2014

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IP has indicated in edit summaries that he is the subject of the article Brian Evans (singer). Evans was previously suspected of being Croonerman. Like Croonerman, the IP's only interest is adding promotional material to the Evans article and removing negative, sourced information from it. Likely block evasion. --Hirolovesswords (talk) 12:26, 25 April 2014 (UTC) Hirolovesswords (talk) 12:26, 25 April 2014 (UTC)

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 * Stale, closing. King of &hearts;   &diams;   &clubs;  &spades; 22:11, 6 May 2014 (UTC)

02 February 2015

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This article has a history of block evasion and sockpuppetry from 3 main areas, a search can show that from these three areas there is heavy self promotion going on. Each time it's about as obivous as a WP:DUCK. Also compare [], [] (checkuser confirmed 2013). [] pleading ignorance [] and anon Ip behaviourally linked [] as well as many mnore if the last investigations are checked. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 20:02, 2 February 2015 (UTC)
 * Typically there have been a few locations, Havershill, Boston, New York, Vegas and Hawaii. it will be hard to make that link unless he's been incredibly dense. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 21:47, 2 February 2015 (UTC)


 * Here's the clincher [] which not only admits a full knowledge of the prior disputes of the various Ips
 * Another ip sock with the ignorance card []
 * Admitting to being Brian Evans [], yet here he is using the same Ip talking in the 3rd person [].
 * Here's the Ip [] who then again admits after denial and subterfuge to being Brian Evans [], which matches [].

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 * Past accounts have been known to feign ignorance. 1. I've added Newyorkadios to the case because it shows a similar behavior in promoting the singer. 2, 3, 4. If both accounts come back related, I think we'd have a stronger case of linking them behaviorally to the master. Mike V • Talk 21:14, 2 February 2015 (UTC)
 * and are  related based on geolocation. I can't link them to Croonerman from a technical standpoint as everything in the archive is .-- Jezebel's Ponyo bons mots  22:51, 6 February 2015 (UTC)
 * Behaviorally, I feel confident enough to connect the accounts and the same geolocation helps a bit too. I've blocked both accounts. Mike V • Talk 02:12, 9 February 2015 (UTC)

11 May 2015

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Block evasion, opening case for the record this [] should be enough for a duck block with legal threat. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 22:43, 11 May 2015 (UTC)

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 * per WP:NLT ☺ ·  Salvidrim!   ·  &#9993;  23:15, 11 May 2015 (UTC)

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WP:DUCK, it's obvious everytime Croonerman shows up. One track editing and non stop promotion for Brian Evans. See edit history. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 18:52, 16 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Edit Summary will help here [] Hell in a Bucket (talk) 18:59, 16 December 2018 (UTC)

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 * Comment As an aside, I just blocked Croonerman on commons for uploading images (of - no surprise - Brian Evans), and claiming (via permissions OTRS) that they taken by his relations, then the real photographer complained (and provided evidence)... I back came over here to see if I could block him here - someone beat me to it :-) Ron h jones (Talk) 20:27, 18 December 2018 (UTC)
 * User:Ronhjones, I may have grabbed the wrong user in this particular scenario. I think the IP i reported may have legitmately been the owner of the copyright, it's hard to be sure. (The accounts started with them stating they were Evans, then it was his cousin, then a fan and finally attorneys and then back to Evans.) Their behavior was not ok either so their block would be appropriate just not as a sock. We did see Evans eventually though with another round of legal threats and that was revdel and that ip blocked. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 22:29, 18 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Not looked at IP. Watch out for User:BEManagement, I just blocked him as a sock on commons after uploading a blatant copyright violation image (he should not have e-mailed me from a sock account...). Ron h jones (Talk) 22:46, 18 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Hey User:Ronhjones, we have block evasion me thinks and probably more copyright concerns, [] ironically and very timely added would you not think? I think it's a WP:DUCK and I'm sorry if you view it as a assumption of bad faith. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 21:48, 19 December 2018 (UTC)
 * This may be a friend or associate, more meat than sock... but very timely... Uploaded a few other images as well, one is a non-no c:File:Ben Richardson portrays Brian Evans in Reelz Channel movie.jpg - movie still, really! Can't find a match for the others. The wiki photo is an iPhone image, maybe a free image. Others look suspicious, I will check with the real photographer who complained, there might be one of his. Ron h jones (Talk) 22:28, 19 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Unfortunately because of the pattern which is sadly at almost 5 or more years it seems like the same activity. The guy is relentless and it's always some different story, you may wish to try a checkuser. Hell I don't know do your thing I don't do much over there. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 22:43, 19 December 2018 (UTC)

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 * Already blocked. Closing.  Vanjagenije  (talk)  23:47, 27 December 2018 (UTC)

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Hell in a Bucket (talk) 03:42, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * More self promotion, known sock account from commons AndresVenegas1. User:Ronhjones and is aware of some of the activities here. I know we did allow one of the images previously to be used in the article but it seems that is encouraging more socking here. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 03:50, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * [] would seem to help corroborate this. At a minimum this is a meatpuppet/coi editor and given the history I think we have enough to say it's Evans but this is at least some small evidence of the connection. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 03:56, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * 01830 would actually appear to be a reference to a zip of Brian's home town of Havershill too See Article for that info. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 04:12, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * [] See edit summary, my user page has not had anything regarding Evans for a couple years. I guess it would seem they have a lot of knowledge or personal opinions about me for an editor here for less then 10 edits. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 04:17, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * These are a small portion of the confirmed socks, these have been done behaviourally and in somee cases like the Mark Blitz account is a checkuser block. See links the complaints all read the same [], [], []
 * There is one last piece of evidence I'd like to share with the reviewing admin if you wouldn't mind emailing me. I don't want to put it out but looking back it's a clear pattern since the beginning. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 05:55, 29 December 2018 (UTC)

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 * Comment To those who can read it 2018122010002332. I can't say anything more. Ron h jones (Talk) 05:13, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * I have cause to block the suspected puppet. Unless you disclose relevant information from the ticket, which I can't read, I will do so. You're welcome to e-mail me.--Bbb23 (talk) 14:14, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * It's relevant, but can't be disclosed. I poked around on IRC to see if I could find a CU who was also an OTRS agent, but nobody seems to be up and moving this morning.  G M G  <sup style="color:#000;font-family:Impact">talk  14:23, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * I have trouble understanding why OTRS information cannot be disclosed privately to a functionary.--Bbb23 (talk) 14:40, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * I honestly don't know. I asked Ron this morning on my talk about forwarding stuff to ArbCom, but I don't know that he's been online this morning. I also don't know that anyone is actually gonna make the leap without a definite yes that doing so is okay, even though it would make intuitive sense.  G M G  <sup style="color:#000;font-family:Impact">talk  15:02, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Ping User:TonyBallioni, who I know is both OTRS and CU. (Almost the entirety of the rest of that overlap is ArbCom.) I just don't want to cause a shit storm over good faith impropriety.  G M G  <sup style="color:#000;font-family:Impact">talk  15:28, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Thank you for helping.--Bbb23 (talk) 16:14, 29 December 2018 (UTC)

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 * , I have no objection to a block here based on the behavioral evidence in this SPI. TonyBallioni (talk) 18:56, 29 December 2018 (UTC)
 * Based on a technical finding of and the behavioral evidence, blocked, tagged, closing.--Bbb23 (talk) 19:36, 29 December 2018 (UTC)

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More of a Duck then anything. Same editing styles, is insistent the information is accurate and sourced and IP's start popping up, the threats to wikimedia etc. At the very least this is a meat puppet, Atlanta Researcher and then an Atlanta IP popping up to defend that position. Also interesting that they wait until the protection comes off then the same promotion starts. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 19:53, 2 February 2020 (UTC)

Per a discussion on Bbb23 talkpage [], I cited more specific behavioral evidence that according to Bbb23 may be reviewed by the clerk, as I read it is their judgement call in this regard. Citing behaviors and habits, previous socks like LasVegasNewsman, Atlanta Researcher, NewYorkadios follows the username patterns and editing subject matter like [] and [] I personally think they were logged out. The other part is the personal knowledge of who reached out to Evans [], this is another classic tell. Location based names, and then the behavior of insisting all the sourcing is correct accompanied with threats of seeking Wikipedia/media help etc, the one faceted nature of Brian Evans promotion alone would be a huge tell IMO. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 16:16, 3 February 2020 (UTC)

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❌.--Bbb23 (talk) 14:42, 3 February 2020 (UTC)
 * Closing per the above. The SandDoctor  Talk 08:36, 8 February 2020 (UTC)

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Stale but edit summaries admit to being blocked user Evans. The last report did not have a behavioral evidence review. User:AtlantaResearcher is definitely Croonerman. The case was never reviewed past checkuser. It was clearly Evans, this is the other one that I uncovered today [] although it is stale it provides good evidence. One edit in particular should be interesting. [] this one here using his twitter account to verify info, this is one historic case using the same to try and push the desired changes [] and then compared to [] which Bbb23 actually reverted []. Who ever looked at the behavior evidence after the technical evidence review didn't do such a great job. Hell in a Bucket (talk) 14:28, 22 February 2020 (UTC) Hell in a Bucket (talk) 14:10, 22 February 2020 (UTC)
 * User:Bbb23, that's a statement not based on fact as AtlantaResearcher has edited within the last month and can be behaviorally linked to this above account by behavior. Is there an upper time limit I should wait before reporting socks or not reporting the ones I find? It's been my practice to report all socks so they can be blocked and tagged which I thought was the point of [] this policy. I was operating under the assumption that "Posing as a neutral or uninvolved commentator: Using an alternative account to participate in a discussion about another account operated by the same person" was verboten and that's what these edits [], and this very recent January 2020 addition of [] which does exactly what I posted before which is pretend to be a neutral commentator. Is there some time limit or sense of propriety that I've crossed the line with the report? I did attempt to ask some of this on your talkpage  twice but the first time there was an answer with a minimum of response and non whatsoever the second? Hell in a Bucket (talk) 05:31, 25 February 2020 (UTC)

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 * This is an oblique way of pushing a behavioral block on another user. The user listed has not edited since 2018. Closing. Bbb23 (talk) 18:42, 24 February 2020 (UTC)

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Same tendencies as last sock, Only exists to promote himself. Additionally looks to be recreated artivles on his Mother Helen Bousquet. Unbroken Chain (talk) 04:19, 9 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Unbroken Chain (talk) 14:11, February 9, 2022 (UTC)
 * -- Valjean (talk) 00:13, 10 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Please keep comments focused on whether someone is a sock, not who they may be in real life. If an account claims to be Evans, as Croonerman sox have in the past, that is admissible here as evidence of sockpuppetry, but shouldn't be mistaken for an endorsement of the claim as being true. Trying to prove an off-wiki identity is WP:OUTING. --  Tamzin  [ cetacean needed ] (she/they) 00:45, 10 February 2022 (UTC)

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 * Compare to  to edit summaries at Special:Contributions/Miami01830. Identical writing style with identical POV and a shared "enemy", and I think the writing tells should be pretty obvious.  Please block indefinitely as a proven sock of Croonerman.  --  Tamzin  [ cetacean needed ] (she/they) 00:52, 10 February 2022 (UTC)
 * ✅  Girth Summit <sub style="font-family:Segoe print;color:blue;"> (blether)  09:27, 10 February 2022 (UTC)

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Please see evidence in current open case above for User:Joan4505A Unbroken Chain (talk) 14:13, 9 February 2022 (UTC)

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 * Yes, I'm being attacked from all sides. Because I removed candid snapshots with celebrities from his Wikipedia article. I'm sure we will all be named in his next lawsuit. Liz <sup style="font-family: Times New Roman; color: #006400;">Read! Talk! 20:33, 9 February 2022 (UTC)
 * After the last barrage, I gave this IP account a short block for personal attacks. I'm sure they will be back. Liz <sup style="font-family: Times New Roman; color: #006400;">Read! Talk! 20:36, 9 February 2022 (UTC)
 * Sounds reasonable, Tamzin. I'd like to pass this case along to a different admin who isn't a target of the personal attacks. Liz <sup style="font-family: Times New Roman; color: #006400;">Read! Talk! 06:49, 10 February 2022 (UTC)

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 * Closing with a factual finding that this IP == Croonerman, per the above section. The existing DE block is for longer than Croonerman has been on this IP, so I don't see cause to lengthen. If the IP returns to Croonerman-like edits after the block expires, please report to AIV or any available admin with a link to this comment. Thank you. --  Tamzin  [ cetacean needed ] (she/they) 00:58, 10 February 2022 (UTC)