Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Spam/2007 Archive Jul

vernoncorea.info
This looks highly like spam: http://spam.vernoncorea.info - found on Jimmy Bharucha and apparently many other articles. Was added way back in 2005 by Resurgent insurgent 12:43, 23 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I've removed some of these but there are many more and I've to go to bed. Resurgent insurgent 14:55, 23 June 2007 (UTC)
 * seems clean for now--Hu12 03:39, 27 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I removed all of the rest. The links pointed only to the home page and were not specifically relevant to the articles linked from. Obviously added as a significant linkspam campaign that stayed under the radar all this time.  Good catch, Resurgent. -- Satori Son 03:43, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

Adsense Spammer for account pub-8251988379290484 or 8251988379290484
Adsense pub-8251988379290484
 * Adsense Sites by this owner

http: //spam.dreamcrowd.com blacklisted http://spam.rantcrowd.com http://spam.comedycrowd.com http://spam.remedycrowd.com http://spam.rumorcrowd.com http://spam.predictcrowd.com

Accounts adding this link:

Blacklisting requested on Meta (permanent link) -- SiobhanHansa 14:02, 23 June 2007 (UTC)

Added some more from this Adsense Spammer --Hu12 03:27, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

Blatant spam - healthresourcesonline.com, themcic.com
I wonder if someone with access to the Magic Button could clean out these and these. User 66.252.162.28 seems to have planted most of them, quite recently, and has been warned. Thank you. --CliffC 22:01, 26 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Never mind, some friends and I have cleaned it all up. :-) ---CliffC 01:15, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

Still at it. Now monitored/blacklisted on COIBot. --Dirk Beetstra T C 18:24, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.cmspin.com
Cmspin Adsense pub-2686288562130084
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 12:11, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.worship.com
Adsense pub-9954117207955195
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 12:11, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.shotokanunleashed.com
Adsense pub-5999365516601460
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 14:25, 27 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.squidoo.com
Adsense pub-9879162776784828
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 10:46, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Whee .. seconds after blacklisting/monitorlisting: . --Dirk Beetstra T  C 11:22, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * squidoo.com is sort of like some blogging sites, individual users are given subdirectories (er.. lenses in squidoo-speak) from which they may reap Adsense profits. --Versageek 11:51, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * This sub domain has now magically disapeared --T-rex 13:10, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * This didn't seem to archive properly so I'm reposting. Still working on it.--Hu12 02:52, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.govtech.com/

 * I won't have time to investigate this for a while. At a glance it looks like this is the sole spammer and that the website could be a useful source in some circumstances. --Ronz 04:46, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I won't have time to investigate this for a while. At a glance it looks like this is the sole spammer and that the website could be a useful source in some circumstances. --Ronz 04:46, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I won't have time to investigate this for a while. At a glance it looks like this is the sole spammer and that the website could be a useful source in some circumstances. --Ronz 04:46, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

University spammer - newmedia.ufm.edu
Some accounts have a single purpose to add links to a university site. Has been noted on AN/I (WP:ANI) Accounts:
 * (site of Universidad Francisco Marroquín)
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).

The link may be good, but the way of adding is spam, and at least the IP (and I suspect the accounts as well) have a WP:COI. Time to clean? --Dirk Beetstra T C 18:19, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I am going to add, some pages created by one of these users contain large linkfarms to this site (added by the same, or other users in this list). --Dirk Beetstra T  C 19:31, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

County Guide spam
Starting to see an increasing number of similar sites added to County pages, starting in New York State and now spreading into New Jersey. They all look the same - minimal county information, and links to Real Estate Search and an 800 number - very much a series of commercial lead-generator sites. They only add each site to a single page (and add it again once we take it off). Adsense pub-4566918246860811 Sites:
 * x 3
 * x 2
 * x 3
 * x 2
 * x 3
 * x 3
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 3
 * x 3
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 3
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2
 * x 2

IP addresses adding: The list seems to be expanding each day, so we need to keep an eye out for it. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 13:57, 15 June 2007 (UTC)
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88
 * WikiProject Spam/UserReports/209.59.43.88


 * new batch and IP added. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 16:45, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Well at least they can't claim now that they didn't know that what they were doing wasn't desired... diff -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 17:31, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * And he's back - more sites from a new IP. Thanks to Jim Dunning for removing. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 13:16, 17 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Another update. Is it possible to do something to stop this? -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 12:53, 18 June 2007 (UTC)
 * A rule is in place to revert the users via Shadowbot, but for some reason, it's not seeing the links. Myself and Beetstra are working on the problem and it should be fixed soon. Shadow1  (talk) 15:16, 18 June 2007 (UTC)


 * And even more... and another new IP. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 15:20, 18 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Well, after spending about 4 hours poring over 300 lines of Perl source code, we managed to find and fix the bug that was plaguing Shadowbot and its IRC counterpart, LinkWatcher. Shadowbot should begin reverting these sites immediately. Shadow1  (talk) 17:47, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * The spammer is persistent, but at least the bots pick him up now. --Dirk Beetstra T  C 12:02, 20 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Added a couple of links which have not been spammed (yet). There is still a lot to do ...  Have to parse them from the web-pages, I guess this is still not all of it.  Shadowbot and COIBot should be noticing most of it now.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 12:45, 20 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Nice to see a lot of these being picked up automatically, now. Another IP and some more counties.. Thanks for the work! -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 17:01, 20 June 2007 (UTC)


 * They are still at it. Have changed their editing now to use different range of IPs. One new domain, and two new IPs. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 16:00, 24 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Another IP used to try to get them in. The Burlington-county.com one doesn't seem to be getting picked up by the bots, for some reason... or was I just too quick to revert? -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 06:33, 26 June 2007 (UTC)


 * still at it, but they all seem to be getting caught right now. Is there still a value in me posting the IP addresses? -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 19:00, 27 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Not really necessary, except if the bots have missed one (there are some links which do not fit in the pattern, and sometimes the (on of the) bots are (is) down). --Dirk Beetstra T  C 19:08, 27 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Why does it seem to me that these IPs start with one good edit, and then go to adding links? --Dirk Beetstra T  C 09:02, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Noticed that the bot missed this one, even though it was on the list - was manually removed several days later - is there an issue? Can someone with the tools see whether this list of IPs has any common factor associated with it? -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 12:06, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Found more that doesn't correspond to the URL pattern - bergencountynj.net, nassaucountyny.net and nassaucountyguide.com - haven't been spammed on WP yet. Added it to the list. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 13:32, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.timetrex.com
TimeTrex
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 00:42, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

http:// spam.global-itv.com
Adsense pub-2872896339733496
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts


 * Others links Spammed http://spam.mobiletv-forum.com http://spam.iptv-asia.net http://spam.iptv-mea.com http://spam.vietnamitv.com http://spam.yourglobaltv.com Adsense pub-5511103487472979



--Hu12 03:25, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.idl.atspace.com
Adsense pub-9700782778691791
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 05:17, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.gotuitmusic.com
Adsense pub-7800293550347380
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 05:52, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

shadowbot and lost archive
what happend to the last archive? didn't see the removed data in the archives.. http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam&diff=141077133&oldid=141017742 --Hu12 09:14, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Best guess is that Shadowbot3 encountered a network error while trying to save the data. I've seen the problem before, but there's no real way to foresee this sort of problem and do something to prevent it, short of making the bot ACID-compliant. Shadow1  (talk)


 * I added it to the archives best I could. --Ronz 21:40, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

Business' FAQ
A FAQ is being written at Business' FAQ, believe the intent is for WP:COI issues. Worth a look.--Hu12 13:40, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

Did today's auto-archiving fail?
I can't find the information that was removed for archiving today. Can someone confirm? --Ronz 02:58, 28 June 2007 (UTC)


 * It looks like the cut sections were never pasted into the June archive. I suspected that a blacklisted link was causing an edit lock but I just did a "test save" and it worked fine.  So something else must of caused the problem.  I'd keep an eye on Shadowbot3 and if the sections aren't pasted in a couple days then someone should manually add them. For past reference see Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam/2007_Archive_May. (Requestion 21:27, 29 June 2007 (UTC))
 * I manually added them. --Ronz 01:27, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.iranica.com
I don't know what to make from this link, but the bots (COIBOT) notified me of its addition today by EIranica.

Bit of digging resulted in this IP: There may be more editors adding this link, as there are 421 links in mainspace. Link additions by EIranica have been cleaned, the IPs additions still to be done. --Dirk Beetstra T C 19:05, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * (in range 160.39.0.0/16, Columbia University).
 * Here is the article list which contains the remaining additions of 160.39.32.132. I sorted it out then removed them, however the all were reverted back (as noted in each articles history page). If someone wants to go throught these articles and fix, feel free.

Fārs Province Fasa Firouzabad Ali-Akbar Dehkhoda Mount Damavand Bojnourd Avicenna Alborz Avesta Gorgan Gonabad Behbahan Gileki language Baneh Bayza Alvand Behshahr Babol Ardakan Damavand City Khwarezmian language Avestan language Borujerd Bijar Abadan Bactria Bactrian language Hindu Kush Esfahan Ardashir I Ardashir II Ardashir III Ab Anbar Azerbaijan (Iran) Shiraz Bandar Lengeh Bandar Abbas Bampur Abhar Bushehr Bukan Golestān Province Ardabil Bam, Iran Behbahan Abadeh --Hu12 07:42, 29 June 2007 (UTC)

guys, iranica.com is a perfectly academic site: it's impossible to "spam" Wikipedia with academic content. You should whitelist the domain, this has nothing to do with spamming. dab (𒁳) 07:05, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Have a look at the contributions of 160.39.32.132. The contributions to wikipedia consist Only of adding iranica.com to the External links section in a total of 85 different articles, and is considered WP:Spam. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a link farm. Spamming is about excessivly promoting a site or a site someone loves, it does not only have to be about commercial sites. Links to commercial sites can be and are are often appropriate. Linking to a site for the purpose of using Wikipedia to promote that site, such as the case with IP 160.39.32.132, is not appropriate. It doesn't matter if its an academic site, it doesn't confer a license to spam wikipedia even when it's true.--Hu12 07:26, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I second the opinion of Hu12, and that is why we are discussing here, and are monitoring this link-addition. There is no meta-blacklisting or auto-reversion involved.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 07:30, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * OK, I have re-removed the links from the articles where it got spammed by . For the consensus on this, please note in WP:SPAM:
 * "Adding external links to an article or user page for the purpose of promoting a website or a product is not allowed, and is considered to be spam. Although the specific links may be allowed under some circumstances, repeatedly adding links will in most cases result in all of them being removed."
 * If it is believed that these links are OK (and I argue, they are better served as a reference!), then uninvolved editors can, with reasoning, readd the links. Please do not mass-add the links again.  Thanks.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 08:01, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Agree, the links are better served as a reference when added in good faith, by established editors. However, I believe many are misinterpereting the fact that wide-scale external link spamming despite which domain is in question, is not tolerated on Wikipedia. In the case of 160.39.32.132 nearly all of the 85 articles spammed, the link was to the root of the domain, which does not provide a resource about the articles subject. The only approriate place for a root domain type link, in this case, is in the article Encyclopædia Iranica.--Hu12 12:57, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I reverted earlier again on Golestān Province, where a root domain link was added. I decided first to see if a better link could be found, but as far as I could find, there is no article on Golestān Province on iranica.com.  This only strenghtens my believe that these link additions were mainly to promote the site.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 13:06, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * 160.39.32.153 is still at it, although after a warning an added link was removed again. --Dirk Beetstra T  C 16:15, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I have removed a few, often replacing them with links to the referenced article, or, if a more generic link was needed, a link to the Wikipedia entry for the Encyclopaedia Iranica -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 21:08, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * an example of inapropriate reference use can be found here. real references actualy point to data, not to the root of a domain. Although the edits seems well intended, they add nothing to the article. it was corrected accourdingly --Hu12 00:27, 30 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Another WP:SPA --Hu12 00:41, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

Iranica is a good academic source and inline references to their particular articles should not be removed under any circumstances. On the other hand links to the root of iranica com are pretty useless and could be removed without affecting quality of the articles. A tricky problem is what to do with the links to Iranica articles added to the External links section. On one hand the links are useful for the verification and provide benefits for the readers. On the other hand WP:EL seems to discourage such links: usually Iranica articles provide less information than our feature articles. We do not use bots to add external links to thousands of relevant Brittanica or Columbia articles. On the other hand we usually link film-related articles to IMDB even if IMDB entries have less info than our FAs. I would like to have such discussion on some Iranian related board. As a temporarily solution we can undo the Eliranica and 160.xxx.xxx contributions (that add ELs not Inline references). I want to stress that linking relevant Iranica and Wikipedia articles is quite different from linking all Russia-related articles to a site of Mail-order brides or all internet-related articles to an obscure forum. It most possibly was a good faith act and may require softer approach Alex Bakharev 06:41, 30 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I think that rather than making blanket statements about whether they should be there or not, we should be evaluating each link on its own merits, rather than saying they should not be removed under any circumstances. If they are useful for verification, then they should not be an external link, but should be a reference in the corresponding part of the article. It may well have been a good faith act, but it appears that there is a definite case of WP:COI here, since the IPs are associated with the same organization that publishes the website. There are recommended procedures, here, about reviewing on the article's Talk page.  I don't think we need some over-arching policy on this one that our existing guidelines and policies don't cover. -- Alucard (Dr.) | Talk 16:45, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.1965chevy.com http://spam.my-colostomy.com
Adsense pub-6996207210408883 Other: http://spam.whyquitsmoking.org pub-1887320972930443
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 01:28, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

Spamming of http://spam.dict.it
Adsense pub-4730089561975693
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 07:42, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.saferpak.com/
--Ronz 16:17, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.livingsurvey.com

 * Spammers



Likely COI as well due to username. MER-C 10:27, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.writeaway.org.uk

 * Spammers



Another case of COI spam. MER-C 10:51, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.investingforeclosures.com http://spam.debtornator.com http://spam.cuddlykittens.com
Adsense pub-7747011832210093
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 20:37, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.theforeclosuresinfo.com http://spam.Stateof-California.com
Adsense pub-8212111836103385
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 20:52, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

Unusual university spam
has been adding links to various collections at the University of Washington library to numerous articles (129 at last count). I was somewhat concerned that this was spam (the user has made little effort to create content except for direct copy and paste and slightly changed but still copyvio biographies), but was hesistant to have y'all check it out, until today. Please review the link, Using Wikipedia to Extend Digital Collections, Mdazey has provided on his/her userpage. Apparently this is a spam effort sanctioned by the UW library. Please advise or let me know in what other venue I should ask my question: Is this spam? Thanks. Katr67 18:54, 7 June 2007 (UTC)

P.S. has made a similar effort. Katr67 06:54, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

Also Katr67 07:00, 8 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Yet another library.   --Dirk Beetstra T  C 09:57, 8 June 2007 (UTC)

I am not trying to spam Wikipedia. There has been discussion lately in library university circles on how to enhance Wikipedia, and to provide more sourced materials to Wikipedia pages. The feeling is that this will help the users of Wikipedia gain more information, and better sourced information. There is no ill intent here. I have been given permission by the University of Oregon to directly use the information content on the "finding aid" pages on Wikipedia. I have been trying to find out how to word this permission on the Wikipedia pages, but have yet to hear back after I emailed 'en-wikipedia.' I was going to add more than links after I heard back from them. I would be more than happy to create pages and enhance articles if I knew what I was allowed to say. Many professors do not believe that Wikipedia is a legitimate source because of the lack of sourced materials. All I have been doing is trying to make Wikipedia a more legitimate source for Universities and students. If anyone has any additional questions, please feel free to ask me on my user page. Mdazey


 * It seems like many of the links lead to descriptions of archives. These do not really provide "sourcing" for the information in the article or provide an accessible source of additional information for Wikipedia users. "Sources" should not be placed in the "external link" section (even if it was a "source".) "Sources" (which support facts within the article) should be referenced according to the citation guidelines WP:CITE. External links (WP:EL) should provide a useful source of additional and encyclopedic information. A list of archive materials is not really useful for the average encyclopedia user. Unless the archive material is digitized and accessible, I see no reason to link it. Also, the methods discussed in the article you linked will probably not provide good results for linking this archive material since links are determined on a one-by-one basis based on the quality of the material linked. Nposs 15:59, 8 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Based on your comment "External links (WP:EL) should provide a useful source of additional and encyclopedic information", I think that these links do fall under the guidelines for external links. The links I have been adding are more than just a list of items held in an archive, they also include a biography of the individual, almost always far more information than is on the Wikipedia page, and more information than I'd add to the Wikipedia page.  I do feel that these links are useful to the users of Wikipedia.  Other universities, such as UCLA have been adding the same types of links.  If it is felt that my contributions are not useful or contributing to the development of Wikipedia, then these other links should also be looked at.  Archives and libraries provide an enormous amount of information for users, once they are able to find it.  Using Wikipedia, I would hope, would help these users to find this rich source of information.Mdazey


 * First, there is a major problem of "conflict of interest" WP:COI - being associated with the website, you are not in the best position whether it is a good addition or not. Best to propose the link on the talk page of the article and let other editors decide. Second, many of the pages you edited already contained biographies equal in scope to the biography on the archive page you linked. In instances where biography is lacking, it might be worth linking, but as a reference. Better yet, add some of the content (in a non-copyvio way) and link the reference. That is how Wikipedia gets better - through the addition of well-referenced content (not linking to external websites). Take for example your last link (diff). The article already contains even more bibliographic info than your link (and the external link section already has link to his congressional bio. Linking the archive for the bio doesn't make sense here. The only other info on the linked page that has to do with the subject of the article is the description of one box of photographs - a small amount of highly specialized information of little use to most readers. I do believe that your heart is in the right place - you want to share the excellent resources of your library with the world. But, external links need to be kept to a minimum and your links (for the most part - I certainly haven't checked them all) don't meet the requirements. You want the link? Add content and link the page in a reference. I would also agree that the contributions of other libraries need to be watched as well. This shouldn't be a discouragement to libraries, but rather an encouragement to engage Wikipedia constructively - with an emphasis on improving the quality of the articles rather than driving traffic to library websites. Nposs 20:26, 8 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Nposs - I see what you're saying, but I disagree about the conflict of interest. As librarians, we are information professionals, very well versed in determining the value of various information sources just as doctors are professionals who determine the appropriateness of various drugs.  And after all, if we can link to an imdb page for someone, why not also to a professionally-processed collection of original material which is far more likely to be accurate and to lead the user to additional resources? (See also my additional comment below.)  --Bookgrrl holler/ lookee here  17:34, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

The links are useful contributions and in no way spam. Hinting to quality (non-commercial) sources is always a welcome enrichment --Historiograf 17:14, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Speaking as both a librarian and a Wiki editor with more than 1000 edits under my belt, I agree that such links should not be considered spam. While *in general* it's preferable to have editors add content rather than links to external sites, seeing this type of link appear thrills me!  It's a sign that librarians are treating Wikipedia as a useful gateway source, and that we want to participate in making it a richer, better, more complete repository of information.  Given that Wikipedia wants to be a good solid people-built source of quality information, connecting new (or old) researchers with traditional research material is an excellent feature that can only enhance the user's experience.  So I vote to encourage this convergence in which two information communities -- one new and one old -- can enrich each other :)  --Bookgrrl holler/ lookee here  17:24, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * As long as the edits are sensitive to wiki style, I think it's a great idea for libraries and archives to link to original sources in wikipedia. If someone looking for information on William Faulkner were provided with links to where his his papers are located, for instance, you're directing someone to great resources.  Although it appears that universities are jumping on this bandwagon first, I would love to see more links provided to collections at the National Archives - they've scanned a *lot* of things, from Lewis Carroll's scrapbook to government records - and all those things are in public domain, waiting for users.  The more redirects to original sources, the better information wikipedia provides.Efkeathley 17:50, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * As both a professional archivist and a Wiki editor, I also agree that links of this type should not be considered spam. Links to high-quality external sources (especially primary sources) are an improvement to Wikipedia, not spam, for the reasons already stated above. Archivizt 17:57, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

This topic has been raised on the Foundation-l mailing list .--Versageek 18:35, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I would agree that these links do not qualify as "spam" in the sense of "commercial links added across multiple articles." The links added by the editor (which was the impetus for this conversation), however, are inappropriate. Perhaps the discussion should be moved to the talk page of the external link guidelines - WP:EL. In Wikipedia circles, "spam" has also come to mean the addition of the same inappropriate link to multiple articles. Perhaps this is because the spam fighting tools often end up being used to fix these problems, as well. Someone above mentioned that linking to an archive is similar to linking to IMDB for an actor. Actually, most editors here would suggest that it is not always appropriate to link to IMDB, especially in instances where the linked page contains almost no additional information than the article already contains. The point is, don't link indiscriminately. One library might have a great online repository of Faulkner's letters. Great - it might make for a good link. The links to a sparse, text only description of an archive folder? Not such a good link. I hope it is also remembered that Wikipedia is not a directory of links - WP:NOT - which means that even "good" links won't be appropriate to add in every instance. Best option, add content to the article that is referenced by your outstanding library pages. Then, the link the page with the appropriate citation format - WP:CITE. Nposs 18:49, 15 June 2007 (UTC)

This has also been posted on the official listserv of the Society of American Archivists, but I won't direct there as you need a password to get in. Anyhow, we have discussed wikipedia issues on our listserv in the past. I think part of the problem here is that some of the contribs from libraries and archives look like spam because the professionals adding in links are new to wikipedia and not familiar with all the rules, or (possibly) with digital culture. We should help new contributors learn wiki style and rules so that they can continue to contribute without adding too much noise to signal. Although it's off-topic, I'd like to point to Preservation: Library and Archival Science as an article in this area that contains a lot of good information completely out of wiki style. I've been cleaning up a bit over there, but wow, do I need some help with formating.Efkeathley 19:00, 15 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I welcome the efforts of the Librarians. They should be reminded that Nposs represents a minority for whom rules are more important than any philosophical appreciation of Wikipedia.  For others of us making knowledge broadly available to as many people as possible matters far more than bureaucratic trivia about where to put external links or about citation formats.  For so many years the material that has been locked away is academic facilities has given the impression (rightly or wrongly) that it was not available to the general public.  There is also an unfortunately ignorant tendency among some denizens of the internet to believe that what cannot be digitized must have no value.  There may be good reasons for not digitizing Faulkner's letters, so there is absolutely nothing wrong with linking to a text only description of an archive folder.  Keep up the good work, and I would hope that other libraries and librarians will be inspired to do just as you have done. Eclecticology 21:33, 17 June 2007 (UTC)


 * One issue that I don't think has been addressed here is the various purposes for which people turn to Wikipedia. Some of the arguments given against linking to archival sources - especially ones that are not digitized - seem to assume that everyone uses the site strictly as a one-stop shop to learn facts or to answer a question. However, quite a few users, especially students, are using Wikipedia as the first step in their research process.  Students often go to Wikipedia to get a good overview of a topic, as well as to get ideas of where they can find additional sources.  History students especially need to base their research papers on primary sources (like archival material), going beyond secondary sources like encyclopedias.  Given this fact, it seems helpful to these users to let them know where they may find related sources to aid their research.  The point about adding content and not just links is well taken, and this is something I’ve been doing when I can add substantively to an article.  However, some entries are already quite complete, and any additions I would make wouldn’t really improve the quality of the information presented.SMA archivist 16:00, 18 June 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for the interesting debate so far. I agree that this topic should be moved to a larger forum. I first brought up the issue here because I figured members of this project would have previously encountered similar good faith efforts on the part of libraries. I certainly don't have anything against libraries, archives or the availability of more information, and in fact FWIW I'm thinking about going to school for a library science degree myself. But as an experienced editor with over 18,000 edits, I am also very interested in helping to uphold Wikipedia policy and guidelines in the areas in which I edit. This is why I wanted to make sure the sorts of link additions we are discussing are legit. That does not mean the policy cannot be changed, and I think this is a very important topic that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. No, per Nposs's posts above, the links aren't "spam" in terms of them being commercial links or even their primary purpose being to drive traffic to library websites (I hope). But in terms of the current external link guidelines, they set off my spam radar. Yes, the archivists are very knowledgeable about research, but long-time Wikipedia editors are very knowledgeable about the wiki, and we need learn how to not only coexist, but collaborate effectively. It would be nice to be able to point people who wish to link their excellent library databases to a distinct Wikipedia guideline rather than the usual COI, SPAM and NOT links. I would also recommend that these same editors would do well to not only pursue their linking projects but to also become active members of the Wikipedia community in other ways, such as helping with the general wiki chores--in this way, as Efkeathley suggested, they will become familiar with our style and rules. BTW, I just noticed there is a Librarian WikiProject--it would be excellent to include them in the process of developing any new guidelines. Latr, Katr 19:13, 18 June 2007 (UTC)

I just received a note about the D-Lib Magazine article as well, concerning an editor that was spamming links that I guessed (correctly) might be coi violations as well (Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam/2007_Archive_Jun). I think this needs to be addressed at other levels. I'm going to check COIN and post there if it hasn't been discussed yet. --Ronz 20:40, 18 June 2007 (UTC)
 * No response yet to my comment: Wikipedia_talk:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard --Ronz 01:09, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

I have been asked to provide links to similar discussions and as I am going on a trip soon (so will be less available), I will give my 2p to this discussion. First of all I want to say (and I have said that in other discussions as well), if you are working for an organisation/company/whatever which maintains a website, then you have a possible conflict of interest when adding links to that website, and I think that should be addressed. per WP:COI (point 3 is of interest here; my underline): Wikipedia is "the encyclopedia that anyone can edit," but if you have a conflict of interest avoid, or exercise great caution when: If your main target is to provide content to the wikipedia, which have, where appropriate, links (as references) to your website, as well as to other sites which provide information (see WP:NPOV), noone will have a problem. If your action is mainly adding links/references only (especially to external links sections, or to references sections) without providing content then I do believe that should be addressed as 'spamming' (under the wikipedia definition).
 * 1) Editing articles related to you, your organization, or its competitors, as well as projects and products they are involved with,
 * 2) Participating in deletion discussions about articles related to your organization or its competitors,
 * 3) Linking to the Wikipedia article or website of your organization in other articles (see Spam);
 * and you must always:
 * 1) Avoid breaching relevant policies and guidelines, especially neutral point of view, attribution, and autobiography.

Why do I think that Wikipedia should address that under WP:COI and WP:SPAM: Note, that non-profit organisations often receive funding from government, from a larger part of an organisation, or from benefit (simply, they need to get their money somewhere). Although I know it is assuming bad faith that the link additions are to attract people to your website (the more links to your website, the more people know you, or the higher the government will esteem the efficiency of your organisation. So the (number of) weblinks are a measure of your efficiency, and hence you do get more money, or only, a better recognition), but for all the cases I have seen so far I argue (as per all the applicable guidelines and policies - WP:SPAM, WP:EL, WP:COI, WP:NOT, WP:NPOV etc. etc.) just discuss the linkadditions on the talkpages, and let uninvolved editors make the decision, if only to avoid such things. Also note that WP:NOT and WP:EL both say that a few external links are OK, but external links are not the purpose of the wikipedia, it is the contents. A good article does not need external links, and I do think that often one is doing a disservice to the value of the data on a site (especially libraries and musea) to just add it as an external link, is there really nothing to tell in the wiki page about the subject as it is discussed, so that it can be used as a reference? Thát shows value of a link. I know it is more work to actually write information, but again, just adding the link triggers quite a number of alarms (especially with the bots that I and some other users are running on Wikipedia).

For libraries and musea also, there is much information which is not unique, so there it may be unfair to link to your specific copy of something. That would only be good when the copy is really unique (or extremely rare), and then for sure there is more to tell about that object, so it is again better used as a reference. Otherwise, linking to a linkfarm (for books e.g. special:booksources) is more appropriate)).

Also, I do strongly support removal of all the links added in these cases (WP:SPAM: "Adding external links to an article or user page for the purpose of promoting a website or a product is not allowed, and is considered to be spam. Although the specific links may be allowed under some circumstances, repeatedly adding links will in most cases result in all of them being removed."), after which uninvolved, established editors can re-add the links where they think they are appropriate (or better, use the information from the links to write contents and use it as a reference).

The cases (four as far as I know, but there are probably more):
 * The European Library:
 * user talk:Fleurstigter
 * old item on Village pump
 * Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard/Archive_11
 * E-server
 * Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam/2007_Archive_Jun
 * Mitpress.mit.edu
 * Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam/2007_Archive_May
 * Victoria and Albert Museum
 * discussion 1
 * discussion 2

In conclusion, I think that librarians and people working for a museum should, early on, be notified of WP:COI (and all other policies and guidelines that apply). They are very valuable as wikipedians, they have direct access to much information and as such can contribute a great deal to this encyclopedia, but it is better to discuss first, then to get into these situations. --Dirk Beetstra T C 10:48, 20 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Here are the similar discussions (referencing the D-Lib article) concerning the Smithsonian Institution:
 * User talk:160.111.254.11
 * User talk:Ronz (already noted by Ronz, above)
 * User talk:SFC9394


 * Katr 17:50, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

Ronz's post at the conflict of interest noticeboard talk page led me to this discussion. As a Wikipedia administrator with over 15,000 edits who specializes in complex investigations, I agree there is both a potential for great benefit and legitimate cause for concern in this discussion. In particular, the journal article's main focus appeared to be the value of Wikipedia links in driving traffic to the University of Washington libraries website. That article also undervalued the most articulate portion of the concerns voiced at this thread: low quality outside links that provide minimal additional value to a Wikipedia article do not serve Wikipedia or its readership. That kind of editing is barely disginguishable from spam (if at all) and - assurances of professionalism notwithstanding - I would place myself in a perilous position if I endorsed it uncritically. Wikipedia does have a large and serious problem with profit driven and ideologically motivated abuse.


 * Librarians are welcome editors and university libraries are welcome reference sources. Yet I must temper that welcome - in this thread at least - with an earnest request to maintain a primary goal of disseminating accurate and well-referenced information when contributing to this website.  As educated people I trust you'll respect this administrative dilemma: it's a step on the slippery slope to countenance the situation when any contributor's primary goal is to drive traffic to an outside website.  Durova Charge! 19:13, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

I found another discussion that also references the Using Wikipedia to Extend Digital Collections article:

User talk:Jmabel/Archive 53

Latr, Katr 19:51, 23 June 2007 (UTC)


 * I am putting this back, as I think it is still not resolved, and another editor is adding links to this site.
 * Tobie Garrick is a member of the staff of the Idaho State Historical Society. I do not see a direct link to the site we are discussing here, but Tgarrick is adding links only to the site under discussion here (I will open another case for that site, since it seems to be related - case: WT:WPSPAM).  Maybe it is time to address these situations more broadly?  --Dirk Beetstra [[User_Talk:Beetstra|T ]] C  19:59, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

I do apologize for not more fully understanding the process of contributing to Wikipedia before adding the links discussed above. They were links to topic relevant finding aids to an archival collection that can assist users in gaining further understanding of said topics through primary resources. As has been discussed by others above, I believe that links to legitimate finding aids do offer an additional level of knowledge acquisition to users of Wikipedia articles. I do understand that such links pose issues for Wikipedia and its editors. However, I do hope that serious consideration is given to allowing such links in the future, as they serve the purpose of expanding knowledge networks and offering excellent opportunities for Wikipedia users to access reliable information. Thank you. --TGarrick
 * General comment
 * I was asked to comment, based on my own experience as an academic research librarian (and on WP). I'm giving my own views, which are probably not really universal in any detail, but are a result of the give-and-take here with publishers and generally interested editors, and with the specifically interested eds. at AfD. My overall orientation is compromise--I'm generally an inclusionist, but only up to a point.


 * These links are of many different sorts, and this needs to be sorted out more carefully than a blanket ban or acceptance. Links to external resources are subject to a variety of sometimes contradictory guidelines at WP:EL. As I see it, the basic principle is that the links must be useful to the readers of the encyclopedia, in providing access to material that will support the article in ways that simple references do not. They are not added to show off the resources of a publisher or library; the special collections at a library, or the journals of a publisher, are listed or discussed at their appropriate articles.
 * Beyond a certain number, these links are not helpful to the users--the list is supposed to be focused on the most important, relevant, and distinctive. It's appropriate for example to have an external link to the Fowler for the article on Shakespeare, and probably for the one on Renaissance drama, because of the unsurpassed and famous special collection, and the resources of its website. It is not helpful to add such a link to the articles on each Renaissance writer, even the the Fowler has major holdings of most or all of them--but so do many other libraries.  It's expected that users will use existing web directories--and even that they would realize that major research collections generally have major comprehensive holdings.
 * For publishers likewise--a general article on chemistry might appropriate give an external links to the American Chemical Society--but not each of the thousands of articles on individual chemical compounds. And the slightly less  important chemical societies should many of them have an article, but not an external link every time.
 * This is a general encyclopedia, and selectivity is important. (Most of my career has been at Princeton where the greatest attainable comprehensiveness was the goal, but I've worked with undergraduates as well. For WP articles, we are mostly talking about undergraduate-appropriate material.)


 * There are special articles to illuminate this. For general groups of sources on a general subject, there are lists and categories and particular articles, such as Chemical literature: For scientific journals especially, there are "Lists of journals in X" articles, and categories for the different subjects. This isn't as developed in most other fields, but people are working on it--and a few dozen more people would help.
 * There are also articles on specific publications. There is a coordinated effort to add articles for every peer-reviewed academic journal of importance; based on the Web of Science lists, its about 1/3 of the way. Many subject people in some subjects like law and Mathematics have done this very well, but in most fields it depends on the people interested in journals and libraries. (The coverage of non-academic magazines is even more erratic) There are articles on some major reference tools, such as Ulrich's, or Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Of the more academically oriented, perhaps 10% of the number is necessary--Chemical Abstracts is there, but nobody has gotten to Biological Abstracts yet.


 * For archives and manuscripts and primary sources, the same rule has . it should go to the best sources, from the most appropriate articles. The great expansion of American Memory has made it a very important link, but it does not have to go from every town represented in their Sanford Maps collection. Hundreds of libraries have some primary documents on various American presidents, but I wouldn't link to all of them. This is not a universal compendium of human knowledge, just a general encyclopedia.


 * I've been talking about external links. There are also references within the articles and in the bibliographies. (There are a few subject articles where the editors have thought it appropriate to give a full research-level sourcing--I think this is wholly inappropriate, but I certainly haven't been bothering them about it). It is the internal references that are the opportunity to supplement the external links. from those journals with WP articles, some have been systematically adding links when they are referred to in an article; I'm not sure this is generally helpful, but it's sometimes been critical to demonstrate that the work someone published is in significant places. For biology, there's now the convention of supplying the PMID links whenever possible, for it always leads to at least an abstract. for books, there's a special standard--we do not link to the publisher, though we certainly list the publisher, we link to the ISBN, and there's an excellent automatic system of linking from there to Worldcat and to bookdealers.


 * Enough for tonight. I will give my take on the specifics raised above tomorrow or this weekend. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by DGG (talk • contribs).

note added later: I seem never to have done so DGG (talk


 * Here are my issues with the library SPAM, and what they can do to meet their objective:
 * Students should not be using Wikipedia as the key ingredient to their papers.
 * It is SPAM
 * Work around
 * My experience is being a trained historian that has written over 100 bios on Wiki so far, and I am also a current graduate student. Now, I am not trying to brag, just trying to demonstrate my level of experience and familiarity with the topic as most of the library/university links are about the papers of people. I have used some of the WSU pages as references and even once put one in the external links. But my goal was to add content, or in the case of the EL to leave a link to some additional info I had not integrated into the article. It was not to allow the reader to be able to find the person’s personal papers so they can do an in depth paper for school. Any student who uses Wikipedia to write their papers should be flunked out and banned from academia. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia. And like all encyclopedias it is only a starting point to familiarize the person with the topic. I remember in high school we were told we could not use the encyclopedias as references. No researcher of any acumen should be using Wikipedia for serious academic research. Period. Now if students at UW are using Wikipedia, well that makes me lose a whole lot of respect for what I felt was the top large school in the Northwest. If I were to cite Wikipedia in a law brief in my law school on a legal topic I would be laughed out of the room. Now some judges have referenced articles from Wikipedia, but they are not writing an entire paper just based on that article and they certainly are not using them for legal reasoning. Just a quick reference point for a non-legal item. I would hope other people do the same. I had a fellow student ask me one day what I was doing as I was editing on Wikipedia. This perplexed her, and made her remark that she uses Wikipedia all the time and made her trust the content less (though she clarified that she trusted my work). I explained to her about the same as above, that you should only use WP as a starting point and she then realized that indeed WP is good for that, but not the end all to everything. People have come to over rely on the internet for information, but as someone above has pointed out not everything is digitized and serious research means going to a physical library/museum/archive. Any theory of helping students by adding links like this to allow them to better research is seriously misguided. Students using Wikipedia as their main source (besides a need to flunk them) need better professors and teachers to teach them how to properly research a topic. Or maybe better librarians as I recall numerous classes where we were sent to the library and had librarians teach us how to find items, and there was even a 1 credit class where that was all the students did was learn how to use the library. Wikipeida is the starting point, not the ending point and adding these links should not effect that.


 * My second and more important point, as the above is more of a disgust for the librarian’s stated motive, is that these are SPAM. I know you people are librarians and work for public universities. Well, universities are pretty much businesses these days. That’s why many have had state laws changed to allow them to better profit off the work they do in the form of patents and copyrights, that they can use to further research/pay better salaries. So what makes the library any different? Nothing. The more use a library gets the better funding it gets. Plain and simple. If you check out the website for the Oregon State Library you will find links to their performance report which looks a lot like the documents I used to work with in the private sector. It doesn’t cost people any money to go to that library, but they have key performance factors in order to push their case for their funding from the state legislature. Libraries, museums, and archives all need revenues, just like any other business. This comes from increased traffic and usage of their materials. These links are as stated meant to do this. I may sound cynical, but if these organizations were truly being benevolent they would scan these documents and make them available free of charge and be adding images left and right. Instead places like the Oregon Historical Society and other places I have been researching at would not be charging admission and strictly guarding the copyrights to items that were most likely donated to them in the first place. A copy of a letter from 1850 I got from OHS clearly lays out the policy. They were there to help, but it was all business. And that is what these links are about. My god these employees are being paid to add these links. That in and of itself should be enough of a red flag to have these stopped as it is rather similar to the brouhaha that came about the Microsoft article late last year when the company offered to pay someone to improve their article. Jimbo didn’t take too kindly to that.


 * My solution is that the librarians write articles about these people and use the links as references, just as everyone else. Then a good student reading the article will click on the footnote and discover the wonder land o’ old dusty documents and microfilm available at a library near him or her. If they still object to that, well that just bears out the business argument. Otherwise adding it is SPAM and goes against much of WP:WWIN. Aboutmovies 05:42, 1 July 2007 (UTC)


 * PS The below related discussion about the Idaho place, further hurts the librarians with comments like “This is absolutely ridiculous.” From Avecchione who says they are a librarian. Aboutmovies 05:42, 1 July 2007 (UTC)


 * The quality varies by subject and by article, and the most important part of library instruction is teaching users how to evaluate sources. In my exprience, they are usually much better at doing this with Wikipedia than with print. With web sources, they know to be suspicious. Librarians need to show their resources are used, but the purpose of libraries is to provide resources to be used. (as distinct from archives, where the primary purpose is preservation for possible future use) Librarians also know how infrequently people consult them in person, and have consequently regarded their function as providing tools for the users to help themselves tofind the material they need--all library cataloging has always been for this purpose. To the extent we can use any available medium for library guidance, we should. But one of the key functions of guidance is to lead to the appropriate number and type of resources, and so we should here. Frankly, no opportunity for teaching people how to find material should be lost--or misused.  If any libraries are putting in excessive links to show themselves off, of course it is spam. But unique library resources are as appropriate to include as any other kind of resource.
 * That said, I agree with aboutmovies that the main link to resources should be the references. The preceding unsigned comment was added by DGG (talk • contribs) 7.02:05, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

Idaho State Historical Society
Partially COI, partially spamming. The article Idaho State Historical Society was created and mainly edited by user:Avecchione.

Who also adds links to the site she works for to some articles.



Making it a the top link on, and I am not sure why this page needs to have this specific external link. Having a look around the site reveals that Amy Vecchione is working for the organisation, as is user:Tgarrick (mentioned above in WT:WPSPAM). Tgarrick is also editing this page, but adding links to the university site


 * (Tobie Garrick, also on staff list of the Idaho State Historical Society)

Related seems to be:
 * (diff)

The bots keep an eye open. --Dirk Beetstra T C 20:12, 28 June 2007 (UTC)


 * This isn't my site. This is an archive of a state agency which has real historical information. What can I do to prevent this, and how can my contributions be valued?


 * Avecchione 21:01, 28 June 2007 (UTC)Amy
 * Thanks for your remark. It does not say it is your site, the staff list suggest you are working for that site and hence are involved in this organisation.  I am not sure what you mean by 'how can my contributions be valued?'.  I hope you can clarify.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 21:05, 28 June 2007 (UTC)

to Dirk Beetstra - I work on articles relating to Idaho through the Idaho Wikiproject. I will state that I work (in my day job) at another academic research library that is part of the Northwest Digital Archives, although I rarely add to articles on Washington. (except for articles on Native American Tribes in the region) I have contacted Tgarrick and Avecchione both in hopes that we can add value to Idaho related articles by incorporating information from the Idaho State Historical Society. While I understand your concern about Conflict of Interest, it is clear to me that these individuals and their employing organization have a great deal to offer to the Idaho project. I have invited them to talk about this at the Talk:Old Idaho State Penitentiary page. While we may add links to specific collections in the archives, there will be also be information added to the body of the article when it is appropriate. Research collections at libraries in the United States are a very valuable cultural resource. Librarians want people to know about the resources as part of an ethic of service, as a major part of library activities are geared towards outreach. Please be cognizant of that fact and not penalize the users of Wikipedia in a misguided attempt to fit libraries and musea into a commercial model. As an editor, I expect my judgment about what is appropriate to an article to be respected. Please do not automatically reject any further submissions on Idaho related articles by these two as spam. Thanks in advance. --Robbie Giles 01:26, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * As I have stated in other discussions as well, when the target is to provide content, then I understand that, as a librarian, you also add links to the organisation you work for. When the contributions are mainly/only linkadditions, then it is better to first discuss that on talkpages (and it is best to let uninvolved editors make the link-addition in that case).  Libraries/musea etc. have a wealth of information, and Wikipedia can certainly use that to its advantage (though I don't think that external links generally improve the articles, a few are enough, and much of the links to libraries/musea are better as references .. is there really nothing to tell in the wikipedia article about the material covered in a library/museum?).  Also, although libraries/musea do not fit into a commercial model, it is better to avoid the suggestion that link additions are to promote the organisation (as in, and I know that I am assuming bad faith here, but the more people know about my museum/library, the more people will visit me, the more money I get; all organisations still have to get their money somewhere).  Hope this explains.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 07:20, 29 June 2007 (UTC)
 * In my case, the link alerted me to a specific resource in the historical society's collection. I am reviewing the other links from these two, to add info to specific articles when time permits. (Rats, only 24 hours in a day and I have to be out earning money for a good portion of that.) I understand this may press your buttons, but if you look, these folks added links from pages within the ISHS Reference series. As specialists, they were making a link to a specific resource, not the front page of the organization. In my estimation, this is adding content to the articles. I will be working with them to add references which are linked through the citations, rather than an external link. Hopefully, the same type of thing can be done with other organizations.


 * Yes, there is a thin link between recognition of the organization and its ability to fund raise. Mostly what it does is attract other collection donors. Then the libraries have to raise monies to process the new collection. In the US (and many developed countries with a large number of libraries and museums) the focus of the organization and its people is on outreach and directing users to resources. You have probably seen the bewildered reactions of librarians to the concept of spamming articles by adding links. I was stunned by the suggestion. I will be reading the article by the University of Washington librarian to see exactly what she says before I make comments or judgments about it. Librarians in general have a very strong service ethic. It is all about access for the users. There are many initiatives in different regions to make access to at least the finding aids, if not documents or photographs for the collection. Northwest Digital Archives is one such. The larger overarching parent is the American Memory project through the Library of Congress.


 * Many educators and librarians view Wikipedia as a specious source for student research. Perhaps a guideline can be created to point them to rather than saying they are violating guidelines on spam. I would be happy to contribute if you decide to do so. Notify me on my talk page. Anything we can do to strengthen the link between the academic community and Wikipedia community is a good thing. I encourage you to assume good faith and look for ways to welcome and channel the activities of well-meaning newcomers. Perhaps we can find mentor librarians among more experienced editors who would be willing to partner with some of the people or organizations reaching out to Wikipedia. I would certainly be happy to participate. Feel free to copy these comments to anyplace similar discussions are taking place.


 * Sorry for the long-winded discussion, but like many librarians, I am passionate about what I do and get great pleasure from working with patrons. They come looking for help and I get to help them. Man, does it get any better than that? So enjoy the rest of your day and I look forward to seeing the outcome of this and similar discussions on this subject. --Robbie Giles 13:08, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * Thank you for your remark. I have, already for quite a long time, said that librarians (or people working in musea, etc.) are welcome editors.  I fully agree on that.  They have hands on access to information.  But indeed that thin line between 'spamming' (wikipedia definition, adding external links only) and actually adding contents.  I agree that now you know that the link is there, it can be used.  But that communication can also go via the talkpage.  Many, many of these links are way better served as a reference, and links to these domains should not even be in the external links sections (as I described it earlier, I think it is often a disservice to what you are linking!).  The museum/library has that object for a reason, it is interesting, then write about it, and otherwise consider not adding the link (what would it add .. just another object?).  There are many musea that have a plane, should every museum have a link to their plane in the external links section on the page plane?  No, but if one of them has a special/unique plane, then that plane can be described on the page, and a reference to that page on their site is really appropriate.
 * Early on in one of the discussions (not this one) someone said to me, 'but project Gutenberg has a link there, so why not my library' .. well, the answer is WP:NOT, but that already goes for the first link ..
 * I am sorry if I not first wait until an account has made 100 link additions, but that I address the user early that his linkadditions may be explained as spam (see WP:SPAM). If I do not get a response on that, I open an item here (or on WP:COIN) and invite involved editors.
 * So again (see also other discussions here), spam on wikipedia is not defined by what links get added, but by the way links get added. I am assuming good faith in warning an editor early on, and hope for discussion, but if there is no respons and the account keeps adding external links only, then on which side of the thin line are we?  In this case I think all is resolved, the editors in question have engaged in discussion, and I am confident that we can now proceed.  I am sorry for my somewhat frustrated tone, but after the response of the editors I already found this item closed.  Hope this explains, happy editing.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 13:32, 29 June 2007 (UTC)


 * This is absolutely ridiculous. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Avecchione (talk • contribs).

Spamming of http://spam.vdoogle.com
→ '' See also : Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard Vdoogle
 * Articles Spammed
 * Articles Spammed


 * Video search engine
 * List of search engines
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 19:09, 30 June 2007 (UTC)
 * A breif discussion has been taking place on my talk page relevent to this case and can be referenced under Complaints.--Hu12 20:07, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

Second opinion on Userpage
Not sure what to make of User:Hholt01 user page. Any thougnts?--Hu12 02:45, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * It looks like he's using it as a scratchpad/notepad, for everyday life things in addition to wikipedia related things.. very strange - I don't think I'd want my life on my userpage like that.. --Versageek 03:01, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * scratchpad is right, makes no sense to me..?!--Hu12 18:50, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.filmimusic.com
Adsense pub-0862355341573567
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 09:47, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.iananews.com

 * accounts
 * accounts

--Hu12 14:10, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.ehlinelaw.com
Requests_for_mediation/Rejected/14
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 15:05, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.careers.org
Adsense pub-1242636737414377 (from User_talk:Wiki_marcds. have not confirmed this)
 * Looks like a sock. --Ronz 16:51, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like a sock. --Ronz 16:51, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like a sock. --Ronz 16:51, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like a sock. --Ronz 16:51, 2 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Thats the correct adsense publisher # ;--Hu12 18:07, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.engineerskit.com http://spam.testing-post.com http://spam.geoonweb.com http://spam.technology-updates.com
All Adsense pub-2492273361112371
 * Other adsense sites spammed
 * Other adsense sites spammed
 * Other adsense sites spammed
 * Other adsense sites spammed
 * Other adsense sites spammed

http://spam.noblesayings.com pub-7394747287277221
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 18:05, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * testing-post.com seems to be the most widespread of the links spammed, however they are all cleaned up (for now)--Hu12 18:40, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.yogainformer.com http://spam.cruiseshipssite.com http://spam.greatfelines.com
Adsense pub-0482569841778695
 * Other sites spammed
 * Other sites spammed
 * Other sites spammed
 * Other sites spammed

http://spam.hbbeerfest.com http://spam.nineinchnailsforums.com http://spam.incubusforum.com
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 21:53, 2 July 2007 (UTC)

Keris Inc. spam on Wikipedia
Spammed domains:
 * gallery.acmeporn.com/001/?nats=Mjc3MzozOjI2
 * www.american-idol-show.info
 * www.anrdoezrs.net/click-2248787-10409246
 * www.dpbolvw.net/click-2248787-10441335
 * www.cheapviagraguide.com
 * www.easymdpharm.com
 * www.fertilizer-information.info
 * www.get-mortgage-refinancing.info
 * www.juicybooty.net
 * www.kerismart.com
 * www.mobile-content-news.info
 * www.mobile-ringbacks.info
 * www.second-mortgage-refinance.net
 * www.spokenwordz.com
 * www.get-mortgage-refinancing.info
 * www.juicybooty.net
 * www.kerismart.com
 * www.mobile-content-news.info
 * www.mobile-ringbacks.info
 * www.second-mortgage-refinance.net
 * www.spokenwordz.com
 * www.mobile-ringbacks.info
 * www.second-mortgage-refinance.net
 * www.spokenwordz.com
 * www.second-mortgage-refinance.net
 * www.spokenwordz.com
 * www.spokenwordz.com

Affiliated domains:
 * http://50yearmortgageloans.blogdog.com
 * http://ambien-zolpidem-tartrate.blogbeee.com
 * http://bigasspics.blogdog.com
 * http://clearblogs.com/easymd
 * http://easymd.blogdog.com
 * http://kerismart.blogdog.com
 * http://pimpster101.blogbugs.org
 * http://Sexyroundasses.blogdog.com
 * http://www.50YearMortgageLoan.info/
 * http://www.aclepsahealth.com
 * http://www.canadiandiscountpharmacy.biz
 * http://www.chatuchak-bangkok.com
 * http://www.cheapinsurance.us.com
 * http://www.cincinnatipharmacy.net
 * http://www.deerantlersplus.com
 * http://www.extremeasses.com
 * http://www.ForeignPharmacy.us
 * http://www.ghettochicks.net
 * http://www.homemortgageonline.us
 * http://www.kels-site.com
 * http:// www.kerismart.com
 * http://www.onlyfreestuff.org
 * http://www.pharmacyclevelandohio.com
 * http://www.pinky-xxx.com
 * http://www.wellbutrin-xl-pharmacy.com
 * http://www.wholesalesuppliersdirect.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com
 * http://www.deerantlersplus.com
 * http://www.extremeasses.com
 * http://www.ForeignPharmacy.us
 * http://www.ghettochicks.net
 * http://www.homemortgageonline.us
 * http://www.kels-site.com
 * http:// www.kerismart.com
 * http://www.onlyfreestuff.org
 * http://www.pharmacyclevelandohio.com
 * http://www.pinky-xxx.com
 * http://www.wellbutrin-xl-pharmacy.com
 * http://www.wholesalesuppliersdirect.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com
 * http:// www.kerismart.com
 * http://www.onlyfreestuff.org
 * http://www.pharmacyclevelandohio.com
 * http://www.pinky-xxx.com
 * http://www.wellbutrin-xl-pharmacy.com
 * http://www.wholesalesuppliersdirect.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com
 * http://www.wellbutrin-xl-pharmacy.com
 * http://www.wholesalesuppliersdirect.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com
 * http://www.wholesalesuppliersdirect.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com
 * http://www.zyban-wellbutrin.com

Accounts:
 * es:Especial:Contributions/24.162.76.235
 * es:Especial:Contributions/24.162.76.235

Whois info:
 * Keris, Inc.
 * 8812 Hare Avenue
 * Jacksonville, Florida 32211


 * spoken wordz publications
 * 6205 Pattingham Dr
 * Roswell, GA 30075


 * Keris, Kem
 * P.O. Box 390
 * Owerri, Nigeria

Adsense IDs:
 * 1280054044894037
 * 7940428168834626

Blacklist request: -- A. B. (talk) 20:00, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * meta:Talk:Spam blacklist (Permanent link)

WP:COI http://spam.aabaig.com
A A Baig & Co., Chartered Accountants
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

→ '' See also : Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/User:A A Baig & Co.    --Hu12 13:10, 1 July 2007 (UTC)
 * See this AfD. --Dirk Beetstra T  C 10:41, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.southwestrefrigerantsales.com
Sock accounts:

--Dirk Beetstra T C 13:45, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Spam linksearch tools down
Eagle's tools aren't loading. Have they moved to a different address or is something else wrong? Nposs 14:44, 3 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I'm guessing it's because the Toolserver's MySQL server is acting a bit wonky at the moment. The problems should be resolved within a day or two. Shadow1  (talk) 16:06, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.coreap.com
CoReap
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 18:12, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

genuinekansas.com
, and

Adsense pub-9072380075206857

✤ JonHarder talk 20:53, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Inappropriate medopedia.com links on Wikipedia
Domain:
 * http://www.medopedia.com

Accounts adding these links:

All are BellCanada DSL IPs used for one edit only.

Google Adsense ID: 9660963598420301 -- A. B. (talk) 22:11, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

Inappropriate TIS India links on Wikipedia
Google Adsense ID: 8474617293475865

Links added to Wikipedia:
 * http://www.automarket.com.au
 * http://www.hemroids-information.com
 * http://www.hemorrhoids-treatment-guide.com
 * http://www.indiawildliferesorts.com
 * http://www.kaziranga-national-park.com
 * http://www.autoline.com.au
 * http://www.trekkinginladakh.com
 * http://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com
 * http://www.kaziranga-national-park.com
 * http://www.autoline.com.au
 * http://www.trekkinginladakh.com
 * http://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com
 * http://www.trekkinginladakh.com
 * http://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com
 * http://www.ranthamborenationalpark.com

Affiliated domains:
 * http://www.tisindia.com
 * http://www.peopleshealth-hemroids.com
 * http://www.indiantraveldestinations.com
 * http://www.indianbeachresorts.com
 * http://www.peoples-health.com
 * http://www.venapro.com
 * Added previously by
 * http://www.indiantravelpackages.com
 * http://www.TourMyIndia.com
 * http://www.HillStationsInIndia.com
 * http://www.TrekkingInIndia.com
 * http://www.ChardHam-Pilgrimage-Tour.com
 * http://www.TrekkingInGarhwal.com
 * http://www.TrekkingInSikkim.com
 * http://www.Trekking-In-Himalayas.com
 * http://www.IndianTravelPackages.com
 * http://www.indiatrekkings.com
 * http://www.GangOtri-TapoVan-Trek.com
 * http://www.ladakhadventure.com
 * http://www.goodgrammar.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com
 * http://www.ChardHam-Pilgrimage-Tour.com
 * http://www.TrekkingInGarhwal.com
 * http://www.TrekkingInSikkim.com
 * http://www.Trekking-In-Himalayas.com
 * http://www.IndianTravelPackages.com
 * http://www.indiatrekkings.com
 * http://www.GangOtri-TapoVan-Trek.com
 * http://www.ladakhadventure.com
 * http://www.goodgrammar.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com
 * http://www.indiatrekkings.com
 * http://www.GangOtri-TapoVan-Trek.com
 * http://www.ladakhadventure.com
 * http://www.goodgrammar.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com
 * http://www.goodgrammar.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com
 * http://www.goodgrammer.com

Client sites:
 * http://www.ownmax.com
 * http://www.sidebarcafe.com
 * http://www.letsxchange.com
 * http://www.insideleap.co.uk
 * http://www.carspix.net
 * http://www.vizmarketing.com
 * http://www.kontaktcafe24.de
 * http://www.coheso.com
 * http://time4cam.com
 * http://www.betahosts.com
 * http://www.vizmarketing.com
 * http://www.kontaktcafe24.de
 * http://www.coheso.com
 * http://time4cam.com
 * http://www.betahosts.com
 * http://time4cam.com
 * http://www.betahosts.com
 * http://www.betahosts.com
 * http://www.betahosts.com

Accounts:

Whois -- some, but not all, sites are registered to:
 * Trade India Services
 * Vijayendra Thapliyal
 * 86/C Pocket 4
 * Mayur Vihar Vihar Phase-1
 * Delhi
 * Delhi,110091
 * IN

-- A. B. (talk) 22:20, 3 July 2007 (UTC)

http:// spam.jobklub.com

 * Looks like this might be a bot. --Ronz 16:23, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * They're continuing and added another ip. --Ronz 17:16, 4 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like this might be a bot. --Ronz 16:23, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * They're continuing and added another ip. --Ronz 17:16, 4 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like this might be a bot. --Ronz 16:23, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
 * They're continuing and added another ip. --Ronz 17:16, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

University spammer - newmedia.ufm.edu (pulled from archive)
Some accounts have a single purpose to add links to a university site. Has been noted on AN/I (WP:ANI - now here in the archive) Accounts:
 * (site of Universidad Francisco Marroquín)
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).
 * (range 200.0.176.0/23 = Universidad Francisco Marroquín).

The link may be good, but the way of adding is spam, and at least the IP (and I suspect the accounts as well) have a WP:COI. Time to clean? --Dirk Beetstra T C 18:19, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * I am going to add, some pages created by one of these users contain large linkfarms to this site (added by the same, or other users in this list). --Dirk Beetstra T  C 19:31, 28 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Ivanmorales contacted me, I left a message on the talkpage, it seems (also from the contributions, that this user is not the same as the other three. --Dirk Beetstra T  C 17:11, 4 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Yes, there is several of us, we are students at www.ufm.edu; we are currently reviewing all your policies very carefully. We are sorry if we cause any misunderstanding.user:lvmtridas
 * There has been a misunderstanding, we are reviewing the spam policies in order to comply with the norms. --Ivan Morales

Archiving
I see a lot of sections get automatically archived here, while I think the issue is not yet resolved. Is it an idea to shift to a ✅ / ❌ system, or to a system like that is in use on WP:COIN? Hope for some thoughts. --Dirk Beetstra T C 17:17, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.thezerogroup.com
Not sure if this one has been here before: --Dirk Beetstra T C 20:41, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

Associated Content: another, bigger Suite101.com?
See especially this section:
 * Associated Content

530 links on en.wikipedia plus more on other Wikipedias.

For some comparison, here are links to two of the many Suite101.com discussions:
 * Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Spam/2006 Archive Dec
 * meta:Talk:Spam blacklist/Archives/2006/12

Suite101.com:
 * Had little or no editorial oversight (see WP:RS) and Suite101.com articles were essentially self-published
 * Offered its authors financial incentives to increase page views

What do others think of these Associated Content links? Are they spam? Are they encyclopedic? -- A. B. (talk) 20:00, 4 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I think the links are largely spam, unsuitable as references per WP:RS, and make for dubious external links. --Ronz 15:50, 5 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Found some of them for you. Can't find a single spammer. MER-C 10:00, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

So far a few were from this guy Sophruhig Vita@comcast.net(jason_cangialosi). noted additions. and here by IP 67.176.73.133(colorado comcast). Another from a colorado comcast IP by 24.9.186.26 I'll assume most are added by the article writer, so be aware of which ip's/authors are adding them.--Hu12 10:33, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * adding all jason_cangialosi articles --Hu12 11:42, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

Summary:
 * jason_cangialosi articles from http://spam.associatedcontent.com
 * http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/1363/jason_cangialosi.html
 * Colorado IP's adding cangialosi artiles

--Hu12 12:12, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

justgiving.com
Is there any reason to allow in any article? I believe we can go ahead and clean these out, except for the Justgiving article itself. ✤ JonHarder talk 19:17, 5 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks like spam to me. The site is an obvious failure of WP:EL in most circumstances. ---J.S  (T/C/WRE) 21:21, 5 July 2007 (UTC)
 * cleaned up, for now--Hu12 23:27, 5 July 2007 (UTC)


 * (lets monitor) --Dirk Beetstra T  C 10:57, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

http://qioo.de
Mobile Library
 * accounts
 * accounts

--Hu12 09:35, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

http://virtualuffizi.com

 * mass additions of this link by
 * mass additions of this link by

--Hu12 10:35, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * also noted adding associatedcontent.com by jason_cangialosi and  by IP 67.176.73.133. Another from a colorado comcast IP  by 24.9.186.26 and  adding all jason_cangialosi articles--Hu12 10:39, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

2π English panorama spam

 * Sites spammed:




 * Spammers


 * Cross wiki spammers
 * (de)
 * (gl, simple, no)
 * (it, zh)
 * (fr, nl, es)
 * (fr, sv, ja, tr, bg, de, no, ru)
 * (zh, sv)
 * (it, pt)

Persistent and ongoing dynamic IP spam over several months. Haven't dealt with york360.co.uk yet.MER-C 12:32, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Added 4 for the york spam, all clear, for now--Hu12 13:03, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

The spammers have gone cross wiki as well. Cross wiki linksearch gives link counts as: spam.york360.co.uk = 9, spam.chester360.co.uk = 13 and spam.england-360.co.uk = 14. Appears to be same IP range. It's bedtime for me, so I can't get rid of them. MER-C 13:49, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * All gone. MER-C 03:47, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

International Securities Exchange
some one want to look at the article International Securities Exchange. Most of the article has been written with a promotional tone by, and many of the sections read like an advert. Possible WP:COI as this editor has no other edits asside from this one article.--Hu12 20:37, 6 July 2007 (UTC)


 * This might be better situation for the Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard as most content is article and not links. JoeSmack Talk 20:44, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

→ '' See also : Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard--Hu12 20:55, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.techxact.com

 * - a Techxact ip?
 * SPAs, may be socks. --Ronz 20:53, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * SPAs, may be socks. --Ronz 20:53, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * SPAs, may be socks. --Ronz 20:53, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * SPAs, may be socks. --Ronz 20:53, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.gsx-r.eu

 * Spammers

MER-C 06:35, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

spam.golf-malaysia.com spam.macgears.com spam.judasischariot.com
The edits of user are only link insertions:
 * uses Google analytics
 * ip: 70.86.80.242
 * adsense: pub-4121743484592287
 * ip: 69.16.251.239 (resolves to radioaktif.net, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
 * ip: 70.86.80.242
 * ip: 69.16.251.239 (resolves to radioaktif.net, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
 * ip: 70.86.80.242
 * ip: 70.86.80.242

Besides the Malaysia connection, these sites are all registered through Enom, Inc and the contact information is hidden by WhoisGuard. Questions: is there a way to find other websites registered through Enom and WhoisGuard? Do the bots store IP information so we can look up what other sites using 70.86.80.242 as a host? If not, could they? ✤ JonHarder talk 12:35, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.philipwillan.com

 * Spammers

MER-C 12:43, 7 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Disagree that it's spam. Although this site might not be useful everywhere, Willan is a journalist who wrote for The Guardian and others newspapers, and his articles are certainly reliable sources on specific subjects, such as Roberto Calvi. Tazmaniacs 17:30, 16 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.gamingtype.com

 * Spam socks
 * Spam socks

--Hu12 13:48, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.zipcodestats.com
→ '' See also : Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Spam/2006_Archive_Sep Adsense pub-9361069886642362
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 15:25, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.gaypornstars.com http://spam.malepornstars.com

 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 15:46, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I think a hell of a lot of good would be done if 'porn' was blacklisted on Meta. But now it's blacklisted on Shadowbot! Shadow1  (talk) 20:22, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.fanmail.biz
Adsense pub-4547783287984317
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts


 * --Hu12 16:10, 7 July 2007 (UTC)
 * --Hu12 16:10, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

spam.newsgroupreviews.com


Links were added to 41 articles by this IP, 40 of them in a 1 hour time frame! They have all been removed now. --Versageek 22:06, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

agloco.com again
Looks like this domain has a history going back to at least March 2007. --Versageek 06:55, 8 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Agloco.com is already blacklisted on the meta spam blacklist:
 * meta:Talk:Spam blacklist/Archives/2007/04
 * Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Spam/2007 Archive Apr
 * 69.211.139.119 was adding links without the "http://". I believe there are anti-vandalbots that look for certain phrases and curse words -- perhaps someone could load agloco.com and agloco into its word list.


 * In the meantime, there have been so many warnings already issued that I would just block any address adding this link. If the same editor is adding other domains, I'd take them immediately to meta:Talk:Spam blacklist for blacklisting. -- A. B. (talk) 13:31, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.asianfc.com

 * Spammers



MER-C 09:53, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.marketonga.to

 * Spammers



Particularly blatant, added about 50 links before I got him. MER-C 12:14, 8 July 2007 (UTC)

spam.andrewjohns.ca and RaymondJames
What do editors think of andrewjohns.ca links? Many of the links seem to have been added by Their report pages are presumably reliable, but short on content. Some links lead to a. Other links appear to be placed mainly for promotional purposes. ✤ JonHarder talk 19:18, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * – may be associated with the company.
 * Appears many of the pages were created for the "subsidiaries and affiliates" links, definately promotional. I have yet to find one link that these three have not placed--Hu12 19:29, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * another, Its possible all three are involved with the company--Hu12 19:31, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Smac2020 was very active today, and reverted a couple times on Canadian National Railway to add such a link. After inviting him to join the conversation, he left me a message that he didn't know the policy and that he thinks the links are beneficial.  I disagree with the links' appropriateness on Wikipedia in all of articles that I've reviewed in the last 20 minutes.  Another editor has further warned him about adding such links. Slambo (Speak)  22:49, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Looks highly promotional. I've given them all coi warnings, and gave spam2 warnings to the two that hadn't been warned yet. --Ronz 23:29, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Seems to be very aggressively adding promotional links. They're of the "here's some outdated info, contact me for current stuff" type.  I'm trying to clean up the blatant ones.  Kuru  talk  23:32, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I've removed the commercial links.It also appears that many of the article created are Copyrighted Andrew Johns. so there is a copyvio issu also.--Hu12 00:27, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

This is the list of companies being worked off of andrewjohns.ca/EN/main/299/317/marketinfo_researchfocus.html. The following are copy vios Stantec Inc., Platinum Group Metals Limited, Duvernay Oil, CCS Income Trust, Mccoy corporation, Wajax, Mag Silver--Hu12 01:09, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

UNT Libraries Digital Collections
has been adding links en masse to the UNT Libraries Digital Collections, apparently since January 2006. She's gotta have at least 750 contribs, all adding the site over broad ranges of articles in short periods of time. Seems like a SPA for promoting to me.

Also, with some basic googling, it appears that this user is a librarian working for UNT. She writes grants, manages relationships with their collaborative partners and promotes their digital collections. If COIBot operator doesn't see this entry in the next couple of days I'll let 'em know about it. JoeSmack Talk 20:30, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * --Dirk Beetstra T C 09:28, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

related spamming
→ '' See also : User_talk:Nsusa Yahoo Ad partner 1885772697
 * http://spam.highlandsranch.us
 * http://spam.habouthighlandsranch.com
 * http://spam.aboutcastlerock.com
 * http://spam.aboutcastlerock.com
 * http://spam.aboutcastlerock.com

Adsense pub-6236715851584986
 * http://spam.firsttimepregnancy.com
 * http://spam.webhostingreport.net
 * http://spam.restlesslegsreport.com
 * http://spam.webhostingresourcekit.com
 * http://spam.smallbusinessland.com
 * http://spam.startawebhostbiz.com
 * http://spam.realcreditrepair.info
 * http://spam.beefkabobs.com
 * http://spam.energyeducationfoundation.com
 * http://spam.sleepfoundation.com
 * Spam sock accounts
 * http://spam.realcreditrepair.info
 * http://spam.beefkabobs.com
 * http://spam.energyeducationfoundation.com
 * http://spam.sleepfoundation.com
 * Spam sock accounts
 * http://spam.energyeducationfoundation.com
 * http://spam.sleepfoundation.com
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

added related--Hu12 14:40, 7 July 2007 (UTC)


 * This blog complaint caught my attention, so I did some more digging:
 * "Wikipedia.org on its way to become a second DMOZ"


 * Here are some additional domains owned by Net Services USA, LLC in Colorado, USA (except one client site as noted); I see no record that they have been spammed in the past:
 * http://www.allvitamins.info
 * http://www.auswanderung.us
 * http://www.babynameexperts.com
 * http://www.bestdatingonline.info
 * http://www.bigboyoutdoors.com
 * http://www.blogright.us
 * http://www.businesscharterjet.com
 * http://www.celebrity-online.info
 * http://www.cheapteethbleaching.com
 * http://www.cheapwebhostinformation.com
 * http://www.chocolatearea.com
 * http://www.coolbargainsonline.com
 * http://www.dessertdevil.com
 * http://www.dreamwaterbeds.com
 * http://www.eclassad.com
 * http://www.elderlycaresite.com
 * http://www.electanneb.com
 * http://www.faecke.us
 * http://www.fchangilro.com
 * http://www.fergie-ringtones.com
 * http://www.fidosupplies.com
 * http://www.findgoodlawyers.com
 * http://www.firsttimepregnant.com
 * http://www.getyourpagerank.com
 * http://www.gowest.us
 * http://www.healthportalonline.com
 * http://www.housedecorate.info
 * http://www.keywordknowledge.com
 * http://www.keywordmine.com
 * http://www.namemykid.info
 * http://www.ndsringtones.com
 * http://www.netservicesusa.com
 * http://www.nsusa.info
 * http://www.nsusadenver.com
 * http://www.phoneseasy.com
 * http://www.playfantasyfootball.net
 * http://www.pregnancy-announcements.com
 * http://www.puetz.us
 * http://www.qualitywaterbeds.com
 * http://www.rapsongringtones.com
 * http://www.smartmoneymarketing.com
 * http://www.smartparenthood.com
 * http://www.targetedwebvisitors.com
 * http://www.the-usa.net
 * http://www.theringtoneprovider.com
 * http://www.traveluniverse.net
 * http://www.vitaminassociates.com
 * http://www.vitaminsinstock.com
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.healthportalonline.com
 * http://www.housedecorate.info
 * http://www.keywordknowledge.com
 * http://www.keywordmine.com
 * http://www.namemykid.info
 * http://www.ndsringtones.com
 * http://www.netservicesusa.com
 * http://www.nsusa.info
 * http://www.nsusadenver.com
 * http://www.phoneseasy.com
 * http://www.playfantasyfootball.net
 * http://www.pregnancy-announcements.com
 * http://www.puetz.us
 * http://www.qualitywaterbeds.com
 * http://www.rapsongringtones.com
 * http://www.smartmoneymarketing.com
 * http://www.smartparenthood.com
 * http://www.targetedwebvisitors.com
 * http://www.the-usa.net
 * http://www.theringtoneprovider.com
 * http://www.traveluniverse.net
 * http://www.vitaminassociates.com
 * http://www.vitaminsinstock.com
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.qualitywaterbeds.com
 * http://www.rapsongringtones.com
 * http://www.smartmoneymarketing.com
 * http://www.smartparenthood.com
 * http://www.targetedwebvisitors.com
 * http://www.the-usa.net
 * http://www.theringtoneprovider.com
 * http://www.traveluniverse.net
 * http://www.vitaminassociates.com
 * http://www.vitaminsinstock.com
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.theringtoneprovider.com
 * http://www.traveluniverse.net
 * http://www.vitaminassociates.com
 * http://www.vitaminsinstock.com
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.vitaminsinstock.com
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.your-garden-online.info
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)
 * http://www.InternationalBulk.com (Net Services USA client)


 * The following are registered to Bill Cullifer in Folsom, California, USA and were added by 75.26.161.188 and not by Nsusa; they may be unrelated:
 * http://www.worldsleepfoundation.com
 * http://www.sleepfoundation.com/
 * http://www.energyeducationfoundation.com
 * http://www.restlesslegsyndrome.com
 * -- A. B. (talk) 13:34, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * http://www.restlesslegsyndrome.com
 * -- A. B. (talk) 13:34, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 13:34, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 13:34, 9 July 2007 (UTC)


 * See this discussion:
 * Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents#Don't template the n00bs either (Permanent link)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 13:52, 9 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Looks like there are 50 to 100 more sites that Nsusa owns that I didn't find:
 * http://www.syndk8.net/forum/index.php/topic,1283.msg80720.html#msg80720
 * --14:36, 9 July 2007 (UTC)


 * 2 more domains owned by Nsusa (not spammed here to my knowledge):
 * http://www.pregnancyland.com
 * http://www.breastpumpstore.com
 * -- A. B. (talk) 17:50, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 17:50, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 17:50, 9 July 2007 (UTC)


 * 3 more domains owned by Nsusa (not spammed here to my knowledge):
 * http://www.Tfn.info
 * http://www.adultdiapersdirect.com
 * http://www.ColoradosWebHost.com
 * I'm going away for a while; I suggest putting all these domains on the bots' watchlists.
 * -- A. B. (talk) 18:13, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I'm going away for a while; I suggest putting all these domains on the bots' watchlists.
 * -- A. B. (talk) 18:13, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * -- A. B. (talk) 18:13, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Chamber of Commerce linkspam
A series of IP users have been editing in links to articles related to Clinton County, NY, USA.

The most recent is:

Another IP used was

Most pages had a variation of this: AREA INFORMATION:

dumped into it.
 * North Country Chamber of Commerce
 * Adirondack Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau

In the Plattsburgh International Airport and Plattsburgh Air Force Base articles, large portion were changed to read like ad copy: PIA / PAFB.

I was wondering what could be done about this monthly spam. --sigmafactor 02:28, 8 July 2007 (UTC)


 * Sites spammed

http://spam.goadirondack.com

http://spam.northcountrychamber.com

http://spam.plattsburghinternationalairport.com

http://spam.quebecnewyorkcorridor.com

http://spam.flyplattsburgh.com

This is starting to appear complicated. One of our bot operators would probably blacklist them. MER-C 04:54, 8 July 2007 (UTC)
 * is at it again: Altona (town), New York, State University of New York at Plattsburgh, Lake Champlain Transportation Company, Willsboro, New York, Ellenburg, New York, Black Brook, New York, Au Sable Forks, New York, Champlain Canal. --sigmafactor 23:13, 8 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Stepped up to spam4 and reverted. Please blacklist. MER-C 03:07, 9 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I fed shadowbot flyplattsburgh, northcountrychamber and goadirondack - the other two appear to have legit uses in other articles.. if that changes, they can be listed as well. --Versageek 03:30, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.magnum-mania.com

 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 23:44, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.coin-articles.com http://spam.mountainviewcoins.com
Adsense pub-4033784637214188
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 23:50, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.mythimedia.org
I apologize for this "hit and run" but my Internet access is very limited right now. Can someone please look into Fallingdrapery's contributions, particularly his or her multiple additions of links to Mythimedia.org to disparate articles? It could be perfectly appropriate but I don't have the time to look into it but I don't want to just let it go if it's problematic. Thanks! --ElKevbo 22:22, 6 July 2007 (UTC)
 * I couldn't find anything unique this site adds, and its mass addition is strange. I've reverted the additions and left a warning on this user's talk page about spamming external links. JoeSmack Talk 22:34, 6 July 2007 (UTC)

He's been putting it on talk pages.MER-C 02:22, 7 July 2007 (UTC)

Mythimedia.org is an official project of Bologna University (Italy). The contributors are either professors or researchers in the University. Marking us as 'spammers' is a GREAT OFFENCE. All contributions are original, there is an exclusive interview too (with David DeFeis), and some works by illustrious scholars havre been discarded by YOU! Alaksandu 21:10, 10 July 2007 (UTC)


 * The wikipedia guideline on spam states "Adding external links to an article or user page for the purpose of promoting a website or a product is not allowed, and is considered to be spam. Although the specific links may be allowed under some circumstances, repeatedly adding links will in most cases result in all of them being removed." In this case a user was adding a number of links, without explanation or discussion, to external links sections of pages.  As we are writing an encyclopedia here (in which content counts), and not a linkfarm, such additions are, per above guideline, defined as spam (even if they are pointing to non-commercial content).  Please consider adding content and using the links as references.  Just as a sidenote, if you are working for/involved in the organisation the links are pointing to, can you please read our conflict of interest guideline as well?  Thank you.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 21:29, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

The only thing I can say is that I am not Fallingdrapery and I don't know him/her. You misunderstood the sense of a serious work and now are trying to excuse yourself by means of pretexts:-(Alaksandu 22:26, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.numismaster.com
Numismaster Krause-Mishler
 * Spam sock accounts
 * Spam sock accounts

--Hu12 00:07, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

F+W Publications, Inc / Krause Publications

 * Adsense pub-9670108431615045
 * Article F+W Publications Inc.
 * http://www.fwpublications.com


 * Article Antique Trader
 * http://www.antiquetrader.com


 * http://www.bigreel.com


 * http://www.postcardcollector.com


 * http://www.artistsmagazine.com


 * http://www.artistsnetwork.com


 * http://www.artistssketchbook.com


 * http://www.banknotereporter.com


 * Article Blade (magazine)
 * http://www.blademag.com


 * Article Comics Buyer's Guide
 * http://www.cbgxtra.com


 * http://www.coinpricesmagazine.net


 * http://www.coinsmagazine.net


 * http://www.collect.com


 * http://www.creativepaintingbookclub.com


 * Article David & Charles
 * http://www.davidandcharles.co.uk


 * http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com


 * http://www.discoveriesmag.com


 * http://www.examcopies.com


 * http://www.familytreemagazine.com


 * http://www.fantasysportsmag.com


 * ArticleGoldmine (magazine)
 * http://www.goldminemag.com


 * http://www.greatamericanscrapbook.com


 * http://www.gunlistonline.com


 * http://www.hortmag.com


 * http://www.howconference.com


 * Article HOW...
 * http://www.howdesign.com


 * Article I.D. (magazine)
 * http://www.idonline.com


 * http://www.impact-books.com


 * http://www.loghomesinfo.net


 * http://www.loghomesillustrated.com


 * http://www.memorymakersmagazine.com


 * http://www.militarytrader.com


 * http://www.militaryvehiclesmagazine.com


 * http://www.northlightbookclub.com


 * Article Numismaster
 * Article Krause-Mishler
 * http://www.numismaster.com


 * http://www.numismaticnews.net


 * http://www.oldcarspriceguide.net


 * http://www.oldcarsweekly.com


 * http://www.pasteljournal.com


 * http://www.popularwoodworking.com


 * Article Print (magazine)
 * http://www.printmag.com


 * http://www.thescrapbookclubonline.com


 * http://www.scrapbookretailermagazine.com


 * http://www.scubadiving.com


 * http://www.sportscollectorsdigest.com


 * http://www.timberhomesillustrated.com


 * http://www.toycarsmag.com


 * http://www.toyshopmag.com


 * http://www.trapperpredatorcaller.com


 * Article Tuff Stuff
 * http://www.tuffstuff.com


 * http://www.turkeyandturkeyhunting.com


 * http://www.vintagebikemag.com


 * Article Watercolor Magic
 * http://www.watercolormagic.com


 * http://www.woodworkersbookclub.com


 * http://www.worldcoinnews.net


 * Article Writer's Digest
 * http://www.writersdigest.com


 * http://www.writersdigestbookclub.com


 * http://www.writersmarket.com


 * http://www.writersonlineworkshops.com
 * --Hu12 02:56, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

Porn linkspam
An old "friend" has reappeared... adding links to a number of articles on porn stars. Here's what's been added so far:


 * to Poppy Morgan
 * to Estelle Desanges
 * to Samantha Sterlyng
 * to Kelly O'Dell
 * to Sabrina Johnson
 * to Lea Martini
 * to Leslie Glass

The IPs from which this person has been working so far are:



This particular spammer has shown an fondness for using open proxies to access Wikipedia to add his spam so these 4 IPs should also be checked out. In fact if you take a look at the most recent contributions by 69.59.28.133, you'll see the edit summary "Test open proxy". Tabercil 06:17, 10 July 2007 (UTC)
 * 69.59.28.133 has already been blocked indef. I listed the other three at WP:OP. MER-C 07:09, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

http://spam.europeanvibe.com

 * Spammers

See also Articles for deletion/European Vibe Magazine. MER-C 09:31, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

University reunion spam

 * Sites spammed

http://spam.thebignottinghamreunion.com

http://spam.thebigbirminghamreunion.com

http://spam.thebigdurhamreunion.com

http://spam.thebigbristolreunion.com

http://spam.thebigliverpoolreunion.com

http://spam.thebigreadingreunion.com

http://spam.thebigtrentreunion.com

http://spam.thebigheyewereunion.com

http://spam.thebigleedsreunion.com


 * Spammers

MER-C 09:55, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

Serious Adsense Spamming
Adsense pub-5318756859004963
 * Spam sock accounts


 * http://spam.manta.com
 * http://spam.accessmylibrary.com
 * http://spam.goliath.ecnext.com
 * http://spam.goliath.ecnext.com
 * http://spam.goliath.ecnext.com

All from the same adsense owner. Slowly digging through the sock accounts but much help is needed--Hu12 16:18, 10 July 2007 (UTC)
 * You'll note for example accessmylibrary.com, very little info, 3rd party content with mostly adsense ads.--Hu12 16:37, 10 July 2007 (UTC)
 * accessmylibrary has been a persistent problem, trying quite a number of different approaches. DGG (talk) 21:48, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

The site accessmylibrary contains an incomplete scrape of an original document. For people without prescription, the full document is not available via them. Today, after a COIBot alert, I saw an example that showed that the original document was freely accessible (here), where this scrape (with extra advertisements) was not (here) (both from Valerie Plame). I would advocate removal of all the links to these sites from external links sections, and changing all the references to the original documents. --Dirk Beetstra T C 22:15, 10 July 2007 (UTC)
 * My removal was reverted, with explanation, that the links may become useful when the original documents are not available anymore. Seems indeed legit, though I do think that a site with less advertisement would be nice, and well, we don't have to link to a reference to make it a valid reference, so if the original document becomes unavailable, that does not mean it is not a valid reference anymore.  Hope for more input.  --Dirk Beetstra T  C 23:11, 10 July 2007 (UTC)

WP:COI http://spam.kqed.org

 * KQED Public Radio accounts
 * KQED Public Radio accounts

--Hu12 22:56, 11 July 2007 (UTC)
 * Both IPs are registered to KQED Inc., San Fransisco, CA, US. --Dirk Beetstra T  C 10:19, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

Page split
Remainder of page moved to secondary July 2007 archive page as too large to load. --Bookgrrl holler/ lookee here 03:43, 12 July 2009 (UTC)