Hi! This is my talk page, feel free to drop me a message. To experienced editors: feel free to stalk my talk page and reply to any threads here.To admins: I prefer that my talk page remain unprotected, even if it's being vandalized. Such edits do not particularly bother me and I prefer to remain accessible to anyone who would like to reach me. However, if the volume of vandalism is so high that no other solution would stop disruption, I don't mind if my talk page is semi-protected for a day or two. Hopefully, this is a rare occurrence.

Question from AndaMasroor on User:AndaMasroor (07:49, 10 August 2024)

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How do I create a citation? --AndaMasroor (talk) 07:49, 10 August 2024 (UTC)Reply

(talk page stalker) @AndaMasroor see WP:REFB. JuniperChill (talk) 21:31, 7 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

When user blocks obviate the need for protection

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Re this: You can usually just use the "b" argument in {{RFPP}}, followed by the blocked user's name, IP or range, and then in the third argument the blocking admin, to indicate that a block has accomplished what was sought through protection. I usually add in text how long the block will be. Daniel Case (talk) 03:19, 29 August 2024 (UTC)Reply

Thanks :) meant to use that template, but had temporarily forgotten it... Elli (talk | contribs) 20:10, 2 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

WikiCup 2024 August newsletter

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The fourth round of the 2024 WikiCup ended on 29 August. Each of the 8 contestants who advanced to Round 4 scored at least 472 points, and the following contestants scored more than 700 points:

Congratulations to our eight finalists and all who participated. Contestants put in extraordinary amounts of effort during this round, and their scores can be seen here. So far this year, competitors have gotten 36 featured articles, 55 featured lists, 15 good articles, 93 in the news credits, and at least 333 did you know credits. They have conducted 357 featured content reviews, as well as 553 good article reviews and peer reviews, and have added 30 articles to featured topics and good topics.

Any content promoted after 29 August but before the start of Round 5 can be claimed during Round 5, which starts on 1 September at 00:00 (UTC). Invitations for collaborative writing efforts or any other discussion of potentially interesting work is always welcome on the WikiCup talk page. If two or more WikiCup competitors have done significant work on an article, all can claim points. If you are concerned that your nomination—whether for a good article, featured content, or anything else—will not receive the necessary reviews, please list it on Wikipedia:WikiCup/Reviews Needed. Remember to claim your points within 14 days of earning them, and importantly, before the deadline on 31 October.

If you would like to learn more about rules and scoring for the 2024 WikiCup, please see this page. Further questions are welcome on Wikipedia talk:WikiCup and the judges (Cwmhiraeth (talk · contribs), Epicgenius (talk · contribs), and Frostly (talk · contribs)) are reachable on their talk pages. Good luck! If you wish to start or stop receiving this newsletter, please feel free to add or remove your name from Wikipedia:WikiCup/Newsletter/Send. MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 03:12, 30 August 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Grickerd (04:12, 30 August 2024)

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Just checking in to say hello.

I am a long time Wikipedia consumer and monthly financial contributor.

Retired, with a background in STEM and technical writing.

Not yet ready to edit, but if there are contributions to make within my scope, I'm ready to help. --Grickerd (talk) 04:12, 30 August 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Grickerd: hi! Just let me know if you have any questions. Elli (talk | contribs) 20:10, 2 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

CCI update

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Wikipedia:Contributor copyright investigations/No barometer of intelligence is now complete. Thank you for your assistance in the evaluation of this CCI!

Sennecaster (Chat) 02:42, 31 August 2024 (UTC)Reply

IP Block exemption requests

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Hi Elli - Bumped into an IPBE request that you addressed in July. First, thank you for taking the initiative to do so; speaking as the checkuser who is currently working to clear the VRT backlog of requests, I really appreciate you stepping up. I know many admins are a bit uncomfortable doing so, and it occurred to me that as a checkuser team, we could probably provide more useful information to admins who are willing to go out on a limb a bit more.

Once I get through the backlog, I'm thinking about creating a bit of a cheat-sheet for admins who are considering granting IPBE so that we can be a bit more standard across the board. Things like what to check about the requesting user (clear block log, no worrying messages on talk pages especially copyvio messages), standard length of IPBE (even as checkusers, we rarely grant more than a 1-year IPBE, for first time requesters/newer users it may only be 3 or 6 months), and common issues that may lead to an IPBE grant. Also probably adding that, if a user has a prior IPBE grant and has not had any "red flags" or behavioural issues in the interim, they would probably be okay with a renewal for the same length of time. I was thinking that it might be a bit too far to include geographies where IPBE may be needed, as there might be a temptation to abuse that information, but other opinions on this might be helpful. Do you have any thoughts about this? What information would be helpful to you in deciding whether to grant an IPBE?

Just for the record, I did modify the IPBE grant you made from "indefinite" to one year (as it's our usual standard), but I'm really glad that you were able to help that user when the few CUs who manage the VRT requests were tied up with other things. Risker (talk) 03:26, 2 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Risker: I think you may have misidentified me... it looks like Bearcat actually did the grant in question. However, I also happen to be interested in this, I was just indeed too shy to act in such situations. So I would be interested in such a cheat-sheet if you create it :) Elli (talk | contribs) 03:36, 2 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Administrators' newsletter – September 2024

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News and updates for administrators from the past month (August 2024).

  Administrator changes

  Pppery

  Interface administrator changes

  Pppery
 

  Oversighter changes

  Wugapodes

  CheckUser changes

 

  Guideline and policy news

  • Following an RfC, there is a new criterion for speedy deletion: C4, which applies to unused maintenance categories, such as empty dated maintenance categories for dates in the past.
  • A request for comment is open to discuss whether Notability (species) should be adopted as a subject-specific notability guideline.

  Arbitration

  Miscellaneous


The Signpost: 4 September 2024

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Question from Mukundane Darious Kigundu (07:13, 10 September 2024)

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Formulas of Microsoft Excel --Mukundane Darious Kigundu (talk) 07:13, 10 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Mukundane Darious Kigundu: hi; is there anything Wikipedia-related you'd like help with? I can't really help you with Microsoft Excel. Elli (talk | contribs) 14:50, 10 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from AndrewWSHutchinson (18:01, 12 September 2024)

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Hi - I just created an account to do a specific edit, and I'm not sure what the process is. I was planning on creating a topic on the "Talk" section before making any changes, since I'm brand new at this, but are there other procedures I should follow? --AndrewWSHutchinson (talk) 18:01, 12 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@AndrewWSHutchinson: hi and thanks for reaching out. In general you're actually advised to just be bold and make the edit, but asking on talk is a good idea if you expect it might be contentious. There is nothing else you have to do. Elli (talk | contribs) 05:32, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Ibriaid8eu (19:23, 17 September 2024)

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Yo wag1 --Ibriaid8eu (talk) 19:23, 17 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Tallest Buildings in Allentown, Pa

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Statistics on Allentown, Pa buildings that are 9 stories or greater WarriorofWord (talk) 22:02, 17 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@WarriorofWord: hi; I'm not sure how I can help you with this? The relevant info, if we have it, is probably in Buildings and architecture of Allentown, Pennsylvania, which I see you've been editing. Elli (talk | contribs) 05:33, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
So… major cities have a page with the heading "Tallest Buildings in _____". It is specific to BUILDINGS and not a broader subject of ARCHITECTURE (which, in addition to buildings, would include churches, statues, etc.) Allentown is the 3rd largest city in PA (population of about 120,00) and is currently constructing new high rise buildings and has two proposed skyscrapers on the table. I thought it would be appropriate for Allentown to have a page designated to the specific topic of BUILDINGS, as do other major cities. WarriorofWord (talk) 11:11, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
@WarriorofWord: ah, you could probably create such a page then. You can look at Category:Lists of tallest buildings in the United States by populated place to find comparable pages to model it off of. Elli (talk | contribs) 15:30, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
Thank you sir! WarriorofWord (talk) 16:49, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from WarriorofWord (22:43, 17 September 2024)

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How do I create a new page? --WarriorofWord (talk) 22:43, 17 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Help move

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Hi, I have requested on Wikipedia:Requested moves/Technical requests, but it takes too long to move, I don't know who to ask, can you help me?  Rafael Ronen  05:24, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Rafael Ronen: I think those moves are something that would likely benefit from more discussion or at least explanation (of why the titles are an improvement) first. RMTR is usually for obvious things; you might want to open a requested move where you bundle all the relevant pages and explain the rationale for moving. Elli (talk | contribs) 06:05, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
@Elli: Greece's Next Top Model season 1 and Greece's Next Top Model season 2 has been changed, only 3-5 haven't changed, the reason I want is to move quickly so I can edit the blue link in the related article  Rafael Ronen  07:12, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Kimon fioretos (10:47, 18 September 2024)

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Clarification on Link Removal and Tone of Feedback Regarding Demidov Contribution

Hello I recently made an addition to the Nikolai Vasilievich Demidov Wikipedia page, including a reference to the International Demidov Association, specifically linking to a page about Andrei Malaev-Babel and the Assotiation (the link in the page are dead). Malaev-Babel is a well-regarded expert on Demidov’s techniques and has been instrumental in preserving and promoting these methods through his work as a professor and as a leader within the association. The link I included was removed, and the editor, APK, left a message stating that my contribution "did not appear constructive," with an utterly insulting suggestion to "experiment" in my sandbox next time.

While I understand the importance of ensuring Wikipedia maintains high standards, I found the tone of the feedback somewhat dismissive and not conducive to constructive dialogue. I believe that Malaev-Babel’s contributions are highly relevant to understanding Demidov’s legacy, and the link provides verifiable information on his work and influence. Could someone help clarify why the link might have been considered inappropriate, and how I can reintroduce this important information properly? Is there a more appropriate way to cite this source or explain Malaev-Babel’s significance in the article? I’d appreciate any guidance on how to handle this situation and ensure that the content meets Wikipedia’s standards. Thank you so much for your help! Best regards, kimon Fioretos

ps should i stop using my real name because APK tone was inna[ropriate and scary --Kimon fioretos (talk) 10:47, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Kimon fioretos (14:22, 18 September 2024)

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I hope you're well. I would like to ask for your guidance regarding a recent interaction I had with an editor (APK) while contributing to the Nikolai Vasilievich Demidov page. I attempted to add information about the significant role Andrei Malaev-Babel plays in preserving Demidov’s techniques, but I unintentionally removed a Commons link. This led to a misunderstanding, and I wish to formally apologize to APK.

APK, in good faith, advised me to use the sandbox. However, because the link appeared in red (not leading anywhere), I misread the suggestion as an innuendo to “mind my own business.” When APK later sent the sandbox link in blue, I realized that the sandbox is an actual tool and not an insult (as in "go play in your sandbox"). In retrospect, I still can’t understand how I managed to misinterpret the situation, but I sent APK several misguided messages, and I now feel quite embarrassed.

Could you advise me on how to frame a proper apology and how to move forward in a constructive way? I also understand that my additions might need refinement, so I would appreciate it if you could guide me on how to send my contributions to someone more experienced with the page, allowing them to integrate the information appropriately.

Additionally, I would like to change my username or even leave Wikipedia, as I don't feel capable of contributing in a meaningful way, as has been clearly demonstrated. Could you help me with this issue as well?

Thank you in advance for your help. I want to ensure I approach this respectfully and in line with Wikipedia's standards.

Best regards, Kimon Fioretos --Kimon fioretos (talk) 14:22, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Kimon fioretos: thanks for reaching out. I think your apology that you've left is probably about all that can be done. We all make mistakes when we start out editing, and I wouldn't worry too much about this; it's just a good lesson to maybe assume a bit more good faith of others before reacting negatively. Also, just so you know, links that are red are that way because they link to a page that currently doesn't exist; your sandbox (at User:Kimon fioretos/sandbox) is currently one of them. Plenty of experienced editors use sandboxes for various things too (such as when making a particularly complex edit), though they aren't necessary to use.
Please let me know if you have more questions. I hope you don't leave the site; again, we all make mistakes but I think you can definitely be a valuable contributor here. Elli (talk | contribs) 15:28, 18 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Peacehappinesslove (18:53, 19 September 2024)

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Hello Elli, how do I go about moving my published page from the sandbox to an live article? --Peacehappinesslove (talk) 18:53, 19 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from EGGLIOT EGG (12:19, 20 September 2024)

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Heya mentor i wanna know how do u get barnstars and those banners saying this editor is from this country. Etc --EGGLIOT EGG (talk) 12:19, 20 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@EGGLIOT EGG: hi; I think WP:Barnstars and WP:Userboxes should explain this. Please let me know if you have any more questions. Elli (talk | contribs) 03:42, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Reshma27 (08:21, 23 September 2024)

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I want to write an article on the Wikipedia. Can you please help me for that --Reshma27 (talk) 08:21, 23 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Reshma27: Help:Your first article should help you get started. Please let me know if you have any particular questions? Elli (talk | contribs) 03:40, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Mohsin H. Shawkat (03:39, 24 September 2024)

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I am a writer. I would like to make my own page in Wikipedia. This is the main reason for making account. Off course I use Wikipedia usually. I donated to your site with small amount of money just to say thank you. Greetings Mohsin H. Shawkat --Mohsin H. Shawkat (talk) 03:39, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Mohsin H. Shawkat: hi and thanks for reaching out. It's strongly discouraged to write a page about yourself, or about any other subject you'd have a conflict of interest with. You can request someone else create a page for you at requested articles, though it's likely to take a while. Please let me know if you have any further questions. (And thank you for donating.) Elli (talk | contribs) 03:42, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

I want to add an article about a new art. How can i possible to publish?

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how it works? Reshma27 (talk) 03:51, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Reshma27: I'm not sure exactly what you are asking here? Elli (talk | contribs) 03:51, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Request for rationale

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What is the rationale for the block on Urburang? Sweet6970 (talk) 14:50, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@Sweet6970: they're pretty clearly Architect 134. Probably should've included that in the block reason. Elli (talk | contribs) 16:14, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
Thank you for that information. Sweet6970 (talk) 18:03, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply
Glad I could clarify :) Elli (talk | contribs) 18:58, 24 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 26 September 2024

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One of them, an SPA

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Hi Elli, could you help block this SPA who just recently created Draft:Jishnu raghavan, and with the same information as the deleted one. The user name, an IP, is User:2409:40F4:1013:2BE6:E96A:1E26:C0AC:9706 Safari ScribeEdits! Talk! 05:41, 27 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@SafariScribe: yes, I've blocked them temporarily (tho IPs can't really be SPAs by definition since they aren't accounts at all). Elli (talk | contribs) 06:13, 27 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Question from Below very much on John B. Minor (07:15, 27 September 2024)

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This man is so good and bitch --Below very much (talk) 07:15, 27 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

Stage Fighter

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Hi admin @Elli, why did you "unmarked as reviewed" the article I made after moving it to mainspace? 98𝚃𝙸𝙶𝙴𝚁𝙸𝚄𝚂 [𝚃𝙰𝙻𝙺] 13:45, 27 September 2024 (UTC)Reply

@98Tigerius I was moving the article as a procedural action on behalf of another user. Since I'm autopatrolled, pages I move to mainspace automatically become marked as reviewed. I wasn't actually conducting a review of your article, though, and I didn't feel like doing so at the time, so I marked it as unreviewed. Hope that clears things up; it's not anything negative about your article. Elli (talk | contribs) 15:52, 27 September 2024 (UTC)Reply