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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kirill Lokshin (talk | contribs) at 05:34, 25 May 2006 (Military history WikiProject Newsletter - Issue III - May 2006). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.


Welcome to my Talk page. "Discourtesy is unspeakably ugly to me." --Dr. Hannibal Lecter, So please use rubber bullets, ok? ;> READY...AIM...FIRE AWAY!

But before you fire, do keep in mind I reserve the right to ignore and/or delete anything I regard as Spam, Trolling, Harassment or Vandalism. I want to be friendly and civil, don't give me reason to be otherwise. I may also be taking a short break soon.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 22:53, 18 March 2006 (UTC) User:Cool Cat/CP Paranoia[reply]

How's it hanging? Obey the Hypnoball! Shameslessly Nicked from Giano


Why??

What happened to make you add yourself to the former members list of Esperanza? If it's anything I can help with, be sure to let me know straight away! Best wishes KnowledgeOfSelf 11:15, 10 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It also appears that you are leaving most of your user affiliations, I hope there is nothing wrong! KnowledgeOfSelf 11:18, 10 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Hello my friend! Thanks for taking an interest and apologies for my tardy response. I feel I cannot, in good conscious, continue as an Esperanza member. My recent conduct goes against what ESP is SUPPOSED to stand for. I make no excuses, but I do offer some explanations. Wikipedia today is not the same place I fell in love with last year. Collegiality and collaboration have become increasingly rare phenomenia. Confrontation and conflict are all too common commodities. I can no longer pretend to be drinking a virtual expresso and say its not getting worse. The reason why is simple...Growth. Wikipedia is a victim of its own success and is starting to collapse under its own weight. The current mechanisms for dispute resolution, mediation and participation are breaking down. As a result, the power structure is becoming more authoritarian, bureaucratic and arbitrary. It is getting to the point where I cannot engaging in simple edititing without getting harassed by twits and trolls, and threatened with RfCs and blocks. I'm willing to accept and admit my share of the blame, but not all of it. The Wikipedia community is increasingly at war with itself. I will either leave or if I stay I fear I will be increasingly drawn into it, in trying to defend what we have created here. In either case, my continued membership in Esperanza, which is a pacifist organization at its core, will be rendered void. But for what it's worth, outside of my beloved Military History Project, ESP has meant the most to me. Thank you again for your interest and offer. And please feel welcome to share this with the other members. Here's HOPING, that a time will come when the acidic smoke clears and we can go back to being a community of encyclopedists once more. Cheers, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 19:51, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
You and me both, my friend. I wish more than anything to help cure the ills that you speak of, but it seems at times that my efforts are just used to fuel them. In any case, please remember that you'll always have people who respect you, regardless of where you are in things. Karmafist 23:26, 14 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I direct you to your email for my response! KnowledgeOfSelf 13:15, 13 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Messages received, Thanks bros! The question on our minds now-Is Wikipedia worth fighting for? Even if this may mean fighting against elements within the community who want to turn it into something antithetical to the letter and spirit with which it was originally created? My, perhaps somewhat glib, answer is- Not if it means fighting alone. For that would clearly be a losing battle. But if we can mobilize, organize and fight as a TEAM for what we know to be right for the project, then it may well be a worthy cause. Towards that end Karmafist has done an admirable job against great odds and now even an ArbComm action. But he is not alone...WE are not alone! Thank you both again, for reminding me of this and why, inspite of increasing burnout and disillusionment, I still love this project and community.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 23:33, 18 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Something for you...

I hereby present you with the Military history WikiProject Distinguished Service Award for your contributions to Wikipedia's coverage of the Napoleonic Wars. —Kirill Lokshin 04:17, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks Bro. Not only for the award but for reminding me why I still bother to logon here.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 21:46, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Peer review

So, how about being our first guinea pig? ;-) —Kirill Lokshin 22:08, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Let's do this;>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 22:20, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
SQUEEAK!--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 22:55, 12 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Roman Emperor Diocletian to help defeat the Blemmys

Hey, Hi, How are you? I am writing for you advice regarding the Nobatia page. It says, "Roman Emperor Diocletian to help defeat the Blemmys" But the Blemmys are mythical according to wikipedia. Can you help? Naerhu 07:34, 14 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi! Apologies for the delayed reply. As a matter of historical fact, this is obvious nonsense. But I have no qualms with it long as it is clearly labelled as myth and does not get into any serious articles or sections concerned with historical facts. In fact, I wouldnt mind too much if it were mentioned in Diocletian in fiction. Though I'm not going to add it. I've never heard/read this story before, so I'm unsure as to its source...And even myths and legends should be, if possible, traced to their sources. Thank you for bringing this interesting matter to my attention. Cheers, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 23:14, 18 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Opinion requested

I have recently had a "discussion with User: Vicarious about the spelling ofthe word manoeuvre and its derivatives on the Talk page of Crossing the T. I am just curious about your opinion as (I believe) and an American and his comments about my use of the British spelling. Perhaps I am being ethnocentric in using British spelling but I understood Wikipedia generally allows that. Dabbler 00:08, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Well met again Dabbler (we have to stop meeting like this:). While I don't agree with everything in the MoS, nor believe it should be treated as tablets from on high, or the holy word of Jimbo. But I do think it is very sensible when it states that Brit spellings should be used for Brit subjects. In fact, I would go further and extend this consideration to authors as well. I see no reason why a contributor who was raised to use Anglo spellings, should be expected to use American ones just conform to US "sensibilities" and v. versa. To insist otherwise IS ethnocentric, in my view. So suffice to say, I agree with Brother Leithp on this matter.

Incidently, we of the Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history, are setting up a British Military History Taskforce and we have a Napoleonic era one up and running. Please feel welcome to come join us in our dabblings. Cheers, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 15:04, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for confirming my opinion. I appreciate your support but I am not going to get into an argument with Vicarious. I am a dabbler so you will probably see my dabblings around, but I am not always a good project person! I will keep an eye on things though. Dabbler 18:32, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Deserters...

...have been duly rounded up and shot ;-) Kirill Lokshin 21:42, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Exxxcelent! You DA MAN! ;>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 21:45, 20 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Please help!!

I know I haven't spoken to you in a while, but I really need your help. One of my subpages (User:Spawn Man/Reviews) has been picked out by a big time editor & is now up for deletion here, Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/User:Spawn Man/Reviews. I know it may sound like I only come around when I need something, but this is really important to me. I only did this as a last resort. Please vote to keep the page & I'll do anything, eat your shoes, clean your toilets for a year, even wear one of those t shirts that say I'm stupid! I just want my page which I've spent so much time on to be left alone. Thanks, Spawn Man 01:09, 21 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wellywellywell...how we doin STRANGER (Evil grin). All that stuff you list is fairly benign. I can think of far more unpleasant and humiliating tasks for you...such as ohh...renoucing the BEEGEES and all their wicked ways. They are, basically, anathema to me, you see. The Anti-Beatles...especially after that horrid "tribute"/atrocity/blasphemy Sgt. Pepper shyte they pulled. But...I won't subject you to that...YET. I'm really far too nice sometimes. Very well, I will do this thing you ask...but when the time comes I will ask a favor of you. Be prepared :>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:38, 21 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
R.D.H.. You're my best friend on here. I sincerly hope you recognise how pleasant you've made my time on here. You've always been to support me on anything & you're always funny. I thought I'd save my last edit for you. I'm quite upset at the whole process & I'm sick of being treated like shite. I try to do so much good & all I get is this sort of thing, the only page I was truly proud of & the one thing I thought might change somebody's mind about something is getting deleted. 0I appreciate your efforts to help me get it back, but I realise it's gone. I wanted to do it on here, but I got no respect back. I have no immediate intentions of coming back to wikipedia. Just make sure they don't delete my user page or talk pages. Other than that, say hi to kirill, phaedriel & Lord A for me if they ask where I've gone. I hope they don't get away with singling me out with a subpage, while so many others are scott free. Anyway, I hope you have a nice time without me, & I hope you live long & prosper as that pointy-eared guy said. Bye, final edit guy, Spawn Man 05:54, 21 March 2006 (UTC). P.S. I may be leaving, but I'm still going to put you in your place about the BeeGees! They still rock.... muahahahaaaa.......... (trade mark full stops & exclamtion marks)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.P.S. Summary has secret message encoded in it.....[reply]
Well shit. My list of real friends still active here continues to shrink. And I fear I may not be too far behind you Spawn bro, and the others, in making the journey into the west. So I can't blame you. This place has indeed grown alarmingly sour alarmingly fast. The irony here is, it looks like your page might be spared this time around. SIGH Suffice to say, I wish you best, wherever the tides of time may take you. And our musical differnces aside, you have certainly helped make my time here more fun, productive and at times very interesting too:> I'm gonna miss ya buddy. (Returns VULCAN SALUTE) Now on to see if I can decipher that damned message ;>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 01:58, 22 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Image Tagging for Image:Tetrarch_system.PNG

Thanks for uploading Image:Tetrarch_system.PNG. The image has been identified as not specifying the source and creator of the image, which is required by Wikipedia's policy on images. If you don't indicate the source and creator of the image on the image's description page, it may be deleted some time in the next seven days. If you have uploaded other images, please verify that you have provided source information for them as well.

For more information on using images, see the following pages:

This is an automated notice by OrphanBot. For assistance on the image use policy, see User talk:Carnildo/images. 16:24, 22 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey Carni, you can now delete this image to your lil heart's content. I've found a suitable replacement and effectively ORPHANED it myself. See, you really don't need admin powers to carry out your self-appointed tasks. besides, you have your bot doing most of your work anyway.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 00:02, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

RfA thanks!

Hi RDH! Thank you for supporting my RfA. It passed at 105/1/0, putting me in WP:100 - I'm delighted and surprised! I'm always happy to help out, so if you need anything, please drop me a line. Cheers! ➨ ❝REDVERS❞ 21:05, 22 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks!

*clears throat* This is so unexpected! I'd like to thank my producers, and my screenwriters, and my wonderful cast and crew... ;-)

Thank you! It's good to see that you haven't succumbed to the recent rash of departures, incidentally. Kirill Lokshin 02:08, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

(Good thing you cut your acceptance speech short...the orchestra was starting to kick in:)
Meh, I'm too stubborn to leave so soon. Besides, I still have too many reasons to stay:) Well deserved award, bro! BTW, I didnt know you spoke Russian. My nephew has been trying to learn and teach me a bit, with very limited results--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:56, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Orphanbot help page

Hi, I noticed your message on the orphanbot help page. [1] I can't help but feel this was a mean spirited attack on another user on a page that is meant to help answer questions for new users about copyright. It is by no means my intention to curtail any discussion you have about substantive issues here on Wikipedia if that's your desire. I think the venue you have chosen is completely inappropriate however. This is a page about images used mostly to help new users understand Wikipedia policies, it is not a forum for in-fighting and arguing. If you have any questions let me know. Also, just so you are aware you have several fair use images on your user page that are being used inappropriately. Please see the fair use criteria, and keep in mind that while following these policies isn't always the most fun, it does help reduce Wikipedia's legal liability. - cohesiont 07:34, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi. I intended that to be a playful way of telling him, he can just kill that image (Which he has). We have been argueing over it for months. I fully expected him to ignore it as he does most arguements and requests. Any mean spiritedness in it, is entirely of your own attribution....so much for WP:Good faith. My talkpage is also not a forum for in-fighting and arguing, yet certain users of late have too often turned it into such. I have raised these issues before with Carnildo, as you can see. So as per his suggestion I brought them to Jimbo, who completely ignored them. It is only now that Carnildo so desparately wants his mop back, and I have raised serious objections, that my views have been given any attention. Along with a small amount of harassment [2] Only a very small number of images pose a serious threat of lawsuits. The overreactionry behavior by Carnildo and his Image Copyright Vogons is well out of proportion and unjustified by the actual danger. Moreover, he really doesnt need admin powers to continue to contribute and perform his self-appointed function, especially with Orphanbot doing much of the grunt work. All the more reason to keep him away from the Op mop until he displays a clearer understanding of what Wikipedia IS. Good Evening, Sir, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:37, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks

Thanks for the kind words!

Combining a near-finished thesis with an emerging wiki-addiction is a hard thing! I constantly try to contain myself in jumping into all sorts of diversions from the work I should be doing :-)

Perhaps you're right in that I shouldnt be too modest in what I know. But although I realise I have more knowledge of history than the average Joe, I also know that I am a generalist at heart. For example, I am sure that all my knowledge on Napoleonic topics are already contained in some article - my knowledge may be broad, but its also rather shallow. Hence my expectation that I can add little crunchy bits of knowledge to the articles.

My MA is on the emerging European Security and Defence Policy, so I think we're definitely on the same page in this department! Its good fun to write, as it's possible to include interesting topics from sovereignty to hegemony. Good fun. Doesnt make it much easier to tackle though!

Cheers, The Minister of War (Peace) 08:55, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Anytime M8:> Yes, we Poli-Sci types do seem to dabble in a lot of different subjects. My Military history credentials are sad...I barely have a minor in it (more of a certificate really). But hey, that's part of the Wiki's beauty-as an encyclopedia breadth is more important here than depth :>. Funny, I was looking at that article a while back and was thinking of adding some to it. The Hegemony one also. I want to write mini-biogs of some of my Profs. too. Some of them have done notable work which deserves a decent mention. But I'm afraid with the increasing hegemony of the deletionist mentality on here, they would be abruptly AFDed:<. (the Spiral of silence in action). Cheers--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:05, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Carnildo's RFA

"That GIANO and I agree 100%" [3] Ghost! I never knew you cared about me. Are you feeling quite well? I thought it was your lifetime's ambition to see me eternally banned. Pull yourself together Man - this will never do! What will the lower ranks think! I feel quite emotional. Giano | talk 10:33, 24 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What..Ban you?! And lose my most worthy nemesis and one of my greatest sources of amusement and bemusement on here?! Why you must think me a complete uncivilized cad, Sir! Besides, as a Mafioso you should know- "Keep friends close, keep enemies closer":). But flatter yourself not too much...if Carnildo had banned Satan for the same poor reasons, I'd work with Old Scratch himself to see that he's never allowed near the Op Mop again. Thanks for the Pope BTW. But I'm really more of an admirer of Innocent X's enemy Marzarin. And as far as Popes are concerned there's Julius II and gotta love Alex VI:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 03:18, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Well Ghost before you get too chummy remember where those Popes went the Inquisition usually followed. Not that I would wish to see you being very slowly incinerated over a brazier of red hot coals. Perish the thought! Giano | talk 09:32, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Meh sounds like A typical August day in Gainesville Florida. So that scenario holds few terrors for me. Besides, the only one Pope Alex had burned was that Renaissance Robspierre cum Ayatollah, Savonarola. Good riddance I say:) And Pater Jules II was too busy overseeing monumental building projects, patronizing great artworks and bashing heads in war, to be bothered with burnings. :>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:54, 27 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Redundant image

I've made a PNG version of This image (Image:Grenadier Pied 1 1812 Revers.png). Any objections if I delete the gif file? Regards, =Nichalp «Talk»= 06:22, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

None at all. Thanks M8:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 06:25, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. I've gone ahead and done the same for Image:Grenadier Pied banner1804.png. Regards, =Nichalp «Talk»= 06:59, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Exxxcelent! Please feel free to improve the other images on that article if you can.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 07:30, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Userpage protected

I protected your userpage due to the WP:FU revert war. I am reasonably certain at this point you are familiar with fair use policy, yet for some strange reason I don't see any messages about it on this talk page... [4] Ashibaka tock 12:21, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wish I could say THANK YOU. But it was the only reasonable thing you could have done to prevent this ridiculous situation from being further blown out of all proportion. So I understand. I would like to request, though, that 2 images be restored; the HUG from Shauri I had under the Awards section and Nufy8's HeavyWeapons screenshot from mid-page somewhere. So if you would please restore them, or unblock the page just long enough for me to, you shall have my thanks. I'll settle for this as a reasonable compromise.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:18, 27 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sorry I protected your page at m:The Wrong Version, but you're going to have to work out these fair use issues at the admin noticeboard, or else the edit war will continue on the protected version. I know this is your userpage and not mine I'm screwing with, so my apologies. Ashibaka tock 12:51, 27 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Very well then. I ask you or anyother admin reading this now to please BLANK my page. Since it is clearly no longer my page and I have no further use for it.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 09:16, 28 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Esperanza Newsletter, Issue #1

Reach out is a program aimed at allowing users to bring issues that they have had in Wikipedia to a listening, sympathetic and caring audience:
"No one can know how we feel if we do not say. We cannot expect to get understanding if we do not ask for it. No one will dispute that sometimes life's issues are too much for one person. It is fair to say that sometimes Wikipedia's problems fall under the same heading. This is a place where you can bring the bruises that can sometimes be got on this project for attention."
The Stress alerts program aims at identifying users who are stressed, alerting the community of thier stress and works in tandem with the Stressbusters at trying to identify causes of stress and eliminating them.
Note from the editor
Welcome to this new format of the Esperanza Newsletter, which came about during the last Advisory Council meeting - we hope you like it! The major changes are that each month, right after the Council meeting, this will be sent out and will include two featured programs and a sum up of the meeting. Also, it will be signed by all of the Advisory Council members, not just Celestianpower. Have an Esperanzial end of March, everyone!
  1. Future meetings are to be held monthly, not fortnightly as before.
  2. Bans and Access level changes (apart from autovoice) in the IRC channel are to be reported at the new log.
  3. In the IRC channel, there is going to be only one bot at a time.
  4. The charter requires members to have 150 edits and 2 weeks editing. Why this is the case will be clarified.
  5. A new Code of Conduct will be drafted by JoanneB and proposed to the Esperanza community.
  6. The NPA reform idea is to be dropped officially.
  7. Charter ammendments are to be discussed in future, not voted on.
  8. The Advisory Council is not going to be proposed to be expanded by the Advisory Council themselves, if others want to propose it, they will listen.
Signed...

WP:AN/I

Just a quick note to say that there's a thread concerning you on WP:AN/I. Apparently nobody felt the need to inform you. Leithp 22:00, 26 March 2006 (UTC) Oops, just noticed the "protected" thread above. Leithp 22:02, 26 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, better late than, M8. WP:FU is just too apt, because this whole mess makes me want to say FU to WP.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 05:00, 27 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Email

I've just emailed you - a good idea if you read it! Giano | talk 22:14, 28 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Message recieved. And while I'm in your debt and appreciate your threats of blackmail, I really do need a short Wikibreak. Better to bend than break and break than take the long walk into the west. Ciao for now me old Mafioso.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 05:42, 29 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

General O'connor

In the group photo of the 3 generals it might be a good idea if he could be identified in the caption. GrahamBould 06:59, 29 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Err ok.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 07:02, 29 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Military history WikiProject Newsletter, Issue I

The Military history WikiProject Newsletter
Issue I - March 2006
Project news
From the Coordinators

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Military history WikiProject's newsletter! We hope that this new format will help members—especially those who may be unable to keep up with some of the rapid developments that tend to occur—find new groups and programs within the project that they may wish to participate in.

Please consider this inital issue to be a prototype; as always, any comments and suggestions are quite welcome, and will help us improve the newsletter in the coming months.

Kirill Lokshin, Lead Coordinator

Current proposals

delivered by Loopy e 05:25, 30 March 2006 (UTC) [reply]

Wow! We have come so far so fast...Well done on the first editon Loopy!--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:42, 30 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Bearings on Compass

Op. Deo has brought up a good point about Operation Compass over at Talk:Henry Maitland Wilson, 1st Baron Wilson which you might be interested in. Personally I don't subscribe to tales of Dorman-Smith brilliance, mostly because I think he's the source of them. He was a bitter soul who went around telling tales to credulous writers who should have known better, or who chose to believe him because they had an axe to grind. I'd put Compass' success down to Wavell's strategy and O'Connor's tactics and execution. Leithp 16:42, 30 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I concur with you completely. To employ an awful American euphamism, "Brigadier O'Gowan had Issues". And indeed Barnett should have known better (but he doubtless could not pass up an interesting story from such an interesting charachter...no small amount of Liquid Refreshment may have also been invibed involved). I feel Dorman needed mention in the O'Connor article, though. Since he did play an important role in planning and possibly finding the Sidi Barrani gap at the opening phases. But much of the planning and most of the execution must go to Sir Richard. Certainly Tobruk and the coup de grace at Beda Fromm were mainly of his making. And apart from Dorman-Smith's delusions we have no other reason to believe otherwise. The Compass article also gives him undue credit. But rather than correct that and risk ending up in another pointless arguement/editwar, I decided to write a more indepth account of Compass in O'Connor article which would present the better supported view.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:42, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I was also unaware of Jumbo Wilson's involvement. I take it that you're not interested in co-ordinating these articles? I doubt you'll have an edit war, nobody edits these articles. I added some quotes to Dorman Smith's eulogy article for balance, fully expecting to be reverted, but nobody has touched them. British WW2 generals are a Wikipedia backwater, which can sometimes be a good thing. Leithp 08:50, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
A very good thing indeed. I so detest these high profile arguements that generate more heat than light. Sure, let's coord. Maybe we can even get Op Deo or Dabbler to help too. It's always good to present differing viewpoints, but it's also nice to have some consistancy and consensus as well.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 09:58, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Dystopia (computer game)

Just to let you know, I reverted your edit to this because the vote has been closed for awhile now. Nufy8 06:48, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Doh, I should have bothered to read the top more carefully. I trust you agree with the sentiments though...better late than:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 06:51, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Simon Byrne FAC

Thank you for your support vote. I had not thought about the Tyson analogy, perhaps you are right we have all gone soft. Good thing we have Wikipedia to keep the pugilistic spirit alive. Giano | talk 07:53, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And long may it live...now PUT EM UP!:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 07:56, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • If you want something to do for five minutes, take a look and clean up a couple of paragraphs in the final half of William Thompson (boxer) very therapeutic and rewarding! Not even wikified, indented paragraphs, and "fuck" used as an adjective (heaven forbid) I have just found it, in a very sad state. Giano | talk 09:00, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I know so little about Victorian era pugalists. The Marquis of Queensbury (and how he wanted to beat the shyte out of Wilde for buggering his son) is about it. Clearly Mr. Thompson needs to be beaten into shape and equally clear you are the man for the job. And whilst yous work him over, Boss, me an da boys are gonna put the hit on some WWII Limey generals. But first I think I'm gonna link some old battle articles to my latest.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 10:32, 31 March 2006 (UTC)[reply]

RfA Results and Thanks

R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine), thank you for supporting me in my recent RfA. Although it did not succeed as no consensus was declared (final: 65/29/7), I know that there is always an opportunity to request adminship again. If and when that day comes, I hope you will once again support me. If at any time I make any mistakes or if you would like to comment on my contributions to Wikipedia, you are more than welcome to do so. Regardless of your religious, cultural, and personal beliefs, I pray that whatever and whoever motivates you in life continues to guide you on the most righteous path.

--- joturner 02:13, 1 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My (HereToHelp’s) RfA

Thank you for supporting my RfA. I’m proud to inform you that it passed with 75 support to 1 oppose to 2 neutral. I promise to make some great edits in the future (with edit summaries!) and use these powers to do all that I can to help. After all, that’s what I’m here for! (You didn’t think I could send a thank you note without a bad joke, could I?) --HereToHelp 12:55, 1 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

YW. As I said, Here To Help? Now you have the chance to prove it;>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 10:35, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Hello R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine), how are you? Thanks for your support in my RFA. The final vote count was (88/3/1), so I am now an administrator. Thank you for that amusing comment :-) Please let me know if at any stage you require assistance, or if you have comments on how I am doing as an administrator. Once again thank you and with kind regards Gryffindor 17:12, 2 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Glad you made it and that you liked the lil joke. It is my observation that those with a sense of humor, or at least an appreciation of it, tend to make better admins, so this is a good sign my vote was well placed in your case and I wont be disappointed. Congrads and cheers--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 10:35, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Could not agree more

Greetings, R.D.H.!
Thanks for your message re the recent RFA vote on Carnildo. I have read your discussion with him regarding OrphanBot's deletions and could not agree more with your position. My objection is he seems to feel that any image that lacks an explicit message from the copyright proprietor saying "I give Wikipedia consent to use this image" must be deleted. He's ignoring decades of fair use precedents, a rigid form of "copyright paranoia" as you have justly labeled it. This is the view of big corporate powers. Many people are ignorant that copyright exists not to make them rich but to supply Americans with things to read, watch, listen to, etc. Other than a few images from Playboy, I can't say I've seen images that aren't fair use here.
My last encounter with Carnildo was on the Bruce Johnson [candidacy]. All the disputed pictures were publicity photos on official Ohio web-sites. No state document or report I have ever seen--I'm an Ohioan--has ever claimed copyright. I contacted Bruce Johnson's press office and they told me they claimed no copyright in the pictures. But even that wasn't good enough. It's very frustrating because I have no idea how to satisfy him and Johnleemk. If either of them had a copyright law background--not even as attorneys, but dealing with rights--I'd be more inclined to accept their views. I really don't understand either user.
Anyhow, best wishes to you. Let me know if I can help fight "copyright paranoia". PedanticallySpeaking 19:11, 2 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hello my friend and thanks for the reply! Suffice to say we are not only on the same page here, but the same paragraph:> I will do you the justice of a more in depth response later, when I have the time. For now it is off to the saltmine workplace. Till then here's to our fight against the Vogons!--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:53, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you

Thank you for your vote of confidence in my recent request for bureaucratship. Even though it didn't pass, I greatly appreciate your support and hope I will continue to have your respect. Thank you! Flcelloguy (A note?) 23:04, 2 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It's Wiki's loss by denying itself a dedicated and reasonable B-Crat. take care my friend and cya round--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 10:38, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks

Hey Ghost, Thanks for the award. The Blue Max!. I'm speechless. Hope things have calmed down with the user page craziness that was going on. later --ansbachdragoner 00:03, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

As i said, VERY well earned and LONG overdue! Thanks largely to you LGA is looking 1000% better. If it has smooth sailing through the treacherous waters of FAC, it will be mainly your doing:> And you are well on your way to giving the same treatment of the FRA as well. Not to mention the countless other military history articles you have started and/or improved upon. You're a one man Project/TaskForce who should have half-a-dozen Blue Maxs by now if there were any justice. It had been a pleasure and privillage to work with you. Now on to further glorious victories, my friend! "Auf, Ansbach-Bayreuth! Auf, Ansbach-Dragoner!"--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 12:08, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Randuni()

A not-so-random reach out. I'm no Phaedriel, but my talk page is open to all. - brenneman{L} 01:25, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, I appreciate it. But fortunately my war with the image copywrong Vogons has reached a ceasefire. I'm still here...for now.

(Where is Phaedriel anyways? I'm concerned. I was really starting to like her!) Unrefactored regards,--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 12:20, 3 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Note due taken of your concern, R.D.H. :) I'm truly flattered that you like me - despite we have never interacted before, the feeling is mutual, believe me! And please relax, my not-so-voluntary exile is over, and I'm alive and kicking ;) Cheers! Phaedriel ♥ tell me - 22:25, 9 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Phaedriel! So glad you are well, kicking and back! Your return, along with that of our mutual Spawn buddy, is some of the best news I've had on here in sometime. I'm going to haveta start checking my mail on here more often again. Welcome back + cheers, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 03:28, 15 May 2006 (UTC) or simply Ghost to his friends:>[reply]

RFA Thanks

Thank you for your support vote on my RFA. The final result was a successful request based on 111 support and 1 oppose. --CBDunkerson 20:57, 3 April 2006 (UTC) [reply]

My RfA

Hello R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine): Thank you for supporting me in my RfA, which passed with a final tally of 77/3/0. I hope I can perform at the standards expected for administrators. If I make any mistakes, or you need anything, please let me know. Prodego talk 01:38, 4 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

User:Monicasdude

As Monicasdude doesn't appear to be taking much from the two RFCs against him, I have opened a Request for Arbitration. Feel free to make a statement at Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration#Monicasdude.

You were contacted because you endorsed a previous RFC against Monicasdude, please accept my sincere apologies if this message is not of interest to you and feel free to blank it. Stifle 15:47, 6 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

No need to apologize. I'd prefer not to. Hang him if you must, but I will not help. There are far more smelly fish here to fry.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:59, 13 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Esperanza Newsletter, Issue #2

The Barnstar Brigade is a new program aimed at giving more very deserving yet unappreciated users barnstars. It will officially start on 2006-04-09, but signing up is encouraged before this date:
"Here in Wikipedia, there are hundreds of wikipedians whose work and efforts go un-appreciated. One occasionally comes across editors who have thousands of good edits, but because they may not get around as much as others, their contributions and hard work often go un-noticed. Sadly, these editors often leave the project. As Esperanzians, we can help to make people feel appreciated, be it by some kind words or the awarding of a Barnstar. A project the size of Wikipedia has thousands of editors, so there are plenty of people out there who deserve recognition, one just has to find them. The object of this program is not to flood editors with Barnstars, but to seek out people who deserve them, and make them feel appreciated."
The Stress alerts program aims at identifying users who are stressed, alerting the community of thier stress and works in tandem with the Stressbusters at trying to identify causes of stress and eliminating them.
Information
Welcome to the second issue of the new format Esperanza Newsletter - we hope you still like it! This week, it was delivered diligently by our new dogsbody. MiszaBot (run by Misza13): any execution complaints should go to him. Content comments should be directed at the Esperanza talkpage. Thanks!
  1. The next elections: Approval voting as before and, also as before, an previous leadership member can run. Please submit your name for voting in the relevant section of this page. Voting starts on 2006-04-23 and ends on 2006-04-30. There will be three places up for grabs as KnowledgeOfSelf is leaving Wikipedia. Please see the previously linked page for full details.
  2. The Code of Conduct is now ready for extensive discussion! Specific comments should go to the Code of Conduct talk page, discussion of having one at all should be directed to the main Esperanza talk page.
  3. The current process for accepting proposals for new programs has been deemed fine. All Advisory Council members and the Admin Gen are to endevour to be bold when viewing discussion. If they feel that consensus has been reached, they will act accordingly.
A plea from the editor...
The propsed programs page is terribly underused! Please leave any comments, good or bad, on the page, to help us determine the membership's thoughts on the ideas there.
Signed...

Images

Hi Ghost! I'm unsure whether you're aware of this, so just thought I'd notify you that I noticed some of your images from that big ol' French Army have been listed at Wikipedia:Copyright problems#25 March 2006. Should I say "oh, oh"? ;-) Take care, dude. SoLando (Talk) 15:17, 10 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hi. Even stuff that is PD-old and PD-art still needs a source. User:Jimbo Wales was recently expressing some concern that we are relying too much upon Bridgeman v. Corel for our image use. We need to source these images, whether they be scans from books or taken from other websites, so that any editor can verify their status and so that we can keep track of what we are taking from where. Thanks. Jkelly 02:05, 13 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for your concern. But before we talk about image sources, let's consider the main source of this whole mess- User:MattKingston, who is trying to make this into an arbcomm case. As you can see he's decided my fairuse of 2 centuries old images, somehow poses a grave legal threat to Wikipedia and wants to see me banned if he cant harass me into leaving. He's devoted much of his time in recent weeks to it. I've become his personal project it seems (S is for stalking). Here is a mediocre contributor, with over 400 deleted edits...Who has never been anywhere near a featured article, yet is trying to ruin a potential one I've put a lot of time, work and Wikilove into. The funny (strange) thing is, to my knowledge, I've had no previous interactions with the guy, he just suddenly decided I'm guilty of grave copyright infringements and has come after me. He clearly has no understanding of fairuse nor of what this project is supposedly about (IE BUILDING a free, quality encyclopedia by collecting and presenting knowledge). Vogons and bullies such as Kingston are helping to destroy this community by undermining the sense of trust, good faith and collaboration which are its pillars. By insisting on putting policy and process ahead of product, they go against everything Wikipedia stands for. I don't think Jimbo wants to see the spirit of his project gutted by a narrow-mided, rigid adherence to the letter of his policies. Take care dudes. Sapere Aude.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:53, 13 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Please don't remove {{no source}} tags

It is not acceptable to remove {{no source}} tags from images until and unless a source is added. Additionally, images removed from pages by OrphanBot should not be added back to pages until and unless the reason for their removal is addressed. Removing important tags from pages can be considered avoidant vandalism, and should not be done. The images in question which did not have proper source details have now been speedy deleted. Stifle (talk) 12:51, 13 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thought you could use some

Take a swig!

Thought you could use some moral support. I've noticed you've been getting into all sorts of pickles lately (aah metal note: pickles as an award!).

To be honest, I dont have any clue about the legal stuff. They are probably right about the fact that those images would have to be removed if somebody claims copyright, but to be quite honest, I dont see the harm in waiting until they actually do so! I remember a map being tagged as possible copyvio when it was published in 1699! Last I heard, all highlanders died out (well, except maybe one). Tagged it pd-old as well, havent heard anyone complaining yet (though this remark might make them!)

Well anyway, dont let this kind of stuff bring you down. There are quite a few people who realise that you do great stuff on WP:MILHIST stuff. Mind you, it might help if you stopped calling people Vogons. Although seriously, if somebody were to call me a Vogon, I think I wouldnt be angry at all. I'd just start reciting poetry! ;-)

Cheers! The Minister of War (Peace) 13:24, 13 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks so much bro. I really appreciate your good words and well crafted defense (And also the Scotch, though I prefer Irish whiskey...forgive me Leithp, for I hath blasphemed;). But I must call em as I sees em and in my eyes they sure look like Vogons. Not evil, but bad tempered, bureaucratic, officious and callous. Think about it! I really am starting to get disheartened (shows huh?). I used to love to logon here...twas one of my days' high points..almost always enjoyed seeing the friendly baige-blue "You have new messages!" notice. Now I cringe and wonder "WTF am I being accused of this time!?" :<. What makes it worse, in a weird way, is that my life is going pretty damned well, overall, otherwise at the moment. Logging in here, if anything, is interfering with my enjoyment of this fact. Wiki has become the mouse turd (tm) in my Cappuccino. Tell you how bad it is-Jimbo Wales himself graced my town with a visit the other day, giving an evening speech at the UF Alumni hall. A few months ago, I would have drove over old ladies and babies to attend. But now, I just said "Intercourse it", chatted with some friends and played Rome: Total War instead. Barely gave the matter a 2nd thought. No regrets either. I read in the local paper the next day where he spoke of the "Culture of trust" here, which is so clearly breaking down if not already irreversably broken. Is he really that out of touch with what is going on "down in the trenches"? I can understand a certain amount of denial, especially since it is happening so suddenly, so fast. But silly me, I was always taught that when the ship is suddenly headed for ground, you quickly steer away from it. Thus is the sorry state, of late, of my Wikifaith.

But thanks again, for reminding me I still have a few good reasons, besides morbid curiosity, to login. Peace and Sapere Aude amigo,--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:24, 16 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

PS. Of course, I will gladly give you any help I can in your kind and thoughtful efforts at retagging some of my images. Part of the problem is, I had the notes on where I found many of them on my old computer, which crashed back in January taking all that info with it. Some of them had been deleted, so when I reupped them, I no longer could recall where I found them. Ahh the joys of senility, WHAT.

Aaaah we share poison as well! Nothing like talking until the blue hour with a glass full of Tullamore Dew. :-)
I agree the atmosphere is been deteriorating a bit. I've seen loads of good editors leave, I indeed also wonder whether Jimbo realises it. It seems that many editors (myself included to a certain extent) have the feeling they are walking on glass. Everything you say and do, can - and will - immediately be questioned by everybody and his neighbour. Makes it tough to be bold. I guess its easier in his position, I doubt people leave messages on his talk page about the stupid edits he's made. I wonder whether he knows what the little guy actually deals with.
And please, do tag along (pun intended) at User:The_Minister_of_War/RDH! I've found a few, but the site you provided on Napoleon (bloody beautiful site btw!) has so many images I kind of lost track. Also, lately work on my thesis is reaching all time stress levels, so my leisure time to browse through copyright tags is also diminishing rapidly. I have six weeks until my deadline, and about nine more weeks worth of work to do. Ouch.
Glad you're back, mate! :-) The Minister of War (Peace) 10:33, 16 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Hey, nothing is more important than our real lives mate! At least not until Jimbo starts paying us more:> Your academic career trumps anything this place could possibly offer. The times may be stressful now, but I'm certain you'll do Brill! And in a couple decades during blue heure, you'll be sipping some our fav poisons, and looking back on this as exciting and good times. So savour it while it lasts. The pedia and even I, most likely, will still be here when you get back.

So...about this image-tagging mess, do you think fairuse-in or PD-art would be better? I've been upping the ones whose sources I know of to the Commons, where they'll be safe(er). But given the sources, one of those tags should sort it out, what? Here's to an end to Eternal September and a neverending Blue hour..cheers --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:11, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And by the by, I do agree with you on the copyright stuff. But isnt it an old roman saying that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar? Ah well, it was in Asterix anyway. The Minister of War (Peace) 08:00, 18 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Yep, hang in there mate. It can get pretty ridiculous with copyright sometimes, and it gets VERY frustrating when people seem to spend more time tearing down existing articles and images rather than creating their own. Wierd how I experience less resistance when clearing footage or music for fair use in a commerical program for tv broadcast than with posting a 100 year old image on the NON-PROFIT wikipedia. Still, it's definietly worthwhile hanging in there, your contribs really are fantastic and i'm sure that they're greatly appreciated by the silent majority. Oh, and if you're oing for scotch, you deserve a nice single malt! later.--ansbachdragoner 02:28, 20 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I appreciate it mates! Especially from two such great friends and editors as you. We have to start telling these deletionist Vogons where to get off. Towards that end, please consider what I proposed to PedanticallySpeaking. Some sort of Fellowship for Free and Fairuse is perhaps in order here? Giano, if you are reading this, I think you might be interested too, since I know you share many of our beliefs on the matter. This insanity tinged with idiocy must end. Let's make a stand and take back OUR Wikipedia!--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:11, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

PD-art tag

Hi. I know from reading above you feel like your being hounded. Please don't think I'm hounding you. I just feel there needs to be some resolution to this. Surely you can agree that the PD-art tag is not appropriate. The criteria is sets out is that the copyright expires after 100 years + the author's age. This (as far as I can make out) is not the case here. If there is no other tag they can be listed under they have to be deleted. Still no sources for them either? Best regards Mark83 11:57, 14 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Those images you deleted and removed, were from several series of plates by acclaimed Napoleonic historical artist Lucien Rousellot. They were created during the 1920's-1940's. Monsieur Rousellot passed away, I believe, in the late 1980's. His work has since been used in several books, most notably Napoleon's Elite Cavalry: Cavalry of the Imperial Guard, 1804-1815 by Edward Ryan. Here's the Amazon link to save User:MattKingston the trouble of looking it up. They have also been fairly used on a number of websites such as Napoleon, His Army and Enemies. Any copyright most likely falls under FRENCH, not US, law. And though far from expert on the matter, they seem to have a much more permissive, and to my mind reasonable, stance regarding the free use of historical images, especially where the artist is deceased. But conceeding the PD-art tag is not appropriate, surely Fairuse-inarticle is. Not only fair, but paying just homage to Monsieur Rousellot, by displaying his artwork to a much larger, wider audience than it would otherwise garner. And no, I do not regard a fair question, politely asked to be hounding. Removing and deleting images for questionable reasons, however, is another matter. Regards --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:25, 16 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
The responsibility lies with the uploader to add a suitable licence. I am not deleting any more images. Those listed at WP:Copyright problems have been tagged with nosource/unknown templates. This requires a source to be provided and copyright status acknowledged to prevent deletion. These are: Image:Grenadier-a-pied-de-la-Vieille-Garde.png Image:1102569922wiglaf.jpg Image:EbleJeanBaptiste.jpg Image:TxRangercharge.gif Image:TxRangercolumn.gif Image:Austerlitz1805.jpeg Image:Artillgun1805.jpg Image:Lancer.jpg Image:Dragoon.jpg Image:Cuirass.jpg Image:Youngguard.jpg Image:Campaigned'egypte1799.jpg Image:Voltigeur.jpg Regards Mark83 14:54, 18 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Image:Grenadier-a-pied-de-la-Vieille-Garde.png, is from the French Wiki, Voyez ici. Image:1102569922wiglaf.jpg, is an image by User:Wiglaf which I saved from Orphanbot. I dont recall where I got the TxRanger images from, I had notes but they were lost when my comp crashed back in January. The same is true for Image:Austerlitz1805.jpeg. Most of the rest of the Napoleonic images came from www.napoleonguide.com. Except for the Image:Campaigned'egypte1799.jpg which is from French Defense Historical Service. So now you know:> regards--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:48, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Old Skool Esperanzial note

Since this isn't the result of an AC meeting, I have decided to go Old Skool. This note is to remind you that the elections are taking place now and will end at 23:50 UTC on 2006-04-29. Please vote here. Thanks. --Celestianpower háblame 20:42, 23 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're back!

We missed you! ;-) Kirill Lokshin 13:27, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Suuure you did...but thanks, tis good to be back...for now;>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 13:50, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Oh you're back are you? - been lazing in the sun no doubt pretending it was a wiki-break. - I just hope you are going to be a nice, kind and reformed character - I am watching you! Giano | talk 21:02, 26 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
On the lazing in the sun charge I plead guilty. As for being nice, kind and reformed, of course not! I have a hard earned rep for being a non-conforming, combative, crumudgeon to uphold:> Say, what thinkest thou, Sir G, of the "Fellowship For Fair and Free Use" idea?--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 21:21, 28 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'm not stalking you you, I merely, for some reason, popped over to see what you were doing! I will take a look at your discussion with PD. Regarding your edit summary, were you a good Catholic you would know St Jude deals with lost causes, although perhaps he is the right man for this partcular problem! Giano | talk 08:31, 29 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]
  • Very apropos indeed, besides I'm partial to lost causes for some reason. That's why I keep throwing myself against the Vogon Deletionists' juggarnaught. Of course I'm kidding about the stalking. In case you didnt realize, you are now Persona non-non grata here...I only steal borrow stuff from those I regard favourably:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 15:44, 2 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
R.D.H. I'm sad to hear that you left. I hope it was not because of my departure, as I know you regarded me as a close friend (& vice versa). I have to say that I wish you'd change your user page back to the nice friendly one you had before & that you would cheer up. I hope everything turns out alright... Spawn Man 02:39, 12 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Military history WikiProject Newsletter - Issue II

The April 2006 issue of the project newsletter is now out. You may read this issue or change the format in which future issues will be delivered to you by following the link. Thanks. Kirill Lokshin 18:55, 30 April 2006 (UTC)[reply]

WOOT! Glad you brought the Cart dept back:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 15:45, 2 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

My recent edit

I noticed you reverted the edit I made to your userpage. It's your page, so I won't edit it again. As long as you keep it this way, though, it is being included in the User templates category, which it doesn't belong in. – Someguy0830 (Talk | contribs) 19:17, 2 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ok I see. Only wish you would have EXPLAINED it to me first. It is the polite thing to do you know. Carry on :>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 21:19, 2 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Someone already got to it, but I'm glad you understand. I figured the edit summary was enough. Should have been clearer. – Someguy0830 (Talk | contribs) 22:35, 2 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Hiya!!!

Hiya R.D.H.!!! I'm glad to say that I have returned from my Wikibreak refreshed & ready to return to my old ways, whatever they were. I hope not to much has happened, but if you could pretty please give me a sumamry of everything that's happened on my talk it would be really appreciated, (cause I don't feel like scrolling around all the user talks in wiki looking for what's happened in my absence,:) ). For example, has anyone been banned, articles been deleted, people been ELIMINATED?, people been made governors of California??? Anyway, I'll be back up & running soon enough. Spawn Man 20:41, 10 May 2006 (UTC). P.S., I'm not to sure about this new lean & mean user page you've set up R.D.H. Looks like you're too tough for me now... :)[reply]

Hiya Spawn Bro! Welcome back! Too tough even for you now huh...it's Mr. KoolAide(tm) isnt it? I Admit, he can be rather intimidating. But such are the times we live in, one has to adjust. The Copywrong police decided my old page was double plus ungood and so browbeat me into changing it. The result is a compromise, and not one I made gladly or willingly. But it is better than the alternatives, those being a blanked/deleted page and me leaving/being banned from the project. Ya dig? It seems a bunch of Vogons and Jobsworths are trying to take over. The same lot who wanted to delete your reviews page. I'm glad youre back, though. Maybe you can help make this place FUN again.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 03:12, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Help running cartography department

I am a Dutch historian with a passion for maps. I have finished my bachelor and i am now doing my master at Leiden University. I don't know how much work the running of the cartography department will be, but i have enough spare time the coming months. I have just finished some busy months. I know a little bit about military history, because i followed a introduction course on western military history at the academy.--Daanschr 08:18, 11 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Apologies for the belated reply and THANK YOU for your response! Passion and time are the main qualifications. Knowledge, not only of Mil. hist. but of the far more bland and arcane subjects of copyright laws and Wikipedia policies therein, is good, but not major requirements. You have my endorsement, I'll pass along word to Chairman Kirill, and if he approves, consider yourself HIRED:> Thanks again and cheers, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:59, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I have no objections (and, given the lack of activity, I don't think anyone else will either). A basic knowledge of military history is good but not required; this tends to be more of an organizational job. The two main things needed:
  1. Organizing the cartography department so that (a) editors can find the maps they need and (b) the inclusion of the maps here is visible to the admins on Commmons.
  2. Roaming around looking for maps (primarily on Commons, though we do have some locally), checking to make sure they have the right copyright tags and source information, and adding them to the catalogue in the department.
If you're interested in taking this on, at least for the time being, we'd love to have you! Kirill Lokshin 03:47, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
Looks like we have a winner, if you accept Daanschr. Should you need help with anything, especially catigorization, please let me know. I might also help out on the commons. I've been spending some time there lately, where they seem to have a more reasonable and easy-going lot running the show.--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:16, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, i accept. Unfortunately, i have little time the coming two weeks, but afterwards i can help.--Daanschr 12:59, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Great! Welcome aboard! Kirill Lokshin 14:49, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Commons?

You're working on Commons now? If you're ever bored there, let me know; I have a huge backlog of categorization stuff I've been meaning to get around to ;-) Kirill Lokshin 15:47, 15 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Working more in the sense of spending almost as much time there as I do here..IE hardly working. But I do have an account on there now, so leave me a message and Ill be gladly do what I can:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 04:18, 16 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]


Need for translator (fr to en)

Hello fellow Wikipedian. I'm looking for some help at Scanderbeg. I 've left a message at the project page but noone responded. If you can and if you are interested, please check this french book (it is in public domain) so that this article (and perhaps the many related articles) gets improved. Thanks! talk to +MATIA 06:46, 17 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Certainly. Most of it appears in a choppy, fragmented style which French historical narratives sometimes use, or it could suggest that it is the translation from an earlier source. A map would also be very useful to help with some of the place names, most of which I cannot translate properly. But I'll give it a try:
Book one

(Following the) conquest of Macedonia by (Sultan) Murad II - (which was) his first incursion into Epirus.- Jean Castriota, Lord of Sfetigrad and the valleys (vales) of the Dibres, was obligated to deliver his four sons as hostages to him (the Sultan). The eldest of them, George -(Whom) Murad had instructed in the religion of Muhammad. - (showed) remarkable qualities (and) the apptitude of a young, warrior prince.- His courage (and) his exploits earned him the surname of Scanderberg.-(after the) Death of Jean Castriota.- Murad annexed his domains. - (earning him) resentment from Scanderberg.-(he was) later approached by the Albanian chiefs to lead. -They revolted- and proclaimed Albanian independence. But the Turks retook their fortified places, and summoned to Alessio all the Christian princes and captains of the land (surrounding countryside).

In the 15th century, various indepenant lords held possession of Albania once again. The leader (head) and the most powerful of all, (was) Jean Castriota, from an ancient and brave people originating in Emathie*, below Macedonia.

  • Actually a district of Moghlena. This area was bordered by Axius and Erigon to the northwest; to the east Lyncestide; to the south Haliacmon. Edesse (Eddessa?), today's Vodina, was its principle town.

Hope this helps:> Regards, --R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 02:18, 18 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

HQITW is back!

HQITW is back & you are on the scoreboard!! Spawn Man 22:14, 23 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Aye, back with a vengence. I went to try and answer a few but found I'd been beat to the punch drunk. You will haveta come up with a new batch, there are NONE left:>--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 06:07, 24 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Iron law of oligarchy

I've been recently reading about the law, and I have even started browsing the original Michels book (well, the English translation, which suprisingly reads quite nicely, at least compared to quite a lot of other social science stuff one can find). One of my recent thoughs is that this law perfectly illustrates how Wikipedia is, involuntarily, moving from democracy to oligarchy. Would you agree?--Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus Talk 23:49, 23 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I noticed your very sage contributions there. Thanks to them it is now out of the "start" phase and looking like a real article. The Iron law is, I believe, the reason why the Wikipedia revolution will ultimately fail, even though it is occasionally televised. We are clearly in a painful transitional period right now. Away from openness, transparency and democracy towards a much more bureaucratic and yes oligarchic order of things. The forces driving this change are the exact same ones Michels identifies: Growth (both in terms of size and complexity), specialization, delegation, rationalization and routinization of authority. These trends are also driving away the idealists and replacing them with idealogues and eventually Apparatchiks. It's not so much fun to joke about "the cabal" or its existance anymore, unless of course one is a member. Some animals are clearly more equal than others. This process, is involuntary and, unfortunately, inevitable. At the end of the day, I'm a pragmatist...one has to be...I don't want a career tilting at windmills....too frustrating and doesnt pay the bills:>. Thank you for your thoughts my friend, and for indulging mine,--R.D.H. (Ghost In The Machine) 12:00, 24 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]
I think you are allowing yourself to be to pessimistic. ILOO states, after all, that oligarchy, bureaucracy, r's and such are an inevitable consequence of increasing size - but it is not just a simple degeneration, it is needed to sustain and even improve efficiency (Wikipedia:Scalability comes to mind). And while I also had an unpleasant run-ins into thick-headed officials, and seen friends and good wikipedians suffer from similar problems with bureaucracy, where letter of the law triumphs over the spirit of the law (i.e. encyclopedia building) those were all a brief incidents, and I pleasantly spent most of my wikitime doing what I like best: creating content. As I watch wiki growth every day, I may be just lucky - but optimistically I prefer to believe that we all are, and that Wikipedia project will not fail. That said, it would be interesting to see what can be done to 'put a human face' on our oligarchy. Michels, for example, stresses that one of the factors responsible for ILOO is the technological inefficiency. With Internet, obviously utlised by Wiki, there have been predictions that this may change. Can it? Can we make it more friendly? I believe that projects like Wikipedia:Esperanza and such are a step in the right direction: while arbitration and such are not working well, perhaps simple goodwill and human kindness will save us. Irrealistic, I hear some say? Well, didn't a free and freely editable encyclopedia for all sounded unrealistic at first, too?--Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus Talk 18:22, 24 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Survey on the use of Latinized/Greek names for Byzantine rulers

Hi. There is a survey on the names of Byzantine rulers at Talk:Constantine XI. Maybe you are interested in.--Panairjdde 13:11, 24 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Military history WikiProject Newsletter - Issue III - May 2006

The May 2006 issue of the Military history WikiProject newsletter has been published. You may read the newsletter, change the format in which future issues will be delivered to you, or unsubscribe from this notification by following the link. Thank you. Kirill Lokshin 05:34, 25 May 2006 (UTC)[reply]

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