User talk:Goldsztajn

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mentor

Hi @Goldsztajn, nice to connect and thanks for offering assistance. I'm getting on well for now mostly editing biographies of scientists and public figures, starting to get into anti-vandalism work and new page patrolling. Feedback on my work always appreciated but happy to drop you a line if I need advice on particularly contested issues or edits. I got involved early on in a discussion about Sydney Sweeney's politics and raised a new RfC which got some support but was ultimately a mixed bag so I asked a more experienced outside editor for help, who closed the RfC deciding against my proposed inclusion. It was a good learning experience on how to deal with high-profile controversial edits. I respect that there was no majority consensus but not sure how to return this in the future as I still think it should be featured and editors clearly had different interpretations of WP: NPOV, WP: BLP, and WP:UNDUE but perhaps best to move on sometimes! ∞ HardScience (talk) 10:24, 24 June 2026 (UTC)

Hi @HardScience - I think you've taken a quite reasonable (and sensible) approach, I wouldn't worry too much. While in that case I'd probably have agreed with you, one of the most important things to get used to with Wikipedia is to take one's pleasure contributing in areas where one get things done. Some editors feel a need to engage in high profile, recent topics for lots of different reasons - but I'm generally not aware of many who do so then remain here long term. Wikipedia needs editors with skills (and patience) ... and having a PhD is usually a good sign (heh). Find a quiet patch and beaver away, find someone who you can collaborate with and get building. If you feel the need, join the frey every now and then to keep one honed and aware of the state of play, but far more often than not drama is best avoided. I've been here almost 20 years and I think part of that has been learning to stay away from drama, focussing on content and remembering that yesterday's battle can often be tomorrow's consensus (and vice versa!). Anyway, feel free to ask any questions and I'll try my best to help. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 12:58, 24 June 2026 (UTC)
Thank you! And yes great advice. I mostly stick to editing within my broad expertise and I do find having scientific training can be helpful with sourcing and technical editing but I attempted to branch out once or twice to "hot topics" to see what that's like but I think what you say makes a lot of sense, not a long game! Happy to circle back if any questions come up in the future, thanks for your time, appreciate it ∞ HardScience (talk) 15:31, 24 June 2026 (UTC)
Back already! Sorry will try not to bug you too much. I'm editing award sections of scientist biographies and one editor removed award additions claiming they need secondary sources to demonstrate importance. My intuition was to rely on primary sources for awards to ensure verifiability (because any secondary source can claim anything) but I can see the value of adding some secondary sources, to demonstrate notability of included awards. However, only relying on secondary sources seems very risky and some awards have their own wikipedia entry so I kind of took that as implicit evidence it's notable and some bodies have press announcements of their own but I guess I need to find independent coverage? It's a bit counterintuitive to look for secondary coverage of things that are obviously notable in science, like elections into well-regarded fellowships. I'm happy to try to find some sec sources for the less well-known ones perhaps (or leave them out) but do we really need to do this for things like fellowships of major academies and so on? And does a university announcement count as secondary or does it have to be mainstream media? I've not been doing this so just wanted to check.
Thanks for the guidance! ∞ HardScience (talk) 18:52, 26 June 2026 (UTC)
Hi @HardScience - you've stumbled (not meant in a bad way!) into an area of Wikipedia that actually operates somewhat outside the scope of pretty much everything else here. Essentially, academics and politians/judges are more or less the only groups that are assessed for notability with criteria that differ to all other subjects (see WP:NPOL for judges and politicans). Many living academics (most) would fail to satisfy the WP:GNG, but are considered notable because of WP:NPROF. That has given rise to a more complex approach with regard to sourcing for articles about academics. Basically, determining the legitimacy of sourcing with academics is often going to be a case by case basis. I've seen editors argue that an academic's CV hosted on a university website is legitimate as a source for information about the academic (I'd tend to agree, in most cases, but this could often sit somewhat on an edge). If the academic has an award from an institution of body that has an article on Wikipedia (ie has been determined to be notable in itself) then I think it would be reasonable to take the view that the organisation itself is suitable as a source of who it awards. Directories of fellows for a learned body would also be suitable (eg a Royal Society Fellow). There's nothing wrong with WP:PRIMARY sources for certain types of information - eg basic facts - in a civil action it would be perfectly reasonable to cite a court document as a source for who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant, but a court document would generlly not be used in explaining a court's decision or its significance, that would require secondary sources. Nevertheless, every and any reasearch grant an academic has won is not necessarily needed for inclusion - a Fulbright scholarship is far less significant than a MacCarthur Genius award. That will be an editorial/content decision. Anyway, WP:NPROF is quite detailed, if you've not read it before, I'd recommend reading it in full. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 02:57, 27 June 2026 (UTC)
Super helpful, thanks! I'll read WP:NPROF again in more detail. I think the concern of not wanting CV-style pages makes good sense. But what I struggle with is that I'm always looking to apply the same rule equally and fairly to all Wikipedia pages but many editors come up with different interpretations or applications of the same rule for specific individuals/pages. So if we need a secondary source for an award or achievement for person X we should maintain needing secondary sources for everyone with the same situation but that's not really how it is. I'll try to do more of a case-by-case evaluation, thanks again! ∞ HardScience (talk) ∞ HardScience (talk) 06:32, 27 June 2026 (UTC)

FYI, I have just reported this user to ANI: Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/Incidents#HardScience_and_Sander_van_der_Linden_sockpuppetry_-_ban_proposal SmartSE (talk) 12:14, 6 July 2026 (UTC)

RfC

Hi @Goldsztajn, had a long back and forth on whether there's enough reliable secondary sources to include history of anti-vaccination reporting in the lead of a journalist's biography (in attributed Wiki voice, to be conservative). I think many good policies were raised about being careful here but also I felt several mainstream news sources were discounted. I raised an RfC Paul_D._Thacker#RfC_-_Thacker_anti-vaccine_reporting|RfC to get broader community input. Do you think that's the right course of action? I realize there's other admins in the discussion there too so just wanted to be careful rather than keep reverting/changing. Thanks ∞ HardScience (talk) 10:17, 6 July 2026 (UTC)

They've now accused me of being some kind of sockpuppet for raising an RfC! ∞ HardScience (talk) 13:31, 6 July 2026 (UTC) I've replied at ANI. It may be true that some of these pages have histories of promotion or controversy but that doesn't involve me.

p.s. thanks for commenting there. I realize I didn't quite follow your advice and maybe doubled down on a controversial page discussion (again!) and seemingly pissed off a senior editor who seems to be patrolling those pages for any edits. I think my issue is that I get passionate about anti-science stuff and want to protect Wikipedia from pseudoscience but maybe I'm going about it the wrong way. I thought the RfC would de-escalate the situation. Anyway, I'm happy to back off from those pages, I really have no personal interest in them, I quite enjoy anti-vandalism work at the moment and new page patrolling if that's a desirable solution until I'm a more experienced editor perhaps. Sorry for the headache! ∞ HardScience (talk) 13:47, 6 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @HardScience I've seen the filing and left a reply (was writing this as you commented again). Please take the following advice - don't reply any further at AN/I unless an administrator directly asks you a question. Let the discussion unfold and try not to be concerned about it (which is very hard I realise). It's frustrating because I have to treat you now as "under investigation" - for my own accountability as an admin. Unfortunately, the accusation made is very serious and I do not have the tools to prove or disprove it. At this point I am assuming good faith that the accusation is untrue; and my second piece of advice follows from that - give yourself a 1 revert rule for awhile. That is, if anything you edit is reverted, just move on. Do some gnome work on articles that need citations (Wikipedia:Citation_needed), or copy editing articles of Category:Beetles_of_Madagascar. Having strongly held views isn't actually a problem at Wikipedia - it would be unusual to find people here who don't - the skill is balancing those views with how this places works. It takes time, but there are rewards. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 13:55, 6 July 2026 (UTC)
I completely understand your position and no problem. The scale of the accusation is absolutely wild, I clearly stepped into a long-running controversy. I did try to engage the editor on multiple occasions before making edits. Anyway, the 1-revert rule is a great tip and I'll stick to quiet gnoming for now. I'll refrain from posting at ANI but if there's any evidence I can offer, happy to reply if/when asked. Either way, it's been a pleasure. ∞ HardScience (talk) 14:01, 6 July 2026 (UTC)

Wikimedia Foundation Bulletin 2026 Issue 12

MediaWiki message delivery 23:54, 7 July 2026 (UTC)

Question from Jared Vinzenz (00:41, 8 July 2026)

why can't t i submit my villatuna page? --Jared Vinzenz (talk) 00:41, 8 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @Jared Vinzenz - looks like the article is in draft space. At the moment, it does not have independent, reliable sources that would make it satisfy WP:NCORP. Therefore, it cannot be in Wikipedia. Facebook or the company's website are not considered reliable under Wikipedia's guidelines. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 12:38, 9 July 2026 (UTC)
ok Jared Vinzenz (talk) 10:30, 13 July 2026 (UTC)

You're invited to the Mentorship noticeboard

Hi, Goldsztajn. You are cordially invited to the brand new Wikipedia:Mentorship noticeboard. I get the impression sometimes that we mentors are each toiling in our own cubbyhole, quietly answering mentee questions with little to no interaction with other mentors. I think we have a lot to share and learn from each other, and I know it will make me feel better just having the opportunity to interact with you and other mentors there, and I hope it will for you, too. Looking forward to hearing your feedback. Please take the § Survey when you get there! Mathglot (talk) 02:55, 11 July 2026 (UTC)

The Signpost: 13 July 2026

  • News and notes: An exclusive club
    Wikipedia Co-Founder Larry Sanger gets a community ban for canvassing.
  • In the media: Battle for a soul – who won?
    Commissars, winners and losers, blocks or bans, a Wiki red card, social engineering on wikis, and Swift action!

Books & Bytes – Issue 75

The Wikipedia Library: Books & Bytes
Issue 75, May–June 2026
  • New partnerships: The Telegraph, Marg, The Tribune newspapers
  • Tech tip: Expired partnerships
Read the full newsletter

Sent by MediaWiki message delivery on behalf of The Wikipedia Library team – 14:43, 17 July 2026 (UTC)

(This message was sent to User:Goldsztajn and is being posted here due to a redirect.)

Articles for Creation backlog drive

Hello Goldsztajn:

WikiProject Articles for creation is holding a month long Backlog Drive in August!
The goal of this drive is to reduce the backlog of unreviewed drafts to less than a month of outstanding reviews from the current 3+ months. Bonus points will be given for reviewing drafts that have been waiting more than 30 days. The drive is running from 1 August 2026 through 31 August 2026.

You may find Category:AfC pending submissions by age or other categories and sorting helpful.

Barnstars will be given out as awards at the end of the drive.
There is a backlog of over 5000 pages, so start reviewing drafts. We're looking forward to your help! MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 00:37, 19 July 2026 (UTC)

Question from L3xie 25$ on User:L3xie 25$ (08:48, 19 July 2026)

Hello can I you a question? I need some help on my page on the one I can edit I was told to ask you for help. --L3xie 25$ (talk) 08:48, 19 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @L3xie 25$ - what are you trying to do? Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 09:57, 19 July 2026 (UTC)
@L3xie 25$ If you are trying to create your user page: try this video for help. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 10:04, 19 July 2026 (UTC)

May 2026 Administrator Elections – RFC Phase

The RFC phase of the May 2026 administrator elections has started. There are 20 RFCs for consideration. You can participate in the RFC phase at Wikipedia:Administrator elections/May 2026/RFC phase.

Any questions or issues can be asked on the election talk page. Thank you for your participation. Happy electing.

You're receiving this message because you signed up for the mailing list. To opt-out of future mailings, please remove yourself from the list.

MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 16:02, 20 July 2026 (UTC)

Wikimedia Foundation Bulletin 2026 Issue 13

MediaWiki message delivery 23:23, 22 July 2026 (UTC)

Question from Vinnette111 (22:02, 24 July 2026)

how do i add a photo to an existing page --Vinnette111 (talk) 22:02, 24 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @Vinnette111 - I've left a welcome note and links on your talk page, you'll find information there about adding images. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 12:54, 29 July 2026 (UTC)

Question from Valerii367 (18:10, 26 July 2026)

Hi! Could someone please explain how to add an image to a page? --Valerii367 (talk) 18:10, 26 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @Valerii367 I've left a welcome note and links on your talk page, you'll find information there about adding images. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 12:55, 29 July 2026 (UTC)

Question from Ebarkhordar (05:30, 27 July 2026)

I edited my submission but don't know its status. it's about Shiriki-Pitch --Ebarkhordar (talk) 05:30, 27 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @Ebarkhordar - it was not accepted because it was made using large language models. The guideline covering this issue is here: Wikipedia:Writing articles with large language models. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 12:58, 29 July 2026 (UTC)

Hello

Hi Goldsztajn, just wanted to say hello and thank you for being my mentor

YemeniPhysicist (talk) 18:55, 27 July 2026 (UTC)

Hi @YemeniPhysicist - welcome and I hope you enjoy contributing. Feel free to ask me about editing and hopefully I'll be able to answer any questions you have. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 13:00, 29 July 2026 (UTC)

Women in Red – August 2026

Women in Red | August 2026, Vol 12, Issue 8, Nos 358, 359, 378, 379, 380

Events:

More ...

Announcements:

  • On 25 July, at Wikimania Paris, Women in Red was named the Coolest Project!

Tip of the month:

Other ways to participate:

--Chocmilk03 (talk 21:43, 30 July 2026 (UTC) via MassMessaging

Question from Monthlyrahinajaat (05:18, 2 August 2026)

Hi How can I upload a the history of Rahinajaat and it's founder --Monthlyrahinajaat (talk) 05:18, 2 August 2026 (UTC)

Hi @Monthlyrahinajaat - please don't dump large amounts of text onto a talk page - it's best to provide a link to the location of the material. In terms of creating an article the best way for someone new is to edit the article as a draft and then submit through articles for creation. Please be aware Wikipedia does not accept material generated by large language models ("AI"). I've left a set of introductory links on your talk page. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 05:44, 2 August 2026 (UTC)

The Signpost: 2 August 2026

  • On the bright side: The beautiful game
    2026 Men's FIFA World Cup, Wikimania music, and wikipress.
  • Traffic report: Odyssey and Oyarzabal
    To take you in the sun to (Ithaca), to show you the World Cup, it's the time of the season for editing!

Question from Paulcarrizales (02:27, 3 August 2026)

Hi there, My name is Paul Carrizales, I'm a photographer in Houston Texas, I only want to upload great images onto Wikipedia. I would only upload images that subjects would be proud to share or have to be seen. Help me share my images. Best, Paul Carrizales --Paulcarrizales (talk) 02:27, 3 August 2026 (UTC)

Hello @Paulcarrizales - welcome. If you want to contribute images it is worth considering Wikipedia Commons where most images used on Wikipedia are held. In case you are not aware, in general images added to Wikipedia must be free to use under all conditions, you cannot retain intellectual prorperty rights to image you add. I can't help you share your images, but I can help you with issues related to editing or adding images. I've left some links on your talk page, feel free to ask my any questions. Regards, Goldsztajn (talk) 09:25, 3 August 2026 (UTC)

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI