User talk:Holly Cheng/Archive19
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The Signpost: 28 January 2015
- From the editor: An editorial board that includes you
The editorial board is not complete without you. We are looking for Wikipedians with all kinds of experience levels.
- In focus: Thirteen editors sanctioned in mammoth GamerGate arbitration case
The English Wikipedia's Arbitration Committee has closed the colossal GamerGate arbitration case, whose size—involving 27 named parties—recalls large and complex cases of the past.
- In the media: A murderous week for Wikipedia
A murder suspect edits Wikipedia, Russia is kidding when it says it wants to censor Wikipedia.
- Forum: Evaluating the Arbitration Committee's handling of GamerGate
Does the committee facilitate stability... or is it a circus. Two users, two perspectives.
- Traffic report: A sea of faces
It is pretty clear what the theme is this week: people.
- Recent research: Bot writes about theatre plays; "Renaissance editors" create better content
A paper presented at the International Conference on Pattern Recognition last year presents an automated method to improve Wikipedia's coverage of theatre plays.
- Special report: Traffic in the fog—most-viewed articles of 2014 include death, Facebook, and Ebola
As with last year, music stars were the majority of celebrities on the list, as their frequent concerts and media appearances keep their flames alight longer than others of their stripe.
- Featured content: Like Jack Kerouac's On The Road, this week's issue was written on amphetamines
Ten featured articles, three featured lists, and 22 featured images were promoted this week.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 23:15, 29 January 2015 (UTC)
Citiogenesis?
Hi! I'm currently working on referencing unreferenced ant articles and found this paragraph you wrote in 2007 (the section has actually never been edited):
- "Unlike other genera in Dolichoderinae, Iridomyrmex ants have the front margin of the clypeus above the mandibles highly modified with convex areas towards the sides and a central projection, which varies from strongly to weakly developed. The compound eyes are relatively high on the head and away from the mandibles."
From Heterick, B. E.; Shattuck, S. (2011). "Revision of the ant genus Iridomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)". Zootaxa. 2845: 1–174. (p. 18):
- "The anterior margin of the clypeus above the mandibles is usually highly modified with convex areas towards the sides and a central projection ... varies from strongly to weakly developed ... The compound eyes are placed relatively high on the head and away from the mandibles (Shattuck, 1992b, fig. 95).
Shattuck, S.O. (1992b) Generic revision of the ant subfamily Dolichoderinae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Sociobiology, 21, 1–181.
My gut reaction was to remove it due to copyvio, but after looking up the Shattuck (1992) article, I'm more inclined to believe that Heterick & Shattuck (2011) used your text (Wikipedia is a free resouce after all) but failed to attribute it (...which is still required). I do not expect you to remember which sources you used when you created the Iridomyrmex article 8 years ago, but it is possible that both you and Heterick & Shattuck (2011) used some public domain text. In any case, I'd like to clear this up and either rewrite the section or leave a message on the article's talk page to future editors. jonkerz ♠talk 21:44, 2 February 2015 (UTC)
LA edit-a-thons on February 14, 17, and 21
| Redondo Loves Wikipedia (2/14), Wik-Ed Women (2/17), and Unforgetting LA at the Getty (2/21)! | |
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Dear fellow Wikipedian, The LA Wikipedia community has three events in mid-February -- please consider attending! First, we have a Valentine's Day edit-a-thon appropriately named Redondo Loves Wikipedia, which will take place at the Redondo Beach Public Library from 10am to 1pm on Saturday, February 14. Join library staff, the Redondo Beach Historical Society, and others to help improve Wikipedia's coverage of Redondo Beach! Second, we have a Wik-Ed Women editing session on Tuesday, February 17 from 6pm to 10pm at the Los Angeles Contemporary Archive downtown. This series of informal get-togethers is designed to encourage Los Angeles women-in-the-arts (though all are welcome!) to contribute their expertise to Wikipedia, specifically expanding content about women artists. Third, we have an Unforgetting LA event put on by East of Borneo in collaboration with the Getty Research Institute. Come help improve Wikipedia's coverage of LA design and architecture, and have an awesome free day at the museum -- parking will be validated for edit-a-thon participants! If you'd like to use particular books from GRI's great collection, be sure to email before 2/13 (instructions at event page). And be sure to check out our main meetup page, because we already have three SoCal events scheduled for early March! I hope to see you there! Calliopejen1 (talk) - via MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 18:58, 5 February 2015 (UTC) Join our Facebook group here! To opt out of future mailings about LA meetups, please remove your name from this list. | |
The Signpost: 04 February 2015
- News and notes: No men beyond this point: the proposal to create a no-men space on Wikipedia
The Signpost talks with the creator of a grant proposal to create an on-wiki exclusive space for women to discuss issues.
- Op-ed: Is Wikipedia for sale?
Hundreds of posted jobs offer money to edit Wikipedia. These jobs appear to be thriving, with tens of thousands of dollars changing hands each month.
- In the media: Gamergate and Muhammad controversies continue
Media fallout continues from the January 29 decision in the mammoth Gamergate arbitration case.
- Traffic report: The American Heartland
The American heartland appears to dominate the Report this week, with Chris Kyle leading the Report.
- Featured content: It's raining men!
Three featured articles, five featured lists, and thirty-nine featured images were promoted this week.
- Arbitration report: Slamming shut the GamerGate
One case has been closed, two cases remain open, a third is undergoing a review, and three clarification or amendment requests remain open.
- WikiProject report: Dicing with death – on Wikipedia?
A small band of dedicated editors seek to improve articles relating to a less lively topic. If you haven't yet guessed, this week's focus is WikiProject Death.
- Technology report: Security issue fixed; VisualEditor changes
The Signpost has arranged to mirror Tech news from the Meta-Wiki.
- Gallery: Langston Hughes
A new Signpost feature.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 00:42, 6 February 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 11 February 2015
- From the editors: We want to know what you think!
Please take this survey about the Signpost.
- News and notes: One editor faces likely ban for work on Wikipedia; Jimmy Wales awarded $1 million
Also: GLAM-Wiki Conference; Ombudsman Commission announced; Slovak Wikipedia now has 200,000 articles
- In the media: Is Wikipedia eating itself?
Edina edit war illustrates disconnect between new and experienced editors; Wikipedia is "astroturf's dream come true"; Canadian government investigating even more Wikipedia editing; academics on Gamergate as "clash of civilizations"?
- Featured content: A grizzly bear, Operation Mascot, Freedom Planet & Liberty Island, cosmic dust clouds, a cricket five-wicket list, more fine art, & a terrible, terrible opera...
Two articles, three lists, and twenty five pictures became featured.
- Traffic report: Bowled over
Wikipedia presents itself as a repository for the world, and while that is a noble sentiment, it is still true that, Conservapedian complaints notwithstanding, the English language Wikipedia is very often the American Wikipedia, and never has that been more apparent than this week.
- WikiProject report: Brand new WikiProjects profiled
This week, we bring three of the most recently created WikiProjects to come into being on the English Wikipedia. While many long-established projects are becoming inactive, (as we have covered before), that doesn't stop new ones forming every now and then to cover a topic that a group of editors feel should be better cared for.
- Gallery: Feel the love
This week, we feature subjects that are about love of all kinds.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 10:44, 12 February 2015 (UTC)
- February 19 also Vietnamese New Year on this year, Losar is a public holiday in Bhutan.--113.168.111.164 (talk) 08:54, 17 February 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 18 February 2015
- Editorial: Recent retirements typify problem of admin attrition
Go Phightins! shares his thoughts on admin attrition and the size of the administrative backlog.
- In the media: Students' use and perception of Wikipedia
The Australian ("Wikipedia not destroying life as we know it", February 11) and Times Higher Education ("Wikipedia should be 'better integrated' into teaching", February 10) reported on a recent study performed at Monash University, titled "Students’ use of Wikipedia as an academic resource – patterns of use and perceptions of usefulness".
- Special report: Revision scoring as a service
The authors of this report inform us that the "goal in the Revision Scoring project is to do the hard work of constructing and maintaining powerful AI so that tool developers don't have to. This cross-lingual, machine learning classifier service for edits will support new wiki tools that require edit quality measures."
- Gallery: Darwin Day
Darwin Day is observed annually on February 12 to commemorate the life and work of scientist Charles Darwin. Here is a selection of images of life on the Galápagos Islands, where Darwin made key observations leading to his scientific theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Traffic report: February is for lovers
This week saw the 57th Annual Grammy Awards (#13 on the Top 25) held on 8 February dominating the traffic chart, as music lovers checked out Sam Smith (#3) picking up four awards, Beck taking album of the year, and performances including Sia (#9), Madonna (#11), and Annie Lennox (#16). But Valentine's Day (#1) proved the perfect time for the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, with the movie coming in at #5, the book of the same name at #2, and the primary actors at #14 and #15.
- Featured content: A load of bull-sized breakfast behind the restaurant, Koi feeding, a moray eel, Spaghetti Nebula and other fishy, fishy fish
Five pictures, six lists, and seventeen pictures were promoted
- Arbitration report: We've built the nuclear reactor; now what colour should we paint the bikeshed?
The most significant item on ArbCom's agenda this fortnight has been the closure of the Wifione case and subsequent fallout, although the fallout from GamerGate continues to linger.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 03:23, 20 February 2015 (UTC)
Complaint about one user
Hi Howcheng! The user User:Samaneh-davoudi-jende had written in my talk page the massage very very rude. In addition, he did this with the user name that is very similar to my own user name, but with a different word that is very rude word (jende). I checked his contribution. He made this account just to misbehave me. Please help me! Is it possible that remove this user? Is it possible that remove the information of the massage in history of my talk page. This user is too rude and he was irreverence to me. Can you check the IP of the user. Thanks!Samaneh-davoudi (talk) 06:45, 23 February 2015 (UTC)
- @Samaneh-davoudi: I've indef-blocked this user. However, I cannot check the user's IP, nor can I remove the edit from your history. You'll need someone with CheckUser access for the first and Oversight access for the second. —howcheng {chat} 06:53, 23 February 2015 (UTC)
- Thanks so much Howcheng for blocking him and for your guidance.Best regards! Samaneh-davoudi (talk) 07:42, 23 February 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 25 February 2015
- News and notes: Questions raised over WMF partnership with research firm
A report from the external research firm Lafayette Practice has declared that the Wikimedia Foundation is the "largest known participatory grantmaking fund." Several concerns have been raised with the report, the phrase being used (participatory grantmaking), the now-former Wikipedia article on that phrase, and an alleged conflict of interest by WMF staff members.
- Op-ed: Text from Wikipedia good enough for Oxford University Press to claim as own
Doc James tells us that "The one good thing that has come out of all of this is that Wikipedia’s content passing a major textbook publisher review processes is some external validation of Wikipedia’s quality."
- In the media: WikiGnomes and Bigfoot
Andrew McMillen's February 3 profile of and his quest to rid Wikipedia of the phrase "comprised of" has been one of the most widely circulated and commented upon media stories about the encyclopedia recently.
- Featured content: The Moon, Mars, Venus, and Saturn, in no particular order. Also, Kaiser Kong.
Eleven articles and twenty pictures were promoted in the week covered by this report.
- Gallery: Far from home
The Gallery is an occasional Signpost feature highlighting quality images and articles from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons based on a particular theme, as well as an article you could help improve. This week, we feature subjects that are "far from home".
- Traffic report: Fifty Shades of... self-denial?
An odd juxtaposition this week, as interest in Fifty Shades of Grey coincided with the observance of the Chinese New Year and the annual festival of penance, Ash Wednesday.
- Recent research: Gender bias, SOPA blackout, and a student assignment that backfired
A monthly roundup of Wikimedia-related research
- WikiProject report: Be prepared... Scouts in the spotlight
This week's project is on a youth activity, one of the largest in the world; its project is commensurately large, containing around 136 active editors. It's WikiProject Scouting, a group of editors whose remit is everything relating to the Scouting movement, which has around 42 million members worldwide and celebrated the centenary of its founding only eight years ago.
- Blog: Join the Wikimedia strategy consultation
Editor's note: the Blog will be a recurring Signpost section that will highlight a recent post from the Wikimedia blog, run by the Wikimedia Foundation. This week's installment is written by Philippe Beaudette, the Foundation's Director of Community Advocacy, and focuses on planning for the future of the Wikimedia movement.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:37, 27 February 2015 (UTC)
On This Day
Hi. Hope all is well in LA. I've been missing the Mediterranean climate ever since I left. I notice that you've been active at OTD so I thought I'd ask you a question. How does a centennial of a birth or death get in the selected anniversaries when OTD seems to require each line is pulled from the "events" section of the corresponding day rather than "births" or "deaths" sections? I have two articles I'd like to get into OTD but I'm not sure the rules allow it. Chris Troutman (talk) 01:59, 3 March 2015 (UTC)
- Hey Chris, good to hear from you. Birth/death centennials are usually listed with the holidays/observances, like "200th anniversary of the death of Joe Schmoe". Ideally the person listed should be have great significance/notability in their country or field of work (I have been more selective about who gets listed ever since a slew of complaints came in when Marshall McLuhan was included). Who did you have in mind? —howcheng {chat} 06:09, 3 March 2015 (UTC)
- John Alexander Moore and Edward Tompkins, neither of whom are as important as McLuhan. Both are approaching their respective centennials of birth. Chris Troutman (talk) 21:02, 3 March 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 04 March 2015
- From the editor: A sign of the times: the Signpost revamps its internal structure to make contributing easier
We received a large amount of feedback in our survey indicating that our readers found the idea of contributing to the Signpost difficult due to our opaque internal structure.
- News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation and OTRS team both publish reports, indicate operating changes
The Wikimedia Foundation released their Quarterly Report last week covering the three months October to December of 2014.
- Editorial: Conspiracy theories distract from real questions about grantmaking report
Last week, my colleagues on the Signpost produced a news report covering a minor controversy about a report commissioned by the Wikimedia Foundation. Written by the staff of The Lafayette Practice, a French research firm, it proclaimed the WMF as a leader in the practice of participatory grantmaking.
- Traffic report: Attack of the movies
The Report this week is dominated by the Academy Awards, taking the top 4 spots and 13 of the Top 25.
- Arbitration report: Bradspeaks—impact, regrets, and advice; current cases hinge on sex, religion, and ... infoboxes
In the first of what the author hopes will become a regular feature of the Arbitration report, the Signpost speaks to veteran arbitrator Newyorkbrad, who recently retired from the committee after almost seven years of arbitrating. The Signpost was keen to hear his thoughts on his time on the committee and on the past, present, and future of ArbCom.
- Interview: Meet a paid editor
Before being indefinitely blocked, User:FergusM1970 made more than 4600 edits on the English Wikipedia, spread over eight years. In the last two years, he was paid to edit several articles for clients that included the Venezuelan energy company Derwick Associates. We spoke with him about his experiences.
- In the media: Kanye West rebranded; Wikipedia in court; editors for hire
Numerous news outlets are reporting that the domain loser.com now redirects to the Wikipedia article for rapper Kanye West. Page views on West's Wikipedia article skyrocketed to almost 250,000 views on March 2, up from less than 19 thousand the previous day.
- Featured content: Ploughing fields and trading horses with Rosa Bonheur
Two featured articles, four featured lists, and 38 featured pictures were promoted this week..
- Technology report: Bugs, Repairs, and Internal Operational News
The Signpost has arranged to mirror Tech news from Meta-Wiki to supplement the long-form tech coverage in our infrequent Technology report..
- Blog: Black History Month edit-a-thons tackle Wikipedia’s multicultural gaps
Black History Month is celebrated annually in the United States in February, to commemorate the history of the African diaspora. For this occasion, Wikipedians worked together to honor black history and to address Wikipedia's multicultural gaps in the encyclopedia, hosting Wikipedia edit-a-thons throughout the United States, from February 1 to 28, 2015.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:43, 5 March 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 11 March 2015
- Special report: An advance look at the WMF's fundraising survey
The Wikimedia Foundation gave the Signpost an advance copy of the results of a survey of English Wikipedia readers regarding Wikimedia fundraising, due for official release today.
- News and notes: WikiWomen's History Month—meetups, blog posts, and "Inspire" grant-making campaign
The community has arranged a number of commemorative initiatives focused on the gender gap, under the banner "WikiWomen's History Month".
- In the media: Gamergate; a Wiki hoax; Kanye West
ThinkProgress tech reporter Lauren C. Williams wrote a long article on how the Gamergate controversy has spilled over onto Wikipedia.
- In focus: WMF to NSA: "stop spying on Wikipedia users"
In an effort to protect and maintain the privacy of Wikipedia's thousands of editors, the Wikimedia Foundation has filed a lawsuit against the United States' National Security Agency, Department of Justice, and the Attorney General.
- Traffic report: Wikipedia: handing knowledge to the world, one prank at a time
A dull week, with only three new entries in the top 10; a UFC champion, a Google Doodle and a Hindu festival involving people throwing powder at each other (though that does sound fun).
- Featured content: Here they come, the couple plighted –
Six featured articles, three featured lists, and forty featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Op-ed: Why the Core Contest matters
I continue to be excited about the Core Contest because I see it as a way of encouraging the expansion of broad articles that are typically neglected by our article improvement incentives.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:27, 12 March 2015 (UTC)
LA edit-a-thons on March 18 (tomorrow!) and 28
| Wadewitz memorial edit-a-thon (3/18), Redondo Loves Wikipedia (3/28) | |
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Dear fellow Wikipedian, The LA Wikipedia community has two events in this second half of March -- please consider attending! First, there is a memorial edit-a-thon in honor of the prolific LA Wikipedian Adrianne Wadewitz, which is being held downtown on March 18 (tomorrow!) from noon to 8pm as a part of the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies' annual conference. Please drop by to contribute your own work or teach other users how to write for Wikipedia. Second, there will be an event at the Redondo Beach Public Library (following up on last month's session), in collaboration with the Redondo Beach Historical Society. Please join us from 10am to noon on Saturday, March 28 at the main branch of the Redondo Beach Public Library! I hope to see you there! Calliopejen1 (talk) - via MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:40, 17 March 2015 (UTC) Join our Facebook group here! To opt out of future mailings about LA meetups, please remove your name from this list. | |
March 23
Hi Howcheng,
I've added the following to the staging area for March 23:
- 1889 – Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, (pictured) founded the Ahmadiyya Islamic religious movement in British India.
As was discussed last year, I was a little late. Thanks!--Peaceworld 11:51, 19 March 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 18 March 2015
- From the editor: A salute to Pine
We announce with sadness and gratitude that Signpost publication and newsroom manager Pine will be stepping back to focus on other Wikipedia and Wikimedia-related endeavors.
- News and notes: SUL finalization imminent; executive office shake-ups at the Foundation
This process is now entering its long-awaited final phase with the upcoming SUL finalization, scheduled for April 15, less than a month away. ... Wikimedia Foundation chief talent and culture officer Gayle Karen Young announced her retirement from the Foundation this week. Young will be replaced in that role by interim chief operating officer Terry Gilbey. According to the Foundation's job description for the title as it was applied in the past, Gilbey will be in charge of "overall administration and business operations of the Wikimedia Foundation."
- In the media: NYPD editing articles regarding allegations of police brutality and misconduct
On March 13, Kelly Weill of Capital New York revealed that numerous Wikipedia edits originated from 1 Police Plaza, the headquarters of the NYPD. Most of the attention has focused on a number of their edits to articles about incidents of alleged police brutality and controversial police practices.
- Op-ed: Does the Wikimedia fundraising survey address community concerns?
The publication of the Wikimedia survey findings on fundraising questions came three months after significant concerns were voiced about the design and wording of the December 2014 fundraising banners and e-mails.
- Featured content: A woman who loved kings
Four featured articles, four featured lists, and thirty-five featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: It's not cricket
If not for Kayne West's dubious repeat at #1, the 2015 Cricket World Cup (#2) would have made the top spot, albeit in a generally slow news week.
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The Signpost – Volume 11, Issue 12 – 25 March 2015
- News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation adopts open-access research policy
Last week the WMF announced the release of its long-awaited open-access policy.
- Op-ed: How my father's railroad image collection now benefits the world: the value of digitization
Once when I was young, growing up in the 1990s, my father pulled his collection of railroad slides out from the basement, set up his projector, and shared a glimpse into American railway history with our family.
- Featured content: A carnival of animals, a river of dung, a wasteland of uncles, and some people with attitude
Four featured articles, three featured lists, and twenty-two featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Special report: Wikimedia Commons Picture of the Year 2014
The Wikipedia Commons annual Picture of the Year contest has concluded, with 6,698 people voting, its largest participation yet.
- Traffic report: Oddly familiar
This week's list is reminiscent of lists from the early days of this project: a preponderance of famous faces, Reddit threads, and Google Doodles.
- Recent research: Most important people; respiratory reliability; academic attitudes
The authors attempt to answer the question "Who are the most important people of all times?" Their findings clearly show that different Wikipedias give different prominence to different individuals.
- Blog: The Wikipedia Library Team reflects on its new Visiting Scholars program
A university gives a top Wikipedia editor free and full access to the university library's entire online content—and the Wikipedia editor, who is unpaid and not on campus, then creates and improves Wikipedia articles in a subject area of interest to the institution.
For April 1: Giuditta Pasta (19th century; female; 150 years)
Hi, I added a note a few days ago to the Talk page for the April 1 anniversaries, about the above subject. Can you include her, please?. Ta Scarabocchio (talk) 07:54, 30 March 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost, 1 April 2015
- In focus: WMF's latest strategy document shows successes, vagueness, and the need for better data
The Wikimedia Foundation this week released a State of the WMF report, a 38-page "snapshot" of where it is and where it wants to go in the future.
- In the media: Wiki-PR duo bulldoze a piñata store; Wifione arbitration case; French parliamentary plagiarism
TruthRevolt targets another editor; edit stage right; the Nine Best Hoaxes to Have Hit Wikipedia
- Featured content: Stop Press. Marie Celeste Mystery Solved. Crew Found Hiding In Wardrobe.
Six featured articles, first featured lists, and twenty-four featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: All over the place
The Report is more of a mix of random topics than usual this week. The top spot is taken by Bhutanese passport, a Wikipedia article which contained a crazed spoken word version which drew widespread attention.
- News and notes: New edits-by-mail option will "revolutionize" Wikipedia and its editor base
The Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) will announce later today that it will begin accepting edits by mail for all of the projects under its scope, including Wikipedia and the Wikimedia Commons.
- Special report: Pictures of the Year 2015
The Wikimedia Commons' annual Picture of the Year contest has concluded. The first 53 top-voted entries were disqualified because they were all nude.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 02:41, 1 April 2015 (UTC)
ANI notification
There is currently a discussion at Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents regarding an issue with which you may have been involved. Thank you. AndyTheGrump (talk) 00:21, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
Transphobia
Do you acknowledge that what you did was wrong?—chbarts (talk) 09:52, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- I acknowledge that the way I wrote the blurb was offensive to you. I have since rewritten it. —howcheng {chat} 15:35, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- So you might write transphobic or otherwise blurbs in the future, since you do not acknowledge wrongdoing in this case. I suppose we may have to go through this again.—chbarts (talk) 17:17, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- And your re-write is, if anything, worse. It is more dishonest and more insulting.—chbarts (talk) 17:18, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- You forget the purpose of the April Fool's Main Page. It's actually more accurate: the girl was announced to be a boy by her grandmother, thus one could say her sex was changed. This aligns better with the guideline of using ambiguous language to present true facts. —howcheng {chat} 17:44, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- Furthermore, I don't appreciate being asked a loaded question. You have yet to establish to my satisfaction that the blurb is itself transphobic in any way. —howcheng {chat} 18:04, 2 April 2015 (UTC)
- You refuse to admit that equating sexual reassignment to political intrigue is transphobic? So you're saying we'll do this again, same time, next year?—chbarts (talk) 23:03, 4 April 2015 (UTC)
- And the purpose of the Main Page, April Fool or not, is never to make people feel harassed or unwelcome. You acknowledge that it made someone feel harassed and unwelcome, but you intend to keep doing the same thing.—chbarts (talk) 23:05, 4 April 2015 (UTC)
Jan van Riebeeck
Hi Howcheng. I replaced the image for today's OTD, since it depicted the wrong person! I never knew this, but the image of Jan van Riebeeck from the currency was apparently not really him. I uploaded a cropped version of the accepted portrait, but I've never been involved with main page images, so could you please take a look when you get a chance to make sure that it's all right? I'm not sure how to protect it on Commons, where I'm not an administrator. Normally, I would ask for help before making such a highly visible change, but in this case it seemed important to make the change immediately.-RHM22 (talk) 13:55, 6 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 08 April 2015
- Op-ed: We are drowning in promotional artspam
Wikipedia has been gravitating towards a vehicle for business and product promotion for too long.
- News and notes: Advancement department to be created at the Foundation, milestone fixes
March saw a number of high-level hirings and executive reorganizations in the Wikimedia Foundation.
- In the media: Wikipedia on 60 Minutes, Kickstarter, and in the classroom
The venerable CBS news program 60 Minutes profiled Wikipedia and the Wikimedia community.
- Traffic report: Resurrection week
How appropriate that the theme of Easter week would be resurrection from the dead.
- Featured content: Partisan arrangements, dodgy dollars, a mysterious union of strings, and a hole that became a monument
Four featured articles, seven featured lists, and 23 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- WikiProject report: WikiProject Christianity
With Holy Week having recently drawn to a close, it is an apt time to examine WikiProject Christianity, which was created in 2006, and boasts over 200 active members.
- Arbitration report: New Functionary appointments
The Committee has voted on the 2015 appointments to the Functionary team.
- Technology report: Bugs, Repairs, and Internal Operational News
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 02:37, 10 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 08 April 2015
- Op-ed: We are drowning in promotional artspam
Wikipedia has been gravitating towards a vehicle for business and product promotion for too long.
- News and notes: Advancement department to be created at the Foundation, milestone fixes
March saw a number of high-level hirings and executive reorganizations in the Wikimedia Foundation.
- In the media: Wikipedia on 60 Minutes, Kickstarter, and in the classroom
The venerable CBS news program 60 Minutes profiled Wikipedia and the Wikimedia community.
- Traffic report: Resurrection week
How appropriate that the theme of Easter week would be resurrection from the dead.
- Featured content: Partisan arrangements, dodgy dollars, a mysterious union of strings, and a hole that became a monument
Four featured articles, seven featured lists, and 23 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- WikiProject report: WikiProject Christianity
With Holy Week having recently drawn to a close, it is an apt time to examine WikiProject Christianity, which was created in 2006, and boasts over 200 active members.
- Arbitration report: New Functionary appointments
The Committee has voted on the 2015 appointments to the Functionary team.
- Technology report: Bugs, Repairs, and Internal Operational News
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 03:37, 10 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 08 April 2015
- Op-ed: We are drowning in promotional artspam
Wikipedia has been gravitating towards a vehicle for business and product promotion for too long.
- News and notes: Advancement department to be created at the Foundation, milestone fixes
March saw a number of high-level hirings and executive reorganizations in the Wikimedia Foundation.
- In the media: Wikipedia on 60 Minutes, Kickstarter, and in the classroom
The venerable CBS news program 60 Minutes profiled Wikipedia and the Wikimedia community.
- Traffic report: Resurrection week
How appropriate that the theme of Easter week would be resurrection from the dead.
- Featured content: Partisan arrangements, dodgy dollars, a mysterious union of strings, and a hole that became a monument
Four featured articles, seven featured lists, and 23 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- WikiProject report: WikiProject Christianity
With Holy Week having recently drawn to a close, it is an apt time to examine WikiProject Christianity, which was created in 2006, and boasts over 200 active members.
- Arbitration report: New Functionary appointments
The Committee has voted on the 2015 appointments to the Functionary team.
- Technology report: Bugs, Repairs, and Internal Operational News
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:37, 10 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 15 April 2015
- News and notes: Erik Möller leaving Foundation; annual plan grants under community review
The Wikimedia Foundation's vice president for engineering, Erik Möller, will leave the WMF on April 30.
- In the media: Saving Wikipedia; Internet regulation; Thoreau quote hoax
Time profiles Lila Tretikov, executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation, and paints a grim picture of the challenges faced by Tretikov and the encyclopedia.
- Blog: Single-User Login provides access to all wikis
Later this month, everyone will be able to use the same user name on every wiki, thanks to Single-User Login.
- Traffic report: Furious domination
If it wasn't for Easter, Fast and Furious related articles would have taken the top four spots this week. The latest installment of the movie franchise, Furious 7, tops the chart for the second straight week.
- Featured content: Au-delà de les Alpes, le chien lit de Sainte Bernard. Sous les pavés, les trimes d'argent! Mes enfants, suivez-moi!
Six featured articles, four featured lists, and fourteen featured pictures were promoted this week.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 15:31, 17 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 22 April 2015
- Special report: Sony emails reveal corporate practices and undisclosed advocacy editing
A Signpost investigation of the released data has revealed Sony's corporate practices regarding Wikipedia and uncovered what appears to be undisclosed advocacy editing of Wikipedia by Sony employees and possibly by others.
- In the media: UK political editing; hoaxes; net neutrality
Wikipedia appears to have been drawn into the drama of the upcoming, hotly contested UK general election.
- News and notes: Call for candidates as the movement approaches the Wikimedia Board elections
The Affiliates Committee this week announced the organization of a community referral for comment, currently open on the meta-wiki, to address upcoming changes to the way that the Affiliations Committee will review movement-affiliated user-groups in the future.
- In focus: 2015 Wikimedia Foundation election preparations underway
2015 will see through the biennial community election for the three community-elected seats on the Board of Trustees—the "ultimate corporate authority" of the Wikimedia Foundation and the level at which the strategic decisions regarding the Wikimedia movement are made.
- Featured content: Vanguard on guard
Six featured articles and fifteen featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: A harvest of couch potatoes
Couch potatoes rule this week, as 9 of the top 10 slots were taken by either movies, TV, or sports.
- Gallery: The bitter end
The Gallery is an occasional Signpost feature highlighting quality images and articles from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons based on a particular theme.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:45, 23 April 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 29 April 2015
- Wikimania: Choice of small village for Wikimania 2016 ruffles feathers
Esino Lario is set to host Wikimania 2016, but volunteers and others have raised a host of concerns that raise serious questions about the town's suitability for hosting such a large conference.
- News and notes: Wiki Loves Monuments evaluation sees diminishing returns and increasing cost
The evaluations reveal that in the last three years, WLM has possibly fallen victim to its own success and seen diminishing returns.
- In the media: Scottish MEP blocked for edit warring; ranking articles by importance
David Coburn, a Member of the European Parliament for the Scotland region for the UK Independence Party, was blocked from editing Wikipedia on April 6.
- Featured content: Another day, another dollar
Ten featured articles, nine featured lists, and twenty-eight featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: Bruce, Nessie, and genocide
Though the continued predominance of movies, TV, and sports noted in last week's report largely continues, three additional topics joined the Top 10 this week.
- Recent research: Military history, cricket, and Australia targeted in Wikipedia articles' popularity vs. quality; how copyright damages economy
Reader demand for some topics (e.g. LGBT topics or pages about countries) is poorly satisfied, whereas there is over-abundance of quality on topics of comparatively little interest, such as military history.
- Technology report: VisualEditor and MediaWiki updates
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:11, 1 May 2015 (UTC)
Resurrection of Southern California Task Force
After moving from Los Angeles County to Kern County to San Luis Obispo County, I am finally realizing that there is life in California outside of L.A. and San Francisco, where I lived and grew up. Oh, I have also lived in San Diego, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Yolo and Sacramento counties, and I earned my undergraduate degree in Riverside County. I am trying to breathe life into the Southern California Task Force, and I hope you will join me. Could you visit our list of participants at the other end of this link and update your description of what you are interested in doing for us, assuming that you still want to be in the mix, that is.
In recompense, I will buy you a drink during the Wikipedia Week I am planning for Morro Bay on the Central Coast in July. Yours sincerely, BeenAroundAWhile (talk) 18:13, 3 May 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 06 May 2015
- News and notes: "Inspire" grant-making campaign concludes, grantees announced
The Wikimedia Foundation this week announced the winning grantees in March's "Inspire" grant-making campaign.
- Featured content: The amorous android and the horsebreeder; WikiCup round two concludes
Seven articles, three lists, and ten pictures were promoted to "featured" status this week. The second round of the WikiCup has ended.
- In the media: Guggenheim image donation; Wiki campaign gets advertising award
artnet and The Next Web report (May 6) that the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is releasing a hundred images of works in its collection under Creative Commons licences in conjunction with a May 19 editathon.
- Special report: FDC candidates respond to key issues
Elections have begun for five community members of the Funds Dissemination Committee, the Foundation's volunteer body for judging and recommending millions of dollars worth of annual grants to affiliates in the movement. The election lasts just eight days, from Sunday 3 May until 23:59 UTC on Sunday 10 May, so at the time of publication, voters will need to act promptly.
- Traffic report: The grim ship reality
Like colliding ocean liners, rousing entertainment and harsh reality merged ungainly in this week's top 10 list. The much heralded pay-per-view pummeling of Manny Pacquiao by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. dominated the list's top slots, giving this list one of its highest total view counts in months.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:01, 8 May 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 13 May 2015
- Foundation elections: Board candidates share their views with the Signpost
Three community-elected seats on the Board of Trustees—the ultimate governing authority of the Wikimedia Foundation—will be decided by Wikimedians in the election to be held 17–31 May.
- News and notes: Swedish Wikimedia chapter organizes simultaneous Wikidata contests
This week has been a busy one for the Wikidata project, with nearly simultaneous Wikidata contests, both organized by Wikimedia Sweden, now underway.
- Traffic report: Round Two
Casual viewers may think I've posted the same list twice. But no, readers just happen to be really interested in May 2's Big Fight. In fact, last week was just the weigh-in and the trash talk. This week, the numbers actually increased.
- In the media: Grant Shapps story continues
Grant Shapps, who was the co-chairman of the UK's Conservative Party until this week, has been accused of maliciously editing the Wikipedia biographies of his party's rivals.
- Op-ed: What made Wikipedia lose its reputation?
There is a public misconception of Wikipedia: that any anonymous editor can edit Wikipedia at any time, and cannot be tracked or identified.
- Featured content: Four first-time featured article writers lead the way
Eight articles, one list, and five pictures were promoted to featured status on the English Wikipedia in a slow week.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 03:47, 16 May 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 20 May 2015
- From the editor: Your voice is needed: strategic voting in the WMF election
The Wikimedia Foundation's bi-annual Board of Trustees election is open for voting. Of the ten seats on the board, three are elected representatives of the global Wikimedia community—you.
- In focus: The awful truth about Wikimedia's article counts
The article counts of many Wikimedia wikis suddenly changed on 29 March 2015: as the Signpost reported at the time, sixty-five wikis fell below milestones tracked at the Wikimedia News Meta page, and three increased to new milestones.
- Traffic report: Inner Core
The list is topped this week by Danish scientist Inge Lehmann, thanks to a Google Doodle celebrating her 127th birthday. Lehmann discovered in 1936 that the Earth has a solid inner core. It is sometimes surprising to realize how recently such basic scientific knowledge of the Earth, which we now take for granted, was discovered.
- News and notes: A dark side of comedy: the Wikipedia volunteers cleaning up behind John Oliver's fowl jokes
Wikipedia editors logging in on May 19 found themselves walking into an unexpected amount of anti-vandal work to keep the site in line with its extensive biographies of living persons policy. A plethora of Wikipedia articles related to the United States House Committee on Appropriations, and the fifty-one representatives serving on it, have been hit by a raft of anonymous editors making often vulgar edits referencing "chicken fucker," or more creative combinations: "sexual conduct", "sexual congress", "fornicator", "intimate relations", or "trysts with chickens."
- Featured content: Puppets, fungi, and waterfalls
Three articles, seven lists, and seven pictures were featured on the English Wikipedia.
- In the media: Jimmy Wales accepts Dan David Prize
Jimmy Wales and five others accepted the 2015 Dan David Prize at Tel Aviv University on May 17. The prize comes with US$1 million, ten percent of which goes to doctoral and postdoctoral scholarships.
- WikiProject report: Cell-ebrating Molecular Biology
This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing WikiProject Molecular and Cellular Biology, which has come a long way since our last interview in 2008. Like most projects, it has a long member list, but only a small subset of that group regularly contributes. With 28 featured articles and 58 top-importance start class ones, the project has clearly had some success, but has a ways to go. We talked to three regular project contributors.
- Arbitration report: Editor conduct the subject of multiple cases
The Arbitration Committee has an unusually large case load at present. Although perhaps not on a par with the high-profile, multi-party cases seen towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, with five open cases the arbitrators are likely to be kept busy for the next several weeks.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 23:57, 20 May 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 27 May 2015
- News and notes: WMF releases quarterly reports, annual plans
The Wikimedia Foundation recently switched to a quarterly report structure to better align reporting with the generally quarterly planning and goal-setting processes.
- In the media: Scrubbing Parliamentary biographies; Wikipedia's invisible history
British media reports on Wikipedia editing to articles of Members of the Parliament of the United Kingdom prior to the May 7 United Kingdom general election from IP addresses assigned to Parliament.
- Discussion report: A relic from the past that needs to be updated
To many, Internet Relay Chat is an old relic, but not to Wikipedia. Wikipedia currently has an IRC help channel designated to help and assist editors with editing Wikipedia.
- Featured content: When music was confined to a ribbon of rust
Fifteen featured articles, four featured lists, and six featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Recent research: Drug articles accurate and largely complete; women "slightly overrepresented"; talking like an admin
Wikipedia's articles on drugs are pretty good – good enough to impress even doctors. A new research study adds some substance to that impression.
- Traffic report: Summer, summer, summertime
As usual for the time of year, pop culture rules this week. The start of summer vacation in the US means a focus on summer movies, particularly blockbuster sequels Avengers: Age of Ultron, Pitch Perfect 2 and Mad Max: Fury Road.
- Technology report: MediaWiki blows up printers
...allegedly. In a post to wikitech-l, Steven Walling pointed out that the TV show CSI: Cyber had used a screenshot of MediaWiki's HTML output and claimed it was responsible for blowing up printers.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 21:21, 29 May 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 03 June 2015
- News and notes: Three new community-elected trustees announced, incumbents out
The Wikimedia Foundation's volunteer election committee has announced the election results for the three vacant seats on the Board of Trustees. Dariusz Jemielnak, James Heilman, and Denny Vrandečić are set to take up their two-year terms on the Board. They will replace the three incumbents, all of whom stood this time unsuccessfully: Phoebe Ayers, Samuel Klein, and María Sefidari.
- Blog: How Wikipedia covered Caitlyn Jenner’s transition
Caitlyn Jenner—the American hero of the 1976 Olympics, a film actor, and prominent member of Keeping Up with the Kardashians—may now be the most famous openly transgender person in the world.
- Discussion report: The deprecation of Persondata; RfA – A broken process; Complaints from users on Swedish Wikipedia
Since the dawn of Wikipedia, or at least since 22 December 2005, the template named Persondata has existed.
- Featured content: It's not over till the fat man sings
Two featured articles and ten featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Technology report: Things are getting SPDYier
Over the past few weeks, developers have been working on improving Wikimedia's performance when users connect to it using SPDY.
- Special report: Towards "Health Information for All": Medical content on Wikipedia received 6.5 billion page views in 2013
Wikipedia appears to be the single most used website for health information globally, exceeding traffic observed at the NIH, WebMD, WHO et al..
- In the media: Anonymous Australian editing targets football player, shooting victim
More UK government vandalism; legend has it; minding the gender gap
- Traffic report: A rather ordinary week
The traffic report is nothing unusual this week, with a Google Doodle for astronaut Sally Ride topping the list, the accidental death of famous mathematician John Forbes Nash, Jr. at #2, and the normal fare of recent popular American movies and television.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 17:31, 6 June 2015 (UTC)
- June 11, plz — Preceding unsigned comment added by 123.27.171.4 (talk) 08:11, 11 June 2015 (UTC)
What does it mean?
I was reading materials mentioned here. One of the parts seemed puzzling to me:
For events 100 years old and up, that means multiples of 25 (e.g., 200th, 325th, 550th, etc). If it's less than 100 years old, that means in multiples of 25 or 10 (e.g., 75th, 60th, 30th).
What does it mean? Mhhossein (talk) 14:45, 12 June 2015 (UTC)
- If the event is <= 100 years old, then significant anniversaries are 10, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 90, and 100 (multiples of 10 and 25). When it is >100 years old, then they are every 25 years: 125, 150, 175, 200, etc. Does that make sense? —howcheng {chat} 04:20, 13 June 2015 (UTC)
- That's clear, thanks. Bty, how do we include incidents like Arba'een? Do we have to act based on this criteria? Mhhossein (talk) 13:07, 13 June 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 10 June 2015
- News and notes: Chapter financial trends analyzed, news in brief
This week saw the publication of the Chapter-wide Financial Trends Report 2013, a now-completed research project that examines the finances and outlays of the 36 movement-affiliated chapters.
- Traffic report: Two households, both alike in dignity
"Happy families are all alike," Leo Tolstoy said, "but unhappy families are unhappy after their own fashion."
- In the media: Arbitration case attracts media coverage; Wikipedia in Israel
UK media covers Wikipedia Arbitration case; Lila Tretikov visits Israel.
- Featured content: Just the bear facts, ma'am
Four featured articles, two featured lists, one featured topic, and twenty-eight featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Technology report: Wikimedia sites are going HTTPS only
Today it was announced that Wikimedia sites are going to become HTTPS only, finishing up 10 year effort of rolling out HTTPS.
- Blog: Making Wikipedia’s medical articles accessible in Chinese
The Medical Translation Project, an ambitious attempt to improve and translate Wikipedia’s medical content from English into other languages, began in 2012.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 18:09, 13 June 2015 (UTC)
LA Wiknic 2015
Can we decide on a date this week Howard, Chris Troutman (talk), of either July 5th or Sat the 11th, I need to put in for a vacation day if it is the 5th this week to get the day off, plus I'm dog sitting that particular day so my trip to LA will be shortened. Tinkermen (talk) posted Sunday June 14
- Let's go with the 11th then. Last year we did 4th of July weekend and had a fairly low turnout. —howcheng {chat} 04:24, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
- The 11th sounds great, Chris Troutman (talk) you ok with the 11th and do you wanna set up the event then or would you like one of us to? Tinkermen (talk) posted Monday June 15
- I can do it later tonight, if I remember. :) —howcheng {chat} 17:04, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
- (talkpage lurker) When you do, please add a link to the LA meetup page at Wikipedia:Wiknic :)--Pharos (talk) 21:00, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
- I can do it later tonight, if I remember. :) —howcheng {chat} 17:04, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
- The 11th sounds great, Chris Troutman (talk) you ok with the 11th and do you wanna set up the event then or would you like one of us to? Tinkermen (talk) posted Monday June 15
Selected anniversaries
I've contributed to Selected anniversaries for two or three times where you usually edit. It's an interesting job. Is there any chance that I can help you handle the affairs related to it? Mhhossein (talk) 13:31, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
- Of course. Just get familiar with the rules and start editing. If you want to start small, just do one or two changes for the dates you want to edit. I will almost always keep any changes you put in (the exceptions will be article quality, or some other policy reason like the article appears on a different day or a significant anniversary will take precedence over the one you picked). Thanks and happy editing! —howcheng {chat} 17:01, 15 June 2015 (UTC)
- Hey Howcheng! As you see, what I do these days for WP:OTD is performing just some basic cleanups. I think there are more things that I can do here. How can I help? --Mhhossein (talk) 12:00, 7 August 2016 (UTC)
- The next step is picking the articles to appear from the pool of eligible articles. First you go with the round-number anniversaries (multiples of 100, multiples of 10 if < 100 years old, multiples of 25 if > 100, then based on that, pick other articles that will fit. Try to keep diversity in time, geography, and topic. Don't feel bad if I overrule you; I probably had a good reason to do it. —howcheng {chat} 06:46, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
- Another thing to do at the beginning of each month, is to move the holidays/observances that change every year to the correct date for this year. Since it's the beginning of August now, we should be doing the ones in September. —howcheng {chat} 06:48, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
- And yet one more thing to do is to go through the article for the date (like August 8) and find new articles to add to the OTD page. If you're really ambitious you can search Google "august 8" or "8 august" site:en.wikipedia.org for articles that aren't even on the date page, although that search turns up a lot of junk. —howcheng {chat} 06:56, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
- Another thing to do at the beginning of each month, is to move the holidays/observances that change every year to the correct date for this year. Since it's the beginning of August now, we should be doing the ones in September. —howcheng {chat} 06:48, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
- The next step is picking the articles to appear from the pool of eligible articles. First you go with the round-number anniversaries (multiples of 100, multiples of 10 if < 100 years old, multiples of 25 if > 100, then based on that, pick other articles that will fit. Try to keep diversity in time, geography, and topic. Don't feel bad if I overrule you; I probably had a good reason to do it. —howcheng {chat} 06:46, 8 August 2016 (UTC)
- Hey Howcheng! As you see, what I do these days for WP:OTD is performing just some basic cleanups. I think there are more things that I can do here. How can I help? --Mhhossein (talk) 12:00, 7 August 2016 (UTC)
June 2015
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Battle of Waterloo
Howdy. Do you think you could give the Battle of Waterloo the picture for Wikipedia:Selected anniversaries/June 18, i.e. tomorrow? It's the 200th anniversary and there's significant press coverage and commemoration. Cheers, Oreo Priest talk 12:09, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
- The problem is that at 100x100 pixels, any painting of the battle becomes too small to really see anything. If you have a suggestion that works, I'll be happy to put it in. —howcheng {chat} 16:29, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
- Makes sense! Here are a few suggestions (which the template puts at the right). Napoleon might be the best bet, but I've included some others. If you still don't like any, I'll keep digging! Oreo Priest talk 18:56, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
Wikipedia:Today's featured article/June 18, 2015
Hi, I'm not following ... none of the other still images at WP:TFAA have captions. (The text stands in for the caption.) - Dank (push to talk) 17:24, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
- @Dank: See Talk:Main Page. People have been proposing solutions for the "image not aligned with text" problem for ITN and OTD for a long time, but it always bogs down in discussion and ends up running out of steam. So I decided to be bold and put in the caption proposal for OTD and TFA for tomorrow as a test (see WP:Main Page/Tomorrow) to see how it looks. I figured that if someone doesn't take action, the discussion will go nowhere again. If nobody has objections, I'll add to DYK and ITN so that all 4 sections are in sync. —howcheng {chat} 21:54, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
- Okay. I'll support whatever Chris wants to do with this. - Dank (push to talk) 23:16, 17 June 2015 (UTC)
Side note
This image was unprotected. (It did, however, look fine on my end.) —David Levy 02:34, 18 June 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 17 June 2015
- In the media: Wikipedia wins Asturias Prize; printing out Wikipedia; HTTPS switch
The Princess of Asturias Foundation announced that Wikipedia would be the recipient of the 2015 Princess of Asturias award in the category of International Cooperation.
- Arbitration report: An election has consequences
The Arbitration Committee delivered its final decision in a case that reached the attention of the UK national press.
- In focus: Three weeks to save freedom of panorama in Europe
This would end a long-standing tradition in many countries that the skyline and the public scene should belong to everybody.
- Op-ed: Making a difference in Wikipedia, one GA at a time
We need to be ever-diligent in ensuring that articles remain of high quality.
- Technology report: HTTPS-only rollout completed; proposal to enable VisualEditor for new accounts
The rollout of HTTPS only has now been completed across all Wikimedia wikis.
- Interview: A veteran’s Wikipedia edits help him understand the brutality behind Yugoslavia’s wars
We interviewed an Australian veteran who deployed to the region as a peacekeeper and now writes articles on the region's history to help him understand what he encountered there.
- News and notes: Labs outage kills tools, self; news in brief
A more than usually severe outage Wikimedia Labs occurred after a massive database corruption implosion on June 17.
- Featured content: Great Dane hits 150
Six featured articles, seven featured lists, and seven featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Discussion report: A quick way of becoming an admin
Author's note: This might be a violation of WP:BEANS; read at your own risk.
- WikiProject report: Western Australia speaks – we are back
It wouldn't be the WikiProject report if we didn't feature an Australian topic once in a while, so this week we're looking at the left side.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:48, 19 June 2015 (UTC)
5th Annual Wiknic
| 5th Annual Wiknic (Saturday, July 11, 2015, ~9:30am-4pm) | |
|---|---|
|
Dear fellow Wikipedian, You are cordinally invited to the fifth annual Los Angeles Wiknic! The Wiknic is a part of the nationwide Great American Wiknic. We'll be grilling, getting to know each other better, and building the L.A. Wikipedia community! The event is tentatively planned for Pan-Pacific Park (map) and will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2014 from 9:30am to 4pm or so. Please RSVP and volunteer to bring food or drinks if possible! I hope to see you there! Howcheng (talk) - via MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 19:40, 21 June 2015 (UTC) Join our Facebook group here! To opt out of future mailings about LA meetups, please remove your name from this list. | |
The Signpost: 24 June 2015
- From the editor: The Signpost tagging initiative
Over more than a decade of weekly publication, The Signpost has accumulated an incredibly lengthy and detailed record about the issues, controversies, successes, and failures of the English Wikipedia community and the movement at large.
- Op-ed: Content Translation beta is coming to the English Wikipedia
The Wikimedia Foundation's Language Engineering team plans to introduce Content Translation—a tool that makes it easier to translate Wikipedia articles into different languages—as a beta feature on the English Wikipedia.
- Special report: Small impact of the large Google Translation Project on Telugu Wikipedia
During 2009–2011 Google ran the Google Translation Project (GTP), a program utilising paid translators to translate most popular English Wikipedia articles to various Indian language Wikipedias.
- Featured content: One eye when begun, two when it's done
Four articles and nine pictures were promoted to featured status this week.
- Recent research: How Wikipedia built governance capability; readability of plastic surgery articles
One paper looks at the topic of Wikipedia governance in the context of online social production.
- Technology report: 2015 MediaWiki architecture focus and Multimedia roadmap announced
This past week saw the kick-off of the 2015 MediaWiki architecture focus of improving our content platform.
- News and notes: Board of Trustees propose bylaw amendments
The Board of Trustees is the "ultimate corporate authority" of the Wikimedia Foundation and the level at which the strategic decisions regarding the Wikimedia movement are made ...
- In the media: Turkish Wikipedia censorship; "Can Wikipedia survive?"; PR editing
The Hürriyet Daily News reports that the Turkish Wikipedia has posted banners on the top of the encyclopedia to warn users that a number of articles are being blocked by the Turkish government.
- Blog: 7,473 volumes at 700 pages each: meet Print Wikipedia
After six years of work, a residency in the Canadian Rockies, endless debugging, and more than a little help from my friends, I have made Print Wikipedia.
- Arbitration report: Politics by other means: The American politics 2 arbitration
Clausewitz' pithy summary of warfare as "politics by other means" seems to be the motto of some Wikipedia editors.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:13, 25 June 2015 (UTC)
Wiknic
The Wiknic was scheduled at the same time as a preexisting Wikipedia meetup in Redondo Beach (see Wikipedia:Meetup/LA). I could contact the library about moving its event if necessary, but I'm not sure it can be moved given that the library does publicity with paper flyers etc... But on the other hand it looks like the Wiknic has been pretty extensively publicized. Any ideas about what makes most sense now? It seems like a shame to divide our efforts. Calliopejen1 (talk) 02:43, 29 June 2015 (UTC)
- Let's reschedule the Wiknic to the 25th. I think that's the official Great American Wiknic day anyway. —howcheng {chat} 15:51, 29 June 2015 (UTC)
- Help! I'm oppressed! :) But seriously, I think you underestimate the percentage of people in the U.S. who are reducing their meat intake. And when you combine the vegan, vegetarian, and meat reducers (mostly vegetarian, some meat) together, you get about 40% of the American public. To make a long story short, Los Angeles is generally considered the center of the vegetarian scene in the United States, so there's actually more people who are trying to reduce or eliminate their meat intake in that part of the country than anywhere else. In any case, things change. There was a time in this country, when tobacco smoking was a sign of class, wealth, and prestige. Obviously, that is no longer true, and tobacco smoking in the U.S. at least, is mostly an activity by the working poor. The same trend appears to be the case with meat eating. At one time in the U.S., meat eating was associated with class, wealth, and prestige. That is no longer true. Viriditas (talk) 22:53, 2 July 2015 (UTC)
- Well there's certainly room for vegans/vegetarians at the Wiknic, so by all means come on down! —howcheng {chat} 02:41, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
- Thanks for the invite, but I won't be able to make it. I'm stuck inside of Maui with the Santa Monica blues again. :) I hope you have a great time, and remember, next year you can use a more neutral image, like a watermelon steak, for example. And yes, you can win friends with salad... Viriditas (talk) 05:26, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
- I beg to differ. —howcheng {chat} 05:33, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
- Thanks for the invite, but I won't be able to make it. I'm stuck inside of Maui with the Santa Monica blues again. :) I hope you have a great time, and remember, next year you can use a more neutral image, like a watermelon steak, for example. And yes, you can win friends with salad... Viriditas (talk) 05:26, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
- Well there's certainly room for vegans/vegetarians at the Wiknic, so by all means come on down! —howcheng {chat} 02:41, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
- Help! I'm oppressed! :) But seriously, I think you underestimate the percentage of people in the U.S. who are reducing their meat intake. And when you combine the vegan, vegetarian, and meat reducers (mostly vegetarian, some meat) together, you get about 40% of the American public. To make a long story short, Los Angeles is generally considered the center of the vegetarian scene in the United States, so there's actually more people who are trying to reduce or eliminate their meat intake in that part of the country than anywhere else. In any case, things change. There was a time in this country, when tobacco smoking was a sign of class, wealth, and prestige. Obviously, that is no longer true, and tobacco smoking in the U.S. at least, is mostly an activity by the working poor. The same trend appears to be the case with meat eating. At one time in the U.S., meat eating was associated with class, wealth, and prestige. That is no longer true. Viriditas (talk) 22:53, 2 July 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 01 July 2015
- News and notes: Training the Trainers; VP of Engineering leaves WMF
This week The Center for Internet and Society published a promotional blog post highlighting the heritage of the center's creation of the Train the Trainer program.
- In the media: EU freedom of panorama; Nehru outrage; BBC apology
A week now remains until the vote, expected on 9 July, when the European Parliament will express either its approval, disapproval, or lack of opinion on the question of freedom of panorama in the European Union.
- WikiProject report: Able to make a stand
Here to share their wisdom are Dodger67, Penny Richards, LilyKitty, and Mirokado of WikiProject Disability
- Featured content: Viva V.E.R.D.I.
Four featured list and twelve featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: We're Baaaaack
For the week of June 21 to 27, 2015, the 10 most popular articles on Wikipedia, as determined from the report of the most viewed pages.
- Technology report: Technical updates and improvements
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
- Blog: These Texans are on a quest to improve Wikipedia’s coverage of their state’s revolution
Like many editors of the world's largest encyclopedia, Karanacs was browsing the site's articles and found that they were of relatively poor quality—and that the traditional narrative she'd learned was not necessarily accurate.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 21:00, 3 July 2015 (UTC)
Wikinic rescheduled
| 5th Annual Wiknic rescheduled to Saturday, July 25, 2015, ~9:30am-4pm | |
|---|---|
|
Due to a conflict with the Redondo Loves Wikipedia edit-a-thon, the fifth annual Los Angeles Wiknic has been rescheduled. As before, the location will be at Pan-Pacific Park (map) and will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2015 from 9:30am to 4pm or so. Please RSVP and volunteer to bring food or drinks if possible! I hope to see you there! —howcheng {chat} - via MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:28, 7 July 2015 (UTC) Join our Facebook group here! To opt out of future mailings about LA meetups, please remove your name from this list. | |
The Signpost: 08 July 2015
- Editorial: So you want to get your message out. Where do you turn?
It seems like a good time to discuss the various communications channels available to community members.
- News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation annual plan released, news in brief
Lila Tretikov this week posted an email to the wikimedia-l mailing list announcing the final publication of the Wikimedia Foundation's 2015 annual plan.
- In the media: Wikimania warning; Wikipedia "mystery" easily solved
The mayor of Esino Lario warns that Wikimedia 2016 is "at risk of disappearing".
- Traffic report: The Empire lobs back
It's July 4 weekend and on this list that means only one thing: Wimbledon. Sure, the American Independence Day gets noticed too, but it can't hold a candle to that staggeringly British sporting event.
- Featured content: Pyrénées, Playmates, parliament and a prison...
12 featured articles, 2 featured lists, and 15 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
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The Signpost: 15 July 2015
- Op-ed: On paid editing and advocacy: when the Bright Line fails to shine, and what we can do about it
"How long will this take?" This is one of the first questions new clients ask. They come to us because the Wikipedia entry about the company at which they work is wrong, incomplete, or even just outdated. The answer varies ...
- Traffic report: Belles of the ball
However coy they may be about it in public, Americans love to win. And when they do, they make no secret of it.
- WikiProject report: What happens when a country is no longer a country?
We return this week with an interview with a historical project that's still fairly active, WikiProject Former countries.
- In the media: Shapps requests WMUK data; professor's plagiarism demotion
In The Register, Andrew Orlowski reports that three weeks ago, Grant Shapps filed a request with Wikimedia UK (WMUK) under the Data Protection Act 1998 "for all data relating to him".
- Blog: Wikimedia Foundation releases third transparency report
The Wikimedia Foundation is pleased to announce the release of our latest transparency report.
- News and notes: The Wikimedia Conference and Wikimania
Wikimania 2015 is underway in Mexico City, and one of its sessions—a scheduled follow-up to the annual Wikimedia Conference that was held in Berlin in May—is good reason to provide a retrospective of that Conference.
- Featured content: When angels and daemons interrupt the vicious and intemperate
One featured article, seven featured lists, and 14 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:43, 16 July 2015 (UTC)
Reverting my attempt at a discussion: Mistake?
Was your reversion of my edit a mistake on your part?—chbarts (talk) 00:25, 17 July 2015 (UTC)
Captions
Hi! Have you read my reply at Wikipedia talk:In the news#Main Page image caption? (I support the underlying goal, but my current concerns constitute an "objection" to the planned Saturday introduction, with which you appear to be proceeding.) —David Levy 21:38, 17 July 2015 (UTC)
My apologies for replying at Wikipedia talk:In the news instead of Talk:Main Page (where discussion already had occurred). I overlooked the latter thread, for which I should have thought to check. —David Levy 00:36, 18 July 2015 (UTC)
- If you're looking for a venue to test the mobile site; check out today's mobile main page. TFA is using a caption. — Chris Woodrich (talk) 16:41, 22 July 2015 (UTC)
Template:Main page image
Hello again. The template appears to have some issues:
- When the "link" parameter duplicates the "image" parameter, this redundancy should have no effect. Instead, it results in an explicit link to the image description page, which disables the Media Viewer.
- When the "width" parameter is left blank ("width = "), the image is displayed at full-width instead of the default 120px.
- The documented "border" parameter doesn't appear to function.
Additionally, the following issues existed specifically at ITN (until I implemented a wrapper, which also corrected the first two issues noted above):
- Blanking the "image" parameter (our normal practice when no suitable image is available) breaks the template's transclusion (by displaying raw code) instead of removing the image and related content.
- The "link" parameter requires the inclusion of "File:" (or "Image:") to link to an image description page, irrespective of whether the prefix was applied to the "image" parameter. (I realize that this enabled linking to other types of page, but I'm not aware of such usage in any of the relevant main page sections. ITN's longstanding "link" implementation permitted the prefix's omission, so this change would have been problematic.)
Also, the "size" parameter (which you left in place) doesn't appear to exist in the new template. (I replaced it with "width".) —David Levy 16:13, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
- Thanks for checking those. I fixed the link, blank width parameter, and border issues, and those are in the sandbox now (see User:Howcheng/sandbox). However, I was unable to get the blank image parameter to work. I think keeping that wrapper is a good idea for that particular problem. —howcheng {chat} 17:57, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
- Could you please captionize Queue 4? I've had a request up at WP:ERRORS for several hours to do both that one and the one on the Main Page. Thanks for taking care of the MP one, but nobody's gotten around to doing the queue yet. MANdARAX • XAЯAbИAM 23:31, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
- Oh yeah I'm actually right in the middle of doing it. Gotta crop the image first. I don't know if I can make the template work with {{Css Image Crop}}. —howcheng {chat} 23:34, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
- Could you please captionize Queue 4? I've had a request up at WP:ERRORS for several hours to do both that one and the one on the Main Page. Thanks for taking care of the MP one, but nobody's gotten around to doing the queue yet. MANdARAX • XAЯAbИAM 23:31, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
| The Template Barnstar | ||
For helping to achieve the impossible, here's another barnstar for the pile. —David Levy 00:31, 25 July 2015 (UTC) |
Template:Main page image (continued)
I noticed that the captions are displayed at 8.5px in MonoBook and 9.5px in Vector, with the latter much more likely to wrap. Might it be possible to eliminate this disparity? —David Levy 00:12, 4 August 2015 (UTC)
- @David Levy: apparently, it's set to be 94% of the regular font size, which is in fact bigger in Vector. Obviously we can set this to a fixed size, but I believe the practice is to set them to relative sizes, so it's always going to be a little bigger in Vector. —howcheng {chat} 22:22, 5 August 2015 (UTC)
- Do you think that setting it to a fixed size (8.5px, ideally) would be controversial? I suspect that some of the complaints about "ugliness" stem from the unintended wrapping in Vector (which, frankly, is ugly much of the time – particularly when a single word appears on a separate line). For this atypical application, an exception to the usual practice seems appropriate. —David Levy 00:13, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
- We could do that. It's actually closer to 11px in Monobook (according to the built-in code inspector) and 12px in Vector. We can give it a shot in the sandbox. —howcheng {chat} 07:13, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
- Ah, okay. I was going by the resultant formatting when I copied and pasted the text into a Microsoft Word document. Perhaps the duplication isn't exact.
- Yes, let's try it out. —David Levy 07:54, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
- I was just reminded of this by a discussion at WP:ERRORS. (A caption looked bad under Vector.) Can you please place the necessary code in the sandbox? —David Levy 02:11, 18 November 2015 (UTC)
- I'm no longer in favor of a fixed font size; that reduces readability for people who use the "Zoom" feature (to increase font sizes). So instead I changed it to be at 90% size instead of 94%: Template:Main page image/sandbox. —howcheng {chat} 03:36, 18 November 2015 (UTC)
- Mind you, reducing the tumbcaption fontsize may result in a too small font in Monobook.
-- [[User:Edokter]] {{talk}}11:50, 18 November 2015 (UTC)- It looked OK when I previewed the changes with the test cases. —howcheng {chat} 17:05, 18 November 2015 (UTC)
- Mind you, reducing the tumbcaption fontsize may result in a too small font in Monobook.
- I'm no longer in favor of a fixed font size; that reduces readability for people who use the "Zoom" feature (to increase font sizes). So instead I changed it to be at 90% size instead of 94%: Template:Main page image/sandbox. —howcheng {chat} 03:36, 18 November 2015 (UTC)
- I was just reminded of this by a discussion at WP:ERRORS. (A caption looked bad under Vector.) Can you please place the necessary code in the sandbox? —David Levy 02:11, 18 November 2015 (UTC)
- We could do that. It's actually closer to 11px in Monobook (according to the built-in code inspector) and 12px in Vector. We can give it a shot in the sandbox. —howcheng {chat} 07:13, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
- Do you think that setting it to a fixed size (8.5px, ideally) would be controversial? I suspect that some of the complaints about "ugliness" stem from the unintended wrapping in Vector (which, frankly, is ugly much of the time – particularly when a single word appears on a separate line). For this atypical application, an exception to the usual practice seems appropriate. —David Levy 00:13, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 22 July 2015
- From the editor: Change the world
We want to take a moment to ask you to consider contributing to the Signpost.
- News and notes: Wikimanía 2016; Lightbreather ArbCom case
Wikimania features remarks from some leading players from the Wikimedia Foundation as well as the free knowledge movement.
- Wikimanía report: Wikimanía 2015 report, part 1, the plenaries
WMF's Executive Director, Lila Tretikov, gave the opening plenary address.
- In the media: Novelists annotate Wikipedia; Wales promotes TPO; Working for free
Three novelists "have found a way to control the Wikipedia narrative" by using the annotation website Genius to annotate their own Wikipedia articles.
- Traffic report: The Nerds, They Are A-Changin'
Summary:When I was a kid, being a nerd meant wanting to go to Pluto.
- WikiProject report: Some more politics
WikiProject Politics of the United Kingdom
- Featured content: The sleep of reason produces monsters
Three featured articles, two featured lists, and 29 featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Gallery: "One small step..."
46 years ago this week, humanity set foot on the Moon.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 23:17, 23 July 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 29 July 2015
- News and notes: BARC de-adminship proposal; Wikimania recordings debate
An RFC proposes to create a "Bureaucrats' Admin Review Committee" (BARC) composed of bureaucrats empowered to remove adminship rights.
- Op-ed: My life as an autistic Wikipedian
Two years ago, I discovered that I was on the autism spectrum.
- Recent research: Wikipedia and collective intelligence; how Wikipedia is tweeted
An article argues that Wikipedia displays some key characteristics of a collective intelligence process.
- In the media: Is Wikipedia a battleground in the culture wars?
"Editors representing rival political tribes [are] frequently attempting to impose their respective narratives as the official version of one or another cultural controversy."
- Featured content: Even mammoths get the Blues
Five featured articles, five featured lists, and sixteen featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Traffic report: Namaste again, Reddit
For the first time since this list began, India-related topics have claimed both the top two slots.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 14:59, 31 July 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 05 August 2015
- Editorial: Wikipedia better equipped to deal with systemic bias than traditional publishers
That particular artists would be omitted through oversight or happenstance is reasonable, but that one of the world's leading publishers of art books is completely unaware of their major omissions is startling.
- Op-ed: Je ne suis pas Google
The public interest in remembering the facts about trials and convictions is, in my view, at least as strong as any "right to be forgotten."
- News and notes: VisualEditor, endowment, science, and news in brief
VisualEditor is now on slow roll-out on the English Wikipedia.
- WikiProject report: Meet the boilerplate makers
The Report checks in with WikiProject Templates.
- In the media: Probe into Nehru edits launched; dangers of the right to be forgotten
The Indian government has launched an investigation into the source of Wikipedia edits regarding Jawaharlal Nehru that caused outrage in that country.
- Traffic report: Mrityorma amritam gamaya...
Death is no stranger to this list, but it has never cast such a pall as this week, when for the first time half the slots in the top 10 were devoted to it, including the top 3.
- Featured content: Maya, Michigan, Medici, Médée, and Moul n'ga
Three featured articles, seven featured lists, and twenty-two featured pictures were promoted this week.
- Blog: Get help editing Wikipedia with the new “Co-op” mentorship program
What if there was a gathering place on Wikipedia for newer editors to find a mentor?
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 02:16, 6 August 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 12 August 2015
- News and notes: Superprotect, one year later; a contentious RfA
Superprotect was a novel page protection level implemented on August 10 last year, without warning.
- In the media: Paid editing; traffic drop; Nicki Minaj
The Atlantic discusses "The Covert World of People Trying to Edit Wikipedia—for Pay".
- Forum: Community voices on paid editing
The community speaks out on paid editing.
- Wikimanía report: Wikimanía 2015, part 2, a community event
Our ongoing Wikimanía coverage.
- Traffic report: Fighting from top to bottom
The charts are led this week by UFC women's champion Ronda Rousey, who won her last match at UFC 190 (#9) in 34 seconds.
- Featured content: Fused lizards, giant mice, and Scottish demons
Watch out for icebergs.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Wikimedia technical news.
- Blog: The Hunt for Tirpitz
During World War II, the German battleship Tirpitz was a major threat to Allied convoys travelling across the North Atlantic and Arctic Sea.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 04:49, 14 August 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 19 August 2015
- Op-ed: WP:THREATENING2MEN: The English Wikipedia's misogynist infopolitics and the hegemony of the asshole consensus
Nothing makes Wikipedians more angry than a discussion of gender and feminism on Wikipedia.
- In the media: Politically controversial science; "Wikipedia hates women"
A new article in PLOS ONE about Wikipedia's science coverage has attracted media attention.
- Featured content: Dead parrots, live frogs, a symbolic kiss and what do we get? Enrique Iglesias!
This week's featured content.
- Travelogue: Seeing is believing
Tony the Tiger tours New York City.
- Traffic report: Straight Outta Connecticut
It's a long way from the leafy bowers of Greenwich, Connecticut to the concrete barrens of Compton, California.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
- Blog: How Wikipedia responds to breaking news
Wikipedia is capable of covering news like any news agency.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 16:00, 20 August 2015 (UTC)
Orphaned non-free image File:Logo of La Caixa.svg

Thanks for uploading File:Logo of La Caixa.svg. The image description page currently specifies that the image is non-free and may only be used on Wikipedia under a claim of fair use. However, the image is currently not used in any articles on Wikipedia. If the image was previously in an article, please go to the article and see why it was removed. You may add it back if you think that that will be useful. However, please note that images for which a replacement could be created are not acceptable for use on Wikipedia (see our policy for non-free media).
Note that any non-free images not used in any articles will be deleted after seven days, as described in the criteria for speedy deletion. Thank you. --B-bot (talk) 17:47, 20 August 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 26 August 2015
- In focus: An increase in active Wikipedia editors
Does the data mean good news for the encyclopedia?
- In the media: Russia temporarily blocks Wikipedia
The Russian Wikipedia is blocked, more blocks may be on the on the horizon.
- Op-ed: Wikimania—can volunteers organize conferences?
Should paid event staff supplement the work of volunteers?
- News and notes: Re-imagining grants
The Wikimedia Foundation's grant structure.
- Featured content: Out to stud, please call later
This week's featured content.
- Arbitration report: Reinforcing Arbitration
The recently closed Arbitration Enforcement case.
- Recent research: OpenSym 2015 report
A look at the research presented at the OpenSym 2015 conference.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 01:59, 28 August 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 02 September 2015
- Special report: Massive paid editing network unearthed on the English Wikipedia
Nearly 400 accounts blocked in largest paid-editing bust ever.
- News and notes: Flow placed on ice
The WMF collaboration team announced this week that Flow will no longer be under active development.
- Discussion report: WMF's sudden reversal on Wiki Loves Monuments
A conflict regarding fundraising banners on the Italian Wikipedia is resolved.
- Featured content: Brawny
This Signpost "Featured content" report covers material promoted from 16 August to 24 August.
- In the media: Orangemoody sockpuppet case sparks widespread coverage
Also vital statistics regarding Ja Rule.
- Traffic report: You didn't miss much
The late-summer smash success of Straight Outta Compton remains the chief talking point of the English-speaking world, interrupted only by the welcome return of a Google Doodle.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 23:07, 3 September 2015 (UTC)
PS
Re grammatical pet peeves:
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/comma-queen-the-lay-of-the-lielay-land
Muhammad: The Messenger of God
Hey, Muhammad: The Messenger of God (film) is a movie by Majidi on the life of Islamic prophet. I don't know whether it qualifies to be on the main page in ITN box. Is it possible to have the news of its release there on the main page? Mhhossein (talk) 06:47, 7 September 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 09 September 2015
- Gallery: Being Welsh
The National Library is now releasing some of the nation's most treasured collections to Wikimedia Commons for everyone to use and enjoy.
- Featured content: Killed by flying debris
Tony1 interviews a prolific featured content participant, Ian Rose.
- Op-ed: DYK, or proudly displaying incorrect information on the Main Page with alarming regularity
Fram tells us why DYK is a problem.
- News and notes: The Swedish Wikipedia's controversial two-millionth article
First bot-created article generated from Wikidata; the Orange Bar of Doom has finally met its doom; active editor numbers still on the rise; arbitrator to resign; ne templates added in wake of Orangemoody case
- Traffic report: Mass media production traffic
This week's theme in popular articles revolved entirely around mass media productions.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
section begin "tech-newsletter-content"
- In the media: Calling all scientists!; More Wikipedia editors in the Netherlands than all of Africa combined
A recap of Wikipedia in the media this week
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:00, 11 September 2015 (UTC)
DYK for Spreckelsville, Hawaii
| On 15 September 2015, Did you know was updated with a fact from the article Spreckelsville, Hawaii, which you recently created, substantially expanded, or brought to good article status. The fact was ... that the sugar plantation in Spreckelsville, Hawaii, US, was once the largest in the world? The nomination discussion and review may be seen at Template:Did you know nominations/Spreckelsville, Hawaii. You are welcome to check how many page hits the article got while on the front page (here's how, live views, daily totals), and it may be added to the statistics page if the total is over 5,000. Finally, if you know of an interesting fact from another recently created article, then please feel free to suggest it on the Did you know talk page. |
The Signpost: 16 September 2015
- Editorial: No access is no answer to closed access
On Wikipedia's commitment to open access and its obligations to readers and editors.
- News and notes: Byrd and notifications leave, but page views stay; was a terror suspect editing Wikipedia?
WMF CFO to depart, notifications come and go, and questions about the possible editing by a recently arrested terrorism suspect.
- In the media: Is there life on Mars?
Probably not. Also, Whitehall still editing Wikipedia.
- Featured content: Why did the emu cross the road?
This week's featured content.
- Traffic report: Another week
No particular trends to spot in this week's top article traffic.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 17:42, 19 September 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 23 September 2015
- In the media: PETA makes "monkey selfie" a three-way copyright battle; Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
PETA launches a copyright lawsuit over the infamous photograph.
- Op-ed: Can we please stop bashing Wikipedia?
No, really, just stop.
- Featured content: Inside Duke Humfrey's Library
This week's featured content.
- WikiProject report: Dancing to the beat of a... wikiproject?
This time of year features the Latin Grammy Awards, so here for an interview are WikiProject Latin music.
- Traffic report: ¡Viva la Revolución! Kinda.
This week, drug lord and wannabe Bolivar Pablo Escobar was joined by a whole host of somewhat more primetime-friendly political insurgents.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 21:24, 25 September 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 30 September 2015
- News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation fundraising report, Montreal to host 2017 Wikimania
A year of fundraising and a controversial decision.
- In the media: Irish legislative editing; coffee quarrel; more sports vandalism
More Wikipedia editing in the news.
- Op-ed: Wikipedia needs more administrators
Low numbers of active admins and high standards for adminship make a troubling combination.
- Recent research: Wiktionary special; newbies, conflict and tolerance; Is Wikipedia's search function inferior?
A look at newly published Wikipedia research.
- Tech news: Tech news in brief
Community technical news
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 21:35, 3 October 2015 (UTC)
Speedy deletion nomination of File:Geisha-fullheight.jpg

A tag has been placed on File:Geisha-fullheight.jpg requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done under section F2 of the criteria for speedy deletion, because it is an image page for a missing or corrupt image or an empty image description page for a Commons-hosted image.
If you think this page should not be deleted for this reason, you may contest the nomination by visiting the page and clicking the button labelled "Contest this speedy deletion". This will give you the opportunity to explain why you believe the page should not be deleted. However, be aware that once a page is tagged for speedy deletion, it may be removed without delay. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag from the page yourself, but do not hesitate to add information in line with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. Stefan2 (talk) 17:16, 11 October 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 07 October 2015
- Op-ed: Walled gardens of corruption
Kazakhstan and Wikipedia: A marriage made in hell.
- Traffic report: Reality is for losers
English speakers, like most of humanity, are primarily a northern-hemispheric people, and as autumn draws close and the days grow shorter, as a group we tend to huddle around our flickering screens and remember what matters: TV, movies, sports and, of course, crazy doomsday prophecies.
- Featured content: This Week's Featured Content
Some of Wikipedia's newest featured content.
- Gallery: Winners of Wiki Loves Monuments 2015 in Pakistan
These winners of the Wiki Loves Monuments Pakistan 2015 contest were shared with the Social Media mailing list recently.
- Arbitration report: Warning: Contains GMOs
A new case was opened for ArbCom as the Genetically modified organisms case was accepted and opened on 28 September.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
A reproduced version of the Wikimedia tech newsletter.
- In the media: Jailed Saudi blogger wins award; PR editing and Wiki-embarassment; Pakistan's third-richest person?
A summary of Wikimedia's mentions in the media.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 18:21, 11 October 2015 (UTC)
Selected anniversaries/October 14: Defender of Ukraine Day
Yesterday you removed Defender of Ukraine Day (Ukraine) from Wikipedia:Selected anniversaries/October 14 because it was a stub. I think it should be put back in the "main box that will be on Wikipedia's Main Page tomorrow". Since I believe after my enlargement of the article today it is no longer a Wikipedia Stub-article but a Start-article per Wikipedia:Stub#How_big_is_too_big.3F: "While very short articles are very likely to be stubs, there are some subjects about which very little can be written". — Yulia Romero • Talk to me! 18:09, 13 October 2015 (UTC)
- Please hurry; tomorrow is Defender of Ukraine Day
. — Yulia Romero • Talk to me! 18:13, 13 October 2015 (UTC)
Day of Tasu'a
This Thursday: Women in Architecture edit-a-thon @ Getty Center
You are invited to join the Women in Architecture edit-a-thon @ Getty Center in LA on October 15! (drop-in any time, 10am-4pm)--Pharos (talk) 18:25, 14 October 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 14 October 2015
- Op-ed: WikiConference USA 2015: built on good faith
We believe that human interaction can only make Wikipedia stronger.
- WikiConference report: US gathering sees speeches from Andrew Lih, AfroCrowd, and the Archivist of the United States
Three days at the US National Archives.
- Editorial: Why the news media needs a Wikipedian in residence
The news coverage we usually see about Wikipedia is neither in-depth, nor specialized, nor systematic.
- News and notes: 2015–2016 Q1 fundraising update sparks mailing list debate
Everyone's talking about money.
- Traffic report: Screens, Sport, Reddit, and Death
For the second consecutive week, the most viewed article had less than one million views, the only two weeks that has happened in all of 2015.
- Featured content: A fistful of dollars
This week's featured content.
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
Community technical news.
- Blog: Third Wikimedia Spain conference takes place in Madrid
On September 25, 26 and 27, Wikimedia Spain celebrated its third Wikimedia Conference at the Colegio Mayor Universitario Isabel de España in Madrid.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 17:38, 18 October 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 21 October 2015
- Editorial: Women and Wikipedia: the world is watching
Time to clean up our mess.
- News and notes: Wikimedia lawsuit against NSA dismissed; Affiliates mailing list launched
District court judge decrees that the WMF lacks standing.
- In the media: "Wikipedia's hostility to women"
"The lunatics are running the asylum."
- Special report: One year of GamerGate, or how I learned to stop worrying and love bare rule-level consensus
Examining the conflict and its participants.
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- Op-ed: Wikipedia is significantly amplifying the impact of Open Access publications
When given a choice between journals of similar impact factors, editors are significantly more likely to select the “open access” option.
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Open cases before the Arbitration Committee.
- Traffic report: Hiding under the covers of the Internet
We live in a harsh, uncertain world.
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The Signpost: 28 October 2015
- From the editor: The Signpost's reorganization plan—we need your help
A call for volunteers.
- News and notes: English Wikipedia reaches five million articles
The community reacts to another milestone.
- In the media: The world's Wikipedia gaps; Google and Wikipedia accused of tying Ben Carson to NAMBLA
The week's news coverage about the encyclopedia.
- Op-ed: It’s time to stop the bullying
Gangs of bullies and trolls rove the internet and make life difficult for the rest of us.
- Arbitration report: A second attempt at Arbitration enforcement
A divisive case before the Committee opens.
- Traffic report: Canada, the most popular nation on Earth
What's this all aboot, eh?
- Recent research: Student attitudes towards Wikipedia; Jesus, Napoleon and Obama top "Wikipedia social network"; featured article editing patterns in 12 languages
New research about Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects.
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This week's featured content.
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- Community letter: Five million articles
The community celebrates.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 18:12, 1 November 2015 (UTC)
Files for deletion changing to Files for Discussions
Howcheng, we are in the process of renaming Files for Deletion to Files for Discussion. Details are here. I understand that you have a script that some users use to create nominations. This script needs to be updated, and we are ready for you to update it immediately if you are able to do that. User:AnomieBOT will not longer create Files for Deletion pages on November 17, so your change will need to be done by then. Thanks, Oiyarbepsy (talk) 06:12, 5 November 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 04 November 2015
- Op-ed: You are invited to participate in the Community Wishlist Survey
The WMF wants your ideas for technical improvements.
- News and notes: Wikimedia Foundation finances; Superprotect is gone
WMF funding and the death and life of a controversial feature.
- In the media: Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov: propaganda myth or history?
The difficulties of verifying encyclopedia content.
- Traffic report: Death, the Dead, and Spectres are abroad
The week in article traffic.
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- Gallery: Princess of Asturias Awards 2015 ceremony
Wikipedia received the 2015 Princess of Asturias Award for global cooperation on October 23.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 18:29, 7 November 2015 (UTC)
OTD November 11
Regarding this edit, I'm just curious just how many years it is going to take to get United States Numbered Highways listed? I nominated it four years ago, yet it has never run once. Imzadi 1979 → 08:43, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Sorry, I'd forgotten about that one. Next year will be 90 (a good round-number) so that will make it a lock. Unfortunately, there have been a number of factors conspiring to keep it out. For example, last there were two US articles that had significant anniversaries, so there was no way a third US one was going to make it. 2012 would have been an ideal year had I remembered it then. —howcheng {chat} 08:51, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Noting, we discussed this a year ago, where you said that it wouldn't have run last year because of other US-related items. There are other options to allow this one its first appearance by substituting out the battle from the War of 1812. Also, since the TFP is WWI-related, shouldn't the armistace be pulled? (It's already appeared 4 times anyway.) Or do I have to wait another year to try again? Imzadi 1979 → 08:58, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Replying after the EC, but I've been waiting 4 years already. Somehow I assumed your would once again be, "try again next year". Imzadi 1979 → 08:59, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Taking out the War of 1812 item would put too many 20th century items. Let me think about this overnight. It's 1 AM where I am so I need to hit the sack. —howcheng {chat} 09:02, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- There's a perfectly good item from 1805 that could run in place of the War of 1812 item, just substituting a European war for an American one. That would then let you swap the WWI armistace for the US Highway System, removing the doubling of WWI with TFP. Imzadi 1979 → 09:33, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Taking out the War of 1812 item would put too many 20th century items. Let me think about this overnight. It's 1 AM where I am so I need to hit the sack. —howcheng {chat} 09:02, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
- Replying after the EC, but I've been waiting 4 years already. Somehow I assumed your would once again be, "try again next year". Imzadi 1979 → 08:59, 9 November 2015 (UTC)
Birth of Musa al-Kadhim
Battle of Ia Drang citations
You recently put up a sign "needs additional citations" at the top of the article. Do you care to point out specifically which statements or sentences or parts or sections need additional citations?Tnguyen4321 (talk) 19:04, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
- @Tnguyen4321: There are a lot of paragraphs and even some entire sections that have no citations at all (mostly in the "1st/7th Cav and the battle for LZ X-Ray" section, which happens to be the bulk of the article). I figured one tag at the top was better than lots of tags throughout the article. Thanks. —howcheng {chat} 19:20, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
Re: the topic 'Overhauling this Article' of the talk page of the Battle of Ia Drang article, it was said: ... I'm overhauling this article to provide a more human side to the battle. My primary source is Moore & Galloway's We Were Soldiers Once...And Young. Thanks! James Cameron March 6/06. Therefore, I deem your tag is not relevant.Tnguyen4321 (talk) 21:08, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
- Listing the source on the talk page (or even in the "References" section by itself) does nothing. You still need the WP:inline citations. —howcheng {chat} 21:26, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
If a 'general reference' does nothing to you, then it is preferable to put a tag 'citation needed' at each end of sentence or paragraph where needed; that is if you want to induce people to action and add citations.Tnguyen4321 (talk) 21:42, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
- By the way, is it that James Cameron of the 'Terminator'?Tnguyen4321 (talk) 21:45, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
If you can, then you can keep that 'general tag' while inserting the individual tags.Tnguyen4321 (talk) 22:35, 13 November 2015 (UTC)
- Put it as a general reference. And then, for specific statements, use <ref>Moore & Galloway p. 123</ref>. Oiyarbepsy (talk) 03:37, 14 November 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 11 November 2015
- Op-ed: As one thousand of us requested, Superprotect has been removed
Assessing the end of a controversial feature.
- Arbitration report: Elections, redirections, and a resignation from the Committee
It's that time of the year again.
- Discussion report: Compromise of two administrator accounts prompts security review
Fallout from a recent security breach.
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Are the inmates running the asylum? Are journalists copying Wikipedia? Are monkeys filing lawsuits?
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More doodles, more traffic.
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Reflecting on the tragedy in France.
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The Signpost: 18 November 2015
- Special report: ArbCom election—candidates’ opinions analysed
Our annual election coverage.
- In the media: Icelandic milestone; apolitical editing
Icelandic Wikipedia hits 400K articles; how do Wikipedia editors stay neutral?
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Discussions around the encyclopedia.
- Arbitration report: Ban Appeals Subcommittee goes up in smoke; 21 candidates running
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:28, 21 November 2015 (UTC)
ArbCom elections are now open!
Hi,
You appear to be eligible to vote in the current Arbitration Committee election. The Arbitration Committee is the panel of editors responsible for conducting the Wikipedia arbitration process. It has the authority to enact binding solutions for disputes between editors, primarily related to serious behavioural issues that the community has been unable to resolve. This includes the ability to impose site bans, topic bans, editing restrictions, and other measures needed to maintain our editing environment. The arbitration policy describes the Committee's roles and responsibilities in greater detail. If you wish to participate, you are welcome to review the candidates' statements and submit your choices on the voting page. For the Election committee, MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 13:03, 23 November 2015 (UTC)
Arba'een
@Howcheng: 2 December 2015 is Arba'een, forty days after the Day of Ashura. Arba'een is one of the largest pilgrimage gatherings on Earth, in which up to 20 million people go to the city of Karbala in Iraq. Saff V. (talk) 14:41, 23 November 2015 (UTC)
- Did that one a few days ago. —howcheng {chat} 16:40, 23 November 2015 (UTC)
Iranian constitutional referendum
Iranian constitutional referendum for Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran was held on 2 and 3 December 1979.Saff V. (talk) 14:09, 24 November 2015 (UTC)
- @Saff V.: Neither article is eligible. The referendum article is too short and the Constitution article is tagged for expansion. Also, there seems to be a contradiction. The introduction to the Constitution article says it was adopted by referendum on October 24 and went into force on December 3. —howcheng {chat} 17:24, 24 November 2015 (UTC)
- @Howcheng: According to this source and this one, 2 and 3 December is correct date.Saff V. (talk) 09:34, 25 November 2015 (UTC)
- Regardless, neither article is eligible for inclusion. —howcheng {chat} 16:42, 25 November 2015 (UTC)
- @Howcheng: According to this source and this one, 2 and 3 December is correct date.Saff V. (talk) 09:34, 25 November 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 25 November 2015
- Op-ed: Wikidata: the new Rosetta Stone
Wikidata is set to become the main open data repository worldwide.
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Updates on the Wikimedia Foundation.
- In the media: Erasmus Prize awarded to Wikipedia; trouble on the Russian Wikipedia
The worldwide community wins a prestigious award while the Russian community struggles with government interference.
- Recent research: Do Wikipedia citations mirror scholarly impact?; co-star networks in silent films
Scholarly research about Wikipedia and related projects.
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- Traffic report: J'en ai ras le bol
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- Arbitration report: Third Palestine-Israel case closes; Voting begins
Another long-running case has been closed, while the voting process for this year's Arbitration Committee Elections has begun.
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- Blog: Wikimedia Foundation, Wikimedia Deutschland urge Reiss Engelhorn Museum to reconsider suit over public domain works of art
The suit concerns copyright claims related to 17 images of the museum’s public domain works of art.
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Hegira
13 December is start time of migration or journey of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. This date is known as the start of the Hijri calendar. Saff V. (talk) 06:57, 6 December 2015 (UTC)
- Islamic calendar appears on Wikipedia:Selected anniversaries/July 16, so cannot be included on December 13. —howcheng {chat} 07:00, 6 December 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 02 December 2015
- Op-ed: Whither Wikidata?
Issues of quality and verifiability threaten the project.
- News and notes: Online harassment consultation; High voter turnout at ArbCom elections
How the community can have its say on two important matters.
- In the media: Is Wikidata as transparent as it seems?; Wikimedia Fund-raising drive launches
Concerns about Wikidata and WMF fundraising.
- Traffic report: Jonesing for episodes
The new Netflix series heads the list.
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The Signpost: 09 December 2015
- News and notes: ArbCom election results announced
The three scrutineers announced the results, a little more than three days after the close of voting.
- Op-ed: Wikidata: Knowledge from different points of view
A response from Wikidata.
- In the media: Political editing in the context of the US presidential primaries
Another election, another series of edit wars.
- Gallery: Wiki Loves Monuments 2015 winners
The top 25 images.
- Traffic report: So do you laugh, or does it cry?
Another death tops the report this week.
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DYK for Liang Cheng
| On 14 December 2015, Did you know was updated with a fact from the article Liang Cheng, which you recently created, substantially expanded, or brought to good article status. The fact was ... that Qing dynasty ambassador to the United States Liang Cheng (pictured) was a star baseball player for Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts? The nomination discussion and review may be seen at Template:Did you know nominations/Liang Cheng. You are welcome to check how many page hits the article got while on the front page (here's how, live views, daily totals), and it may be added to the statistics page if the total is over 5,000. Finally, if you know of an interesting fact from another recently created article, then please feel free to suggest it on the Did you know talk page. |
Wikipedia:Selected anniversaries/December 20
Can you add Announcerless Game in the Eligible list or the set meant for the Main Page? --George Ho (talk) 19:30, 19 December 2015 (UTC)
The Signpost: 16 December 2015
- In focus: Drone photography: New possibilities and new challenges
Creating content in the sky.
- In the media: Wales in China; #Edit2015
Jimmy Wales finds his words edited on the Internet.
- Arbitration report: GMO case decided
Keeping up with the committee.
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- WikiProject report: Women in Red—using teamwork and partnerships to elevate online and offline collaborations
Tackling content gaps through collaboration.
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More data, more problems.
- Gallery: WikiConference USA 2015: images, slide decks, and videos
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The Signpost: 30 December 2015
- News and notes: WMF Board dismisses community-elected trustee
In a monumental move, the Board ousted one of its own
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The latest news from ArbCom
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A report covering material promoted from 13 to 26 December
- Traffic report: The Force we expected
In a development that should surprise no one, Star Wars takes the first place prize
- Year in review: The top ten Wikipedia stories of 2015
We review the top ten stories that defined the Wikimedia movement in 2015
- In the media: Wikipedia plagued by a "Basket of Deception"
The latest news coverage from around the movement
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Christmas time is here.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 15:34, 30 December 2015 (UTC)
About Torii
Don't lump Japan in with Korea. The picture you're taking out persistently is an ordinary Korean(Chinese) gate. A Torii is a perch of a god. Where at that gate does a god land? Isn't that prickly? Korea is based on the civilization of Evenks. Korea is unrelated to Japan.--119.104.9.155 (talk) 22:07, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- Wow, you really don't know your Asian history. "Korea is unrelated to Japan"?? Then why do Korean and Japanese languages both use Chinese characters? Chinese culture spread through the Korean peninsula into Japan. I added sources that say torii and hongsal-mun may be related. Both are gates that are similar in appearance and separate sacred and profane space. If "Major civilizations according to Huntington" explicitly states that the two structures are not related, then we can include that in the article, but you cannot make changes to the article based on your own personal beliefs. Shinto is of course a native Japanese animistic religion but that doesn't meant it never imported concepts from other cultures. —howcheng {chat} 22:22, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- Your subjectivity is empty.--119.104.16.252 (talk) 22:33, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- I don't understand what that comment is supposed to mean. Regardless, there are published sources in the article that make the claim. It is not MY opinion that the two structure are related. Other scholarly sources are making that claim. If you want the article to state otherwise, then you need to provide the sources. —howcheng {chat} 22:40, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- Don't plagiarize Japanese culture. Korea is a just different race. http://4ch-matome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1432848106467.gif --119.104.16.252 (talk) 22:41, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- You are engaging in original research. Provide a source that says those two things are unrelated. —howcheng {chat} 00:24, 5 January 2016 (UTC)
- Don't plagiarize Japanese culture. Korea is a just different race. http://4ch-matome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/1432848106467.gif --119.104.16.252 (talk) 22:41, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- I don't understand what that comment is supposed to mean. Regardless, there are published sources in the article that make the claim. It is not MY opinion that the two structure are related. Other scholarly sources are making that claim. If you want the article to state otherwise, then you need to provide the sources. —howcheng {chat} 22:40, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
- Your subjectivity is empty.--119.104.16.252 (talk) 22:33, 4 January 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 06 January 2016
- News and notes: The WMF's age of discontent
Trouble with the Board of Trustees
- In the media: Impenetrable science; Jimmy Wales back in the UAE
Wikipedia's science articles are "effectively incomprehensible"
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Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Iran
@Howcheng: On 1 February 1979 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, returned to Iran after 14 years in political exile. Therefore, this day is a important day in Iran and Islamic countries. Thanks Saff V. (talk) 09:57, 9 January 2016 (UTC)
Iranian Revolution
@Howcheng: On 11 February 1979, Iranian Revolution succeed against Shah dynasty. This day is a turning point in history of Iran. Thanks Saff V. (talk) 10:04, 9 January 2016 (UTC)
- @Howcheng: Please answer to my comment.Saff V. (talk) 07:43, 30 January 2016 (UTC)
- Iranian Revolution is currently ineligible for inclusion (the section "Western/U.S.–Iranian relations" is empty). —howcheng {chat} 21:47, 30 January 2016 (UTC)
- @Mhhossein:Can you complete the Western/U.S.–Iranian relations section in the Iranian Revolution article? Saff V. (talk) 05:47, 1 February 2016 (UTC)
- Iranian Revolution is currently ineligible for inclusion (the section "Western/U.S.–Iranian relations" is empty). —howcheng {chat} 21:47, 30 January 2016 (UTC)
- @Howcheng: Please answer to my comment.Saff V. (talk) 07:43, 30 January 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 13 January 2016
- In the media: War and peace; WMF board changes; Arabic and Hebrew Wikipedias
A look at movement coverage "in the media"
- Community view: Battle for the soul of the WMF
Liam Wyatt shares his thoughts in "community view"
- Editorial: We need a culture of verification
Our co-editor-in-chief, Gamaliel, shares his thoughts on the 15th anniversary of Wikipedia
- In focus: The Crisis at New Montgomery Street
William Beutler discusses problems inside the WMF.
- Op-ed: Transparency
James Heilman talks about why he was removed from the WMF board.
- Traffic report: Pattern recognition: Third annual Traffic Report
What was the most-viewed article of 2015? Read to find out!
- Special report: Wikipedia community celebrates Public Domain Day 2016
WE LOVE PUBLIC DOMAIN DAY!
- News and notes: Community objections to new Board trustee
A look at community objections to a new Board trustee
- Blog: Inside the game of sports vandalism on Wikipedia
Jeff Elder talks sports vandalism on the Wikimedia blog
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A review of the featured content promoted this week
- Arbitration report: Interview: outgoing and incumbent arbitrators 2016
We sat down with both incoming and outgoing arbitrators to get their thoughts on the committee.
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Latest tech news from the Wikimedia technical community.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 16:17, 16 January 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 20 January 2016
- News and notes: Vote of no confidence; WMF trustee speaks out
The continuing controversy over a new Board appointment.
- Op-ed: Not a pretty picture: Thoughts on the "monkey selfie" debacle
Is Wikimedia taking the right approach?
- In the media: 15th anniversary news round-up
The news media remembers we're still around.
- Traffic report: Danse Macabre
A cheery week.
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- Blog: Fifteen years ago, Wikipedia was a very different place
A talk with MediaWiki developer : Magnus Manske.
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The Signpost: 27 January 2016
- Op-ed: Lila Tretikov: the WMF needs your input in developing our strategy
Participate in the new strategy initiative.
- News and notes: Geshuri steps down from the Board
Newly appointed trustee leaves following a community outcry.
- In the media: Media coverage of the Arnnon Geshuri no-confidence vote
Board turmoil gets the attention of journalists.
- Recent research: Bursty edits; how politics beat religion but then lost to sports; notability as a glass ceiling
Current research involving Wikipedia.
- Traffic report: Death and taxes
Some things never change.
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The Signpost: 03 February 2016
- From the editors: Help wanted
Help us continue to publish on a weekly (-ish) basis.
- Special report: Board chair and new trustee speak with the Signpost
New member María Sefidari joins the Board of Trustees.
- In focus: The Knight Foundation grant: a timeline and an email to the board
James Heilman speaks out about the events leading up to his dismissal from the Board.
- Op-ed: So, what’s a knowledge engine anyway?
Examining the issues at the heart of recent Board disputes.
- News and notes: Harassment survey 2015; Luis Villa to leave WMF; knowledge engine background
A survey released, another major departure from the Foundation.
- Arbitration report: Catching up on arbitration
More cases, more problems.
- Traffic report: Bowled
Some sort of sporting contest tops this week's traffic.
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 03:29, 9 February 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 10 February 2016
- News and notes: Another WMF departure
- In the media: Jeb Bush swings at Wikipedia and connects
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- Traffic report: A river of revilement
The Signpost: 17 February 2016
- Special report: Search and destroy: the Knowledge Engine and the undoing of Lila Tretikov
Examining the impact of the knowledge engine
- Op-ed: Shit I cannot believe we had to fucking write this month
A new column that examines the articles that are helping to fight systemic bias
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One article, three lists, and five images attained featured status this past week
- Traffic report: Super Bowling
The biggest annual event in America takes over Wikipedia viewership
- Technology report: Tech news in brief
The news for the nerd inside of us
- Blog: Antonin Scalia and the editor tracking his legacy
The American Supreme Court justice's impact on the life of a Wikipedia editor
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The Signpost: 24 February 2016
- Special report: WMF in limbo as decision on Tretikov nears
The Board of Trustees may be deciding the direction of the Foundation.
- Op-ed: Backward the Foundation
Parting words from a WMF employee,
- Traffic report: Of Dead Pools and Dead Judges
Another grim week in traffic statistics.
- Blog: Wiki Loves Africa brings the continent’s fashion to the world
Wiki Loves Africa photo competition focuses on continent’s varied fashion traditions from north, south, east, and west.
- Arbitration report: Arbitration motion regarding CheckUser & Oversight inactivity
Committee motions and business.
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The Signpost: 02 March 2016
- News and notes: Tretikov resigns, WMF in transition
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- Traffic report: Brawling
Politics and wrestling top the traffic statistics.
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- Blog: Wikimedia Foundation details requests to alter or remove content in new transparency report
The WMF reports on incoming requests.
The Signpost: 09 March 2016
- News and notes: Katherine Maher named interim head of WMF; Wales email re-sparks Heilman controversy; draft WMF strategy posted
Controversy, change, and everything between.
- In the media: Wikipedian is break-out star of International Women's Day; dinosaur art; Wikipedia's new iOS app and its fight for market share
Perhaps we're turning over a new leaf as a front-runner in the fight for equality?
- Op-ed: A modest proposal for Wikimedia’s future
A look at the future of our parent foundation.
- Featured content: Five articles, four lists, a topic, and five images were promoted this week.
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- Technology report: Wikimedia wikis will temporarily go into read-only mode on several occasions in the coming weeks
Finally, a break for the vandalism fighters!
- WikiCup report: First round of the WikiCup finishes
Your detailed look at one of Wikipedia's largest contests.
- Blog: The new alchemy: turning online harassment into Wikipedia articles on women scientists
By night, she smites trolls on the Internet with positive punishment: for each harassing email she receives, one Wikipedia article on a woman in science is created.
- Systemic bias: Revenge of "I can’t believe we didn’t have an article on ..."
Wherein I am STILL fucking angry about systemic bias and am highlighting kick-ass articles we created and improved this month in our never-ending quest to fix it.
- Traffic report: All business like show business
The Oscars, Super Tuesday, and Super Saturday"
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- MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 19:53, 13 March 2016 (UTC)
The nationalization of the Iran oil industry movement
Dear @Howcheng: on 17 March 1951, the nationalization of Iran oil industry verified by Iranian parliament.Saff V. (talk) 12:20, 14 March 2016 (UTC)
Wik-Ed Women Session #5
| Wik-Ed Women Session #5 | |
|---|---|
|
Dear fellow Wikipedian, I would like to personally invite you to the March edition of the Wik-Ed Women meetup, which will take place on March 15, from 6-10 in the evening. It will occur at Los Angeles Contemporary Archive, 2245 E Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90021 (downtown LA -- map). The building has a pink top with old signage for American Accessories, Inc. dba Princess Accessories (Photos [PDF]). There is on-site parking in the back, which also has an entrance. If you cannot attend in person, you are more than willing to work remotely, as we appreciate all help that you can provide. Finally, here is a link to the Facebook event, in case you want to invite friends, as we are always looking for new editors to help expand coverage of women on Wikipedia! I hope to see you there! Cosmicphantom (talk) - via MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 05:54, 15 March 2016 (UTC) Join our Facebook group here! To opt out of future mailings about LA meetups, please remove your name from this list. | |
The Signpost: 16 March 2016
- News and notes: Wikipedia Zero: Orange mobile partnership in Africa ends; the evolution of privacy loss in Wikipedia
Parties could not agree on extending the 2009 agreement.
- In the media: Wales at SXSW; lawsuit over Wikipedia PR editing
Two board members on stage at the popular yearly event.
- Op-ed: Hard work needed to address Wikimedia’s leadership challenges
The road ahead for the WMF.
- Discussion report: Is an interim WMF executive director inherently notable?
Wikipedia news sparks editing disagreements.
- Featured content: This week's featured content
Featured content
- Technology report: Watchlists, watchlists, watchlists!
An interview with a MediaWiki developer.
- Traffic report: Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States
Time to move abroad.
- Wikipedia Weekly: Podcast #119: The Foundation and the departure of Lila Tretikov
The popular podcast returns.
- Blog: It “revolutionized the way German-speaking people inform themselves about the world”: Fifteen years of the German Wikipedia
A Deutschland anniversary.
The Signpost: 23 March 2016
- Interview: Exclusive: interview with interim ED Katherine Maher
The Signpost speaks with the incoming WMF interim executive director.
- News and notes: Lila Tretikov a Young Global Leader; Wikipediocracy blog post sparks indefinite blocks
The outgoing ED to be honored at Davos.
- In the media: Angolan file sharers cause trouble for Wikipedia Zero; the 3D printer edit war; a culture based on change and turmoil
Piracy and controversy.
- Traffic report: Be weary on the Ides of March
Are readers exhausted?
- Editorial: "God damn it, you've got to be kind."
All of us can do better.
- Featured content: Watch out! A slave trader, a live mascot and a crested serpent awaits!
The week in newly promoted content.
- Arbitration report: Palestine-Israel article 3 case amended
Motions from the Committee.
- Wikipedia Weekly: Podcast #120: Status of Wikimania 2016
Discussing the upcoming Italian Wikimania.
The Signpost: 1 April 2016
- News and notes: Trump/Wales 2016
A surprise political announcement.
- In the media: Saskatoon police delete Wikipedia content about police brutality
Police haul away some article content.
- WikiProject report: Why should the Devil have all the good music? An interview with WikiProject Christian music
Rock out to this interview with project editors.
- Traffic report: Donald v Daredevil
¿Quién es más macho?
- Featured content: A slow, slow week
- Technology report: Browse Wikipedia in safety? Use Telnet!
Set your Wayback Machine.
- Recent research: "Employing Wikipedia for good not evil" in education; using eyetracking to find out how readers read articles
Current research about Wikimedia projects.
- Wikipedia Weekly: Podcast #121: How April Fools went down
A roundtable discussion about current Wikimedia issues.
- Blog: Growing hashtags: Expanding outreach on Wikipedia
Using hashtags to track the results of Wikimedia outreach.
Orphaned non-free image File:Mobile-internet.gif

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The Signpost: 14 April 2016
- Op-ed: Should prison inmates be permitted to edit Wikipedia?
They do have plenty of time on their hands
- News and notes: Denny Vrandečić resigns from Wikimedia Foundation board
More turnover in the foundation
- In the media: Wikimedia Sweden loses copyright case; Tex Watson; AI assistants; David Jolly biography
Copyright laws, prisoners, and the future of technology
- Featured content: This week's featured content
Featured content
- Traffic report: A welcome return to pop culture and death
American politics seem to have finally bored people
- Arbitration report: The first case of 2016—Wikicology
The drought is finally over!
- Gallery: A history lesson
A look at political satire, brought to you by Wikipedia and Commons
Image listing script
WP:PUF has been closed down. Could you remove it from your image listing script? (I just was informed of this after using your script to put several images there!) Calliopejen1 Thanks! (talk) 01:01, 24 April 2016 (UTC)
- (talk page stalker) @Calliopejen1: See User talk:Howcheng/quickimgdelete.js#Remove PUF for more information. GeoffreyT2000 (talk) 01:10, 24 April 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 24 April 2016
- News and notes: Lunar project; steering group formed to search for next executive director
Maybe the rover could find an ED on the moon...
- Op-ed: Knowledge Engine and the Wales–Heilman emails
When is competing with Google not competing with Google?
- Special report: Update on EranBot, our new copyright violation detection bot
Help wanted!
- Traffic report: Two for the price of one
What's better than one traffic report? Two!
- Featured content: The double-sized edition
10 articles, 6 lists, and 11 pictures have been promoted in this cycle
- Arbitration report: Amendments made to the Race and intelligence case
When it rains, it pours
Nomination for deletion of Template:Puf log
Template:Puf log has been nominated for deletion. You are invited to comment on the discussion at the template's entry on the Templates for discussion page. GeoffreyT2000 (talk) 17:43, 1 May 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 2 May 2016
- News and notes: Wikimedia Switzerland's board and paid-editing firm; passing of Ed Dravecky
Wikimedia Switzerland board members involved in paid-editing firm
- In the media: Wikipedia Zero piracy in Bangladesh; bureaucracy; chilling effects; too few cooks; translation gaps
More reports surface of pirates' new favorite database: Wikimedia Commons
- Traffic report: Purple
Prince's death breaks traffic report records
- Featured content: The best ... from the past two weeks
Seven articles, six lists, and four pictures were promoted these weeks
- Arbitration report: Two editors unbanned; Wikicology case enters workshop phase; Gamaliel restricted from Gamergate at his own request
Arbitration news
- Recent research: The eight roles of Wikipedians; do edit histories expose social relations among editors?
Making sense of Wikipedia's social network
Selected anniversaries
Howard, I made some further improvements to Treaty of London (1839) to support its move to eligible, should have done this earlier. Hopefully it meets the WP:OTDRULES now and the other changes I made to the project page have been useful, or at least neutral. Welcome any guidance. Whizz40 (talk) 15:27, 2 May 2016 (UTC)
Notice
Hello, I wanted to alert you that the 1 revert per 24 hour period on the Greco-Turkish war page you established was recently violated by user Gala19000, who is removing sourced content he doesn't like. --Oatitonimly (talk) 22:59, 3 May 2016 (UTC)
- @Oatitonimly: Are you sure you have the right person? I don't think I have anything to do with that article. —howcheng {chat} 00:09, 4 May 2016 (UTC)
- Did you not create this? --Oatitonimly (talk) 00:21, 4 May 2016 (UTC)
WikiCon USA/SoCal Oct 7-10 in San Diego
Hi Howard! I believe we met at one of the LA wikNics. I've helped launch monthly editathons here in San Diego in partnership with our libraries. I was on a call a week and a half ago with other user group leaders. Seattle's Cascadia user group was going to host the WikiCon USA this year but can't, so now I'm helping co-organize it here in San Diego with Pharos! October 7-10. I'm reaching out to all the SoCal wikipedians to get your perspectives and ideals for the events and related activities. Do you have time for a phone call asap? I've got a call scheduler up at www.calendly.com/melissaganus - please pick any time slot that would work for you! Thanks! — Preceding unsigned comment added by DrMel (talk • contribs) 20:14, 9 May 2016 (UTC)
Muhammad al-Mahdi
Hey dear Howcheng, I'd like to know if I've done this inclusion correctly. Thanks. --Mhhossein (talk) 03:44, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
- It looks good, except that the date of 23 May is not actually in the article anywhere. —howcheng {chat} 06:45, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
- It's based on non-Gregorian calendar which changes from year to year. Should it be mentioned that it is on 23 May in 2016? how? --Mhhossein (talk) 09:12, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
- Look at other Islamic holiday articles, you should be able to do something similar. Maybe not in the infobox, but a section that indicates the Gregorian observed date each year. —howcheng {chat} 15:50, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
- Such as what we did here? But that article, i.e Arbaeen, was an observance while our main topic here is not an observance we're just mentioning his birth. Should we still cover 'the 23 May'? --Mhhossein (talk) 05:15, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- @Mhhossein: Yes, something like that. Maybe you have a section that describes that the day is a holiday in these locations, maybe some details about what people do to celebrate the day, and then put the table in. That's my suggestion, anyway. —howcheng {chat} 23:15, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- Thanks for your suggestion. I did the job, plz see if every thing is OK. I also changed the date (because it's on 22 May 2016, not 23). --Mhhossein (talk) 05:07, 19 May 2016 (UTC)
- @Mhhossein: Yes, something like that. Maybe you have a section that describes that the day is a holiday in these locations, maybe some details about what people do to celebrate the day, and then put the table in. That's my suggestion, anyway. —howcheng {chat} 23:15, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- Such as what we did here? But that article, i.e Arbaeen, was an observance while our main topic here is not an observance we're just mentioning his birth. Should we still cover 'the 23 May'? --Mhhossein (talk) 05:15, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- Look at other Islamic holiday articles, you should be able to do something similar. Maybe not in the infobox, but a section that indicates the Gregorian observed date each year. —howcheng {chat} 15:50, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
- It's based on non-Gregorian calendar which changes from year to year. Should it be mentioned that it is on 23 May in 2016? how? --Mhhossein (talk) 09:12, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
MfD nomination of Wikipedia:Declaration of consent for all enquiries
Wikipedia:Declaration of consent for all enquiries, a page which you created or substantially contributed to, has been nominated for deletion. Your opinions on the matter are welcome; you may participate in the discussion by adding your comments at Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/Wikipedia:Declaration of consent for all enquiries and please be sure to sign your comments with four tildes (~~~~). You are free to edit the content of Wikipedia:Declaration of consent for all enquiries during the discussion but should not remove the miscellany for deletion template from the top of the page; such a removal will not end the deletion discussion. Thank you. Blue Rasberry (talk) 16:58, 16 May 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 17 May 2016
- News and notes: Affiliates' nomination of WMF trustees announced; FDC's straight talking to WMF
Christophe Henner and Nataliia Tymkiv respond to the Signpost's questions
- Op-ed: Swiss chapter in turmoil
Paid-editing controversy
- In the media: Wikimedia's Dario Taraborelli quoted on Google's Knowledge Graph in The Washington Post
Citations needed
- Featured content: Two weeks for the prize of one
Nine featured articles, eight featured lists, and six featured pictures
- Traffic report: Oh behave, Beyhive / Underdogs
Prince gives way to Captain America
- Arbitration report: "Wikicology" ends in site ban; evidence and workshop phases concluded for "Gamaliel and others"
News from two arbitration cases
- Wikicup: That's it for WikiCup Round 2!
35 competitors move on to round 3
Liberation of Khorramshahr
on 24 May 1982 during the Iran–Iraq War, the Liberation of Khorramshahr was the Iranian recapture of the port city of Khorramshahr from the Iraqis after 575 days. I nominated my suggestion at this page. ThanksLstfllw203 (talk) 17:02, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- @Lstfllw203: Please put it at Wikipedia talk:Selected anniversaries/May 24 instead. Article looks good. Thanks. —howcheng {chat} 17:22, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
- I hope done [] in correct way. Thanks for your patient.Lstfllw203 (talk) 17:39, 18 May 2016 (UTC)
Movement of 15 Khordad
@Howcheng: - Movement of 15 Khordad: Protests against the arrest of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini by the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In several cities, masses of angry demonstrators are confronted by tanks and paratroopers. Please add this OTD at the first page. Is it possible?Saff V. (talk) 08:57, 23 May 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 28 May 2016
- News and notes: Upcoming Wikimedia conferences in the US and India; May Metrics and Activities Meeting
Dates and venues for WikiCon USA 2016, WikiCon India 2016, 2016 Glam Boot Camp and 2016 Wikimedia Diversity Conference
- Special report: Compensation paid to Sue Gardner increased by almost 50 percent after she stepped down as executive director
Sue Gardner appears to be earning more money as the WMF's special advisor than she did as its executive director
- In the media: The perils of Wikipedia's monopoly; Wikipedians' fragility; Street Sharks hoax
Not everything you read online is fact
- Featured content: Eight articles, three lists and five pictures
Another eight featured articles, three featured lists and five featured pictures
- Op-ed: Journey of a Wikipedian
Mental health carries a powerful stigma. The more we are open about it, the less that weighs all of us down
- Arbitration report: Gamaliel resigns from the arbitration committee
Gamaliel and others case nears its end, and there are new 30/500 rules
- Recent research: English as Wikipedia's Lingua Franca; deletion rationales; schizophrenia controversies
Round-up of recent Wikipedia research
- Traffic report: Splitting (musical) airs / Slow Ride
We've recently come into possession of a new tool.
- Blog: Freely licensed magic at Eurovision
Albin Olsson has been right there with them, capturing dramatic images of singers from around the world.
The Signpost: 05 June 2016
- News and notes: WMF cuts budget for 2016-17 as scope tightens
The Signpost analyzes the WMF's revised annual plan
- In the media: Jimmy Wales on net neutrality—"It's complicated"—and his $100m fundraising challenge
Recent press interviews
- Featured content: Overwhelmed ... by pictures
One article, one list, and seven images were featured this week
- Traffic report: Pop goes the culture, again.
Film and television maintain a strong grasp on Wikipedia's readership
- Arbitration report: ArbCom case "Gamaliel and others" concludes
The final results of the heated case
- WikiProject report: WikiProject Video Games
We sat down with the writers of some of the most vistied Wikipedia articles
Laylat al-Qadr ( night of decree )
Hey, this night is observed by the Muslim community every year during Ramdan. However, Shia and Sunni regard almost different nights as Laylat al-Qadr. According to my findings, Shia Muslims know 19, 21 and 23 of Ramadan night as the Qadr night and believe that 23rd is more probable, while sunnis know 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 as the Qadr night and believe that 27th of Ramadan is more probable. How can we have this observance? My suggestion: As 23rd is common in both sect, we can have it on that night. Mhhossein (talk) 07:00, 10 June 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 15 June 2016
- News and notes: Clarifications on status and compensation of outgoing executive directors Sue Gardner and Lila Tretikov
WMF board chair Patricio Lorente answers questions
- Special report: Wikiversity Journal—A new user group
Wikimedia enters academic publishing
- Featured content: From the crème de la crème
Eleven featured articles, nine featured lists and fourteen featured pictures
- In the media: Biography disputes; Craig Newmark donation; PR editing
Recent media coverage of Wikipedia and Wikimedia
- Op-ed: Commons Picture of the Year; Wikidata licensing
Two for the price of one—do the popular Commons image contest and Wikidata licensing serve the community as well as they should?
- Traffic report: Another one with sports; Knockout, brief candle
Wikipedia's most read articles in the last two weeks
- Blog: Why I proofread poetry at Wikisource
Poetry: “it is the stuff of the soul; it speaks to the body, the mind, and the spirit alike.” Sonja Bohm worked for years to get all of Florence Earle Coates’ poetry online, and now proofreads poetry on the English Wikisource, the free library. We asked why.
Iran Air Flight 655
@Howcheng: On 3 July 1988, United States Navy warship USS Vincennes shoots down Iran Air Flight 655 over the Persian Gulf, killing all 290 people aboard. I want show this OTD on the first page. Saff V. (talk) 14:10, 17 June 2016 (UTC)
OJ Simpson robbery
Hello Howcheng, I want to add a section that you requested to the O. J. Simpson robbery case article that details what happened during the robbery. Any chance you can help me write that section? Right now, I'm looking at the Las Vegas Sun's page on the trial as a source for what happened. I also would like to hear your thoughts on using O.J.: Made in America as a source? Thomson200 (talk) 19:14, 26 June 2016 (UTC)
- I think that's a valid source. I just watched that myself. I was thinking we could add that claim by the defense investigator about OJ not taking his arthritis medicine for two weeks prior to trying on the glove. —howcheng {chat} 04:28, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
- I was referring to the robbery case, not the murder case, but OK, I'll use the documentary as a source for what exactly happened during the robbery. Thomson200 (talk) 21:46, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
- Yes, I know. That was a just an additional thought I had. —howcheng {chat} 07:02, 28 June 2016 (UTC)
- I added a section on what happened during the robbery. What do you think? Thomson200 (talk) 00:55, 30 June 2016 (UTC)
- Yes, I know. That was a just an additional thought I had. —howcheng {chat} 07:02, 28 June 2016 (UTC)
- I was referring to the robbery case, not the murder case, but OK, I'll use the documentary as a source for what exactly happened during the robbery. Thomson200 (talk) 21:46, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
Houston Ship Channel
Hi Howcheng,
I'm a wikipedian from Germany and have asked our photo workshop to improve this photo of the Houston Ship Channel:
Do you know which place the picture exactly shows?--Kopiersperre (talk) 16:00, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
- @Kopiersperre: No, sorry. I don't live in Houston. I wrote the original article based on a NASA article, so I'm afraid I can't help you with that. —howcheng {chat} 16:05, 27 June 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 04 July 2016
- News and notes: Board unanimously appoints Katherine Maher as new WMF executive director; Wikimedia lawsuits in France and Germany
News from Wikimania and the courts
- Op-ed: Two policies in conflict?
Paid-contributions disclosure vs. outing
- In the media: Terrorism database cites Wikipedia as a source
Reliability worries
- Featured content: Triple fun of featured content
Six articles, nine lists, one topic and thirteen pictures promoted
- Traffic report: Goalposts; Oy vexit
European football and politics dominate the top-10
- Blog: Jimmy Wales names Emily Temple-Wood and Rosie Stephenson-Goodknight as Wikipedians of the Year
From the Wikimedia Foundation blog
The Signpost: 21 July 2016
- News and notes: Board faces diversity and skill-base issues in new FDC appointments
Four seats to be filled in top WMF grantmaking body; General Counsel and Secretary Geoff Brigham leaves Wikimedia
- Discussion report: Busy month for discussions
New ArbCom restrictions; genetically modified food safety
- In the media: Women in science editathon gets national press; Wikipedia "shockingly biased"
Female scientists in India; Cracked.com probes Wikipedia's weaknesses
- Featured content: A wide variety from the best
Promotions in four featured-content forums
- Traffic report: Sports and esports
Northern summer makes sport the winner
- Arbitration report: Script writers appointed for clerks
Plus a clerk appointment and two motions
- Recent research: Using deep learning to predict article quality
Plus navigating the Chinese Wikipedia, and talkpage sentiment
July 27 OTD
19 August
@Howcheng: Cinema Rex fire was painful event that occurred on 19 August 1978. I want to edit this article and nominate it for OTD. What is your idea about it and is it possible? Saff V. (talk) 12:35, 30 July 2016 (UTC)
- Right now there is a section with no references, so the article can't be included. —howcheng {chat} 00:23, 31 July 2016 (UTC)
- Dear @Howcheng: I think 1953 Iranian coup d'état is an interesting subject which coincides with Cinema Rex fire except that they have occurred in different years. To me, the coup d'état will be more interesting to readers and I suggest to have Cinema Rex fire's blurb replaced with that of the coup d'état, if there are limitations on having two blurbs from same geographical location.Saff V. (talk) 14:57, 11 August 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 04 August 2016
- Editorial: Wikipedia policy suppresses sharing of information
And the Signpost loses and gains a co-editor-in-chief
- News and notes: Foundation presents results of harassment research, plans for automated identification; Wikiconference submissions open
WMF and Alphabet are developing an algorithm designed to detect personal attacks
- In the media: Paid editing service announced; Commercial exploitation of free images; Wikipedia as a crystal ball; Librarians to counter systemic bias
Plus Android and Taylor Swift
- Obituary: Kevin Gorman, who took on Wikipedia's gender gap and undisclosed paid advocacy, dies at 24
Condolences are being left on his English Wikipedia talk page
- Traffic report: Summer of Pokémon, Trump, and Hillary
Pokémon Go led the chart for two weeks running
- Featured content: Women and Hawaii
Eight articles, two lists and fourteen pictures were promoted
- Recent research: Easier navigation via better wikilinks
Plus: new Wiki Studies journal, Wikipedia usage on Twitter and more
- Blog: All-new notifications page helps Wikimedians focus on what matters most
WMF announces enhancements to the notifications system
- Technology report: User script report (January to July 2016, part 1)
New user scripts and other tech news
Asking for clarification
After you helpful guide on how to edit OTD anniversary pages, I'm trying to do my best in this field. I'm learning new points almost every session. For this, I'd like to ask you clarify this edit of yours, please. I just want to know why 1960 and 1980 blurbs were replaced with other blurbs and why my note regarding 30th anniversary of Hungerford massacre was deleted. Thanks. --Mhhossein talk 11:04, 18 August 2016 (UTC)
- Basically I was trying to get a wider range of dates. The 1991 blurb has priority (25th anniversary), so the 1989 one is too close. Then it was a matter of choosing between 1953 and 1960, and Saff V. asked to include the 1953 one (above), so that's why I took out 1960. As for the note, we should put that on the talk page. But thank you for asking, and thank you for your edits. They do save me a bit of time. :) —howcheng {chat} 16:02, 18 August 2016 (UTC)
- Now the edit makes sense to me, thanks to your explanation. You're welcome, editing OTD is enjoyable although I had to do the edits one day ahead. Anyway, I put that note in the staging area, since I had seen such a thing before (I can't remember where) and I think this way the user may notice the note when updating the blurbs. Btw, did you forget to put the "2016 notes" on the talk page? --Mhhossein talk 05:36, 19 August 2016 (UTC)
Regarding this edit, you removed the blurb containing the emboldened Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo) from the list and emboldened Battle of Marj Dabiq instead. As you see, Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo) had not maintenance problem and I had added a citation for sake verification. Thanks. --Mhhossein talk 13:15, 23 August 2016 (UTC)
- One of the guidelines is that the fact in the blurb should be highly relevant to the article in bold. So in that case, the battle is the obvious article to be bold, but the battle is relatively unimportant when considering the entire history of the sultanate. So it doesn't make sense to have the sultanate be the "featured" article for the blurb. Does that make sense? —howcheng {chat} 16:41, 23 August 2016 (UTC)
- Yes, thank you for the explanation and I hope that my questions do not bother you. By the way, I'm occasionally seeing notes left on the staging area untouched. Should they be there? While I think we'd better let them be there, I remember that you removed my note there. --Mhhossein talk 05:26, 24 August 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 18 August 2016
- News and notes: Focus on India—WikiConference produces new apps; state government adopts free licenses
Conference draws highly diverse and productive participation, and several years' advocacy pays off in a new government policy
- Special report: Engaging diverse communities to profile women of Antarctica
Guest post recaps in-depth engagement of experts to address Wikipedia gender gap while improving coverage of their field
- In the media: The ugly, the bad, the playful, and the promising
Wikipedia coverage ranged from sobering to playful in this issue's roundup
- Featured content: Simply the best ... from the last two weeks
Eight articles, eleven lists, one topic and five pictures were promoted
- Traffic report: Olympic views
Politics gives way to sports, TV and film
- Technology report: User script report (January–July 2016, part 2)
A review of numerous useful Wikipedia customizations
- Arbitration report: The Michael Hardy case
New case opened, and a reminder to administrators not to impose blocks based on private information
aug 19 On This Day inaccurate, admin restricted
The August 19th Selected_anniversaries/August has an inaccuracy that it seems that you added. It is still transcluded with main/yesterday so only admins can edit it. It says that the CIA coup restored the "absolute monarchy" of the shah. Iran, in fact, was under a constitutional monarchy, not an absolute monarchy, (Iran Under the Ayatollahs - Dilip Hiro https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1135043817) not to mention that the whole thing, as was previously recognized, seems quite the npov violation. Mosaddegh, at that point, was a military dictator who was arresting opposing members of parliament after he dismissed parliament before it succumbed to corruption by democracy. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Selected_anniversaries/August_19&diff=445536110&oldid=443812629 TeeTylerToe (talk) 17:01, 20 August 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 06 September 2016
- News and notes: AffCom still grappling with WMF Board's criteria for new chapters
The Board’s two-year moratorium on new chapters and thematic organisations has expired; presentation of new criteria is reigniting smoldering controversies and introducing new ones
- Special report: Olympics readership depended on language
A comparison of the 15 most-read articles related to the Olympics, in seven language editions of Wikipedia
- In the media: Librarians, Wikipedians, and a library of Wikipedia coverage
Wikipedia gaining ground in credibility among librarians; and a healthy helping of media coverage
- WikiProject report: Watching Wikipedia
An interview with WikiProject TV member CAWylie
- Featured content: Entertainment, sport, and something else in-between
Twelve articles, eight lists and four pictures were promoted
- Traffic report: From Phelps to Bolt to Reddit
An update on two weeks of Wikipedia traffic, based on a new and improved tracking tool
- Technology report: Wikimedia mobile sites now don't load images if the user doesn't see them
New scripts and technical news
- Recent research: Ethics of machine-created articles and fighting vandalism
One study encounters critique of its ethics from Wikipedians; another critiques the ethics employed by Wikipedia
- Blog: Upload of free photos from Swiss library underway
Switzerland's largest public science library is uploading 134k photos
Orphaned non-free image File:Isamu Noguchi statue Rockefeller Ctr.jpg

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Note that any non-free images not used in any articles will be deleted after seven days, as described in the criteria for speedy deletion. Thank you. --B-bot (talk) 17:51, 9 September 2016 (UTC)
Extended confirmed protection
Hello, Howcheng. This message is intended to notify administrators of important changes to the protection policy.
Extended confirmed protection (also known as "30/500 protection") is a new level of page protection that only allows edits from accounts at least 30 days old and with 500 edits. The automatically assigned "extended confirmed" user right was created for this purpose. The protection level was created following this community discussion with the primary intention of enforcing various arbitration remedies that prohibited editors under the "30 days/500 edits" threshold to edit certain topic areas.
In July and August 2016, a request for comment established consensus for community use of the new protection level. Administrators are authorized to apply extended confirmed protection to combat any form of disruption (e.g. vandalism, sock puppetry, edit warring, etc.) on any topic, subject to the following conditions:
- Extended confirmed protection may only be used in cases where semi-protection has proven ineffective. It should not be used as a first resort.
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Asking for a favor from you
Greetings, Howcheng.
Since I know you tend to surf around on some of the Jewish holidays pages during this time of year, I wonder if I can ask the following of you:
- Like some others, would you please keep an eye on the pages while many of us are offline during the holidays?
- (Specific request to you:) Would you mind going to the page Hebrew calendar some time after 00:00 UTC on Monday, October 3 and to refresh the cache/reload the page there? Entirely aside from the "today is" template sitting on that page, there is actually now body text in the lede of that article that is designed to update each year on Rosh Hashanah to reflect the starting and ending dates of the Jewish year. But I'm not sure if that body text will automatically appear for people unless the cache is refreshed, and I (the person who wrote the code, and who otherwise would take care of it) will be off-wiki until nightfall EDT on Tuesday, October 4. So if you don't mind doing that, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks. StevenJ81 (talk) 13:31, 26 September 2016 (UTC)
27 September
Thanks for the work on keeping that up to date. But shouldn't this article be in the eligible (but unused) category? The protests were international, with demonstrations in numerous countries, the withdrawal of ambassadors of 15 European countries and statements and involvement on the part of the Vatican and the Mexican and US governments, questions in the United Nations and subsequent involvement of Argentinian judges, Interpol and the European court of Human rights? Valenciano (talk) 10:00, 27 September 2016 (UTC)
- @Valenciano: Done. —howcheng {chat} 16:14, 27 September 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 29 September 2016
- News and notes: Wikipedia Education Program case study published; and a longtime Wikimedian has made his final edit
Medical school class's Wikipedia contributions profiled as case study; and a remembrance of Ray Saintonge, Wikimedian since 2002
- In the media: Wikipedia in the news
This edition's roundup of media coverage
- Featured content: Three weeks in the land of featured content
Nineteen articles, eleven lists, one portal and twelve pictures were promoted
- Arbitration report: Arbcom looking for new checkusers and oversight appointees while another case opens
TRM, CUOS '16, R&I, RfC
- Traffic report: From Gene Wilder to JonBenét
Four weeks of Wikipedia's most popular articles examined
- Technology report: Category sorting and template parameters
Titles with numbers now sort numerically, and a new tool to check how template parameters are used
The confusion
Sorry for the confusion I made. However, before my intervention, Tasu'a were on the wrong day and it was after Ashura (while it falls every year one day before Ashura). Per "actual sighting of the moon with the naked eyes" Ashura falls on 12 October. Thanks. --Mhhossein talk 18:27, 11 October 2016 (UTC)
The Signpost: 14 October 2016
- News and notes: Fundraising, flora and fauna
Wikimedia Foundation reports on fundraising challenges and new initiatives; Indian botanists rally to build Wikimedia Commons' photo collection
- Discussion report: Cultivating leadership: Wikimedia Foundation seeks input
A new "peer academy" is proposed to find and support leadership in volunteer communities
- In the media: A news columnist on the frustrations of tweaking his Wikipedia bio
And this edition's roundup of media coverage
- Technology report: Upcoming tech projects for 2017
A new editor, a new parsing algorithm, and another server switch
- Featured content: Variety is the spice of life
Twelve articles, twelve lists and twenty-one pictures were promoted
- Traffic report: Debates and escapes
Donald Trump remains a view-magnet, others change their channel
- Recent research: A 2011 study resurfaces in a media report
We explore the study, which sought insights from Wikipedia metadata into global events
The Signpost: 4 November 2016
- News and notes: Finally, a new CTO; trustee joins Quora; copyright upgrade impending
Victoria Coleman to fill long-vacant CTO role; Trustee Kelly Battles joins Quora executive team; last week for community input on Creative Commons 4.0 license
- In the media: Washington Post continues in-depth Wikipedia coverage
Plus our roundup of recent media stories
- Wikicup: WikiCup winners
Winners of the tenth annual WikiCup competition announced and profiled
- Discussion report: What's on your tech wishlist for the coming year?
Progress on the 2015 Community Wishlist for tech features; and plans for a new Wishlist
- Technology report: New guideline for technical collaboration; citation templates now flag open access content
Proposed best practices for communication and community involvement, and an improvement to Wikipedia's citation infrastructure
- Featured content: Cream of the crop
Fourteen articles, six lists and fourteen pictures were promoted
- Traffic report: Un-presidential politics
Two weeks of insights into the mind of the mob
- Arbitration report: Recapping October's activities
Two cases closed, and an administrator loses editing rights
- Recent research: Why women edit less, and where they are overrepresented; article importance and quality; predicting elections from Wikipedia
A recap of recent research in our realm
Sorry for not being active recently
Help with OtD
Hi Howcheng,
If I wanted to help out with OTD, what would be the best way to do so without (a) stepping on your toes, and (b) doubling up on the same work? This is brought on by a thread on Talk:Main Page, where there is some criticism for not having Remembrance Day on the OTD page today. I imagine if I did as much as I'm willing/able, I'd be able to put in about 3% of the work you do, but that's 3% you don't have to do. --Floquenbeam (talk) 19:47, 11 November 2016 (UTC)
- @Floquenbeam: I suppose if the goal is avoid this type of criticism in the future, the thing to do would be make sure that the upcoming holiday articles are all in good shape. I don't do that much work in repairing articles that are no longer eligible, so that would be good to do. For holidays that aren't on the Gregorian calendar, I sometimes have to find the dates for the current year, so that would be helpful as well. Mhhossein (talk · contribs) helps out when he can by vetting the articles in the staging area to see if they are still eligible this year. The biggest help would be to make ineligible articles eligible again, but that's obviously far more work than could be expected of anyone. Thanks. —howcheng {chat} 05:35, 12 November 2016 (UTC)
- That's the point. The articles need to be prepared and not much work are done in this regard. It would be nice if users like Floquenbeam could help with this. --Mhhossein talk 15:16, 12 November 2016 (UTC)
Two-Factor Authentication now available for admins
Hello,
Please note that TOTP based two-factor authentication is now available for all administrators. In light of the recent compromised accounts, you are encouraged to add this additional layer of security to your account. It may be enabled on your preferences page in the "User profile" tab under the "Basic information" section. For basic instructions on how to enable two-factor authentication, please see the developing help page for additional information. Important: Be sure to record the two-factor authentication key and the single use keys. If you lose your two factor authentication and do not have the keys, it's possible that your account will not be recoverable. Furthermore, you are encouraged to utilize a unique password and two-factor authentication for the email account associated with your Wikimedia account. This measure will assist in safeguarding your account from malicious password resets. Comments, questions, and concerns may be directed to the thread on the administrators' noticeboard. MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 20:33, 12 November 2016 (UTC)
Your opinion is requested
Hi. Can you offer your opinion on which photo is better in this discussion? Thanks. Nightscream (talk) 02:11, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
A new user right for New Page Patrollers
Hi Holly Cheng.
A new user group, New Page Reviewer, has been created in a move to greatly improve the standard of new page patrolling. The user right can be granted by any admin at PERM. It is highly recommended that admins look beyond the simple numerical threshold and satisfy themselves that the candidates have the required skills of communication and an advanced knowledge of notability and deletion. Admins are automatically included in this user right.
It is anticipated that this user right will significantly reduce the work load of admins who patrol the performance of the patrollers. However,due to the complexity of the rollout, some rights may have been accorded that may later need to be withdrawn, so some help will still be needed to some extent when discovering wrongly applied deletion tags or inappropriate pages that escape the attention of less experienced reviewers, and above all, hasty and bitey tagging for maintenance. User warnings are available here but very often a friendly custom message works best.
If you have any questions about this user right, don't hesitate to join us at WT:NPR. (Sent to all admins).MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 13:47, 15 November 2016 (UTC)
Arbaeen pilgrimage or Arbaeen
Last year we had Arbaeen as the observance. However, I'd like to see if this year Arba'een Pilgrimage can be regarded as the observance instead? Arba'een pilgrimage is the largest annual gathering. --Mhhossein talk 07:06, 17 November 2016 (UTC)
- I would like to let you know that Arba'een, 20 of Safar, will be on monday in Iraq and sunday in Iran. However, Arba'een Pilgrimage has started since some days ago and will continue till at least next two days. --Mhhossein talk 12:20, 19 November 2016 (UTC)
ArbCom Elections 2016: Voting now open!
Hello, Howcheng. Voting in the 2016 Arbitration Committee elections is open from Monday, 00:00, 21 November through Sunday, 23:59, 4 December to all unblocked users who have registered an account before Wednesday, 00:00, 28 October 2016 and have made at least 150 mainspace edits before Sunday, 00:00, 1 November 2016.
The Arbitration Committee is the panel of editors responsible for conducting the Wikipedia arbitration process. It has the authority to impose binding solutions to disputes between editors, primarily for serious conduct disputes the community has been unable to resolve. This includes the authority to impose site bans, topic bans, editing restrictions, and other measures needed to maintain our editing environment. The arbitration policy describes the Committee's roles and responsibilities in greater detail.
If you wish to participate in the 2016 election, please review the candidates' statements and submit your choices on the voting page. MediaWiki message delivery (talk) 22:08, 21 November 2016 (UTC)
OTD
The Signpost: 4 November 2016
- News and notes: Arbitration Committee elections commence
An overview of the English Wikipedia ArbCom election; brief notes as Asian and African initiatives wind down
- In the media: Roundup of news related to U.S. presidential election and more
Election prompts media to explore themes important to Wikipedians, including news literacy, privacy, and data security
- Blog: The top fifteen winning photos from Wiki Loves Earth
115,000 images were submitted as part of the annual competition.
- Gallery: Around the world with Wiki Loves Monuments 2016
A sampling of photo submissions to the annual photography campaign
- Featured content: Featured mix
Eight articles, two lists and nine pictures were promoted
- Special report: Taking stock of the Good Article backlog
A close examination of the efficacy of the GA Cup contest, a longstanding effort to reduce the backlog of articles awaiting review
- Op-ed: Fundraising data should be more transparent
Empowering volunteers and local chapters to engage with fundraising would yield varied benefits
- Traffic report: President-elect Trump
Someone is likely to dominate traffic for a long time
OTD
Mawlid begins at shia Islam, 2016
Please include (Mawlid (Shia Islam, 2016)) for the observances of 17 December. You can verify it here. --Mhhossein talk 16:50, 16 December 2016 (UTC)
- Thanks for the swift reaction. However, Mawalid has already begun, so "begins at sunset" does not make sense. The current wording would be correct if we had it for 16 December. --Mhhossein talk 18:32, 16 December 2016 (UTC)
Sending some WikiLove <3
The Signpost: 22 December 2016
- Year in review: Looking back on 2016
Roundup of the year's news from the Wikimedia world, featuring Wikipedia's 15th anniversary and organizational disarray at the Wikimedia Foundation
- News and notes: Strategic planning update; English ArbCom election results
WMF reflects, to some degree, on its past approaches to strategic planning
- Special report: German ArbCom implodes
The German Wikipedia's Arbitration Committee loses more than half its members amid political feud
- In focus: Active user page filter prevents vandalism and harassment
A proposal from the Inspire Campaign to address harassment was recently implemented to prevent unconstructive and malicious editing on user pages
- Op-ed: Operation successful, patient dead: Outreach workshops in Namibia
Even a well executed outreach event can yield disappointing results
- In the media: In brief: Coverage of gender gap initiatives, banner fundraising, and more
Wikipedia women in the news, and media reacts to 2016 ad banner campaign
- Featured content: The Christmas edition
Twenty-three articles, ten lists and twenty-one pictures were promoted
- Technology report: Labs improvements impact 2016 Tool Labs survey results
And a roundup of recently-added tools
- Traffic report: Post-election traffic blues
Four weeks of popular article analysis
- Blog: Wiki Loves Monuments contest winners announced
Winning photos in world's largest photography contest reveal a world of monuments—and the volunteers who love them
- Recent research: One study and several abstracts
Privacy and Tor, and several other studies





