User talk:WMrapids

Statement by WMrapids

After this time off, I want to return to my first passion on Wikipedia; providing images and information about local locations and places visited. This can be seen with my recent uploads on Commons (including my first quality images! ), which I wish to place on Wikipedia. I have no interest in Venezuelan topics or certain interactions, so please keep the two-way IBAN and topic ban in place to leave those problems in the past. Overall, I'm eager to collaborate with others on Wikipedia again and learn more along the way, like I have on Commons. Thank you for your consideration! --WMrapids (talk) 04:33, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

Appeal filed

I have copied over the appeal for you. If you post any additional replies in the section above, I will receive a notification and copy it over for you when I see the ping. If you have any other requests (for example, to edit a comment), you can put a reply to this comment and I will also receive a ping. ~ Jenson (SilverLocust 💬) 06:22, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

And, WMrapids, please use the {{@ArbComClerks}} template when posting so that the rest of us receive a notification too. Thanks! KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 17:51, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

@SilverLocust:@ArbCom Clerks: I would like to make a public reply to what Robert McClenon had said:

Robert McClenon, apologies! Due to word counts, I kept things brief for ArbCom. My other account created for privacy (which I still recognize/recognized was created improperly) was blocked and no other account has been created. I'm fairly certain ArbCom wouldn't consider an appeal if my IP showed up elsewhere during this time.--WMrapids (talk) 19:58, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

Is this the correct procedure? This is new to me and I'm rusty, so thank you for guiding me through this process!--WMrapids (talk) 19:58, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

Yes, that's fine. Posted. ~ Jenson (SilverLocust 💬) 21:22, 6 August 2025 (UTC)

@SilverLocust:@ArbCom Clerks: Here is another public comment I would like to share:

I'm committed to using only one account and have no desire to use another. Thanks to everyone involved for having empathy and respecting my privacy even though we like our answers and want to hold each other accountable. I wish I could provide more answers, but due to past incidents (including people at my door), I politely ask you to put yourself into my shoes. I'm human; an average person from Michigan who wants to help build a good encyclopedia. My behavior wasn't perfect, but my edits were genuine, my own and I hold no animosity towards anyone. I know asking for respect is a lot, but I'm more than just another user. I'm a person on the other side of the screen and I'd do anything within reason to protect others from experiencing some of the things I've faced just for my edits.--WMrapids (talk) 23:31, 21 August 2025 (UTC)

Posted! KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 00:08, 22 August 2025 (UTC)

ArbCom, as always, thank you for your patience and assistance!--WMrapids (talk) 23:31, 21 August 2025 (UTC)

@SilverLocust:@ArbCom Clerks: Here is another public comment I would like to share:

ToBeFree, it's disappointing that you suggest my trauma is "exaggerated", but I understand your point of view. Why go back? What helped with my decision to continue editing was consulting another Wikipedian who had their identity exposed, who said they "would absolutely do it again" and stood behind their edits. I've already shared with ArbCom what I think is the best course for my privacy and I'm not holding anyone responsible for it. That was my own doing. Again, I'm committed to using only one account.--WMrapids (talk) 20:40, 4 September 2025 (UTC)

Thank you.--WMrapids (talk) 20:40, 4 September 2025 (UTC)

Copied; I had originally replied but retracted the reply as my comment still says all that's needed to understand my position. Which is, please stop editing as long as you are unwilling to link your accounts. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 21:27, 4 September 2025 (UTC)

@SilverLocust:@ArbCom Clerks: One more:

ToBeFree, thank you for your concerns and frankness. I understand my situation and am hopeful that those in the know are as well. SandyGeorgia, I'm sorry. I want the best for every user and know I'm not more special. Recognizing that respect is earned (and was lost), respecting someone's privacy is fundamental. We all know that I protected my privacy the wrong way, but know that I'm done with the topic. I want us to bury the hatchet following any decision and I'll focus on local topics. Please take care!--WMrapids (talk) 00:03, 6 September 2025 (UTC)

Apologies for another message, but hopefully it's the last you have to copy! Thanks for your time everyone!--WMrapids (talk) 00:03, 6 September 2025 (UTC)

 Done. HouseBlaster (talk • he/they) 00:12, 6 September 2025 (UTC)

Thank you, everyone

As my first edit following my unban, I think it is important to thank everyone who participated in my request. My previous actions damaged the community's trust with me and taking the time to listen to my concerns was not necessary. @ArbCom: you especially did not have to waste your time looking at my case again. I apologize if the ping is bothersome, but I'm grateful for your patience and listening to the concerns of everyone involved, especially being receptive towards someone who messed up like I did.

ToBeFree, I wanted to say more and was limited due to the word count. I really appreciate your concern for me. Before I filed my request, I was 50/50 about going forward. But with the support of my loved ones and after talking to the Wikipedia user who faced even more serious repercussions due to their editing (courageously saying they "would absolutely do it again"), I feel confident moving forward on the project and collaborating even better. The fact that you disagreed with your peers and still respected their decision shows your brave dedication to your beliefs while also recognizing the importance of collaboration. It is evidence of why you belong on ArbCom.

Going back to the topic of collaboration, this experience has made me even more cognizant on the importance of empathy and forgiveness. We are all people "on the other side of the screen" with our own challenges, dreams and wishes. Solely reading some words and ideas plastered on here can be impersonal and disconnecting. It's vital to think about the other person when interacting with each other on the project and while making edits about other individuals. Polarization has become much too frequent and I think it's safe to say that we may have all lost connections to someone due to this. Let's not lose anyone else and focus on how we can instead sustain a collaborative community centered on the purpose of Wikipedia.

Some of you reading this may be rolling your eyes and be thinking "Oh, this is just another long passage by WMrapids", but as HJ Mitchell said, I'm an "enthusiastic contributor" and this is my way of expressing gratitude to you all. If anyone from ArbCom is reading this, you can exhale and know that this will be the last you see of me, unless ... I decide to jump in and try to help with some discussions you are involved in. If you are someone who I have had a conflict with in the past, I forgive you and hope you can do the same for me. I'm more than willing to collaborate with any user and if we cross paths in the future, know that I'm ready to cooperate. Again, thank you to everyone involved and happy editing!--WMrapids (talk) 03:02, 8 September 2025 (UTC)

Prove me right. Go and make the encyclopaedia better, preferably without drama. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 08:07, 8 September 2025 (UTC)

Thank you. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 08:37, 8 September 2025 (UTC)

When I said 'unblocks are cheap', I meant that they're inexpensive. I was persuaded by what you sent us by email, and it's pretty easy to give someone a second chance. Here's yours. Don't screw it up. Katie^talk 15:55, 8 September 2025 (UTC)