Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards

New barnstar

File:Barnstar - technical works.svg

— Z 17:58, 24 September 2011 (UTC)

I like this one. Can you make a template for it? Pine^talk 08:27, 5 October 2011 (UTC)

I can do it. What should it be called? →Στc. 08:29, 5 October 2011 (UTC)

{{The Technical Barnstar}} :) You can change the color and other parameters if you'd like; but the image will not be clear if you reduce the size. — Z 17:56, 7 October 2011 (UTC)

		The Technical Barnstar
		Your Text Here

I like this! Would anyone object to my putting this on the main barnstar list? Pine^talk 06:48, 27 October 2011 (UTC)

I would like to know what the barnstar is for, a WikiProject, or what? After, I will put it in the respective category. ~~Ebe123~~ (+) ^talk
_Contribs 13:56, 28 October 2011 (UTC)

Ebe123, thank you but it looks like someone has already added it as an alternative to the DaVinci barnstar, which I think is OK. Pine^talk 19:21, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Support it's inclusion in this or any form. Penyulap _talk 06:10, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

I love this award. But could have liked a difference in size, a bit longer in length and shorter in width, like other barnstars. --Extra 999 (Contact ^me) 04:12, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

New Award

How about a Wikimedia Ambassador Barnstar. We have the Commons Ambassador Barnstar but why not for outreach, incubator, strategy, meta, wiktionary, wikispecies and more. ~~Ebe123~~ (+) ^talk
_Contribs • 10:49, 13 October 2011 (UTC)

Sounds reasonable. Pine^talk 19:22, 13 November 2011 (UTC)

Yes, it does. - Benzband (talk) 17:29, 16 November 2011 (UTC)

Definitely. Bob the WikipediaN ^{(talk • contribs)} 04:14, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

Found one. It's not on the main page but I could move it there. Template:Wikipedia_Ambassador_Barnstar. Pine^talk 02:16, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

Userbox

In short, this barnstar is awarded to users who give many barnstars, which in turn is a barnstar that may compel the user to give more barnstars.

This is Ace of Spades' BarnstarAward userbox, for users who give many barnstars to give even more barnstars. I liked the idea, so here it is…  :-) Benzband (talk) 19:31, 20 November 2011 (UTC)

It's a beauty of an idea (for the worth of my opinion, anyway). Personally I'd like to see a fancier star, but at the moment I'm waiting for an idea. Nothing's coming. But I love the whole idea. I know! What about a star with a musical notation on it? Like a triplet of notes. Djathinkimacowboy 21:41, 20 November 2011 (UTC)

If you look carefully, you'll see that we already have this award. It's called "The Barnstar Barnstar". Pine^talk 07:41, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

Well yes, but not with the possibility to award more. The button on this userbox is what makes its interesting concept. Maybe we could add it to The Barnstar Barnstar's page as an optional item for display on receivers userpages? benzband (talk) 16:50, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

Exactly how would we do this? Pine^talk 20:58, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

Global Education Program barnstar

One of our professors in the WP:Global Education Program would like to award his or her campus ambassadors a barnstar for their outstanding efforts. Can someone make a barnstar designed specifically for Global Education Program contributions? Thanks! Bob the WikipediaN ^{(talk • contribs)} 02:42, 5 December 2011 (UTC)

Note-- I was just informed we're supposed to call it the "Wikipedia Education Program" now. Bob the WikipediaN ^{(talk • contribs)} 04:33, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

If you look higher on this talk page, you'll see that there is a similar discussion already. But the number of graphic design volunteers is very low. You may need to ask elsewhere, or ask one of the students who has talents in graphic design to submit a barnstar design. Pine^talk 07:38, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

This is something that should be a priority. This is the first barnstar in a long time that is basically devoted to new editors. We need to keep these University educated editors above and beyond the Education Program. This is a very simply and friendly way of showing gratitude to a whole segment of new editors. I wish I knew how (or had a program for that matter) to do this right now. PS do they have a logo yet?Moxy (talk) 06:20, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

I found File:BarnstarUni.png (used on {{University Barnstar}} which definitely seems like it could work in a pinch. EVula // talk // ☯ // 06:45, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

I left "BOB" a note about the {{University Barnstar}}.Moxy (talk) 16:52, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

Thanks; passed it along to the interested instructor. I'll stay tuned for further developments on this barnstar proposal. Bob the WikipediaN ^{(talk • contribs)} 18:16, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

An existing ambassador barnstar has been found. It's not on the main barnstar page, but I'll add it if there is consensus to do so.

		Wikipedia Ambassador Barnstar
		{{{1}}}

. Pine^talk 02:17, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

Perfect, thanks for letting us know! Bob the WikipediaN ^{(talk • contribs)} 03:47, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

Black Belt Barnstar

Hi All, I've created a new Barnstar for use with WikiProject Martial arts that looks something like this:

		The Martial Arts Barnstar
		{{{1}}}

. I've been told that it can't be added to the barnstar page without first discussing it here. So, uh, discuss? --Stvfetterly (talk) 13:54, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

Seems fine to me, could be added under the 'Awards by WikiProject'. Also i have fixed the template's documentation using the {{documentation}} template that should be used, as well as adding some practical information on how to place and substitute the award. Best! :-) benzband (talk) 17:22, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

I like the design. I'd say to let this sit here a week and if there is a consensus, go ahead with adding it to "Awards by WikiProject." Pine^talk 23:25, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

OK, will do.--Stvfetterly (talk) 15:57, 7 December 2011 (UTC)

Alright, I've added it here: Wikipedia:Awards by WikiProject. Please let me know if there's anything else that I've got to do. --Stvfetterly (talk) 20:07, 15 December 2011 (UTC)

Barnstar name and description tweaks

I would like to suggest renaming "The Creator of the Barnstar" as "The Barnstar Creator's Barnstar," and to expand the description for the "Defender of the Wiki" barnstar to say, "The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar may be awarded to those who have prevented Wikipedia from being used for fraudulent purposes, or who have defended Wikipedia against threats not covered by other barnstars. The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar was created after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, when a fraudulent charity tried to take advantage of the widespread media coverage of the article." Would anyone like to comment? Pine^talk 23:34, 6 December 2011 (UTC)

Both proposals seem reasonable to me  :-) … i'd say go ahead and do it! benzband (talk) 15:24, 9 December 2011 (UTC)

 Done both per uncontroversial discussion above. Pine^talk 09:44, 23 December 2011 (UTC)

Animating Service Award

This user is an Active Editor and is entitled to display this Service Badge.

Idea: to allow users to discriminate themselves between an active and inactive editor. Schalice (talk) 18:05, 10 December 2011 (UTC)

_{Thanks Benz, I modified my post above to use the new {{idea}} template Schalice (talk) 20:03, 11 December 2011 (UTC)}

Hey, nice look! have you done this for all the awards? ~ benzband (talk) 18:23, 10 December 2011 (UTC)

How would this award be removed from the page of a formerly active editor who displayed this award before becoming inactive? Some people get upset if another editor removes something from their user page. Pine^talk 06:53, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

Yes, i agree with that too. So here's my prop. :

1. Keep this a non-official award that users can display on their page, as this doesn't really seem that useful ;
2. Make a whole set of them (duplicating all of the service awards into animated ones) and tweak the templates so you only have to make a minor adjustment to switch between active and inactive. Say, you could have : {{Journeyman Editor}} for not-so active journeyman editors and {{Journeyman Editor|active}} (or alt or whatever…) for the more active ones. I can help do the templates if someone makes the gifs.

- benzband (talk) 08:27, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

Non-official but with loose guidelines for use:

• Is admittedly retired from active editing
• They or a cohort recognizes that they have not made an edit in a year or more

I agree that someone might get upset if they were made inactive without consent. I would hope that this gets them editing again (starting with their User page).

I stumble upon a lot of used-to-be heavy editors that have purposely moved onto other projects. A simple acknowledgment, in the form of a badge on their User page, would help me realize this. I assume the inactive one would be non-animating rusty and/or fallen off the chain with a cobweb or two.

I can work on the .gifs (hopefully much better than the mockup). Schalice (talk) 20:03, 11 December 2011 (UTC)

Yeah, that seems fine. ~ benzband (talk) 16:11, 16 December 2011 (UTC)

The problem that will arise is that there are editors (like myself) who think that the spinning-star idea makes the whole thing look too flashy and showy. If I had to use the template (currently I use a ribbon and UBX) I would use the "inactive" one simply because it looks better and then your idea of "inactive users are easier to distinguish" is thrown out the window. Achowat (talk) 23:34, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Yes that's a rather big problem, come to think of it… :\ In my case i would probably keep the old one benzband (talk) 11:22, 1 January 2012 (UTC)
Note: The Tireless Contributor Barnstar already makes use of the spinning star.

New barnstars - used for both enWP and MW.org

As a part of two new WikiProjects at MediaWiki.org, two new barnstars have been created to recognize contributions in MediaWiki extensions and supporting the broader wiki community. Many of the MW.org users making these contributions maintain an active presence on WP and use their user page here as their primary user page. Hence why making these available on both wikis seemed logical to do. Enjoy! --Varnent (talk) 19:14, 12 December 2011 (UTC)

{{Barnstar SysAdmins|message=|S=—~~~~}}

		MediaWiki SysAdmins Barnstar
		I award you this MediaWiki SysAdmins Barnstar for excellence in supporting third-party wikis powered by MediaWiki. —Varnent (talk) 19:14, 12 December 2011 (UTC)

{{Barnstar ExtensionsDev|message=|S=—~~~~}}

		MediaWiki Extensions Barnstar
		I award you this MediaWiki Extensions Barnstar for excellence in supporting the development of MediaWiki extensions. —Varnent (talk) 19:14, 12 December 2011 (UTC)

• Looks OK to me. I'd say wait a week to let people comment, and if the consensus is favorable then add these to the main barnstar page. Pine^talk 04:15, 13 December 2011 (UTC)

• These are very specific (how many editor qualify) and I don't think they are broad enough for the main page. I think they are more suitable for WP:PUA. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 12:05, 13 December 2011 (UTC)
  • I think these are more serious and have better quality than many of the PUAs. Pine^talk 08:54, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

• !Support them being added to the main page. benzband (talk) 10:55, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

• I count three in favor including the nominator, and only one opposed. I'd go ahead with adding these under Wikipedia:Barnstars#Wikipedia-space_Barnstars. Pine^talk 02:25, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

•  Done with this edit. Thank you all for feedback, support and such!  :) --Varnent (talk) 08:59, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Awards by WikiProject

I propose that {{Wikipedia:WikiProject Age of Empires/Barnstar}} be removed from the Awards by WikiProject page as it has been deleted and the age of empires wikiproject is just a redirect to wikiproject videogames. benzband (talk) 16:15, 16 December 2011 (UTC)

• If that's the case, then this removal seems OK to me. Pine^talk 08:56, 19 December 2011 (UTC)
•  Done with this edit. benzband (talk) 10:52, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

The Instructor's Barnstar

Proposed addition:

{{subst:Instructor's Barnstar|message ~~~~}}

The Instructor's Barnstar is awarded to Wikipedians for stellar work in the area of providing instruction, such as how-to & help pages, template documentation, or Wikipedia processes, policies and guidelines, even talk-page explanations of complicated things (or one-on-one mentoring, though there are already barnstars above for Adopt-a-User, new-user help, admin coaching & Reference Desk work). Introduced by SMcCandlish on December 18, 2011

— SMcCandlish Talk⇒ ʕ(^Õل^ō)ˀ Contribs. 12:01, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

Looks good. benzband (talk) 12:44, 19 December 2011 (UTC)

Could I ask how this Star differs substantively from the older and more frequently used Helping Hand Barnstar? Achowat (talk) 19:25, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

{{The Helping Hand Barnstar}} is for 'pedians who help new users for example on their talk page or at the help desk. On the other hand, this instructor's barnstar seems to be for those who improve actual help: pages. However there is also the {{Quasar barnstar}} that engulfs that... benzband (talk) 13:05, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

The Instructor's Barnstar doesn't have anything to do with new users in particular, nor with rules especially; indeed, I'm envisioning it for much broader and usually more public-affecting (if not public targeted) documentation work than noob assistance or policy-wonking. I created it and awarded it to User:Davidgothberg for WP:LINEBREAK, a geeky tome of documentation based on a rather hardcore level of MediaWiki output research and testing, that is principally of interest only to old-hand wikicoders like myself; Noobs would not know what to make of that page at all. And nerdy as it is, it's ultimately about content as presented to end readers, not about handholding of inexperienced users nor anything to do with internal procedural issues. The Instructor's Barnstar is not meant to be limited to the "Help:" namespace, but that would be obviously one of the more fertile grounds for selecting awardees. If there's a way to make this clearer (if that's seen as necessary), I'm happy to do so. The idea is that this is like the college professor equivalent of the Helping Hand's kindergarten teacher, by way of metaphor (and not to besmirch new editors as actually child-like), to the extent that the awards are relevant to one another at all. Both are important roles (the teacher of beginners more so, really), but very different. Meanwhile the Quasar Barnstar is pretty narrowly focused on process and procedure, generally, not on documentation and instruction; they're completely orthogonal categories, even if they can surely overlap, case-by-case. I'm not sure frequency of use is applicable, since usage is dependent on template age and on availability here, and this is a new Barnstar that doesn't appear here yet. I'm just trying to fill the obvious gap that documentation and instruction work on WP is only rewarded by Barnstars if it's aimed at noobs, or is about "wiki-governmental" things, which it often isn't. The exact wording and stuff isn't important to me, really. PS: I'm not wedded to the graphics either, it just seemed that a "1, 2, 3..." list would be iconic enough of "instructions" to get the point across. I have non-optimal eyesight and my monitor cranked up to 2560x1440 which makes icons tiny, but even with my aging eyeglass prescription the numbers are still readable, so it ought to be fine for most cases. But if someone wants to replace it, have at it! — SMcCandlish Talk⇒ ʕ(^Õل^ō)ˀ Contribs. 19:46, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

Well explained, I'm on board. -Achowat (talk) 20:21, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

I like the expanded explanation. Could you clarify the short original description to help everyone understand the difference from the Helping Hand Barnstar? Pine^talk 09:07, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Any suggested changes in particular? I don't want it to get too long-winded (which I can certainly be). — SMcCandlish Talk⇒ ʕ(^Õل^ō)ˀ Contribs. 01:16, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

OK. I also took the Guidance Barnstar into account when writing this. How about, "The Instructor's Barnstar is awarded to Wikipedians for stellar work in the area of writing or improving instruction pages, such as how-to & help pages, template documentation, or Wikipedia processes, policies and guidelines. To recognize an editor for providing assistance to individual editors, please use the Helping Hand Barnstar (to recognize editors who provide individual assistance to new editors), or the Guidance Barnstar (to recognize editors who help other editors of any experience level to find already-existing valuable resources, information, or assistance)." Pine^talk 03:14, 3 January 2012 (UTC)

Outreach Barnstar

		Outreach Barnstar
		I award you this Outreach Barnstar for excellence in supporting Wikipedia in offline outreach activities {{{S}}}

I wanted to award a barnstar for excellence in offline outreach activities. A lot of Wikipedians put in their effort to pull of great outreach events such as meetups, photowalks, workshops, academies, conferences etc and the only barnstar I could find in existence that is slightly related is the mind the gap one for outreach in Gender Gap. Hence Iv created the above template and propose to add it under the general barnstars category. Around The Globe^{सत्यमेव जयते} 15:21, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

I've removed it, pending discussion. I, personally, am opposed to Barnstars being awarded for offline (and therefore unverifiable) actions. Wikipedia is about building an encylcopedia, and I fail to see how this star helps that goal. Achowat (talk) 19:23, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

I disagree that offline activities fail to help build Wikipedia. A lot of the MW hackathons have been important to enWP's development and Wikimania has many advantages in my opinion. Without the offline activities, things like fundraising, photo archive expansion, software development and regional collaboration wouldn't be as successful for WP as it is. I'm not sure how you could build the encyclopedia without the offline work. I suspect folks involved with regional chapters may tend to agree, but that's not my arena. --Varnent (talk) 19:05, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

I guess my question is in when this would be applied, especially in reference to the already extant. Upon seeing someone participate in organizing a hackathon or WikiMania, I'd give out the Real Life Barnstar. Someone taking pictures? The Photographer's Barnstar. Software programming? The da Vinci Barnstar. I can't really see when someone would be given an 'Outreach' Barnstar, and given ATG's recent edit history, it appears to have been given out to editors who were instrumental in Wiki Conference India. I fail to see how this Barnstar is an improvement over the Real Life Barnstar, and it seems to me to be a solution in desperate seek of a problem. -Achowat (talk) 19:23, 21 December 2011 (UTC)

We are talking of Wikipedians here, so a virtual barnstar would be the "Wikipedian way" so to say, not a physical barnstar. Yes, as I mentioned I wanted to award a barnstar to a few editors who helped immensely in the 6 month run upto and during WCI 2011, which fyi was bigger than any Wikimania to date and took a lot of effort to pull off, which needed to be recognised. I can award a photography award to a photographer who has contributed fab images. However, there may be someone else who has spent a week or more coordinating a Wiki Photowalk that resulted in hundreds of images being added to commons - and Iv seen people organise these things on a regular basis. Dont such Wikipedians deserve recognition? I dont see where you removed this from, because Iv not added it anywhere. I wanted to award it to a few people, Iv done so. I proposed that it be added to the general list so that others wanting to award barnstars for similar reasons can use it. If its useful add it, if its not let this end here - Iv awarded it on a personal basis to whom I wanted to anyways! Around The Globe^{सत्यमेव जयते} 06:42, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

I like the concept, but this seems to duplicate what's already covered by the Real Life Barnstar. Pine^talk 12:03, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

ATG, I'd check out The Real Life Barnstar and propose that that is the proper award to give out in these situations. Not actually handing someone a barnstar, but rather using that template, that particular "virtual barnstar" to thank people who give that kind of effort. -Achowat (talk) 12:43, 22 December 2011 (UTC)

My apologies, I mistook your statement for an actual barnstar :) - yes, I agree the Real Life Barnstar does somewhat serve the purpose. Around The Globe^{सत्यमेव जयते} 09:31, 23 December 2011 (UTC)

You say 'somewhat serve the purpose'. Could you explain what situations would warrant an Outreach BS and no the Real Life BS?

Good Article Barnstar

		The Good Article Barnstar
		{{{1}}}

The Good Article Barnstar may be awarded to an editor who dedicates themselves to producing good articles.

--Sp33dyphil ©^hat_ontributions 23:54, 23 December 2011 (UTC)

I like the general idea but I think this needs to be more specific. We don't award a barnstar just because someone got an article to FA, so we probably wouldn't do so for the lower grade of GA. What specific group of actions would make someone eligible for a GA barnstar? Pine^talk 11:23, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

Something like the Four Award, then. But that already exists ;) ~ benzband (talk) 12:53, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

Maybe give it to people who do review work and other such things that keep the whole GA process going. Cloveapple (talk) 03:36, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

How about doing as Cloveapple proposes, and rename this "The Good Article Project Barnstar"? Pine^talk 09:00, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

The Quasar barnstar

{{The Quasar barnstar}} was created following this (archived) discussion : Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards/Archive 18#The Quasar barnstar.

But is it to be added to the barnstar page ? ~ benzband (talk) 13:12, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

Sorry, the name is confusing, as is the image. The idea might be good enough for an award, but not with that name. -Achowat (talk) 23:04, 24 December 2011 (UTC)

Then would this be better suited as a PUA? benzband (talk) 12:58, 26 December 2011 (UTC)

Those PUA award names, as I have studied them, do not look like they are better or more enlightening than "Quasar". The Oak Leaf and Acorn hex is an example; they look like jokes or good-natured ribbing, not formal stars like the Quasar. If the name is changed, will we lose its potency? A Quasar, since no one else seesm to know what one is, radiates tremendous light, energy and heat. Can a better justification be presented for the objection to "Quasar"? Another name for a formal star is a helpful idea. I'm sorry, but I'm very tired and I think you may know a better way to configure a new name.Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 04:34, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Yes, i agree on the PUAs (nice jokes, but not for this). Achowat was making a point further down the page where he actually wanted to retrieve certain PUAs that were better suited elsewhere. benzband (talk) 08:48, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

PUAs are not necessarily jokes. (I think Sue Gardener would be startled at the idea that The Executive Director's Barnstar is somehow a joke just because it is a personal award.) The big difference between PUAs and barnstars is that one has much more leeway in making a PUA than in making a barnstar. PUAs only require a consensus of one.

As for the name "quasar", I'm quite aware of what a quasar is. It's just not obvious in its symbolism. A quasar is not a clear and obvious metaphor. When I see and hear "Quasar barnstar" my first thoughts are of astronomy and then by extension possibly science fiction. So I also find the concept unclear or confusing. Cloveapple (talk) 11:33, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

If the metaphor could be succinctly stated on WP:*, I think it could work. Surreal, da Vinci, Socratic, and Home Made Barnstars are all not-Topical awards whose names don't really reflect what their star means, unless you read the comments (Except for the Home Made Barnstar; I still don't get that one). So perhaps Benzband or Cowboy could explain the metaphor and we can look for a way to phrase it. Achowat (talk) 23:28, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Radio-signal emissions were detected early in our space exploration history. It was found they emanated from "quasi-stellar radio sources", or "quasars" for short. Today it is thought a quasar may be the centre of a galaxy, perhaps even representing massive black holes deeper inside. The image of the quasar as a possible- if not "THE"- creation force is popular. Whatever they are, they are massive, extremely far away, powerful and intriguing. They hold the forces of creation and destruction. You see the analogy with Wikipedia work?Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 11:16, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

I'm sorry. I'm just not getting it. What specific types of positive actions do you see metaphorically expressed by a quasar? The two descriptions you've given seem both negative and positive with a touch of the mysterious. For example "radiates tremendous light, energy and heat" made me think of somebody who contributes a lot in a positive manner (radiates light and energy) but also gets in trouble for incivility (that heat). Likewise being a force of both "creation" and "destruction" seems a mixed blessing.

I'm not suggesting you are trying to create a negative barnstar. Clearly quasars are a wholly positive metaphor for you or you wouldn't be suggesting the barnstar. Cloveapple (talk) 11:50, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

All right, bear with me on this. (1) This is beginning to turn my attention to the idea mentioned before, that it might be associated mentally with sci-fi. (2) To clarify my mental connexion: the quasar radiates great light, like the light of an editor who guides us through rules. It is deep, it is central, like the rules and their guidance also. It pulses, sends signals, I could go on. Better idea. Anyone mind reading this[1]? Good for clarification.Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 14:16, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Ok, I took your comments and the earlier discussion and came up with this draft: "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who tweak or clarify the workings and rules of Wikipedia, and strive to improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself as well as improving the Wikipedia namespace. Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within the galaxies they reside in. Like quasars the editors who earn this award bring light and energy to the deep internal spaces of Wikipedia." Cloveapple (talk) 19:13, 3 January 2012 (UTC)

Beautifully done! I concure 100% and I am appreciative of this well contstructed verbiage.Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 04:13, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Note: I do have one correction. "Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within the galaxies they reside in." ought to read thusly: "Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within their galaxies."Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 04:54, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

I suggest removing "tweak or clarify the workings and rules of Wikipedia" because we don't want just any one person tweaking rules. Rule tweaks are to be done by consensus, not by one person. As for rule clarifications, the proposed Instructor's Barnstar is likely to cover that. If we are going to have a quasar barnstar, I would say, "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who strive to improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself. Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within the galaxies they reside in. Like quasars the editors who earn this award bring light and energy to the deep internal spaces of Wikipedia." Pine^talk 09:02, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Pine, you worded the star this way: "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who strive to improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself. Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within the galaxies they reside in. Like quasars the editors who earn this award bring light and energy to the deep internal spaces of Wikipedia." [Emphasis mine.]

1. Your grammar is faulty; unimportant at this stage....

2. I cannot accept only your definition. Find a way to fit in the clarification of Wikipedia rules and good consensus participation in any changes of them; otherwise I will oppose this as it stands.

It was those two latter points (abovementioned) that this star was designed to truly award- they inspired the star. Benzband threw in the self-aggrandisement about making Wikipedia sound better.

Though willing to allow it to slip in, I don't support the star as an award only for that. Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 10:29, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Yes, if you look at the original discussion (here), you will see that i only integrated the "WP coverage of itself" part because my proposition for a Wikipedia Barnstar of National Merit (here) was turned down. Therefore, if you turned down my proposal of a medal awarded to those who improve WP's coverage of itself, it seems somewhat confusing to turn the Quasar solely towards this (of course, this may mean you have changed your minds on the WP Barnstar of National Merit…). I think that Cloveapple's description fits perfectly the original intention, and explains clearly the meaning of this award. Cheers, benzband (talk) 17:50, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Seconded in full. Djathinkimacowboy^(yell) 06:59, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

How about, "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who strive to improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself, or are excellent contributors to discussions about proposed changes to Wikipedia policies. Quasars give off immense light and energy from deep within their galaxies. Like quasars, the editors who earn this award bring light and energy to the deep internal spaces of Wikipedia." Pine^talk 09:42, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

How is that second standard different than The Red Barnstar? Isn't that about changing how Wikipedia works? Achowat (talk) 13:34, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

Pine, for all it is worth, I like that well enough if no one else disagrees, but... Achowat, it seems to me that it is different enough that we don't need to worry about the proximity to the Red. The Quasar isn't only generically about changing how Wikipedia works.Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 05:22, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Wait, wait.... Pine, this section of yours: "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who strive to improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself, or are excellent contributors to discussions about proposed changes to Wikipedia policies...." I prefer a wording like this: "The Quasar barnstar is awarded to editors who help others navigate Wikipedia rules, help propose useful changes to Wikipedia policies or improve coverage of Wikipedia of itself...." With the rest of yours, I concur. See, it's that insistence that the star is mainly for Wikipedia's coverage of itself. I will state frankly that I don't care about that and don't think it is right for a star to be awarded solely or mainly for just that.Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 05:27, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Hm, in that case I must oppose this barnstar. It has too much overlap with other barnstars. Pine^talk 08:31, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Hmm, how did I know you were going to go that route, Pine? Mine was a minor rewording, and now you say you oppose. Let's wait to hear from Benzband first, and I wouldn't mind Cloveapple putting an oar in this one.--Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 10:08, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

To me the minor rewordings do not really matter; as long as the original purpose is kept. This said, i shall support whichever wording fits best to everyone and to Wikipedia in general. Cheers, benzband (talk) 15:50, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Of note, we currently have two 'General' Barnstars that are awarded for similiarly dual purposes: The Red Link Removal Barnstar and, most fittingly, the Writer's Barnstar (which can be awarded either for exemplary writing or for work on the Topic of Writers). So there is a precedent for this sort of action. Achowat (talk) 16:16, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

I'm still opposing this barnstar as overlapping with existing one and as being unspecific. We first recognize a field in which a barnstar could be used, then create it, not the other way around. Unfortunately, recently, this standard has somewhat fallen. This discussion seems to be trying to find a topic to which to add an existing barnstar for the sake of creating one, not for the sake of recognizing some editors work in a particular area. The graphic isn't impressive either and is basically two images overlaid and the award is at best suitable for PUA. That standard also seems to have fallen a lot. I may sound too critical, but I'm going to oppose such methods, because I don't want to cheapen a long-standing measure of what is supposed to be a recognized award. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 17:20, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

I would agree that this Award (in the criteria " are excellent contributors to discussions about proposed changes to Wikipedia policies") is exactly the same standard as The Red Barnstar uses. However, having a "Topical Barnstar" for work chronicalling Wikipedia on Wikipedia does seem to have some merit. Could I ask that you discuss the merits of awarding a Topical Barnstar for Wikipedia instead of a blanket oppose based on the process by which the discussion came about? Achowat (talk) 18:22, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

The barnstar does not currently have any wording and the graphic is basic at best. What else do you want me to evaluate? I already gave my arguments. I don't know what "Topical Barnstar for Wikipedia" is, as this is the first mention of that in this thread. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 18:32, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Hey, this isn't the first of it. I mentioned the "Wikipedia barnstar of National Merit" above, and in the past. Note you even opposed it in this (now archived) thread: Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards/Archive 18#National Merit. Cheers, benzband (talk) 18:51, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

But that's a completely different barnstar proposal. Are you saying "Topical Barnstar for Wikipedia" is the same as "Wikipedia barnstar of National Merit"? —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 19:01, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Not the currently accepted "Barnstar of National Merit" but the idea of having a barnstar for coverage of Wikipedia on Wikipedia seems to be consistant throughout these discussions. Achowat (talk) 19:11, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Well, as I said before, that is a very narrow subject area and I don't think it warrants a separate barnstar. As I also said, quasar has nothing to do with this unless you take broad liberties with its interpretation. As I further clarified following the discussion, trying to find a topic to fit a barnstar that otherwise doesn't fit yet isn't an ideal process. And I further clarified the exact details why I don't think this barnstar meets quality criteria (vague description, simple graphic, overlap with existing one). Nowhere have I given a "blanket oppose" which you claim I have. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 19:21, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

I think I'm inclined to agree with you. Could one of the proponents show an example of when this award would be so-awarded. Currently it's been 'awarded' to 4 individuals, one of them twice. Two of the recipients (myself included) have been given it for work trying to legitimize the star; one for vandal fighting; one for work on something referred to as the "Cohen Cruse Ruse"; one for coaching and helping; and one for 'showing how things are done'. None of them seem to have been awarded for anything we've discussed here, so I move that this 'star' be placed in PUA. Achowat (talk) 20:05, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

Hmm, it does seem to be being used like a PUA. Cloveapple (talk) 21:31, 6 January 2012 (UTC)

The funny thing is, I'd say one could use it any way one likes, until you have this discussion settled.--Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 06:48, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Quoting HELLKNOWZ: "I'm still opposing this barnstar as overlapping with existing one and as being unspecific. We first recognize a field in which a barnstar could be used, then create it, not the other way around." Then further down you say a quasar has nothing to do with this. Do you understand it, or don't you, HELLKNOWZ? I don't see it your way, and frankly am surprised you think the process was "the other way around". A great deal of thought went into this.

THE FIELD is the editor who clarifies, explains and assists with Wikipedia rules and their implementation. Only secondary to the award is the editor who makes great contributions to changes in rules/policy. The tertiary reason to award is the editor who makes Wikipedia look better than it really is. Also, what's this complaining about the graphic? Can that not be worked on later? I see no worse in the Quasar than in most other stars- make it revolve or spin, if you want.

Also, Achowat has a good point. Put the thing in PUA if you like. Say, I think what you are doing here is the opposite of what the Quasar was meant to represent... does that help?--Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 06:43, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

So you disagree with my points; fine, discuss that. But instead you misquote me and make personal remarks. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 11:00, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Putting this in barnstar in PUA seems OK to me. We could have a separate discussion about creating a barnstar for Wikipedia coverage of Wikipedia itself. Pine^talk 07:15, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

I'm fine with PUA then… However, i have two comments to make on what has been said here :

1. On the purpose : the field was proposed (see here) before the graphics; and the picture was only intended as a temporary (note the 1 and my comment in the archived discussion).
2. On the WP coverage of itself, as i stated earlier and considering the objected past discussion (see here); plus the fact that this was thrown in after as a supplement to the Quasar because it had been objected to as being "not a topic broad enough to warrant a separate barnstar".

This said, i agree. benzband (talk) 10:40, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

1. HELLKNOWZ, cutting and pasting is not "misquoting"... you wrote it. I commented on what you wrote. Let us leave it there.

2. Having no choice in the matter I don't care what you decide. --Djathinkimacowboy ^{Mindless Gab} 11:41, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

If you believe copy and pasting while omitting important words and without the need for context and then tying that to a completely different argument is not misquoting; and then telling to "leave it" is justified then I indeed have no further responses to such uncivil behavior. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 12:04, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Note : Seeing as there is (renewed?) interest in the idea, i have started a new section, Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards#Wikipedia on Wikipedia, to deal with coverage of Wikipedia and Wikimedia on WP. Thanks, benzband (talk) 12:31, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Duplicate barnstars

The Barnstar Barnstar and the Barnstar Creator's Barnstar serve the same purpose. Should week keep both or eliminate one? Pine^talk 02:23, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

I've always understood that the BCB was for people that got the inspiration and made up a Barnstar whereas the Barnstar Barnstar served as the de facto WikiProjet Award for this WikiProject. -Achowat (talk) 15:38, 25 December 2011 (UTC)

My two cents. Sorry, I can't help supporting Pine in eliminating one star- in light of what he says about repetitive stars.--Djathinkimacowboy ^{vandals' playground} 06:46, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

How about coming up with a revised explanation for the Barnstar Barnstar that reflects what Achowat said? Then the barnstars wouldn't be repetitive. Pine^talk 07:17, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Yes, that seems a good idea… (of course i totally ignore the "trying to find a topic for a barnstar" stuff :) benzband (talk) 10:38, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

OK, if there is no objection, I will change the Barnstar Barnstar description to say, "The Barnstar Barnstar was created to recognize Wikipedians who have contributed to Wikipedia by creating and awarding barnstars. As of January 2012, this barnstar is made more specific to be the project barnstar for WikiProject Wikipedia Awards." Pine^talk 08:20, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

Sounds like a plan. Achowat (talk) 14:27, 9 January 2012 (UTC)

The Pursuivant's Barnstar

WP:HV currently lists The Pursuivant's Barnstar as their project's award. Is there any reason why this is not listed on the Awards by WikiProject page and is instead listed as a PUA? -Achowat (talk) 15:28, 27 December 2011 (UTC)

The same is true of the two CVU Awards. -Achowat (talk) 15:30, 27 December 2011 (UTC)

I agree these should be moved.benzband (talk) 15:44, 27 December 2011 (UTC)

Without objection, I'll move them. I am also removing them from the PUA page. -Achowat (talk) 19:45, 28 December 2011 (UTC)

WikiProject Awards

There are, in fact, a huge number of WikiProject awards just hanging out at PUA. Barring objection, I'm planning on moving the awards for the Projects Pittsburgh, Alaska, Wisconsin, India, Japan, Indonesia to the Awards by Country, as they all list their awards as the award for their National WikiProject. As well the award for the Project NASCAR to the Awards by WikiProject.

Uruguay, however, is trickier, as they currently have a National Award of Merit (listed appropriately) as well as a star listed. Is there any precedent for this?

The Projects College Football, Swaminarayan, Texas, Userboxes don't currently list their award on their Project page but they're listed as 'official' on PUA. I'm reaching out to these projects for clarification.

Also, we have a number of "Task Force" level awards, notably for Indianapolis (part of WP:WPIN), Constellations (part of WP:AST), and PlayStation (part of WP:VG). What should be done concerning these "Awards by WikiProject Task Force"? Achowat (talk) 20:23, 28 December 2011 (UTC)

Perhaps a new page could be created to list task force awards? Leonxlin (talk) 18:44, 31 December 2011 (UTC)

Since this discussion has come up, I think it might be good to talk about how we decide what goes on Wikipedia:Awards by WikiProject instead of Wikipedia:Barnstars#Topical Barnstars. It seems to me that these two should be merged into Wikipedia:Awards by WikiProject. Similarly, the project awards that Achowat mentioned could go to Wikipedia:Awards by WikiProject. Pine^talk 09:05, 1 January 2012 (UTC)

Of note: Are there any Topical Barnstars that are not WikiProject Awards? Achowat (talk) 12:57, 4 January 2012 (UTC)

Good question. Yes, there are topical barnstars that are not part of a WikiProject. For example there's The Barnstar of National Merit, The Society Barnstar, The Oddball Barnstar, The Technology Barnstar, The E=mc² Barnstar, The Charity Barnstar, and The Peace Barnstar. Cloveapple (talk) 19:03, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

The way I've always figured it is that WikiProjects are given carte blanche to create their own awards (in the same way users are given carte blanche to 'create' PUA's). Now, there is a clear hierarchy to the awards. Barnstars are "more important" than WikiProject Awards are "more important" than Other Awards are "more important" than PUAs. So the question then becomes, is there merit to having a nominal WikiProject Award that has gone through the "process" of becoming an "Official" Barnstar listed on the Barnstar page instead of at the Awards by WikiProject page? (The VG Barnstar comes to mind). Devil's Advocate here: Would there be any inherent harm in, say, a hypothetical WikiProject Charity coming in and taking The Charity Barnstar off WP:* and moving it to WP:WPPA? Achowat (talk) 19:24, 5 January 2012 (UTC)

Would listing them twice be a problem, being on separate pages and all? If a user wants to find a barnstar, they could be able to do it both places. —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 12:07, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Wikipedia on Wikipedia

OK. There has been some confusion on this issue. These are the previous discussions :

1. Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards/Archive 18#National Merit (objected to)
2. Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards/Archive 18#The Quasar barnstar (integrated to the QB)
3. Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Wikipedia Awards#The Quasar barnstar (ongoing discussion; confusion)

I propose something like a Wikipedia Barnstar of National Merit, for those who improve coverage of Wikipedia on itself. Moreover, (partly for those who think that isn't a "broad enough" topic), i propose something like a Wikimedia Barnstar of National Merit, for those who improve the coverage of Wikimedia and it's projects (including but not limited to WP) on Wikipedia. benzband (talk) 12:28, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

How about extending this to include Wiki in general with topics from Category:Wikis? Or are you thinking of limiting this to WMF projects? —  HELLKNOWZ  ▎TALK 12:36, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

Well then how about a WMF one and a Wiki-in-general one? benzband (talk) 12:50, 7 January 2012 (UTC)

This is a good idea.--Djathinkimacowboy ^SPEAK! 07:30, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

I support the idea of a barnstar for contributing content about Wikimedia projects. A Wiki-in-general barnstar would be more appropriate for a project's award if the project covered wikis in general. Pine^talk 08:16, 8 January 2012 (UTC)

So, I would propose changing the artwork to incorporate the red, green, and aqua of the Wikimedia logo, though I'm a little opposed towards having two awards for Wikis. I think someone who does Barnstar-worthy work on the subject of Wiki technology or Wikia would be proud to have the as-of-yet-unnamed Wiki Barnstar. Achowat (talk) 14:26, 9 January 2012 (UTC)

Artwork? I think I missed it. Which discussion was it in? I thought I'd looked through them all, but I think I must have missed something. As for the proposal, I could support a barnstar for improving coverage of Wikimedia projects. Obviously the barnstar wouldn't include Signpost articles since we already have one for that. So it would be awarded for article work, correct? Could it also be awarded for external article work about Wikimedia subjects? For example, there are Wikipedia editors who have written research papers about Wikipedia. (My support is not contingent on that last question. Just wondering.) Cloveapple (talk) 14:58, 9 January 2012 (UTC)

Well, artwork was created for 'The Quasar Barnstar' that I think was the only ink-to-paper over this idea. I imagine that this would serve as the Topical Barnstar for Wikis. That means Article space improvements. I'd be weary of the official explanation including off-encyclopedia work, but people are going to give the star when and where they see fit regardless of what we write. Achowat (talk) 16:00, 9 January 2012 (UTC)

Internet Barnstar

File:Internet barnstar.jpg		The internet Barnstar
		{{{1}}}

the basic idea is that this barnstar can be awarded to someone who has made a lot of internet related articles or edits, when i say internet i mean the internet culture, not so much the technical side. Kusaga (talk) 17:29, 9 January 2012 (UTC)