User talk:VideoGamePlaya

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Parentheses around Phil Silvers' name

Hi,

I was concerned by your edit to It Ain't Half Hot Mum. While the edit mentioned in your edit summary was fine, your edit also added 33 pairs of parentheses around Phil Silvers' name in a wikilink. Quite apart from breaking the link, Given that Silvers was Jewish, and triple parentheses are a well-known antisemitic symbol, this seems concerning - can you explain what happened there? TSP (talk) 15:35, 7 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Hi,

This was indeed puzzling as I had no recollection of doing that. As it happens, I've been seeing those brackets pop up around lots of names ever since I bought this laptop. I had no idea they had anti-Semitic connotations. It was irritating, but I always shrugged it off as a minor inconvenience. After some digging in light of the information you've given me, it turns out there was a surreptitious user script left by the previous owner which automatically added them to the names of any Jewish person. It appears to have added them to Silver's name in the edit I made and went unnoticed by me. I can only offer my sincere apologies for this and I'm glad you rectified it promptly, thanks. For the record, I love Phil Silvers. Bilko was one of my favourite shows growing up.

VideoGamePlaya

Ah, I wondered if it was something like a user script. Glad I could help you track it down (and that it wasn't your responsibility)! TSP (talk) 13:10, 8 March 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, a quick google search revealed it was something [sinisterly] called "coincidence detector." The guy I bought the laptop off obviously an anti-Semitic troll. The machine had been factory reset, so I didn't bother doing it myself. Rookie mistake. Guy must have gone out of his way to install it afterwards. Makes me wonder what other malware could be present. Thanks, like you say I wouldn't know any of this without your help.

VideoGamePlaya

NPA

A word of advice, if multiple (experienced) users tell you you have done something wrong, it is a good idea to take note, and back off, not dig in. Continuing to fight your corner might be seen as wp:disruptive. Slatersteven (talk) 18:32, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I deal in facts, not pettiness over debate. A personal attack has to involve an attack on one's person. I have not insulted your character, your political beliefs, your argument or, indeed anything listed on the wikipedia personal attack page. It is a matter of indifference how "experienced" a user is. The guidance page is provided in writing for everyone and "experience" does not alter my ability to read and understand it. Your attempts to silence me have failed miserably I'm afraid. If I believe I am in the right (which I demonstrably am), I certainly will "dig in" as you term it. I certainly will not cave to a tiny mob ganging up on me simply because they don't like what I have to say in a debate. "Continuing to fight your corner may be seen as disruptive." This violates one of the fundamental principles of free speech and every fibre of my existence revolts against it. I don't know who you're used to dealing with, but I feel sorry for him if they actually swallow that bilge. VideoGamePlaya (talk) 18:54, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

You might want to read WP:FREE as freedom of speech does not apply. Three editors with a total 430,000 edits, one of whom is an administrator, disagree with you. You might consider they have a better understanding of the policies. O3000, Ret. (talk) 22:22, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I am entitled to argue my case - backed up by reason, facts and logic. If I am not, then the whole purpose of this website is meaningless and these administrators are akin to dictators, Roland Freisler, arrogating themselves to the position of judge, jury and executioner. It is in my blood as an Englishman to revolt at the prospect of this and to reject authoritarianism wherever and whenever I see it. I will not be quiet on this matter if pressed on it, nor I will not submit to the ironic will of authority figures here, and I will certainly not apologise or admit any wrongdoing if I believe none is exists. I'm sorry if that upsets you, but these principles are the most important thing to me and I will not abdicate them. I appreciate the advice, honestly, I do, but that is all I have to say. VideoGamePlaya (talk) 23:18, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

We have not had an execution here for months. O3000, Ret. (talk) 23:20, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I am relieved to hear that, as I was genuinely growing concerned. Nonetheless, I'm sure my trial is only days away now, and I cling to the feint hope that I will not be denied the right to defend myself there, too. VideoGamePlaya (talk) 23:26, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

VGP, I didn't follow what was said on the talk page so I'm just offering my general takes. First, I've argued both with and against Slatersteven at various times. Clearly every time we disagreed it was because they were totally cl..[redacted]. /humor.

Slatersteven is a good faith editor and my experience is if we disagree I should check my notes just in case. But more to the point, as a general rule I would suggest never arguing the motives of another editor. Some people will see it as trying to personalize the argument even if that was never your intent. Editors are more likely to think your arguments are emotive rather than reasoned and, even worse, more likely to think you are disruptive (to be clear, I don't think you hit disruptive). There have been editors I have felt were extremely biased and making poor editorial choices due to their bias. However, I have learned that saying as much is more likely to reflect badly on me vs them. From a practical POV, you are more likely to convince others of your logic if you strictly avoid suggesting the other editor has a bias/ulterior motive etc. Springee (talk) 22:34, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]

I accept in hindsight it would have been wiser to keep it to myself given the absurdity of the fact that I've now spent more time debating this ridiculous tidbit than the actual matter at hand. I appreciate your input and will bear it in mind. VideoGamePlaya (talk) 23:22, 16 June 2023 (UTC)[reply]