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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 76.241.189.89 (talk) at 04:44, 22 January 2008 (Burma again: new section). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

This user supported Giano in the 2007 Arbitration Elections.

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Re: Images

Nope, I'm not schooled in image policy, but I know it a bit. As for a template of that kind, I'm not sure it would fly on the article itself. The reason we use fair use to a minimum is related to the whole point of Wikip/media. We want to create a large amount of free information and data. Fair use images do not qualify, as they cannot be (legally?) used from Wikipedia. Just my interpretation of the reason. Back to the templates. There are templates for requesting images, but nothing for a better free use. You could create it, but it might be redundant, because under the policy, I believe that if there is a useable free alternative, a fair use cannot be used. Sorry it took so long to get back, I was trying to very quickly get a large thing done. i said 05:36, 12 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

banners added to Ybor City, Florida article

Several users from the area have been perfecting that article for months. I sent the link to a local university history professor and Ybor expert who thought it was outstanding. What's your problem with it? Zeng8r 02:43, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The article, from a pure literary perspective, is brilliant, and I've no doubt it's accurate, but I don't think it has the appropriate tone for a Wikipedia article - it needs to be cold and encyclopedic. While the writing style you put it in is quirky and interesting, it is in sharp contrast to other articles in a similar vein, and Wikipedia needs to be consistent in this regard. You're a great writer, so much so that I initially thought you'd plagiarised most of it, but then I changed my mind when I went to your userpage and found out you were a teacher. I've put the article up for cleanup, though, not because I think it is horrible but because I want more experienced editors than me to have a look at this and judge it for themselves. Deus Ex Machina 02:48, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]
First time I've ever been told my writing was too good... Seriously, tho, "encyclopedic" doesn't have to equal boring, cold, or poorly written. Many wikipedia articles are put together piecemeal, with one line here written by one person, another paragraph there repeating similar information by somebody else, a random fact tossed into the middle of nowhere, etc., with no central focus or flow. The Ybor article used to be like that, but was shaped and expanded for better flow. If interesting writing doesn't fit wikipedia's style, then hack away. Zeng8r 03:09, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]
As I said, I think I'll let more experienced editors have a go, and my notification for cleanup should draw attention. Deus Ex Machina 03:51, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Just so you know, I copied this quirky conversation onto the Ybor City talk page so that other interested parties may join in. Zeng8r 04:01, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I know, and responded there. Deus Ex Machina 04:02, 18 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Grateful for your comment

I appreciate you taking the time to evaluate the case I made on behalf of the MediaZone article and its AFD status. In no way was I attempting to bypass or ignore Wikipedia standards. I have great appreciation for the site, its editors and administrators. I will accept whatever decision is rendered with respect and professionalism.JohnRobertCrowley 00:28, 26 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Chya

You'd be suprised with my extended and suffisticated vocabulary my friend (I say friend because it's a nice gestuare). I know it is in fact hard to point out. I even know more about bibilical things then my parents do. I'm a progidy. Check this out part of your name "Deus" refers to latin word for God. I am very intelligent. I'm dumfouned to the fact that you doubt my IQ. However, I will not personally attack you. I want to show kindness. Let me add this all up for you I'm a super smart guy. One of the reasons why I joined Wikipedia. --Angel David 00:39, 5 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not attacking your intelligence, David. I have no doubt that you are quite intelligent - I mean, most 11 year-olds wouldn't have the capacity to even understand Wikipedia let alone edit it. I'm simply saying that, despite your intelligence, at your age you haven't made an informed choice about God and your religion. I suspect your parents gave you the beginning knowledge and you then dove into the Bible and other things, but at 11 you don't have enough life experience - different from intelligence - to understand just what Christianity means. It's a submission, essentially. It's a restraint, the opposite of free thought and freedom. An intelligent boy such as you already knows all the passages, but I doubt you understand what they MEAN. I am an atheist myself - I don't believe in God and all that hokum, but I made that choice for myself when I was older than you currently are. At one point I did believe in God - I went to a private religious school, as no doubt you do - but I discovered that it is a very child-like way of looking at the world, not very intelligent or creative at all. But that's my opinion. You might validate your beliefs later on, or you might follow my path.

Either way, you're too young to be worrying about religion. It's nice you have other interests, like Star Wars, though. DEVS EX MACINA pray 01:27, 5 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

My parents

They are just Christians. They have respect for other people's beliefs. They do much others thigs then religion. I on the other hand pushed myself. They jsut told me what is was like

  • But, Deus. You have idea. I have read the bible. I know what Christianity means. It is a faith along Jews and Muslims. It is a faith of freedom where you are not restrained from anything. You must understand as I a Christian (Roman Catholic) by the way can cite a verse for you. On my user page you will see a quote from the bible. If you think being a follower of any religion is childish, even men and women at 99 believe this. Us religions, Jews, Christians, Muslims etc. are very mature. Just because I am a child doesn't mean I can lack faith at any moment. I hope you're not taking these as attacks are you?--Angel David 01:39, 5 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
    See, that's the problem right there. I think believing in a religion is a certain lack of maturity for rational thought, even in people as old as 99. And I think if you believe in God as a child, you are being misled by your upbringing - same as being an atheist as a child. You shouldn't THINK about such things, faith or whatever. You shouldn't have to, you should just love life and be a child, and worry about that later on in life. DEVS EX MACINA pray 01:46, 5 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
    I can't believe the words your saying. You have been misled who has told you to be an athiest. It's not morally safe bieng an athiest have faith. You should be religious. It doesn't matter you can become a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu. Please, you don't have to be doubting. Ah, I see. I see what you want from religions. Proof. Has there been anything you say is true but you have no proof. At least, be a agnostic. See you think it's just another parental myth like Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, and Tooth fairy. Adults have practiced religions. There are more believers of diffrent religions then athiests. Trust me, even though it's not from experience; bieng an athiest can hurt you. One of the children in another class has been an athiest. Then the whole school was angry at her. I'm just saying as a word of advice at least, join a religous group. You could read most of the religious writings and choose a group. I'm not against every athiest (I'm not like that, niehter are my parents) things you just said. It hurt me.--Angel David 02:25, 6 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
    "Trust me, even though it's not from experience; bieng an athiest can hurt you. One of the children in another class has been an athiest. Then the whole school was angry at her." See? This is how you've been indoctrinated. It's dangerous for you to think that way because the school you are in and your parents are pushing, pushing this God and religion stuff on you, and you're way too young to deal with it! I'm sorry if my words hurt you, but you gotta realise.. when you've been submerged in this stuff for so long as a kid, you'll grow up without having made a choice about which religion you follow, because the choice has already been made for you. The only reason being an atheist would hurt someone is because that people are being ignorant. Have you read the hateful passages of the Bible, the parts of the Bible that explicitly tell you to sell others into slavery, or kill your neighbour if he is working on the Sabbath? It's those passages that don't get a lot of attention from educators, and yet other passages do. The whole book is a book of metaphors and allegory of a time gone by. Have you heard of the Lord of the Rings books? I'll guarantee you that if in 2000 years' time, someone found an old copy of one of those books, it would be as holy as the Bible is, and there is as much proof of Elves existing as angels. Don't put stock in fairy tales. DEVS EX MACINA pray 02:30, 6 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]


My Parents

They do alot of other things then religion. I on the other hand go deep. The Bible says "thou shalt not kill". Actually, I will respect your athiesm. So there. Fighting resolved /\_/\!--Angel David 16:16, 6 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I suggest though, that you play and do other things besides religion. It's not healthy.. same as getting into politics at your age. Not healthy at all.. But do what you want. Maybe one day, when you're a teenager, you'll realise what I've been trying to say ^_^ DEVS EX MACINA pray 22:55, 6 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]
  • You're not excepting my peace offering yet. You still want to critize religion -.-!
Religion is this! /\_/\
File:FirstCrusade.jpg
...but you still think it's this >_<

And I understand what the bible means. I do a lot of things else too. And you still think I'm an ignorant child believing a myth. Do you except my peace offering!?--Angel David 01:29, 7 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

















Okay

I'm glad to see we finally had this all worked out. :)

But let's see what the spongebob leaders think



They all say "yes"!:)--Angel David 17:36, 7 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Yup

The mighty Jimbo has spoken :)--Angel David 13:05, 8 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Please add a source.

When adding Wikipedia articles, please remember to add sources. Don't add information articles don't need as you did to MapleStory. Also keep a neutral view. Happy editing!Darano 21:35, 26 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Henrik's RfA thanks!

Thanks for supporting my RfA, it closed today with a final tally of 39 supports, 1 oppose and 1 neutral. As always, if you ever see me doing anything which would cause you to regret giving me your support, let me know. henriktalk 18:52, 5 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you bunches!

Thank you so much for suppporting my RfA. I was promoted with a total of (44/1/0) - a vote of confidence from the community that I find humbling and motivating. I will not abuse your trust. Look forward to working with you! (Esprit15d 21:16, 5 November 2007 (UTC))[reply]

Thank you for your support.

Guy Fawkes Remember, remember, the fifth of November?
Thank you to everyone who participated in my Request for adminship, which was successful at 50/5/0 on November 5th, 2007.
It became, as you may know, rather contentious toward the end (though fortunately no gunpowder was involved), and I appreciate the work of other Wikipedians to keep it focused. --Thespian 02:03, 6 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

OhanaUnited's RfA

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my rfa

Thx spam


Thank you, Deus Ex Machina, for supporting my RfB, which I withdrew at a final tally of (33/12/1). I failed to overcome the not unforeseeable opposition, but I am humbled by some extremely supportive, encouraging words I could read. In order to honor your trust, I once again vow to continue working and improving. Please contact me should you have any advice or recommendation to give. Or, should you need assistance. I am, as will always be, at your service. Again, please accept my most sincere gratitude.

Best regards, Húsönd 03:09, 19 November 2007 (UTC)
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Lovely!

:D Timeshift (talk) 04:13, 23 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

^_^ Looks good, doesn't it. Let's hope it becomes a reality tomorrow night. DEVS EX MACINA pray 04:14, 23 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Article improvement

Hello Deus. Yesterday I completed a new article. Just wondering if you think there's any way it could be improved.Lester 11:11, 27 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I read your comment on the list, and appreciate your input. Cheers,Lester 06:15, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]
No hard feelings, right? Just that I thought the article was out of place, that's all.. there is no denying his policies, but they hardly merit an entire article. DEVS EX MACINA pray 06:26, 28 November 2007 (UTC)[reply]

So produce the quotation by Nicholas Soames. And explain how it is encyclopedic. - Kittybrewster 00:19, 2 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

That, I agree, is suspect, however I do not think it appropriate for you to edit the article of your brother. I know you probably have the best of intentions, but it's about the look of the thing, COI issues and all of that. It needs an independent assessment. On second look though, it does look out of place. But again, it should be both debated and assessed by someone who a) hasn't had a history with you, good or bad (e.g. Vintagekits OR David Lauder, etc.), and b) is not the brother of the subject of the article. DEVS EX MACINA pray 04:21, 2 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]
That would be ideal; I agree. - Kittybrewster 10:05, 2 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. :) DEVS EX MACINA pray 20:55, 2 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Your user name/sig

Hi. I can't help wondering why your user name is "Deus ex Machina", but it appears in your sig as "Deus ex Macina". It's none of my business, but I am intrigued. Cheers -- JackofOz 11:12, 3 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Well I was going for a general Latin effect, considering there's no "ch" in Latin.. I dunno, I might be wrong about that, I'm no expert. Glad to see you're intrigued though, lol. ^_^ DEVS EX MACINA pray 18:43, 3 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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!! User box

!! Remember !!

This is my only user box. I definitely don't know the whole story, but what I've seen so far resonates with me. –BozoTheScary 20:37, 4 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Your edit

Hey DExM, there's not really a consensus at talk anymore (Re this edit). Some new concerns have been raised. Jump on in. R. Baley (talk) 05:25, 5 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Dane in Brisbane

You don't have your email enabled....but did you ever know a "Corey" say 10-15 years ago? Shot info (talk) 06:59, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I can't remember.. considering I'm only 20, I'd have had to be a kid, so no I don't think I'm the person you're looking for. Sorry. Though Dane is an uncommon name, Brisbane isn't that small, either! And I enabled my email now too, thanks for reminding me. DEVS EX MACINA pray 23:09, 10 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]
That's ok. The Dane I was knew would be in his mid to late thirties. Do you get much "Hey Dane...your Great" etc. type BS? Shot info (talk) 00:58, 11 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Regarding your post

I'm not sure you can stop that from happening in the first place. Normally reasonable people occasionally make bad calls. What you can do is set things up so that errors like that are rare and self-correcting. Remember that within 75 minutes I recognized the error and reversed the block with apologies, then promptly pledged improvements to prevent a similar mistake from happening again. Processes at Wikipedia are supposed to be preventative, not punitive, and publication of that report two days after I'd addressed the error on my own initiative was about as punitive as Wikipedia ever gets: the mainstream tech press coverage that resulted may do long term harm to my career. Is that really what you'd wish on a volunteer who makes a good faith error after two years' productive service to the site? DurovaCharge! 07:44, 25 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

It's not the fact that you made an error, it's the thinking that led to such an error that is the problem. The criteria you used to determine !! was in any way a harmful account could be applied to any other account on Wikipedia given a bit of leverage, and it is that mentality that is harmful to the encyclopedia. I know you made an error and it perhaps harmed you more than it should have had, but the backlash shouldn't have been about you, it should have been about this sort of.. overly punitive thinking. I know talking tough about cracking down on trolls and SPAs is popular talk, as is - if you will forgive the analogy here, but I think it's relevant - talking tough about eliminating terrorists, but it's the methods and the mindset we must keep an eye on. I don't wish harm on you. I wish harm on the thinking that led you to that erroneous conclusion, and would have led you to more in the future had no-one picked up on it.
Giano's leaking of the correspondence was the precipitating factor, not any notification to any higher body or the mailing list itself. Had we not known the exact contents, we would have merely dismissed it as a bad block, but it wasn't JUST a bad block, it was a bad conclusion, a bad system, a bad sleuth, not necessarily entirely your fault. You were, though, the most visible target, and it could have been handled better by everyone involved. However, Giano's release was not the problem, and any policy which seeks to disable this kind of whistleblowing is harmful to the encyclopedia and our goals. DEVS EX MACINA pray 10:03, 25 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]
I agree that my reasoning behind that block was seriously flawed. That particular instance was quite different from the kind of investigation I normally run. Normally I depend on smoking guns, not circumstantial evidence, and within the first two hours I saw the whole chain of logical errors that had led me there. I promptly pledged improvements that would have stopped the same mistake from happening again. In other words, the lesson that you say justified Giano's action was something I had already both learned and articulated to the community on my own initiative.
What you got from seeing that particular report was an accurate view of small piece of information very much out of context. Get 99 blocks right and one wrong, and suddenly I'm "a bad sleuth". Post one out-of-character message to an e-mail list about cyberstalking, and a meme takes on a life of its own about what that list was supposedly doing and what it was about. One of your statements is absolutely on target, although probably in a different sense from what you intend. I've been waiting for things to calm down enough that rational discussion can become possible. DurovaCharge! 18:09, 25 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

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Volume 4, Issue 3 14 January 2008 About the Signpost

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You are receiving this message because you have signed up for the Signpost spamlist. If you wish to stop receiving these messages, simply remove your name from the list. Ralbot (talk) 08:10, 18 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

MfD Again (You voted before)

Burma again

Talk:Burma#Survey