- List of articles related to quackery (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views) (restore|AfD)
- Former article now at Wikipedia:WikiProject Pseudoscience/List of articles related to quackery
This was closed as a 'move to project space'. Arithmetically, that's a reasonable close. But it is logically quite unacceptable. The existence of this crap anywhere on Wikipedia offends:
- against the neutrality of the encyclopedia. 'Quack' is simply a subjective insult no matter what reliable source might use it. This list is akin to having a List of evil people or List of illegal wars of the USA (both of which I could populate and source). 'Relating to' is just weasel speak.
- against the seriousness of this project. OK, so it is not in article space now. But we are a serious project, having a silly subjective and insulting list just brings us into disrepute. Does the Encyclopaedia Britanica go around listing people as 'quacks'? Will this instil confidence in our neutrality? Does it further our project?
- against the spirit of WP:BLP. What is to be the response when one of the subjects e-mails WP:OTRS with "why is your encyclopedia listing me as a Quack"? "Hey, some Wikipedians found this list amusing" won't really cut it. There will be no answer other than: "I like it".
The item has no possible use in project space, please overturn and delete
--Docg 17:39, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Speedy delete as an attack page. Labelling doctors as quacks, irrespective of their actual capability (or lack of) is deliberately baiting and offensive. Would we have a page entitled "List of articles related to idiots"? Failing speedy deletion, which I am sorely tempted to carry out, overturn and delete. AFD was wrong in this instance. Proto::► 17:44, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Speedy delete! A lawsuit waiting to happen. User:Zoe|(talk) 17:50, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Overturn and/or speedy delete ASAP as an attack page. Definitely unacceptable anywhere on Wikipedia. --Coredesat 18:11, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Rename or delete. Wouldn't mind the list being renamed to something like "possible articles of interest" and used in project space. But its current title is an attack and should be deleted. --Fang Aili talk 18:26, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Endorse Closure and remain in project space. The list will be fine. It just needs a good clean up. I started the clean up process. The list just needs a narrow focus. Suggestion. Rename to > List of articles related to skepticism. Thanks. --QuackGuru 20:29, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- So, what's its purpose? And can I put God Islam and the David Hume on it?--Docg 18:40, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Endorse Closure There was no consensus to delete in the AFD. There was consensus to get it out of article space. That happened when the AFD was closed and it was moved to a sub-page of the Pseudoscience wikiproject. Premature here Two hours later this deletion review opened. The next edit was to whack the entire list of people from the page. That basically made half the comments above mine irrelevant, because it eliminated the attack page aspect. (The list of relevant categories is clearly not an attack page.) Let the Wikiproject it was dumped on sort out what they think is worth doing with the page. They can use pieces, like the concept but choose to start afresh, or decide to start by editing this. Give them some time. If they decide they don't care, then send it to MfD on the basis that they don't use or need it. GRBerry 18:52, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Em, no. Points 1 and 2 of my reasoning still apply at any rate.--Docg 19:01, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Delete. It makes no sense whatsoever for this to be in project space. Project space isn't a refuge for unencyclopedic stuff that would be deleted if it were actually in the encyclopedia. Projectspace is for stuff relating to the project. This isn't project-related and it isn't encyclopedic, so it should be deleted, not merely shuffled off somewhere else. --Cyde Weys 19:07, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment. There are many lists on Wiki currently. The list will be good navigational tool. A resource list is acceptable. The List of groups referred to as cults is a reasonable example. Again, when the list is drastically shortened, focused, and has direction it will meet if not surpass the standard. It just needs a chance for more editors to pitch in their two cents. If Wikipedians spent more time on the list instead of attacking it would exceed their own standards too. We must get serious here and focus and brainstorm ideas in improving the list. Let the process continue. Thanks. --QuackGuru 19:08, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- There's nothing serious about labelling things 'quack': "Quackery is a derogatory term that is defined as the "medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings. The dishonesty of a charlatan". That's not a call a neutral encyclopedia can or should ever make. Docg 19:10, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment. You can always change the title to something like the List of articles related to skepticism. Thanks. --QuackGuru 19:26, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- That makes no sense. 'Sceptism' is not a term that exclusively relates to pseudoscience. "Articles related to skepticism" would arguably include stuff like Judaism's view of Jesus, holocaust denial, virginity (specifically "how many 14 year old boys say they've lost it") or anything related to people saying "O RLY?" to something. --Sam Blanning(talk) 20:03, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Thanks Levine2112. We merely need more Wikipedians to pitch in. That is it. This discussion is actually helping the list. Thanks. --QuackGuru 19:26, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Endorse closure or move back to article space. See my !vote in the AfD. — Arthur Rubin | (talk) 19:48, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - the distinction between 'overturn and delete' and 'speedy delete' is a bit academic here, because if someone did delete the article it wouldn't halt this discussion (as a speedy deletion halts an AfD). We'd still be having a discussion about whether to delete the article, only it would be about a speedy deletion instead. 'Overturn and delete' and 'speedy delete' amounts to the same thing at DRV's closing, except if we speedy delete the page before the closing, non-admins won't be able to see the page and there'll be a confusing break in the direction of the bolded words in the middle of the discussion. Anyway, delete, not compatible with the goal of building an encyclopaedia. WikiProject subpages are no more a place to dump unencyclopaedic articles than userspace is. --Sam Blanning(talk) 19:54, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Endorse closure. As a Wikiproject, working on either referencing or removing the claims of debunkers, or indeed of quacks, this has merit. The lead states that it is for things that are subject of assertions from debunkers but does not imply that they are right. In project space, this is not actually a problem. Guy (Help!) 20:17, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Endorse closure. None of the things you mentioned do, or should, apply outside of articlespace. -Amarkov blahedits 23:18, 10 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Wow. I closed this AfD so I guess I can't vote, but: (1) I didn't find the arguments for deletion to be particulary strong and I still don't, and (2) the idea that projects aren't and can't be allowed to keep lists of articles of interest, liable for the introduction of biased material by self-interested parties, to be watched that reason, is plain scary. Also, the idea that this list is somehow a legal liability is beyond ludicrous; prudence is one thing, rank cowardice another. Herostratus 03:17, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Of course projects can. 'List of articles of interest to project x' is fine. Calling things 'quacks' isn't fine. And making sure this respectable encyclopedia doesn't insult people with quirky derogatory terms isn't 'rank cowardice', it's just professionalism. We strive for neutrality, this is undignified.--Docg 03:22, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I wasn't aware that we strived for projectspace to be neutral. In fact, I was almost entirely sure we did not. -Amarkov blahedits 03:36, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Speedy Delete per Proto. I'm frankly quite shocked there is a discussion at all. JuJube 03:33, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment. Please stop with the "speedy delete" stuff. Speedy deletion doesn't exist for one side to have their opinions be considered more important, and the fact that there is good faith debate is a certain sign that speedy criteria do not apply. If people don't agree it should be deleted, it is not a valid speedy. -Amarkov blahedits 04:03, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Query I don't follow the logic here. If it is an attack page it should be speedy deleted per G10 whatever its other merits. WP:CSD doesn't say, "These criteris only apply if they are not disputed". Sam Blanning makes a good point that actual speedy deletion is probably ill-advised in this case, but I don't see any reason to avoid arguing that one of the speedy criteria fits and should have been applied. Eluchil404 08:13, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment. I cast my vote for "Speedy Delete" because I thought that was the proper vote to indicate that I would like this POV-wrought attack article expunged from Wikipedia ASAP. Whether or not "Speedy delete" is the correct way of stating it at this point, I would expect that all of those who have voted this way (which is currently the vast majority) feel as I do and would like this pejorative list removed from Wikipedia PDQ. Sound reasonable? Levine2112 18:45, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Speedy Delete for dangerous, subjective application on BLPs. I tried several edits that already indicate confusion among unsettled science, the unrecognized competitive nature of testing, and quackery. I agree about Skeptic Wiki project with Levine2112.--I'clast 10:35, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Overturn and delete per BLP concerns. >Radiant< 12:27, 11 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Keep but rename. If the project wants it in their space it should remain. It is a usefull list of articles related to the work of the project, but it should be renamed to something neutral and relevent. I suggest to Wikipedia:WikiProject Pseudoscience/List of articles related to pseudoscience. --Bduke 01:07, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Keep as is I note that some editors above think that this is a vote and that a majority makes it 'right'. This is not a vote. Nor is it a repeat of the AFD. In the AFD I voted Keep. I lost but as the information is still accessible to researchers and editors I am willing to consider project space an acceptable compromise. This material is valuable to me as a science researcher and I would be very disappointed if it was erased because of a few editors who are unwilling to utilize rigorous scientific research to support their claims. Maustrauser 03:08, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- You appear to have the wrong idea about AFD. It's not a match, so you can't 'lose'. - Mgm|(talk) 13:21, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Delete per Doc, NPOV issues abound. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Hughgr (talk • contribs) 04:38, 12 January 2007 (UTC).[reply]
- COMPLETE DELETE The argument of a few with heavy POV that this is somehow valuable to researchers is ludicrous, of course. A self-titled so-called "guru" of quack makes a 'commie' enemies list and this is a valuable resource? It is merely a list of what one new editor thinks are those who supposedly hate quackery (has anybody actually asked them?) whatever quackery means, and the alleged 'quacks' who he believes they, and he, can't stand. Hardly a significant contribution to an encyclopedic endeavor. More like an exercise in demon purging. If it flunks the smell test as an article, why does it suddenly smell better over here in a project space? (Answer: It doesn't!) A quick delete of this pejorative, edit-war magnet will clear the stink on WP and allow us all to get back to more worthy endeavors. Steth 05:04, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Question. Could not the page simply be renamed to (say) "Articles of interest for this project"? Would this not satisfy all parties? I call on the closing admin to consider this. Herostratus 06:34, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- This list has NPOV and BLP issues, so there's two possible solutions: rename to something neutral as suggested above (so project people can keep the info, yet issues are met, or delete. I think RENAMING solves the problem best for both parties. - Mgm|(talk) 13:21, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - The consensus on this vote was move to project space specifically because it was felt the list could be cleaned up and useful to other projects such as Pseudoscience. Yes, the term "quack" is unacceptable, and was supposed to be eliminated as part of the integration with another project. If this is not done then I would support deletion as an WP:ATTACK article, otherwise I can see salvaging some of the list for another project. -- Kesh 23:32, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Delete - I do not understand this. I thought we already voted this page off of Wikipedia. Did we not decide that this was just a collection of opinions? And I agree with Kesh just above... this is a WP:ATTACK article. Thank you. CuTop 23:57, 12 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - I'm afraid you misread me. The AfD did not "vote the page off Wikipedia," consensus was to move it to project space. However, I was of the understanding it would then be rewritten or merged with a neutral project. If that is not what happened/is happening, then I support its outright deletion per WP:ATTACK. -- Kesh 01:31, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Overturn and Delete - I understand that this deletion review is to review how the AfD was performed. I suggest overturn, because no matter how many times I look at it, the vote said 19 delete, 10 Move, and 5 Keep. As far as I can see, unless there was a really good reason not to delete it, the lower court had no reason not to delete it. If you rename it to something without the word quackery, then it isn't the same article, but I would assume that the lead would have to change as well to reflect the title. If that were the case then it is a different article anyway, so delete it. There is no reason this author should not have to work within NPOV guidelines just like the rest of us. By keeping it, we are only encouraging similar behavior by others. If we want to set a precedent for that, then lets save it for something worthwhile that has more agreement. --Dematt 03:51, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - "Lower court?" :) -- Kesh 04:12, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Complete delete Overturn and delete. Dematt is precisely right. The result of the vote was overwhelmingly to remove this list off of Wiki space completely. I have just perused the space where the article is being editted and discussed now ([3]) and it seems that its most staunch defenders are claiming that it is a private article and outside viewpoints are unwelcomed ([4]). Are the rules different in Wiki Project spaces? Is article ownership allowed there? Once again, there seems to be overwhelming support to delete this article from Wikipedia entirely. TheDoctorIsIn 23:24, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - AfDs are not a vote. The closing admin reviews the votes, but they are weighted by the arguments. In this case, the closing admin found move to project space the better argument. However, that should have included renaming & editing the article to make it NPOV, which apparently was neglected. Also, yes, rules are different in project space, as they are not actual articles (which is why I endorsed moving/merging this list there). I am disappointed it was left in a very NPOV (possibly WP:ATTACK) form, but this can be fixed. I'm abstaining here, but pointing out what the AfD actually reached consensus on, as there seems to be some misunderstanding. -- Kesh 23:36, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Query - there is much support (as demonstrated here) to delete this article entirely from Wikipedia. It is clear that the page's "owners" are unwilling to compromise their POV and change this from an attack piece to an NPOV article. Is this the right forum to vote this page off of Wikipedia or is there a better place to do this? Do we need to nominate the Wiki Project article for deletion now and go throught he whole process over again? Thanks for your expertise here Kesh. TheDoctorIsIn 23:47, 13 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Delete Project space is not a refuge for POV attacks that are unacceptable in the main Wikipedia. Allowing this list to stay creates a precedent which gives attack groups a back-door into Wikipedia. How about: Articles related to Communism (Hillary Clinton, New York Times, Stalin, Pol Pot, mass murder, etc.) or Articles related to Fascism (Hitler, genocide, George Bush, Republican Party, Fox News Channel, etc.) ? MaxPont 10:36, 14 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Unfortunately PS is another list with a NPOV problem. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Docg's first argument read like this:
- "against the neutrality of the encyclopedia. 'Quack' is simply a subjective insult no matter what reliable source might use it. This list is akin to having a List of evil people or List of illegal wars of the USA (both of which I could populate and source). 'Relating to' is just weasel speak."
- As far as I can see, the lead and contents still have not addressed this concern. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Scientific skepticism is related to scientific method and a good list would include all of modern science, medicine, and physics and would be lauded. Any other use of the term is just a hijacked version. Quackery is used to express an opinion. The new title still does not reflect the contents. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - The is a good change. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
According to Docg***
1***) The list is against the neutrality of the encyclopedia as labeling people or subject matter as quack or quackery.
- Answer: The simple answer is changing the title to the 'List of articles related to scientific skepticism'.
In the name of science, this list will follow in the foot steps of the List of pseudosciences and pseudoscientific concepts.
2***) This list is against the seriousness of this project.
- Answer: The topic matter of *scientific skepticsim* is very serious. The purpose of 'Wikipedia' is to build the world's largest (and of course best) 'free encyclopedia'!
*What is scientific skepticism?*
Like a scientist, a scientific skeptic aims to decide claims based on verifiability and falsifiability rather than accepting claims on faith, anecdotes, or relying on unfalsifiable categories. Skeptics often focus their criticism on claims they consider to be implausible, dubious or clearly contradictory to generally accepted science. This distinguishes the scientific skeptic from the professional scientist, who often concentrates her or his enquiry on verifying or falsifying hypotheses created by those within her or his field of science. Scientific skeptics do not assert that unusual claims should be automatically rejected out of hand on a priori grounds - rather they argue that claims of paranormal or anomalous phenomena should be critically examined and that such claims would require extraordinary evidence in their favour before they could be accepted as having validity.
3***) This list is against the spirit of WP:BLP.
- Answer: Simple solution: The list of persons has already been whacked and permanetely eliminated. In fact, there is no BLP concerns because the persons sections was removed.
Simple problems have simple answers. The process of developing and improving this new list is underway. The comments made by many Wikipedians has and will conitune to strengthen the article. In the last 24 hours the list has gone thru some changes. The POV title can be changed with just one click. The topic is scientific, serious, and important. In the spirit and harmony of Wikipedia I merely ask this list remain and continue to sprout, expand, and strengthen its roots & beginnings on Wiki. As the information is updated the list will become more focused, directed, and centered for all to read, get informed, and educated. As I journey onward in the project, I will continue the collaboration process.
Good will to all and god bless. Cheers from a true believer, advocate, and promoter of Wikipedia. --QuackGuru 18:27, 14 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- The above is edit warning to ensure that what he regards as relevant stay is. This demonstrates WP:OWN and the inherent subjectiveness of such a list. Do serious participants int he project even want it?--Docg 09:34, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Alert - these are the comments User:QuackGuru deleted above (his idea of collaboration.) with my comments reinserted.
- Comment - Unfortunately PS is another list with a NPOV problem. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Docg's first argument read like this:
- "against the neutrality of the encyclopedia. 'Quack' is simply a subjective insult no matter what reliable source might use it. This list is akin to having a List of evil people or List of illegal wars of the USA (both of which I could populate and source). 'Relating to' is just weasel speak."
- As far as I can see, the lead and contents still have not addressed this concern. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - Scientific skepticism is related to scientific method and a good list would include all of modern science, medicine, and physics and would be lauded. Any other use of the term is just a hijacked version. Quackery is used to express an opinion. The new title still does not reflect the contents. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment - This is a good change. --Dematt 04:49, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Comment - Sorry for having to do this. --Dematt 12:53, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Alert. Another editor named Dematt has taken my edits without my permission and mixed it with s/he own edits. I do not approve of this behavior. I orginally wrote the info here. Then a different editor has mixed up my edits with his/hers
here and again here. I do not give permission to other editors to take my information and mix it with her/his comments. This caused confusion to who wrote what information. Please stop, respectively. I did not delete anyone else's comments. I removed my own comments that were mixed up the another editor's comments. These are my comments. I reinsertated my comments without the other editor's comments mixed in with my comments and left all the other comments alone and separate. I hope other editors will consider to remain civil. Thanks. --QuackGuru 17:30, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- QG, you seem to have serious problems understanding WP:OWN. Your comments here are the first indicator you need to re-read that policy, but the above makes it even more clear to me. -- Kesh 18:53, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Reply. Kesh. It seems you do not understand the situation, sir. Another editor mixed up my comments with his/hers. This caused confusion to who wrote what here. I origianlly wrote comments here, then another editor wrote over my comments. It became very confusing to who wrote what here in the discussion. Mixing up comments has nothing to do with the article. You are completely mistaken and off base. Thanks. --QuackGuru 19:03, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- I give up. If somebody doesn't' understand what my comments were about, feel free to look through the edit history, they make more sense there. --Dematt 19:18, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Comment The list has been updated within the last 24 hours. Most of the comments made by Wikipedians to delete refers to a prior version that no longer exists. Comments such as the BLP concerns no longer are valid. So, most of the deletion comments do not pertain to the current version. Comments about the title as labeling subject matter as quack can be fixed by just changing the title and intro. As a matter-of-fact, the list will benefit Wikipedia with knowledge of and about scientific skepticism. Cheers. --QuackGuru 21:06, 15 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Observation Qguru, I think you mean this list will benefit the donation box of Stephen Barrett Enterprises, a so-called 'non-profit' whose actual non-profit status can't seem to be verfied. Many Wikipedian articles in your "list" have been fertilized with numerous links to SBE (Donations Gladly Accepted!) by his disciples. Even your list has multiple SBE links. I was wondering if you are in some way connected with him. Could you let us know, eh? This is one of my concerns as to why it, IMO, doesn't pass the smell test no matter where you place it. Kindest regards, Steth 00:06, 16 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
- Message Hi Steth (or should I say hello to your CuTop and DoctorIsIn friends as well). First off, I liked the other nickname you called me, Quru. I am not connnected as your conspiracy theory suggests. Now that you can't point the finger at the article you resort to your last attempt to point the finger at me. The list smells like a garden of roses. I find you interesting with your multiple friendly accounts. Hope to see you around again. Its been a nice adventure. Great day. Oh. One more thing. Do you have any good ideas for improving the article. You never had. I thought so. Maybe. I hope you one day consider contributing to Wiki instead of playing around and trolling. --QuackGuru 00:26, 16 January 2007 (UTC)[reply]
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