User talk:Sam Spade/ - archive November 2004 4

Bureaucratship

Hello Sam - I just wanted to let you know that I'm running for bureaucratship, and I would like to ask for your vote, be it good or bad. I'm sending this message to a few users I respect who have interacted with me recently. Thanks, Andre (talk) 00:29, Nov 16, 2004 (UTC)

Sorry I let you know so late in the nomination... unfortunately, the presiding bureaucrat judged it to be too close. I'll be running again soon though, and I'll let you know in time. Thanks for your support. Andre (talk) 15:24, Nov 16, 2004 (UTC)

formatting error

I found this on the main page talk. Did you know...

From Wikipedia's newest articles:

...that in the history of transportation in Los Angeles, the first California freeway "traffic jam" occurred on 1 January 1940?

the text of this suns across the image of a freeway. Sam Spade 17:52, 12 Nov 2004 (UTC)

---

What system are you using. I have similar problems with the selected anniversaries with IE on a Mac. [[User:MacGyverMagic|Mgm|^(talk)]] 09:58, Nov 16, 2004 (UTC)

I use Mozilla 1.4.1

Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.4.1) Gecko/20031008

Hope that helps, Sam Spade 12:49, 16 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Adminship

Thought I should let you know, since you were considering nominating me, that I decided to be assertive and self nominate. I didn't do this because I had problems with you nominating me, but rather because I think too few qualified people self nominate. I think it's silly they make do without admin functions when they could be making use of them to help the project. Anyway, I hope you don't take offense at me "jumping the gun" so to speak, because none is intended. Shane King 10:05, Nov 16, 2004 (UTC)

Not at all. You have my support, naturally :) Sam Spade 12:48, 16 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. :) Shane King 01:01, Nov 17, 2004 (UTC)

Thanks

Thanks for the introductory message. Please feel free to contact me again if I transgress!

all the best

Mokus 13:05, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I didn't mean to suggest you had transgressed, quite the contrary, your edits seem more than satisfactory. Please keep up the good work, glad to have you, [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 13:11, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Same here - thanks for the welcome message and useful links! :-) Deathowl 15:29, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Indeed, a fine day to you as well! [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 15:52, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Editing "Topics in Hinduism

Sam, if you know, how does one edit topics in Hinduism? I want to add Ramanuja to the Gurus and saints? Thanks, Raj2004 Raj2004 14:57, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Try Template:Hinduism. [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 15:47, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks, Sam for the help. Definitely, I will vote for you. Raj2004 16:51, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Editing The Doomsday Argument

Thanks for the introductory message!

I hope I haven't overstepped the mark by adding a paragraph and a link describing my Many-Worlds solution to the Doomsday Argument. The link points to a preprint, on a well-known physics archive, of my so-far unpublished paper on the subject.

John Eastmond 17 Nov 2004

I made edits as I felt necessary, have a look. [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 15:51, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Shaktism

Shaktism Sam, I wasn't sure if you were aware of Shaktism or worship of Devi. Shakti, is seen as way to reach Shiva. Here's the quote from Bansi Pandit's Hindu Dharma

http://www.ikashmir.org/hindudharma/7.html

"Shãktism greatly resembles Shaivism, but Shiva is considered solely transcendent and is not worshipped. Like Shaivism, the goal of Shãktism is to unite with Shiva. Such unity is possible only with the grace of the Divine Mother, Who unfolds as icchã shakti (the power of desire, will and love), kriyã shakti (the power of action), and jñanã shakti (the power of knowledge and wisdom). According to the Tantra philosophy, the spiritual center at the crown of the head (sahasrãra chakra) is the abode of Shiva. Likewise, the spiritual center at the base of the spine (mûlãdhãra) is the abode of shakti. Normally shakti is latent in the mûlãdhãra. Through a spiritual discipline, shakti is awakened and it rises through the spine and unites with Shiva in the sahasrãra. When this energy transformation occurs, the individual attains cosmic consciousness and is said to have realized the Self.

Within Shãktism, Shiva is the unmanifest Absolute and Shakti is the Divine Mother of the manifest creation. The Divine Mother is worshipped in both the fierce and benign forms. The fierce forms of Goddess include Kãlî, Durgã, Chandî, Chamundî."

Raj2004 17:56, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Two tiers

Thanks for your note at Wikipedia talk:Two-tier system. Maurreen 18:12, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Campaign signature

Do you really think it's appropriate to use your signature to campaign for the arbitration committee? As it will appear on a number of pages entirely unrelated to the vote, it might be seen as inappropriate spamming—as, for example, was another user's campaign for Duncharris's adminship on unrelated talk pages. Just a thought; it might end up having the opposite of the desired effect. —No-One  Jones ^(m) 18:54, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I think its just fine, since its my signature. If someone who I don't have a long term negative relationship chose to say something about it, maybe I'd listen. If there were a policy specifically detailing such a particular, I'd certainly make the needed changes. As is, I wish you a happy day, [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 18:58, 17 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I agree with Mirv that your sig is inappropriate. Perhaps it wouldn't be the worst thing if you would change it. The Uninvited Co., Inc. 00:03, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Is there a policy you feel it violates, or is this simply an opinion of yours? [[User:Sam Spade|Vote Sam Spade for Arbiter!]] 00:05, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I believe it is bad form. There are plenty of inappropriate things to do that we don't have a policy to prohibit. This isn't a football game where there are rules and referees, it's a community. The Uninvited Co., Inc. 00:25, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I don't agree that it is bad form, and that was why I was interested in if there was a specific rule involved. That said, I am happy to compromise, esp. due to Theresa's kind and thoughtful suggestion. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 00:29, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

You could try Sam Spade Arb Com election - of course it'll look better on a different page where Spade isn't black. This has the advantage of advertising that there is an election coming up, without being too pushy about it, yet the message is still implied. Another tactic might be to just put a "Vote for Me " message in big letters here on your talk page and scrap the sig thing. Theresa Knott (Tart, knees hot) 00:18, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Brilliant suggestion as usual, Theresa. BTW, how do I make big letters? Do you know how, I can't find it on the help pages. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 00:25, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

The easiest way is to use The <big></big> HTML tags, like this <big>Some text</big>. Want it bigger? Stack the tags. <big><big>Some bigger text</big></big>

Vote Sam for Arbitrator (unless Theresa Knott decides to stand, in which case you should obviously vote for her instead)

the point of a sig is to identify its author, and direct comments to his/her talk page. We may not have a policy against 'campaign' signatures, but that doesn't stop them from being bad style (thank god we don't have a policy for each and every hack people can think of! we'd need a lawyer for every editor soon to keep track), as is, strictly in my private opinion, a strictly legalistic adherence to the letter, not the spirit, of the guidelines. dab 12:57, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Again, I disagree utterly, but I hope the compromise I accepted is agreeable to you? [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 13:55, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Arbitration Elections

You may remember that I coordinated the previous two elections, for the board, and for the arbitration committee. I am willing to coordinate this election as well, and have asked Elian to assist. However, we would like to have the support of the candidates to do this. Do you support us coordinating the election? My policy is to be entirely neutral, and to ensure this, I will not be voting myself (I didn't vote in previous elections either). All results will be announced following the final count. Please answer on my talk page. Danny 01:13, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks, Sam. Univited Company has also offered his services. I would be more than happy to work with him too. Danny 01:21, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Re: Advice

I replied on my talk page: User talk:ShaneKing#Advice

Once again, I've replied on my talk page. Don't worry too much, I'm not stressed about it. :) Shane King 23:33, Nov 18, 2004 (UTC)

Thanks.

" 15:40, 18 Nov 2004 Sam Spade (it at least need the links! good edit, btw, 4.250.198.102)"

I'm glad you liked it. A kind word helps. But so far everything I do on the web is anonymous. Well, except for purchases.

Cool. I'd like you to form a user account, but that is admittedly self serving, since it makes it easier to communicate with you, keep track of you, get to know you, etc... Either way, glad to have you, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 16:03, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks for the welcome!

Although I've been browsing and editing pages on Wikipedia for several months (before finally deciding to sign up and get a proper username...), I appreciate the welcome message you sent me. CNash 23:53, 18 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Of course, its what I do :) [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 00:00, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Far-right

Please explain why you just reverted a series of good edits on this page? No discussion, no attempt to edit, just a revert back to a crappy version of this article, which seems like little more than petty disruption.

See Talk:Far-right. Also, would you like to form a user account? That would be just dandy. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 00:59, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I cannot see anything on Talk:Far-right that directly mentions any of the edits I made, or as far as I can tell is even relevant to those edits. Please, what am I missing? And I can't imagine there being anything that could justify you simply reverting those edits and branding them a "mess".

Talk about it on Talk:Far-right, I'm sure somebody will want to argue it there. I stand by my revert, and edit summary. I'm sorry if you found it rude, my apologies. I found it messy, and unhelpful. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 01:05, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Eh...

Had I committed any vandalism in Wikipedia before? In fact, I am very puzzled at why some of the messages with regards to vandalism were sent to me? The IP address is indeed mine, but I had never visit some of the articles yet. Please comment.

Regards

JunnieJunnie 16:56, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)

(This is the User_talk page for an unregistered user or a user that has not logged in. This IP, 165.21.154.17, is used by Singapore Telecommunications PTE and is therefore shared by several users; irrelevant comments may be directed to other users of this IP. Caution should be used when blocking this IP and reverting its contributions. All comments should be posted on this IP's talk page.)

I don't feel safe because there is a black sheep that is impliacting me all this while. Can someone please assure to me that I am not the vandal?

Junnie

And thank you very much for your welcome greetings! I will try my best to read them up. :P

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about vandalism notes to your IP address, but now that you have formed an account, you should only be blamed for what occurs under your account (assuming it is your only one), so long as you protect your password. Happy editing, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 21:33, 19 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Arbiters must obey policy in their rulings, not their own precedent

I suggest phrasing that something like, "Arbiters must obey policy in their rulings, rather than their own precedent," as the original implies that arbiters are exempt from policies when not arbitrating. Hyacinth 00:14, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Good point, thanks. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 13:45, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)

---

That would be great, I've enjoyed the conversation too. My only real in-depth discussions over the years have been with a die-hard libertarian; interesting, but I'd enjoy another POV. I'll check out Radical Centrism; I've skimmed it, but have intended to take some more time. At the second, my life (or lack there of) is absurdly busy. I've been posting, usually, during the few 10 minute periods I could manage to get in during the day. You can see how developed my user page is ;-) But I will definately contact you when I have the time conductive to a good conversation, probably in a couple weeks. I look forward to it. Juan Ponderas 02:25, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Cool, I look forward to it. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 13:45, 20 Nov 2004 (UTC)

TY for your welcome message

Hi Sam Spade, I'd like to give an ack and thank you for your welcome message that you left on my talk page. Grazie. Ciao, M7it 00:06, 21 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Sorry

I actually hadn't realized; I noticed it scrolling by on RC. Even if it has, I'm glad to show my support. Better luck next time, I hope. Yours, [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 21:45, Nov 21, 2004 (UTC)

Rudeness

Don't tell people to "bug off" and I won't call you a rude jerk. AndyL 00:45, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

One is a personal attack, the other isn't. And I wasn't proposing a deal, I was making a demand. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 07:18, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Re: Talk:Stephen King

I think it was borderline off-topic. I've seen (and no doubt engaged in) more off topic discussion than that. I think blanking it was probably uncalled for, since it wasn't really doing any harm, and blanking it out was only ever likely to get people upset. Everyone makes mistakes of judgement though, I don't think LGagnon's intent was to offend or censor.

As far as the content dispute, I read through it, and didn't comment because I don't really know what to say. I'm not particuarly well versed in same-sex religious partnership ceremonies, so I have no idea what the proper name is. I don't know what I can really do, the debate seems to be over semantics that don't particuarly bother me either way. Obviously I'd prefer the more precise term if we knew it, but given we don't, I have no real preference to what people call it. Shane King 12:50, Nov 22, 2004 (UTC)

Fair enough, and I'm glad you didn't suggest I was offensive or lewd or whichever, which was somewhat my concern. The situation on that page has gone from comical to aggravating and back again a time or two, I just hope more unhappiness doesn't come of it. At this point the debate seems to be over quotations marks, and we all know how punctuation can result in the ugliest of edit wars ;) Anyways, thanks for your thoughts, they are appreciated (as always :) [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 12:59, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Offensiveness is always in the eye of the beholder. I'm hard to offend, so I'm probably not a good measuring stick there. Although I still don't think there would be many people who would be terribly offended by what you said. Shane King 23:08, Nov 22, 2004 (UTC)

I would hope not, I didn't intend to be offensive. I suppose I did mean to be a bit suprising, or humorous, and to shock mat_x slightly, but I also intended to be honest about why I felt the information was important. I suppose I can't please everyone, all of the time... Thanks again for the input, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 13:36, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Edition of "Saramaka"

Sam, I really do not think it is a good idea to make every word clickable and wikilinked, as it diminishes lisibility. For instance, "african" and "slave" do not need this treatment (or you should also wikilink "song" and "tale"...). I am not going to remove them, but would prefer you to do it for those which you agree may be irelevant. Yours Marc A. Dubois User:Marc A. Dubois (sig added by [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 16:02, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC))

We don't agree about the value of these links, but its not a big deal. You can remove them, and someone else might replace them, its all a cycle. I promise I won't make a fuss about it, and if I do you can always take me to Wikipedia:Conflict resolution ;)

[[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 16:02, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks from jayon

- Thank you for moving that for me. I'm new here and still trying to get the hang of this stuff. Currently, I'm on the religious stuff since I'm studying that, but will involve myself more when I can. - Jayon 17:45, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

No problem, glad to have you. Do what you can, and most important, do what makes you happy, its easy to get burnt out here! Focus on fun stuff, and avoid annoying arguments or rude idiots, thats my advice. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 18:04, 22 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks for welcome

Thank you for the welcome message you left on my talk page; I appreciate it. — Knowledge Seeker 06:44, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Not at all, its what I do :) Glad to have you, [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 13:33, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)

I left a response

...albeit a belated one, to your comment on my talk page. The Uninvited Co., Inc. 16:38, 23 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Thanks for the links

Just wanted to say thanks for the tutorial links... I'll check them out later. Agro r

Right on, glad to have you. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 11:37, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Strawpoll

That was me who moved you to the "Neither" heading. Sorry, I thought that's what your vote said. :( I guess I don't understand how you can be voting FOR two pages if you want them deleted... --Dante Alighieri | Talk 21:01, Nov 24, 2004 (UTC)

Well, I saw two options and voted for the better of the two. I mainly got annoyed because I'm being trolled on that page, and I assumed it was one of those users who moved it. If you feel a new section should be opened, I don't object, now that we've talked about it. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 21:08, 24 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Unsupported nonsense (as you choose to call it)

My edit summary was "rv - Sam, I've made a point by point rebuttal of your argument on the talk page that illustrates you have little evidence to support your claims - please don't keep reinserting them- and TALK don't RV". I don't see what's impolite about this (given there are only so many words you can add to a summary). Having responded to all your comments in detail, I find it impolite that you choose to ignore them all. If you cannot respond adequately to my reasoned objections, then your comments have no place in the article. jguk 21:22, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)

No, that was the edit summary on your revert. Your original edit summary (the one I wrote you in regards to) was

"how did that unsupported nonsense get in?"

That edit summary was rude and stupid, since you knew damn well how it got there, we discussed this at length on the talk page, and I handilly refuted your uninformed misconceptions. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 21:31, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Far from refuting them, you haven't even responded to my comments. Since you asked me to read and consider an awful lot of links and websites that you cited in your support, and I have done you the courtesy of reading and considering them all carefully, you should at the very least give an argued response to them if you disagree with me. jguk 22:31, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Respond to what? Your request for statistics? I don't have that, and I don't need to supply that. I presented in the article that some people worship the man as a deity. I named a few celebreties who do. Your complaints were spurious, the facts refute them. You appear to be disinterested in the pertinant details, and I fail to see the benefit of my wasting further time on this. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 22:37, 25 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Apeman

I just wanted to call to your attention that R. fiend turned this into a dab page. It might be useful, for encouraging your stepson, to let him know that his creation has survived in a form that preserves his reference to the early hominids (although with a single link rather than listing several as he did). It also adds in other people's insights, like the Yeti and the Kinks song. JamesMLane 19:54, 26 Nov 2004 (UTC)

Cool, thanks. [[User:Sam Spade|Sam Spade Arb Com election]] 11:10, 27 Nov 2004 (UTC)