Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard
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Paid editing agency[edit]
I found a page on the website of a paid editing agency, which lists the following articles as created by them:
- Vishen Lakhiani
- Andreas Umland
- Radmila Lolly
- Lege Kale
- Adjarabet
- Udokan Copper
- Depositphotos
- Candy Crush Saga
- Luxair
- Qonto (neobank)
- Derrick Rossi
The pages should be checked for policy violations. It should also be checked whether authors have declared being paid. Janhrach (talk) 16:05, 27 December 2023 (UTC)
- Vishen Lakhiani: Created by Taniasafuan (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), a single purpose account, unsuccessfully nominated for AfD, suspected sock: Princesstowarrior (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) Janhrach (talk) 19:16, 27 December 2023 (UTC)
- They are already a known and globally banned entity, see Wikipedia:List_of_paid_editing_companies#Wikibusiness. It's not unusual for such agencies to list articles they did not actually have a hand in creating, none-the-less it is a good idea to check them. ~ ONUnicorn(Talk|Contribs)problem solving 19:27, 27 December 2023 (UTC)
- Andreas Umland: created by Stonepillar (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), large edits by Миша историк (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and Inkitrinky (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), COI edits by Andreumland (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). This article is ambiguous, I am leaving this to other editors. Janhrach (talk) 20:05, 27 December 2023 (UTC)
- I Sent Qonto (neobank) and Adjarabet to Afd. scope_creepTalk 13:26, 28 December 2023 (UTC)
- Qonto (neobank) was created by Pcheetpcheet (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), a single-purpose account, clearly gamed the system to get the article out of userspace. Janhrach (talk) 20:10, 28 December 2023 (UTC)
- Adjarabet was created by Hubble (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) – a single-purpose account, gaming the system. Notable edits by Lemonisto (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). Janhrach (talk) 20:28, 28 December 2023 (UTC)
- Coi Editor user:Andreumland who is clearly Andreas Umland is editing at the Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Andreas Umland Afd. scope_creepTalk 13:35, 29 December 2023 (UTC)
- Radmila Lolly was created by Darthvader2 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), notable contributions by Octopuspresents (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). It is possible that the former one is paid. They have nearly 40,000 contributions to eswiki, but were banned on Commons for sockpuppetry. Needs more investigation. We should, however, AGF of the editor until it is proven otherwise. Janhrach (talk) 07:50, 31 December 2023 (UTC)
- So far, I don't see any other evidence of Darthvader2 being paid, which means they probably aren't. The article itself is okay and shouldn't be deleted. Janhrach (talk) 15:18, 31 December 2023 (UTC)
- There was a previous, deleted version of Radmila Lolly, which was substantially different from the current one. This means that the current one was probably not created by Wikibusines. Janhrach (talk) 14:53, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- So far, I don't see any other evidence of Darthvader2 being paid, which means they probably aren't. The article itself is okay and shouldn't be deleted. Janhrach (talk) 15:18, 31 December 2023 (UTC)
- Lege Kale – probable COI edits by Malikkeith96 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and Legekale1 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). Edits by User858985 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) should be noted. Janhrach (talk) 16:13, 31 December 2023 (UTC)
- Maineywhiles (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) also appears to have a COI. Janhrach (talk) 15:54, 1 January 2024 (UTC)
- Udokan Copper: created by several IPs. Nominating for PROD based on logs. Janhrach (talk) 08:17, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- Checking their supposed client list is pointless, since these are generally fake. This agency is well known (SPI, WP:PAIDLIST#Wikibusiness, meta). MarioGom (talk) 14:01, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- @MarioGom: I am not that convinced that this is fake, but I of course know that some claims of the agency might be false. What leads me to continue this is investigation is this:
- Discovery of several single-purpose accounts and instances of gaming the system
- Sudden appearance of Andreumland (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and 2A05:87C7:9008:2C00:A839:6080:4248:D58B (talk · contribs · (/64) · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RBLs · http · block user · block log)
- Udokan Copper being listed on the meta link you mentioned.
- Janhrach (talk) 14:49, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- The articles might have COI edits, like many articles about companies and people, but it seems the accounts you are linking (like Andreumland) are completely unrelated to this sockfarm. MarioGom (talk) 14:55, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- I am aware that Andreumland is probably not somebody from Wikibusines, but the fact that a non-wikipedian learned so quickly about an AfD nomination of the article about them might indicate that he paid somebody to "watch" the article, most probably a paid editing company. Janhrach (talk) 15:08, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- The articles might have COI edits, like many articles about companies and people, but it seems the accounts you are linking (like Andreumland) are completely unrelated to this sockfarm. MarioGom (talk) 14:55, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- @MarioGom: I am not that convinced that this is fake, but I of course know that some claims of the agency might be false. What leads me to continue this is investigation is this:
- Depositphotos: notable edits by Миша историк (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), created by Mallboro (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). From the edits of the latter, it is evident that they wanted to promote the company. The article itself is okay. Janhrach (talk) 15:45, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- Candy Crush Saga: history full of vandalism, investigating paid edits is not worth it. Janhrach (talk) 15:55, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- Luxair – I didn't find anything suspicious, except minor edits by a user named Gregori-luxair (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). Janhrach (talk) 13:53, 13 January 2024 (UTC)
- Derrick Rossi – important edits by Josephine1915 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), Magnovvig (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and 109.255.90.188 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RDNS · RBLs · http · block user · block log). From the first look, none of these seem to be from Wikibusines. Who I am more concerned about is the creator of the article, Granolalover (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), whose edits should be checked. Janhrach (talk) 10:28, 14 January 2024 (UTC)
- Note: Two links were added to the Wikibusines website: Nuvei and Cabify. Janhrach (talk) 19:36, 19 January 2024 (UTC)
- Nuvei was created by Coffeeandcrumbs (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), who is extremely unlikely to be a paid editor. Notable contributions by LinesAlongACoast (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), a single-purpose account. Unusually high number of editors blocked for sockpuppetry have made edits to the article. Janhrach (talk) 20:54, 19 January 2024 (UTC)
- Cabify was created by a single purpose account S5J57 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), Fonsify (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) edited this article and disclosed COI. The former has been active cross-wiki and followed the same pattern as many accounts listed above. Janhrach (talk) 20:38, 27 January 2024 (UTC)
Blocked Миша историк (talk+ · tag · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log · CA · CheckUser(log) · investigate · cuwiki) as a Bodiadub sock. Confirmed Wikibusines articles: Depositphotos and Oleksandra Masiuk (deleted G5). MER-C 18:15, 6 January 2024 (UTC)
- @MER-C: This is very surprising, considering the age of the account and its edit count. Is there further evidence? How did you come to know about the latter article being created by Wikibusines? Why isn't the account globally locked? Janhrach (talk) 20:15, 7 January 2024 (UTC)
- There was a specific historical behavioral indication on both of those articles I linked. MER-C 17:20, 8 January 2024 (UTC)
- @MER-C: Thanks. I was also suspicious when I saw this user, who has just over 1000 edits, two times in the history of the above articles, but I let that be, because the creators (or substatial contributors) of the other articles listed above disappeared after creating their first article, unlike this user. I tried to assume good faith and (falsely) convinced myself they aren't paid.
- Sorry for asking again, but my question still hasn't been answered. Should a global lock be requested, as the user has many contributions to other Wikipedias? Or was a global lock declined? Janhrach (talk) 08:04, 13 January 2024 (UTC)
- I've found it's harder to get an account locked blocking without an SPI. You're free to request one. MER-C 19:53, 13 January 2024 (UTC)
- and wikibusiness are known for the attempts to buy accounts. so Миша историк account could be not theirs from the start but we prob never know for sure Anntinomy (talk) 18:19, 8 January 2024 (UTC)
- There was a specific historical behavioral indication on both of those articles I linked. MER-C 17:20, 8 January 2024 (UTC)
The list of clients differs for the site version in Ukrainian. Adding English versions of those articles for closer look
- Alina Pash
- Chernobyl (miniseries)
- Glovo
- Silpo
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
- Bolt (company)
- Nova Poshta
- Gulliver (building)
- Zhan Beleniuk
- Nick Bilogorskiy (connects to Nova Ukraine, Ostap Korkuna)
--Anntinomy (talk) 19:08, 7 January 2024 (UTC)
- @Anntinomy: Thanks! I will check them later, I didn't have much time recently and I won't have in the close future. Have you notified ukwiki? Janhrach (talk) 20:06, 7 January 2024 (UTC)
- If to speak about this list, topics are notable, with contributions from many editors, promotional edits in ukwiki were mostly reverted. Generally, Ukrainian community is aware about WB. It seems they've been oriented to work more in non-Ukrainian wikis in recent years. Anntinomy (talk) 20:27, 7 January 2024 (UTC)
- Alina Pash – nothing suspicious. Janhrach (talk) 08:43, 4 February 2024 (UTC)
- Chernobyl (miniseries) has a large number of revisions (over 1500), I am not going to check this unless the other articles show a high level of paid editing. Janhrach (talk) 08:53, 4 February 2024 (UTC)
- Glovo – like an ad, almost certainly created in COI, edited by multiple single-purpose accounts, e.g. Mapevi21cat (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and Lesterpremnoronha (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). Janhrach (talk) 10:43, 11 February 2024 (UTC)
- Silpo – nothing suspicious. Janhrach (talk) 20:13, 18 February 2024 (UTC)
- Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – too many edits to be checked, and too visible for paid edits to survive, in my opinion. I am skipping this article. Janhrach (talk) 08:05, 25 February 2024 (UTC)
- Bolt (company) – highly likely edited for pay, edited by a known WB sock. Other unbanned editors I suspect include anons and Dariastaverska, Ijustwanttoeditwiki and Whatwherehow. Janhrach (talk) 19:53, 5 March 2024 (UTC)
- Nova Poshta – edits by known WB socks: PatokaT (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and (W)rid(t)ing High (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log). Recent spamming by 109.86.177.144 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · filter log · WHOIS · RDNS · RBLs · http · block user · block log). Janhrach (talk) 19:42, 18 March 2024 (UTC)
Admin help needed[edit]
This request for help from administrators has been answered. If you need more help or have additional questions, please reapply the {{admin help}} template, or contact the responding user(s) directly on their own user talk page. |
Logs indicate that Radmila Lolly was deleted previously. Please check if the current article isn't a re-creation of the deleted one. Thank you. Janhrach (talk) 08:01, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
- I have restored the deleted revisions. The old version and the new version look pretty different to me. PhilKnight (talk) 13:38, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
Big Sur, California area touristy contents[edit]
RadioactiveBoulevardier (talk) 14:57, 5 March 2024 (UTC)
- Ventana Wilderness Alliance (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Btphelps (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
The user Btphelps created the article Ventana Wilderness Alliance. After I checked insource:https://www.ventanawild.org/, there are 22 articles sourced to it. I have not checked all 22, but they mostly appear to have been linked to by Btphelps. I've removed tourism guide like contents added by same user fom numerous Big Sur, California adjacent articles that were sourced to traveling resource sites. They've also used https:///plaskett.family source in numerous articles. I've since removed them, but no other users have added that link. I am seeing possible COI of promoting tourism activity in the area. Graywalls (talk) 03:38, 18 February 2024 (UTC)
- At the top of this page is "This page should only be used when ordinary talk page discussion has been attempted and failed to resolve the issue...." Where did that happen? Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 12:34, 18 February 2024 (UTC)
- Graywalls, you have not raised a COI issue on my talk page, merely disputed a source I used. You've invented a red herring when you suggest my contributions about Big Sur are a conflict of interest. That would assume I would somehow benefit from the articles I've written about the region, perhaps because I own a business there or as a member of an organization that would somehow benefit from mention on WP. Do you have ANY such evidence? Or are you just stirring up unnecessary trouble for me and admins? Please provide immediate concrete evidence of a COI. Otherwise this discussion should be immediately closed.
- As far as the source you are referring to, the content was written by a member of a pioneer family who settled the Big Sur region in the late 1800s. These stories were written by Mabel Plaskett in a series of articles published in the King City Rustler in November of 1962 titled "History of Coast Schools" and reproduced on the website. If you weren't in such a rush to be the hero in removing content sourced from what you regard as a "blog", you might find some merit in the content. Her first person accounts of life there are analogous to a WWII soldier's stories about combat. Only the subject is much less studied. Her recollections are considered a reliable history of that area by California scholars.
- FYI, her death notice describes Mabel as a "well-known county journalist." Mrs plaskett, Journalist, Poet, Dies in King City
- I am meanwhile attempting to locate the newspaper and other sources. Please refrain from further preemptive, rogue edits and cease your attempts to smear my character, my many years of reliable contributions to WO, and attacks on my reputation. This unnecessary report of a COI and unfounded attack on me along with your rash deletion of content without discussion are in part why so many good editors leave WP. — btphelps (talk to me) (what I've done) 07:37, 24 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Btphelps:, I acknowledge. I should have engaged you on your talk page first. Graywalls (talk) 08:20, 24 February 2024 (UTC)
- While I accept that I didn't communicate to you as I should have, I would like to add that in addition to Plaskett.family link you added, the various resort and business links you've added and tourism advocacy type contents you've placed is a reasonable cause of concern for promotional or COI editing. Graywalls (talk) 17:33, 25 February 2024 (UTC)
- I am meanwhile attempting to locate the newspaper and other sources. Please refrain from further preemptive, rogue edits and cease your attempts to smear my character, my many years of reliable contributions to WO, and attacks on my reputation. This unnecessary report of a COI and unfounded attack on me along with your rash deletion of content without discussion are in part why so many good editors leave WP. — btphelps (talk to me) (what I've done) 07:37, 24 February 2024 (UTC)
@RadioactiveBoulevardier:, could you reopen it? Addition concerns were just found, involving UPE. Please see White Stag Leadership Development Program Graywalls (talk) 13:17, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Mamun Al Mahtab[edit]
- Mamun Al Mahtab (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Sunan 213 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This editor created this article in 2019, and clearly, they were either paid for it or are closely associated with the subject. They even uploaded various certificates' photos as references (unsure of the proper copyright management of those), indicating they have first-person access to the subject's personal belongings, they also added multiple pictures of the subject on commons, some of which were deleted. The article also has an overly promotional tone. Their account is one purpose, and they hibernated from 2019. Recently the subject of the article came under criticism, and the editor soon came back, and promptly removed those criticisms, including an Unpaid contribution template imposed by me early on. There are existing COI notices on their talk page. They should not be allowed to edit the page (or any pages, as it's a one-purpose promo account with some serious COI violations) any further as their intention is clear here.
Update: Since I posted this here, the editor has reverted edits on that page multiple times. They need to be blocked ASAP. X (talk) 09:42, 22 February 2024 (UTC)
- For some reason the editor Sunan 213 created the article in a sandbox which was fine,copied into mainspace and then later added a whole bunch of non-rs landing page references after creating a relatively well written article on a notable subject, for some reason. scope_creepTalk 18:40, 23 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, Yes, I noticed the same weird thing about the refs. Also, they added a bunch of images of certificates, and portraits of the subject over multiple years. One or two have been deleted but I'm unsure about such images' copyright procedures. I'd hope someone with Commons experience would scrutinize their uploads. It's a DUCK case of a paid editor or someone very close to the subject. It surprises me how no one sniffed except one who left a COI warning on the talk page way back in 2019 stating not to edit further without answering, but they kept on editing, and no action was taken, despite vehement violations and whitewashing of the page. There's just multitudes of weirdness surrounding this page and the editor. X (talk) 19:42, 23 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Xkalponik: I did a copyedit to remove everything potentially coi including the non-standard reference images. scope_creepTalk 09:45, 24 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, Yes, I noticed the same weird thing about the refs. Also, they added a bunch of images of certificates, and portraits of the subject over multiple years. One or two have been deleted but I'm unsure about such images' copyright procedures. I'd hope someone with Commons experience would scrutinize their uploads. It's a DUCK case of a paid editor or someone very close to the subject. It surprises me how no one sniffed except one who left a COI warning on the talk page way back in 2019 stating not to edit further without answering, but they kept on editing, and no action was taken, despite vehement violations and whitewashing of the page. There's just multitudes of weirdness surrounding this page and the editor. X (talk) 19:42, 23 February 2024 (UTC)
- Its been moved to WP:An. scope_creepTalk 18:43, 23 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, They reverted and removed the criticisms again. It doesn't make sense why aren't they blocked yet. I posted on two noticeboards about them. Admins are overlooking this mess. X (talk) 14:01, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- The article subject is notable and the editors behaviour has not likely been egregious enough to be blocked, although I think you've taken the complaint to the wrong noticeboard. I've not really had the time the last 3-4 weeks to do anything of depth on this noticeboard or anywhere on-here really, but I'll look at it now and see if there is problem. If there is breaking WP:NPOV, it needs to be discussed on the talk page to come to a consensus.. If there is WP:TE, or distruptive editig or edit warring then I'll take the editor to the noticeboard directly. scope_creepTalk 14:14, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Xkalponik: Right I understand why that content is removed from the lede. It is definitely WP:UNDUE in the lede. It seems to be series of allegations that have been added by yourself, which break WP:NPOV and WP:BLPCRIME, and don't add up to nil. As I'm unable to find sources in Bangladeshi the language, ie the results of the Ministers investigations into the event of the man dying who sufferering from sleep apnea, then nothing can be done right now. Allegations don't mean anything , only facts matter on here. Everybody makes allegations. They are meaningless. I would suggest waiting until the ministers report is out. If it is out already and says there was no negligance, then that controversy section will need to go. I plan to move it to the talk page of the article, in the mean because it is undue. I'm moving this discussion to the talk page. It is unsuitable for the coi noticeboard. scope_creepTalk 14:36, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, How's it unsuitable for COI noticeboard? Also, there was an edit warring, please check the history of the page. They reverted edits regularly and I stopped as I did not wish to edit war with them any further. Also, they were warned multiple times by multiple users on different occasions, but they kept on editing the page. They were explicitly asked multiple times not to edit further without complying with the PAID editing policies, which they did not, rather kept on whitewashing the page. And I did mention the COI concerns on the talk page but did not initiate any conversation. It's an obvious case of COI, as they uploaded multiple pictures of the subject, along with personal certificates. It's a one-purpose account. And their editing pattern is also a clear indication of that. I'd urge you to check their talk page. Thanks. X (talk) 14:40, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- Because its a different problem still to be addressed. I've not looked at it. I've not had time. I'll look at it today. scope_creepTalk 14:45, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep. Okay. That was my main concern anyway (policy violations by the user). Not the allegations against the subject. X (talk) 14:51, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @X: I'm going to take a look at this today. I've got time now. Things have freed up at home. scope_creepTalk 08:53, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- Hi @X: Sorry for the late reply. He seemed to left on the 26th Febuary, so the question is moot. I had a look about 3 days ago and today again. I think the editor does have a coi. He mentions the subjects primary school name. That information would be quite hard to find out. There is also other indications there. I don't think he should he should edit the article directly, but it is functionally complete, so may not be back. I think the editor is probably a WP:UPE. That combined with the zero communication is a blockable offence. Ping me if the editor returns. scope_creepTalk 21:39, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Finally someone else had a a look at this. Thank you. Btw I'm certain they'll return if there are any controversies or critiques on the subject. That's been their pattern from 2019. They return when there's negative information on the subject, they whitewash the page, also they at times added new images and awards, whatnot. X (talk) 09:41, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
- Hi @X: Sorry for the late reply. He seemed to left on the 26th Febuary, so the question is moot. I had a look about 3 days ago and today again. I think the editor does have a coi. He mentions the subjects primary school name. That information would be quite hard to find out. There is also other indications there. I don't think he should he should edit the article directly, but it is functionally complete, so may not be back. I think the editor is probably a WP:UPE. That combined with the zero communication is a blockable offence. Ping me if the editor returns. scope_creepTalk 21:39, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- @X: I'm going to take a look at this today. I've got time now. Things have freed up at home. scope_creepTalk 08:53, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep. Okay. That was my main concern anyway (policy violations by the user). Not the allegations against the subject. X (talk) 14:51, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- Because its a different problem still to be addressed. I've not looked at it. I've not had time. I'll look at it today. scope_creepTalk 14:45, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, How's it unsuitable for COI noticeboard? Also, there was an edit warring, please check the history of the page. They reverted edits regularly and I stopped as I did not wish to edit war with them any further. Also, they were warned multiple times by multiple users on different occasions, but they kept on editing the page. They were explicitly asked multiple times not to edit further without complying with the PAID editing policies, which they did not, rather kept on whitewashing the page. And I did mention the COI concerns on the talk page but did not initiate any conversation. It's an obvious case of COI, as they uploaded multiple pictures of the subject, along with personal certificates. It's a one-purpose account. And their editing pattern is also a clear indication of that. I'd urge you to check their talk page. Thanks. X (talk) 14:40, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Scope creep, They reverted and removed the criticisms again. It doesn't make sense why aren't they blocked yet. I posted on two noticeboards about them. Admins are overlooking this mess. X (talk) 14:01, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
- For some reason the editor Sunan 213 created the article in a sandbox which was fine,copied into mainspace and then later added a whole bunch of non-rs landing page references after creating a relatively well written article on a notable subject, for some reason. scope_creepTalk 18:40, 23 February 2024 (UTC)
- Paul Street (director) (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)
- Filmstreetster (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) aka SPbeth (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- 47.154.26.140 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
I’m pretty sure that Filmstreetster is Paul Street, and oh boy have they made a mess of the article about them. It now reads like a press release, glorifying their work and talking about them using first names. I’m not willing to edit war over it, but if anyone else would like to revert (although it has been rubbish since Paulstreet1 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) created it in 2009 so perhaps stubbification might be better) then please do. 81.187.192.168 (talk) 22:52, 28 February 2024 (UTC)
- Yeah, kind of a mess. I've cleaned up some of it, but there's a real lack of sourcing here, making me wonder if this person is notable. BubbaJoe123456 (talk) 17:01, 29 February 2024 (UTC)
- Yeah, the things they've worked on are notable (mainly commercials, so not enough to have Wikipedia articles about them) but notability isn't inheritable. The two films they claim to have directed don't have articles, which is a clue to how notable they are, but non-notability isn't inheritable either!
- Basically, I reckon this would be turned down for CSD#A7, but I'd give positive odds on it being deleted at AfD.
With an active CoI editor, a PROD would last seconds, I'd reckon, but let's see.81.187.192.168 (talk) 18:35, 29 February 2024 (UTC)
- Comment Looks like editor has been nursing that article for years in a way that is completely out of process. Clear WP:COI from the looks of it. scope_creepTalk 18:44, 29 February 2024 (UTC)
- Nominated at AfD, though did not know about this discussion until now. Natg 19 (talk) 20:09, 29 February 2024 (UTC)
- @Natg 19: I would perhaps advise opening an SPI since there seems to be several new editors who've came in the last couple days, to try and save it with atrocious non-rs refs, stonkingly bad. Also the main article, a WP:BLP described the fact he won a bafta which has not been able to be proven. That is problematic and points to a failure of validation for the originating author. Essentially it is a bald lie on a easily verifiable fact. Simple email to the outfit would have done it. scope_creepTalk 08:52, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- Can you help me file one? I have no experience with the SPI world. Natg 19 (talk) 16:38, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- Twinkle has a very easy user interface for those reports. Otherwise, follow the directions at Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/SPI/Guide to filing cases. Chris Troutman (talk) 16:45, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- I already did, without seeing this part of the thread – Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Filmstreetster – but the backlog at SPI is huge so I'm not expecting it to be got to for another week or so. 81.187.192.168 (talk) 17:20, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
- Per the above, SPbeth (talk · contribs) is Filmstreetster (talk · contribs), so I have added them to this report for bookkeeping purposes. 81.187.192.168 (talk) 18:22, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- I already did, without seeing this part of the thread – Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Filmstreetster – but the backlog at SPI is huge so I'm not expecting it to be got to for another week or so. 81.187.192.168 (talk) 17:20, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
- Twinkle has a very easy user interface for those reports. Otherwise, follow the directions at Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/SPI/Guide to filing cases. Chris Troutman (talk) 16:45, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- Can you help me file one? I have no experience with the SPI world. Natg 19 (talk) 16:38, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Natg 19: I would perhaps advise opening an SPI since there seems to be several new editors who've came in the last couple days, to try and save it with atrocious non-rs refs, stonkingly bad. Also the main article, a WP:BLP described the fact he won a bafta which has not been able to be proven. That is problematic and points to a failure of validation for the originating author. Essentially it is a bald lie on a easily verifiable fact. Simple email to the outfit would have done it. scope_creepTalk 08:52, 1 March 2024 (UTC)
Jackson State University[edit]
- Jackson State University (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Jacksonstateu (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Apologies if this is the wrong board. User:Jacksonstateu was created today and began editing Jackson State University. I posted the COI and name warning, to no response. glman (talk) 18:17, 29 February 2024 (UTC)
- They've been blocked. Secretlondon (talk) 17:34, 3 March 2024 (UTC)
User Pcomon[edit]
- Pcomon (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
User has been warned about COI by at least two editors on his talk page. He appears to be persistently self-promoting his work, particularly in the lede. Limit-theorem (talk) 15:20, 2 March 2024 (UTC)
- Other pages involved: Signal separation. Limit-theorem (talk) 22:59, 2 March 2024 (UTC)
- There is BIG misunderstanding. I am just adding an objective fact, justified by a book reference. Everybody in our community knows about this fact. There are many other references in the open literature mentioning this fact. I see that because of my pseudo, and probably because you do not know the subject in details, you persistently believe that I am making self-promotion, which is absurd and not needed at all. Hence, I suppose I must ask colleagues to correct this obvious bias? The conclusion is that when one is a specialist of a field, one cannot make all relevant corrections, because one has publications in the field. The way Wikipedia is moderated is very questionable and quite disappointing... Pcomon (talk) 16:23, 9 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Pcomon: Your condescension does not befit your claimed expertise. Wikipedia has been online for twenty years and has maintained its Alexa rating while other websites of that era have faded. You are legally obliged to admit your CoI. It does not matter if what you post is true or supported by sources. If you exist in a niche field and no one cognizant of your work edits here, then articles about it will languish which is fine by us. Wikipedia only works when edited by disinterested third parties relying only upon reliable sources. Obviously, the public does not care about the subject because they haven't volunteered to write the content. Since you've come here, we're forced to ask what's in it for you. Chris Troutman (talk) 17:36, 9 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Pcomon: The correct way to have gone about trying to resolve the dispute you mention on your talk page would have been to raise the issue on the talk pages of the articles concerned to try to build a consensus in your favour.
- Simply editing the articles to present your own point of view, by quoting your own work, and doing so without building a consensus beforehand, was inevitably going to end up here.
- (Incidentally I would advise you against 'ask[ing] colleagues to correct this obvious bias', as that is contrary to Wikipedia rules, see WP:meatpuppet.) Axad12 (talk) 17:51, 9 March 2024 (UTC)
User:Zenica87 (UPE)[edit]
- Deemah AlYahya (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Digital Cooperation Organization (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- William Utomo (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- IDN Media (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Intisar Salem Al Ali Al Sabah (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Boss Creator (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Saweria (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Indonesia Creator Economy (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- IDN Pictures (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- IDN Times (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Yummy (company) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Fortune Indonesia (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- GGWP (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Popbela.com (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Popmama.com (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- SportsCastr (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- IDN Times (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Fiorenzo Manganiello (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Mohammad Al Duaij (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Elizabeth Waterman (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Ahanchian v. Xenon Pictures, Inc. (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Salman Al-Ansari (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Chamath Palihapitiya (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Zenica87 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This UPE has spammed all IDN Media products on English Wikipedia and they should go through AfD. Despite warnings they continue to edit without proper paid disclosure. 217.165.157.155 (talk) 09:24, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
- Note that this UPE has recreated Ahanchian v. Xenon Pictures, Inc. which was previously deleted under Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Ahanchian v Xenox Pictures Inc., et al and later the spammer, User:AmirahBreen, was blocked as UPE. 217.165.157.155 (talk) 09:27, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
- It is quite interesting that this IP user just came to Wikipedia to report me, especially since he/she is from UAE, while I created and participated in several UAE politics-related article, which were mainly translations from Arabic Wikipedia. I find this to be a clear case of WP:HARASS since this user came straight out of the blue sky and the first thing he/she does is make COI Noticeboard report without ever interacting with me before. All my articles are reviewed by reviewing editors and I was always cooperative when it comes to suggestions made by other users. Also, in several mentioned articles I did not make a single edit, which is ridiculous. --Zenica87 (talk) 13:37, 4 March 2024 (UTC)
R. Indira[edit]
- R. Indira (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Indirasociology (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Indira Ramarao (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Usernames and content of edits suggest that this person is editing the article about her. Article has been put under extended confirmed protection but editor is continuing to edit as Indirasociology. Editor is not engaging on the Talk pages for either account. Recommended to bring it to CoIN by Daniel Case here.
Selection of diffs by Indirasociology:
And by Indira Ramarao:
Thanks. Tacyarg (talk) 10:37, 5 March 2024 (UTC)
- It's clear a sockpuppetry case. I reported it early in WP:AN. CSM269 (talk | contrib) 11:20, 5 March 2024 (UTC)
- There is not much more to do here. The user was warned. Obviously they did not try to conceal their identity and the fact they are the same user. This usually does not lead to a block. Edits were disruptive regardless of COI, but the problem is likely gone now that R. Indira is protected. MarioGom (talk) 22:34, 5 March 2024 (UTC)
- Draft:Tania Peitzker (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- GreenJeans808 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This draft had a {{coi}} template, but GreenJeans808 removed it: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Draft%3ATania_Peitzker&diff=1210076092&oldid=1210022268 It is my opinion that there is a conflict of interest. The draft has an infobox image and two images in the article. The infobox image is labeled as Own Work by GreenJeans808, which implies that he photographed Tania Peitzker. It is a close-up photograph that involved cooperation. The two article images are both labeled in their Commons description as selfies. That implies that they were taken by Peitzker and provided to GreenJeans808. This may be paid editing, and is almost certainly some association that is a conflict of interest. Robert McClenon (talk) 05:59, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- GreenJeans808 likely is Peitzker, given that her edits are in the same style as the old account User talk:Tania Peitzker. Curb Safe Charmer (talk) 11:01, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- GreenJeans808 has uploaded multiple images of Tania Peitzker that are identified simultaneously as "own work" and "selfie". DMacks (talk) 11:07, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:Curb Safe Charmer, User:DMacks - Thank you for calling my attention to the 2015 account. What I am saying is that GreenJeans808 either is Peitzker, in which case the draft is an autobiography, or that GreenJeans808 may be an associate or assistant of Peitzker, who has been given Peitzker's selfies. In either case, there is a conflict of interest. Robert McClenon (talk) 16:01, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- Agreed.
- What outcome were you hoping for by bringing this to the COI noticeboard? In my mind, COI users must use draftspace which they are already doing, and the draft there has since been rejected. Either GreenJeans will give up, argue their case or move it to mainspace themselves. If they move it, one of us will take it to AfD. If they drop it, no action is needed. Their most likely action is to argue. We could have them come here to make their case - the other forum I can think of being the AfC helpdesk. Previously, Peitzker threatened to 'take it up with Wikipedia management', whoever they are. Curb Safe Charmer (talk) 16:15, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- Just for the record/centralized discussion, they have also made edits to Dymphna Cusack that have an effect of promoting this person, and ES also NPOV touting them. But those edits have been undone. But unless they make any further edits, I agree that there is nothing further to do. If they do make further edits, easy enough to handle as appropriate at that time. DMacks (talk) 17:34, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:Curb Safe Charmer asked what outcome I hoped for by coming to this COI noticeboard. It was primarily to report the failure to declare an obvious conflict of interest. It is true that they are using draft space, which is what they should be doing, but the AFC reviewers want to see a conflict of interest declared, so that they know to look for non-neutral language, puffery, etc. Seeing that the draft has been rejected and the edits to Dymphna Cusack have been reverted, I agree that there is nothing further to do. Robert McClenon (talk) 02:06, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- If they move it to main it will be G4'd. I think it is important to report coi editors wherever they are are editing. scope_creepTalk 07:07, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Just for the record, I heard about what happened with the Dymphna Cusack edit. That contribution was a) fully sourced b) had credible references from established, academic, secondary sources c) had in-depth treatment of the subject by academics ie experts objectively qualified to write encylopedic entries about this famous author from Australia. I will be appealing the "deletion" and "reverting" of that contribution which corrected some of the false / insufficient / inadequate information currently published under the article titled "Dymphna Cusack". FeministGlobal (talk) 16:14, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:Curb Safe Charmer asked what outcome I hoped for by coming to this COI noticeboard. It was primarily to report the failure to declare an obvious conflict of interest. It is true that they are using draft space, which is what they should be doing, but the AFC reviewers want to see a conflict of interest declared, so that they know to look for non-neutral language, puffery, etc. Seeing that the draft has been rejected and the edits to Dymphna Cusack have been reverted, I agree that there is nothing further to do. Robert McClenon (talk) 02:06, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Just for the record/centralized discussion, they have also made edits to Dymphna Cusack that have an effect of promoting this person, and ES also NPOV touting them. But those edits have been undone. But unless they make any further edits, I agree that there is nothing further to do. If they do make further edits, easy enough to handle as appropriate at that time. DMacks (talk) 17:34, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:Curb Safe Charmer, User:DMacks - Thank you for calling my attention to the 2015 account. What I am saying is that GreenJeans808 either is Peitzker, in which case the draft is an autobiography, or that GreenJeans808 may be an associate or assistant of Peitzker, who has been given Peitzker's selfies. In either case, there is a conflict of interest. Robert McClenon (talk) 16:01, 6 March 2024 (UTC)
- WP:NOTHERE and promotion only account. A long campaign of purely promotional edits for Tania Peitzker aka Tania Lingham and her busines ventures.
Tania Peitzker (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) and her accounts before that as mentioned in afd creating promotion for Tania Peitzker and her company at Draft:Velmai.
2019 saw TaniaLingham (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) who created a Draft:Tania Peitzker and a Draft:AI Bots as a Service UG. Also added content to Dymphna Cusack that had an effect of promoting this person as did GreenJeans808 and multiple IPs before her.
Then there is Myownreporter (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) who was creating a draft for www.myownreporter.com (MOR) which was co-founded by Peitzker.
This sustained PR push with a major dose of WP:ICANTHEARYOU and dishonest misrepresentation is I think worthy of a promotion only block. duffbeerforme (talk) 12:07, 7 March 2024 (UTC)- Dear Duffbeer,
- There is no "dishonest misrepresentation" as I clearly stated in 2015 that I was writing about myself as the subject. That autobiographical contribution was accepted by other Wikipedia editors at the time. FYI I appealed to "Wiki management" as you call it and they found in my favour.
- Wikipedia wanted to publish a "stub" about me and I declined their offer as I did not want to be included in this encylopedia back then. Now GreenJeans is writing and publishing about me in an extensive, neutral and fair way, I am happy to be made a subject of Wikipedia.
- As to your wrongful assertions that I was "promoting" my tech ventures and doing a "sustained PR push", this is simply false. As many other Wikipedia articles can testify, there are 100s of tech ventures and entrepreneurs published in this tertiary source of information - content all very similar to me and my work in AI, except for the fact that I am a woman and they have been mostly men in tech.
- I suggest you and your fellow eds here on this CoI page read up on what the wider world is thinking, scrutinising and analysing about Wikipedia, its methods and content: from 2015 when we first had our exchange as you rightly point out (when I was briefly a Wiki ed before discouraged by the gendered hostility towards me) https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/10/how-wikipedia-is-hostile-to-women/411619/
- To the statistics today - not much has improved sadly
- "As of the end of February, almost 20 per cent of biography articles on English-language Wikipedia were about women. That compares to around 15.5 per cent in 2014." https://www.standard.co.uk/news/tech/most-men-wikipedia-editors-push-for-women-b1065337.html
- Happy reading and digesting the statistically based information/knowledge above,
- best wishes,
- Tania Peitzker FeministGlobal (talk) 16:03, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- And out comes the victim card. Oh no everyone is being mean to me because I am a woman. Oh woe is me. Always trying to see the bad in everything. duffbeerforme (talk) 13:05, 9 March 2024 (UTC)
- Dear Robert
- I received an email notification from Wikipedia re a wrong assertions your colleague Duffbeer has made about me. I will respond to that separately. As to my distant associate GreenJeans, he told me he made a clear statement to Wikipedia when he first started writing this article about me (unpaid FYI) ie. he is not a "close connection" and he detailed how he knew (of) me and my work at the very beginning.
- Thus you have a clear declaration about any possible Conflict of Interest. Other Wiki eds decided that there was none because they encouraged him to keep rewriting this article after he declared he knew me. That is how he got the selfie photos I gave him because he needed images that were my "own work" re the copyright and Creative Commons. It is my work/photos that I agreed to donate to Wiki Commons via GreenJeans. I hope that puts your concerns to rest.
- FYI GreenJeans is new to Wikipedia editing which means there are several rewrites of this article about me. As all the drafts and your criticisms/rejections have been made public on WikiWand, I have been following this "process" and also shown it to many peers in my industry and academic fields (as I am a recognised expert - see the numerous neutral, secondary sources cited by GreenJeans). We are all wanting to see some actual, concrete evidence as to why a number of Wikipedia volunteers keep rejecting the draft for reasons of notability, sourced material, neutral style and encylopedic tone. Perhaps you care to give some specific examples to leaders in the fields of technology and academia, as well as myself and GreenJeans?
- You should also be made aware that since this draft was submitted, I have been constantly contacted by scammers and fraudsters who are asking me to hire them to write a Wikipedia article about me. I am very curious to know a) how does this business know what is going on with this draft? b) why do I receive emails from them every time an editor rejects the draft?
- Best wishes,
- Tania Peitzker. FeministGlobal (talk) 15:49, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:FeministGlobal writes:
a. Because they have Wikipedia accounts, and the category system in Wikipedia supports a lot of types of queries, including on the status of drafts. b. Because they are scammers and fraudsters. Robert McClenon (talk) 17:01, 7 March 2024 (UTC)I have been constantly contacted by scammers and fraudsters who are asking me to hire them to write a Wikipedia article about me. I am very curious to know a) how does this business know what is going on with this draft? b) why do I receive emails from them every time an editor rejects the draft?
- "I received an email notification from Wikipedia re a wrong assertions your colleague Duffbeer has made about me." Really? An encyclopedia sent you an email. Wow you must be special. So tell me, what "wrong assertions" did this encyclopedia say I had made? duffbeerforme (talk) 14:00, 9 March 2024 (UTC)
- User:FeministGlobal writes:
- Support NOTHERE block The editor says it all for themselves. Chris Troutman (talk) 16:31, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- A CU might help settle this... Curb Safe Charmer (talk) 17:33, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
Paloma Aguirre[edit]
- DianeCastaneda (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Paloma Aguirre (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Draft:Paloma Aguirre (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
The author has, in some edit summaries, referred to Paloma Aguirre as her client. The author created an article about her, which was moved to draft space due to the conflict of interest. It has been submitted for review three times and declined twice. The author has now created an article in article space, and did not declare her conflict of interest in the edit summary. Robert McClenon (talk) 08:55, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Yes, yes had a look at the contribution history. Clear as day, conflict of interest. scope_creepTalk 13:16, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- I have PROD'd the article in article space, and declined the draft. Robert McClenon (talk) 17:12, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Yes, yes had a look at the contribution history. Clear as day, conflict of interest. scope_creepTalk 13:16, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
Project Nimbus[edit]
- Project Nimbus (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Orenelma (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Editor Orenelma claims to be removing political bias from Project Nimbus but introduces their own bias toward the project, with virtually no references, while doing so. Behavior suggests an external relationship with the subject. –Skywatcher68 (talk) 16:29, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- In response to your message, it is important to underscore that my edit is entirely devoid of political content. My contribution focuses exclusively on supplying technical details concerning the project, with all information derived from official sources. I invite you to identify any segment within my edit that could be construed as politically biased. The intention behind my revision is to ensure that the article presents a factual, neutral perspective, centered on the project's technological aspects. This approach aligns with the objective standards of encyclopedic content, aiming to inform readers without swaying them towards any political viewpoint. Orenelma (talk) 16:35, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Orenelma, you appear to have a fundamental misapprehension regarding what Wikipedia is for, and how it works. We do not base articles (any articles) solely on 'official sources', but instead endeavour to describe a subject according to what secondary published reliable sources have to say about it. If such sources include significant amounts of political criticism (or any other negative commentary), our article must include this, to conform with our policies on neutrality. I would strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with relevant Wikipedia policies (WP:RS and WP:NPOV being a good starting point), and then raise any policy-based objections you have to the article on its talk page. AndyTheGrump (talk) 16:48, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- In light of the concerns expressed, I would like to clarify that my contributions, including references from official sources, were intended to add substantive knowledge about the project, addressing a gap where the technological aspects and project data were notably absent. My effort was aimed at presenting a more comprehensive view of the project, beyond the scope of criticism, to enhance the article's informational value. Orenelma (talk) 17:03, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Your edits were clearly and unambiguously made in violation of multiple Wikipedia policies. I suggest you self-revert immediately, before you find yourself blocked from editing. AndyTheGrump (talk) 17:12, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- In light of the concerns expressed, I would like to clarify that my contributions, including references from official sources, were intended to add substantive knowledge about the project, addressing a gap where the technological aspects and project data were notably absent. My effort was aimed at presenting a more comprehensive view of the project, beyond the scope of criticism, to enhance the article's informational value. Orenelma (talk) 17:03, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Orenelma, you appear to have a fundamental misapprehension regarding what Wikipedia is for, and how it works. We do not base articles (any articles) solely on 'official sources', but instead endeavour to describe a subject according to what secondary published reliable sources have to say about it. If such sources include significant amounts of political criticism (or any other negative commentary), our article must include this, to conform with our policies on neutrality. I would strongly advise you to familiarise yourself with relevant Wikipedia policies (WP:RS and WP:NPOV being a good starting point), and then raise any policy-based objections you have to the article on its talk page. AndyTheGrump (talk) 16:48, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Given that the article in question clearly falls within the scope of the restrictions per Wikipedia:Contentious topics that cover the Israel Palestine conflict, Orenelma should not currently be editing the article at all. I have placed the appropriate notification on their talk page. AndyTheGrump (talk) 17:24, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Orenelma additionally seems to be using some form of generative chat/large language model to reply, which is not a good sign. ~~ AirshipJungleman29 (talk) 21:17, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Generative chat? Orenelma (talk) 21:31, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- You sound like ChatGPT - both in your wording choice and the way that ChatGPT responses typically do not engage with the substance of what other people are saying. MrOllie (talk) 21:57, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Maybe they are a human passing the reverse Turing test. The Turing test is for a computer program to successfully imitate a human. The reverse Turing that is for a human to imitate a computer imitating a human. Robert McClenon (talk) 04:49, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
- You sound like ChatGPT - both in your wording choice and the way that ChatGPT responses typically do not engage with the substance of what other people are saying. MrOllie (talk) 21:57, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Generative chat? Orenelma (talk) 21:31, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Firewall (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This editor has admitted on Wikipedia that they are Robert C. Michelson, a leading American engineer. They have an extensive history of creating and editing articles with which they have a personal/financial COI with. They have subsequently ignored requests to tag either their userpage or the article talk pages per WP:DISCLOSE. The articles are as follows:
- Robert C. Michelson (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored this page about himself
- Entomopter (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored a page on an invention of his
- International Aerial Robotics Competition (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored a page on a competition he founded
- William Stuart Michelson (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored a page on his son
- The Preserve at Sharp Mountain, Georgia (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored a page (recently deleted at AfD) on an organization he was on the board of directors for.
- Pirelli Internetional Award (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs): created and largely authored a page on an award he received.
- Numerous edits to pages such as Trail Life USA and Boy Scouts of America, which he/his son have been professionally connected to.
What are the next steps? ~~ AirshipJungleman29 (talk) 21:14, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Comment The lack of user-page disclosure here is disturbing to me, after creating (and nursing to GA) an article about himself, then more recently creating a blatantly resume-like article about his son, just for starters. Pinging @Materialscientist: who passed the GA on his autobiography back in 2009 and has more expertise in this subject area to see if they have any comment. Thanks Melcous (talk) 22:24, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- IcemanCalvin (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) appears to be connected to William Stuart Michelson, which is now at AfD; they have admitted a connection with the article and yet are still attempting to add promotional content to the page. ~~ AirshipJungleman29 (talk) 17:32, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- I saw that. I was think of opening an SPI. The other editor turned up minutes after I left the message at Editor Firewall talk page, to !vote in the Afd. They are definitely connected. They seems to be upstanding academics who want want to support their mate. scope_creepTalk 18:01, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- IcemanCalvin (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) appears to be connected to William Stuart Michelson, which is now at AfD; they have admitted a connection with the article and yet are still attempting to add promotional content to the page. ~~ AirshipJungleman29 (talk) 17:32, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Intensive interaction[edit]
- Intensive interaction (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Intensive Interaction Leeds (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Warned back in November 2023 about COI, they continue to edit Intensive interaction and only that article adding blatanly promotional edits like this and this. ThaddeusSholto (talk) 21:25, 7 March 2024 (UTC)
- Hi ThaddeusSholto, thanks for getting in touch. Over the previous few months I have been occasionally trying to 'blatantly' (your words) update the Intensive Interaction Wikipedia page to add both increased detail and accuracy to the current poor quality content - and also add supporting or verifying links/references to the current content (as you will see if you look at what I have done). I am a now retired special education teacher and clinician health specialist (in the UK) for people with intellectual disabilities - hence my interest in and knowledge about the Intensive Interaction approach; an approach I used successfully for over 25 years. As I am now retired, I do not think that I have a conflict of interest in this subject area. More than that, I believe that I am uniquely placed to improve on the current poor quality and outdated information that current makes up the Wikipedia entry on Intensive Interaction - and I now have the time to do so, hence my recent attempts at improving it.
- As I said to your colleague previously (but got no reply), I am at a loss to know what I am doing wrong with this. I get messages thanking me for helping whilst at the same time getting messages telling to me desist from doing exactly the same thing. The current description of Intensive Interaction desperately needs updating to a more up-to-date description of the approach - which is what I keep trying to do e.g. Intensive Interaction is not a means of 'teaching', but more accurately a means of 'facilitating learning' - its the learner/participant who does the work! Things have moved on in the terminology used in this field - thank goodness - and I am trying to bring the Wikipedia entry up to date and include more accurate, detailed and useful information; surely you must want that?
- I don't really know what to do next? Perhaps you can help me? Intensive Interaction Leeds (talk) 10:20, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
- After reading the original notice above I looked at the article under discussion and also the website (linked from the article) of the Intensive Interaction Institute. I wonder if you could confirm a few points simply in terms of establishing some facts.
- Under the name that you have given on your talk page you appear on the website of the institute as a trainer.
- Much of the article here in its current form appears to be a light rewrite of material which can be found on the institute's website (primarily in the 'Find Out More' section).
- The 'further reading'/'additional published literature' sections of the article appear to derive from (or, at the very least, they duplicate) the Bibliography section of the institute's website. A good number of the (30) specialist works cited in these sections of the article were co-written by yourself (and you have listed 12 of them on your talk page).
- Are the above points a fair characterisation of the links between yourself, the institute and the article here? (I ask this question without prejudice, simply trying to establish some facts and your thoughts.)
- Re: your questions above, personally I think...
- (a) the article needs to be re-written so that it doesn't appear to have been cribbed from the institute website,
- (b) it should probably be much shorter than at present,
- (c) an encyclopaedia article isn't the place for a list of 30 specialist works, it should be replaced (maybe keep 2 or 3 key works) with a link to the institute bibliography,
- and (d) the three references cited in the article are insufficient for an article of this length.
- However, these sort of issues should properly be discussed at the article talk page.
- Contributions from specialists are welcomed in Wikipedia, but there are pitfalls that need to be avoided (including WP:SELFCITE, which could be easily negotiated here by actioning point (c) above). Axad12 (talk) 12:32, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
Mytona[edit]
- Mytona (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Lana Seeker Parker (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Nadezhda Grigoreva (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- RavenhillHiddenMystery (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Rany Roy (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This company's page is edited mostly by employees it seems. Some of the page's editors have already been rightly banned, but there are some stragglers. Lana Seeker Parker is really Lana Parker, a (current/former) community rep for the company (Seeker is a reference to one of their games, Seekers Notes.) Nadezhda Grigoreva is/was also employed by the company. Ravenhill is one of Mytona's games. Also somewhat unrelated, Rany Roy is a crypto scammer that posted his site on the page. poketape (talk) 06:34, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
User:Faltu Katha (possible upe)[edit]
- Sarsagun Patrika (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Draft:PetPair (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Faltu Katha (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
It appears that the user Faltu Katha may be an undisclosed paid editor. Initially, they created Sarsagun Patrika and subsequently attempted to remove the AfD tag multiple times. Moreover, they moved Draft:PetPair to the main namespace. Considering that Draft:PetPair was originally created by a user with a conflict of interest, it raises suspicion that user Faltu Katha might have been hired after the submission was declined. A paid warning was left on their user talk page; however, instead of responding, they removed all content from their talk page. Given their lack of response to warnings, it is necessary to address this issue here. Pinging @Wikishovel:, if they want to add anything. GSS 💬 16:03, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
- I had the same concerns when I saw the move to main space of the draft, as well as the editor's abrupt blanking of GSS' polite requests for clarification at user talk. Wikishovel (talk) 16:16, 8 March 2024 (UTC)
- Doug Weller blocked Faltu Katha (talk · contribs) on 12 March for undisclosed paid editing. Since then, three sockpuppet investigations have been submitted at Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Faltu Katha for Wikilovery (talk · contribs), who I have just blocked for being an improperly recruited account of Faltu Katha that has engaged in undisclosed paid editing and permission gaming. — Newslinger talk 05:26, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
StandardAero[edit]
- StandardAero (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- AmandaM2024 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- 174.67.126.98 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Likely the same user as both have had identical copyright violations revdel'd. While both have been COI warned by multiple editors, 174.67.126.98 continues to edit StandardAero even after implicitly admitting COI. ThaddeusSholto (talk) 18:08, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Gavin Fields[edit]
- Gavin Fields (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Brutal Season (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Gradock (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
New editor User:Gradock has explained here at Talk:Gavin Fields their rationale for creating this biography of Gavin Fields, along with a film article connected with Fields. Gradock has created both in apparent good faith, and is attempting to abide by WP:COI guidelines, but there are at least two outstanding problems: the first is that both articles should have been created in draft and submitted through WP:AFC; the second is that copyright permission for the photos mentioned in that talk page discussion above must be sorted out as outlined in WP:IOWN. I'd like to fix these problems in a non-WP:BITE-y way, as the new editor is clearly keen to do things correctly. Could I get some help with this please? Thanks. Wikishovel (talk) 18:44, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Ciner Group[edit]
- Ciner Group (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- EastThermopolis (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
You say you do not have a conflict of interest but you have mainly edited articles about companies, and sometimes people such as https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Turgay_Ciner&diff=1168434614&oldid=1142808892 about the owner of the company. Also you removed without explaining why info I had added about the company greenhouse gas emissions. Chidgk1 (talk) 19:04, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Chidgk1 You will see I make many edits to articles relating to dozens of companies, all over the world - in various industry sectors. If you're saying: "mainly edited articles about companies", is the proof for your baseless allegation, then before you proceed with this, I would politely ask you provide this discussion with clear and incontrovertible evidence of a CoI on my part. Thank you. Natural justice EastThermopolis (talk) 19:20, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- I don’t know anything about you outside of Wikipedia and I have not looked into your edits on other company articles, but the comment for https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ciner_Group&diff=1165795779&oldid=1165014025 merely mentioned adding info but removed a fact (being on the Global Coal Exit List) which might reflect badly on the company Chidgk1 (talk) 19:38, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
For background info - there was a discussion about another article at https://wiki.alquds.edu/?query=Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard/Archive_188#Farkhad_Akhmedov Chidgk1 (talk) 19:29, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- @EastThermopolis: Your edits to this article added press release material. I can see from your user talk page that multiple editors have questioned your apparent conflicts of interest. We do not have to present proof of your conflict, rather you are legally obligated to tell is of your conflicts of interest. The matter has been brought to this noticeboard to crowdsource investigation as you've been opaque on the subject. Chris Troutman (talk) 19:36, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Chris troutman I look forward to putting a robust defence against your baseless CoI allegations / hunches. Thanks for pointing out my legal "obligations". I'm sure therefore, you will want to adhere to the principles of Natural justice, when investigating this matter. Thank you. EastThermopolis (talk) 19:49, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- A quick question for you…
- On how many different articles have your major edits resulted in other editors raising issues such as, say, adding apparently promotional material, adding material sourced to the subject, removing properly sourced material, etc.? Axad12 (talk) 06:09, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- (Okay, I'll answer my own question.)
- I make it 6.
- The 3 articles mentioned above...
- Plus a further 2 articles (both created by the user) discussed on the user’s talk page: ACF Investment Bank (since deleted, described as “unambiguous advertising”) and Digitalbox (draft rejected for, amongst other reasons, “reads […] like an advertisement”).
- Plus Zenus Bank where half of the article the user created was later removed to ‘tone down promotional material’.
- The user’s main activity on Wikipedia has been 100s of formulaic small edits about company acquisitions and 100s of individuals added (one by one) to lists of ‘Notable People from […]. If you look beyond that, however, the problematic edits on the 6 articles above represent a significant proportion of the editor’s more sizable edits. They cover a period from Sept 2021 onwards, but despite feedback from other editors the issues seem to persist. Axad12 (talk) 11:19, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- There seems to be a recurring pattern to the user’s contribution history which other editors/admins may wish to have a look at.
- The background noise of small edits on company acquisitions etc tends to turn on and off and to ramp up at certain points. There are lengthy periods with very few edits, followed by a large edit (or a series of large edits) which other editors later find problematic for promo reasons. The large edit is then closely followed by a large number of small uncontroversial edits on a wide range of articles (usually restricted to a single broad subject area). For example:
- Jan-mid Sept 2021 - 7 edits in 8.5 months,
- later Sept-Dec 2021 – a series of large edits (later described by user Snooganssnoogans (currently Thenightaway) in March 22 as ‘I'm struggling to understand why a non-WP:COI account would make these edits’.[1])
- first half of Dec 2021 - suddenly 100+ edits (Mostly formulaically presented world news items, consisting of ‘On [date X], [one sentence], [link]’.)
- Or…
- Jun-Sept 2022 - 5 edits in 4 months,
- Oct 2022 - new page created for Zenus Bank (half of which was later removed in Jan 24 by user Mean as custard to ‘tone down promotional material’.[2])
- first half of Nov 2022 - suddenly 200+ edits (Mostly individuals being added one by one to lists of ‘Notable people from [place X]’.)
- Or…
- Mar-mid July 2023 - 3 edits in 4.5 months,
- mid July-very early August 2023 – the large edits on Ciner Group and Turgay Ciner recently flagged above by Chidgk1 (some of the edit to the former of those articles was deleted within an hour of being made for ‘puffery’ and tagged as reading like an advertisement[3] .
- August 23 - suddenly 100+ edits. (Mostly formulaic items on company acquisitions consisting of ‘In [month/year], it was announced that [company X] had acquired the [city Y]-based [company Z] for [$amount], [link]’.)
- A similar cycle may have commenced recently after a quiet period from Nov 23 to Feb 24. A new article was created in early March 24, followed by the recommencement of formulaic acquisition-related edits.
- As I say, the situation would probably benefit from others having a look at the contribution history to see what they think. Axad12 (talk) 09:55, 16 March 2024 (UTC)
- I don't see any evidence of conflict of interest. There are occasional problematic edits but these should be dealt with on their own merits rather than trying to suggest a pattern of conspiracy. . .Mean as custard (talk) 23:19, 17 March 2024 (UTC)
- All that the user has offered in their defence (here or previously) is denials that they have a COI, plus requests for proof of COI, and a general refusal to accept that material that appears to be promotional is in any way problematic.
- However, edits that appear promotional are a problem even in the absence of a demonstrable COI.
- There needs to be some acknowledgement from the user that a number of their larger edits have been significantly outside of policy. E.g. they could undertake not to make any further breaches of WP:NOTPROMO (or similar) and not to make any further removals of properly sourced material.
- If the user has no COI then what possible objection could they have to such a request? Axad12 (talk) 05:37, 18 March 2024 (UTC)
- I don't see any evidence of conflict of interest. There are occasional problematic edits but these should be dealt with on their own merits rather than trying to suggest a pattern of conspiracy. . .Mean as custard (talk) 23:19, 17 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Chris troutman I look forward to putting a robust defence against your baseless CoI allegations / hunches. Thanks for pointing out my legal "obligations". I'm sure therefore, you will want to adhere to the principles of Natural justice, when investigating this matter. Thank you. EastThermopolis (talk) 19:49, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Kevin Sullivan (journalist)[edit]
- Kevin Sullivan (journalist) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Mary Jordan (journalist) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Patrickmulholland (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Susanortiz (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Kennelis (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Lisakennedyy (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Both Kevin Sullivan (journalist) and Mary Jordan (journalist) were created by a SPA, Lindsey M Anderson, back in 2011. That account never edited again. Since that time, a series of SPAs only edit these two articles and only to add blatantly promotional material.
Today was the most recent instance when Kennelis made edits to each article. When I reverted them and gave a COI warning, Lisakennedyy was created and duplicated the same edits (compare this and this.)
I created a sockpuppet investigation but I could really use some extra eyes to see what needs to be removed from these two articles. Much of it is completely unsourced. ThaddeusSholto (talk) 20:17, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
- After reporting this, Lisakennedyy returned to blank the COI tags on both articles. [4] [5] with an edit summary of "Resolved issues" even though they have done nothing of the kind. ThaddeusSholto (talk) 20:35, 11 March 2024 (UTC)
Is it time to make WP:COI a policy?[edit]
Just a straw poll at this stage, but it's apparent that the community is becoming increasingly irked by abuse of editing privileges in ways which run counter to the guidance in WP:COI. A recurrent "defense" is that WP:COI is "only" a guideline and this in turn wastes further time in lawyering. Is it time to upgrade to policy? To be clear: this means that abiding by WP:COI will become something the community expects from editors, not just something they "should attempt to follow". Bon courage (talk) 05:21, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- My worry with it being policy is that I feel it is still worded as optional. Wouldn't the same issues arise with an optional policy as arises with an optional guideline? I can still see editors simply saying that it doesn't say that they must disclose, and it says that they are only strongly discouraged from editing affected articles. Perhaps this needs to be in two steps: lock down the requirements and the consequences, and then make it a policy to enforce them? But I suspect that getting consensus on either or both will be a challenge. - Bilby (talk) 07:19, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- People are regularly blocked/desysopped/etc for editing with conflicts of interest that go beyond the bounds of propriety, and it seems kind of dumb for WP:COI to be a guideline in light of that. On the other hand, stuff like WP:GNG (which you also are not able to ignore) is also a guideline. But I think the message sent by making COI a policy is a good and important one. I would support it if it came up. jp×g🗯️ 05:44, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I would support that. Hopefully it would improve enforceability/compliance, with it as a "mere" guideline it doesn't get much respect... See this recent response from a paid editor to concerns raised about disregarding major parts of COI "Also, if something is "strongly discouraged," it sounds like it's actually still allowed. A rule that can't be enforced is not really a rule."[6] Horse Eye's Back (talk) 05:55, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- Exactly. I've see similar comments before. The guideline is completely ignored by the vast majority of coi editors. It is toothless. You do get the occasional coi editor turning up at The Teahouse, for example, I saw one recently, the editor was in earnest, but its mostly ignored. It seems more and more reports are being made to the board every year. That isn't even taking into consideration the ones that not discovered, e.g. recently there an editor who had working on the same article for 13 years. Its a problem thats getting bigger and leaving a legacy of damaged articles whose long term value is doubtful. Certainly there is now not enough editors working to address the problem, it needs to be tightened in a way that reduces the problem. scope_creepTalk 14:52, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- That speaks more to the unwillingness of admins to block CoI editors than it is of how the guideline is written. Would admins be more active in enforcement if it was a policy? WP:N is likewise a guideline. IAR is a policy. Chris Troutman (talk) 15:06, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I suspect so as they have a duty of care to uphold policy. In previous years, recently, there has been periods were there no admin presence on the board, sometimes quite long, running into months and months. I think it would make a difference. More work for the admin corps certainly, which would be unfortunate. scope_creepTalk 15:40, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I love blocking spammers and undisclosed paid editors, but it is sometimes quite difficult to get rid of the feces they smear around beforehand; oftentimes people will demand a spam article be taken to AfD and evaluated purely on the merits. It's also unclear whether, say, noting that someone's username is the same as a 'Wikipedia consultant' on some other website is a blockable/desysopable/etc WP:OUTING offense, so it's often hard to even mention the reason you know something to be spam.
- When our actions, in practice, are that you're just allowed to make an endless series of burner accounts to spam your dogshit company, and then one of the few hundred active administrators has to spend hours and burn social capital to maybe-kinda get the article deleted, it's no wonder people keep paying for spammers rather than disclosed paid editors. As an example of what I'm talking about, there's been an edit request unanswered at Talk:Character.ai for a week, doing it the right way, versus Perplexity.ai, which was almost certainly written by a UPE (a new user whose first edits were all to write promotional spam articles about startups and entrepreneurs, and padded it out with some gnoming edits... to articles about content marketing companies and content farms) -- they got what they paid for the same day and it's been allowed to stay ever since, and even survived an AfD. One has to wonder why, if we hate spam, we reward people for doing it and punish them for following the rules. jp×g🗯️ 17:09, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- That speaks more to the unwillingness of admins to block CoI editors than it is of how the guideline is written. Would admins be more active in enforcement if it was a policy? WP:N is likewise a guideline. IAR is a policy. Chris Troutman (talk) 15:06, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- Exactly. I've see similar comments before. The guideline is completely ignored by the vast majority of coi editors. It is toothless. You do get the occasional coi editor turning up at The Teahouse, for example, I saw one recently, the editor was in earnest, but its mostly ignored. It seems more and more reports are being made to the board every year. That isn't even taking into consideration the ones that not discovered, e.g. recently there an editor who had working on the same article for 13 years. Its a problem thats getting bigger and leaving a legacy of damaged articles whose long term value is doubtful. Certainly there is now not enough editors working to address the problem, it needs to be tightened in a way that reduces the problem. scope_creepTalk 14:52, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
The current definition of WP:COI is so broad that it would be unworkable and it massively dilutes the credibility of the current guideline. We'd need a more targeted definition of COI to make the current guideline more credible much less promote it to a policy. North8000 (talk) 15:29, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- Our current definition of COI is much less broad than my employer's (and I assume most of our employer's), what we have is actually very targeted and fitted to our purposes. Horse Eye's Back (talk) 16:09, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I disagree. The COI definition is so broad that under it nearly everybody could be interpreted as having a COI. North8000 (talk) 21:10, 16 March 2024 (UTC)
- I'm not sure I understand, do you mean that everyone has a COI with every subject or everyone has at least one COI with one subject? Horse Eye's Back (talk) 21:16, 16 March 2024 (UTC)
- I disagree. The COI definition is so broad that under it nearly everybody could be interpreted as having a COI. North8000 (talk) 21:10, 16 March 2024 (UTC)
- Our current definition of COI is much less broad than my employer's (and I assume most of our employer's), what we have is actually very targeted and fitted to our purposes. Horse Eye's Back (talk) 16:09, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I agree the guideline needs to be tightened up before trying to promote it to a policy. As we are witnessing, "strongly discouraged" is problematic but at the same time, I think we can do a better job making it clear editors do not need to reveal their identity or the exact nature of their COI (excluding PAID). If an editor is not sure whether they have COI, we need to provide a private outlet where they ask. I don't think there is a need to declare potential COIs. If they are not editing the article or participating in discussions about it, we should not care. S0091 (talk) 16:48, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
Madame Tussauds COI[edit]
@PedroOReal, WP:COI declared at [7], has been editing several articles in this manner:[8]. Problems include WP:PROPORTION, WP:PUFFERY, WP:PROMO and in some cases [9] WP:ABOUTSELF. Latest edit was about a week ago after they talked with @Diannaa, but their edits [10] are several and should be looked at.
Mentioning a Madame Tussauds figure is not necessarily unreasonable, especially with decent secondary sources, but IMO PedroOReal is overdoing it. And you know, COI. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 09:23, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- In response to the concerns raised by @Gråbergs Gråa Sång, I want to clearly state that my edits across Wikipedia have always been guided by a commitment to factual accuracy and adherence to Wikipedia's guidelines and policies. My intention has never been to engage in puffery, promotion, or any behavior that goes against Wikipedia's principles, such as WP:PROPORTION, WP:PUFFERY, and WP:PROMO.
- Regarding the specific instance involving @Diannaa, I have taken the feedback seriously and made corrections to ensure that my contributions are in line with Wikipedia's standards. The initial response on my part was driven by a sense of being unfairly targeted, which may have led to a defensive stance. However, I recognize the importance of constructive dialogue and have made efforts to rectify any issues in my contributions accordingly and the information I provided.
- The mention of a Madame Tussauds figure in my edits was based on the belief that it was relevant and supported by reliable secondary sources, aiming to enhance the articles' quality and informational value. I understand that the perception of overemphasis might arise, but please rest assured that my goal has been to contribute positively and informatively to Wikipedia.
- It is disheartening to experience what feels like an unwarranted critique of my efforts to contribute to Wikipedia. I believe that the community's energy would be better spent fostering a supportive environment where contributors feel encouraged to add value and knowledge to this shared resource. Constructive feedback is always welcome, and I am open to discussions that can help improve the quality of my contributions. However, I also believe in the importance of focusing on collaboration and mutual respect among Wikipedia contributors to maintain the platform's integrity and usefulness. PedroOReal (talk) 09:35, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Your entire editing history has been devoted to adding essentially the same content to multiple articles, all of which is clearly and unambiguously promoting Madame Tussauds, rather than adding to understanding of the article subject. Biographies are about people, not waxworks models. That isn't "in line with Wikipedia's standards". It is entirely contrary to them. AndyTheGrump (talk) 09:49, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- @PedroOReal: You seem to be promoting Madame Tussauds at the expense of Wikipedia Terms of Use, which explicity disallows any promotional advertising on this site. You have admited you have WP:coi and your promoting your company. Administration will be along to have chat with you no doubt. Your a net negative to Wikipedia and costing us time and energy to fix it. It doesn't sit well with us. scope_creepTalk 10:16, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- It is disheartening to experience those glib AI-created clichés from PedroOReal above, and I see the same on Diannaa's page. Failure to speak in your own words is disrespectful in itself. I note that the promotion is currently on pause; if it resumes, I will block. Bishonen | tålk 10:27, 12 March 2024 (UTC).
- Hello @AndyTheGrump, @Scope creep, and @Bishonen,
- I’ve taken the time to review your comments and the concerns raised regarding my edits on Wikipedia. First, let me be clear: my intent has never been to undermine Wikipedia’s values or to engage in promotional activities. The interpretation that my contributions were solely for the benefit of Madame Tussauds or any other entity is a misunderstanding of my intentions. However, I recognize that perception is as impactful as intention, and for that, I am prepared to reassess my approach to editing.
- To the point of my editing history focusing on content related to Madame Tussauds: My interest in these topics was driven by a genuine fascination with cultural landmarks and their influence on public perceptions of notable figures, not by any affiliation or compensation from Madame Tussauds or any other entity. That said, I understand the critical importance of maintaining Wikipedia's neutrality and the high standards expected of contributions to the platform.
- Regarding accusations of employing "glib AI-created clichés" or failing to communicate in my own words, I want to clarify that my use of AI tools is solely to enhance my text, leveraging it as the valuable resource it is. My intention has always been to contribute high-quality content to Wikipedia, and incorporating technology is part of modernizing and enriching our shared knowledge base. If this approach has led to misunderstandings about the authenticity of my contributions, I offer my sincere apologies.
- It's disheartening to witness the dynamics where individuals seem to rally together to harass or provoke others under the guise of safeguarding the integrity of Wikipedia. While having an IRC channel or any platform for communication can indeed foster camaraderie and facilitate important discussions among contributors, it's crucial that these spaces do not devolve into echo chambers for organizing targeted actions against individuals based on misunderstandings or disagreements. Wikipedia thrives on collaboration, diverse perspectives, and the mutual respect of its contributors. It's essential that we maintain a community spirit that is welcoming, constructive, and focused on the collective goal of enriching this invaluable resource, rather than allowing it to be marred by divisiveness.
- Moving forward, I commit to a thorough review and adjustment of my contributions to ensure they align more closely with Wikipedia's standards and expectations. I will also engage more constructively in discussions on talk pages before making edits that could be perceived as contentious.
- I appreciate your dedication to preserving the integrity and neutrality of Wikipedia.
- I hope we can move past this with a mutual understanding and a shared goal of contributing positively to this invaluable resource. Let’s direct our energies towards enhancing Wikipedia together, rather than dwelling on past misunderstandings.
- Thank you for your time and consideration. PedroOReal (talk) 10:51, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Stop using the fucking chatbot. Or fuck off. AndyTheGrump (talk) 10:59, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- [11] shows this is definitely AI. Doug Weller talk 11:12, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- I 've shown them the door. The problems outlined above, plus if someone's responses are always AI generated we have cannot be sure they understand them. Doug Weller talk 11:22, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- [11] shows this is definitely AI. Doug Weller talk 11:12, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Stop using the fucking chatbot. Or fuck off. AndyTheGrump (talk) 10:59, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Your entire editing history has been devoted to adding essentially the same content to multiple articles, all of which is clearly and unambiguously promoting Madame Tussauds, rather than adding to understanding of the article subject. Biographies are about people, not waxworks models. That isn't "in line with Wikipedia's standards". It is entirely contrary to them. AndyTheGrump (talk) 09:49, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Well I just put the users edit on Bad Bunny through the AI checker after removing the wiki formatting - 94% likely to have been created by AI Lyndaship (talk) 11:28, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
Makes me nostalgic for this guy. Sean.hoyland (talk) 11:45, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership[edit]
- Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Partnership (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)Theroadislong (talk) 09:31, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- Erinstewart-REEEP (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Paid editor is adding back promotional content [12] has been asked to suggest edits on talk page but there are WP:CIR issues. Article reads like marketing for the organisation. Theroadislong (talk) 09:31, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- This is not correct - the content was there since 2016 and included facts about the organisation. This editor completely deleted the section which I wanted to suggest edits to on the talk page, so I restored it in order to be able to suggest the edits. Erinstewart-REEEP (talk) 10:08, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- I have added citations all over the page, deleted old text that was no longer correct and have suggested edits to the text to make it more neutral. This editor is now questioning my competence and is ignoring the comments I am leaving him and escalating it elsewhere. This is a case of bullying. Erinstewart-REEEP (talk) 10:16, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
Inappropriate and Uncivil Response in Discussion by User:@AndyTheGrump[edit]
I am writing to report an incident involving uncivil and inappropriate behavior by User @AndyTheGrump during a discussion on https://wiki.alquds.edu/?query=Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard. On 12 March 2024, in response to a detailed and constructive message I posted addressing concerns about my edits and my use of AI to enhance contributions to Wikipedia, AndyTheGrump replied with the following message:
"Stop using the fucking chatbot. Or fuck off. AndyTheGrump (talk) 10:59, 12 March 2024 (UTC)"
This response was not only uncivil but also violated Wikipedia's policies on respectful communication and harassment. My original message aimed to clarify my intentions, respond to feedback, and express a willingness to align my contributions more closely with Wikipedia's standards. It was disheartening to receive such a response, which does not contribute to a constructive or welcoming community environment.
I believe that all community members should strive to maintain a respectful and collaborative atmosphere, even in disagreements. Therefore, I kindly request that this incident be reviewed by administrators, and appropriate actions be taken according to Wikipedia's guidelines on civility and harassment. My hope is to ensure that Wikipedia remains a space where all contributors feel respected and valued, fostering positive dialogue and cooperation.
Thank you for your time and consideration in addressing this matter. PedroOReal (talk) 11:18, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
Michael Rubin (businessman) [edit]
- Michael Rubin (businessman) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- RebeccaSchoenbrun (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
RebeccaSchoenbrun has only edited Michael Rubin (businessman). Clear COI but warnings ignored and they have not disclosed yet continue to edit the article adding overkill amounts of references like this and puffery about the value of his company. ThaddeusSholto (talk) 13:36, 12 March 2024 (UTC)
- ThaddeusSholto, it seems quite likely that RebeccaSchoenbrun isn't aware of her own talkpage. I've blocked her from article space with an informative note and a link in the block log, which will hopefully enable her to find her page and reply on it. Bishonen | tålk 20:15, 13 March 2024 (UTC).
The Latymer School[edit]
- The Latymer School (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Stephen Way (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Username is the same as that given in the article for the school's chair of governors. Diffs:
- adding league table results
- adding unsourced info about football pitch
- adding redlink to notable former pupils
Editor has not responded to CoI template or follow-up on their Talk page, and has continued to edit the article. Tacyarg (talk) 08:57, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- As Chair of Governors I have an interst in making sure the page is accurate. I have given citations where available. Stephen Way (talk) 09:54, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- You've stated on your talk page that you don't believe you have a conflict of interest, apparently on the basis that you're not an employee. Note, however, that WP:COI makes it clear that non-paid editors can still have a COI. As chair of governors you do have a COI (or at least a potential COI), which is why the matter has been reported here. Therefore please start abiding by the rules for COI editors, starting by formally declaring the COI on your user page. Axad12 (talk) 10:42, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- You certainly have a conflict of interest as the chair of the governors. It's not appropriate for you to edit the school's page. Secretlondon (talk) 11:10, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Stephen Way: If you continue editing that article you will be taken up to WP:ANI and I will recommend you get blocked for disruptive editing. You have a conflict of interest, plain as day. From now on, please use the Edit Request mechanism to request updates to the article. It involves making a request in the talk page and uninvolved editor will come-by, examine them for balance/structure/reliable sourcing and if found to be good, then will go into the article. scope_creepTalk 14:26, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- OK - I wasn't aware of this mechanism. I will do this in the future. I do not have a user page to add a COI declaration. Stephen Way (talk) 07:37, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Stephen Way: Then add one. scope_creepTalk 07:50, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Stephen Way: See Wikipedia:User pages. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 16:20, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- OK - I wasn't aware of this mechanism. I will do this in the future. I do not have a user page to add a COI declaration. Stephen Way (talk) 07:37, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Stephen Way: If you continue editing that article you will be taken up to WP:ANI and I will recommend you get blocked for disruptive editing. You have a conflict of interest, plain as day. From now on, please use the Edit Request mechanism to request updates to the article. It involves making a request in the talk page and uninvolved editor will come-by, examine them for balance/structure/reliable sourcing and if found to be good, then will go into the article. scope_creepTalk 14:26, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
International Churches of Christ[edit]
- International Churches of Christ (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- JamieBrown2011 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Meta Voyager (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Psmidi (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
International Churches of Christ is again the subject of COI editing. JamieBrown2011's COI has previously been discussed at Wikipedia:Conflict of interest/Noticeboard/Archive 203#International Churches of Christ. Meta Voyager is part of "a congregation that operates independently, but has a relationship with the International Churches of Christ", as described here. JamieBrown2011 has today removed material critical of the church from the article and added mention of the testimony of a witness saying that church isn't a cult, the inclusion of which was previously discussed at Talk:International Churches of Christ#RfC on Singapore court case and lacked consensus. Cordless Larry (talk) 21:45, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- "cult" is a really useless term, it just provides condemnation. Secretlondon (talk) 22:13, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- There are reliable sources describing it as such, but ultimately that's an article content debate, whereas the issue here is editors associated with the church editing the article to portray it in a more positive light. Cordless Larry (talk) 22:16, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- I agree with SecretLondon. A simple google search of the word “cult” provides hundreds if not thousands of references describing multiple different church groups as “cults”. JamieBrown2011 (talk) 07:43, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- I also disagree with CordlessLarry, there has been lots of discussion, over a period of multiple days, if not weeks, on the Talk page and consensus was clear over the changes that that needed to be made.JamieBrown2011 (talk) 07:54, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- It's nothing to do with google. Academic writing in religion would/should never use the word cult. However, for Wikipedia. if a reliable source called it a cult we could use that, but some newspapers are not great on these issues. Secretlondon (talk) 12:25, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- I agree with SecretLondon. A simple google search of the word “cult” provides hundreds if not thousands of references describing multiple different church groups as “cults”. JamieBrown2011 (talk) 07:43, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- There are reliable sources describing it as such, but ultimately that's an article content debate, whereas the issue here is editors associated with the church editing the article to portray it in a more positive light. Cordless Larry (talk) 22:16, 13 March 2024 (UTC)
- Cordless Larry, a Wikipedia administrator, has mischaracterized my involvement in a minor edit as a Conflict of Interest. In support of my request that his actions be reversed, I offer the following additional information. I simply repositioned for readability purposes a reliably sourced single sentence about an expert witness that had already been written and published by another editor in a paragraph authored by a third editor, Nowa. Prior to any editing of the subject paragraph, Nowa consented to edits being proposed to that effect. That’s it – I made a minor edit to improve the article by cutting and pasting an already published sentence. Cordless Larry references my response to a welcome letter I received from another administrator that included a suggestion that I disclose any conflicts of interest. In relevant part, here's a more complete description of my disclosure: (1) I disclosed my membership in a congregation that has a relationship with the International Churches of Christ, (2) I stated that I have never been compensated as an employee or consultant to the church, (3) I shared that I have a general interest in Restoration Churches in the USA, (4) I informed that I have legal training and experience and am familiar with conflicts of interest, (5) I expressed my view that advocacy on a topic that you care about does not constitute a conflict of interest and (6) I have confined my comments to the Talk page of the International Churches of Christ article until a consensus for change has been reached. I’m confident that a review of my comments on the Talk page will show that I have researched and reported only on Wikipedia policies with an intent to improve the article. I respectfully request that Cordless Larry remove his posting about conflicts of interest as they pertain to me. Meta Voyager (talk) 11:48, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- Having received no response to my request to remove the posting about me from this COI Noticeboard, I have reached out on this topic directly to Cordless Larry on his Talk page in accordance with WP:ADMIN. Meta Voyager (talk) 14:19, 18 March 2024 (UTC)
I've added Psmidi, an SPA with a COI who showed up on the article talk page today, several years after their last edit. It wouldn't surprise me if off-Wikipedia co-ordination between ICOC members was going on here. Cordless Larry (talk) 19:39, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
Paktourismportal.com link spam by User:Ainty Painty[edit]
- Aziz Dheri (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Razmak (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Ainty Painty (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
There are multiple issues with Ainty Painty (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log), including the AI-generated crap articles they regularly publish, but this one is related to the link-building of the website they operate and likely own. As of 14 March 2024, they have linked their website to at least 72 articles. Someone has to clean-up this spam and check with the spambot if there are more.
Also, "about us" of the website reveals: "Pakistan Tourism Portal founded by Wisal Ahmad." This leads us to a sockpuppet farm Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Wisal Ahmad. It is obvious that they have previously operated sockpuppets and are currently technically blocked from editing this wiki. More eyes on them please. Thanks, 101.100.146.151 (talk) 18:33, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- They have submitted drafts such as Draft:QQPlayer and Draft:K2 Airways in the past. 101.100.146.151 (talk) 18:45, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
Garry John Martin[edit]
- Garry John Martin (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Pchis (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- Pchis1 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- 2A00:23C8:2A85:9301:5037:9BD9:20F6:69F7 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
- 80.247.25.143 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Pchis created this article in 2016 and continued to edit it until 2019. The user's edit summary in 2016 suggests they have a conflict of interest: Why have my images of Garry Martin been removed? They are all the author's work, taken by his wife, Sue Lewis-Blake ... . The text they added was sometimes overtly promotional, such as this 2019 addition: G.J.Martin’s magnum opus, his ‘Orcadian Trilogy’ was launched in the Orkney Library and Archive in Kirkwall in June 2019. The result of ten years research and six years writing ...
This month, Pchis1 started to edit the article. This looks as if it is a sock of Pchis. I have not reported as a sock as I didn't want to cause potential confusion by reporting in two places. Their first edit added forthcoming books, without sourcing. Their second edit added a paragraph which read promotional, ... Martin offered readings of ‘The Truants’ in English to a packed audience in an independent bookshop in Lüneburg, recognising the growing interest in Germany of literary novels written in English. I reverted this as unsourced, and their third edit added it again. I reverted this and asked them about conflict of interest, and they replied, not logged in: No, I do not have a conflict of interest. This text is provided by Garry John Martin for me to update his entry. I responded that this is a conflict of interest. Following this, an IP editor has added the same text again. Tacyarg (talk) 20:29, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- Looks more like a forgotten password issue than socking. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 20:22, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
Paul Devlin (filmmaker)[edit]
- Paul Devlin (filmmaker) (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Elizasypon (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
After acknowledging being paid by the article's subject, continuing to edit here [13], [14]. Topic block may be in order. 2601:19E:4180:6D50:65F5:930C:B0B2:CD63 (talk) 23:55, 14 March 2024 (UTC)
- Also misleading edit summaries, as in claiming to add 'references' and not doing so [15]. 2601:19E:4180:6D50:65F5:930C:B0B2:CD63 (talk) 00:13, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
James Chico Hernandez[edit]
- James Chico Hernandez (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- Chico 9 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
Although their user page says "I have made many contributions to many articles over the last few years", this is not true. This is a WP:SPA focused on the article James Chico Hernandez, which they created as their first edit. I can see that COI/closeness to the subject has been brought up several times on their talk page and on the article talk page, as far back as 2006 and 2008. I posted a COI template on their page last month - none of those comments have been acknowledged by the user. The template I posted on the article was deleted by the user with the reasoning "Issue resolved" - it's not. The article itself is clearly WP:PROMOTION and not in-line with WP:BLP standards.
This is the first time I've done this so hopefully I've added the necessary details. Spagooder (talk) 01:42, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
- @Spagooder: We can't know that "I have made many contributions to many articles over the last few years" is not true, because the user may have been editing without logging in, or using a previous account. That said, from what you say, everything you have done seems to be by the book. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 20:19, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
Kashi Laining International Airport[edit]
- Kashi Laining International Airport (edit | talk | history | links | watch | logs)
- 二武是大猫 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
User has declared in talk page posts that they are an employee of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the controlling entity for China's airports, and has been notified at least twice of potential COI when editing pages associated with the CAAC. This user has not denied a COI, but rather continues to state that they feel as though they do not need to declare a COI since they source their edits. Most of the user's activity is good-faith, non-controversial edits, save for a few key incidents, such as the movement of the page listed here. nf utvol (talk) 19:20, 15 March 2024 (UTC)
Barton1234[edit]
- Richard H. Ebright (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)
- Barton1234 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
This user is a SPA who created and has exclusively edited the Wikipedia article about Professor Ebright for over a decade. They pretty obviously have a COI and a close relation to the subject, but have refused to respond to any questions about having a conflict of interest (see the various notifications at User talk:Barton1234 and the previous COIN thread from 2022 Wikipedia:Conflict_of_interest/Noticeboard/Archive_193#Richard_H._Ebright) and has continued to edit the article directly as recently as today. I would support permanently partially blocking them from the article and only allowing them to make talkpage requests. Hemiauchenia (talk) 02:13, 18 March 2024 (UTC)