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Wikinews:Bots/Archive 2

ZacharyBot: Moving old comment pages
I've set up ZacharyBot to move the old comment pages (Talk: /Comments) to the comment namespace. I'll run this tonight (~5:00 UTC) if there are no objections. —Zachary talk 22:06, 20 January 2008 (UTC)
 * I never ran this. I'll probably do it tonight (Jan 24 ~ 5:00 UTC) —Zachary talk 17:39, 23 January 2008 (UTC)
 * I ran this on Jan 25 instead. It went through 587 pages starting at 07:22 UTC and ending 10:18 UTC, at a rate of ~ 4 pages/min. The pages moved can be seen here. (→ Zachary ) 20:36, 25 January 2008 (UTC)

user:Bawolff_bot
Bawolff bot is updating template:Popular articles again, now using domas's stats as a source. Uses a very similiar system to the previous system, just a different data source. I will update its userpage accordingly sometime soonish. Bawolff ☺☻ 00:26, 14 July 2008 (UTC)
 * Can this be modified to exclude the main page, special pages, and portals? --Brian McNeil / talk 09:14, 27 July 2008 (UTC)
 * I think it is important that this bot also create a list of the five most popular articles in the last hour such that this could be listed on the main page, or included in infoboxes such as Wikinews Today infobox. --Brian McNeil / talk 10:11, 27 July 2008 (UTC)
 * See also . --Melancholie (talk) 00:05, 21 August 2008 (UTC)

Request flag for User:Computer

 * Operator: User:White Cat (Commons:User:White Cat)
 * Bot name: Computer
 * Tasks: Interwiki linking, double redirect fixing, commons delinking (for cases where commonsdelinker fails)
 * Bot has a flag on wikimedia (meta,commons) wikipedia (ar, az, de, en, es, et, fr, is, ja, ku, nn, no, ru, sr, tr, uz, simple...) Full list: m:User:White Cat
 * -- Cat chi? 21:57, 23 February 2008 (UTC)

 * I saw this bot do a run this morning and it seemed to be "doing the right thing" --Brian McNeil / talk 17:45, 13 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Vote struck, bot has not continued operation to further build trust with edits visible. --Brian McNeil / talk 22:13, 19 March 2008 (UTC)
 * If I run the bot without a bot flag someone would just block it for it. -- Cat chi? 15:01, 30 March 2008 (UTC)
 * No, the bot would be allowed to run unless it went out of control. --Brian McNeil / talk 15:51, 30 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I'd be happy to see this bot given the flag. I've got no doubts that White Cat can be trusted to be responsible based upon his experience elsewhere. Any bots which run without flags risk getting blocked if they edit at too high a rate. Adambro - (talk) 16:00, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

 * Bot flag granted --Cspurrier - (talk) 19:24, 5 May 2008 (UTC)

Request flag for User:JAnDbot

 * Operator: User:JAn Dudík (cs:User:JAn Dudík)
 * Bot name: JAnDbot
 * Tasks: Interwiki linking from cs:wikinews using pywikipedia framework.
 * Bot has a flag on cs:wikinews and on 150+ wikipedias
 * JAn Dudík (talk) 10:55, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

Comments

 * Could you create a userpage for the bot explaining a little bit about what it does please. Adambro (talk) 11:47, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
 * The bot has been temporarily blocked by Markie after it was observed removing interwiki links. --SVTCobra 12:47, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Userpage created, now will not remove non-existing links. JAn Dudík (talk) 13:20, 29 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Userpage does not seem to explain what the bot does. --SVTCobra 13:38, 29 May 2008 (UTC)

 * My block (after Markie's) has expired now. The bot was flooding recent changes and it seems to have been suspended. I'd seen it delete an interwiki prior to Markie blocking it, I did not see that behaviour again. I generally support what the bot appears to be set up to do. --Brian McNeil / talk 08:59, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
 * Userpage does need more details. A quick bullet-point functional spec of what it sets out to do would be ideal. --Brian McNeil / talk 09:00, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * tentative pending bot userpage update and addition of big red switch (the template to block). --Brian McNeil / talk 09:01, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
 * until it can be confirmed that this bot will stop removing valid interwiki links. Anonymous101  19:10, 5 June 2008 (UTC)
 * Can you provide an example where this bot removed a valid link. It is best to document such allegations. --SVTCobra 23:26, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

 * bot is defective. --Brian McNeil / talk 13:31, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Wikinews Importer bot
To set up a mobile phone version of wikinews (similar to http://en.wap.wikipedia.org ) We need a version of the main page that has no DPL's or templates. I believe using the wikinews importer bot (its the bot that syndicates our headlines to certain places on wikipedia) to copy out a DPL of latest published to a specific page (probably Main Page/Simple Main Page/mobile, or portal:Mobile). Please see also WN:WC, old archived discussion on wc and 14755. bot specifics (note: this is off the top of my head. i think its right, but remember its me saying it, so if anything is incorrect its my fault).

Bawolff ☺☻ 20:40, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
 * Operator: w:user:Misza13
 * botName: no username registered yet
 * programming language: python (pywikipediabot). source
 * task. Copying a DPL (like Portal:Current events/Wikipedia) to a static page
 * Would probably need bot flag

 * Are there any statistics for the use of Wikipedia both the normal format and the mobile format, assessed from mobile devices? Adambro (talk) 21:03, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
 * Not publicly available that i am aware of. I could ask around. Bawolff ☺☻ 21:07, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
 * What I do know is that according to alexa, of all trafic going to something.wikipedia.org, 52% goes to en.wikipedia.org, less then (most likely much less then) 1% goes to the mobile gateway (based on how little it is advertised, that is not suprising.) Bawolff ☺☻ 21:23, 10 July 2008 (UTC)
 * But no mobile phones have the Alexa toolbar so less those stats exclude access through mobiles. Anonymous101 (talk) 06:44, 12 July 2008 (UTC)
 * Good point, so we really have no idea. I would still geuss it is much much less then the normal english wikipedia though. Nonetheless I still think its useful especially considering that it really would take very little effort to maintain (bot does everything, we have to do essentially nothing). Bawolff ☺☻ 05:49, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Umm, I'm going to be away from computers for about a month. If this does achieve concensuss, can someone make sure: So that we can get the mobile portal working. Thanks. Bawolff ☺☻ 11:29, 16 July 2008 (UTC)
 * Appropriate pages are set up (pick the name for the page - aka Main Page/mobile)
 * Notify w:user:Misza13 (see my last message as well)
 * Update 14755

Comments

 * - I think this bot should have a different name so as not to get confused with w:User:Wikinews Importer Bot. Cirt (talk) 06:25, 24 July 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * Wikinews for mobile phones would be useful Anonymous101 (talk) 06:22, 15 July 2008 (UTC)
 * --+Deprifry+ 15:35, 20 July 2008 (UTC)
 * NO CONSENSUS --Brian McNeil / talk 12:47, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

Request flag for User:KalspringBot

 * Operator: User:Kalspring
 * Bot name: KalspringBot
 * Tasks: Informing users of pages tagged for speedy deletion, removing linkspam, informing users that they have listed spam on pages.
 * Bot does not appear on any other Wikimedia project, though was tested on another non-Wikimedia wiki (private testing one). --Kalspring (talk) 13:48, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

Comments

 * The bot is fixed for now. However, it can run as a sysop/bot combination too, actually deleting pages if need be. The bot works similar to w:User:RedirectCleanupBot although it doesn't clean up redirects. I've done a few tests at the private wiki, and the problems are ironed out now, so it should work properly on here. --Kalspring (talk) 13:29, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I would like to see a description of how it makes its determinations. What critera is being used? Since the last run of this bot was faulty, could you make a very limited run, so we can see what it does, before granting a flag? Permitting it to delete pages seems dangerous since we do not know what it looks for (and it would need admin status). --SVTCobra 23:16, 25 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Kalspring, the bot operator has been indefinitely blocked by me for vandalism (possible compromised account). ~�Anonymous101talk
 * was itself blocked previously by . Cirt (talk) 10:05, 2 September 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * - Bot tagged an article as patent nonsense that was clearly not "patent nonsense". (See the next diff )Cirt (talk) 20:46, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm somewhat unsure why these discussions about bots have turned into votes. There is clearly a problem with the bot as Cirt notes, when this is addressed then another test run can be conducted and we can discuss this further. Obviously a bureaucrat isn't going to grant a bot flag until this problem is addressed so any "oppose" votes are unnecessary. Adambro (talk) 20:59, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Good point, changed it to a comment. Cirt (talk) 21:17, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * The sections about listing bots, discussing new bots, and seeking approval for bot-flags seem to have become overlapping. IMO bot-flags should be voted on. This page needs some housekeeping. --SVTCobra 22:27, 12 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I had meant good point about the particular problem which could be resolved, not that we should not have a voting system which is certainly appropriate. I agree this page needs housekeeping/cleanup, there is lots of old stuff here that could be cleared away and/or acted upon. Cirt (talk) 22:31, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

 * OK, any further comments?? --Kalspring (talk) 10:26, 18 August 2008 (UTC)
 * see above in the Comments section --SVTCobra 00:01, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

 * IRC serves notification purpose, apparently abandoned concept anyway. --Brian McNeil / talk 12:40, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
 * - After a month of no further discussion, I am closing this request. It may be reopened in the future. -- Sken   my talk 11:38, 5 October 2008 (UTC)

Request flag for MelancholieBot
Hereby, I request a bot flag for my bot. Rewrite and strip down of my existing scripts is finished; now it updates Template:Popular_articles hourly, thus it should be hidden from RC; furthermore it would be handy if that account would sight automatically (through having bot flag). See also Bots and User_talk:Bawolff --- Best regards, Melancholie (talk) 23:11, 9 August 2008 (UTC)

Comments
Current configuration: Only published/breaking news linked on Main_Page; redirects are summed up. --Melancholie (talk) 00:07, 21 August 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * support, support, support. :) Awesome work, thank you for doing this. Cirt (talk) 23:16, 9 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Great bot, no problems so far, and a needed task. Similair to existing approved bot, so task should be fine. TheFearow (userpage) 05:29, 10 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Doesn't seem to be causing any problems. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 05:40, 10 August 2008 (UTC)
 * yay! -- Sken   my talk 11:25, 10 August 2008 (UTC)
 * . preferred if scripts controlling bot were publically available. Bawolff ☺☻ 19:11, 10 August 2008 (UTC)
 * seems to be doing the job on an hourly basis. Has anyone checked if the stats are accurate? --SVTCobra 13:43, 13 August 2008 (UTC)
 * I compared them against the stats published by domas a while back (of which the stats are taken from), and they are consistant. Domas stats are from the squid logs (I believe) and should be accurate, but i have no way of verifying them. In addition they record all hits, including web spiders, bots, etc, so one hit does not equal one real page view (and one person will often generate many hits) A good percentage of the hits are most likely not real people. The stats are also split on redirects (each redirect is counted as a separate page, so people visiting the pages will be split). The hit count should definitly not be relied upon as an absolute number, more as a vague idea for comparing with other pages. It tells us relative popularities, not definitive this many people looked at page x Bawolff ☺☻ 02:45, 21 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Yes, that's absolutely right! See it as a rather useful gimmick, not a reliable counter (no single visit(or) counter out there is 100% reliable ;-) --Melancholie (talk) 18:07, 21 August 2008 (UTC)
 * Redirects are summed up now! Making top 5 more accurate :-) --- Greetings, Melancholie (talk) 07:48, 22 August 2008 (UTC)

 * I like seeing this bot's updates. It doesn't flood RC and it is interesting to be reminded it has performed an update. --Brian McNeil / talk 12:50, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
 * ✅ - Bot Status Granted -- Sken   my talk 16:23, 5 October 2008 (UTC)

Request flag bot BOT-Superzerocool
Hi, I'm Superzerocool from es.wikinews (and es.wikipedia). I request a bot flag to BOT-Superzerocool in en.wikinews, to make interwikies autonomous in the three projects that have my bot (es, pt, en?). In es and pt, the bot have bot flag (and sysop flag) to make the changes. In the bot's user page you can see the actual status and where is present. Thanks Superzerocool (sysop at es.wikinews and wikipedia) 04:17, 6 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Sounds fine, but you may wish to coordinate with other interwiki bots (we have ~3 now). Note: If you want admin privs here for the bot, you need to do that as a separate request at WN:A. Bawolff ☺☻ 06:19, 6 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Maybe I'm just missing it, but I don't see any of these interwiki bots linking anything. All the interwiki links to other languages (as far as I see) are made manually. Is something not working or am I blind? --SVTCobra 05:52, 12 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Although such bots edits do not appear on the recent changes unless you specificly enable it, I too notice that I have not seen these bots either (with exception to the calander bot), and i am often reading the irc rc which does include bot edits. Bawolff ☺☻ 20:38, 12 January 2008 (UTC)
 * I realize that RC hides bot edits (at least flagged ones). I am basing this on actually looking at the articles and the "in other languages" and where those links come from. They seem to be manually done. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that news headlines are far longer and aren't easily translated as the typical one-word encyclopedia article. --SVTCobra 01:15, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
 * I think these bots just make sure that the interwiki links match (so if an article has an interwiki to fr, and the fr has one to spanish, it'd make sure each article links to all of them), so length shouldn't really matter.

I have observed some of BOT-Superzerocool's linking and it seems to be functioning as described, adding links to equivalent and Portugese articles. Keep in mind, I don't know much about bots. All I know is this one made a mess of my "watch list" because it doesn't have a flag. --SVTCobra 02:08, 14 February 2008 (UTC)
 * According to bot stats, this was a very active bot in november (last time those stats were updated), so it actually does do stuff. Bawolff ☺☻ 06:25, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
 * I still make some test over en.wn. BOT-Superzerocool 14:51, 11 February 2008 (UTC)
 * this wikis have many articles to interwikis update :S... I starting from pt / es and this wiki have many articles locked (obvious, because policy) but they doesn't updated interwikis... :S BOT-Superzerocool 15:47, 11 February 2008 (UTC)
 * same as FWN. --Steven Fruitsmaak (Reply) 09:58, 15 February 2008 (UTC)
 * And the bot, has the flag or not?
 * Bot flag granted --Cspurrier - (talk) 19:24, 5 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Perhaps too late but this bot is removing valid interwiki links like Íngrid Betancourt a été libérée because there was a simple accent missing. It needs to be modified to correct the accents and not break the links. For the example I am talking about, see history of article Íngrid Betancourt and others rescued, says Colombia. --SVTCobra 02:10, 16 July 2008 (UTC)
 * What I am talking about is best illustrated with this diff. Cheers, --SVTCobra 02:19, 16 July 2008 (UTC)

 * No interwiki bots until one comprehensive bot is implemented. --Brian McNeil / talk 12:43, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Tentative at least until the accent issue is resolved. Durova (talk) 00:36, 9 October 2008 (UTC)

Request bot flag for Alexbot
Alexbot is a cross-language and cross-project pywikipedia bot script by Alex S.H. Lin.It will run interwiki and double redirect fix script.These two works will not run in the same time.This is the first bot request in Wikinews project, by now I got zh and ja bot account, but no flag yet. I will make account in other wikinews projects, request bot flag and run these scripts.--Alex S.H. Lin 12:49, 15 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Pleas be specific about how your bot is special. It looks like there is an interwiki bot above, and Zacharybot seems to do double redirects. You say cross-project but I don't see anything in your list that is cross-project, only cross-language, so what exactly cross-project would it do? Bawolff ☺☻ 02:34, 17 December 2007 (UTC)
 * I'm developing cross-project script now.(planning page)I will test this script in zhwikinews and zhwikipedia.By now,it will run interwiki, from zh or ja(I have jawikinews bot flag)--Alex S.H. Lin 17:00, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

I request the bot flag for Alexbot:
 * Operator:zh:User:Alexsh
 * Programming Language:Pywikipedia SVN
 * Functions:Interwiki(+autonomous) and double redirect fix
 * Other languages:zh, ja.

--Alex S.H. Lin 19:16, 29 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Alexbot has benefited jawikinews for half a year. The project and the operator has a good relation: addressed problems were fixed immediately. Hope enwikinews benefits from this service too. --Aphaia - (talk) 03:06, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Bot flag granted --Cspurrier - (talk) 19:24, 5 May 2008 (UTC)
 * THIS BOT HAS BEEN INDEF BLOCKED
 * No botblock template, flagged a userpage for speedy deletion, double redirects now handled by MediaWiki, general opposition to interwiki bots that are not comprehensive in their coverage. --Brian McNeil / talk 12:46, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

Request flag for User:JAnDbot

 * Operator: User:JAn Dudík (cs:w:User:JAn Dudík)
 * Bot name: JAnDbot
 * Tasks: Interwiki linking using pywikipedia.
 * Bot: global bot
 * Bot is working aproximately once per month from cs.wikinews doing interwiki on articles and categories. Now I know, I could not remove links to non existing categories, which was problem with my first request.
 * JAn Dudík (talk) 13:53, 23 December 2008 (UTC)

 * approved to run. If no issues I will flag it Brian | (Talk) | New Zealand Portal 05:05, 10 February 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * Although I don't like the idea of having multiple bots to do a single task (interwiki), it does not appear we'll have a single bot to do it anytime soon. And we've certainly made you go through all the hoops ;). Bawolff ☺☻ 21:54, 23 December 2008 (UTC)
 * per . Cirt (talk) 23:45, 23 December 2008 (UTC)
 * no issues here. -- Sken   my talk 18:56, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Bot does not have the BotBlock template on userpage. Withdrawing vote until this is rectified. -- Sken   my talk 18:59, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * I went ahead and added the template. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  19:01, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * ...fair enough! --  Sken   my talk 19:04, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

 * Seems to be working well, no objections. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  18:57, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

✅ - Bot flag Granted. Bot requires a second RFP for Editor status in order to easily edit mainspace pages. -- Sken   my talk 19:05, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

 * I went ahead and gave the bot editor status. Now that it's been approved, there really isn't much point in going through WN:FR/RFP. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  19:11, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Reverted - URM Comment pasted: Bot was granted Bot flag, not editor flag. Unless I am mistaken, there is no policy that states bots get automatic editor rights, and humans have to go through the RFP process, so why not robots? -- Sken   my talk 19:13, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Oops, my apologies. I wasn't aware of that. I'd better read up on policy. Sorry, ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  19:15, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * No worries! -- Sken   my talk 19:17, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, since we're going to go through with the RFP, I went ahead and nominated it at: WN:FR/RFP. Input is welcome. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  19:20, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

Request flag for User:XeBot

 * Operator: User:Orango
 * Bot name: XeBot
 * Tasks: Pywikipedia Framework (Interwiki.py)
 * Bot: ar, fr.
 * I need a flag for my bot for working in interwiki links --Orango (talk) 14:23, 28 March 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * The bot seems to be functioning well, from what I can see. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪  14:39, 2 April 2009 (UTC)
 * per Tempodivalse - no worries here! -- Sken   my talk 18:57, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * ✅ has been flagged Brian | (Talk) | New Zealand Portal 21:55, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

Request flag for User:VolkovBot
Hi! This interwiki bot owned by w:ru:User:Volkov has a global bot flag and is active on many wikimedia projects. Please grant a bot flag locally to avoid flooding recent changes. In case of any issue the bot owner can be reached at Russian wikipedia. Thanks. --Volkov (talk) 00:00, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

Comments

 * This bot doesn't seem to have a local account, see the listuser log. tempo di valse  00:05, 9 April 2009 (UTC) Bot now exists locally. tempo di valse  13:49, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * Bot seems to be working well, from what I can see from edits on the Russian Wikipedia. No objections. tempo di valse  02:49, 10 April 2009 (UTC)

 * ✅ flagged Brian | (Talk) | New Zealand Portal 22:04, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

Request flag for GrondinBot
I request the interwiki bot flag for this bot owned by Grondin who is sysop and bureaucrat in french Wikinews. This bot creates, changes or removes interwiki links. It uses pywikipedia features. --Bertrand GRONDIN (talk) 13:19, 9 April 2009 (UTC)

Thanks.
 * Operator : Grondin (Grondin, sysop and bureaucrat in french wikinews)
 * Bot name: GrondinBot (Python; Pywikipedia SVN)
 * Tasks: Interwiki linking
 * Bot has bot flag in : pl, it, sv, fr, sr, cs, fi, he, pt, pt wikinews projects.

Some edits in italian wikinews : --Bertrand GRONDIN (talk) 19:21, 11 April 2009 (UTC)

These are the edits in the projects where it's granted : --Bertrand GRONDIN (talk) 15:55, 19 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Contributions sur fr
 * Contributions sur pl
 * Contributions sur it
 * Contributions sur sv
 * Contributions sur sr
 * Contributions sur cs
 * Contributions sur de
 * Contributions sur nl
 * Contributions sur ar
 * Contributions sur fi
 * Contributions sur he
 * Contributions sur pt

Votes

 * Bot seems to be working well, from the Italian Wikinews contributions. No objections. tempo di valse  19:26, 11 April 2009 (UTC)

✅ been over seven days with no objection. Seems to be safe and has been flagged on other projects Brian | (Talk) | New Zealand Portal 22:00, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

User:MerlLinkBot
Operator: Merlissimo

Bot's tasks for which permission is being sought: The bot replaces urls that have to be changed. This can be only a domain change or a more complex page structure change on a website. Links are dectected with the help of the api (and not with regex) and are only replaced if the webserver of the new url returns a 200-status-response for that new resource. If a page it protected the bot will report it to the talk page.

Automatic or Manually Assisted: supervised (with test run before)

Edit type (e.g. Continuous, daily, one time run): when links have to be changed ;-)

Maximum edit rate (eg edits per minute): 4 epm

Programming Language(s): Java (Framework written by myself - long time usage in dewiki with two bots)

Already has a bot flag : dewp, enwp, other

Previous diskussion: Water_cooler/assistance

2nd Task: Sometimes Interwikis on request

Discussion User:MerlLinkBot
How should the bot report links on talk pages. My proposal whould be: At the moment my bot has queued 4 links which should by replaced for this wiki. I'll do a test run when there is consensus about the template to use. Merlissimo (talk) 10:40, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
 * I added Interwiki as 2nd task, because sometimes i am ask to synchronize some interwikis per human request (done with pywikibediabot). So the tasks the botflag is granted for would be the same tasks on all wm project and i have not to differ ;-). Merlissimo (talk) 11:06, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Can you give examples of other sites that have undergone similar changes? I think the template is good to go if it gets run through to pick 20 or so articles out the archive where it can help. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:45, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
 * I have done some few edits with the bot. At the moment my db has only whithouse pages returning 404, but there are many more. There are many 301 responses from whitehouse. Sometimes the redirect is useful, but often it points to a very general page which does not have the same content and so have to be replaced. I am testing my bot a the moment if my scheme to distinguish these cases is correct. So more edits will follow when the replacement module works correct for the 301 cases. Merlissimo (talk) 12:44, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
 * Ok some more edits done. On some last edits the bot signed multiple times on talk pages. But that is fixed now. There are 73 pages concerned with outdated whithehouse links (=60 still not reported). So there will be a lot of admin work. Merlissimo (talk) 15:01, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * Seems to work well, and it is useful. No objections. Tempodivalse [talk]  20:23, 10 August 2009 (UTC)
 * I feel that giving this bot temporary admin privs (or we could bug the devs to make new user group editprotected) to do its work should be brought up on WN:RFP, as automatic replacement is much more fun than 6 billion edit protected page requests. Bawolff ☺☻ 20:54, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

 * ✅ It's been two and a half months without any objections, and the bot is flagged on other large wikis, so I think this is safe. Tempodivalse [talk]  23:09, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

Millbot-VoA and Millbot-SETimes
These two bots, and, do the importing of copyleft news. I've granted them the flood flag for now, but really they should get the full bot flag. I expect this to be uncontroversial, but if there are concerns with these bots, now's the time to raise them. Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 11:47, 2 November 2009 (UTC)

votes/comments
I seem to recall that for one subject which never even made it into mainspace as far as I recall (the update on data on the HIV/AIDS vaccine) the VOABot imported three articles. The very same day I also marked another two or three imported articles as dupes. --Александр Дмитрий (Alexandr Dmitri) (talk) 15:19, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 * granting both the bot flag. Tempodivalse [talk]  13:48, 2 November 2009 (UTC) Changed to . See below.
 * I'm unsure if mass importing is a good thing. but what do i know. Bawolff ☺☻ 22:30, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * SGN seems to have blocked both of these bots as "broken". Tempodivalse [talk]  22:38, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Reason -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 22:39, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Yeah, that's what i suspected. I couldn't figure out why the imported news list was always so long, even after mass deletions. Tempodivalse [talk]  22:40, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Verily -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 22:45, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * for now. We need to figure out a better way of dealing with all these articles.  Take a quick look at User:Millbot-VoA/chronology/October-2009, there are 459 articles imported.  Of that I count 29 blue links.  6% article retention.  -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 22:45, 3 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Pleased to note that there is now some opposition to this apart from me. Since there was little when discussed on WC I had been going to abstain and let this run. No, I don't like mass importation. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 20:29, 6 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Changed from an initial support. Having copied articles manually from VOA for the last few days after the bot broke down, I've realised that it actually requires less effort than automated importing. When doing it manually, you only create an article that you want to work on, and choose a good title from the start. However, with automated importing, you have to search through long lists of stale articles to find what you want, downstyle the article title, fix the spacing bugs the bot made, etc., not to mention the large effort needed to regularly mass-delete articles that have become stale or are dupes, etc. It's quite uneconomical and inefficient. I'm no longer sure that mass importation is the best approach to copying PD articles, but I won't oppose either. Tempodivalse [talk]  20:41, 6 November 2009 (UTC)
 * - Far more efficient to simply manually copy and paste if you're going to do it at all. – Juliancolton  | Talk 21:50, 6 November 2009 (UTC)

I am testing my bot putting interwikis. I am monitoring the editions. I use the pywikipediabot. --Ezarate (talk) 20:16, 6 November 2009 (UTC)

votes/comment

 * Bot has made a few edits and seems to work okay. It's been flagged on large projects such as es.wikipedia, I think it's safe to grant the flag. Tempodivalse [talk]  01:39, 7 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 12:36, 8 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Blood Red Sandman (Talk)   (Contribs) 12:36, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

 * ✅ Been a week with no objections, bot's flagged at other large wikis, I think this is safe. Tempodivalse [talk]  19:05, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

title: Wikinews:Bots/Archive 2


text:
Wikinews:Flagged revisions/Requests for permissions/Archive 1

 * Hello All. I don't have a massive number of contributions here, though I have written two articles (with a long break between the first and the second), but I hope my copyedits speak for themselves. I am an administrator at en.wikipedia with about 32,000 edits, so you can rest fairly assured I'm not going to do anything untoward. Frankly, I'm getting tired of copyediting an article and having to wait for approval from third parties.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 04:55, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

 * --♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 21:17, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

Nn123645

 * Nn123645 (talk) I typically read wikinews without editing and would like the ability to sight revisions. I don't have much of an edit history at wikinews, but I do have one over at en.wiki Link corrected by Anonymous101talk at 21:39, 24 November 2008 (UTC). . --Nn123645 (talk) 04:19, 21 November 2008 (UTC)
 * I currently this request as the user has not made any edits in a namespace that uses flagged revisions, and has only made four edits overall. Although I trust the user, I would like to see them edit a bit (in the main namespace in particular) first. Thanks, Anonymous101talk 22:53, 22 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Similar to A101, I think this should only be given out to people who have shown that they know their way around the project. --Brian McNeil / talk 09:43, 23 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Is a trusted editor but needs some more edits over here. --PatrickFlaherty (talk) 11:23, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
 * I guess I'll withdraw and apply again when I have more edits. --Nn123645 (talk) 02:35, 27 November 2008 (UTC)

 * Requesting editor status. ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 20:49, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

 * good editor, a few hundred edits, mostly main namespace. Anonymous101talk 21:20, 26 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Seems to have picked up the important details --Brian McNeil / talk 22:32, 26 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Recommend speedy upgrade. I am tired of sighting Tempodivalse's always good edits. --SVTCobra 23:02, 26 November 2008 (UTC)

User:Xavexgoem

 * Want to see if I can get into this early. Have contributed two articles so far about the recent Venezuelan polls, but that's about it. Admin and mediator over at enwiki. Or maybe this should be in the reviewer section? Xavexgoem (talk) 16:12, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * - If the use continues making great edits like he is for the next week I will happily support. However, I am not quite ready to support at this point. Anonymous101talk 16:27, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * - Positive contributor. Cirt (talk) 18:37, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * - steady worker; good judgment. Durova (talk) 03:26, 25 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Per the above. Cary Bass (talk) 03:36, 25 November 2008 (UTC)

King of Hearts

 * I would like editor permissions to help me get changes made faster. I am an admin on the English Wikipedia, and I've made several contributions here on Wikinews recently. -- King of Hearts (talk) 07:38, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * This looks fine. Unless anyone objects I'll grant you editor status Anonymous101talk 16:05, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Agree with . Cirt (talk) 18:34, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * Looks sound to me. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 21:55, 24 November 2008 (UTC)
 * per the above. Cary Bass (talk) 03:35, 25 November 2008 (UTC)

Samekh

 * Hi, just requesting Editor status. I'm doing a fair bit of work on US voters go to the polls and being able to have my edits autosighted would make things easier. Thanks!.   סּ    Talk 12:37, 5 November 2008 (UTC)
 * OK, you work seems to be solid. I will give you Editor status on a provisional basis. --SVTCobra 16:21, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

DizzyStar
Requesting editor status - doing some reviews. I feel I am qualified after Hawthorn wins 2008 AFL Grand Final made main lead, and on the top two pages of a google search. -- DizzyStar (talk) 10:34, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * --RockerballAustralia (talk) 10:45, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm sure you will go on to be a great user, but you are rather new Anonymous101talk 11:04, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Per - perhaps after you've got a bit more experience/a few more articles under your belt. Cirt (talk) 11:10, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

RockerballAustralia
Requesting editor status. I think that I am qualified after the aHawthorn wins 2008 AFL Grand Final article made main lead, and is in the top two pages of a google search. -- RockerballAustralia (talk) 10:45, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Comments

 * I'm not happy to see sport as the main lead and there were a number of points with that article still needed addressed after it got there. This reflects more on the person putting it there and sighting it than you though. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:07, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Which we all know was me. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 02:54, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * -- DizzyStar (talk) 10:48, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * - could use a bit more finesse and experience with regard to structure/formatting an article, and writing style/copyediting. Cirt (talk) 11:12, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Kamnet
At the suggestion of brianmc I would like to request Flagged revision status, allowing me to auto-sight articles when I add audio transcripts. Kamnet (talk) 09:22, 18 September 2008 (UTC)

Votes

 * --Brian McNeil / talk 09:25, 18 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Anonymous101talk 15:17, 18 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Motion to speedy close and grant per no objections. Any objections? --Brian McNeil / talk 16:53, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

 * I went ahead and granted him it. Blood Red Sandman  (Talk)   (Contribs) 19:04, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

I've had considerable experience at enwiki, but now look to spend most of my time here. Requesting editor tools to help sighting articles that I have reviewed. R .T . 23:20, 10 January 2009 (UTC)

 * Support RT has contributed 6 published articles in 2 weeks: they show a good understanding of Wikinews editorial policy. --InfantGorilla (talk) 13:27, 11 January 2009 (UTC)
 * -- ♪ Tempo Di  Valse ♪ 16:32, 11 January 2009 (UTC)

I have no objections either. has been granted Editor status. --SVTCobra 01:47, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

I'm requesting editors status. Though I have a small number of edits in English wikinews I am setting IW-links to the German wikinews, or correcting a typo here and there. I am a contributor to the German WN and WP as well. (See also de:Benutzer:Matthiasb) --Matthiasb (talk) 12:16, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

 * Support. One of Matthiasb's interwiki links sat in the review queue for 2 hours today before being sighted.  That is not acceptable.  See his German WN contribution history --InfantGorilla (talk) 14:25, 26 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Done. Daniel (talk) 11:52, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

(removal)

 * this version of an article covering the proposed introduction of Flagged Revisions on English Wikipedia was approved when, it appears, a competent review has not been carried out. There are serious issues surrounding neutrality, accuracy, and editorialising. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:12, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
 * as nom. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:13, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
 * There does seem to be some issue, and I completely agree that we should remove "editor" status easily. Therefore, I support the removal of rights. However, if the user shows he can be trusted with the tools again, I will happily support the rights being reinstated. Thanks, Anonymous101talk 18:01, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
 * per nom. Cirt (talk) 19:26, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
 * - checking that the links work and that it "looks good" is no way to conduct a proper review. This is an egregious mistake, the user needs to earn the community's trust again. --SVTCobra 00:09, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
 * per this comment, I think the status can be withdrawn. It requires a bureaucrat to do it, but as nominator I would prefer someone else decide. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:26, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Editor status has been removed and this request should be considered closed (it does not require a bureaucrat). --SVTCobra 11:55, 4 February 2009 (UTC)

I nominate Florentino Floro to have this tool. In his month here he has contributed many articles. The last few have got through the review phase very quickly, showing that he understands the Wikinews consensus for published articles. If he could flag revisions of his own or others contributions, that would be another useful hand at the pump. --InfantGorilla (talk) 12:45, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
 * I thought he had it. I see no reason to wait three days since he does a great job here so I promoted him. --PatrickFlaherty (talk) 13:08, 12 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Is it just me, or is this the same guy who is indefinitely blocked on en.wiki? The ed17 (talk) 22:52, 13 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Perhaps and it may also be the actual Florentino Floro. However, the user has shown a great capacity for creating synthesis articles here at Wikinews. --SVTCobra 23:08, 13 January 2009 (UTC)
 * @Ed17: Yes diff. I wasn't aware of that, but even if those troubles come here, Wikinews won't come to much additional harm because of the flagged revisions tool.  His track record here weighs very strongly in my mind.  --InfantGorilla (talk) 01:26, 14 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Not that I have any great worries about this, but the editor status would allow the user to publish stories and 'sight' his own revisions. Cheers, --SVTCobra 01:33, 14 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Sorry for being, well, a jerk...but I felt like you guys should be made aware of this. The ed17 (talk) 02:28, 14 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Don't feel bad. If anomalous behavior begins to occur, it can be useful to have some background. So, consider us informed, and we will continue to offer this user the same respect and consideration as anyone else that comes by Wikinews. Cheers, --SVTCobra 02:37, 14 January 2009 (UTC)
 * Having had to deal with a very angry, very expensive Australia lawyer over a piece of information (relating to a current court case) which was patently false and offensive to their client, which was added by Floro, I must oppose this. Daniel (talk) 11:50, 4 February 2009 (UTC)
 * I doubt I have suffrage in this debate, and it looks like the editor status was already granted per PatrickFlaherty above, but having one of my only edits here being significant cleanup of one of Floro's recent articles... I can't imagine this is a good idea. Avruch (talk) 00:19, 6 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Daniel and Avruch, I can't say I know enough about the specifics, but if Florentino Floro has been abusing the privileges that come with editor status, he can be nominated for removal, directly below this. We have an "easy come, easy go" standard for editor status. --SVTCobra 00:27, 6 February 2009 (UTC)

Editor status was removed from by. Cirt (talk) 05:19, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

You might as well give it to me please. I promise not to abuse this awesome power for illegal, imoral or for improving my sex life, even though it needs it. I'm the same user as at the Wikipedia, and I have over 20,000 edits there, and am in good standing. I've contributed to 3 news items here so far, with no problems.Wolfkeeper (talk) 22:24, 19 February 2009 (UTC)

 * - "You might as well give it to me please"? Ed 10:03, 20 February 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm supposed to beg? Where's that written?Wolfkeeper (talk) 00:18, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Have you ever went through an adminship vote or a vote for any other kinds of tools? That's basically glorified begging. Someone who has so many edits on WP should know that, whether it's a good thing or not. Mike Halterman (talk) 01:21, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

 * - In the past 12 months you have only contributed to one article. The need doesn't seem to be there, though I appreciate your promise not to abuse the privileges for sexual benefit. --SVTCobra 23:12, 24 February 2009 (UTC)
 * I have actually written one, and contributed to three in total. The third one was merged and isn't easily found. The lack of the ability to review news items makes me less likely to contribute here. The most recent article had minor errors or was otherwise incomplete, but there was little point in me correcting them, because nobody would have seen the corrections anyway without reviewing the versions.Wolfkeeper (talk) 00:15, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * You've just authorised this ability on somebody banned on multiple wikis, but not authorised it for me-somebody in good standing. And it took two days for the article I submitted to get through the authorisation process, what's the point of that for a news site? Forget it, you guys are a waste of space. I'm never coming back, and I encourage others to do the same.Wolfkeeper (talk) 21:05, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * If you're referring to Florentino Floro; his status was reverted. See Special:Log/rights. Cheers, Van der Hoorn (talk) 21:15, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * I did not comment when this debate was relevant, but I will now. Anyone who is effectively unknown to the Wikinews community will meet the same response for posting such a fatuous request for the privilege. Good standing elsewhere is a plus point when you have demonstrated an understanding of how this project works - it is quite, quite different from Wikipedia. If I recall correctly, I looked at the user contributions when this request was first published - less than 50. By no means enough to establish that the user understood project quirks.
 * Wikinews is still getting to grips with the implementation and use of flagged revisions. With the small contributor base there is likely nobody has the time to analyse your contributions elsewhere when they are cited as a justification for a privilege here. As mentioned, that does not increase confidence that you have understood and will apply things like the style guide. --Brian McNeil / talk 22:15, 27 February 2009 (UTC)
 * Wolfkeeper, I am sorry you feel that way. But whether you had editor status or not would not have affected the time it took to publish the story you wrote as you cannot review your own articles anyway. --SVTCobra 23:24, 27 February 2009 (UTC)

Not promoted. Cirt (talk) 05:20, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

Hi there. I'm trying to improve the quality of various articles by fixing typos, spelling and grammar errors, etc. Unfortunately many (older) articles are semi-protected and thus not editable. Currently I'm mentioning the typo on the talk page of the associated article, but that process is quite tedious and not very rewarding (instead of just fixing the typo directly). Therefore, I would like to apply for editor status, so I can fix those typos and errors myself. My main accounts are w:en:User:Van der Hoorn and w:nl:User:Van der Hoorn. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Van der Hoorn (talk) 19:46, 25 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Actually, editor status does not allow you to edit archived articles (they are fully protected, in other words editable only by administrators). The only thing editor status will allow you to do is to make changes to published articles immediately, without having to wait for others to approve them (see Flagged revisions and Editor for more information). However, I think that "editor" will still be useful to you. . ♪Tempo di Valse ♪  20:24, 25 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Ahh, I thought they were semi-protected. Van der Hoorn (talk) 22:09, 25 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Any objections to if I give this user "editor" anyway? It will be useful to him, and I see no reason to wait for the full three days, he's been doing such a good job. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 15:05, 26 February 2009 (UTC)

 * Very well, no objections? User promoted. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 16:06, 27 February 2009 (UTC)

✅. Cirt (talk) 05:20, 28 February 2009 (UTC)

I just arrived today. I haven't been writing articles here, but I would like review articles for content, grammar, and spelling. I am a top Wikipedia contributor, maybe number 150. --Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) (talk) 02:48, 8 March 2009 (UTC)

 * Only two edits here, one to his user page and the other one to make this request. I would like to see some positive contributions for a few days first, to make sure that this user is familiar with local policy, before this tool is given. Wikinews is much different from Wikipedia, and while being a trusted contributor on the latter is certainly a plus when considering such requests, that alone will not get one this tool. I would recommend applying for editor status again later, when you have some more edits/experience here. Best regards, ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 03:23, 8 March 2009 (UTC)
 * agreed. Cirt (talk) 03:41, 8 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I agree with the above comments. If you stay around here for a month or two, get experience, and know the polices, you should pass your request. As of now, though, you have too little experience here to warrant a support from me. I'll gladly support if you come back later, though. R .T . 12:12, 8 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Huge cajones to apply with your second edit to the project. No. Project scope, guidelines, and approach are significantly different from Wikipedia. --Brian McNeil / talk 12:17, 8 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I motion to speedy close. Does anyone agree? R .T . 14:46, 8 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Yes, speedily closed. I suggest that this user gain some experience on Wikinews, and apply again in a few weeks, when he has at least a few dozen edits. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 14:51, 8 March 2009 (UTC)

Request editor permission to do reviews.SriMesh | talk  17:31, 23 March 2009 (UTC)

 * Recommend speedy upgrade. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 18:17, 23 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Watch for your first full initial review or two SriMesh. The criteria for passing peer review aren't as scary as good or featured on Wikipedia, but there's probably just as much you need to know about our policies as you do when judging those. --Brian McNeil / talk 18:30, 23 March 2009 (UTC)
 * I see no reason to wait the full three days to grant this user editor status, seeing as s/he's doing such a good job around here -- over seven hundred edits to the project. I went ahead and gave SriMesh the tool. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 19:56, 23 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Seems fine. Cheers, Van der Hoorn (talk) 07:29, 24 March 2009 (UTC)

Requesting editor status for this now-approved bot to edit mainspace pages with greater ease. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  19:18, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * for now. Are we sure the bot runs correctly now? See the bot's talk page for what I mean. If someone knows, please tell. Cheers, Van der Hoorn (talk) 19:52, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Well, it was approved to run at WN:BOT, so I'm assuming it's been trusted to work well. ♪ Tempo di valse ♪  20:59, 4 April 2009 (UTC)

 * no issues here. -- Sken   my talk 22:32, 4 April 2009 (UTC)
 * No concerns red  - thunder  .  11:53, 5 April 2009 (UTC)
 * 3 supports and 1 neutral, closed as PASS. tempo di valse  13:51, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

My first article edit here was in June 2005. I have contributed on and off since then, and believe I understand the community's policies. One of my prime motivations for applying is to be able to use Template:Peer reviewed where appropriate to help the article publication process. I am an administrator at English Wikipedia, and a significant contributor to Wikimedia Commons. Superm401 | Talk 02:34, 30 March 2009 (UTC)

 * User seems to understand local policy, has well over a hundred edits. No objections. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪  02:38, 30 March 2009 (UTC)
 * , has the experience and policy knowledge, no objections. red  - thunder  .  11:49, 30 March 2009 (UTC)
 * Only four edits this year, before that the last one was September 2008. Van der Hoorn (talk) 12:05, 30 March 2009 (UTC)
 * , leaning oppose, per Van der Hoorn. Ed 23:43, 31 March 2009 (UTC)

 * 75% support, I think I can safely close this as a pass. ♪Tempo di Valse ♪  02:48, 2 April 2009 (UTC)

Self-published and sighted article. Please review history - it should have failed review on style guide reasons (the 'visits unannounced visits' title).

Comments

 * Please note, I did not place a vote on this. If someone wants to take this up with the user, please do so. Published, and first lead just seems too much. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:59, 7 April 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * I think this is an overreaction. Cary Bass (talk) 16:38, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * per Cary -- Sken   my talk 16:49, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * User has shown himself to be a good, reliable contributor in the past, and one mistake resulting from not fully understanding that part of the review policy shouldn't result in him being de-editored. tempo di valse  17:03, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Article was first published, because it was breaking news. Calebrw noted: "Self Publish per breaking. Will expand immediate." The only source then was the Times article, so one could say it was breaking news (I know, because I edited it immediately after Calebrw). Is there a policy on self-publishing breaking news? If not, there should be; one way or the other. Cheers, Van der Hoorn (talk) 20:02, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * The policy is rather contradictory on this matter: WN:SG says that it is OK to self-publish in the event of breaking news, while Reviewing articles says it isn't. In practise, it is frowned upon to self-publish, even in case of of breaking news. tempo di valse  20:06, 7 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Then we should make them consistent, otherwise the same thing will probably happen again. Cheers, Van der Hoorn (talk) 18:41, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

 * The title was a "typo" if you will; the self-publishing was a misunderstanding of the guidelines for "breaking" news. --SVTCobra 00:11, 8 April 2009 (UTC)

Result: Request closed as successful by Tempodivalse at 18:18, 23 April 2009 (UTC)

I've been asked to request editor status. I've been an admin on en-Wikipedia for 3½ years (just over 60,000 edits there), and am active on Commons and en-Wiktionary too. I'd find it useful to be able to sight edits, deal with editprotected requests (or make syntax or style edits to archived pages), and also ease the burden of others having to sight my edits. Mind matrix 17:42, 21 April 2009 (UTC)

Comments

 * I am reluctant to vote while your userpage is a redlink. Consider this an invitation to turn it into a sales pitch. ;-) --Brian McNeil / talk 18:12, 21 April 2009 (UTC)
 * I'm not much of a salesperson, so I made a simple page with links to a few of my active accounts. Mind matrix 18:49, 21 April 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * User can be trusted, has a decent understanding of policy. I should, however, point out that archived pages are fully-protected, editable only by administrators, and editor status doesn't allow you to edit them. tempo divalse  17:44, 21 April 2009 (UTC)
 * Seems fine. Van der Hoorn (talk) 09:49, 23 April 2009 (UTC)
 * --Brian McNeil / talk 10:35, 23 April 2009 (UTC)

It's been two and a half days since the request and nobody has made any objections, so I'm closing this as a pass . tempo divalse  19:55, 21 April 2009 (UTC)

Please can I have editor rights? I hope I am requesting right, I couldn't find any instructions. I have over 11000 edits on enWiki. Computerjoe (talk) 14:13, 19 April 2009 (UTC)

Votes

 * Seems to understand our basic policies, can be trusted. tempo divalse  14:45, 19 April 2009 (UTC)
 * --Brian McNeil / talk 15:19, 19 April 2009 (UTC)

'''User has withdrawn request. Closed by Tempodivalse'''

So, I know I only have eight edits here, but I do have 458 on the seWP and 2,961 on the enWP. Umm..., so then can I have editor rights? EDIT: Thought I should add a link to my global edits. --The New Mikemoral (talk) 02:05, 30 April 2009 (UTC)

 * Comments

 * Votes

 * I'm afraid that I can't support your request. I trust you, based on your good edits on other wikis, and I'm sure you wouldn't do anything untoward with the bit, but I would like to see you make at least a few dozen more edits to main namespace here before giving out the editor tool, to make sure that you understand our local policy. Wikinews is much different from Wikipedia, and while being a trusted user elsewhere is a plus when considering such requests, that alone won't get you the bit. I'd like to suggest that you write an article or two here and/or edit some existing articles, to help get a feel of how we run things around here, and then apply again. Best, tempo divalse  02:13, 30 April 2009 (UTC)

 * Okay then, close this and I will get to your suggestions soon. --The New Mikemoral (talk) 02:40, 30 April 2009 (UTC)

 * Sure thing. Request closed as withdrawn. tempo divalse  02:47, 30 April 2009 (UTC)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


text: Wikinews:Flagged revisions/Requests for permissions/Archive


text:
At least nine dead after Indonesian ferry burns and sinks

September 27, 2008 At least nine people have been killed after a wooden ferry caught fire and sank in Indonesia. The Usaha Baru was carrying 77 passengers and crew when fire broke out within sight of land.

Eight are confirmed dead and a two-year-old boy is missing and presumed dead. It is thought that the others all escaped the ship, and 35 are hospitalised in Ambon and receiving treatment for burns. Many survivors were rescued by fishermen in the area.

Local authorities say it appears those on board panicked after a fire broke out in the engine room, but it is difficult to know exactly what happened at this stage because the ship was extensively damaged by fire before sinking.

Search and rescue operations for the missing child - one of four children and one teenager killed - are ongoing at the site, which is near the small village of Salahutu, from which many of the rescuers came.

Almost all of the passengers were Muslims headed home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Ferry accidents are common in the island nation of Indonesia, where the fleet is largely old and overcrowded.


text:
Comments:Swiss man successfully flies in jet pack across English Channel

Haha, insane!
 * Yup. His new nickname should be "Looney Jet Man". --Brian McNeil / talk 13:49, 27 September 2008 (UTC)


text:
Chinese astronaut walks in space

September 27, 2008 A Chinese taikonaut (Chinese astronaut) today became the first taikonaut to walk in space when he left his space craft for a total of fifteen minutes. The entire event, which marks a new stage in China's space program, was broadcast live on national TV.

The walk started at 1630 local time (0830 UTC) today when he exited the spacecraft, while attached to an umbilical cable. The other two astronauts on the spacecraft stayed entirely inside the vehicle while in space, except when passing the flag to Zhigang.

Zhai Zhigang, who has also worked as a fighter pilot, carried out the space walk. "I'm feeling quite well. I greet the Chinese people and the people of the world," he said as he walked out of his spacecraft to start the walk.

While carrying out the walk, Zhigang wore a Chinese spacesuit, which is believed to have cost between US$10m and $40m to create.

Before the event, the Chinese president Hu Jintao wished the astronauts success. "I have come to send you off, to wish you success," he said in a televised speech. "You will wear the homemade Fetian space suit for the first time and carry out China's first extravehicular activity (space walk), which is a great stride for our country's space technology and development."

title: Chinese astronaut walks in space


text: Talk:At least nine dead after Indonesian ferry burns and sinks


text:
Category:Companies

de:Kategorie:Unternehmen eo:kategorio:Firmaoj es:Categoría:Empresas fa:رده:شرکت‌ها fr:Catégorie:Entreprise ko:분류:기업 it:Categoria:Aziende ja:カテゴリ:企業 no:Kategori:Selskaper pl:Kategoria:Przedsiębiorstwa pt:Categoria:Empresas ru:Категория:Компании sr:Категорија:Компаније fi:Luokka:Yritykset sv:Kategori:Företag tr:Kategori:Şirketler

title: Category:Companies


text:
Hollywood legend Paul Newman dies of cancer age 83

September 27, 2008 American actor died on Friday at age 83 of cancer. He pulled out of directing a stage production of John Steinbeck's  in Connecticut because of unspecified health problems.

Newman starred in his first film in 1954 when he appeared as Basil in . Later in his career he starred in several films including ', ', ' and '. He won an Oscar for best actor in 1987 for his appearance in . This was his only Oscar win but was nominated a total of 10 times. He also worked as both a director and a producer. He also voiced the part of Doc Hudson in the 2006 Pixar film

Newman married actress in 1958; they had three children. He was previously married with three other children. His son Scott from his first marriage died in 1978 of a drug overdose. He set up a center for drug abuse in memory of his son. Newman opened up his own company,, which made a line of food products including , , and others. He donated all of the company's profits to charity.

Newman retired in May 2007. He told broadcaster ABC "I'm not able to work anymore... at the level that I would want to."


text:
Felipe Massa takes pole for the first night Formula One race at Singapore

September 27, 2008

Ferrari driver Felipe Massa won the second session and the pole position for the Sunday FIA 2008 Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix on the street circuit at Marina Bay, Singapore.

This will be the first nightly Formula One event that utilizes artificial lighting and the 800th Formula One World Championship race overall. The previous GP at Singapore held in 1973 was not part of the Formula One.

First to end the qualifying was Italian Giancarlo Fisichella (Force India), burying his car in the wall.

Nelson Piquet Jr. driving for (Renault) was expected to slip into the second session in the 15th place but was bundled out by David Coulthard or the Red Bull team. Piquet's teammate Fernando Alonso, who topped the second free practice session, performed better in the first session but unexpectedly stopped, showing no time in the second.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren-Mercedes) jumped to 10th place during the last laps of the session; He was lucky to join the battle for pole. Still, Massa was able to beat Hamilton, who will start second tomorrow.

Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) won the first session, but showed third time in the third. Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) will be split by Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren) on the starting grid tomorrow.

Previous pole-postion holder and GP winner Sebastian Vettel (Toro Rosso) will start 7th tomorrow.


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Talk:Hollywood legend Paul Newman dies of cancer age 83

Lead image
I very strongly suggest changing the lead image or uploading this one locally as fair use. The "Movie trailers" justification on Commons is very likely to be overturned as a weak rationale for violating a movie's copyright. Cary Bass (talk) 16:29, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Typo
editprotected Van der Hoorn (talk) 14:27, 10 March 2009 (UTC)
 * The article says 'the The'. The first 'the' should be removed.
 * Connecticut should be an internal link.

 * ✅ ♪Tempo di Valse ♪ 14:30, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

Newline
editprotected Fix extra newline character. •–• 22:54, 27 February 2018 (UTC)
 * ✅ --SVTCobra 15:51, 25 April 2018 (UTC)


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Comments:Hollywood legend Paul Newman dies of cancer age 83

=What are the most memorable of Newman's performances for you?=

The cooler king
Great movie all round, but I liked Newman's character in The Great Escape. --Brian McNeil / talk 16:50, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Jeez! I am mixing my actors, that was McQueen! --Brian McNeil / talk 11:52, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

The Hustler
Newman as Fast Eddie in The Hustler was one of his best. Chandlerjoeyross (talk) 16:56, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * The remake, The color of money was Tom Cruise's chance to show some stature. He was not only overshadowed, but out and out dwarfed by Newman's talent and ability. --Brian McNeil / talk 11:55, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Enemy List
He was on Nixon's enemy list.--66.229.17.181 17:26, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Cool Hand Luke
My favorite Newman Performance and an all around great film. Mr. Newman you will be missed. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Da Ali G Stu (talk • contribs) 23:18, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

The Color of Money & The Verdict
I love both of these movies. Two quintessential perfomances by Newman more of my time. TFBCT1 (talk) 13:56, 14 October 2008 (UTC)


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User talk:75.170.55.141

Hello,

Your recent contributions are considered to be spam and have been reverted or deleted. Should you believe that your contributions are not spam, please argue your case on your talk page, or in WN:ALERT.

Further spamming may result in a 24 hour block. Please contribute to Wikinews in a constructive fashion instead. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 16:38, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

title: User talk:75.170.55.141


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Talk:Chinese astronaut walks in space

Astronaut
Aren't they called taikonauts? --Steven Fruitsmaak (Reply) 20:42, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Well, yes (less commonly), but they're also called Chinese astronauts. Jade Knight (talk) 08:11, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * That's a western bias, changing to "Chinese astronauts (known as Taikonauts"--Ipatrol (talk) 03:33, 29 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I wouldn't call that western bias, so much as English bias. And... as this is the _English_ Wikinews, I think that makes sense. Even taikonaut just redirects to Astronaut.  FTA "The term taikonaut is used by some English-language news media organizations for professional space travelers from China. [16] The word has featured in the Longman and Oxford English dictionaries, the latter of which describes it as "a hybrid of the Chinese term taikong (space) and the Greek naut (traveller), or astronaut"; the term became more common in 2003 when China sent its first astronaut Yang Liwei into space aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft. [17] This is the term used by Xinhua in the English version of the Chinese People's Daily since the advent of the Chinese space program. [18] The origin of the term is unclear; as early as May 1998, Chiew Lee Yih (赵里昱) from Malaysia, used it in newsgroups,[19][20][21] while Chen Lan (陈蓝), almost simultaneously, announced it at his "Go Taikonauts!" GeoCities page.[22]" -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 03:55, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

title: Talk:Chinese astronaut walks in space


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Talk:Felipe Massa takes pole for the first night Formula One race at Singapore

--Brian McNeil / talk 16:42, 27 September 2008 (UTC)


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United Kingdom to introduce graphic images on cigarette packets

September 28, 2008 The United Kingdom is set to become the second European country to place graphic images on cigarette packets. 15 different images are to be placed on the packs of all brands of cigarettes. They will be introduced on October 1. The images will be introduced onto all other forms of tobacco by 2010.

The written warnings were introduced in 2003 and have been deemed a success by the. A spokesman said that the written warnings had been a success with research showing more than 90,000 smokers had been motivated to call the NHS quit line because of them.

Despite being the only the second country in Europe to introduce the images several other countries have already placed them onto packets. These include Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand and Singapore. Chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson said: "Written health warnings have encouraged many smokers to stop. These new stark picture warnings emphasis the harsh health realities of continuing to smoke."

Not everyone is welcoming the new images. The smoking lobby group, Forest, said smokers were being unfairly targeted and called the images intrusive and offensive. Simon Clark, director of Forest, said the group supported education efforts "but these pictures are designed not just to educate but to shock and coerce people to give up a legal product".


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Study suggests oldest rocks are from Quebec

September 27, 2008

Radiometric dating of the schists of Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt in northern Quebec, Canada have indicated an age of 4280 million years. This is the oldest date obtained for any rock on earth. The study, reported in the latest issue of Science, was carried out by scientists of McGill University, Montreal, Carnegie Institution of Washington and Université du Québec, Montreal.

The study relying on samarium-neodymium isotopic data place the age of rocks 250 million years older that the previously dated Acasta gneiss. The Acasta gneiss in Canada's Northwest Territories is dated at 4030 million years. Previous studies on the mineral ages of zircon found in younger rocks from Western Australia have indicated 4360 million years. If correct, the new data will give more information on the formation of the earliest crust of earth in the Hadean era, about 300 million years after the formation of Earth itself.

The age data of the oldest rocks named "faux amphibolite" indicate a range from 3800 - 4280 million years. The scientists favor 4280 million years as the age of the rock, that was later metamorphosed to another rock 3800 million years ago. The original rocks may represent part of an ancient ocean floor.

The scientists also speculate that a banded iron formation associated with the rocks may indicate presence of the earliest life on earth. The bacterial origin of this formation is yet to be established.

Stephen J. Mojzsis, a professor of geological sciences at the University of Colorado suggest that the rocks may be actually younger, with some remnants of 4280 million year rocks included in it. "I hope that I'm wrong," Dr. Mojzsis said. "If that happens, I believe there will be a land rush by geologists to northern Quebec."


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User:Anonymous101/NLA

| |» Full story

title: User:Anonymous101/NLA


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Talk:Study suggests oldest rocks are from Quebec

Review

 * Thanks. But story is not listed in the main page.--  T harikrish  Talk 05:12, 28 September 2008 (UTC)


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User talk:98.203.169.137

Please be aware of WN:3RR Anonymous101talk 19:41, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

title: User talk:98.203.169.137


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User:Romanskolduns

Romāns Kolduns, Latvija, Ogre

title: User:Romanskolduns


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UK government's Information Commissioner takes enforcement action against Liberal Democrat party for cold calling voters

September 27, 2008 Richard Thomas, the British Information Commissioner has criticized the Liberal Democrats for cold calling 250,000 British people automatically to encourage them to support their party. The commissioner announced in a press release made public on Thursday that "the Information Commissioner’s Office has taken enforcement action against the Liberal Democrats after finding the party in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations."

In the enforcement notice, which has been seen by Wikinews, the Liberal Democrats are told that "in view of the matters referred to above the Commissioner hereby gives notice that, in exercise of his powers under section 40 of the [Data Protection] Act, he requires that the Liberal Democrats within 30 days of the date of service of this Notice shall, in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Regulations, cease using an automated calling system to transmit communications comprising recorded matter for direct marketing purposes to subscribers who have not previously notified the Liberal Democrats that they consent to such communications being sent to them."

The Liberal Democrats have been given 28 days to appeal against the action, although the party has said that they accept the decision. In 2005, the party successfully stopped the Scottish National Party for continuing to carry out a similar cold calling campaign. Nick Clegg, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, defended the party's actions by saying that "I rather hope it won't disturb. People don't have to pick up the phone if they don't like the time at which the call is made."

If the Liberal Democrats continue to cold call users in thirty days time, they are at risk of prosecution and an unlimited fine.


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Comments:UK goverment's Information Commissioner takes enforcement action against Liberal Democrat party for cold calling voters

=Should the Liberal Democrats face sanctions for their actions?=


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Talk:UK government's Information Commissioner takes enforcement action against Liberal Democrat party for cold calling voters

OR
Refers to information got from a primary source, the letter sent to the LibDems (online, link below). Everyone on IRC told me that viewing primary source documents online is OR so I am calling this OR.

Anonymous101talk 20:20, 27 September 2008 (UTC)


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Comments:United Kingdom to introduce graphic images on cigarette packets

None of the government's business
As long as people aren't endangering others with second hand smoking (ie, not smoking around kids, and stop smoking when asked to anywhere), the government has no business in this. If people want to hurt themselves, that's their own damn business. Special interest groups have no business forcing their ads on commercial products. --Poisonous (talk) 06:18, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

 * The problem in the UK is that the State has a fairly strong monopoly on health care because State provided care is free at the point of use. There are a few private providers, but it means you have to pay twice - once in tax for State health care and then again, privately for your own health care.

 * As a result, amongst other things, the State takes the line that smoking is bad because people who smoke get more unwell than unusual and as such cost more.

 * Of course, the actual problem is that the State should not have a monopoly on health care, so if I want to smoke, I can, and then *I* will bear the costs of doing so. 77.248.1.33 14:55, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Private hospitals/healthcare providers in the UK simply won't treat smoking related illnesses - they're not equipped to. --Brian McNeil / talk 08:46, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

 * I live in the UK and the above comments i find offensive. We have an excellent healthcare system that is more than equiped and willing to deal with any illnesses even smoking related ones. i would have you know that if i had my leg broken by a car tomorrow, i would rather go to a doctor not worrying if i have enough money to pay for the fix, and tell you what, this makes doctors better able to do their jobs when they don't have to constantly worry about this either. having known people myself that have died of cancer due to smoking even before this legislation was brought in i am more than happy that this is happening for us. Oh, and if you remember the "State" represents a democracy in our country, so this has been decided by the people in our country and not by the companies that make the cigarettes. --Uniqueid (talk) 22:27, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Extreme? I think not
Smokers already endanger others with second hand smoking, damage the environment with their smoking pollution, and encourages kids it's 'cool' to smoke. I'm glad this is being introduced, smokers DO need to feel bad about their bad choices. —Sidorvich (talk) 07:48, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

While I'd be happy if smoking were banned in public, I feel like these ads are an unwarranted intrusion into a manufactured item; the verbal ads should be adequate. Jade Knight (talk) 08:02, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Unwarrented? Smoking is like a legal method to commit manslaughter and suicide! There's evidence/proof that smoking can also kill OTHER people. Verbal ads are NOT enough, people just hear ' Smoking gives you lung cancer, blah, blah ', but it's until they see the full damage they realize the intensity of the situation. Look at those graphical picture, doesn't it shock you? Doesn't it make you regret you smoke everyday? If it does, congrats to them, it's WORKING. -Sidorvich (talk) 10:08, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Health Insurance?
My 2 cents. While I agree that we should let people do whatever they want, as long as they aren't hurting anyone else... What about insurance? It is a universal fact that smoking is bad for your health. More than likely it will give you something (yes, I know there are some cases where people smoke a pack a day till they are 90 years old). Getting sick and possibly dieing costs money, alot of money depending on how slowly. Either your family has to pay for it, or your insurance is paying for it - which they end up taking out of _everyone_ of their subscribers. In countries that have national health systems, well then _every_ taxpayer is forking it over. If a substantially less amount of people were getting sick, theoretically taxes could be lowered - or if not lowered - the money could be put to better things like education.

Plus, lets be honest. Killing yourself effects the people around you in one way or another. -- Shakata Ga Nai ^_^ 08:06, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I don't know about in the U.S. but in most European countries the amount of tax on cigarettes themselves would cover a substantial part - if not all - of the money spent on healthcare. --Brian McNeil / talk 08:10, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * It _should_, but we all know the government squanders it. As for the US, they are taxed, but not nearly as heavily as europe. -- Shakata Ga Nai  ^_^ 08:15, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I've seen this claim made by smoking organisations but I've yet to see it substaniated. In reality, I personally doubt the taxes cover all the costs of smoking to the goverment (i.e. taxpayer), including health costs, support costs (smokers who are unable to work will be supported by the government), research, advertising, cleanup, etc that comes from smokers. Indeed the idea that the government has no right to try an stop people killing themselves just doesn't work in countries with a strong social welfare system. Even if the costs do cover all the extra costs smokers bring to society there's still the fact that the government have a vested interest in keeping their population health and contributing to society. Remember that in most developed countries outside the US, the government (i.e. taxpayer) in some part contributes to the education, upbringing and ongoing support of all individuals. The idea is that these people will hopefully contribute back to society in taxes and other ways. Of course some people will contribute less then others, some will die earlier whether of no fault of their own or partly their fault or complete their fault, some will end up largely being a drain on society, some will immigrate. But nevertheless the government obviously has a vested interest in keeping everyone as healthy as possible and encouraging everyone to contribute to society for as long as possible. I know some people argue that because smokers die young, they are actually less of a drain since the government doesn't have to support them into old age but I'm not convinced this is the case since many of them contribute far less in a variety of ways, including in old age because of their addiction Nil Einne (talk) 16:11, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

Should the government try to stop smoking?
A government should warn citizens about any known health hazard. The written warnings on cigarette packets adequately serve that purpose. Graphics might be an effective alternative to written warnings in countries which have low literacy rates or in multilingual countries. I don't think the UK falls into either category. —Eodril (talk) 08:42, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

As a smoker, I have to say that if the government tries to stop smoking totally, I hope the British consumer will be ready for a vast hike in VAT and taxes on other stuff, since the government make a huge amount from taxation on tobacco. Do they not realise that they are cutting off their nose to spite the rest of their face? God help us all. Iceflow (talk) 19:08, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Whether the UK or US government, it is not their decision to stop or ban smoking. We as adults (18 and over in the US) have that right to smoke. Big Brother will never ban smoking anyways. They benefit from the taxes they charge, (which are outrageous in New York state) because so many smoke...its about dollars and cents, not your health. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 21:10, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * BTW these images are added after organizations bitch and moan to the government. So they eventually give it. It beats the number of useless and likely frivilous lawsuits they file to clog up the legal system. Yes everyone knows smoking is bad, but in the end no one is pointing a gun to our heads and making us smoke. DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon) 21:12, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * No you do not have the right to smoke. I don't care if you drink, inject yourself with heroin, eat until you can't walk, or shoot yourself in the face with a shotgun. None of my business. I don't care what you do to yourself, and neither should anyone else. But smoking? That has an effect on ME. That I care about. So smoking ANYTHING (tobacco, marijuana, or anything else) is out. If you want a nicotine fix there are other ways to get it. Take up chewing, use gum, or inject it straight into your bloodstream; I don't care. Your drug use is your own business. Just don't smoke. Don't smoke anything, ever. (Along the same vein, don't drive while intoxicated, whether by alcohol, coke, or Tylenol 3. That affects me too, so it isn't allowed.)

 * In other words, you can do anything you want as long as there is no substantial negative effect on anyone other than you. That's part of being in any relationship - give and take. And living in a society is just one big relationship. If you want to get along then you can't hurt others and others can't hurt you. If everyone could do anything they wanted, regardless of the consequences, then our civilization would collapse. (It's all good until someone does something to hurt you, isn't it?) Gopher65talk 05:46, 1 October 2008 (UTC)
 * What I do in the privacy of my own home, or outside in the open air, does not affect you. The only way your healthier is effected is when you are right there breathing the smoke with me. Other than that, and how it smells or looks, it should not affect you in the least. I am 27 years old. I have the right to smoke. If we choose to ignore the warnongs about smoking, whose fault is that? DragonFire1024 (Talk to the Dragon') 10:29, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Not going to work
Being a smoker myself i believe this will not stop smoking. When i wrote this article i called up my friend and told her about it. She did not like it for the reason of the intensity of the images. Despite how bad they are i will not give up for those reasons. We have decided that we will buy white sticky labels and stick them over the images. I think it is two extreme and is opening up 'Sick' images to children who dont nessacraly smoke. They will be viewable from shop displays, packets left in the street and family members that leave there packets lying around just to name a few. Chandlerjoeyross (talk) 09:06, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

 * Isn't that a good thing then? That objection comes across odd to me. Imagine a smoker objecting to this packaging talking to his kids: "Hey kids, I want to make myself sick and die, and maybe kill you in the process, but I don't want you to see what is going to happen to me until it does. Then you can be outside in the waiting room while I cough up my lungs for the doctor!" 66.20.174.90 12:29, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

If the images are telling the truth then it's fine
I think intuitively the graphic images will be more effective than just writing in preventing young people taking up smoking in the first place. If they don't get you young, they usually don't get you at all. Presently addicted individuals I'm sure will for the most part ignore the warning and puff away (as is their right). The images might be disturbing to little children but cigarettes aren't displayed in prominent places (and also it's the truth so maybe they should be disturbed).

Is it the governments business to warn the population of health risks? Yes, because the NHS is paid for by taxpayers and in any case smoking kills thousands of individuals which has a significant effect on any society. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.144.145.200 (talk) 12:31, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

Makes sense to me
I'm a smoker and I live in Canada where the graphic warnings have been in use for at least several years. Written warnings came into place sometime during the 1990's. I was surprised to see that the the United Kingdom, or any other country in the EU for that matter, hadn't already used graphical warnings. I think it's fine.

Also, somebody mentioned that in countries with universal health care, which Canada is one, taxes would be lowered if everyone stopped smoking. Not true, at least not in Canada given the high rate of tax on cigarettes. Taxes here would likely rise without the tax revenues derived from tobacco products. Smokers often buy these products for years before they die. And often, death is fairly swift, and premature. That's less burden on the health care system than a non-smoker (someone who isn't paying the stiff taxes on tobacco) spending 15 years in and out of the health care system for things like Alzheimer's, Parkinsons, ect...

Ihatefile007 (talk) 13:09, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

 * If the people who die prematurely, instead lived, then wouldn't that extra 15 years added to their overall productivity decrease individual burdens? I've always thought that was a a big reason to support national health care systems; everyone is more productive when they are not sick, and if they get quick treatment when ill they are not sick for as long before being able to go back to work. 66.20.174.90 13:42, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

 * The "graphic" warnings being discussed here are of the 'blood and guts' variety, other pictorial warnings such as showing people on ventilators and such have been in use in several European countries for a number of years. --Brian McNeil / talk 08:49, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

How is this different from medication warnings?
People have a right to do what they want with their own bodies, but the government has a right, perhaps even a responsibility, to warn them about the consequences of their actions. Putting warning labels on cigarettes is no different from requiring pharmaceutical companies to list side-effects of their products. I do think the warnings are a bit blunt, but I wouldn't say they're intrusive. - Lone Star Libertarian —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.197.36.137 (talk) 14:20, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

What about drinking?
It seem Smokers always get crap for their life style but it's ok to do everything else to your body.--66.229.17.181 16:18, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

 * I think drinking is probably targeted less because it's already been proved in places like the United States and Canada that prohibition against alcohol doesn't work. It hasn't really been demonstrated against tobacco products thus far, so people are pushing for a ban, albeit more slowly. Ihatefile007 (talk) 19:04, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * No, drinking isn't targeted because it doesn't hurt other people if YOU drink. If you smoke, it does. As I've said before, no one (sane) cares if someone wants to commit suicide, or indulge in drugs, or whatever. What we care about is if you harm *us* in the process (or not). And, if you'll note, the one part of alcohol intake that harms other people (drinking and driving) is brutally targeted in most civilized areas of the world. Far moreso than any actions that have been taken against smokers. Gopher65talk 05:53, 1 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Yeah, after all, no one dies from drink driving, from drunken behaviour, nor does alcoholism bring serious emotional challenges to problems. It also doesn't cost the NHS loads of money to treat alcohol-related disorders. I like your way of thinking! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.104.3.31 (talk) 17:34, 4 October 2008 (UTC)

Yes!!!
This is a big step to warn humans about the harms that tobacco can do to our health, knowing that tobacco is the first cause fo deaths in the world. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 200.30.68.212 (talk) 22:14, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

images on cigarette packets
United Kingdom to introduce graphic images on cigarette packets

"Well no one said that smoking is good" and each one of us is free to smoke or stop smoking as far as we don't distuirb others.

Sounds somehow ironic seeing most of the Goverments have prohibited smoking in various areas,while they permit all cigarettes factories to produce their stuff!! ( good business no?) Same is happening with alcoholic drinks that are free for sale everywhere!!!(another good business hm!!)

There are so many factors causing health damage whereever we live, ie: air pollution (cars-trucks-autobuses)nuclear stations and trials but who cares!! Also on food stuffs: such as high consumptions of faty food stuffs -salt (increasing blood presseure- heart failure -kidney damage and strocks) But very few states talks about this, except the doctors when the problem has been reported. Question: Can any goverment shut down immediately all cigarette's factories?? George —Preceding unsigned comment added by George32 (talk • contribs) 07:19, 29 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Actually in many countries (other then the US perhaps), the government talks a lot about unhealthy foods and how to discourage people from consuming them and often is heavily envolved in trying to promote healthy diets Nil Einne (talk) 16:20, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

Smoking cannot be stopped.
If Prohibition of old times and today's "War on Drugs" prove anything, it's that people will get what they want, whether it is legal or illegal. It is a better idea not to ban smoking completely, but rather to regulate it - true, smoking kills, but as long as it is going to exist, it might as well be regulated and held to some standard. We cannot force anyone to "see the light", or see my light, or yours, or ours, but we can at least provide education; by doing so can one promote the general welfare, and at the same time protect the individual's rights. By the way, I am not a smoker - never have, never will. Jared —12.25.104.8 08:10, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

The government has no business telling citizens what they can or cannot put into their bodies.

Taarax67.53.155.109 11:05, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

Is there anyone who in this day and age who doesn't know of smokings dangers?
Smokers are discriminated against, simple as that. It is socially acceptable to hassle a smoker on a life-style choice. It is actually kind of sickening that our society not only accepts this (despite their politically correct non-sense) but, as shown by this new course of action, is actively embracing it. It is completely pointless to put more warning labels on cigarettes. It is the same thing as showing a body after its been run over by a train at every train station to prove the point that a written sign isn't deterrent enough to keep people from playing on the tracks, which every man, woman, and child is well aware is dangerous and could kill them. My point being that this is an excessive and frankly officious point of view being taken by our governments, be it the UK, the US, or any nation really, against citizens that honestly don't deserve it. Why don't we show a destroyed liver on the side of every beer bottle? Lver failure is a horrible way to die too. The answer being, its not socially acceptable to look down upon drinkers. Anyone who looks down upon smokers honestly should be ashamed of themselves. Eric Cartman said it best, "Wow. It's like, it's like, smoking brings a lot of people just a little bit of joy and, and you get to take that away from them." You are selfish, self-righteous, and hypocrites. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.63.213.194 (talk) 16:36, 29 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Actually people do look down on excessive drinkers. The difference is that with smoking, the consensus is there is no such thing as an acceptable level. And BTW, as the article states, the evidence is that these labels work. You might not like that fact, or perhaps you disagree with the studies, but you'll need better evidence then 'I don't think it'll work' before anyone believes you Nil Einne (talk) 15:55, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

 * with smoking, the consensus is there is no such thing as an acceptable level

 * Where are you getting that? I've looked at alot of the misinformation that creeps into anti-smoking campaigns but I haven't seen that one before.  I don't think anyone actually tries to examine things like that; the "conventional wisdom" about smoking is accepted quite blithely.

 * I wouldn't be surprised if filling up your car with gasoline regularly exposes you to the same amount of toxic chemicals as an occasional smoker might get. But anti-smoking agitators wouldn't want anyone to examine that or the way that all of the chemicals in tobacco smoke pervade the modern environment anyways, nor would they stand for graphic pictures of benzene-induced cancer on petrol pumps; they're invested in being able to pat themselves on the back for being such courageous crusaders against unambiguous evil.  Can't have people questioning, y'know.  --Struthious Bandersnatch (talk) 05:22, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Absolutely
I definitely believe that the government should try to stop smoking. Smoking kills people, and the government should do everything it can to lower the death rate.

However, if people know about the dangers, but want to start smoking anyway, fine by me. If they want to kill themselves, fine. Just keep the damn smoke away from me. I don't want to get lung cancer. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.236.176.176 (talk) 02:07, 7 October 2008 (UTC)


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User:Emesee/Proposal

Add events.

Maybe ad classifieds.... =o

title: User:Emesee/Proposal


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User:Nico89abc

Thanks for reading. My name is R. Nicolás López. I came from Argentina and I've been studying Journalism since March 2008. I am also a member of Wikinoticias, the Spanish edition of Wikinews. It will be hard to find articles written by me, because my English is not so good (and I have little time). However, I can contribute with interwikis or other minor changes.

es:Usuario:Nico89abc

title: User:Nico89abc


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Fire hits Egyptian national theatre

September 28, 2008

A fire on Saturday destroyed the main hall of the Egyptian National Theatre in Cairo. Six people have been injured including three firefighters. No one was in the theatre at the time as it was closed for the weekend.

Egyptian state culture minister Faruq Hosni, said "The fire broke out in the main hall of the theatre. It was probably caused by an electrical short circuit."

Ataba Square was filled with thick white smoke just after sunset as a total of 22 fire engines responded. Egyptian riot police were also deployed to keep crowds of people back while the firefighters attempted to extinguish the blaze.

A civil defence officer described the fire as being almost contained, following a brief burst of high winds which blew the flames towards neighbouring shops and other buildings. The three firefighters were admitted to hospital suffering from the effects of smoke inhalation.

Brig. Gen. Nasr Zakaria, a senior officer of the Civil Defence Service, later confirmed Minister Hosni's earlier statement, telling MENA (Middle East News Agency) that an electrical short had indeed caused the fire, by triggering an explosion in the theatres air conditioning system.

title: Fire hits Egyptian national theatre


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Template talk:Abandoned

Improve the template
To all experienced English Wikinews editors: I am a newcomer here and it was an ugly surprise for me when my first article was named "abandoned" with this template and I absolutely did not understand why. All went ok then, but for everyone like me, please consider some improvements of the template - some links to what should be done with the article or at least explain better what does it mean. More in the User ShakataGaNai discussion. Thank You, Okino (talk) 22:57, 27 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I actually don't really understand what it is that's not understandable. If you follow the link to WN:PD then everything actually gets explained. But of course we are open to any suggestion. - Jurock (reply) 23:38, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

The problem is, that a new editor does not understand, why he/she should edit an article he/she thinks that is finished. The Wikinews (still a lot unusual) practice of reviewing articles requires reviewing of articles, but the newcomer does not know that, so he/she does not ask for reviewing, only leaves the article as it is, hoping the article will be published soon (as he/she does not know, why it is not published immediately) - and then there comes the surprising abandoned template, which is rather confusing - it says the unpublished article (why it is unpublished??) is going to be deleted because it is not edited (why it should be editted??). Of course, there is some note in the "Important Information for Editors" down below the Save page button, but for me (and probably many more newcomers) it can be quite insufficient. --- Thanks. Okino (talk) 01:06, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * I agree with Okino. Maybe we can add something like this
 * If you feel that this article is ready to be publish, please add review to the article
 * --PatrickFlaherty (talk) 01:21, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
 * Hmmm, seems good to me.- Jurock (reply) 01:36, 28 September 2008 (UTC)

title: Template talk:Abandoned


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Comments:More worries of further contamination of food from China

gluten effects more people with the hla dq2 and dq8 genes it will be found,that a lot of illness are from begin intolerant to gluten, doctors are sitting on their hands on more diagnoses 20% population have the dormant gluten gene and melamine will wake it up,along with pure 100% gluten flour gladian is the protein for the electric system and the mucus and attacks the villi and the space between the cells,

Not a problem here in the States...
... As we export far more food than we import. But looking at the conditions in Chinese factories to begin with, why would you still be eating food imported from China for any reason? Oh, that's right, stores don't have to tell you where your food is from. I think we'd better get some legislation up about that. - LSL —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.197.36.137 (talk) 16:44, 28 September 2008 (UTC)


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Vatican accepts Juan Pablo Cafiero as Argentine Ambassador

September 28, 2008

The Vatican has accepted Juan Pablo Cafiero's appointment as ambassador to the Holy See. The announcement takes place after rejecting Alberto Iribarne, who had originally been proposed by the government of Argentina, for being divorced.

In this way, the diplomatic conflict between Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's government and the Holy See comes to an end. Bilateral relationships had been frozen for ten months after Kirchner refused to appoint another ambassador immediately after the rejection.

After the announcement, the Argentine government highlighted the speed at which the new appointed ambassador was approved. Kirchner received the news while she was visiting the Neue Galerie in New York.

Cafiero, whose catholic practices and moderate profile may have accelerated his acceptance, said he was happy that he had been accepted. Furthermore, he stressed the need to "restore" the relationship between the Holy See and Argentina, and he self-imposed this task.

The Argentine Senate will have to ratify his designation before it becomes official.


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User talk:Kristinmaejohnson

Welcome
, welcome to Wikinews! I hope you like the place and decide to stay. Here are a few good links for newcomers:

Our key policies - if you read anything, read these! Here are some pointers to help you get to know Wikinews: There are always things to do on Wikinews: By the way, you can sign your name on Talk pages using four tildes ( ~~~~ ), which produces your name and the current date. If you have any questions, you can ask them at the water cooler or to anyone on the Welcommittee, or ask me on my Talk page. Again, welcome! JoshuaZ (talk) 00:06, 28 September 2008 (UTC)
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title: User talk:Kristinmaejohnson


text: Talk:Fire hits Egyptian national theatre