User talk:AlistairMcMillan/Archive6

This is an archive of past discussions with User:AlistairMcMillan. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page.

Superman Returns

Please do not remove comments made by other users, on Talk Pages. This is considered vandalism. Refrain yourself from reverting my comments or any other users' comments on Talk Pages, unless they are a form of personal attack. Thank you. Bignole 02:37, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

It's ok. Just becareful when you revert to make sure of what is also removed. We've had problems with this page and vandals coming in and deleting sections. Bignole 02:48, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

Exculpate your approach!

Please tell me to which exact Wikipedia guideline you're regarding when deleting a List of audio taggers from the Lists of software, but not a List of audio players. I'm waiting! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Emkey08 (talk • contribs) 11:03, 2 July 2006

OK, I agree that the tag editor site itself should not include a link list, as resulted from the AFD. However, please explain why you removed the List of audio taggers. If this list should be against the Wikipedia guidelines, constitute why there is, for example, a List of audio players, or even the Lists of software category. A list of audio taggers is informative for users, and it's missing so far. --Emkey08 19:16, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

It is a chick flick

You should know by now that Micheal Moore's movie Farnheit 9/11 is a chick flick, have you've seen it? It's very chlick flick-like.

Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/List of Sci Fi Channel (United States) programs

Ello there, Alistair.. I'd rather like for you to give your input on the future of List of Sci Fi Channel (United States) programs since it may invariably suffer the same fate as Other films aired on The SciFi Channel, so please do so if time permits. I feel it a rather pertinant piece of information concerning the Sci Fi Channel, and its demise may compromise the article in its entirety although it definately should be Wikified.. DrWho42 04:40, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Reversion of link spam

I ask you to re-evaluate the resent link-spam reversions of edits by 198.3.32.107. While appearing as link spam, the site these link to appears to offer some redeeming value, and is not a corporate/ad-based site. More importantly, it is a resource similar to the GUIdebook, which is linked among all these pages as well. Speaking for myself (yes, just an unregistered IP, I know), I think this was actually a valid contribution to these articles, perhaps one that should stay. Do consider it.

name familiar

I thought your name sounded familiar and in reviewing things here and there discovered that you and I had gone around this same DRM= ?? Maypole late in June. As we reached a mutually satisfactory compromise then, I'm not at all sure what the problem is this time. I'd appreciate a note explaining, without rancor (just as it was handled last time) what is different now.

On another topic, your edit comment suggests something about if you're going to do this add names to the blocks. If you were referring to me, which seems likely as no one else had edited before your comment (save the archive by Warren), the point is opaque. I had indeed done so, having learned rather long ago how irritating it can be to try to follow who said what in an interleaved comment block. Please provide some enlightenment on this point as well, if possible.

And, finally, did you know a fellow Galwegian (sp?) has become quite the cat's meow on US late night television? I refer to Craig Ferguson and the Late Night show on the CBS network. ww 18:15, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Can we then settle on the variant you had? It was fine with me, and apparetnly acceptable to you. Perhaps it will be with Warren as well? Something like also termed D Res Mgt by such critics as Stallman? As for the interleaved stuff, I'd relied on the intdenting to keep things straight for those coming by at some later time. Guess you'd not think that enough.

Second rate comic?? By the quite general standard here (low to be sure), he's rather better than that. And the burr gives an exotic touch. But our high point of comedy seems to have come in the 30s and 40s with such as W C Fields. The Firesign Theatre and some work by Leaming and Sullivan are about the only thing that comes close to the Goon Show, My Word, No Honestly, or the Pythons in the years since. ww 19:41, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

OK, how about this? De-bold the second mention, so as not to unduly stress it, and use something like "...or DRM (also termed Dig Res Mgmnt by a considerable number...". Would that be balanced in your view? ww 20:16, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Of course they're weasel words. I'm trying to thread a needle here and trying to find something that fits in the joint between objections. I don't think the text is can another be found like this, but whether in the context of this mess, something can be found. Something of a red herring, that. This article should early and prominently note the strength of the opposing views (and attempted poson terminology) so as to pull either effort's biasing teeth. The objectors are not lunatics or out of reason (I certainly don't belog to FSF or agree with RMS on many topics), just as the proponents can make something of an arguement for their position. It's the intensity on both sides which makes it something WP should recognize. pride of place in attempts to distort the debate should not accrue to any side, certainly not with WP support.

Just as you did, I'm feeling my gas tank go dry on this one, so if something can't be worked out between us inthe next exchange or two, I'll drop out for the moment. ww 20:33, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Ah, it comes down to the stylistic point. I think that position conceeds too much POV to the copyright holders' groups like RIAA or MPAA or the British equivalent whose name excapes, but which has been making threatening noises against users of late. Follwoing the absurdist Big Brother example here of suing 13-year olds for $x00,000, putting their elderly guardian grandmothers in fear of lost homes and heart attacks. I think it would be wrong for WP to concede pride of place to this distortion of the terms of discussion. ww 20:58, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

<---

Bad phrase on my part. I meant how to handle, in words and article structure, the POV in the favored name by the various sides in this issue. If we could merely substitute the first metasyntactic variable as the word to be used to describe the thing(s) the article is about, I'd have no trouble. But I, and others, have taken the position that it is POV to favor either one of these loaded phrases. To pull their mutual POV fangs, it had developed that the article would deal with both as alternates, early on, favoring neither. Foo is this, and foo is that, and foo has this effect but not that hasn't the loaded quality of either of these phrases. Adn I'd happily settle, but I'm really opposed to the POV inherent in both phrases. But I'm tapped out, so I'll let it ride for the moment. ww 21:14, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

DM references

AM, I'm back for a bit. (I do not have a Wiki jones, I do not have a Wiki jones, ....) The DM article is one of those which has a long history, some of which is contentious. Among the things which are happening, more slowly than ideally would be the case, is the addition of refs to the DM article, per the new WP style. There was also a recent refactoring into more specific articles, type 1 type 2, etc etc The MDs who do the most authoritative editing from a clinical perspective have only a certain amount of time to put in. We're getting there, if less than snappily. Oh, and do beware the DKA article, it's in need of work rather badly. At least as to biochemical origins... ww 02:17, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

10.4.7

First off, I'd like to point out that I am very familiar with NOR through my time on AfD. However, according to WP:V that tidbit of info could have been included if it could have been verified. Since it (obviously) can't be verified I'll simply try to remember things I've done since updating to 10.4.7. Thanks. --M1ss1ontomars2k4 ^(T | C | @) 05:23, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

SEO

• User:Leetraveller
• User:81.86.37.93

AlistairMcMillan 01:57, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

Laihia

I would like to point out that I have written most of the article Laihia (so as the corresponding Finnish version too). I have made also the map shown on the page.

Further, I happen to know better Laihia than ever you because I'm born there and was living there nine years!

Would you kindly clarify, what did you exactly mean by saying that you have removed vandalism by me, Polarit ?

It is also countrywide generally known that Laihia people are called really Scotch of Finland! That is why we have here thousands of jokes about Laihians as they are concerned to be real penny pinchers. If you don't like it that I mentioned Scotland in this context (because you are from Glasgow), you may explain it in other words without removing it. --Polarit 18:15, 16 July 2006 (UTC)

Thank you Alistair for your reply. Yes the right word should have been stinginess (opposite of generous) I think. Note this, you can see on the history logs, it was not me who added that sentence on January 6 but a Spanish vandalist at IP 85.49.224.46 = 85-49-224-46.mad2.adsl.uni2.es. If you look at my user page, I'm sure no Spaniard. I'm sorry I didn't check the meaning of the word minginess first. Otherwise I would have fixed it. However, because the removed text was anyway added by a vandalist, it may stay off for my sake. --Polarit 06:28, 17 July 2006 (UTC)

macbook

I understand. Thanks for letting me know. :) 71.240.184.250 16:57, 17 July 2006 (UTC)

Fox News Channel controversies

Hi. I've been editing and discussing some of the same articles as you have. Would you mind looking at this: What does it add and see if this edit and the long point on "The Simpsons" has consensus there? (I thought we had consensus for a while, but it broke down.) --GunnarRene 14:19, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

Darwin

Apple hasn't released Darwin 8.7 in an opensource form for Intel-based machines, but it is at the base of OS X 10.4.7. This is the output of "uname -a" on my Macs: Darwin innocence.local 8.7.0 Darwin Kernel Version 8.7.0: Fri May 26 15:20:53 PDT 2006; root:xnu-792.6.76.obj~1/RELEASE_PPC Power Macintosh powerpc

Jollino 11:49, 23 July 2006 (UTC)

Apple Evangelists

Evangelist is a specific job title at Apple, and it belongs to the people in the group that Guy Kawasaki started. This is within Apple's World Wide Developer Relations, not product marketing. Sal Segohian's business card says "technology manager", not "evangelist".

Alistair,

My source w/r/t Sal, is direct personal knowledge. I have one of his business cards in front of me on my desk, and it says "Product Manager", not "Evangelist". The Evangelists at Apple work for John Geleynse (software) or David Harrington (hardware.) You don't have to take my word for it, you can call Sal and ask him yourself. Apple's main switch board number is [phone]. Just ask the operator for Sal Seghoian, and they'll put you through. Also, watch any of the various podcasts he's appeared in; he's always introduced as Apple's product manager (not evangelist) for AppleScript and Automator.

Alistair, I have my own reasons for choosing to edit anonymously. Here's your verification. Watch this podcast: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=119110543 Sal appears in the episodes for 6/15/06, and 5/5/06. Note the title they give when they introduce him. If that still doesn't convince you, then give him a call and ask him yourself.

Boot camp

Regarding my anonymous changes to the Boot Camp article, I saw the referrers coming in to my site from the Wikipedia article and made those changes... I'm actually the "Alan J. Hogan" whose website is the reference there. I appreciate your concern to eliminate inaccuracies created by anonymouse users. --151.201.31.131 03:38, 24 July 2006 (UTC) Yup, it's me. BTW I own a MacBook Pro. Thanks again for being a concerned Wikipedian. --AlanH 03:40, 24 July 2006 (UTC)

Perle "Spamming"

Alistaire,

I am quite new to Wikipedia. The reason why I joined is that I think it's a really cool tool and I wanted to contribute to it. I saw that you undid most of the changes that I had made, noting that it was spaming. At first I didn't really understand why. Then I read through the Wikipedia:Spam page and now I understand better. I'm sorry, I was a bit overmotivated on creating links (it was partly also because I was frustrated that on google you don't find the right page when you look for Terminal Server). Anyway it won't happen again. Sorry for the inconvenience. Spamming was defenetly not my intention.

Next time you might want to suggest to a user to read the Wikipedia:Spam page before just deleting his links. Just like me he might not have been aware of what he was doing. And if you would have suggested me to read the page I would most likely have deleted the links myself... By the way I also think that some of the links you deleted were actually quite useful to a reader and definitely not spamming, but I'll leave it up to you if you want to add them back in or not. Sorry again for the inconvinience created. --Lukas Karrer 20:02, 25 July 2006 (UTC)

Deletion of Comparison of Windows & Mac OS X

Yes, some parts of the article may be incoherent, but they can be easily fixed: as they are just incomplete thoughts that may have been interrupted and not revamped. As for the NPOV, no there will never be complete neutrality; but I wrote this article being as un-biased as possible.

• Windows, though, cannot always be quite as reliable as Mac OS X. <-- Stating that Windows users have more issues with running mutltiple programs smoothely, while Mac OS X usually has simpler ways of avoiding/fixing these problems

• Apple's Mac OS X makes instant messaging even simpler than Windows with iChat. <-- with iChat, one does not need AIM, ICQ, and other messangers running separately: because they can all be put on one buddy list and function in form.

• Windows-based computers commonly freeze when heavily multi-tasking <-- It was explained that this was many times because a virus/worm has infected the computer.

---

• Also, Windows will not recognize a device such as a mouse, keyboard, or camera until restarted: showing that the kernel does not check ports regularly. With Mac OS X, the motherboard will recognize a peripheral device once connected: windows machines need to restart and therefore only check for new devices (besides USB) at startup

• When dealing with uptime, Microsoft is a much more secure OS. Average uptime for Windows without instability: 32 days. Mac OS X: 22-24

• Unlike Mac OS X, installing a new version of Windows relies on the old version, or will not complete correctly. When upgrading Windows 98 or ME to XP, the old system files are implicated in the New OS, while Mac OS X deletes/overwrites these for new ones

• Mac OS X has custom pre-made configurations on installation CD's. Configurations on how to install: as shown in this image

• the Windows command prompt is more commonly used to see the status of things and the Mac OS X terminal is used for alterations to the system. This may be too incoherent: it is supposed to explain the main differences in common functionality of the Terminal and Command Prompt

Most sources came from Wikipedia or 1st person experience with the two operating systems.

---

Why delete the article? It is a common and interesting one, and any rocky sections of it will definately smoothe out over time.

--Alegoo92 02:15, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

OpenDarwin

Was there any reason you decided to revert my edits? PhotoBox 20:47, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Sorry but I reverted your edits because OpenDarwin.org was founded by Apple and the ISC. The operating system is just one project that was hosted by OpenDarwin.org. AlistairMcMillan 23:08, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

No problem. I was just curious. PhotoBox 23:43, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Removal of "stability"

Please explain why you chose to remove stability in the Comparison of Windows and Mac OS X article in the discussion page, please. While you may feel that the section is "useless", it may be considered differently by others. --Alegoo92 20:12, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

Pre-Order

I do not see the reason why you would like to delete the pre-order article when I just started it....it is not "trivial"..This is becoming a major method to release anticipated albums. I deleted them long ago and you just taken notice of that....I wonder why?--Toosmart215 02:15, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

WRT54G Article

You recently removed all the links to third party firmware on this page. I would be interested to know exactly which guidelines you felt these links violated and consider reverting your edit. Thank you.--Super Ted 17:46, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

Reference edited out of Apple Computer article

Why was the reference to the this page removed from the Apple Computer article? I don't know way too much about the topic, but the link itself seems to be a credible source with information that is not disreputable. I've noticed the Apple Computer article has lots of "fanboy"-dom and hope this wasn't excluded from inclusion simply because it wasn't entirely positive(though I personally find the notion of the ipod video nano intriguing, and the technical difficulties needed to be overcome pertinent) even though it is relevant for inclusion on discussions relating to the item. Smeggysmeg 20:25, 4 August 2006 (UTC)

Eliezer Alfonzo

All kidding aside, the edit I posted regarding Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was, while I understand unverifiable, completely true, and I take a mild indignance that the stated reason for removing it was my prior vandalism as opposed to any discussion as to the truth of the event. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.5.62.241 (talk • contribs) 09:52, 5 August 2006

While the judgement, or rather the practice of valuing verifiability over truth (which is understandably easier to do) is certainly within Wikipedia's rights as an organization, I then find myself questioning the value of such a website. Also, you once again referenced me as a known vandal on the history edit page for Eliezer Alfonzo, which in the context of this argument (given that you seemed willing to accept my statement that the paragraph was true) is irrelevant, and one might say implies a bias that an organization like Wikipedia must remain utterly without, lest it lose any high ground to stand on. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.5.62.241 (talk • contribs) 00:05, 6 August 2006

Aqua

I've renamed it to Aqua (user interface). Aqua, by Apple's own definition is a "user interface". Yes, it's a theme, too. No, these two things are not contradictory. Take it up with Apple if you disagree that it's a user interface, but if you're going to insist on describing Aqua as a theme, the onus is on you to prove that it's only a theme. Good luck with that.

Here's a starting reference point: http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Aapple.com+aqua+user+interface vs. http://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Aapple.com+aqua+theme. -/- Warren 20:26, 12 August 2006 (UTC)

Rosetta

Out of curiosity, is it clear to you what makes Rosetta not an emulator? I'll grant it seems to be a complex one, but despite Apple's claim that Rosetta is not an emulator, I don't really see how it falls outside of the criteria for one. It doesn't really seem that much different than the dynamic recompilation one eventually used on the PowerPC to run 680x0 code. (And I'm not meaning to pick a fight here, in case it sounds that way.) -- Steven Fisher 01:11, 13 August 2006 (UTC)

I guess I'd like to know what's really going on there, first hand, and then put it in an article. Doesn't seem like that's going to happen anytime soon. Thanks for answering. :) -- Steven Fisher 02:40, 13 August 2006 (UTC)

Spotlight?

Hey! I was wondering if you'd help me tidy up the Spotlight (software) article. I've kind of done it but Wikipedia conventions are still obscure to me...

Thanks and sorry to bother you, The Fish 20:05, 14 August 2006 (UTC)

Spotlight image

I am sorry-- it's not exactly what I thought it was.

From it's grey appearance I thought it had plugin alterations made, but I still feel that the image I uploaded in its place (Image:Spotlight Search.png) is better for the page (showing more criteria being searched and less of a "strange" menu bar). Even so I am aware of the mistake and agree the IFD tag should be removed.

Sorry --Alegoo92 01:13, 21 August 2006 (UTC)

Information vs. Advertising

I noticed that you removed some links because you see them as advertising without any interest for the reader. My opinion is, however, that those offer commercial solutions to problems that may have caused the reader to consult the wiki article. Sure, some people might just want to consult this HFS article for getting technical information (but why don't they then just go to Apple's developer page right away?) What can wikipedia offer that Apple's info can't? One of these are _help_ that Apple would not offer, and this should include, IMO, any help, no matter if it's commercial or not.

Is there a general rule from the wikipedia org that suggests or prohibits references to commercial products in general? I see that others have contacted you about similar removals and you did refer to Wikipedia:What_Wikipedia_is_not#Wikipedia_is_not_a_mirror_or_a_repository_of_links.2C_images.2C_or_media_files in the last case. Yet, I cannot find a reason in there nor in the other "what wikipedia is not" topics that would clearly justify your removal of the links to software that helps in dealing with HFS x-platform-wise.

Tempel 17:42, 25 August 2006 (UTC)

(Star Trek) moves

Came up on the Star Trek wikiproject page. --EEMeltonIV 00:45, 27 August 2006 (UTC)

iPod Nano

Did you bother to read the reason why it was moved? It was the same reason that Game Boy micro was moved to Game Boy Micro. TJ Spyke 00:08, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

I will suggest moves for them as well. TJ Spyke 00:36, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

Non Profit Multimedia Insolvency Links

Hi Alistair, I am familiar with the guidelines. The long standing insolvency strategy links are an invaluable resource and are exactly inline with the wikipedia project; i.e. good relevant content. Please take some time to peruse the history off the categories that I have started and you will quickly see that the relevence and usefulness of this not for profit resource. Brookie has assisted me in the past when commercial spammers have deleted and challenged etc. Best regards - Sean

Non Profit Multimedia Insolvency Links

Hi Alistair, I think we may be throwing the baby out with the bath water here? Yes I am a senior advisor with Myvesta - a not for profit debthelp organisation. There is no conspiracy in that. The reason why the multi-media links should stay is because they are an excellent resource that many people benefit from. This is irrespective of whether I am an advsior with the orgaisation Alistair so I do not see the issue. Other Wikipedians have been perfectly happy with this so why do you feel the need to take exception? Kind regards Sean

Hi Alistair, on balance I can see how me deleting various links over the last year would appear. It is just that the links that I have deleted were to commercial companies some of whom charge hard up debtors thousands of pounds to assist with debt problems. The links that I have deleted have also been of low technical relevence also.

I take your point however as there are indeed some other good non profit based resources out there too. I will hunt arround and enhance the category resources to reflect this accordingly. Thanks for your insight on this matter Alistair! Regards Sean

SoD

Not sure how you overwrote it either, it should have said something when you tried to save.

Okay, it just seemed like most articles were referencing that the NYT was the one who broke the news about the book after getting a full copy of it. [1] It might be nice to cite the NYT article just because they got the scoop? (and does WP have full access to Woodward's book, or just excerpts, even if he works there?) Anyhow, I'm done with the article, I was just doing janitorial stuff, so I'll leave it in your capable hands. --Interiot 02:12, 30 September 2006 (UTC)

Congratulations!

Congratulations to you--recipient of my first and probably only Bad Neighbor Award! Alegoo92

[[:Image:Bad Neighbor Award.png|thumb|center|To AlistairMcMillan, I award you the Bad Neighbor Award; for your tireless efforts to personally offend or upset myself; and make Wikipedia a less happy place to be! --Alegoo92 21:47, 15 October 2006 (UTC)]]

Winton M. Blount

You seem to be the main contributor to the Winton M. Blount article, so you might have an answer to my question on the article's talk page. Please take a look. Thank you. --TantalumTelluride 00:28, 18 October 2006 (UTC)

Unacceptable merge

The merge of VNC Loop into Optical feedback is unacceptable to me, because it is not an optical pheneomenon at all. It is a digital phenonomenon, with no lenses involved. Please revert changes. --Amit 00:27, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

I found the 'VNC Loop' interesting. I took the liberty of copying to a separate article linked under ==See also== in Optical feedback? After all it's feedback and it is visual. I hope it's ok. --Profero 19:18, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

OK, sorry about that! Could you please explain or point me to the neologism and notability rules? --Profero 19:41, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

Thank you. --Profero 20:53, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

I must point out that Abelani did not affect my vote, but I see your point. --Profero 21:05, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

You linked me to Abelani's 'lobby-list', and he posted a denial of trying to influence anyone in either direction. However, I wanted to learn more of what is frowned upon and why, etc., but find it difficult to find topics on the help page. (Why isn't there a search engine for only help-related words? Do you know of a method? Why isn't the whole darn help-section split off into a separate site, and just as easily searchable as Wiki itself? Where should these questions really best be posted?) Well, all this has most probably been discussed before, and I hope I’m not too much of a bother. Thanks again.--Profero 23:23, 21 October 2006 (UTC)

Thank you. (Subject shortcut). — --Profero 23:59, 21 October 2006 (UTC)