User talk:Tim riley/Archive22

Latest comment: 7 years ago by Dank in topic Francis Poulenc for TFA

TFAR edit

Wikipedia:Today's featured article/requests/Albert Ketèlbey, I'd like to tell SchroCat the same, also Andy, trust that they will watch the article talk, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:13, 3 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Thank you, dear Gerda. I don't dabble in TFAR much and don't really know the drill. Ought I to be doing anything? Tim riley talk 13:31, 3 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
No obligation but an easy link to check if the blurb - which has to be shorter than the lead - doesn't leave out something while mentioning something less important, also for style, of course. I can't believe how few of his works have an article, - added one today, at least a start. Heard a bit of the Chinese on radio the other day, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:40, 4 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
Question: looking at this this image (the image suggested for the TFA also): may I conclude that the piece was edited in all these versions, one piano, piano duet ...? --Gerda Arendt (talk) 20:41, 4 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Precious again, your improving of Albert Ketèlbey, born on 9 August, a lovely collaboration!

--Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:07, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Sibelius edit

Again I found myself translating one of your beautiful articles. I don't understand why the following sentence "In 1914 he was the composer of the year at the Norfolk Music Festival in Connecticut, USA, premiering his symphonic poem The Oceanides commissioned by the millionaire Carl Stoeckel" is located at the end of Studies and early career section. There is a 14 year leap that I don't follow. Could it be moved to More pleasant times section? Best wishes (with your off-wikipedic endeavors) Triplecaña (talk) 15:09, 4 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Alas, I can't claim any credit for the Sibelius article, though I agree with your praise of it. The article is mostly the work of @Ipigott:, whose attention I am drawing to your message and who may possibly like to comment on the point you raise. Tim riley talk 17:09, 4 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
@Triplecaña: I've deleted the passage you refer to as the trip to the States is already amply covered in More pleasant times. The reason it first appeared was that an earlier version of the article contained a short passage on Sibelius' travels. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I'm happy to hear you are translating the article.--Ipigott (talk) 15:19, 11 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 04 July 2016 edit

Noye's Fludde: a problem edit

I hope you are well and suitably relaxed. Meanwhile, the Britten-Pears Foundation has helpfully removed from its website the programme for the premiere of Noye's Fludde at Aldeburgh in 1958. This programme is the source for most of the detail included in our article relating to the original performers. See last sentence of the first para of the "Premiere" section and the first three sentences of the second para. My Britten sources are slender, and none of them give this information. Can you suggest a source that might provide this info – a press report, perhaps, or a better biography than Burton's? Brianboulton (talk) 20:42, 7 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

PS: Since posting above I have found a few of the premiere performers named in an article we're already using as a source - the Musical Times article by Rollo Myers (jstor 937340). This mentions the English Opera Players, Hurwitz, Downes, the bell-ringers of Leiston and the buglers of the Royal Hospital. But much other detail needs sourcing. Brianboulton (talk) 21:04, 7 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
Am not at Riley Towers at the moment: back tomorrow, and I think I may have a suitable book on my shelves. More anon. Tim riley talk 22:19, 8 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
I don't want to trample on your manicured lawn, and am instead sending you by email a scan of page 250 of "The Operas of BB" ed David Herbert, with due bibliographical details. Tim riley talk 18:04, 9 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
See further detail on my talk page. Brianboulton (talk) 21:45, 11 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

This Month in GLAM: June 2016 edit





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16 July 2016 thank you edit

 
16 July 2016

Thank you for helpful comments in the FAC, and the source check! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:51, 16 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Britten and Pears Articles edit

Thank you for your note. I am new to Wikipedia, so I would appreciate a bit of patience. I understand that you are an experienced wiki editor. This new book, if you have read it, includes letters between Britten and Pears that have not been published previously, so I simply wanted to make certain that folks researching Britten know about it. It was never my intent to get into an edit war. HerdMusic209 (talk) 19:41, 16 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Shostakovich Symphony No. 14 edit

I wanted to thank you Tim for your kind note about my edit on the Peter Pears entry. Britten's recording of the Shostakovich Symphony No. 14 (on BBC Legends) also includes a performance of his Nocturne with Pears, which is probably how the confusion first set in about noting Pears as singing in the Shostakovich symphony.NVG13DAO (talk) 21:49, 18 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

That's very kind. It took a lot of work to get the article up to "Featured Article" status, and it is very welcome indeed to have that error corrected. That's the good side of Wikipedia's collaborative input: none of us know everything, but between us we know a helluva lot. Tim riley talk 11:03, 19 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Many thanks! edit

Just a quick note to say many thanks for carrying out the GAN over at O. G. S. Crawford, Tim. Hope it was an interesting read! Midnightblueowl (talk) 20:53, 20 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

It certainly was. I'd never heard of the old boy, I confess, but I loved reading about him. A good deal more fun – forgive me – than V I Lenin, though of course I recognise their relative importance and am in awe of your coverage of Lenin. Tim riley talk 21:00, 20 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
Thank you. The Lenin article is indeed probably my 'most important' contribution to Wikipedia in terms of relative significance, although I am following it with Nelson Mandela, which is currently at PR and which I hope to bring along to FAC in the next few months, so if that interests you then do keep a look out for it. Best for now, Midnightblueowl (talk) 21:17, 20 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

New FLC edit

Hi Tim. I have List of Local Nature Reserves in Buckinghamshire at FLC. Any comments gratefully received. Dudley Miles (talk) 22:58, 20 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 21 July 2016 edit

The lieutenant edit

I don't know in which of your grace-and-favour residences you are currently to be found, but if you have a moment or two to spare, could you devote a couple of them to the good lieutenant?

I've been messing about with this, on and off, for months, undecided what to do with it. It can probably be made into a FA, but I'm still somewhat reluctant about rejoining that process as a nominator. Would you be prepared to co-nom? The tasks that I see as requiring further work are:

  • Prose: I tinker endlessly with my own prose, often making things worse rather than better. It needs a fresh eye to go over the whole thing.
  • Comprehensiveness: I've mined the sources that are readily available, either online or in my private music library. What I don't have is a good Prokofiev biography; maybe you could consult one or two in the BL, to see what further light they can throw on this composition.
  • Recordings: this section is weak – I don't like using sites like Presto as sources, as the content tends to change. You might have access to gramophone-related material which we can use to expand and improve this section.
  • Otherwise, you may have your own ideas as to areas for improvement.

So, an you let me know if you'd like to join me in this? I might be an interesting little joint project (and a lot less stressful than BB or Delius). Brianboulton (talk) 14:12, 26 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

From Cumbria's Woods and Fields, since you ask, at the ancestral shack for almost the last time before it is sold. Yes, to doing Lt K, and more specifically to the individual points you list above. Back in London tomorrow and back in circulation the day after that. A report shall follow. Tim riley talk 15:07, 26 July 2016 (UTC)Reply
Good news. Let me know when you're back in the saddle. Brianboulton (talk) 18:55, 27 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

File:Irving-wsg-labouchere-burnand.jpg listed for discussion edit

 

A file that you uploaded or altered, File:Irving-wsg-labouchere-burnand.jpg, has been listed at Wikipedia:Files for discussion. Please see the discussion to see why it has been listed (you may have to search for the title of the image to find its entry). Feel free to add your opinion on the matter below the nomination. Thank you. Sfan00 IMG (talk) 11:03, 30 July 2016 (UTC)Reply

Tim, I've uploaded a copy on Commons at File:Irving-W.S.Gilbert-Labouchere-Burnand.jpg, so the local version can be deleted. Cheers – SchroCat (talk) 12:34, 30 July 2016 (UTC)Reply


Blue Hawaiian edit

Endulging in the Blue Hawaiian Waters, I'd like to know what orchestra the Berliner Symphoniker may have been in 1931, not Berliner Symphoniker, obviously, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:26, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

I don't know of any permanent symphony orchestras in pre-war Berlin other than the Philharmonic. It is hard to imagine there were none, but how permanent and how eminent any such ensembles were I can't guess. I realised how much musical activity can take place under the radar, so to speak, when a credible commentator said on the BBC recently that in Vienna every night of the year about ten thousand people attend performances of classical music. Heaven knows how many unsung orchestras that involves, and the same may have been true to some extent of pre-war Berlin. But that famous group photo of the city's four maestros welcoming Toscanini includes Furtwängler for the Philharmonic, but the other three were representing the State Opera, the Kroll and the City Opera. I'm decidedly no expert on the matter, and may be much mistaken, but for what it's worth I doubt if one can trace a direct line of succession from any pre-war Berlin concert ensemble other than the Philharmonic to any of the various post-war symphony orchestras set up by the opposing East and West Berlin authorities. An article giving an overview of all Berlin's opera companies and orchestras since the first unification of Germany would be v. interesting, but I am not equipped to write it. I think you should put it on your to-do list for when you get home, bronzed and fit, from your holiday. Tim riley talk 14:14, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Don't take the water too literally ;) - I just expanded the light music, for the composer's birthday. - Names of orchestras are a mess, especially if they name themselves differently every other year, and then that is translated. I managed to solve the riddle about the WDR orchestra by finding that there are two! - Thank you for your elaborate reply! - I am sorry that I threw a person's first name in a discussion, the other day, when all I wanted to say was that I don't understand why we discuss hidden messages while people die, any people. He just came to my mind as shocking, so young. He and I talked about health problems last year ... - chilling. But, see the beginning, after A Requiem I am back to normal production ;) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:49, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
ps: for another smile (I asked for it.) --Gerda Arendt (talk) 14:55, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
I still think you should put an overview of post 1870 Berlin orchestras and opera companies on your to-do list. Sorry to learn you aren't actually in Hawaii, though it wouldn't be my destination of choice. Never go anywhere that hasn't got both a Michelin-starred restaurant and an opera house is my philosophy. Tim riley talk 15:16, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Hawaii is spectacular without them, especially the Napali Coast, the volcanoes on the Big Island and Maui, the contrast of foggy forest and lava coast on Lanai, and the Molokai waterfalls (don't miss the commons, especially for the coast). --Gerda Arendt (talk) 15:30, 2 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 04 August 2016 edit

In case you find interest edit

Hello Tim riley. We recently participated in a discussion which motivated my filing of an Arbcom request. Although you are not a named party, your interest in the RFC mentioned juxtaposes to potential interest in the Arbcom request as well. I am therefore, inviting you to consider your own interest in the matter, and welcoming your involvement should you find it desirous. Best--John Cline (talk) 17:26, 5 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

WIkipedia:Peer review/Andha Naal/archive1 edit

Kailash29792 has aimed to make it an FA. Feel free to leave comments and do let me or him know if you intend to do so by pinging either of us. Thanks.  — Ssven2 Speak 2 me 00:27, 7 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Thank you, but I'll pass. I have spent much time in the past responding to requests to review Bollywood articles, despite finding cinema of any kind and Bollywood in particular numbingly tedious. Tim riley talk 13:49, 13 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Time for a summer PR? edit

What ho! I've recently been working on a biography of a fascinating and important figure, Josephine Butler. The lady is now at PR for comment and consideration, and if you have the time and inclination I'd be grateful for any comments you may have. Cheers – SchroCat (talk) 14:10, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

I thought you were supposed to be going on holiday. Are you back already or haven't you gone yet? Careful not to leave too detailed a map for the Panzerarmee to follow! Your choice of subjects is so wonderfully eclectic as to baffle even a regular co-worker like me. Shall look in chez Butler and comment as best I can. Tim riley talk 16:01, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
I'm off at the tail end of next week, but I'll be able to check in at the PR from time to time (when my daughter is watching the film I've just downloaded for her, which will remind me of... something familiar!) Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and she was about as far from Burke and Hare as I could get! – SchroCat (talk) 18:06, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
ps. I even managed to squeeze a new list out of it all too. – SchroCat (talk) 19:59, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

A bit more Kijé edit

As part of your excellent work on this article, you introduced what is now citation 52: "Muse 2007 p=709". I can't find the source details in your sandbox version – can you point me in the right direction? Brianboulton (talk) 22:11, 9 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

@Brianboulton: Whoops! Should read Muze, not Muse. As the book credits no editor I was unsure how to cite it, and dithered so much that I missed it out altogether; the bibliographical details are here. Tim riley talk 09:28, 11 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

This Month in GLAM: July 2016 edit





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FLC request edit

Hai, I have nominated J. C. Daniel Award for FL, if you are interested please leave some comments. Charles Turing (talk) 10:34, 13 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Thank you, but I'll pass. I have spent much time in the past responding to requests to review Bollywood articles, despite finding cinema of any kind and Bollywood in particular numbingly tedious. Tim riley talk 13:49, 13 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Courtesy Notification: RfC Opened from a Discussion you participated in edit

Greetings,

I am sending this courtesy notification to let you know that a Request for Comment has been opened regarding whether or not to add an Infobox to Noël_Coward. The prior discussion has now closed so that a consensus can be reached on the matter.

Thank you, -- Dane2007 talk 19:21, 15 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Gustav H. talkpage edit

Reverted? Unintentional, perhaps – please let me know what the problem is, if any. Brianboulton (talk) 21:46, 15 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Ah, I see my comment is back - thanks. Brianboulton (talk) 21:51, 15 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Alhough it is entirely possible that the going and coming was due to my incompetent inadvertence (or inadvertent incompentence) there have been some mysterious glitches on the page recently, and I'm going to try to put the blame on technology rather than Riley's i.i. (Or to put it another way, whoops! So sorry!) Tim riley talk 22:06, 15 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
I blame Brexit. Brianboulton (talk) 11:51, 16 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 18 August 2016 edit

Wikipedia:WikiProject Film/Golden Hollywood Contest edit

Doc's just started up this contest about topics and articles covering Classical Hollywood cinema. Do express if you are interested or not by signing up under the "Editors Interested" section. Thanks.    — Ssven2 Speak 2 me 09:04, 20 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Thank you very much for inviting me, but I don't find the cinema, as opposed to live drama, very interesting and I know very little about it. Tim riley talk 21:31, 21 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Understood, Sir. Its okay if you just support the incentive. Otherwise the contest might never see daylight.    — Ssven2 Speak 2 me 10:13, 24 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

FAC mentoring scheme edit

You may have noticed discussions on the WP:FAC talkpage relating to various FAC issues, including the question of mentoring for first-time FAC nominators. At present only a very small percentage of the first-time noms get promoted; this can be very discouraging, and might well be turning editors away from FAC. In discussion with the FAC coordinators, Mike Christie and I have devised a simple, voluntary mentoring scheme for first-time nominators, the details of which can be found here (it hasn't gone live yet).

We hope that, as they become aware of the scheme, first-time nominators will take advantage of it. A link to the mentoring page will be included in the FAC instructions once we go live. But of course, we need mentors. We would like the scheme to kick off with a dozen or so names listed, hoping that many more will sign up eventually. Would you be prepared to act as a mentor? You incur no obligation by adding your name to the list; the extent to which you participate in the scheme is entirely a matter for you, and can vary from regular involvement to just once in a while. The objective of the scheme is to help first-time nominators who seek assistance. So please add your name here if you feel you can, or if you have queries or reservations about the scheme, please drop me a line. Brianboulton (talk) 12:28, 21 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

A first-rate idea, and I'd be honoured to contribute as best I can. I've signed up on the page. Tim riley talk 21:34, 21 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Many thanks for signing up. The response from would-be mentors has been most encouraging. Schemes like this are often slow to take off, and it may be a while before we know if it's working. But with this level of support, including that of many of our most experienced FA editors, I think it has every chance. Brianboulton (talk) 16:17, 30 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Jane Austen refs proposal edit

Tim, I think you are !voting solely in support of templates rather than explicitly ditching MLA. Please see my remarks and link to CS1 proposal. See also my earlier remarks about lede and meta:eventualism. Tks.   Lingzhi ♦ (talk) 10:06, 23 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Review of Guy's RfC close edit

  This message is being sent to inform you that there is currently a discussion at Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard regarding an issue with which you may have been involved. Thank you. FourViolas (talk) 18:21, 29 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

I'd like to thank you for conducting yourself in this matter in a manner that I find commendable, and if I ever find myself in a position to do so, I certainly will. Tim riley talk 18:45, 29 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
I really appreciate that, thank you. Bad language or abuse I never, never use, you know. FourViolas (talk) 19:24, 29 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

A barnstar for you! edit

  The Writer's Barnstar
Contrary to what the "Guardians of the Galaxy" think, wikipedia is incredibly fortunate to have somebody as able as you writing here. It is sad to see how some of our best editors are treated and the bullying and harassment that goes on on here. You deserve much better than this. These people are generally clueless on how to write an encyclopedia. You're setting the best possible example for others to follow. Unfortunately these people are not easy to ignore, but I hope you'll continue to hold your head high as all you've seemed to have had in the last month is negativity and all I see is positivity from your contributions here. I don't know how you put up with it, but you're easily worth 500 of these snivelling idiots. ♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:55, 29 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

I know you and Brian probably don't appreciate this, as you're both pretty resilient, but in the current situation I hope at least it means something that some of us at least appreciate what you've done here and can't believe the madness you both have to answer to. Sometimes a break for a few weeks works, I know you often go on trips anyway, but just don't depart permanently!♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:58, 29 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

I'm an enormous admirer of your writing. The indefatigable scholarship and cheerful attitude you've bought to our project is an inspiration to us all. Thank you. Gareth E. Kegg (talk) 12:39, 30 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
That really is very kind, and I'm greatly touched by those comments. I have enjoyed contributing to Wikipedia, but I have been worn down recently by the bullying and intolerance of a handful of editors and I lack the strength and the will to continue. I hope I shall feel stronger in due course, but for now Wikipedia is a place where I do not feel comfortable. Best wishes to you both and to all editors (even the intolerant ones). Tim riley talk 07:59, 31 August 2016 (UTC)Reply
Gosh Tim, I'm sorry to hear the illegitimi have you carborundum. I hope you'll stay. There are plenty of quiet literary things that ought to be done - nobody's addressed Theophrastus's On the Causes of Plants (cracking title, eh?), though it basically founded a science, and I could give plenty of examples from English cookery, too! Chiswick Chap (talk) 08:14, 31 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

Wikipedia:The 10,000 Challenge edit

Hi there. I've started a new initiative, the Wikipedia:The 10,000 Challenge. It's a long term goal to bring about 10,000 article improvements to the UK and Ireland. Through two contests involving just six or seven weeks of editing so far we've produced over 1500 improvements. Long term if we have more people chipping it and adding articles they've edited independently as well from all areas of the UK then reaching that target is all possible. I think it would be an amazing achievement to see 10,000 article improvements by editors chipping in. If you support this and think you might want to contribute towards this long term please sign up in the Contributors section. No obligations, just post work on anything you feel like whenever you want, though try to avoid basic stubs if possible as we're trying to reduce the overall stub count and improve general comprehension and quality. Thanks.♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:41, 30 August 2016 (UTC)Reply

No longer active on Wikipedia

Congratulations, Gerda edit

This is your work. -- Ssilvers (talk) 04:13, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

It is not just her fault, there have been lots of "drive-by" editors who have contributed to this, but it actually almost makes me weep. Terrible, terrible, terrible to lose such a wonderful contributor and fine gentleman as Tim. Thank you Tim for all you did here.Smeat75 (talk) 05:38, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Tim is a victim of the infobox wars, neither the first nor likely the last, but assuredly one of our very best editors. In every respect Tim was an adornment to this project: polite, good-humoured, erudite (the master of the Latin tag), ever prepared to help others, an elegant prose writer, a diligent scholar and a convinced believer in the mission to educate. We should all cherish such editors, and his departure must give food for much thought. Because he refused to conform to what he saw as a narrow and restrictive interpretation of WP policy concerning the presence of infoboxes in articles, he and his articles were regularly targeted over the years, as were those of his close editing associates; Noel Coward was the final straw. We can expect denials, self-justifications, injured innocence and even perhaps crocodile tears from those who have brought this situation about. What we can't expect from them is any recognition of culpability for the consequences of their disastrous campaign. Shame on you all, and God help the content editors. Brianboulton (talk) 13:57, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Couldn't have put it better myself. Hear hear. —  Cliftonian (talk)  14:13, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Aggressively, persistently and destructively pushing an agenda regarding a thing as trivial as an infobox is in every respect the antithesis of what Wikipedia is (or purports to be) about. Infoboxes are neither good nor evil, but for all who carry them as a banner in a holy war, I name you non-Wikipedians.  Lingzhi ♦ (talk) 14:15, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Tim has been a great support to me and others, as well as his own fine contributions, and he is a massive loss to Wikipedia. Dudley Miles (talk) 14:21, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Very sorry to see you go, and I hope you will reconsider after a break. It will be a great loss. Johnbod (talk) 16:06, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Missing you already, Tim. A fine chap, and a first class content creator. How will we ever be able to have another Covent Garden event without you? Please enjoy your time away, and in due course, hope you will find a way to get involved again. Edwardx (talk) 00:24, 2 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
I'm late to this, but it occurs to me that as the various pupils of a school leave then its up to the staff to look around and see if the best Prefects or maybe even the headteacher are in fact bullys. The Prefects think that they are looking after the school - but the school is the pupils (and this project is the editors). If we had to change all the articles to have, or not to have, infoboxes then it would easily "pay" for one good editor. Victuallers (talk) 09:13, 22 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
Thank you for your clever and intelligent analogy. CassiantoTalk 09:35, 22 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

Best wishes edit

I have enjoyed working with you and I hope you come back, as I think you have before -- water off a ducks back, and all that. At any rate, thanks, you are appreciated, and good luck in future endeavors. Alanscottwalker (talk) 14:26, 1 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

Yes, I too hope this will only be temporary, but I fully understand how it has come to this. Tim, aside from your amazing content work, you've been kind enough to review some of my FA noms even though they're outside your general area of interest, and I've really appreciated that. You're always firm but cool in discussion, and that too will be missed if you go. So take all the time you need but please consider returning at some stage to add to your many great contributions to this work in progress. Cheers, Ian Rose (talk) 01:15, 2 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
In my opinion, the most complete all around contributor to wikipedia we've ever had, not only one of the greatest encyclopedia writers Britain has ever seen and a first rate reviewer, but a thoroughly decent chap too who would rather avoid disputes and silliness. If I had to clone one editor it would be Tim. Sometimes I wish we could exterminate all of the vermin here and clone a few editors. Imagine a wikipedia full of Tim rileys and how much easier it would be on a daily basis. All the best Tim, I do hope you'll return someboday though, though I know in the current environment that is exceedingly tough to do.♦ Dr. Blofeld 07:44, 2 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
It was wonderful working with you on articles related to classical music, specifically the one about Benjamin Britten. I'm sorry you felt inclined to leave Wikipedia again. Thanks for your efforts. Please keep up the faith, and if change your mind about leaving, you can always come back. Vaya con Dios! Lord Sjones23 (talk - contributions) 08:11, 2 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
I've only worked sporadically with Tim, but when I did, such as on Welsh National Opera, it was very collaborative and positive. Don't be a stranger. Ritchie333 (talk) (cont) 15:24, 2 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
I echo the words of all of the above. Though I only began working with you relatively recently, it was a pleasure. I hope you'll feel a willingness to come back soon. Josh Milburn (talk) 03:09, 3 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • Watching England's greatest song ever, streamed all the way fro the UK last night from Last Night of the Proms, I thought of Tim. He alone knows why one of his FAs means so much to me. Kudpung กุดผึ้ง (talk) 01:15, 11 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
  • I'm so sorry this (to me) incomprehensibly contentious issue has lost the encyclopedia such an extraordinary contributor. I sincerely hope you'll be able to find another rewarding way to put your gentlemanly erudition to work in the world, and of course that we'll see you back here soon. FourViolas (talk) 14:12, 11 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
If you're so sorry, then why didn't you respect Tim's position and help to put a stop to the continued attack by the pro-infobox folks on Tim's FA articles? Your edits at Noel Coward, most of which were to officiously scold Tim's colleague Cassianto, prolonged and added to the unpleasantness that led to Tim leaving. Was it worth it? -- Ssilvers (talk) 17:03, 11 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
I believe incivility produces negativity and emotional exhaustion which directly drive many people from the project. I saw flagrant incivility and did what I could to ask for it to be stopped, while trying to behave well myself (as Tim, with characteristic graciousness, acknowledged). But this experience has taught me to look more closely at the history and participants of an ugly discussion before trying to make suggestions; thank you for making me think about it. FourViolas (talk) 13:18, 16 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
People like you, FourViolas, breed incivility and thrive on the drama it creates. You and your pals should feel disgusted with yourselves. CassiantoTalk 21:23, 16 September 2016 (UTC)Reply
Sorry for the late wishes. A true gentleman you are, Sir. All the best for your future endeavours.  — Ssven2 Speak 2 me 10:30, 28 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

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FAC reviewing barnstar edit

  The Reviewer Barnstar
FAC can't function without people like you contributing reviews. Thank you for the four FAC reviews you did during August. Mike Christie (talk - contribs - library) 16:57, 3 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 06 September 2016 edit

This Month in GLAM: August 2016 edit





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Break edit

Tim, I'm deeply saddened by the circumstances of your retirement, on a self interested level because you have been, on numerous occasions, an invaluable reviewer and advisor, on a broader level because I worry that despite admirable past contributions, the anti-OWN faction will sacrifice any notions of quality, past or future, in favour of "new stuff". Have followed the drama closely, but not commented though, as I dont have the temperament, and my two pound boots don't seem to serve well in these arguments :) Opposite to that, your light touch and endless patience does, and you had been making a difference. People of your quality don't come around very often. As a project we need to come to terms both how to deal with well intentioned article degradation and editor retention, see also [1]. In short Tim, your needed here more than you might think, I hope you reconsider. Ceoil (talk) 22:09, 16 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

Rest, but return edit

I must have been on a different planet for the past month (oh, that's right, Australia), as I've only just become aware of Tim's retirement. I know he left once before, but came back reinvigorated and refreshed. I can but hope that history will repeat itself.

You're a fine man in every respect, and we simply cannot do without you, Tim. In the meantime, rest up, regain some perspective, and reflect that some battles are simply not worth fighting, particularly if this is the price you, and we, are now paying. Best regards. -- Jack of Oz [pleasantries] 14:16, 21 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

Don't leave edit

I'll keep it simple as I'd rather express myself in my native language. I am really sad about your departure and I wish you all the best in your other personal projects you might have in The Real World. I don't really want to know the circumstances and who did what. Be in peace! Saludos amigo Triplecaña (talk) 22:33, 21 September 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 29 September 2016 edit

This Month in GLAM: September 2016 edit





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The Signpost: 14 October 2016 edit

Leave note edit

Dear Tim Riley, I have just learned that you intend to take an indefinite wikipedia break. I think the entire wikipedia community is losing at lot with your departure. Unfortunately, in this world, the more good you try to do, the more adversity you encounter. I hope you will continue to edit here and there, from time to time. Anyway, I am just saddened by your departure. Iry-Hor (talk) 14:20, 15 October 2016 (UTC)Reply

FAC edit

Hello, I'm ATS. Ike Altgens is a Featured article candidate. I hope you have a few moments to check this article against the criteria so I may address any concerns and see this nomination through. My thanks in advance. —ATS 🖖 talk 21:41, 20 October 2016 (UTC)Reply

Maritana edit

The same infobox warrior who drove Tim from this project tried to add an infobox to Maritana. Please see the Talk page there. -- Ssilvers (talk) 07:57, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply

I didn't drive Tim from this project. {{infobox opera}} was created by the project to be used, please see the project guidelines. It replaced a side navbox which is redundant to the bottom navbox, until you reverted. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 09:06, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply
Tim expressed a different view here. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 09:36, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply
The usual self-deception—Tim walked away because he felt like some exercise, and it had nothing to do with the fact that a tiny group of people have made it their business to pick pick pick. Who needs to do the boring work of having a central RfC to make infoboxes compulsory when you can knock off one article at a time. Bullies never understand. Johnuniq (talk) 10:48, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply
Actually, Gerda, you and your fellow bullies did indeed sicken me so much as to drive me from the project. I look in occasionally now, but have no wish to contribute further. You and your gang have made it too unpleasant, with tactics from passive agression, to browbeating, to plain lying. Good luck, but include me out. Tim riley talk 14:29, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply
When the year began with Falstaff as TFA, made FA by you, I was under the impression that we were on a good way of mutual acceptance, and controversies over infoboxes were over. Sad to understand that I was wrong. I will remember you as the one who would find any source and patiently answer questions. I will also remember The Company of Heaven. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 21:07, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Barnstar of Truth, Dignity and Civility edit

  The Barnstar of Truth, Dignity and Civility
For your post above. We hope (talk) 15:08, 26 October 2016 (UTC)Reply

The Signpost: 4 November 2016 edit

This Month in GLAM: October 2016 edit





Headlines

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From A. Parrot edit

Tim riley, I don't know where to put this message, as you don't seem to want any more messages on your actual talk page, or whether you will even see it. But after seeing Brian's retirement and your message on his page, I want to say this while there's still a chance you'll be around. I'm not a social Wikipedian, so we've interacted only a few times, but I wanted to tell you how much those few interactions mean to me.

I threw myself into working on ancient Egyptian religion on Wikipedia to escape from an adolescent emotional breakdown. Though I'd technically been a Wikipedian for years by then, I took a long time to really learn my way around, and until Egyptian temple passed FAC a couple years later, I still felt like a lowly newbie. Your support at that FAC, the first I ever received, was hugely encouraging, as were your peer reviews for my other FAs. Directly or indirectly, my Wikipedia work has helped make possible everything else significant I've done in my life in the past several years, from getting my first and second jobs to visiting Egypt. You helped make that possible, Tim, whatever happens to Wikipedia or the articles that we've worked so hard on.

With you and Brian gone, it feels like Wikipedia's last few rocks of stability are disappearing. I feel like I should be contributing more, particularly in reviewing, to help pick up the slack. But I've always been a low-energy person, and it doesn't help that I'm working full-time. Wikipedia needs more editors like you, and I hope someday I can live up to that standard. A. Parrot (talk) 03:32, 14 November 2016 (UTC)Reply

Francis Poulenc for TFA edit

This is to let you know that the Francis Poulenc article has been scheduled as today's featured article for 7 January 2017. If you're interested in editing the main page text, you're welcome to do so at Wikipedia:Today's featured article/January 7, 2017. Thanks! Mike Christie (talk - contribs - library) 11:44, 23 December 2016 (UTC)Reply

Thanks for the correction. Hmmph, some retirement. - Dank (push to talk) 20:35, 26 December 2016 (UTC)Reply
If I were not retired I should have questioned whether you need both 'serious' and 'sombre' in the sentence, but as it is I contented myself with a mere tweakette in one of the occasional dips in I allow myself to see what's going on me absente. Merry Festive Season, dear Dan. Tim riley talk 15:56, 27 December 2016 (UTC)Reply
I'm merry just reading your reply. - Dank (push to talk) 16:00, 27 December 2016 (UTC)Reply