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Isaak Babel

Greetings! My username derives from that of the quasi-independent Soviet journalist and short story writer Isaak Babel, who was reportedly shot by Stalin's police in '41 (though recent scholarship suggests it was actually 1940). I have relied on Wikipedia heavily and shamelessly since its very first year.

My first contribution to W. consisted of fully developing the Mark Satin biography, a life story the original Babel might have imagined (Chekhov, too - see his novella "My Life: Story of a Provincial"). Since then, I have enjoyed adding touch-ups to articles on such topics as nonviolence, politics, and futures studies. OK, some of those additions have been more than touch-ups.

I was very moved when a still somewhat provocative photo I solicited from a Vietnam War resister and her son was named a Featured Picture by the Wikipedia community. You can see the photo HERE, and it has since been added to Wikipedia's gallery of featured war photos at WP:Featured pictures/History/War.

Update: In 2012, the Satin biography was named a Featured Article.

Update #2: On January 9, 2015, I was delighted to receive Wikipedia's Quality Article Improvement "PumpkinSky Prize" (aka "Precious Prize") for my edits to an article. I have always made an effort to explain my edits, so viewers can follow my reasoning. Some dare call that WikiLove.

Update #3: In July 2020, medical issues forced me to step away from Wikipedia. I may stagger back to update some of my contributions from time to time, as I did in May 2024, but my years doing heavy & fascinating research for long Wikipedia articles are gone. During those years, being a volunteer Wikipedia editor / contributor allowed me to feel like a "planetary citizen". It is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world.


2,500+This user has made more than 2,500 contributions to Wikipedia.
This user has been identified as an awesome Wikipedian.
BAThis user has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.
This user believes that one should never stop feeding one's brain.
This user is interested in politics.
This user wants to change the world
WP:RS This user believes in using
Reliable Sources.
This user appreciates WikiLove.