Wikipedia talk:Barnstars/Archive 2

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This is an archive of inactive discussions. Please do not edit it. If you wish to revitalize an old topic, bring it up on the active talk page.

[edit] Requested Barnstars

[edit] Barnstar of Motivation

Can't even think of what to call this one, but I can visualise it. I think a barnstar is needed for people who do a considerable amount either (a) to promote Wikipedia beyond the site, acting as "unofficial spokesperson" for it; or (b) who do wonders in "gee-ing up the troops" either through their general motivation of Wikipedians or through assistance by way of tools, contests, and other things that actually make us 'ground troops' want to go out and write, improve, and wikify - in both cases basically people who help move Wikipedia forward.

I'd see the award as being a white star with the edges and central spines of each arm marked in black, to make it five arrowheads. Unfortunately, I've only just discovered png, and I'm hopeless at it, but I've made a sketch here. Can anyone help with this one - and perhaps come up with a better name? Grutness ^hello? 11:37, 20 Dec 2004 (UTC)

The Revivalist Barnstar. The Barnstar of Faith. The Barnstar of Zealotry. :-) The Inspirator's Barnstar. The Barnstar Bright. (Getting obscure.) The Raising Barnstar. Or just plain and simple: the Community Barnstar. JRM 09:17, 2004 Dec 21 (UTC)

Community Barnstar sounds good. Now all that's needed is a better picture for it! Grutness|^hello?

07:40, 23 Dec 2004 (UTC)

Unfortunately, I also suck at drawing (be it on paper or on a screen). I'd like something more classy and inspirational than arrowheads, though. I just don't know an appropriate symbol for the community. A small Wikipedia globe at the center, perhaps? But then, every barnstar is awarded for services to Wikipedia, so... hmmm. A small earth globe? Nah, you'd never get the angle "neutral". :-) Olive branches, perhaps? A bit like the United Nations flag, but with the Wiki globe? Perhaps that's too political. Hm. A handshake, then? Or a barnstar with two bent "arms" holding the Wiki globe aloft? I'm not sure that works out visually, but I like the idea. Anyone else? :-) JRM 23:50, 2004 Dec 24 (UTC)

My idea is to somehow incorporate a barnstar with a cheerleading megaphone. The megaphone can symbolize the promoting of Wikipedia and also can show that a certain Wikipedian is a great motivator. Zscout370 21:35, 18 Feb 2005 (UTC)

Something like this? --brian0918 ™ 20:22, 27 Feb 2005 (UTC)

I love it! – Clockwork Soul 21:17, 27 Feb 2005 (UTC)

That's a goodie - go for it! :) Grutness|^hello?

05:42, 28 Feb 2005 (UTC)

I agree, it looks mahvalous! :-) --Death phoenix 07:34, 28 Feb 2005 (UTC)

{Thumbs up) Zscout370 14:17, 28 Feb 2005 (UTC)

[edit] What do we call this one?

A few good names offered here (selected some from above): Barnstar of Motivation. The Inspirator's Barnstar. The Barnstar Bright. (Getting obscure.) The Raising Barnstar. The Community Barnstar. I personally think that The Raising Barnstar is really witty, but may go over some people's heads (is the expression "Barn Raising" an Americanism?). In lieu of that, I like both the original Barnstar of Motivation and The Community Barnstar. – Clockwork Soul 07:02, 1 Mar 2005 (UTC)

My vote is for the original name, Barnstar of Motivation. I choose this since the Barnstar is being awarded to someone who motivates the Wikipedians to "Be Bold" in everything they say or do. Zscout370 19:19, 1 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Either Barnstar of Motivation or The Community Barnstar sound good. -- BRIAN0918 20:02, 1 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I like Barnstar of Motivation or Barnstar of Inspiration I don't like the second as much as the first because it seems more conceptual. The first one is a clear indication of why you're getting the award, and meshes nicely with the bullhorn. --Death phoenix 21:59, 1 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Totally agree! Is there some concencus against simply naming it "Motivation Barnstar" or "Inspiration Barnstar". We don't really need the word "of". Mgm|^(talk) 20:50, Apr 1, 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Newbie-helper Barnstar!

Hi, I want to give barnstars to a couple of users who helped me, as a newbie get a grasp of Wikipedia, for instance the user who introduced me to the "four tildes" and first put a message to my talk page to explain what a talk page actually is etc. I'm sure some of us have had people who guided them from newbiedom, and wish to thank them. Do we have anything like that? If not, should we create one? Borisblue 2 July 2005 15:36 (UTC)

Good idea. If we have a Excelent Newcommer award, we could have a Good Mentor award. Zscout370 (Sound Off) 2 July 2005 15:41 (UTC)

I think the Barnstar of Diligence is a good award to give for this situation. --Death phoenix 3 July 2005 05:56 (UTC)

Or the Random Acts of Kindess Barnstar. Zscout370 (Sound Off) 3 July 2005 05:58 (UTC)

Hmm, yes I think for my situation one of those two would be more appopriate than a "mentor" barnstar. Thank you!. But there are folks who regularly troll around WP:NOOB and mentor newbies, I still think some special recognition would be good for them. Wikipedia does seem to have a harsh learning curve initially, and I'm glad that these ppl are around. Borisblue 3 July 2005 15:05 (UTC)

[edit] Redirect Barnstar

Why is there no Redirect (or Redirector's?) Barnstar? True, redirects seem small, easy and unimportant, but they can mean the difference between finding an article and running away to the Encyclopaedia Britannica! And I also think having post-nominals for each Barnstar (for use on the recipient's user page, for example) would be cool. Ben davison 22:54, 1 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Translator's Barnstar

This should be awarded to a person who enhances the quality and depth of Wikiepdia's articles by making comprehensive translations from other language Wikipedias. A suitable icon would be the barnstar surrounded by several fictional flags. What do you think? Brisvegas 11:23, 15 December 2005 (UTC)

Oh - I noticed that similar ideas have been proposed before - see this link and this one. Still, what are your current opinions? Brisvegas 11:27, 15 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Topical Barnstars

I know ClockworkSoul already did it, but I don't know that the BoNM actually is a "topical barnstar". It is not intended for articles about countries, but rather to articles pertaining to countries. As its purpose description says, it can be awarded for work in articles about as variable topics as geography, biographies of natable people (of any given country), culture, history, and so on, so long as all these article have something to do with one same country (thus expanding WP's coverage of that given country). I don't see how that makes it topical, since theoretically all topics may be involved for someone to get it. Regards, Redux 05:40, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)

If need be, I'm sure DP or I could whip up a quick star with a globe in front of it, and call it the Polar North Barnstar or some such thing for the Geography category; it just seemed easier to group them all together, keeping the number of barnstars manageably lower. -- BRIAN0918 07:04, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)
See Wikipedia:Barnstar and award proposals for my suggestion for the geography barnstar. -- BRIAN0918 14:52, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)
- Redux: it is topic, in the respect that it's meant to award an article written about a particular topic, as opposed to a barnstar that awards behavior (like the The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar or The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar). Just FYI, there has been some ongoing discussion on Wikipedia:Barnstar_and_award_proposals#Geography regarding broadening the current concept of the Barnstar of National Merit into a general Geography and nation article barnstar. – Clockwork Soul 16:04, 6 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Yeah, I've been thinking about it, and I can see where you're coming from. I figure the other barnstars are meant for a specific behavior during any work in Wikipedia, whereas the BoNM has a limited (even if somewhat broad) "section" of the website for work on which it can be awarded. I don't think "topical" would be my chosen adjective, but it is an acceptable generalization. And thanks for the tip about the ongoing discussion, I'll check it out. Regards, Redux 01:22, 7 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I agree about the adjective "topical"... it sounds like it's referring to an ointment or something. We'll have to review that. – Clockwork Soul 03:11, 7 Mar 2005 (UTC)
It's topical, certainly, but it can be used for many topics. If the argument above is that it shouldn't be a barnstar because it's too topical (and to be honest it's difficult to work out exactly what the argument is), then how does that effect the (far more topical) Running man (or woman) barnstar? Grutness|^hello? 22:19, 7 Mar 2005 (UTC)
- That's not the argument at all - nobody's talking about removing it. Quite the opposite, really: I just making the definition a little more specific. To summarize what I wrote in "category stars" proposal on Wikipedia:Barnstar_and_award_proposals, rather than be faced with a periodic addition of random topic barnstars, want to preemptivey create a series of Category Barnstars, based primarily on the categories listed on the main page, and I want to use the BoNM as one of them (Geography or Society). I would appreciate any input you anybody have on that... – ClockworkSoul 01:33, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
  - I'm all for the idea of Category-specific barnstars, although I wonder if people are actually going to award them. That's a discussion for the more appropriate forum ClockworkSoul mentioned though. I don't see how the BoNM could fit into it. I was involved in its creation (the original idea was mine), and as the name (and the award's page) says, it is the barnstar of national merit, meaning that it relates to one given country (which may vary, depending on what country it is that the user in question may have been expanding our coverage about). It has the parallel goal of stimulating the improvement of articles pertaining to any given country. In that regard, it may be awarded for work in a category, but it would still be in relation to one country (e.g.: expanding our articles on the geographical aspects of Nepal), but it may also be given to someone who has worked on several categories, as long as them all pertain to a country (e.g.: work on articles about the culture, people and history of Burma). Long story short: its primary target is a country, not a category, and that's what the name of the award refers to. It would be, I believe, a distortion of the award's pupose to try and use it as a category barnstar. Regards, Redux 04:32, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
  - Perhaps what is needed is one specific "Topical Barnstar" (so named), with room in the citation below to put "This is awarded to XXX for work on YYY-related articles". No need for a huge range of them (although one or two special ones, like sport and geography seem fine). Grutness|^hello? 05:56, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
    - But why specifically sports and not science? -- BRIAN0918 14:29, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
      - Simply because they've already been created :). If this discussion had come up before they were crated, I'd have been all in favour of just one overall "Topical Barnstar". Other topics, like science - fine, but if there were one overall "Topical Barnstar" it would make creation of separate ones less required. Grutness|^hello? 23:50, 9 Mar 2005 (UTC)
    - In theory, one single "Topical Barnstar" would be great, but I don't think that it would be very popular because people love a degree of specificity; thus the BoNM, Running Man, Photographer's, etc and myriad proposed barnstars that never quite made it to prime time. I think that the "Category Stars" are a pretty good compromise between one star and many stars. – Clockwork Soul 01:53, 10 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Let's not forget variety. In terms of generality vs. specificity, I think BoNM and Running Man are both pretty good: a country-related article, but not a specific country; a sports-related article, but not a specific sport. At the same time, I think topical barnstars shouldn't be too rigid in how it can be awarded. IMO, there's nothing wrong with the BoNM being awarded for geography articles. Future topical barnstars could be loosely defined as well. --Death phoenix 05:28, 10 Mar 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Definition

What exactly is the definition of a topical barnstar?

How about this?evrik 19:07, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

A topical barnstarn is for a topic or wikiproject of substantial interest to users of wikipedia.

[edit] The Hollywood Walk of Fame Barnstar

Moved to Wikipedia:Barnstar and award proposals – Clockwork Soul 01:39, 3 Mar 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Regretable Subject

Me and Redux faced this situation today, which I think should be debated to a full extent: A person who was awarded a barnstar rejected it. What should we do in a situation where a person says they do not want the Barnstar once one is given to them? Zscout370 (talk) 00:48, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Thank them, and let it go. – ClockworkSoul 01:10, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
- Thanks. Though the user awarded himself a Hero of the Soviet Union later on, I took your advice, nodded my head and left. You can see my talk page with the exchange me and Redux had on this very subject. Zscout370 (talk) 01:17, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
  - That's probably best. We're not the barnstar police, after all... – ClockworkSoul 01:55, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
    - Remember we have the No-Barnstar Zone image? I suggest we can use that more often to users who do not want these honours. Zscout370 (talk) 01:57, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
      - People don't necessarily want to put up a No-Barnstar image on their pages either. It's okay if they don't want the barnstar. That's why it's much better to award a barnstar on their talk pages, right? :-) So they can decline graciously. --Death phoenix 05:02, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
    - I think that's really more for the user that wants to preemptively decline any barnstars, sort of of like a no soliciting sign, only for barnstars. If somebody should choose to use that image, we would of course respect it. Similarly, should somebody decline a barnstar, we would (and should) respect their wishes. – Clockwork Soul 02:04, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)
  - Also, remember that barnstars - other than recognising good work - are meant to add a dash of fun and enjoyment to Wikipedia. If a person doesn't want one, then it's not going to improve either their enjoyment or yours by arguing the point. In other words, it would defeat the purpose of giving the award. Grutness|^hello? 04:45, 28 Apr 2005 (UTC)

[edit] List of recipients

Is there a list of recipients of the Barnstars/Awards? I think there should be if there isn't. We can make pages like Wikipedia:Barnstars on Wikipedia/Recipients of Original Barnstar and place links to them in the Barnstar description. I think it'd be cool to A) see the work that people are being commended for; and B) to draw more attention to the recipients of the awards. What do you all say? Cookiecaper 16:12, 29 Apr 2005 (UTC)

On each Barnstar page, there is a list of people who have been awarded it, or at least where the image is located. So, techinically, that is the list of people who got it. Plus, me and Redux have been keeping track of who has received the Barnstar of National Merit. But thanks for the suggestion Cookie. Zscout370 (talk) 17:33, 29 Apr 2005 (UTC)

Just a question. You keep track, but do you control? (the rule says anybody can give barnstars to someone else he/she appreciates) Deryck C. 02:48, 15 July 2005 (UTC)

No. Some people keep track of who got what, but I think the main effort is being done at the Barnstar of National Merit. You can see that at Image:Barnstar of National Merit.png. Zscout370 (Sound Off) 02:52, 15 July 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Templates

Ok folks, I have been putting templates on this page of the awards that are listed. I am doing this so the page can be easier to load up for those who might be having problems getting to it. I know that with many awards that will be created in the next few months, we would be creeping close to the 32kb warning mark. Zscout370 (talk) 02:14, 9 May 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Science and Mathematics

Category: Science and Mathematics ("Hard" sciences, biology, geology, medicine, mathematics, medicine, minerology, physics)

are Electronics a "smooth" science ? :p --Moala June, the 8th of 2005, 16:18 CET

Electronics and Maths are both "soft". However this award is not restricted to hard science. It also includes soft science. Deryck C. 02:50, 15 July 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Change to Photographer's Barnstar

latest version of the Photographer's Barnstar

I have to say that I prefer the original version of here over this most recent version. It's not really clear to the average Joe that this is a camera, and it's somehard hard to see the colours because they blend in with the rest of the barnstar. The original barnstar clearly looks like a lens. What do you think? --Death phoenix 18:06, 13 Jun 2005 (UTC)

Altered version (Sango123)

True, but even if the subject of the barnstar were more apparent, the original version isn't as striking, and the contrast is duller. I've created another version of the current barnstar with more pronounced colors. What do you think? Sango 123 20:01, Jun 13, 2005 (UTC)

Rats, I was hoping for some more feedback (from other users, I mean). Perhaps you could use more colours in the central image (say, rotating between the three additive primary colours)? --Death phoenix 15:18, 22 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Mind Benders

Hello! I've noticed all of you have interest in creating logos, barnstars, and have artistic ability! Thus, I just wanted to let you know that the pre-round, an artistic competition, is now open at Wikipedia:Mind Benders (Shortcut: WP:MIND)! The competition is open to everyone and is seeking a logo/trophy, similar to Barnstars, to be placed on every winner's page. We urge you to help us out and submit an entry! Afterwards, the normal rounds, each consisting of ten or more fun, logical, brain-stimulating questions will open. Why don't you give it a try when it opens! Look forward to seeing your contribution. Thanks, Flcelloguy | A note? | Desk 22:04, 21 Jun 2005 (UTC)

[edit] The shortcut

Wouldn't this have a smidge more credibility if the shortcut were WP:BARN or the like rather than WP:BS, of all things? --Angr/_{tɔk tə mi} 12:51, 14 July 2005 (UTC)

Ok, make the change. Zscout370 (Sound Off) 16:08, 14 July 2005 (UTC)

... but be sure you keep WP:BS. It's what we're all used to, and I almost see it as an inside joke that WP:BS redirects to an award. If there is a university degree titled BS, why can't Wikipedia have a shortcut titled "BS" that goes to barnstars? --Death phoenix 16:30, 14 July 2005 (UTC)

Agree with Deathphoenix. I added WP:BS back since it doesn't do harm to have 2 shortcuts. Sango 123 16:38, July 14, 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Why Barnstars

I don't like barn stars they are not the best idea in my opinion how about an alternitive symbol Dudtz 7/30/05 3:47 PM EST

Sorry pal, it's pretty much entrenched wikipedia traditionBorisblue 01:44, 31 July 2005 (UTC)

[edit] The Philippine Barnstar

The Philippine Barnstar

I made this barnstar image to award for contributions to Philippine-related articles. It's made from the original barnstar image, plus colors and symbols from the Philippine flag. I know it can't be an "offical" award, since it concerns a specific country, but is there any problem with awarding it to contributors and advertising its existence on the Philippine Wikipedians' notice board? Coffee 01:44, 11 September 2005 (UTC)

No, I don't think so. It would be fine if you personally give it away to someone. You could also consider listing it on Wikipedia: Personal user awards. Bratsche^{talk | Esperanza} 02:16, September 11, 2005 (UTC)

I would suggest that you use the Barnstar of National Merit. We currently use this barnstar to recognise users who contribute to articles of a particular country. Take a look here and you will see the various countries that are currently using this barnstar. --Death phoenix 18:57, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Anon Barnstar

I forget the reason I, Lord Vold e mort ^{(Dark Mark)}, am giving you this Barnstar, but you must have done something good.

What about a barnstar for anon editors? There are some great editors who simply don't want to log in. I was thinking a regular barnstar, but with a question mark (?) around it. Have the top point of the staron top of the top of the question mark, and have the question mark sort of draped around the "shoulders" of the star. I'm not good with graphics, but maybe someone who is could help me out. And if not an Anon Barnstar, it would be a good "Barnstar for some reason that I can't think of right now" or a "Mystery Barnstar". Just my thoughts. --Lord Vold e mort ^{(Dark Mark)} 18:22, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

This was discussed earlier, and consensus was that it wouldn't be appropriate. I don't remember where it is, but it should be in the history of Wikipedia:Barnstar and award proposals. I'll take a look for you. --Death phoenix 18:45, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

Ah, I found it. It was proposed as the "Unknown Wikipedian Barnstar", and you can find the last version (before it was deleted) here. --Death phoenix 19:01, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

Yes, actually I found that it has been brought up several times now. Oh well, it was just a thought. I still think the question mark idea is good, but understand the technical reasons why it couldn't be a anon award. Although I must say, some people's reasoning is a bit off. Thanks. --Lord Vold e mort ^{(Dark Mark)} 19:14, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

Wow, I am worse at paint than I thought. Oh well, this is my basic idea. If someone wants to use this idea, but with better graphics, of course, feel free. --Lord Vold e mort ^{(Dark Mark)} 19:31, 29 September 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Backscratching Barnstar moved to PUA

I was bold and moved the "Back Scratching Barnstar" by spankthecrumpet to the Personal user awards section, since I didn't see any discussion on adding it to the official roster, and this seemed to be a unilateral decision. So I unilaterally moved it elsewhere for now (I'm not entirely certain this isn't a sarcastic entry, but trying to Assume Good Faith). nae'blis _(talk) 18:15, 4 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Military Barnstar

How about creating a barnstrar for a military related articles --DimaY2K 07:37, 13 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Fraudulent Barnstars?

User:JJ.Johnson is placing Barnstars and other awards on his page, creating nonsense titles and fake usernames to go with them (with the exception of User:Sean Black). This user also has something of a hitlist at the bottom of his user page. He also has a comment on the left side saying "This user is armed with Colt's M-16A2 Assault Rifle and is ready to kill idiot administrators who fuck with him." Whether he is serious or not is up to others to decide, but I, personally, find this user's attitude toward others more disturbing than not. Please leave me a note on my talk page. Thank you. -Nameneko 07:20, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

For good measure, here is the page at the time of writing. -Nameneko 07:38, 26 October 2005 (UTC)

[edit] admin?

Do you have to be an administrator to award these? Astrokey44 02:06, 17 November 2005 (UTC)

I don't think so. The article doesn't say so. I've awarded several (some to non-admins, some to admins) without anyone saying a word in opposition. --Nlu 06:18, 17 November 2005 (UTC)

Absolutely not: anybody may award anything to anybody that they think deserving. – ClockworkSoul 20:03, 19 November 2005 (UTC)

I am a newbie (joined June 2005) and I have given several of these to other newbies who joined later than I did, and I was very impressed with some of the stuff they had done. User:AlMac|^(talk) 23:42, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Template:Award3 proposal

I think we should create Templates to award multiple barnstars by multiple users. For example we recently awarded User_talk:FeloniousMonk#Award and created the template almost from scratch... we did start with Award2 as a base. Any thoughts on that? I could do a draft, but I'd likely need help with how best to organize the arguments to they are consistent with other templates and are flexible to some extent. Are if/case statements possible in a template? Like if 3 barnstars are listed, then a generic image would be replaced by the third barnstar. Also I was wondering if we should even bother since it starts to get complicated with multiple awards, and instead have a Award Template Gallery for people to copy and paste designs. - Roy Boy ⁸⁰⁰ 02:28, 29 December 2005 (UTC)

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