Talk:Human feces

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[edit] i'd like to offer

I'd like to offer a pre-emptive Strong Keep for this page. Probably the simplest answer to the heated discussions on the Feces page; those who need to learn about human feces can do so, those who don't want to see it don't have to. Good job, mikka. --Psyk0 21:20, 27 July 2005 (UTC)

It is not me who started it. mikka (t) 02:01, 28 July 2005 (UTC)
Ah, my mistake. That was the impression you gave over at the main article. Still, good job on moving the picture anyway. --Psyk0 22:04, 28 July 2005 (UTC)
I totally agree. Now that the feces debate is done with, any attempts to remove or shrink Image:Human feces.jpg over here ought to be resisted by all of us. It's time to concede that any reader browsing a Wikipedia article entitled "human feces" should not be shocked by what they see. But the image is still vandal-bait; it always was and it always will be. --Ardonik.talk()* 04:46, July 28, 2005 (UTC)
All that is true, but I also feel the image needs to be below the fold, for people who hit "random page" and what not. Samboy 02:41, 8 August 2005 (UTC)
I agree. I also think we should go to the library and put post-it notes over any objectionable material we might find, for people who randomly pull books off the shelf. And whatnot. We should all carry pooper scoopers to deal with people who randomly take a shit. And whatnot. In construction, drywall should be replaced with foam rubber for people who randomly walk into walls. And whatnot. All power outlets should be GFCI for people who randomly stick paperclips in little holes. And whatnot. Pornography shops should have everything hidden out of sight for people who randomly walk into buildings. And whatnot. 68.97.208.123 09:32, 8 August 2005 (UTC)
The examples you provide are purposefully ridiculous fallacies, whereas browsing Wikipedia via the Random Article link is a perfectly normal behaviour. You have a point, though; censorship of The Picture(tm) isn't done because people might accidentally come across it. There are other reasons, and the main Feces talk page is full of them. --Psyk0 10:48, 8 August 2005 (UTC)
Just a commant about logic: Randomly pulling books from shelves is what I see people do in non-academic libraries all the time, which basically macthes hitting the "random" button. mikka (t) 17:08, 8 August 2005 (UTC)

I think it is very clear to everyone that Samboy and Psyk0 are just trying to stir up trouble. Classic troll behavior. They tried it on the main article page, and now they are trying it here. I am preparing an RfC on their behavior. 68.97.208.123 11:23, 10 August 2005 (UTC)

Are you kidding me? --Psyk0 19:37, 11 August 2005 (UTC)
This article needs a picture that more effectively demonstrates the quintessence of poop.
I would like to point out that the human feces picture is free and could be useful and necessary for future post-human generations and/or future alien species reading Wikipedia to see what human feces looks like. (I mean it, though I can hardly type that with a straight face)KWH 18:08, 1 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] thanks

Thanks for removing that god awful image. Duesel 00:03, 9 September 2005 (UTC)

Thanks for restoring that god blessed image. 68.66.98.168 08:11, 4 October 2005 (UTC)

Can someone please tell me why they have problems with an image on the internet of something they see several times per week? (unless of course they have severe psychological troubles associated with looking into a toilet bowl - go see a shrink) Joffeloff 16:12, 22 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Image

We have had these problems in many other articles before, starting form vagina. The image stays, because:

  1. It is directly relevant to the article
  2. It is neutral (i.e., it does not carry any additional (offensive or humorous) message: it is not made in form of a man, it is not smeared over the wall, it is not an artistic design with a rose in the middle, etc.)
  3. Its depiction is not forbidden in any Holy scriptures.

mikka (t) 19:41, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

The image goes because of the discussion we already had on Feces. Samboy 20:53, 6 October 2005 (UTC)
This is a new aricle. In Feces article the image was of questionable relevance. Not to say that this old discussion was hardly conslusive. mikka (t) 21:49, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

By the way, this is your third reversal, not second. You are not answering my objections, nor presenting them here. I have all reasons to treat this removal of relevant information as trolling or vandalism. mikka (t) 21:54, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

I do understand your position from User:Samboy/Offensive, but I fail to see that this particular image is offensive to a prohibitive degree, see above. Your argument about absence of pornography at pornography page is irrelevant here: the "pornography" subject is offensive and prohibited by itself, but not feces, unlike, say, shit. You are well aware that offensiveness of various topics vary, and in this article your tolerance threshold is too low, IMO. mikka (t) 22:35, 6 October 2005 (UTC)

I have been personally attacked last time I tried to discuss the issue. I have had any attempt to compromise on this issue spurned. I no longer have time to engage in discussions on talk pages where the result is personal attacks and hard-line refusals to compromise. Samboy 23:01, 6 October 2005 (UTC)
Thank you for accepting the compromise I tried to put here before. Samboy 23:39, 7 October 2005 (UTC)
Well, I don't accept it. 68.229.240.103 14:41, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
For the record, if someone tried to remove the image, I would revert to the compromise Mikkalai and I worked out; I think it's a reasonable compromise. Nothing gets censored, and Wikipedia stays work-safe for people who hit "random page". Could you please explain why you don't like the compromise? Samboy 17:05, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
This is just to point out that contrary to the edit summary made by 68.229.240.103 earlier today, it was NOT Reverting to last version by Mikkalai. The diff is here. Misleading edit summaries are frowned on at Wikipedia, so I hope it was an accident. Ann Heneghan (talk) 22:35, 9 October 2005 (UTC)
Ann, I admit it. I was deceptive. I was trying to sneak in something nefarious. I hope nobody checks that diff, or they will learn my true intentions. And Sam, just because you (one person) stopped your petty little bickering with Mikky (one person) doesn't mean I should respect your settlement. 68.229.240.103 04:02, 10 October 2005 (UTC)
Before I start talking with you, I would like you to answer one question: Are you, or are you not the same person as User:68.97.208.123?
Would it be easier for you to justify your position if I had disagreed with you in the past? Either way, your behavior is arrogant and your contribution unwanted. Before I answer your question, Samboy, are you, or are you not a complete hypocrite for not signing that post? 68.229.240.103 13:22, 10 October 2005 (UTC)

Somebody removed the image, and put in a link to it instead. My understanding was that the image stayed in that location, due to a compromise between mikka and Samboy. It seems like a good solution to me. I'm reverting. Kiaparowits 16:22, 21 October 2005 (UTC)

Yes, that is the compromise we worked out. I prefer linking myself, but accept it being "under the fold", since this seems to reasonably satisfy all parties involved. Samboy 19:52, 21 October 2005 (UTC)

Must it stay? Everyone is fairly similar with what human turd looks like. There is no need for a graphic image. --Kilo-Lima 22:45, 14 November 2005 (UTC)

It is not a "graphic" image. Everyone is also familiar with how nose looks like, and some think it is a very ugly part of the body. mikka (t) 22:55, 14 November 2005 (UTC)

Lets have a public vote on the matter. That image is graphic and very disgusting, and it made me feel a bit sick seeing it. There are various reasons for linking to an image rather than displayng it: offensiveness and nastyness (as here); (and to avoid an excessive clutter of images on one page) Anthony Appleyard 07:35, 12 January 2006 (UTC)

It's just a poo. It is not a violent, sexual, or otherwise image it is just a picture of what each and everyone of us does every day. It's just human waste product. No one will be harmed by seeing this picture, there are many other pictures on wikipedia that are controversial but they remain because they share a common ground with this one. They illustrate the article. There's no point stuffing it all the way at the bottom of the page. AntonioBu 09:55, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

Antonio, no need to bring back an old argument. (sigh)QuizQuick 01:02, 24 July 2006 (UTC)

Poo is not "graphic," just gross. In fact, it's angelic to have a picture of human feces in the human feces article compared to the picture of the naked man I saw as soon as I went to the man article. --Gray Porpoise 17:19, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] more images please, and/or the original

Besides more variety for this page, I could use some shit for a toilet-training game. :-)

Make a new account on the Commons if you are shy.

Public domain shit is best. GFDL shit is no good. GPL shit, LGPL shit, MIT shit, 2-clause BSD shit would be OK too. Basically it needs to fit the Open Source Initiative and Debian guidelines.

I prefer to add the alpha channel (variable transparancy mask) myself, starting from an unmodified image. I'm more skilled at making alpha channels than most people are. A shit on brown paper is probably best, though there needs to be enough contrast so that I can make out the edge.

A top-down view, without shadow, might be best. I'm also interested in straight side-on views. I don't want to deal with funny angles.

Related stuff I could use: toilet (front/side/vertical, open and shut), plunger, toilet brush, urinal, mens room sign, ladies room sign, and any other bathroom or restroom object.

24.170.177.130 04:25, 15 November 2005 (UTC)

Can we get some more pics? The one here i especially yellow and loglike. What about brownish/reddish, liquid-type and piles? How about the kind in a baby's diaper?

If you want more pictures, go to [[1]]. They've got lots there for you to look at. Wikipedia's not the place for pictures purely for the sake of disgust. --Nathan 02:43, 3 December 2005 (UTC)

Who said anything about disgust? Also, I don't see any indication that the www.ratemypoo.com images are under a free license. I'm not prepared to wait 95 years plus the lifetime of an unknown author (who, being unknown, must be assumed to be the oldest living person) before I can freely use an image. I'm quite certain to be dead by then. 24.110.60.225 02:13, 28 December 2005 (UTC)

DON'T feed trolls. mikka (t) 03:10, 28 December 2005 (UTC)

I know Image:Human feces.jpg is encyclopedic, but why do you deserve to stay it on the article? Adnghiem501 03:59, 28 December 2005 (UTC)
Because is the article is about them. mikka (t) 04:52, 28 December 2005 (UTC)
Someone removed it from the article for some reason, and the same image that was deleted here before was once used as a lot of vandalism. They said it's proper to be used on the article. It has no effect for removal. That tells me I was wrong. Adnghiem501 05:05, 28 December 2005 (UTC)
I am not a troll, I am an ordinary member of the 95% or 99% of the population who does not like suddenly coming across human faeces either as the real thing or as a realistic image. Atleast, if it was the real thing, the smell would warn me before I saw it, and I could know to keep away. Anthony Appleyard 14:42, 12 January 2006 (UTC)
The 99% of the population who don't like human feces probably wouldnt Wiki it now would they? If they want to look up things that offend them, then they should prepare to be offended. 63.195.61.102 00:06, 14 January 2006 (UTC) (Oops forgot to sign) Copysan 00:07, 14 January 2006 (UTC) (LMAO, forgot to login as well.)

I came here because my son had a very, very, green stool, and here I see you all getting up in arms about a picture? How sad. I seen somewhere on this page about using a live link to enable people to view the image if they want to. Everything else is moot. Oh, and if this isn't good enough for you, go view some other page and leave this one to people who have more to worry about. Thanks.

[edit] Different pictures needed

I think we need more pictures, not less. One picture after eating pizza all day, then maybe a picture after eating corn and peanuts.

^person didn't sign


Personally, I think we are looking at the shit picture the wrong way.

Someone needs to take a less offensive picture of human feces, preferably brown and drier, and replace the yellow slimy one with that. The current picture of fecal matter is certainly not the norm (see ratemypoo, etc), and prompts the gag response quicker than a more normal, aryan style piece of poop would. I'd like to reopen this discussion, because I freaked out almost as much as I did when I saw Vagina while in a school-run computer center when I scrolled down. -WAZAAAA 23:05, 26 January 2006 (UTC)

[edit] missing

can someone add something about average quantities of feces, e.g. kg per week?

[edit] The picture

If you're going to put a picture on this page, maybe you should have one that is representative of normal human feces. The example on the page doesn't look like it came from a particularly healthy individual .. --68.146.186.92 06:09, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

Why have a picture? Everyone not born blind knows what faeces looks like.--Mongreilf 16:00, 24 March 2006 (UTC)

cause it's funny

Why does the picture of Feces look like it went through a Dairy Queen soft serve machine? FancyPants 01:12, 11 June 2006 (UTC)

Because some European toilets are designed with the well in the front of the fixture with a nearly-flat bottom in the rear. The supposedly allows one to inspect one's output for signs of disease, etc. This stool was particularly large and somehow coiled itself up as it landed, which resulted in what you see in the image. Cacetudo 12:51, 16 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Vote

As suggested, let's vote:

Against because nobody needs the picture, even if it could be relevant. Seriously, would you imagine that on encyclopedia britannica or universalis ? be serious, guys.

wikipedia isn't britannica. wikipedia isn't trying to be britannica.

It isn't indeed. It is also quite uncommon for votes initiated by anonymous users to be taken very seriously. JFW | T@lk 21:07, 16 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Replacement

I'll get my toddler to provide an alternative image of a more normal-looking bog, but in the interim I'm removing the picture of the yellow log. - brenneman{T}{L} 13:13, 18 March 2006 (UTC)


I'm cooking up a good one right now. I had tacos and a meatball sub, it'll be a great one, assuming I can get it out my ass

[edit] The turd is a fraud

If you look closely at Image:Human feces.jpg, you will notice that the middle part of the turd appears to have been cloned and stretched to make the turd longer. There is a peanut which can be seen, and an identical peanut about 1 inch away. Can we get a real picture of a big turd rather than this photoshop gimmickry?

You've gotta be shitting me. Klosterdev 23:18, 1 October 2006 (UTC)
Oh, the wit. --Scix 01:04, 2 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Unprotect the Page

Tell the Wikitruth! Unprotect the page and put the turd at the top!

[edit] Feces image

I think the feces image is unnecessary in this article. Anyone reading this knows what feces looks like; we don't need to be reminded by a gross image. 209.236.231.253 06:15, 24 April 2006 (UTC)

The edit above was made by me while I wasn't logged in. Reading above, I see there has been a little controversy on this image—like some of the others, I urge for a vote on this matter. Although I understand it is the subject of the article, the current image is both abhorrent and paranormal. If we must include an image, why not something a little less disturbing? Rmfitzgerald50 09:31, 24 April 2006 (UTC)#

LOL. I believe the above user meant 'abnormal', unless by 'paranormal' he was referring to a ghostly poo, or perhaps the loch ness monster. Saccerzd 14:27, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

I too believe the image is unnecessary. To the extent of my understanding, a very small number of humans, if any, do not produce feces like the one depicted in the image. With that it mind, it seems the image serves no purpose as it depicts something which is common place and does not require any visual impetus to remind the reader of what it looks like. In its current form this article stinks.--Lord of the Ping 02:18, 14 May 2006 (UTC)
We have images of nipples in the Nipple article, even though everyone has at least one. Powers 12:19, 14 May 2006 (UTC)

thumb|right|192px|An example of human feces

Proposal  : Should we remove the image to the right from the Human Feces article?
Rationale :   This image depicts Human Feces and could be placed at the top of the article. But from looking at the talk page, many people believe it doesn't need to be on the page because everyone knows what feces looks like.
Proposer : Sonic3KMaster

[edit] Survey and discussion

Please add  * Support  or  * Oppose  followed by a brief explanation, then sign your vote using "--~~~~".

  • Comment The proposal offers a list of alternatives. It is impossible to support all of the alternatives. The proposal should be re-worded so that "Support" and "Oppose" can be used properly. Powers 12:26, 15 May 2006 (UTC)
    • Comment Done 168.99.166.2 18:58, 15 May 2006 (UTC)
  • Support, reluctantly. We need an image on this article, but it should ideally be one that isn't Photoshopped. Powers 01:43, 16 May 2006 (UTC)
  • Support The current image serves no educational purpose as it neither enhances nor broadens the reader's understanding of human feces. Images on the "nipple" page enhance the reader's understanding by displaying the differences between male and female nipples, and erect and unerect. I'm open to images that display feces which are "special" for displaying, for example, feces rich in a certain chemical or that display the feces of an individual suffering a particular ailment. At current its just an image for the sake of having an image.--Lord of the Ping 01:41, 19 May 2006 (UTC)
    • I think you've misread the question. It doesn't sound like you oppose removing the image. Powers 01:45, 19 May 2006 (UTC)
      • To me, it seems Lord of the Ping opposes the image, saying that the picture poses no educational purposes etc so it doesn't need to be in the article. Sonic3KMaster (talk) 03:53, 19 May 2006 (UTC)
        • Agreed, but the question posed is "Should the image be removed?", and Ping voted "Oppose", meaning he opposes removing it. Powers 12:43, 19 May 2006 (UTC)
          • I believe Powers is correct, and I'll change my vote to "support". However, the proposal itself is a question, meaning that respondents must support or oppose a question? It would have been better if the proposal was a proposition: Remove the image to the right. --Lord of the Ping 17:08, 19 May 2006 (UTC)
  • Comment Proposal is ambguous. I support the prescence of an image of feces. SuperTycoon 16:58, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Result of discussion

Accepted No Objections, survey closed. --Sonic3KMaster (talk) 01:24, 21 May 2006 (UTC)


Human feces.jpg (view file)

An example of human feces

As I'm late I'm unable to participate in the vote, however I would like to have the image associated with the article. Human feces is a "gross" subject in itself to many if not most people and I do see how this particular image can upset someone, even make them turn away froma reading the article, which is bad. Could we not use the {{Linkimage}} template for this making it look like this in the article. __meco 20:52, 28 May 2006 (UTC)
My main concern is the image itself. If we're going to associate an image with this article, it needs to be a more authentic image. Powers 02:18, 29 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Protection

Please do not protect pages without putting a protection notice up. It causes confusion when people go to edit the page and they find that the page is protected. Scott Gall 22:33, 19 May 2006 (UTC)

  • I just put the protection notice up. Scott Gall 22:36, 19 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Image

Why was Image:Human feces.jpg replaced by Image:Human Feces.jpg. Is the new image "better" than the old one? (IMHO, the latter seems more representative of human feces than the first.) SCHZMO ✍ 19:24, 15 June 2006 (UTC)

The first one was removed because it was considered nonrepresentative of healthy stool, and was Photoshopped. The second one is there because no one else has found a better image yet. Powers 20:25, 15 June 2006 (UTC)
While I will admit to a slight bias in my opinion, because I created the image and added it to the article, I do believe that this image is a perfect illustration of healthy, normal human feces. As mentioned earlier, the previous image was a fake. This one is hi-res as well, and shows several aspects of the subject quite well (the mucus coating, for example), although I think the placement and sizing within the article are reasonably subdued. I firmly believe that this article deserves an such an illustration. Cacetudo 12:37, 16 June 2006 (UTC)
If your feces look like that, you have to change your diet... I propose myself to post a picture of my feces in a few months, when I'll get a digital camera.
Perphaps you could change the image summary to make it more educational. Right now it reads: "Yes, this is real. It is what it is - If you have a problem with the subject matter, then please find something else to read about on Wikipedia." I think it would be better if the summary noted, amongst other things, "the mucus coating".--Lord of the Ping 16:31, 16 June 2006 (UTC)
It may be healthy, but does normal human feces get excreted to form the shape similar to the shape that soft serve ice cream takes atop of an ice cream cone?--Benhealy 04:31, 21 June 2006 (UTC)
See Cacetudo's response to FancyPants in section "The picture" (on this talk page). I guess it was coincidental. SCHZMO ✍ 20:27, 21 June 2006 (UTC)
Thanks for that.--Benhealy 00:21, 22 June 2006 (UTC)
It was indeed an "accident." Have a look at this page. Cacetudo 11:35, 22 June 2006 (UTC)
Good suggestion. I've done just that, added some other stuff to the image description as well, and reorganized that page. Cacetudo 11:35, 22 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Colour and size

Isn't human feces larger and darker than the feces shown on the picture?

Yes, it should darker from proper bile metabolism by the bacterias. It should be larger and diameter and quite less long. Producing that much wastes mean a lot of things are unabsorbed. I suspect a diet high in refined carbohydrates and deficient in proper fats. There is probably some inflammation too, given the small diameter of the stool.

[edit] Colour

I know from experience that the eating of beet may cause one's feces to go reddish and that eating things with a lot of iron can make it green, can someone research more into this and add that to the article? 201.23.64.2 00:46, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Proposed de-inlining of graphic picture of human excrement

Human_Feces.jpg (view file)

Human feces

I suggest that the photograph of human excrement be de-inlined, so that it will be displayed on the article page as shown here. We would still preserve access to the photograph for readers who wished to view it, but it would not be obtrusively displayed to readers who do not want to view explicit photographs of human excrement. John254 00:21, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

I support this proposal. Many people are queasy about seeing such images and would find it hard reading the article with the image in permanent sight. The same line of action has been adherered to at Autofellatio. __meco 00:30, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
This way lies madness. Wikipedia is not censored. Powers 02:17, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
Nor do we go out of our way to offend. The appropiate editorial decision is based upon what adds to the article.
brenneman {L} 03:00, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
Most articles benefit from having an image directly illustrating the subject. The only articles I can think of that wouldn't benefit would be those about an abstract topic -- and even those might have an image if we can find something releated. I really don't see why this one is any different. We have a picture of rabbit feces on the Feces page. Are human feces more offensive than rabbit feces? I suppose, realistically, this article would never make it to the main page, even if we did ever get to Featured Article status, but anyone going to the Human feces article ought not be surprised if he/she sees some human feces there. Powers 12:26, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
De-inlining the photograph is not "removing" or "censoring" it -- it merely avoids accidental exposure. Thus, we would continue to have "an image directly illustrating the subject". Furthermore, since this photograph doesn't appear to be the sort of image that most people would expect to find in an encyclopedia, readers might reasonably "be surprised if... [they]... [see] some human feces" here. Based on the existence of clear supermajority support for this action, I am re-de-inlining the photograph. John254 14:32, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
Voting is evil. We go off of consensus here, not "supermajority". I maintain that four comments is not enough to determine consensus, especially since my concerns have not really been addressed. Are you saying that if three people find an image offensive, we should hide it? There are a lot of potentially offensive images on Wikipedia. I really don't see why this one is worthy of hiding. Also, for the record, de-inlining the photograph is indeed censoring it, just as much as a brown paper wrapper over the cover of Playboy in a magazine store is. Powers 20:23, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
In my opinion, the issue here is not whether the editors who have commented about this matter personally find the photograph to be offensive. The issue is whether this photograph is likely to be offensive to a significant portion of readers, based on a factual judgment. I wouldn't support de-inlining photographs based on uncommon, idiosyncratic beliefs about what is offensive. However, the question of whether any particular photograph "is likely to be offensive to a significant portion of readers" necessarily involves making a subjective judgment. Therefore, it appears that the only way to resolve such an issue is on a case-by-case basis, considering the judgments of established users about each particular photograph. Without a consensus, application of a supermajority rule would appear to be the reasonable way to resolve the issue, because the consensus cannot prevail if there isn't one -- unless we are to favor the previous version of the article by default, allowing changes only after a consensus has developed, which is a rule that is presently only applicable to policy pages. See Wikipedia:Voting is not evil
If "a brown paper wrapper over the cover of Playboy in a magazine store" is "censorship", then by that definition, de-inlining photographs that are likely to be offensive to a significant portion of readers is "censorship" as well. I would suspect, however, that most people, even most consumers of "adult entertainment", would support this sort of "censorship". Very few people want to see hard-core pornographic images obtrusively displayed on billboards over freeways, or on magazine covers in grocery stores. However, I would define censorship as efforts to deliberately restrict access to information. By this definition, de-inlining photographs that are likely to be offensive to a significant portion of readers does not constitute censorship, but rather a reasonable precaution to avoid exposure to the large numbers of readers that are likely to be offended by them. Readers who wished to view, say, explicit photographs of human excrement, would retain the ability to do so, with very little extra effort. John254 22:14, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
Wikipedia, though, is not a retail store. What would be unacceptable there is not necessarily unacceptable here. What I primarily object to, however, is that you removed the inlined image after only two people (one of them, yourself) had weighed in on the subject, and then, when I restored it because of lack of input, you removed it again after only four people had commented, one of them against the move. While 3/4 is indeed a supermajority, the sample size is absurdly low to justify re-making a controversial change so quickly. I encourage you to put the image back, and wait for a real consensus to develop, or, barring that, a formal vote with more than a handful of participants. Powers 23:40, 9 July 2006 (UTC)
I am unaware of any policy, guideline, or other principle that indicates a need to solicit input from a large number of editors before making significant edits to an article. Therefore, I believe that I have acted properly, and I respectfully decline to re-inline the image myself. If you want a larger number of editors to comment on whether the photograph of human excrement should be de-inlined, you are welcome to file an article RfC about this issue. John254 01:12, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
There is no "need", per se. WP policies and guidelines don't get into that much detail, and for good reason. Editors are indeed free to make changes whenever they like. What I take issue with is that when I reverted your change, requesting that we form a greater consensus, you ignored my request and remade your change. That's not disallowed or grounds for a block or anything like that; it's just not best editing practice. That's how edit wars start (which is why I haven't reverted you back, and came here to appeal to you directly). I probably will file an RfC, although be aware that RfCs in general have not been getting much response lately; I caution you not to assume that lack of comment constitutes support for your version. Powers 11:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
right|100px While I will admit to a slight bias in my opinion, because I created the image and added it to the article, I do believe that this image is a perfect illustration of healthy, normal human feces. As mentioned earlier, the previous image was a fake. This one is hi-res as well, and shows several aspects of the subject quite well (the mucus coating, coloring, and partially undigested food, for example), although I think the placement and sizing within the article are reasonably subdued. I firmly believe that this article deserves an such an illustration. There has been plenty of debate on the issue of whether or not to include pictures like these in relevant articles, and the consensus I found was that it was acceptable to have them as long as they were not overly large (after all, one can see the large high-res version on the image page) and were placed "below the fold." The latter ensures that a user who clicks on the "random page" link while at work etc. is not surprised with an image that they may not want to see. I do believe, however, that the (paraphrased) argument "everyone knows what feces looks like, so there's no need for a picture" is specious. This is not a paper encyclopedia and therefore there are no space constraints. In my view, any article deserves an appropriate visual illustration such as the one we are debating. Should that image be potentially offensive, I believe it should be subject to the placement guidelines I mentioned above. Have a look at the articles on the Bristol Stool Scale, meconium, penis, erection, vagina, vulva, anus, breast, and nipple, for example. I also take issue with the way you went about your edits. You proposed something, received comments from only 3 users, and barely 14 hours later decreed that the debate was over. I see now that an RfC has been submitted for this article. Perhaps that will allow more people to share their views. In the meantime, I have reverted the article to the version prior to the opening of this debate. Cacetudo 12:09, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

I came here from requests for comment. I think the image should be inlined BUT it should be not too invasive to the article, as in not too big. If it's small it would probably offend less users. Pictures are very important and valuable to wikipedia. It's not censored either. If the image is small, the user can always click it for a closer look if they are interested.

The image shouldn't be right down the bottom of the page, maybe halfway down or even at the top.

The above comment has taken into consideration vandals redirecting articles here.--Andeh 11:37, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

  • support de-inlining. This picture has shock effect, but otherwise is not particularly useful in the article (unless Martians are reading wikipedia). The image in Bristol Stool Scale is a good example when such images, with labels and comparisons, are useful and provide information, but that reason doesn't apply for this image, IMHO. --Vsion 07:41, 11 July 2006 (UTC)
    • Would you also suggest, via the same reasoning, that images are "not particularly useful" in the Nudity, Nipple, Anus, Hair, Smile, and Eye articles? Powers 13:16, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Request for Comment

Filed an RfC here: Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Maths, science, and technology. For folks coming from the RfC, I thank you. The discussion is immediately above this section. To restate, the issue is whether an image of human feces should be displayed in the article (note that even in this case, the image has been "below the fold", so to speak -- far enough down the page that a user must scroll down to see it) or linked to as a warning to readers who might find the image offensive. Any comments are appreciated. Powers 11:34, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Comment
Why not put a real picture of human feces instead? Should we put pictures of roadkilled skunk under the skunk page? I mean come on, no healthy human being will have feces like these shown on the page. I'm offended by the picture, just like I would be offended by the picture of a smashed human brain in the brain page, or by sexual organs cut in half lenghtwise...—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 66.131.183.151 (talk • contribs).
That is a picture of real human feces, produced by a healthy human being (in the interest of full disclosure, yes, that is me). Why don't you take a minute and read the description on the image page? Perhaps that will enlighten you. Notwithstanding your inaccurate and misleading comparisons (i.e., skunk = roadkill; human brain = gore; genitals = mutilation), the consensus was that this image was reasonably placed in this article (see this RfC section, for example). People reading an article on feces should not be surprised or offended to see a picture illustrating the topic. Cacetudo 18:18, 23 August 2006 (UTC)
You need to tell us about how bad your diet is. It looks too soft, there is too much mucus, the diameter is too small, it is way too long. Tell us how much rolls of toilet paper you went through to wipe yourself... You must have had a lot of trouble to flush this.—The preceding unsigned comment was added by 66.131.183.151 (talk • contribs).
Comment
I'd say keep it in, for two reasons. First, if it's removed, the page will likely become the target of some strange combination of edit-war and consistent vandalism. Second, "the kids" will get a kick out of it, and the article is well-written enough to provide a good example to go with the guffaws. SB Johnny 14:26, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
Wikipedia isn't censored, so I say keep. Jefffire 14:30, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Comment

if we could get a less offensive looking picture of feces it'd be better I think.--Andeh 14:32, 10 July 2006 (UTC)
Have a look at the previous image that was here. Not only was it altered in Photoshop, it was atypical. I must ask, however, what do you think makes certain pictures of feces more "offensive" than others? Cacetudo 14:47, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

Comment

I believe the image should remain inline, since wikipedia should not be censored, and anyone opening a page about human feces should expect such an image. I strongly believe that only a minority of people would be offended by such an image, and a greater majority would benefit from being able to link the articles points to the inline image. SuperTycoon 16:55, 15 July 2006 (UTC)

Comment

I beleive that there should be an image, and that as a compromise to those who find it offensive it should be "below the fold"- i.e., not visible at the top of the article on most browsers (recognizing that this is a very malleable boundary). Kiaparowits 15:35, 20 July 2006 (UTC)


Comment Keep Per Jefffire. QuizQuick 01:49, 24 July 2006 (UTC)

Comment Keep. A few months ago a similar RfC happened at smegma and the result was also keep. In response to some suggestions the editors cropped the image to emphasize its purpose as an example of smegma rather than a photograph of a human penis (the current image is an extreme close-up). I view the current feces image as more a depiction of a toilet bowl than of its contents, thus missing the details that would indicate a person's diet and intestinal health. What I suppose I am suggesting is that someone deposit a bowel movement onto a flat surface, then photograph with better lighting and zoom in on the subject. Durova 17:21, 24 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] interpretations of the word 'coprolites'

Can this effort be an allusion to the diet of police officers, and resulting injury near seaports? 17:22, 8 August 2006 (UTC) beadtot

[edit] Wikipedia isn't censored? Bah!

If I vented my true feelings on how unnecessary the poop on a plate is, I guarantee I'd be censored. Mr Spunky Toffee 05:17, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

Why don't you have a look at the Request for Comment section just above [2] before you declare content to be unnecessary? Your edit history [3] shows you to be a new user who has contributed nothing of value to Wikipedia other than proposing articles for some manner of deletion. I have no problem with deletionists; however, when you go against a clear consensus [4] that emerged long before you began contributing, you are creating problems. Let me assure you that this issue has been debated, redebated, and resolved (for now, anyway). Furthermore, please look at the description on the image page before perpetuating your claim that the feces is on a plate. Cacetudo 09:18, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Needs more poop pictures!

I think it would be hilarious to have a great long line of poop pictures running down the right edge of the page. Six or seven. Just to illustrate the great variety of human poop. And come on, half the people who come here are probably just doing so to see if Wikipedia is brave enough to host poop pictures. That said, there's good-looking poop, then there's disgusting poop. No need for the latter. -- Chris 17:59, 27 October 2006 (UTC)

PS Why is the one image one where feces is shown on a dinner plate? Chris
It's not. Powers T 16:26, 9 November 2006 (UTC)
It's either in one of those American toilets that have the water halfway up the bowl so that the contents are "presented" to oneself or those copntinental ones that have flat bottom at the rear of the well. Such a picture would not be possible in most British systems as the water level is lower and directly below the origin from where it came. Dainamo 09:11, 20 November 2006 (UTC)
Ahh it is in a toilet! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Theavatar3 (talk • contribs) 23:28, 6 December 2006 (UTC).
PS it seems someone has been at the red pepper! Nice! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Theavatar3 (talk • contribs).
Please sign your posts on talk pages. Powers T 14:53, 8 December 2006 (UTC)
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