User talk:Jimbo Sinister

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[edit] My concern about your username (Jimbo Sinister)

Hello, Jimbo Sinister, and thank you for contributing to Wikipedia!

I hope not to seem unfriendly or make you feel unwelcome, but I noticed your username, and am concerned that it might not meet Wikipedia's username policy. After you look over that policy, could we discuss that concern here?

Your username sounds like a version of Jimbo Wales, only the word sinister implies that it is bad.

I'd appreciate learning your own views, for instance your reasons for wanting this particular name, and what alternative username you might accept that avoids raising this concern.

You have several options freely available to you:

  • If you can relieve my concern through discussing it here, I can stop worrying about it.
  • If the two of us can't agree here, we can ask for help through Wikipedia's dispute resolution process, such as asking for a "third opinion", or requesting comments from other Wikipedians. Admins usually abide by agreements reached through this process.
  • If you decide to just go ahead and change your username, it is possible for you to keep your present contributions history under the new username: simply request a new name here following the guidelines on that page, rather than creating a whole new account.

Let me reassure you that my writing here means I don't think your username is grossly, blatantly, or obviously inappropriate; such names get reported straight to Wikipedia:Administrator_intervention_against_vandalism (WP:AIV), or blocked on sight. This is more a case where opinions might differ, and it would be good to reach some consensus — either here or at WP:RFC/NAME. So I look forward to a friendly discussion, and to enjoying your continued participation on Wikipedia. Thank you again! -- Theunicyclegirl 17:28, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Thanks for the feedback. I am interested in learning about Wikipedia and doing some editing in areas where I have expertise - and I definitely wish to adhere to community standards. I haven't begun editing yet, so am not averse to changing to a "better" username. However...my "real" first name is James/Jim and I have been called Jimbo on and off for over 45 years. Regarding the "Sinister" part...I grew a goatee last year and was told by an old friend (member of a religious community, for what its worth) that I now looked "somewhat sinister". My family & friends thought that was hilarious...and the nickname "Jimbo Sinister" stuck. So that is its genesis. I understand your concern and do appreciate your (or any other experienced Wikipedians) advice/feedback. If you really think the username might negatively impact my usefulness as an editor, I do have another (perhaps more neutral) alternative available. Not a big deal, really. Jimbo Sinister 17:49, 10 March 2007 (UTC)