User talk:Knitsey

Please post new messages at the bottom of my talk page. Please use headlines when starting new talk topics. Thank you.

November 2024

Further violations will be sanctioned by the pool monitor.

This is your only warning; if you make personal attacks on others again, you may be blocked from editing without further notice. Comment on content, not on other contributors or people. This is inexcusable. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 19:37, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

Holy crap SFR. Heart attack city for a second there. But you're right, technically I should be blocked. I did apologise to her though. And she had an extra treat and tummy tickle. I'm worried it might happen again, now that it's in my head :( Knitsey (talk) 19:40, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

Don't let it happen, further violations of our Biographies of Living Pups policy will be dealt with strictly. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 19:44, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

BLP will never have the same meaning again lol. That made me smile. Knitsey (talk) 19:45, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

That photo! Water PupperDoggo! Love it. I got mine one of those sandpit plastic containers for kids. It took her all sumer to get used to it but loved it in the end. My previous doggo loved the water. Knitsey (talk) 19:52, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

That is one of the two or three times she got in the pool. She loves water as long as it didn't come out of a hose or a faucet. She'll swim anywhere, as long as it'll make her smell worse than when she got in. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 19:55, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

She must lab/part lab? Mine used to love stinky stuff. Especially loved to roll in badger crap. Knitsey (talk) 20:01, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

We think she's a lab/hound mix, or possibly hound/great Dane. No way to know, though, since she's a rescue. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 21:33, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

She is gorgeous, not so much maybe when she stinks. Knitsey (talk) 21:44, 25 November 2024 (UTC)

The new BLP policy: Biography of Living Pets! Myrealnamm (💬Let's talk · 📜My work) 18:28, 17 February 2025 (UTC)

here you go. Enjoy! Myrealnamm (💬Let's talk · 📜My work) 21:58, 17 February 2025 (UTC)

OMG I love it lol. That's made my day week year! Knitsey (talk) 12:15, 18 February 2025

A barnstar for you!

	The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
	Thank you so much for your help on the talk page vandalism done by 79.56.139.4! Cooldudeseven7 join in on the tea talk 15:43, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

You're very welcome @Cooldudeseven7, and thanks for the barnstar. Knitsey (talk) 15:46, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

No problem! Cooldudeseven7 _{join in on the tea talk} 15:49, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Reliable Sources

Hello! I recently made an edit to a page with a source from Instagram. This was being used to provide evidence of a romantic relationship in order to add someone to a list of LGBTQ ice hockey players. I did so in accordance to other pages in this list adding sources from Instagram, so I am confused as to how mine is different. This is my first time adding to Wikipedia, so I'd appreciate some insight:) Apolloam (talk) 22:20, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

@Apolloam I think it was a cite error. Can you post it here for me to look at? Thanks, Knitsey (talk) 22:22, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Do you mean post the citation or the article? The article is Johanna Fällman and the citation was .

I copied the format used on a similar citation, citation 19, on Shiann Darkangelo since I wasn't sure how to go about formatting and the like. Apolloam (talk) 22:26, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

@Apolloam That is coming up with cite error but it's saying 'not a available in your country' which might just be a UK problem. It seems more and more common these days.

I'm also not sure of the status of social media used as a reference for this.

Any talk page stalkers/watchers that can help with this? I can't open the link. Knitsey (talk) 22:30, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Well, if I was using my brain, yes, those look like two lesbians in a relationship, and it sure is an anniversary for them. For future reference, I would look at the citation on Todd Edwards#Personal_life, where it talks about him being in a relationship with a man, the first of the two citations is an Instagram post about his guy. BarntToust 23:31, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Yeah, it came up as cite error at first, then 'not available in your country' which I seem to be getting a few times lately, that's why I needed someone else to check. Thanks for doing that, you're a star. Knitsey (talk) 23:34, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Oh, absolutely. There are a few caveats to using a self-published source in the article, and Wikipedia:Biographies_of_living_persons#Presumption_in_favor_of_privacy can explain better than I. There's unfortunately no way to verify the gender of this person's relationship given the post and the person's profile not including any pronouns, and we can't name the person that the hockey player is dating for respect of their privacy. I'm sorry to rain on the parade of the LGBTQ endeavour, but that's the deal with content concerning people who aren't notable, especially this sort of stuff in self-published sources. BarntToust 23:48, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

No, that's fine, thank you! I'm not on Insta but the links usually work ok for me. It is so annoying. My sister is coming over in a few days so I'm going to have a play to makr sure it's not a connection/provider issue. Knitsey (talk) 23:52, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

Hope you find a way to fix the internet troubles, and enjoy the visit with your sister. See ya around, maybe! BarntToust 23:57, 7 January 2025 (UTC)

References

A barnstar for you!

	The Anti-Vandalism Barnstar
	In recognition of your hard work in thwarting vandalism on Wikipedia. Adam Black talk • contribs 15:17, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

I can come across quite blunt and matter-of-fact sometimes. I've taken a brief look through your contributions and just wanted to show that I appreciate your efforts at tackling vandalism and spam and the above comments shouldn't detract from that. Adam Black ^{talk • contribs} 15:21, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

Aww thank you so much. You were perfectly polite. I truly do not mind at all when people question what I have done. I welcome it as I frequently come across things that I wasn't even aware of. I still consider myself one leg up from noob lol. Knitsey (talk) 15:30, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

You're welcome. I've been here a little longer than you, but without as many edits, and I think of myself as just slightly above noob status too. You were perfectly polite too, some people get very defensive when you question their actions in any way. Adam Black ^{talk • contribs} 15:36, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

Wasn't it Pope who said "to err is human" etc. I'm just glad that most of my errors have been minor and nobody is paying too much attention to me otherwise I might end up with more people questioning my editing. Shhhuuush, don't tell anyone that. Knitsey (talk) 15:46, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

Academia verses Oral Tradition

i recently added to the the " Pikey" page which you removed for not citing source .

I am Romani, of Kalé / Sinti Blood, the reference is my own People and Language ... I can give you a quote for a Hindi dictionary but that is all. With Respect, I feel that to remove my submission because it does not have an academic reference, when it is based in the Oral History of the actual People mentioned in the Article goes against the Ethos of Wikipediaa WayneAD55 (talk) 12:28, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

Hello there @WayneAD55. Thank you for reaching out.

I've taken another look at your edit and I think it does need a reference. The reason is, the etymology section states circa 1520. The English didn't land in India until the very end of the 16th century and then formed the English East India Trading Company which was chartered in 1600,

It is entirely possible that 'word of mouth' from , say, Portuguese travellers would account for the term Pikey', it would need some type of reference to account for an uncommon word from before the documented use in 1520. I hope this helps. Knitsey (talk) 12:45, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

Can I also ask, you seem to have created and are using two account? The above account and W Danewood. I will pop a message on both your accounts to explain why two accounts, unless for legitimate reasons, are not allowed on Wikipedia. Knitsey (talk) 12:49, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

i created one years ago ,but thought it had been deleted ...which is why I created a new acvount WayneAD55 (talk) 12:51, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

I have left you a message. It might be worth putting a note on the other account about when and why you intend to use it. I have a second account that I only use when on an insecure WiFi connection, (mainly when I was in hospital) I think I've only used it twice? I have a note on my user page so that people know it's a legit account.

If you reply, I suggest we do it on your talk page for this account? The convo will all be in one place then. Knitsey (talk) 13:01, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

the Word has been in use in the Romani Languages for over a thousand years and is still used in india in the Hindi language,and is related to the Period of time that the Romani spent in the Indus Valley .

https://dict.hinkhoj.com/phiki-meaning-in-hindi.words

The Romani are first mentioned in Europe in the 1400s ..

Aside from that, having read the entire article I see that someone has written a line about outcast pikeys with the reference

I find the citation method difficult to understand WayneAD55 (talk) 13:00, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

I've replied on your talk page with an apology about me getting the dates wrong. I apologise here as well for that. Knitsey (talk) 13:20, 21 February 2025 (UTC)

References

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User Squidboyzontherun

Please review his edits from today and take appropriate action. Thank you. 216.168.91.75 (talk) 01:11, 28 February 2025 (UTC)

Hey sup i just wana ask are you one of Wikipedia workers?

. 119.73.99.248 (talk) 17:59, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

I'm a volunteer, like nearly everyone else here. Is there something I can help you with? Knitsey (talk) 18:19, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Greetings and...

Hello Knitsey, Long time, no "speak"! Regarding recent edits of mine which may have got in your way, not quite sure what happened, but I obviously put my foot in it somehow and then got me whatsits in a twist trying to sort it out. Hope you weren't bothered... and if you were, sorry! Keep up the good work! Technopat (talk) 18:30, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Hello @Technopat, how are you doing? Are you still enjoying the sunshine?

Does your message have something to do with the spammer? Knitsey (talk) 18:34, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Well, that got messy! Looks like it's gonna be one o' those evenings! In answer to your last question, yes. But now I'm intrigued by your cryptic "sunshine" question... --Technopat (talk) 18:42, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Well if you know, you know. OR I got you mixed up with someone else lol. Just ignore me, brain fart moment. Knitsey (talk) 18:44, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

The TV complaint spammer is an LTA. Although you probably already knew that. Knitsey (talk) 18:48, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Sigh! This gets crypticker and crypticker (sic). While I'm well aware of the term "brain fog", as in my permanent stae of mind, that there "brain fart" of yours is a new one on me... (oh! you young 'uns, always coming up wiv new figures o' speech). Does "brain burp" exist? If not, I claim it. ("Hiccoughs/hiccups" have been around for yonks, of course.) Which brings me to that double-whammer of yours: LTA...? Yer "lol" I can cope with, but that one went waaaay over my head! Baffled, bemused and befuddled regards, --Technopat (talk) 20:00, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

Baffled, bemused and befuddled - bbb, my life most of the time.

I think Brain mishaps go in this order, worse to even worserer.

Brain Hiccup

Brian burp

Brain fart. Knitsey (talk) 20:05, 15 March 2025 (UTC)

User:Magitroopa/sandbox

Hey- based on your latest edit(s), I think you've noticed something up. Only just saw it (if I had seen it earlier, I would've reverted it before you added the speedy deletion template), but for a quick explanation, it's just more trouble from Wikipedia:Long-term abuse/Zjholder / Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Zjholder. It looks like the account has already been globally locked, but thank you for looking out for vandalism, though. Magitroopa (talk) 23:23, 21 March 2025 (UTC)

Honestly, I CSD without looking properly, I hadn't realised it was your sandbox. Thats me being naughty. I only noticed after, when I thought 'I know that name' lol.

I will leave it in future. Thanks for the heads up. It make it easier when reporting them early at AIV, to add a case link. Thank you! Knitsey (talk) 23:27, 21 March 2025 (UTC)

No worries whatsoever. And even further thanks, as just quickly looking at some of your recent edits, I saw a revert of yours on Wikipedia:BMB... another frequent socker, Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Agustin Sepulveda Venegas 2004 Fan. Magitroopa (talk) 23:49, 21 March 2025 (UTC)

I saw a few of the previous edits but didn't see any sock tags so I wasn't sure which was the pupeteer. I will add them to my list as well. Thank you! Knitsey (talk) 23:53, 21 March 2025 (UTC)

A barnstar for you!

		The Anti-Vandalism Barnstar
		For helping deal with the vandalism on my talk page while I was unable to. Thank you! JeffSpaceman (talk) 00:11, 22 March 2025 (UTC)

I am so sorry you've been targetted recently. It must be so annoying for you. I try to keep the little twerps away. Thank you for the barnstar! Knitsey (talk) 00:15, 22 March 2025 (UTC)

Thank you for your kind words. I think, given my status as an openly queer editor, I am bound to be a target for harassment on here by vandals. I try not to let it bother me -- I do hope deep down that it will subside sooner or later, though. Once again, thanks so much for your help, it is highly appreciated. JeffSpaceman (talk) 01:16, 22 March 2025 (UTC)

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"Thanks"

I just follow your lead, Knitsey. Drmies (talk) 03:36, 10 April 2025 (UTC)

You're a true gent @Drmies. I always try to send a thanks, not because I like seeing editors blocked, just because it must be a bit repetitive dishing out blocks. Knitsey (talk) 03:48, 10 April 2025 (UTC)

Well, first of all I appreciate it, and second, I appreciate it extra because I also don't actually like to block. Take care Knitsey, Drmies (talk) 13:02, 10 April 2025 (UTC)

Vandalism

Good grief, your user pages get a lot of it! If there's ever anything you want doing, admin- or otherwise, do please let me know.

I don't know how you put up with it, and I sure don't know why you should have to. :( DoubleGrazing (talk) 18:48, 15 April 2025 (UTC)

Hi there @DoubleGrazing. I mainly deal with vandalism so I end up with, shall we say, a lot of disgruntled people that land here. Most of it doesn't bother me. I occasionally ask for rev/del. I prefere to leave it unprotected if I can because I do get some genuine questions. Ponyo kindly protected it recently due to threats, which was welcome.

There are some lovely page watchers (thank you all) who catch some of it and revet. Most of it goes over my head but I forget that other people have to read the guff if they are reverting. That bothers me most, that other editors end up reading it. Knitsey (talk) 18:57, 15 April 2025 (UTC)

UAA

Thanks for the report at WP:UAA but please note that some wikis allow organisation accounts - see Commons policy for an example, the German wiki is another. Except for the most offensive usernames, please don't report users at WP:UAA if they haven't edited on this wiki. Cabayi (talk) 06:43, 19 April 2025 (UTC)

I've just worked out which one this is referring to. I'm not linking as I don't want people to know I'm an idiot. Although, in fairness, anyone who names a coin, bomb, needs some PR training. Knitsey (talk) 11:40, 19 April 2025 (UTC)

The Barnstar of Diplomacy

		The Barnstar of Diplomacy
		Thanks for keeping it real. Ref [1] 86.20.197.254 (talk) 03:00, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

Give them a bit of leeway, they are new, they are mostly doing a great job so far. We see a lot of vandalism, especially on user talk pages, so we sometimes get protective. Keep up the good work! Knitsey (talk) 03:03, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

User:Emir0307

Hi, thank you for your contributions. I note that you've been investigating possible sockpuppetry involving this user.

Should a proper SPI be created? User:Hahayes234, User:WarkzFN, User:Roblox584929, User:Quzok, and User:Emir122tr all appear to be related. 162 etc. (talk) 21:08, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

I'm really not sure. I know it has been going on for a while at the ABCya article. I didn't realise until just now that 'they' have ventured out to Mary Ann Shadd. It looks to go back to 15th March, although there is an account before that who messed with the article. I'm half tempted to say yes BUT they might like that? A lot seem to thrive on being a known sock puppet. What do you think? Knitsey (talk) 21:20, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

It does make it easier to identify and block future socks down the road. @Pickersgill-Cunliffe: 162 etc. (talk) 21:44, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

That is a reason why I like having them there, it also makes it easier to just add an SPI link to AIV reports rather than hunting down past edits and editors. It is easy to add them to an SPI then report endless links every time. But then, I'm just lazy lol.Knitsey (talk) 21:48, 20 April 2025 (UTC)

@162 etc.: Out of interest, did you decide to do anything with this? Knitsey (talk) 14:19, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) I'd suggest dropping a line with an admin who as check user rights. (I don't.) -Ad Orientem (talk) 16:23, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

That's actually good advice, I always forget we have that as a facility rather than filling in an SPI. I will wait to see if 162 etc. has done anything first. Thank you @Ad Orientem. Knitsey (talk) 16:28, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

I've not started an SPI, and am not aware of one. 162 etc. (talk) 17:29, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

OK thanks for answering, I will have a look at the quick checkuser function. Might be worth it. Knitsey (talk) 17:39, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

Add User:Iwillu to that list too. 162 etc. (talk) 16:10, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

I think we might as well just create an SPI then? I was hoping they would be bored by now. I'm on my mobile, and I certainly don't mind doing an SPI although it takes forever (even using Twinkle) to do one. Knitsey (talk) 16:13, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Tea and biscuits

So....if you drop half a biscuit in your tea, do you fish it out and continue drinking the tea? Or toss it and get a fresh cup? Joyous! Noise! 00:52, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

It's always disappointing to see an esteemed admin go down the pan. HOW THE HECK DO YOU FISH OUT A MELTED BISCUIT FROM A CUPPA? Knitsey (talk) 00:56, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Sieve Joyous! Noise! 01:03, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Or...do you just leave it in there and keep drinking? Joyous! Noise! 01:04, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Honestly, I give it a few minutes to settle then keep drinking. Wasting a good cuppa isn't really on. The birds enjoy the dregs. Knitsey (talk) 01:15, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

I stir in lemon curd instead of sugar. Drmies (talk) 01:16, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Sweet baby jebus on a bike. Get off my talk page. Lemon curd? We all know Americans don't own kettles. Knitsey (talk) 01:18, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Mackays has em, which they use to make lemon curd in "small batches", they say. Also, not American--yet. Drmies (talk) 01:33, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

I'm so sorry, I thought you were American! I take back the kettle comment. Knitsey (talk) 01:34, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

i have a kettle Joyous! Noise! 01:38, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

That makes you part British then. Knitsey (talk) 01:41, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

I was joking about drinking it with the glob at the bottom. You're willing to risk drinking sodden crumbs? I...I thought you were a different kind of person. Joyous! Noise! 01:22, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

As long as you're careful, the biscuit stays sunk. Even the dog frowned at me when she heard the little 'plink'. She knows a wasted biscuit is a no-no. Knitsey (talk) 01:28, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

That's a dog for you. I have a cup of tea right now and I'm pretending there's a cookie at the bottom, and I nearly gagged. I have some texture issues with food. (somebody out there is twitching to hit us with a "this isn't supposed to be a social media forum" message.) Joyous! Noise! 01:31, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

I was thinking we are going to get told off soon. I'm still getting over the lemon curd thing. We should leave it there. Knitsey (talk) 01:33, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Some stroopwafels for you!

Sounds like you need to step away from the tea and bicsits... biscits... HobNobs. Have a coffee instead, like nature intended. And with it, these plywood discs, which even someone with limited dunking skills couldn't break. DoubleGrazing (talk) 06:08, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Now that sounds just right. Give me all of the caffeine and the sweet stuff, yummy. Thank you @DoubleGrazing. Knitsey (talk) 13:16, 21 April 2025 (UTC)

Hijacking pages

Hi there. Saw your comments on Salemsaken's talkpage. My understanding is that hijacking also applies to redirects. Where did you learn that it did not? Onel5969 ^{TT me} 00:47, 22 April 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Onel5969, I had a discussion with another admin as I wasn't sure what to do with them. It was suggested that it is allowed.

Regardless, I should have gone with the Welcome message first, rather than jumping in to the warning, even if I turns out not to be allowed. Knitsey (talk) 00:51, 22 April 2025 (UTC)

Okay, the essay, WP:HIJACK/A, suggests that it also includes redirects, but does not give an example which corresponds to this type of instance. However, I think that when there is a long standing redirect, if there is an article with the same/similar name, a new article should be created, with a disambiguator, in this case (art historian) would be appropriate. Then either hatnotes on both pages, or turn the redirect into a dab page. There doesn't seem to be a direct policy on this. But to me that makes sense. you never know how many pages link to the existing redirect (in this case I think it's only 1). Thoughts? And maybe you could ask the other admin you were discussing this with? Onel5969 ^{TT me} 01:00, 22 April 2025 (UTC)

I've run into this before although it was with an LTA that hijacked articles and someimes redirects. Although they were creating an article for a singer, the articles were unsourced/poorly sourced. Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/Japansonglove. Obviously, the case yesterday was different, they weren't a sock. I should have refamiliarised myself with Wikipedia:Article hijack. I would say that it could do with some further input on that policy, including creating another redirect to replace the one recently used?

I've also come across redirect pages that were articles, but deleted through AfD. I've kind of followed the lead of other admins on reversing those with an edit summary about the recent AfD.

I would appreciate some input on this although I think for now, apart from the socks, I should leave redirects alone until there is more guidance lol. No more oopsies. Knitsey (talk) 01:15, 22 April 2025 (UTC)

Hello world

Hey there. As you wander through Recent Changes, be on the lookout for someone who does some really great edits, reducing excess wordiness, leaving a descriptive edit summary, but....leaves the phrase "hello world" embedded in the middle of it all. I've blocked three accounts already, and there was an IP that I can't find again. It's super-frustrating because other than leaving a little piece of trash in there, the editing was REALLY good. Like, they took some time to do a good job, then spat in it. Joyous! Noise! 02:43, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

Ah thank you, that is one I reverted earlier. Are they a sock? Knitsey (talk) 02:45, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

Yeah, I'm not sure which is the master: all three accounts were created a month ago, so there may be some others. Joyous! Noise! 02:49, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

OK, Will keep it in mind if I see them again. Thank you.

If you are around for a little longer, can you keep an eye on Patteecreek. I've left them a message but they haven't responded. I wouldn't usually ask but they might have a reason for the removal of content, or just be yanking our collective chains. Knitsey (talk) 02:54, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

Sure! Joyous! Noise! 02:55, 27 April 2025 (UTC)

Someone needs attention... We need more CUs who look around through Recent changes and could jump on this at the second or third instance. Drmies (talk) 16:47, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

I seem to remember a thread at AN/I(?) about the need for more check users. I asked if CU's needed to be admins. I think the person that answered thought I was asking for me! I could almost hear the panic in the responding 'No, but technically yes' response lol. I was asking as I could think of two (then) recent RfA candidates who narrowly missed out on gaining the mop, who might have been suitable as CU's.

I don't know what the outcome of the conversation was. More CU's patrolling RC would be really useful. Knitsey (talk) 17:04, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Ha. I lost my CU tool because I made a few mistakes, minor mistakes IMO, and perfection seems to be the goal. ArbCom wants perfection. Drmies (talk) 21:46, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

'I'm nit a perfectional, I'm having a fan of correctlyness' my response to perfectionists!

I would love to know the ins and outs of CU but I barely know how the interwebs works lol. Knitsey (talk) 21:52, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Walton high school

An Open Message to Knitsey Your recent actions regarding Walton High School have been nothing short of disgraceful. Reverting the necessary changes that were put in place to rebuild the school’s integrity after recent scandals shows not only a shocking lack of judgment but a complete disregard for the students, staff, and community that depend on strong, honest leadership. Make no mistake: the issues that rocked Walton High were real. Professional misconduct was confirmed, and your attempts to pretend otherwise only deepen the damage. Denying it or sweeping it under the rug insults every family who trusted this institution to care for their children. It’s not just rumors — the full truth, with sources and evidence, will be coming to light in the coming weeks. You will not be able to hide behind weak denials or cosmetic changes once the facts are fully exposed. It is also important to point out that a member of the school’s own leadership team previously acknowledged these issues in a letter to parents — a letter that took courage to write, and that stood as a commitment to honesty and transparency. Your decision to reverse course betrays that commitment and raises serious questions about your motives and your fitness to lead. This community deserves better than leaders who prioritize their own image over truth and accountability. We will not forget this betrayal, and we will not stop demanding better for Walton High School and its future. The time for pretending is over. The truth is coming, and it will not be silenced. Staffsschoolinfo (talk) 20:31, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

@Staffsschoolinfo, you need a reference to add such controversial information about a living person. See WP:BLP in particular whether the material is negative, positive, neutral, or just questionable—must be removed immediately and without waiting for discussion

Can I also suggest you read WP:CIVIL. Many thanks, Knitsey (talk) 20:36, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

The information referenced is already acknowledged by official school communications sent directly to parents — making it a matter of public record, not just rumor or speculation. WP:BLP requires reliable sources, yes, but it does not prevent mentioning factual and serious issues when they are based on official statements, even if wider media reporting is pending.

Your removal of the material without fully understanding the source basis is premature. Furthermore, WP:CIVIL applies to discussions between users — not to the removal of truthful, properly framed content.

Official sources will be made publicly available shortly to satisfy all citation requirements explicitly. In the meantime, blanket removals under the incorrect assumption of "unsourced" material are not appropriate.

Please check your interpretation of WP:BLP carefully. Future actions should be based on the actual policy — not personal discomfort with the facts. Staffsschoolinfo (talk) 20:38, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

We are having a discussion, CIVIL applies. I have no opinion on a school I have never heard of, in a place I have never be to. I am concerned with verification of controversial information and Wikipedia's policy concerning said information. Please read the link I have provided. Feel free to add the information once you have provided a reference. Many thanks, Knitsey (talk) 20:42, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

@Staffsschoolinfo, I should add, if you are looking for a second opinion on this, then you could try asking at Wikipedia:Teahouse. Many thanks. Knitsey (talk) 20:44, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Hi Knitsey,

Right, firstly — thanks for responding again, but honestly you're still wrong and it’s kind of obvious at this point.

You keep banging on about CIVIL and BLP like this is some earth-shattering situation when, really, all that's happening is a pretty basic case: an event at a school was officially acknowledged in letters to parents (real communication, not gossip), and now, because you personally don't know the school or the situation, you're treating it like it doesn’t exist. News flash: just because you've never heard of Walton High or Staffordshire doesn't make the real world stop spinning. Not everything gets reported in a national newspaper within 24 hours. Real things happen at local levels first.

Also, let's be honest here — I'm not some newbie wandering in clueless about how Wikipedia works. You keep suggesting "maybe try the Teahouse" like I'm lost. I'm not lost. I'm telling you what’s going on. I don't need a panel of strangers at the Teahouse explaining policies to me like I’m five years old. I’m aware that verification matters — but guess what? So does context, so does real-world awareness, and so does not knee-jerk deleting just because you personally feel uncomfortable or don’t understand the situation yet.

You’re acting like the mere act of mentioning an uncomfortable fact is somehow a violation. It’s not. BLP is about protecting people from baseless accusations, not protecting institutions or public figures from true, documented events that they themselves have acknowledged. There’s a very big difference. And frankly, it's exhausting having to spell that out when it's obvious if you actually read policy in the spirit it was written, not just the letter.

Anyway — to save you future typing: no, I’m not interested in dragging this into the Teahouse for some slow-motion bureaucracy about something that will be sourced and corrected properly in a matter of weeks. I don’t need to be told to “wait for sources” for the fifteenth time. I already said I would. I’m not stupid.

Bottom line:

You removed material that will be verifiable, was already partially verifiable, and you’re pretending it’s some kind of major user error on my part when, actually, you jumped the gun. Once the sources are public, it’s coming back, and there’s not going to be any magical BLP loophole to hide behind.

Hope that clears it up, and i await your response Staffsschoolinfo (talk) 20:50, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

@Staffsschoolinfo, when you have a reference, feel free to add the information. I'm not going to keep repeating myself. Please adhere to Wikipedias policy WP:BLP. You seem to have mistaken my compliance with policy for opinion. Please do not do that. Knitsey (talk) 20:54, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Hi Knitsey,

Right, message received — you don't need to keep repeating yourself either. Trust me, I understood the first time.

The issue is, you seem to be mistaking my explanation of the situation for me somehow "not understanding" policy. I do understand BLP. Probably better than you think. I'm not confusing your compliance with an "opinion" — what I am saying is that your interpretation of the situation was shallow and a little knee-jerk. Compliance is good, but understanding the full picture is better.

I’m fully aware that adding controversial material requires a reference — and as I’ve said (several times now), once the published sources appear (they are coming), the content will be restored, fully cited, and fully compliant. No one is arguing otherwise, no matter how many times you want to frame it that way. Staffsschoolinfo (talk) 20:57, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

The information has been deleted as per Wikipedia policy. Feel free to ask for any advice you might need once you supply the reference. This matter has been resolved for now. Please don't post further about the subject on my talk page unless you need advice on how to add the reference. Good luck. Knitsey (talk) 21:00, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Match sock to master

Regarding this revert, when you see "Joe Walz" garbage pop up in articles, it's Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigations/GeraldFord1980. The joke never tires for them.-- Ponyo^{bons mots} 22:45, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

And I was just about to post I had spotted it in the history lol. Thank you for the info. I will keep my eye out for it. Knitsey (talk) 22:48, 28 April 2025 (UTC)

Oh god that asshole is still here? Drmies (talk) 00:38, 29 April 2025 (UTC)

Reversion of edits

Hello, I accidentally reverted you edit on the article "Copyright infringement". I tried to click on the revision, but accidentally clicked on "rollback". RaschenTechner (talk) 21:02, 30 April 2025 (UTC)

See you at AN/I then. Knitsey (talk) 21:05, 30 April 2025 (UTC)

It's not a problem at all. Don't worry about it. You can change rollback settings if you find it happend too many times. I was doing it about once a week whilst scrolling, so I changed it to 'confirm rollback'. Knitsey (talk) 21:07, 30 April 2025 (UTC)

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...

Pathetic, huh. Drmies (talk) 02:11, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

They have some stamina that's for sure. It is a pretty pointless waste of time. Knitsey (talk) 02:13, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Well they have been severely mistreated. Oppressed, even. Drmies (talk) 02:14, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Huh? Knitsey (talk) 02:15, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Oh yeah. Very sad. They were doing dumb shit that made no sense and that no one wanted and then they got blocked. A year ago? Drmies (talk) 02:16, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Oh lol, sorry. I had forgotten what triggered all this. It seems a strange hill to die on? I've given up trying to figure ou that type of person. Knitsey (talk) 02:19, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Something about regions they imagined in Florida--not even exciting regions. And for some reason they're picking on Magnolia, who isn't even an administrator. Just enormously incel. I should get paid by the block. Drmies (talk) 02:20, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

The only think I wonder about is, after maybe 10 years, do they look back on this and cringe inside, or are they still angry. I look back on some things I did when I as young and want to cringe lol. Nothing like this though. Knitsey (talk) 02:24, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Seriously, the real question, well there's two. One, why doesn't the WMF take actual legal action. Two, how come the filters don't catch this jerk. Alright Knitsey--it's been fun, but it's bedtime here. Let's see if the next admin can catch before their third edit. Take care, Drmies (talk) 02:23, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

Nighty night. Knitsey (talk) 02:24, 2 May 2025 (UTC)

(talk page stalker) I hate to barge in on the conversation, but I just so happened to come by here, and... is this about that long-term-abusing vandal who threatened to rape and murder Magnolia? Yeah, I was one of the first to rollback their edits and contact the Oversight Team about them. What a freaking loser. elm she/they ^{(ARF! | pugmarks)} 17:06, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Cedelmwood, yeah, that's the one. It was a long slog yesterday. Knitsey (talk) 17:21, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Oh, damn. I'm a little out of the loop; what was the aftermath of the incident? Like, the full story? Some people just should not be let anywhere near a computer. Or any device connected to the Internet, for that matter. elm she/they ^{(ARF! | pugmarks)} 17:33, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Nothing out of the ordinary, for them. They were at it for a while that day. It was a team effort. Knitsey (talk) 17:37, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Ah, I see. No, but seriously, who even thinks of that kind of garbage to fling around at complete strangers? I guess it's best not to think too hard about it. There are many in this world who are, well, kind of shitty. Anyway, happy editing to y'all... if you can, that is, haha. Stay safe. elm she/they ^{(ARF! | pugmarks)}

the road dance

i’ve read your page and found something interesting that made me pause reading for a moment i am busy with the same type of thingy shooting a film of myself adding here and there short vids. uhm did you do it yourself or what is it a film you’ve downloaded, reason why i’m asking is because i’m looking for help and tips bout how to make my own using my “android phone”😀 i think i’ve found my best friend on social media/Wikipedia, can you believe that you the only one🫣. Kidnxtdoor angelo (talk) 18:35, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

That is the one article I created. The only film I've ever taken is mostly of my animals being derps. As Bishonen has already mentioned, Wikipedia is not social media. Although you make friends along the way, and find people that you respect a great deal as editors, the primary purpose of Wikipedia to create and improve on the best encyclopedia out there.

If you have editing questions then please feel free to ask. Knitsey (talk) 19:55, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

its the reason why i want to make friends to ask and help me understand to create, edit to guide me what's up with these people i really appreciate your understanding but those who jump to whatever you might call it is the ones holding me back from doing the things i want to like creating editing and much more. Kidnxtdoor angelo (talk) 18:47, 4 May 2025 (UTC)

Nobody is holding you back from editing Wikipedia constructively. Find a subject you like and start editing. Knitsey (talk) 19:15, 4 May 2025 (UTC)

Oh, user blocked. Ta-ta. Knitsey (talk) 19:16, 4 May 2025 (UTC)

Apologies

Hello. I apologise if I sounded rude to you here. I didn't mean it like that. Hacked (Talk|Contribs) 23:08, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

@Ivebeenhacked No, no, I apologise. I didn't realise my edit sounded accusatory lol. Knitsey (talk) 23:09, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

May 2025

Hello. Regarding the recent revert you made to Izhevsk: you may already know about them, but you might find Wikipedia:Template index/User talk namespace useful. After a revert, these can be placed on the user's talk page to let them know you considered their edit inappropriate, and also direct new users towards the sandbox. They can also be used to give a stern warning to a vandal when they've been previously warned. Thank you. –HirowoWiki (📝) 23:14, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

This user should not be wared in ay shape or form. They ate a highly abusive LTA and should be reported to AIV on sight.

Also, maybe check out Wikipedia:Don't template the regulars? Knitsey (talk) 23:17, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Oh, I see. I've sent thanks button 2 times in a row. :) –HirowoWiki (📝) 23:19, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

I thanked a bot earlier! No problems. Rape and death threats should always just go straight to AIV. Thos one is really nasty, aways best to avoid engaging with them. Knitsey (talk) 23:21, 3 May 2025 (UTC)

Edit credit

Do I get credit for correcting information on an edit? 1chrysalis (talk) 20:58, 8 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi 1chrysalis, your edit count will go up if that's what you mean? If you may and edit, your name and details of the edit will appear in the article/page history. Knitsey (talk) 21:02, 8 May 2025 (UTC)

RfA

You are such a valuable and dedicated editor, even by your edit count (>30k) and the nature of your edits. Some administrator requests have not been acted on, so is it okay if I nominate you for adminship? Sincerely, Faster than Thunder (talk | contributions) 22:32, 8 May 2025 (UTC)

No. Please don't. I have no interest at this time. I would suggest you maybe stop asking this of editors. Thank you for the thought. Knitsey (talk) 22:37, 8 May 2025 (UTC)

Your thread has been archived

Hello Knitsey! The thread you created at the Teahouse, Help request on behalf of a new user, has been archived because there was no discussion for a few days. You can still read the archived discussion. If you have follow-up questions, please . See also the help page about the archival process. The archival was done by lowercase sigmabot III, and this notification was delivered by KiranBOT, both automated accounts. You can opt out of future notifications by placing {{bots|deny=KiranBOT}} on top of the current page (your user talk page). —KiranBOT (talk) 03:16, 10 May 2025 (UTC)

Question

u can see wut I type? 2600:4040:7175:6800:BA3D:B2D8:71F2:95AD (talk) 19:35, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

When you publish your edits everyone can see them. Please don't be rude to people. This isn't social media. Knitsey (talk) 19:39, 11 May 2025 (UTC)

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The vandal is back where do I take this?

This time, he's editing on a registered account, Sovin88977. Shouldn't there be an LTA case or SPI for this guy!? And, if there is, where is it!?!?!

Okay, edit: he's been perma-blocked, but, still: my questions remain. Sorry if I come across as harsh; I just don't really know what else to do other than to reach out to you here. elm she/they ^{(ARF! | pugmarks)} 00:17, 15 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Cedelmwood. That vandal is opportunistic. They are not the same one as Mid Atlantic Baby, the one who attacks Magnolia. It looks like they either came across recent vandalism or looked at the edits of whoever reverted them and reinstated recent vandalism. They mostly rotate the photos on articles. Personally, I refuse to use they name they like to use as I feel it's pandering to them and encourages them. So having an LTA abuse page with the name they use would delight them. Always report to AIV straight away although you might be asked for details of other ip/account vandalism edits to make sure they match.

BUT...I am just one person. You can always ask around or post a message on the LTA talk page if you wanted? Wikipedia:Long-term abuse. Knitsey (talk) 12:05, 15 May 2025 (UTC)

I see. Thank you for the information. elm she/they ^{(ARF! | pugmarks)} 14:41, 15 May 2025 (UTC)

Blue Light Bandits

The Blue Light Bandits, also known as blue light gangs, are criminal groups operating in South Africa who impersonate police officers or other law enforcement officials to commit various crimes. These crimes primarily include robbery, vehicle hijacking, kidnapping, and other violent acts, often targeting motorists and sometimes tourists. The term refers to multiple unrelated criminal syndicates employing similar tactics, with significant activity reported in provinces such as Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The gangs typically use vehicles fitted with unauthorized blue flashing lights to simulate an official police presence and induce victims to stop.

Method of operation

Blue Light Bandits employ a consistent modus operandi that generally involves the following tactics:

• Police impersonation: Perpetrators often wear full or partial police uniforms, including vests marked "POLICE," or other apparel resembling that of law enforcement personnel to appear legitimate.
• Vehicle modification: Civilian vehicles, frequently models such as Volkswagen Polos, Ford Rangers, or Toyota Hilux bakkies, are illicitly equipped with blue flashing lights and sometimes sirens to mimic official police or traffic vehicles.
• Fraudulent traffic stops: Using these modified vehicles and blue lights, the criminals signal motorists to pull over, often selecting highways or more isolated roads to minimize witnesses and ease escape.
• Armed coercion: Once a victim has stopped, the assailants, typically armed with firearms, approach the vehicle to overpower and control the occupants.
• Robbery and extortion: Victims are robbed of cash, mobile phones, bank cards, and other valuables. In many instances, victims are kidnapped and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs over extended periods, sometimes several hours, while the criminals use their bank cards.
• Violence and intimidation: Perpetrators often resort to physical violence, including assault, and make death threats or threats of other serious harm (such as sexual assault) to ensure compliance from their victims.

Notable incidents

Mpumalanga Province

Sean Stephens kidnapping (January 2024)

A widely publicized incident occurred on January 6, 2024, involving Canadian businessman Sean Stephens, CEO of the digital marketing company Treefrog. Stephens, his two teenage children (Trinity, 18, and Kai, 15), his mother Heather, and a 12-year-old girl his mother had adopted, were kidnapped in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga province.

The family was returning from Eswatini, where they had visited a children's home as part of Heather Stephens' missionary work. After stopping at a petrol station, their vehicle was pulled over by armed men in a pickup truck using blue flashing lights. The assailants, posing as police officers and wearing vests with "POLICE" markings, assaulted Sean Stephens with a pistol and forced the family into the criminals' vehicle. They were driven to a remote wooded area near a cliff, robbed of their belongings, and forced to provide bank card PINs under threats of death and sexual assault.

The Stephens family was then held in the covered bed of a pickup truck for approximately three hours while the perpetrators drove to various locations to withdraw money from their bank accounts using the stolen cards. After the accounts were emptied, the family was released in the Masoyi area outside Mbombela. Sean Stephens sustained a concussion during the attack, and the family reported losses of approximately $10,000 in cash and belongings. His mother's charity also suffered financial losses due to the robbery. Stephens and his children returned to Canada on January 8, 2024.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) launched an investigation. According to Stephens, police informed him that the same group was suspected of attempting similar kidnappings the previous day and had committed other kidnappings before and after his family's ordeal. Following the incident, Stephens stated he would not return to South Africa.

Other incidents (January 2024)

During the same period as the Stephens kidnapping, other similar incidents were reported in Mpumalanga:

• On January 8, 2024, a Dutch couple was reportedly stopped in Hazyview by suspects in a white double-cab bakkie equipped with flashing blue lights. They were subsequently kidnapped and robbed.
• Also on January 8, 2024, four friends traveling between Standerton and Trichardt were stopped by individuals in a white VW Polo displaying blue lights. They were kidnapped, and the assailants withdrew money from their bank accounts.

Deadly confrontations

Blue Light Bandit activities have led to fatal encounters:

• In June 2021, on the R50 road near Delmas, a motorist driving a Toyota Hilux Double Cab engaged in a shootout with two suspected Blue Light Bandits who were attempting to hijack him. The motorist fatally shot both suspects but succumbed to his own injuries. The suspects were found in possession of police face masks and reflector jackets.
• In April 2024, three suspected Blue Light Bandits were killed during a high-speed chase and subsequent shootout with a multidisciplinary police team on the N3 highway near Grootvlei, Mpumalanga. The gang was allegedly responsible for at least six blue light hijackings in the preceding two weeks.

Police corruption cases

Incidents of police officers being involved in Blue Light Bandit activities have been documented. In March 2025, four suspects, including two serving SAPS officers, were arrested in Gauteng in connection with blue light robberies. eNCA reported that the officers were implicated after being captured on camera during a truck hijacking. The investigation also led to the arrest of two civilian accomplices found in possession of firearms and signal jamming devices.

Targeted vehicles

Law enforcement and private security reports indicate that Blue Light Bandits often target specific types of vehicles, although any vehicle can be at risk. Commonly targeted models include:

• Ford Ranger
• Toyota Fortuner
• Toyota Hilux (specifically GD-6 models)
• Toyota Land Cruiser
• Other luxury SUVs

Law enforcement response

South African authorities, primarily the South African Police Service (SAPS), have undertaken various measures to address crimes committed by Blue Light Bandits:

• Specialized Task Forces: Multidisciplinary teams are often formed, comprising members from SAPS Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams, Highway Patrol, and other specialized units, sometimes in collaboration with private security companies.
• Arrests and Operations: Numerous operations have led to the arrest of suspects and the dismantling of blue light syndicates.

   * Three suspects were arrested on the West Rand in November 2021.
   * Three individuals impersonating police were arrested in the North West province in July 2023, found with a Ford Ranger fitted with blue lights.
   * As mentioned, three suspects were killed in a shootout on the N3 in April 2024.
   * Four suspects, including two police officers, were arrested in Gauteng in March 2025.
   * Two suspects linked to over 30 hijackings on the N3 were arrested in March 2025.

• Public Awareness and Advisories: SAPS and security groups have issued public guidance for motorists who suspect they are being stopped by bogus police:

   * Acknowledge the signal to stop (e.g., by using turn signals or hazard lights).
   * Reduce speed but proceed cautiously to a well-lit, public area, such as a petrol station or a police station, before stopping.
   * If possible, contact emergency services (e.g., 10111) or a security company to verify the legitimacy of the stop or request assistance.
   * Try to observe and remember details of the suspicious vehicle and its occupants.

SAPS has indicated that over 300 suspects linked to kidnappings, many involving blue light tactics, were arrested in the two years preceding early 2024.

Broader context

The Blue Light Bandit phenomenon is part of the larger issue of high crime rates in South Africa. The country has reported a significant number of kidnappings, with some sources referring to it as having one of the highest rates in Africa (9.57 kidnappings per 100,000 inhabitants as of 2023, according to a Daily Maverick report).

Several factors are considered to contribute to the persistence of these crimes:

• Accessibility of Police Equipment: There have been reports and concerns about how criminals acquire police uniforms, blue lights, and other official insignia. Some sources suggest these items may be stolen, sold by corrupt individuals, or that official procurement processes have been compromised. A Wikipedia article on "Crime in South Africa," citing other sources, notes that between 2018 and 2020, insufficient funds for new police uniforms coincided with some official items being found in the possession of hijackers.
• Low Crime Detection Rates: The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has previously highlighted low crime detection rates in South Africa (around 12.5% according to one report mentioned by Daily Maverick), suggesting that many perpetrators may evade prosecution.
• Involvement of Corrupt Officials: The documented participation of active police officers in Blue Light Bandit operations severely undermines public trust in law enforcement and complicates efforts to combat these syndicates.
• Identified Hotspots: Certain routes have become particularly notorious for Blue Light Bandit activity, including:

   * The N3 between Villiers and Heidelberg
   * The R23 road between Heidelberg and Balfour
   * The R50 road near Delmas
   * Major roads in Mpumalanga, particularly around Mbombela and Hazyview.

Note on image: The image originally included in the draft markdown was from an external news site (TopAuto). For use on Wikipedia, an image would need to be verified for copyright status, ideally sourced from Wikimedia Commons with a compatible free license, or be in the public domain.

See also

• Crime in South Africa
• Hijacking in South Africa
• Kidnapping
• Police impersonation
• South African Police Service

External links

• South African Police Service (SAPS) - May contain crime statistics and public safety information.
• What you should know about 'blue light' hijackings in South Africa - BusinessTech (provides overview and advice).

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Police impersonation.

```

---

• • Key changes and considerations in this draft:**

1. **Lead Section:** Made more concise and compliant with Wikipedia's lead section guidelines. 2. **Wikilinks:** Added numerous internal links to relevant Wikipedia pages. 3. **Tone and NPOV:** Adjusted phrasing for a more neutral and encyclopedic tone (e.g., "Perpetrators often wear" instead of "Criminals wear"). 4. **Structure:** Used standard Wikipedia section headings. 5. **References:**

   * I've used the `` format for the first instance of a source and then `` for subsequent uses of the same source, which is common in Wikipedia wikitext.
   * I've tried to make the reference list itself clearer. For an actual Wikipedia article, you would use citation templates (e.g., ` {{cite news}}: Empty citation (help)`, ` {{cite web}}: Empty citation (help)`).
   * **Important Note on Dates in Your References:** Several of your references (e.g., [^13], [^14], [^17], [^18]) have dates like "March 2025" or "September 7, 2024." Given that the current date is May 15, 2025, some of these might be typos in your original list, refer to ongoing reporting cycles where the "year" implies the current operational year, or are actual future-dated syndication issues for online content. For Wikipedia, the actual publication date of the cited article is critical. I've added notes in the references where these seem ambiguous. Please double-check these dates against the original articles.
   * **Self-Reference to Wikipedia (Ref [^19]):** Your draft cited Wikipedia for a claim. Wikipedia articles cannot cite themselves as a source. You would need to find the original underlying source that Wikipedia itself uses for that information and cite that directly. I've noted this in the reference list.

6. **Image Note:** Added a comment regarding the image and Wikipedia's copyright policies. 7. **Removed Redundant/General External Links:** Some external links in your draft pointed to articles already used as specific citations or very general pages. The "External links" section in Wikipedia is usually for a few key official or highly comprehensive resources not used as specific inline citations.

This draft should give you a solid foundation. Remember to thoroughly review and verify all information and sources against Wikipedia's guidelines before attempting to publish. Gvihar (talk) 05:20, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

This information has not yet been added to Wikipedia. Please give me your suggestion — should you submit it? Gvihar (talk) 05:33, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Gvihar, it looks like you have been busy. What you need to do is create a draft article and submit it for review. Have a look here.

I don't review articles but we have lots of great editors who do, but it can take a while so you will need to be patient. There is a large backlog. Knitsey (talk) 15:20, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

I felt it definitely needed improvement. Some other sources I've found with details about this group of criminals:

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/blue-light-bandit-trio-in-expected-in-dock-for-impersonating-police-officers/

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/blue-light-bandits-three-arrested-high-speed-chase-and-shootout-pretoria-21-april-2021/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs6io0PhGvE

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=978602517304696

https://iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/2024-05-12-blue-light-criminals-where-do-they-even-get-the-blue-police-lights/

https://www.ier.co.za/what-to-know-about-the-dangerous-blue-lights-gang/

https://www.primediaplus.com/open-navigating-danger-combatting-the-rise-of-blue-light-gangs-on-south-africas-roads/

https://tygerburger.co.za/blue-light-gang-pursues-motorist-through-sonstraal-heights-20241202/

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=983019934014187&id=100069185680765&set=a.576076344708550

https://tygerburger.co.za/blue-light-gang-pursues-motorist-through-sonstraal-heights-20241202/

https://x.com/Abramjee/status/1901570545465876885

https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2024-05-22-police-arrest-three-suspects-part-of-blue-light-gang/#google_vignette

https://www.enca.com/top-stories/watch-victim-blue-light-gang-incident-speaks-out

https://www.arrivealive.co.za/print.aspx?s=1&i=72190

https://sundayworld.co.za/news/blue-light-gang-suspects-killed-during-shootout-with-police/ Gvihar (talk) 15:49, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

Put it together in a draft and work on it from your sandbox. It might be easier to work on and see where there are gaps in referencing or formatting issues. Knitsey (talk) 15:52, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

References

Hello!

Hi there, I hope you’re recovering well from your surgical procedures, just wanted to stop by and say hi. Cheers! TJ Kreen (talk) 11:59, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

@TJ Kreen, hi and thank you for asking. It's mostly over with now, thank goodness. I will probably need more corrective spinal surgery in the future but for now, I'm back on the mend. Knitsey (talk) 15:23, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

Glad to hear it! TJ Kreen (talk) 21:12, 19 May 2025 (UTC)

A cup of coffee for you!

Thanks for removing vandalism from my talk page. Annh07 (talk) 18:18, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

Also thanks to ScottishFinnishRadish for revdel. I guess they're 91.64.142.143. Annh07 (talk) 18:18, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

Glad to help out. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 18:37, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

That's not a problem. There are some awful people around. But plenty of nice people to make up for it (usually). Knitsey (talk) 18:19, 21 May 2025 (UTC)

story · music · places

... and you are one of the nice people! I noticed your name on my watchlist, forgot why, but now read your advice to Doug about listening to music, read your user page and passed the advice on. Good to meet you! --Gerda Arendt (talk) 07:48, 24 May 2025 (UTC)

Thank you @Gerda Arendt, that is a lovely message. Walking and music gave me the confidence to get another dog after my previous dog died. I thought I would have to forgo having another doggy companion. So getting going again was a great motivation. I listen to everything from Madam Butterfly to Disturbed, as long as the beat matches my stride. It was nice to read that Doug does the same and that it has helped him. Knitsey (talk) 12:57, 24 May 2025 (UTC)

Thank you so much! I write a daily "story" (click), and "music" (click) changes almost daily, - perhaps look for chance matches. I deal with articles of people who recently died, which leads to some slower tempos, but the great alto featured today sang fast songs. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 13:09, 24 May 2025 (UTC)

I will take a look, thank you. New inspiration is always welcome. Knitsey (talk) 13:12, 24 May 2025 (UTC)

• Hello, Knitsey,

I was looking into some vandalism to Doug's User page, saw your message there which also led me to read your User page. I'm not sure what to think! It's definitely one of the more original User pages on this project. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself, most editors don't share much biographical content. It's the first few lines on it at the top though that puzzled me the most. Liz <sup>Read! Talk!</sup> 00:42, 26 May 2025 (UTC)

@Liz, my dad died last year and someone mentioned the Shakespeare lines at the get together we had after his funeral. It has taken me a little while to be able to think of him without getting upset. I hadn't heard the quote before, but thought it was rather nice. Knitsey (talk) 18:20, 26 May 2025 (UTC)

• +1 to you being one of the nice people here on Wikipedia. I'm always seeing you popping up to revert vandalism, and leaving kind words where they are needed the most, and also wanted to take the time to thank you for that and say that it is very much appreciated! Patient Zero<sup>talk</sup> 01:15, 26 May 2025 (UTC)

  Hi @Patient Zero, thank you for those lovely words. I'm kind of selfish though, I'm here because it's nice to do something fairly easy, helps the project a tiny bit and it is something different to do. Knitsey (talk) 18:23, 26 May 2025 (UTC)

  You’re welcome! I wouldn't call that selfish at all, though, because I think helping someone (or something) out is inherently selfless, and as for it being a nice thing to do - well I’d certainly hope everyone who volunteers their time here enjoys it! :D Patient Zero<sup>talk</sup> 01:19, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

@Donnermar2

Hi, I have noticed that this new editor, @Donnermar2, (whom I copy here in this message for info) just reverted twice all the new section I proposed and submitted in the talk page of Jean-Paul Gut article. He never argumented on the slightest part of this proposed section. I have warned him that I consider his reverts as vandalism, as the section I wrote is fully sourced by numerous articles of well established contributors and also is the translation of the French wiki page, which has contained the same infos for many years. Thanks for your support in letting discussion go on the talk page of this article by other editors, before the main article is finally edited after established consensus. Best regards, Alceste sur son yacht (talk) 06:47, 22 May 2025 (UTC)

I allow myself to add to this message, as I had then the surprise to discover that this editor reported me to ANI, in an attempt to have me blocked. Although I had contacted him on his talk page prior to his action; he then deleted my message without even answering)

Link to ANI, and my answer to his unfair claim: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard#Request_block_for_User:Alceste_sur_son_yacht

--Alceste sur son yacht (talk) 07:13, 22 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi @Alceste sur son yacht, I've left a message about this on the noticeboard. I've no idea why they reverted or why they think it is vandalism? Hopefully, they will see their mistake and people can move on.

Your article talk page message has stayed where it is this time so hopefully they will leave it alone. Good luck! Knitsey (talk) 12:27, 22 May 2025 (UTC)

Thank you! Much appreciated. Have a good day. Cheers, Alceste sur son yacht (talk) 13:06, 22 May 2025 (UTC)

User:MIarch11

The user has achieved 10 edits from apparent gaming. Should I take them to ANI to stop them from getting autoconfirmed until they make 10 real edits? QwertyForest (talk) 15:53, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

Hi @QwertyForest, we do get quite a few new accounts that appear to be gaming. I don't think ANI will be necessary as they haven't edited anything as yet. Let me ping a trusted admin to see what they think. @Bbb23:, any advice on this? Knitsey (talk) 15:56, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

I agree that it's premature. However, I've posted a more explicit warning to their Talk page.--Bbb23 (talk) 16:01, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

Thanks @Bbb23. Knitsey (talk) 16:02, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

@QwertyForest I know we have a page move vandal that sets up accounts over a period of days, then returns a few weeks later to utilise them all. But we do get quite a few who are wise to gaming and set up accounts to edit areas where they are restricted. Maybe keep them on your watch list for now? Knitsey (talk) 16:06, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

I've added the userpage to my watchlist. QwertyForest (talk) 16:32, 27 May 2025 (UTC)

A tip for future reference

To separate lines but keep them close together, as you wanted to do at WP:ANI#I'm not sure if this needs attention? - start each new line with an asterisk (*). Like this:

• 1
• 2

OMG but there are so many twiddly little gadgets to learn here. Happy editing! Narky Blert (talk) 17:35, 29 May 2025 (UTC)

@Narky Blert You know, I think someone mentioned this to me before and I completely forgot. Thank you so much for the tip! I knew about br code but it's a bit fiddly on mobile (and I'm lazy). I will remember that for next time. If you think of any other little shortcuts then please do let me know. Knitsey (talk) 17:45, 29 May 2025 (UTC)

Requested edit filter

Sorry about that, Knitsey — I've realized it was actually a non-working link (with a pipe instead of a #), not linkrot — your ANI section is still up. Thanks for taking the thing to ANI! (Re above, there are so many scripts, too! I just installed User:andrybak/Scripts/Contribs ranger, it's great. And User:Ingenuity/AbuseFilterContribs, even better!) Bishonen | tålk 09:24, 31 May 2025 (UTC).

Thanks @Bishonen, I will give those a go. Knitsey (talk) 12:35, 1 June 2025 (UTC)

RE: Michael Palance

There is a relavent SPI [[2]] that is relavant to your reverts on the linked page. Feel free to comment there if desired NightWolf1223 <Howl at me•My hunts> 23:28, 14 June 2025 (UTC)

@NightWolf1223, I was looking at the history and wondered if there was an SPI. Thank you so much. I was just going to complete an Edit warring post. Should I use the SPI instead? And thank you for the info! Knitsey (talk) 23:35, 14 June 2025 (UTC)

Oh you've done it lol. Thank you. I think I will leave the edit warring noticeboard for now. Knitsey (talk) 23:36, 14 June 2025 (UTC)

No problem NightWolf1223 <Howl at me•My hunts> 23:48, 14 June 2025 (UTC)

"funeral" lta

WP:LTA/FUERDAI. Thanks for the report. — rsjaffe 🗣️ 21:59, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

Thank you for the link! I used to have that one on my userpage for easy reporting to AIV but I must have removed it. Knitsey (talk) 22:01, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

No worries. It's kind of sad, but I'm familiar enough with that LTA to have my memory jogged by the "funeral" attempt at id. — rsjaffe 🗣️ 22:05, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

It's mad that you still knew who I meant! They've been at it for decades so I guess funeral, fuderai are a common spellcheck error. Knitsey (talk) 22:10, 21 June 2025 (UTC)

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