User talk:Numbertwopencil

Thomas James Ball

I noticed your efforts on the Thomas James Ball page, and I have to say, the civility is refreshing. This case has brought out quite a few angry voices. Having someone maintain composure is much-appreciated. Anyway, I just dropped by to say hi, and to offer some advice. I'd carry it across to Avoiceformen.com and other sites, but I have the feeling they'd lynch me on the spot. Basically, instead of trying to get Wikipedia to budge - we won't - they should write to their local papers, and to the international news. In this age it takes two minutes to send an e-mail. Send them to CNN, Reuters, your local news stations, anywhere - show them that there's a viewership for this story. If there's anything that will help, this is it. If done en masse, it could get enough attention to create sources for an article. I'm just a neutral bystander, but I just wanted to share that thought - hopefully the others take it well. Oh, and welcome to Wikipedia! If you have any questions, just click on my name and ask. Cheers, m.o.p 05:38, 28 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I appreciate the efforts but I've sadly just cancelled my reddit account to distance myself from this whole issue so I don't think I'll be able to help anymore. My efforts have only resulted in a potential smear campaign targeting Orangemike. (Really, really sorry; I want to cry when I type that.) I'm really feeling quite down about the whole thing and I've decided to take a break from being an online activist for a while and instead I'm going to concentrate my efforts on the local men's resource centre in my area. I'm really, really terribly sorry people can't understand how Wikipedia works. I've been told I should be amongst the people "strung from a lightpost" over advocating being civil. Not all men's rights advocates are angry people. I'm extremely sorry if I've caused anyone any sort of harm or collateral damage. I love wikipedia and really do think you are right on this issue. There are better ways to handle this than attacking you. I think you're personally awesome for taking the time to write me this. It means a lot. This weekend has been horrible for me and I'm not exactly sure if I'll ever look at online advocacy the same ever again. I'll probably be back on Wikipedia soon. I've edited a lot of pages without an account in the past to correct spelling and grammar. I just need some time to get this bad taste out of my mind. Numbertwopencil (talk) 06:02, 28 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hey, you know what? Don't worry about it! I mean, I agree, it's a bit scary, but Orangemike can handle them (funny thing - he's a father).

As for those others, don't apologize for them. I'm not lumping you in with them, and I doubt any sane person will. A sad fact of any movement is that it will have its violent, militaristic facets; Mr. Guy51234, for example, seems to be this type (the whole mobilizing forces, targeting feminism thing). But it's important not to let such voices discourage the reasonable, intelligent ones from speaking.

Of course, I understand how you feel, and a break is always nice to recollect your thoughts. But know that you're welcome here, and you've gained a lot of respect for being approachable and civil.

So, again, don't take anything to heart - this isn't your fault. I hope things end up working out for you, and I hope to see you around again! Cheers, m.o.p 06:16, 28 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]