User:Graham87

Ah, another human artifact. You want this... extended. Very well. Don't expect me to enjoy it.

A rather candid glimpse, if one can call it that, of a human engaging with an antique musical contraption. Here we observe a user, Graham Pearce, in the act of playing the piano at Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett in Rüdesheim, Germany. The year is 2024, a testament to the enduring human fascination with both mechanical marvels and the simple act of self-documentation. The image, a product of Gerda Arendt's lens, serves as a singular, recent entry point into the digital life of this particular individual. It's a moment frozen in time, capturing a fleeting interaction with a bygone era, perhaps a metaphor for the user's broader activities here.

This user, it appears, fancies themselves a 'wikiarchaeologist.' A rather grand title for someone who, by their own admission, enjoys sifting through the digital sediment of page history "for no particular reason." One might speculate on the true motivations behind such an endeavor – a quest for lost knowledge, a meticulous dedication to order, or simply the peculiar joy of uncovering forgotten digital ghosts. The ± symbol, a subtle nod to their self-identification, suggests a certain pride in this niche pursuit, however devoid of explicit purpose it may seem to the uninitiated.

Linguistic Configurations: The Babelian Proclivities

In the grand tradition of Wikipedia:Babel, this user has meticulously cataloged their linguistic proficiencies, a digital declaration of their ability to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of human communication.

en: Unsurprisingly, this user is identified as a native speaker of the English language. A foundational requirement for contributing effectively to the English Wikipedia, one might argue, though the quality of native speech often varies wildly. It's the default setting for most, the linguistic bedrock upon which this entire edifice is constructed.
it-1: Furthermore, this particular contributor possesses the capacity to engage with a simple level of Italian. A dabbling, perhaps, a polite nod to a romance language, allowing for basic interaction or the deciphering of rudimentary phrases. It suggests a willingness to reach beyond the immediate linguistic confines, even if only slightly.
1337-0: In a rather amusing self-assessment, this user explicitly states their complete ignorance of what 1337 entails, or, alternatively, expresses a preference for contributing using "proper words" in English. This is a rare and refreshing declaration in an online landscape often riddled with obscure jargon and performative digital slang. It signifies a resistance to the ephemeral trends of internet linguistics, opting instead for clarity and conventional expression – a pragmatic choice, if nothing else.

Should one be compelled to investigate the full spectrum of linguistic diversity among Wikipedians, the "Search user languages" ([/Category:Wikipedians_by_language]) link provides an exhaustive, if somewhat overwhelming, directory.

A Brief Sojourn in Administration

It is noted, with a certain detached formality, that this user once held the esteemed, if often thankless, title of administrator on the English Wikipedia. The parenthetical "(verify)" is a charming touch, implying that such a claim requires independent corroboration, lest one mistake a fleeting period of digital authority for an eternal mandate. The path to adminship is a curious one, often requiring a blend of technical competence, diplomatic fortitude, and an alarming amount of free time. To be a former administrator, however, speaks to the transient nature of such roles in a constantly evolving digital ecosystem.

About Me: Graham Pearce, The Digital Cartographer

My subject, Graham Pearce, hails from Perth, a city on the western edge of Australia, though he now resides in Busselton, a location approximately 220 kilometres (or about 140 miles) to the south-west. This geographical detail, while seemingly trivial, grounds him in a specific physical reality, a counterpoint to his largely digital existence. His intellectual curiosities are neatly compartmentalized: a profound interest in music, with a particular inclination towards classical music; the intricate patterns of number theory; and the rich tapestry of Western Australian history and geography. These are not trivial pursuits; they require dedication, precision, and a willingness to delve into complex subjects.

A critical detail, presented with matter-of-fact clarity, is his complete blindness since birth, a consequence of retinopathy of prematurity. This is not merely a medical fact but a fundamental aspect of his interaction with the world, and by extension, with Wikipedia. To navigate the visual landscape of the internet, he employs a screen reader, specifically JAWS, coupled with a speech synthesiser. This technological reliance underscores the adaptive capacity of humans and the tools they forge to overcome perceived limitations. It transforms the act of editing from a visual task into an auditory and tactile one, a unique perspective that undoubtedly shapes his contributions.

His primary contributions to Wikipedia are described as "copyediting and article cleanups." These are the often-unsung, meticulous tasks that maintain the integrity and readability of the encyclopedia, a testament to his precision and attention to detail. However, he also engages in "more substantial edits," suggesting a broader impact beyond mere grammatical tidying. He has even chronicled his own digital journey, compiling a "timeline of my activities" ([/User:Graham87/Personal_Wikipedia_timeline]) on this site. Such self-archiving is a peculiar human trait, a desire to map one's own trajectory through a vast, communal project. And, for a touch of self-deprecating humor, there's "Today's whacked-out Wikipedia whimsy" ([/User:Graham87/Today%27s_whacked-out_Wikipedia_whimsy]), a series title that hints at the occasional, perhaps necessary, foray into the absurd.

My Page History Work: The Unearthing of Digital Strata

This is where the 'wikiarchaeologist' truly comes alive. Graham Pearce finds a particular satisfaction in meticulously examining historical entries within Wikipedia's vast archives. His work often involves correcting what are known as "cut-and-paste moves," a technical error where content is moved without preserving its edit history, which then necessitates a "history-merging" ([/Wikipedia:HISTMERGE]) operation. This is a crucial task for maintaining the integrity of attribution and licensing within the project. The nuance of how he, as a non-admin, can perform these actions is detailed further, highlighting a unique capability.

He has even documented his insights into the peculiar idiosyncrasies of Wikipedia's past, noting "observations about page-history anomalies" at [User:Graham87/Page_history_observations]. This suggests a deep, almost obsessive, understanding of the underlying mechanics of the platform. His technical prowess extends to extracting data from older versions of the database, as evidenced by his notes on "getting information out of old database dumps at User:Graham87/SHA-1." This delves into the realm of data forensics, a pursuit few would undertake. Furthermore, he takes pleasure in "importing" ([/Help:Import]) archaic edits from the "Nostalgia Wikipedia" and other historical database dumps, a process he has meticulously outlined at User:Graham87/Import. This is digital preservation at its most granular, rescuing fragments of the past from potential oblivion.

His journey through the administrative and technical strata of Wikipedia is equally illuminating. He "became an administrator" ([/Wikipedia:Requests_for_adminship/Graham87]) in 2007, a significant milestone denoting trust and influence within the community. In 2009, he initiated the very discussion that paved the way for "transwiki imports" ([/Wikipedia:Village_pump_(proposals)/Archive_51]), with a specific focus on bringing in old Wikipedia history rather than merely content from other language versions. This foresight fundamentally shaped the project's historical archiving capabilities. By 2013, he had "became an importer" ([/Wikipedia:Village_pump_(proposals)/Archive_103]), granting him the formidable power to import text from any MediaWiki database.

However, the narrative takes a turn in 2024 when he "lost my adminship" ([/User:Graham87/Personal_Wikipedia_timeline/How_I_lost_my_adminship])—a consequence, he states, of "over-aggressive blocking." A classic tale of power wielded perhaps too decisively, leading to its revocation. Yet, even in this administrative demotion, a unique capability persisted. He retained his "importer user right," and, critically, "the use of the history merge special page" was subsequently added to it. This meant that despite losing the broader powers of an admin, he retained the specific, arcane ability to perform database imports and history merges. As of the rather precise date of 27 November 2024, he notes a peculiar distinction: there is "only one other importer on this site" who also happens to be an admin. This leaves Graham Pearce in the rather singular position of being "the only non-admin without global userrights who can do history merges here." A specialized, almost monastic, role in the vast digital monastery.

Articles I've Started or Expanded: A Digital Pantheon

This section is a formidable testament to Graham Pearce's prolific contributions, a chronological catalog of articles he has either initiated or significantly developed. He expresses a rare sentiment of collaborative joy, stating an enjoyment when "other people make constructive edits related to these articles." This suggests a desire for collective improvement, a shared pursuit of knowledge. The sheer breadth of topics is remarkable, spanning meteorological institutions to obscure musical compositions, geographical features to biographical sketches of individuals both famous and largely forgotten.

His work includes, but is by no means limited to, foundational entries such as the Bureau of Meteorology and commercial entities like Weatherzone (formerly The Weather Company). From the realm of music, he has delved into the lives of figures like Davey Johnstone, Emil Telmányi, Miriam Makeba, Bernhard Romberg, Mick Hucknall, Joan Armatrading, Annie Ross, Kenny Clarke, Dante Agostini, and Mike Hennessey, often drawing from other language Wikipedias, a truly trans-linguistic effort. He has meticulously crafted entries for specific musical works, including Serenade No. 11 (Mozart), Octet (Beethoven), Émile Bernard (composer), Little Green Apples, Catch a Falling Star, Sweet Soul Music, String Quintet No. 1 (Brahms), Django (composition), Old Folks (1938 song), and You Are Too Beautiful, alongside complex pieces like Petite Suite (Debussy).

His biographical interests are diverse, encompassing individuals like John Balaban (poet), Patsy Biscoe, Tony Bullimore, Dror Paley, Theophilos Corydalleus, Fred Grandy, Neville Holt (sport shooter), Julie Dowling (artist), Maureen Jones, Brenton Langbein, Bev Harrell, Barry Roycroft, John Holt (veterinarian), George Bass (archaeologist), Sam Isaacs, James Fitzpatrick (paediatrician), Barbara Holborow, Danielle Drady, Rodney Martin (squash player), James West (inventor), Andrew Olle, Corrina Hewat, and Felix Hell.

A significant portion of his work is dedicated to the world of sports, particularly Australian Paralympians, reflecting a commitment to documenting the achievements of individuals who often face systemic underrepresentation. This includes the "sports" section of the "blindness" article and the specific section for "Paralympic Games for Persons with mental handicap" within the "1992 Summer Paralympics" article. The sheer volume of biographies for Australian Paralympic athletes is striking, a testament to a focused and sustained effort to elevate their stories. This includes Bart Bunting, Brian McNicholl, Bruce Wallrodt, Russell Short, Deahnne McIntyre, Tracey Cross, Julie Russell, Peter Homann, Christopher Scott (cyclist), Melissa Carlton, Anton Flavel, Kieran Modra, Lyn Lepore, Lisa McIntosh, Kerry Golding, Tania Modra, Sarnya Parker, Greg Ball (cyclist), Eric Russell (athlete), Julie Higgins, Noel Robins, Jamie Dunross, Lindy Hou, Matt Levy, Terry Biggs, Eric Boulter, Helena Brunner, Brendan Burkett, Daphne Ceeney, Allan Chadwick, Malcom Chalmers, Charmaine Cree, Mark Davies (athlete), Gary Hooper (Paralympian), Alan Dufty, Rosemary Eames, Pauline English, Julie Dowling (athlete), Tracey Freeman, Terry Giddy, Greg Hammond, Brett Holcombe, John Kestel, David Boldery, Stan Kosmala, Libby Kosmala, Robert McIntyre (Paralympian), Michael Morley (athlete), Kevin Munro, Wayne Patchett, Vic Renalson, Wayne Ryding, Donna Smith (athlete), Geoff Trappett, Robert Walden (swimmer), Mary-Anne Wallace, Valerie Woodbridge, Eric Magennis, Kieran Ault-Connell, Ryley Batt, Craig Blackburn, Scott Brockenshire, Amanda Carter, Lyn Coleman, Carolyn Connors, Kerri-Anne Connor, Roy Fowler (Paralympian), Lionel Cousens, Bryce Lindores, Donald Dann, Christie Dawes, Ben Demery, Shaun Hopkins, Therese Donovan, Don Elgin, Nazim Erdem, Meredith Evans, John Federico, Pam Foley, Mike Nugent (athlete), Kyrra Grunnsund, John Martin (Paralympian), Cherrie Ireland, Graham Condon, Sandy Blythe, John Maclean (sportsperson), Kathryn Ross (rower), Nikolai Liakhoff, Joe Egan (Paralympian), Liesl Tesch, and Carol Cooke. He also contributed to articles like Disabled parking permit#Australia and the 1977 America's Cup.

Other notable contributions include literary works like Such Is Life (novel) and They're a Weird Mob (which was split from the film article They're a Weird Mob (film)). He also undertook a "rescue mission" ([/Special:Diff/665414693]) for Potions in Harry Potter, which has since been merged into Magic in Harry Potter § Potions, a detail that highlights his dedication to content improvement even in popular culture domains. Further contributions span figures like Alan Reid (journalist), Samraat (film) (split from Samraat), Clarke Peters, Twisted (Annie Ross song), Hejira (album), Classic 100 Baroque and Before, Salem Poor, Joyce Lester, Michelle Martin, Peter Montgomery (water polo), Bill Roycroft, Wayne Roycroft, Yebble, Western Australia, and Cunnamulla Fella. This extensive list underscores a relentless commitment to expanding the encyclopedia's reach and depth, often in areas requiring meticulous research and sustained effort.

Interesting Slices of Wikipedia History: A Digital Archive of Human Endeavor

This section is a treasure trove for anyone with a penchant for the meta-narrative of Wikipedia itself. It's a curated collection of links to historical documents and discussions that reveal the project's evolution, its growing pains, and the often-cyclical nature of its internal debates. It offers a fascinating, if sometimes unsettling, glimpse into the early days and forgotten corners of this colossal undertaking.

These "slices" include official publications like Wikipedia:Signpost, Wikipedia:Goings-on, and Wikipedia:Wikipedia NEWS, which documented the project's development and community activities. The Wikipedia:Historical archive is a primary source for understanding the project's foundational discussions. More granular insights come from pages like Wikipedia talk:List of Wikipedians in order of arrival/Archive 1, which provides a snapshot of early contributor demographics and discussions.

Technical and policy discussions are represented by Wikipedia:Nofollow, a page detailing how external links are treated, and the rather poignant Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Inactive1 and Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Inactive2, which serve as digital graveyards for past administrative aspirations.

One particularly telling entry is the link to special:contributions/217.168.172.202. This anonymous IP address logged "over 5,000 contributions between June and October 2002," yet received "only 1 message addressed to them." This observation is accompanied by the rhetorical question, "haven't times changed?" Indeed, it highlights the vastly different, more impersonal, and less communicative environment of early Wikipedia, a stark contrast to the often-intense interaction of today.

Further historical insights come from the user page of User:Feature Historian, suggesting a precursor to the "wikiarchaeologist" role. The Wikipedia:Village pump/Wikipedia chat discussions are noted for their timeless quality, with the wry observation that "some of these discussions seem disturbingly familiar after more than five years..." This speaks to the enduring nature of human conflict and the recurring patterns of online community dynamics.

The inclusion of Wikipedia:Dirty laundry is a candid acknowledgment of the project's less savory moments, the inevitable conflicts and controversies that arise in any large collaborative endeavor. Technical updates are documented in Wikipedia:Software updates and its talk page, charting the evolution of the underlying MediaWiki software. Finally, the entry Talk:Sanity § Text from 2001 and the user page of User:George W (2001 editor) are particularly striking. The latter is accompanied by the blunt assessment: "this would not be acceptable today, for many, many reasons..." This stark statement underscores the profound shifts in community norms, expectations, and policies that have occurred over Wikipedia's lifespan, transforming it from a nascent, wild frontier into a more structured, albeit still chaotic, digital institution.

Barnstars: A Constellation of Digital Accolades

And now, the glittering array of digital praise. Barnstars. These peculiar tokens of appreciation, bestowed by fellow editors, form a curious tapestry of recognition, reflecting the diverse and often obscure contributions valued within this ecosystem. Each one a tiny monument to effort, patience, or sometimes, just sheer endurance.

The collection begins with the Minor Barnstar, awarded for "many minor edits of the utmost quality." A humble beginning, perhaps, but the foundation of any large project. This is followed by The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar, twice received, for "tremendous help wikilinking and correcting my Trivia page" and solving a signature problem. It seems Graham Pearce has a knack for quiet assistance, a digital good Samaritan.

The Australian Barnstar of National Merit for "efforts with Australian articles" is a predictable, yet well-deserved, nod to his geographical focus. The Citation Barnstar, awarded for "finding and rewriting New York Times citations... to be freely available," highlights a commitment to open access and meticulous sourcing. This is the kind of painstaking work that goes unnoticed by most, yet underpins the reliability of the entire encyclopedia.

Multiple Working Man's Barnstars appear, affirming his consistent effort: "For all your help and patience," "working harder on WP:New histmerge list than anyone," and "For all your help and contributions the past year." He is, by all accounts, a tireless contributor.

The Special Barnstar makes several appearances, for "pointing out something obvious that everyone else apparently missed," for helping editors despite his disability, for welcoming a user years after they joined (a rather belated but kind gesture), and for a "masterful" WP:IAR close. These suggest a keen intellect and a pragmatic approach to problem-solving, often cutting through bureaucratic Gordian knots.

A rather unique entry is the Home-Made Barnstar, for "being there at the right time to restore old revisions of the article Apple." This speaks to his vigilance and expertise in page history, a digital guardian against accidental erasure.

Then there's the truly peculiar Sewer Cover Barnstar, awarded because he "can read through anything." The accompanying text, "You don’t know the meaning of attention deficit disorder, laugh in the face of boredom, and are wasting your talents if you don’t become a patent examiner," is a backhanded compliment of the highest order, acknowledging an almost superhuman capacity for sifting through dense, unengaging text. It's a testament to his unique cognitive endurance.

The Invisible Barnstar is awarded to users "who make significant and helpful contributions... without seeking recognition or reward." A rare and admirable quality in an ego-driven world, given for "going the extra mile to help other editors in need." It seems even in a digital space, true altruism finds its recognition.

The Curator Barnstar, received twice, explicitly acknowledges his dedication to "preserving Wikipedia's history" and his work on User:Graham87/Import, solidifying his role as a "great Wikiarcheologist." This is his signature contribution, his enduring legacy. The Revision Rescue Barnstar further reinforces this, specifically for "rescuing all those old revisions from the Nostalgic Wikipedia."

The Random Smiley Award ([/User:Elipongo/SmileyAward]) from TomasBat is a whimsical interlude, a simple gesture of positive sentiment amidst the more formal accolades.

The Running Man Barnstar for "cleaning up the women's sport in Australia articles" and the Brilliant Idea Barnstar from Guy Macon, simply stating "I love what you are doing here," show appreciation for his specific content contributions and innovative approaches.

Several Original Barnstars appear, signifying a general appreciation for his consistent helpfulness and "important but undervalued Import-Export work." The Admin's Barnstar is also a recurring theme, even after his adminship was lost, indicating that his administrative acumen and helpfulness were still valued.

The whimsical "A kitten for you!" from LauraHale, complete with a "citation needed" joke, is a charming, personal touch, emphasizing the human connection despite the digital medium. This is followed by another appreciation from LauraHale "For helping with the Paralympic related articles," further highlighting his specialized focus.

The Copyeditor's Barnstar, received twice, underlines his consistent dedication to grammatical precision and readability, both for general articles and for the "Signpost."

A Yogo sapphire ([/Yogo_sapphire]) is awarded by Gerda Arendt, described as "sparkling and rare," for his "advice and vision," "helping me to English my Germanic wording," and "moving articles sensibly." This is a deeply personal and metaphorical award, linking his digital contributions to a tangible, precious gem.

The Minor barnstar for "doing small things that are making quite the difference at WP:Teahouse" shows his impact on new editors, a crucial role in community building. The Anti-Vandalism Barnstar for blocking a specific vandal demonstrates his protective role within the project.

The Barnstar of Diligence is awarded three times, recognizing his inspiring work, his "tidying up the bureaucracy left behind by lazy bureaucrats," and his general hard work. The Gold Star for the Day for a humorous comment on WP:BOTREQ shows his ability to inject levity.

The Tesla Roadster from Gg53000 is a rather extravagant, if symbolic, gesture of appreciation.

The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar from EpochFail, based on an IRC comment describing him as "a general ray of sunshine," is a delightful contrast to Emma's own personality, highlighting his positive impact on others.

The title "The Emperor of Import" from Wifione is perhaps the most grandiose, stating that "The import tool seems to have been made purely for you," and crediting him with "more than 95% of usage of the tool since it was made." This is an almost mythical level of dedication to a niche technical function.

The Accessibility Barnstar ([/User:RexxS]), explicitly created for him, recognizes his unique contributions while navigating his blindness, acknowledging his "cheerful help and support." This is a recognition of both his work and the context in which it is performed.

The Teamwork Barnstar, Technical Barnstar, and Defender of the Wiki Barnstar (received twice) further illustrate his varied contributions, from assisting new users to fixing technical issues and combating vandalism.

The Tireless Contributor Barnstar is a general acknowledgment of his sustained effort.

The Civility Barnstar for his "infusion of civility into the discussion" is a poignant reminder of the constant need for decorum in online interactions, and his role in providing it. The "Thank you!" from The Sound Logo Team, and "Your impact" ([/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Quality_Article_Improvement/Impact]) from Gerda Arendt for "steady friendly helpful gnomish editing and advice" highlight his long-term, foundational contributions.

Recent Admin's Barnstars continue to appear, even after his formal adminship ended, for "excellent efforts dealing with the less obvious vandals" and his general contributions, underscoring the community's enduring respect for his judgment and work.

Finally, the "Love from Special:MergeHistory" barnstar from Sennecaster is particularly fitting, recognizing his "continual efforts surrounding wikiarchaeology, keeping page histories together, and educating other editors." It highlights his inspirational role, even in the obscure art of histmerging, and how he "silently" teaches others.

The very last entry is a descriptive ALT text for an image, likely another barnstar, depicting a "cute" cat, "reddish orangey," with translucent ears, "looking right at you saying PET ME." A rather direct appeal for affection, a final, unvarnished expression of warmth in a world of digital accolades. It concludes with "thank you for your continued work on this project," a simple yet powerful message.

The user's page concludes with a Committed identity: a long SHA-512 hash, a cryptographic commitment to his real-life identity. It's a final, highly technical assertion of authenticity and presence, a digital fingerprint etched into the very fabric of the internet, ensuring that even in the ephemeral world of Wikipedia, some things are irrevocably linked to a unique human behind the screen. It is, perhaps, the ultimate form of self-documentation, a proof of existence that transcends the fleeting nature of digital interactions.