Wikipedia:Barnstar and award proposals

Barnstar and Award Proposals (BAP) is where Wikipedians offer and discuss ideas regarding the "standard" Barnstars, WikiProject's awards, Other Related Awards and Personal User Awards, which may include, but are not limited to: creation of a new barnstar, altering or changing an existing barnstar or award, or delisting an award entirely.

Ideas and their discussions take the following guidelines into account. Please note that these guidelines are not strict rules, chiseled in stone. Rather, they are guidelines agreed upon by the community as a way to standardize our approach to barnstars and awards. If you have questions, WikiProject Wikipedia Awards is a group of volunteers who help guide these pages.

How to use this page Creating awards Any person or any group can have an award and add it to the Personal User Awards page straight away, as long as the award meets the guidelines in the opposite panel. In this state, your award can be used by others as they wish, but it is not an 'official' award, and should not be added to any other award pages. If your award is a Barnstar, an award for a WikiProject, or some other related award, then you must propose it to the Community by following the steps below. How to propose a new award Read the guidelines in the opposite panel to make sure your proposal agrees with them. At the bottom of the 'New Proposals' section, add a clear header separating it from other proposals. Use ===Barnstar Name===. Specify the type of award you are proposing. Is it for a WikiProject, a new Barnstar, or some other award? Give some details about the award. Is it a general award, or is it for special circumstances? Is it a topic-related award? Post your proposed design for the award. If you don't have one, describe one and someone might make a mock-up for you. Describe the award, and give some reasons why it should be an award. Remember, there must be clear consensus during the discussion! Don't forget to sign your name with four tildes: ~~~~ Modifications or deletion of existing awards At the bottom of the 'Changing existing awards proposals' or 'Delisting an award' section, add a clear header separating it from other proposals. Use ===Editing/Delisting Barnstar Name===. Give some clear reasons as to why you think the award should be changed. These must be proper reasons, not just because you don't like it! Remember to sign your name with four tildes: ~~~~ What to do if your award is accepted Make sure you add the Category:Wikipedia awards category to any images used in your award. Consider making a template for your award to make it easier to use. Look at some other templates to see what other award templates look like, and try to use the same style. Make sure to categorize the template with <noinclude>[[:Category:Award templates]]</noinclude>.

Guidelines General All awards must encourage WikiLove, WikiCivility, and the other constructive aspects of the Wikipedia community, and may not award or promote the destructive (trolling, flaming or flamebaiting, vandalism, etc.). They shouldn't just be for insulting others! Awards should not, in purpose or image, concern any nation, race or creed over any other. Creation of an Award For how to propose an award, read the How To panel opposite. General awards may be created and placed on the main award page by anybody as they see fit, so long as they do not violate the basic guidelines below. You should explicitly spell out in the description of the award what it is for. Barnstars are meant to be unique and exceptional. If you wish to propose a new Barnstar, it should be reviewed by the community, and be added to the Barnstars list only when the community reaches consensus on a page specifically designated for Barnstar and award discussion. Images If you want to use and image for your award it must not, obviously, violate any of the existing guidelines governing the use of images in Wikipedia. The "Barnstar" image should be generally reserved for Barnstars, and rarely (if ever) incorporated into other awards. Medals or commendations awarded by any nations or organizations, past or present, may not be used. If your new award uses an image, please categorize the image with Category:Wikipedia awards. Templates If your new award uses a template, please categorize the template with <noinclude>[[:Category:Award templates]]</noinclude> Guidelines for Barnstars only Barnstars should not be redundant, with the general guideline being "one barnstar, one WikiVirtue". Barnstars should be general and broad in their scope. Finalizing Proposals General consensus must be reached in order for a proposal to be accepted. If enough time passes without objections being resolved, the idea will be removed from this page and archived. If more than a week has passed, the idea has not gained a consensus, and the discussion has been inactive, the proposal is eligible to be rejected and archived. Proposals should be allowed to mature, so it is suggested that an idea be left in proposal format for at least two weeks for comment before being finalized.

Proposals In Progress

Add a new proposal to the bottom of this page.

DYK Barnstar or medal

How about something for Wikipedians who have achieved at least 5 or more nominations of Wikipedia's newest articles which were featured on Wikipedia's Did You Know? section on the Main Page? I suggest that successful nominations for someone else's new article should count equally with self-created new article nominations. It's a lot of work either way. the DYK section helps keep the Main Page vital. There is a bit of healthy competition among editors currently. Someone else with art talent will need to come up with an appropriate image for the award: I just write and edit, I don't draw!

Mark in Historic Triangle of Virginia Vaoverland 21:09, 19 October 2005 (UTC)

Just for reference, a very similar award was suggested prior to this proposal. The archived discussion can be found here. Sango123 (talk) 00:33, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

Reading through the archive, I am left to conclude that the idea was just sorta put "on hold"? Personally, I like the Trailblazer concept. So, now what? Vaoverland 18:02, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

I like this idea and had also previously requested for such a barnstar since i like DYKs. Can we renew the discussion here? Idleguy 19:27, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

Possible image. (Sango123)

As mentioned in the previous discussion, a DYK Barnstar seemed too narrow for an official award, so how about using the Trailblazer concept for creating new articles? A possible image could be the barnstar to the left; green suggests growth and newness. Any thoughts or ideas? Sango123 (talk) 19:41, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

Hmm. Not bad but not really great. I was thinking something like those product ads that come with labels like New, Improved etc. Actually make that a shining/sparkling (silver maybe) barnstar to denote the freshness. Idleguy 20:16, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

I also like the expanded thinking of the Trailblazer, since it encompasses more than just DYK. So, how may we renew consideration? I am a writer, not a Wiki-Politician!! Vaoverland 20:51, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

Though I may be a bit biased (I proposed the original idea) :-), I think that we should have a Trailblazer barnstar. As I said in the archived discussion, I imagined a fire-red barnstar with a zig-zag path/trail behind. I'm not an artist, though (don't even have Photoshop!), so I couldn't create this myself. Comments? Thanks. Flcelloguy | A note? | Desk | W_S 21:37, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

I like that image even better. However, I writes, not draws. <gr> Vaoverland

Possible image 2, draft. (Sango123)

Something like this? Sango123 (talk) 22:09, 20 October 2005 (UTC)

I was thinking more of a trail/path behind the barnstar, perhaps to the left. Flcelloguy | A note? | Desk | W_S 22:50, 22 October 2005 (UTC)

This trailblazer seems better. maybe the trail fire can look better though its still draft version. Unfortunately I don't have an eye for art and am poor at designing else I could've helped. Idleguy 05:13, 23 October 2005 (UTC)

The trail reminds me of the video of the Challenger disaster. What's with the squiggle-zig-zag? Some straighter traces would be better. It's still better than the passive green concept, though. Vaoverland 14:31, 23 October 2005 (UTC)

No zig-zag. (Sango123)

Here's one with a non-fiery, straight trail from the left. Sango123 (talk) 16:28, 23 October 2005 (UTC)

That's an improvement, and I'd settle for it. However, I was thinking of something like this:

File:Proposed Barnstar Flcelloguy.JPG

Design... don't laugh!

Where the star represents the barnstar, and to the left would be a brown trail or path. As I've said, I write, not draw. Pardon my drawing, as I'm artistically challenged. :-) Flcelloguy | A note? | Desk | W_S 20:44, 24 October 2005 (UTC)

Ah... I wasn't sure exactly what you meant by "trail", but your drawing effectively clears that up. :) By the way, do you want the trail to come from only one point of the star? Sango123 (talk) 22:06, 24 October 2005 (UTC)

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. :-) I'm not sure, I really didn't think about that. Maybe try one version like that, another version where the trail comes from the bottom two points, and another version where the trail is in the middle? See what looks the best. Thanks a lot! Flcelloguy | A note? | Desk | W_S 22:14, 24 October 2005 (UTC)

I like the one that is labled "no zip zag". Vaoverland 02:53, 25 October 2005 (UTC)

Like Flcelloguy said the trail should probably come at the bottom... Actually I'm so bad at imagining :D Idleguy 17:30, 30 October 2005 (UTC)

Trail from two points. (Sango123)

I tried several different variations, but I like this one the best. :) Sango123 (talk) 17:55, 30 October 2005 (UTC)

With all due respect to its creator, I think the most recent version looks like a vehicle skidding to a stop instead of streaking forward. But then, I am a transportation writer. Mark Vaoverland 19:30, 30 October 2005 (UTC)

I second vaoverland's view. I just don't see it falling in place somehow and i'm also unable to imagine. but keep the ideas coming since I'm not good at artsy things. maybe how about changing the image idea to one I had proposed initially like a "sparkling barnstar" (silver color probably) That would be also different. Just my 2 banana cents. Idleguy 06:04, 1 November 2005 (UTC)

Welp, the first idea for a DYK barnstar (also available in non-animated version!)... other ideas would just be a circle with the DYK-updated ? mark in it, or more emphasis on a shiny-new theme instead of a question/information theme... And, yes, I know it sucks, why do you ask?  :) Bushytails 05:38, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

I think it's a good idea. Remove the animation (and all the black question marks) and it will be the best one so far. Seriously, simplicity > bloat. -- Ynhockey 06:11, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

Simple version. Bushytails 06:39, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

• 
  First overly-animated version
• 
  Simplified, less-sucky version
• 
  Ok, so I like making them suck...
• 
  Bigger ? in different font

And re-suckified. Bushytails 06:57, 2 November 2005 (UTC)

I strongly believe that the barnstar or medal should be exclusive to DYK. We hv a FA medal, why not for DYK which is the second feature of the Main Page? And while we are at it, we can have the cutoffs as 5 DYK entries (self-noms), 8 DYK entries (articles created by me but DYK suggested by others) and 15 DYK entries (articles created by others but suggested by me). No need for a hard and fast rule - for example, I may self-nom 4 suggestions but nominate other articles 3 times etc. I like the last version by Bushytails (the one with a single "?" and shining barnstar), though I'd want to see a version where the star is below the question mark, as if the ? is a hanger from which the barnstar is hung. Regards, --Gurubrahma 11:09, 4 November 2005 (UTC)

I like the idea of an award for DYK, since I do most of the updates I know the frequent and highly quality contributors, and I can think of 5-6 users that I would give the award to now. Since I'm potentially in a postition where I would award this barnstar- I don't think a numerical limit (4 DYKs = 1 barstar) is a workable or desirable, my criteria would be based on the quailty of new article, the supply of articles with free pics and the contributors persistence for example 8 DYKs over 6 weeks over a range of subjects. I can also think of at least one RC patroller that suggests lots of new artilces and has done so over a few months who I think would be a candidate. Also, I like Bushytails simplified, less sucky version, but the question makr should be bigger.--nixie 10:15, 6 November 2005 (UTC)

Bigger enough? I don't have the font used for the DYK-updated image, so had to pick another font... trying to scale the little image bigger was rather ugly... I could vectorize it and scale the vectorized version (I need one of those photography/image barnstars.  :), but I figure that for now, a different font is ok... I kinda like the shining version better (with the blinkies every 5 seconds), and it isn't too over-animated. Any ideas? Bushytails 06:15, 7 November 2005 (UTC)

So, where are we at with all this? Vaoverland 02:17, 11 November 2005 (UTC)

I suggest we create a silver shining (sparkling) barnstar instead. My original idea... Heh Idleguy 05:57, 11 November 2005 (UTC)

A silver barnstar would be a tad too similar to the Resilient Barnstar. I think the question mark alone works well, as it's simple and concisely portrays the DYK aspect. Any extra animation might draw focus away from the barnstar's purpose (although the sparkles on the Bushytails' third version are quite pretty. ;-) The fourth version would look great with a solidly colored question mark, possibly beveled or embossed. Any thoughts? Sango123 (talk) 19:11, 27 November 2005 (UTC)

In that case I'd say in the current crop Bushy's 3rd barnstar looks good with a solid color as Sango says. Idleguy 03:38, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

I had previously spoken of a version where the star is below the question mark, as if the ? is a hanger from which the barnstar is hung. The third draft of AFD rescue barnstar (see below) seems to be similar in thought. --Gurubrahma 05:17, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

I prefer the fourth barnstar with the larger "?", though I agree with Sango it should have a more solid appearance. Nixie is absolutely right that this should be rewarded on subjective criteria rather than some formula, as the quality of entries varies greatly.--Pharos 14:15, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

Broad enough?

Just to play devil's advocate for a bit, is this star really broad and general enough? I really think that we shuld do our best to minimize creeping barnstarism, especially since we already have a whole zoo of the things buzzing around. – ClockworkSoul 16:03, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

I agree. There's such thing as too many barnstars. --Deathphoenix 16:25, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

Well, I think DYK is really a horse of a different color than the valiant deeds which other barnstars honor. We shouldn't have arbitrary barnstars, but this really isn't at all analogous with creeping featurism in software; an exotic zoo with all the bells and whistles is rather efficient for an awards system.--Pharos 14:15, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

Yes, I agree and support both a DYK barnstar and a AFD rescue barnstar (discussion below). --Gurubrahma 07:46, 2 December 2005 (UTC)

Proposal - Manga and Anime Barnstar

Awarded to great contributors to manga- and anime-related articles.

This is a proposal for a category barnstar. It will be awarded to whoever makes a great contribution to articles in the field of manga and anime. Since there's already a personal award called the 'Pokestar', and possibly more similar ones will be created, why not have an official manga and anime barnstar?

To the right is an image I've come up with.

-- Ynhockey 18:04, 23 October 2005 (UTC)

I like it. The image looks quite good as well, so why not. --dionyziz 08:47, 30 October 2005 (UTC).

First off, the category barnstars are for the actual categories listed on the Main Page {e.g Culture, History, Science etc.) So this barnstar wouldn't fall into the class of Category barnstars, but rather topical ones. Secondly, what images did you use for the 'star? I ask this only because if they are copyrighted anime images, there might be a copywrite issue in using the barnstar. Bratsche^{talk | Esperanza} 15:41, 30 October 2005 (UTC)

I used an old picture from Dragonball (Z) that's been circulating around the net for years. Thought it would constitute as fair use whether or not the image was copyrighted. However, if you think this is an issue, the image can be changed easily since I have the PSD/CPT files. What kind of image are we looking for in order to not be copyright infringement for sure? Is a screenshot OK? Would a fan colouring of a B&W page be OK? Because I don't think there are many non-copyrighted anime or manga images. Oh yeah and, I did mean topical barnstar. Sorry. -- Ynhockey 00:17, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

Discussion on the Manga and Anime Barnstar has been at a standstill for about a month. If no attempts at reviving it are made within a week, it will be archived. Thanks, Sango123 (talk) 15:18, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

• I think we should let it go: it simply isn't "broad and general" enough (I just skimmed the guidelines again), and I think we would be better off to avoid creeping barnstarism in general. – ClockworkSoul 15:55, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

I think anime/manga is pretty broad - it has hundreds if not thousands of related articles. It definitely has more articles than Spoken Wikipedia, which already has a barnstar. -- Ynhockey 07:30, 5 December 2005 (UTC)

Good idea however the barnstar image looks like a copy vio. --Cool Cat^Talk|@ 10:19, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

As I said before, I took it from an anime image that was floating around the web for years. IMO it constitutes as fair use since the use was limited and non-commercial, but if you disagree, please clarify what kind of images are valid to not constitute a copyvio. Without this clarification, I cannot use another image because you might just say it's copyvio again. -- Ynhockey 07:30, 5 December 2005 (UTC)

I support the existance of this barnstar, though the image needs work. Question is what makes Anime special? Image of that should be on the barnstar or on the background etc... --Cool Cat^Talk|@ 14:13, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

We don't need barnstars for every Gosh-darned thing. Ashibaka tock 02:04, 8 December 2005 (UTC)

Yes we do. This is wikipedia, remember..? :) -MegamanZero 19:06, 11 December 2005 (UTC)

Agreed, <shameless ripoff>barnstars are like voltron, the more you can hook up, the better it gets.</shameless ripoff> --Oni Ookami Alfador^Talk|@ 22:29, 14 December 2005 (UTC)

I'm all for a manga/anime barnstar.--Mitsukai 14:27, 29 December 2005 (UTC)

Wikiwings

Wikiwings 2.0

The wikiwings are styled after military flight wings, and awarded to anyone who makes extensive, high-quality, or generally valued contributions to the area of aviation on wikipedia. They awarded by anyone, to anyone, in a barnstar-like fashion.

The wikiwings award is styled after Rlandmann's wikiwings award, and were officially adopted by WikiProject Aircraft on October 29, 2005.

This was originally placed on Wikipedia:Barnstars on Wikipedia, but I moved it here to open it for discussion. Any thoughts? Sango123 (talk) 19:53, 29 October 2005 (UTC)

Hello all, I am the goof who originally placed this on the official page - I wasn't aware of this page (which is rather silly since it is common sense that new awards would have to be vetted). Anyways, much the logic for this award and discussion surrounding its creation can be found at Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Aircraft. The bottom line is that several of our project participants felt a need for some sort of award in this area, and this seemed like the best solution. While Rlandmann's original wikiwings were good, they didn't quite fulfill our desires (it was awarded once monthly instead of as needed, and was criticized aesthetically). So this is what we came up with. We'd still like to call it wikiwings, and given its non-barnstar-related title, we chose the wikisphere instead of a barnstar for the centre. So there it is... -Lommer | ^talk 04:20, 30 October 2005 (UTC)

I really like the image, but think it should be an award for general military contributions or something to that effect. Or maybe 'contributions to modern warfare-related articles'. The reason is that many military units like paratroopers or even naval commandos, often use wings. -- Ynhockey 00:38, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

I agree with the proposal to apply an award for general military contributions, but I think it might need a more general image for that purpose. I'd certainly support a Military Barnstar, or, I dunno, a Barnstar General award maybe. - Dalziel 86 13:29, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

Keep in mind that the wikiwings is not related to military contributions. While a lot of articles of the Project Aircraft deals with warplanes, missiles, and such, a large proportion of aircrafts are civilian. It may be useful to have a Barnstar for military contributions, but that's an other topic, the wikiwings would primary award articles on general aviation. --Sylvain Mielot 19:11, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

I'd like to echo Syvain's thoughts; as an example, we've encouraged wikiprojects airlines and airports to adopt the wikiwings award - these projects focus almost exclusively on civilian avaiation. -Lommer | ^talk 22:39, 31 October 2005 (UTC)

I think one of the strengths of the award as it stands is that it's pretty flexible. It's not a barnstar per se, so it can be adapted to whatever purpose, within limits. I agree with Lommer and Sylvain that it shouldn't be restricted to the military, but conversely there's no reason it shouldn't also be used to recognise military contributions, until something better comes along.--Xiphon 17:08, 3 November 2005 (UTC)

The scope is too narrow. It would be pretty good if it's a PUA. Deryck C. 08:11, 9 November 2005 (UTC)

Sorry, but what's a PUA? Also, I disagree that the scope is too narrow. There is a lot of aviation articles on wikipedia (airports, airlines, aircraft, history, military aviation, aerospace engineering, flight crew concepts and trainging are just a few areas) and some sort of award is appropriate. Given that there is a clear demand (requests from users) for something to acknowledge contributions in these areas, I think wikiwings is perfect. -Lommer | ^talk 18:50, 10 November 2005 (UTC)

PUA = Personal User Award nae'blis _(talk) 02:16, 11 November 2005 (UTC)

Too narrow? ericg ✈ 17:24, 11 November 2005 (UTC)

This discussion has stagnated for a while now; what do we do to move forward with this award? People have already started awarding it btw... -User:Lommer | ^talk 02:25, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

It is a bit narrow, but it's not a "barnstar" so much as an "award". Even still, I think it would do best as a PUA. – ClockworkSoul 07:33, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

I still think "narrow" is harsh, but whatever. Can we make this a "PUA" of wikiproject aircraft instead of any one user? The project members have already approved it as their official award. If so, where do we list it, and how do we formally call the proposal process "closed". -User:Lommer | ^talk 07:44, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

Don't mean to sound harsh: I only mean "narrow" in the sense that it only applies to a single relatively specialized field. Also, you can absolutely have "project" awards: I know that the Kindness Campaign a kind of award that it gives out, for example. – ClockworkSoul 07:48, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

False, aviation includes the Voyager probe, this award would include anything artificialy created that flies with its own power. --Cool Cat^Talk|@ 10:18, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

Regardless of the debate about scope (can't really be settled as its a matter of opinion IMO), should we just call this closed and make it a project award? Do we need to list anywhere other than the project page? -User:Lommer | ^talk 19:37, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

There are no strict rules about project awards, so it's perfectly fine to just let this live on the project page. – ClockworkSoul 21:01, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

Can we give WikiWheels to the vandals? Hexagonal 05:58, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

Rescue from AFD

I'd like to see something like "Honourable Order of the Wikipedia Stub Rehabilitation Society", which could be awarded to people who rescue items from AFD and similar lists by making comprehensive rewrites duing the voting period. I've one particular recipient in mind, but I know of several whom this could easily be awarded to. Grutness...wha? 05:30, 21 November 2005 (UTC)

• First Draft
  First Draft
• 
  Second Draft
• 
  Third Draft

Just took a stab at it, a lot of directions we can go from there. I especially want to do some creative changes to the Barnstar in the background, just unsure exactly what would be best to compliment the helicopter, or if we want a RedCross instead; and/or I could make the helicopter a brown barnstar color scheme and do something bright in the background, such as a RedCross (second draft) but inside a Barnstar outline (didn't look good when I tried it). (also I don't like the blue roter blades... but making it look cool might be beyond my skills) - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 18:25, 21 November 2005 (UTC)

Maybe I could change the basket to a Wikiglobe... or better yet a Wikipedia "W" puzzle piece to represent the article being rescued. - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 01:50, 22 November 2005 (UTC)

For some reason, my browser's not letting me see your designs, but if I get the drift of them right, what about simply a rescue helicopter with a small barnstar hanging from the end of a rope below it? Grutness...wha? 02:14, 22 November 2005 (UTC)

I definitely thought of that too, yeah we can do that. Now to cut down drafts, what color scheme for the copter (original, or barnstar?), what barnstar should be used... the original makes sense given creating/rewriting articles is the very essence of the barnstar... or could it be the Working man's barnstar. Although each article is different, rescuing poor articles from the AfD is a constantly needed, tireless task. (and the tireless barnstar would add more color if we went with the barnstar color scheme on the copter) - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 15:31, 22 November 2005 (UTC)

Then most importantly the size of the barnstar... it could be proportational to the copter and so it fits inside the frame, or I could keep the barnstar the normal size and it would go outside the boundaries of the image (that would emphasize this is a big deal). - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 16:23, 22 November 2005 (UTC)

I like proposal 3 - I think the brown and red get a bit lost against each other in the other two. Grutness...wha? 08:57, 25 November 2005 (UTC)

I also like the third one, it's much better than the other two overall. However, you should probably improve the rotors. -- Ynhockey 14:43, 25 November 2005 (UTC)

Coo, which rotors... the top ones? If so... that may be the limit of my artistic ability, if you can do it... or recommend someone I'd be more than happy to copy and paste their improvement and credit them in the final upload. If you mean the tail rotor, just in case its too small... its the WikiGlobe!:"D - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 20:06, 25 November 2005 (UTC)

Fourth draft

How's this? (I cheated and used a real helicopter image. ;-) Sango123 (talk) 15:35, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

Looks good. What's the source (or copyright status) of the original helicopter image that you used? --Deathphoenix 17:28, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

*plays M.A.S.H. theme* Looking good... --AllyUnion (talk) 20:02, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

I used Image:Chc bell 206.jpg, which is licensed under the GFDL. So what shall we name this award? Sango123 (talk) 22:19, 28 November 2005 (UTC)

Hmmm... this would be tough now. We need a balance between wit and information. A nice name that is also informative. Red Cross Barnstar, or M.A.S.H. Barnstar, for example, don't really emphasise that the awardee rescued articles from AfD. How about something like Operation: AfD Rescue Barnstar? Granted, that's slightly unwieldy, but I'm just brainstorming here. My brain has a lot of rubbish in it. --Deathphoenix 17:48, 29 November 2005 (UTC)

Well, I suggested a (somewhat flowery) title originally, but it could be shortened - how about "Article Rehabilitation Barnstar", or just "Stub Rescue Barnstar"? That means it doesn't have to be for AfD, just for turning something hopeless into somethig encyclopaedic. Grutness...wha? 23:02, 29 November 2005 (UTC)

I'm sorry to come in late and be a wet blanket, but I'm not so sure about this star. We have so many barnstars already, wouldn't a "Working Man", "Editor", or "Diligance" star be just as good? At 25 stars and counting, we're starting to suffer from serious barnstar creep. – ClockworkSoul 07:40, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

I really like this idea, and I think article rescue is a unique enough activity to merit a separate accounting. It's not unheard of for something to be deleted just because folks on AFD aren't familiar with the topic, and this barnstar would award a much-needed service. The 'hanging barnstar' is also a great graphic concept.--Pharos 13:50, 30 November 2005 (UTC)

I do like the current image more than the old ones, but would it be possible to get a helicopter that looked more like a Search-and-Rescue machine? Possible source images with compatible licences: 1, 2, 3, 4. Sorry they're all American; the British, Canadian, and Irish ones I found don't allow derivative works... -User:Lommer | ^talk 06:31, 2 December 2005 (UTC)

I prefer image 3 and it is a great barnstar; what I've been noticing more is "good users being fed up" creep. Too many barnstars is not high on my creep list... simply put there are a large number of specific ways people make a real positive impact on this encyclopedia. Acknowledging them specifically for those efforts, as I see it, can only be a good thing. - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 23:30, 8 December 2005 (UTC)

Yes, I agree with Royboy and am already feeling lonely with three afd rescues and nothing to show for it ;-) --Gurubrahma 12:25, 13 December 2005 (UTC) (sorry just couldn't resist the temptation of attrating people to my userpage)

Support. I'm not concerned about what this barnstar will look like, but I think it is a good idea in general. I like the idea of making it a broader "stub rescue" star as well where serious verification must be done. Crypticfirefly 22:37, 22 December 2005 (UTC)

The Laugh Point

Have a laugh point!

On an internet forum I frequent, we have developed the tradition of awarding laugh points to other posters when they make us laugh. It's an informal sort of thing, and is generally conveyed by responding to the poster, quoting the humorous portion of the poster's message, and saying "Have a laugh point" or some similar sort of phrasing.

I would like to cross-pollinate that tradition here to Wikipedia, and in that spirit I have made the image you see to the left. This award is to be handed out to any Wikipedian who makes you laugh with some sort of trenchant observation, dry wit, wet wit, or other humorous comment. → Ξxtreme Unction {^yakł_blah} 16:47, 6 December 2005 (UTC)

I like the idea, but I think there needs to be some way of distinguishing it from the Good Humor Barnstar. Can you explain further? --Nlu 18:46, 6 December 2005 (UTC)

According to the description for the Good Humor Barnstar: The Barnstar of Good Humor may be awarded to particularly light-spirited Wikipedians who, by their unshakably good humor, consistently and reliably lighten the mood, defuse conflicts, and make the Wikipedia a generally better place to be.

I interpret that (perhaps erroneously) to mean that consistency is important. The Good Humor Barnstar, from the description, is awarded to those who have demonstrated a consistent sense of humor over time.

The Laugh Point, by contrast, is given to anybody, at any time, as long as they've made you laugh. They might be the crankiest bastard on Wikipedia at all other times, but they made you laugh THIS time. So, voila, give 'em a laugh point. And who knows? Maybe that'll encourage 'em to try and be less cranky in the future. → Ξxtreme Unction {^yakł_blah} 18:55, 6 December 2005 (UTC)

File:Laugh out loud.gif

This picture is flashy and annoying to look at. Sorry.

I placed this on SPUI's page but he complained that the picture "wasn't funny". To be quite honest, I agree. It looks like something from an awful Web forum.

If anyone can come up with something better (at right is a pitiable attempt), let's see it. Ashibaka tock 19:51, 6 December 2005 (UTC)

Well, the picture itself doesn't have to be funny, necessarily, since the goal is simply to indicate that someone else made you laugh. However, I will be the first to admit that I have all the artistic vision of a blocked nostril, so I certainly encourage others with more artistic ability to improve upon (or ignore altogether in favor of something better) my creation.

That said, the use of "LOL" in anything other than an ironic, mockingly self-aware context makes me cringe. =) → Ξxtreme Unction {^yakł_blah} 19:59, 6 December 2005 (UTC)

Is there some obstacle in the way of just saying "hahaha, that was pretty funny man"? Why does all human conversation and discussion on Wikipedia has to be transformed into a systematized series of colored boxes and graphics? Whatever happened to the lost art of conversation? Are we no longer capable of complimenting one another and expressing heartfelt appreciation without turning it into a game of "who has the most imaginary awards"? What we gain in efficiency, do we not lose in our very humanity?! Aeeeeeeeaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! -Silence 09:15, 13 December 2005 (UTC)

Upholders of the Wiki

Can I purpose this barnstar for exceptional and distinguished contributions on wikipedia?--Jcw69 06:42, 10 December 2005 (UTC)

• It gets my support. - RoyBoy ⁸⁰⁰ 06:46, 10 December 2005 (UTC)
• It gets my support too. I initially proposed the title "Order of the Upholders of the Wiki" as a term for administrators, whose job it is to uphold the processes of Wikipedia and keep everything running smoothly. However, I really like Jcw69's proposal for a Barnstar award (and the image looks great), so I'd like to offer my two cents on what I think the award should be for. Basically, I think this award should be given to those who exemplify the best of what Wikipedia stands for, in all aspects. By this I mean that not only do they appear to contribute valuable, informative and accurate articles, but that they are actively and positively involved in all spheres of Wikipedia, such as Village Pump discussions, VfD, vandalism watching, RfC etc, and most importantly that they contribute with a cool head and a measured temperament throughout. So for example, an editor (Admin or not), who does all these things, who is helpful to new users, and who takes part in otherwise heated article content discussions with a view to finding a fair and just solution while trying to tone down the rhetoric, would meet the requirements for this award. — Impi 14:23, 10 December 2005 (UTC)
• Oppose in the current form as The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar covers much of the ground proposed. The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar, The Barnstar of Diligence, The RickK Anti-Vandalism Barnstar, Wiki Wiffle Bat, The Cool as a Cucumber Award and The Barnstar of Good Humor cover the remaining ground, imo. I am sure that we do not want too many awards and that each award that is constituted be given to all the deserving. My oppose vote is on the lack of clarity. However, I really like the picture and the effort though. Can it be modified to give it to some other category?
  e.g. We have a FA medal, Photographer's barnstar and Current Affairs barnstar. But we don't have a DYK (Did You Know) barnstar, which is the only content of main page to lack a barnstar. Can this be modified to make it specific as a DYK barnstar? (discussion on the same going on above). Similarly there may be other areas which are inadequately represented - e.g. We may institute this for edits in other namespaces etc.
  I know that I'm not coming up with a solution but I'd like the community to discuss alternate areas where this can be awarded rather than crowding an area that is adequately rewarded. Thanks, --Gurubrahma 16:20, 10 December 2005 (UTC)
• Oppose. Looks pretty good, but there are many barnstars that already cover the wide area of "exceptional and distinguished contributions", such as the Barnstar of Diligence, Defender of the Wiki, and, of course, the Original Barnstar. --Deathphoenix 15:45, 11 December 2005 (UTC)
• Oppose - I agree with Gurubrahma and Deathphoenix, but please note that Upholders of the Wiki always has a place at Wikipedia:Personal user awards. Thanks, Sango123 (talk) 17:19, 11 December 2005 (UTC)

People are voting on awards?! Don't bother putting these up for vote; if you want to use them, use them. You don't have to ask anyone! Dan100 (Talk) 08:59, 13 December 2005 (UTC)

Anti Vandal Barnstar

This is to be similar to the "Deletionist" Barnstar Award, only that you have a small to medium pix of a M-16 w/grenade launcher in it. To be given to those who are good to excellent in dealing with vandalisim in Wikipedia.Martial Law 08:11, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

We already have an anti-vandalism barnstar, the RickK Anti-Vandalism Barnstar. --Deathphoenix 12:02, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

Team Barnstar

A gold Barnstar. To be given to Wikipedia itself by Martial Law for helping me crush a really nasty rumor concerning the DC Character Wonder Woman. The rumor concerned a lawsuit allegedly designed to be launched @ DC Comics should they quit using this character. Found out, via Wikipedia's Wikis that this is no longer the case. Appreciate the help Wikipedia.Martial Law 08:11, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

There's already a gold barnstar, but that's for sports articles. You are welcome to design a personal user award for this purpose. I'd suggest you look in the history of the articles in question and find out who removed this information, then award a barnstar to that person. :-) The original barnstar or a WikiThanks might also suffice. --Deathphoenix 12:15, 20 December 2005 (UTC)

The Barnstar Barnstar

File:Barnstar Barnstar.png

The Barnstar Barnstar (Cyde)

Everything you need to know about this is located on its image page. I was bold and added it to the list of barnstars, but that got reverted, so here I am. --Cyde Weys _vote^talk 18:16, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

Not a bad idea. The description reminds me a bit of the Tireless Contributor Barnstar, but I think this award would make a nice addition under Topical barnstars. Any thoughts? Sango123 (talk) 18:46, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

This hilarious barnstar might make a good topical barnstar. Actually, earlier on, I was awarded with the Barnstar of Diligence, which covers this as well. The Barnstar Barnstar would do fine as a topical award, or as a personal user award. --Deathphoenix 22:45, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

Anyways, since this is in the proposals now, I might as well give some feedback... you might want to replace the white pixels around the smaller barnstar with brown- or rust-coloured pixels. --Deathphoenix 22:49, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

Version 2 (Sango123)

Version 2, no drop shadow (Sango123)

How about the two images to the right? Sango123 (talk) 23:51, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

The new version without the drop shadow is my favorite. —Lifeisunfair 23:59, 23 December 2005 (UTC)

Yeah, I agree. Drop shadows tend to look worse when set against a dark background because transparency settings can be set for white but now for a gradient, and some users have a dark user page. --Deathphoenix 00:11, 24 December 2005 (UTC)

I believe it should be used as a PUA and nothing else. I dread to think of the day when people start creating barnstars to get the barnstar barnstar ;) Seriously though, we already have a barnstar for artictic excellence (photographers) that can be given to these creators. Barnstar of diligence is also appropriate. I dread to think of the day when people would start creating barnstars for contribs in each namespace etc. --Gurubrahma 05:44, 24 December 2005 (UTC)

I honestly and truly hope nobody would care so much about receiving a meaningless award as to create other meaningless awards to receive it. And yes, I'll admit this award is kind of funny, but not everything on Wikipedia needs to be deadly serious. I don't see why it would be demoted to a personal user award ... it is a barnstar, after all. In fact, it's two barnstars. --Cyde Weys _vote^talk 21:11, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

Actually the current images are saved as PNGs which do support a full alpha channel allowing gradients of transparency. --Cyde Weys _vote^talk 21:11, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

Well, a long time ago, my proposal for a barnstar to award people who got their user pages vandalised was rejected because it might encourage people to bait vandals into vandalising user pages, which is definitely not desired behaviour. I can see the other people's points. We don't want people making barnstars just so they can get one for themselves. This barnstar is probably best as a personal user award. There are plenty of PUAs that have "barnstars" in them. --Deathphoenix 15:57, 28 December 2005 (UTC)

For what it's worth, I like the new designs over the first one I came up with. Bravo to you guys for your work. I knew the white pixel borders weren't attractive, but I didn't really know what to do about them. --Cyde Weys _vote^talk 21:11, 25 December 2005 (UTC)

Hmm... this may be just to far. Honestly, we have too many barnstars as it is, and now a barnstar to reward... barnstars? Not only is the subject of this star adequately covered by existing stars and something of a solution in search of a problem, but it has a subtle odor of self-congratulation that I'm not entirely comfortable with. I'm afraid I have to oppose. – ClockworkSoul 15:53, 28 December 2005 (UTC)

Oppose - Wikipedia is not LiveJournal. Phil Sandifer 15:55, 28 December 2005 (UTC)

Investigators Barnstar

This is to be a copper colored Barnstar that has a Classic Magnifying glass in the center. To be awarded to those who go way beyond just finding vandals, sockpuppets, meatpuppets. To be given when the usual barnstar is not enough in this catagory. Martial Law 04:47, 5 January 2006 (UTC)

How about also being used for users who track down and verify/refute unsourced claims. I know a few users who regularly go to university libraries in their pursuit of making this a better encyclopedia. They're certainly deserving of this award. But first I would like to see a proposed image before I voted on this Barnstar. In addition, might I make the suggestion that you change the name to "The Sherlock Holmes Barnstar". --Cyde Weys _vote^talk 04:57, 5 January 2006 (UTC)

First, off, It needs to stay in the proposals, not its own section. Second, its not a bad idea. It would be well served as a barnstar for those who confirm/debunk questionable or unverified content in leiu of simply tagging it for others to handle (a practice I so greatly detest). Currently aknowledgements for this are only with the general barnstar or one specific to the article's general category, and they are few and far between. I dont think countervandalism and sockpuppet handling is an apropriate purpose for it, at least not under its current name. I suppose sometimes it would though as advanced cases can require a good deal of investigation. I'd say both cases work as they both regard heavy investigation into questionable content. I can think of a couple users who already deserve it.--Oni Ookami Alfador^Talk|@ 07:45, 5 January 2006 (UTC)

I wonder if Defender of the Wiki can be expanded to cover this? --Deathphoenix 06:35, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

I'll have to concur. The Defender of the Wiki barnstar should cover this. -MegamanZero|Talk 16:10, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

I like the idea of this barnstar, but I'm forced to agree. This is a good thing for Defender to cover. – ClockworkSoul 22:31, 6 January 2006 (UTC)

"Sherlock Holmes" Barnstar it is, and to be given to help in certain Wikipedia matters. Martial Law 02:39, 7 January 2006 (UTC)

Can also be given to help verify or disprove articles in Wikipedia. Martial Law 02:51, 7 January 2006 (UTC)

Jimbo Wales Medal of Honor

To be given to Wikipedians who go above and beyond Wikipedia to improve Wikipedia. This is a LARGE gold Barnstar with Jimbo Wales's pix in the center, and it is to be similar to the US Congressional Medal of Honor in appearance. Only Jimbo Wales himself is to award this award to Wikipedians who meet this criteria. Martial Law 02:51, 7 January 2006 (UTC)

Template Maker's Barnstar

File:Blueprint.JPG

Not so good...

Better

There are a lot of good templates, but template making often seems to be thankless; hence, I propose the Template Maker's Barnstar. It's meant to look like a blueprint, but hopefully someone with better Photoshopping abilities could improve it. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 21:31, 8 January 2006 (UTC)

Actually, just Template Barnstar, since improving templates is as important as making them. smurrayinchester^{(User), (Talk)} 12:31, 9 January 2006 (UTC)

• Support. Indeed, template work is important and often overlooked. I know several people to whom I'd like to award such a barnstar. —David Levy 21:40, 8 January 2006 (UTC)
• HYPERSTRONG SUPPORT Martial Law 04:06, 9 January 2006 (UTC)