Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Clarification and Amendment

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Case name	Closed
Gun control 2	11 Sept 2026

Clarification and Amendment requests

Request name	Motions	Case	Posted
Amendment request: Conduct in deletion-related editing	none	(orig. case)	18 October 2025
Amendment request: Lightbreather	Motion	(orig. case)	3 November 2025
Amendment request: Arbitration Enforcement noticeboard scope	none	none	4 November 2025
Clarification request: Yasuke	none	(orig. case)	5 November 2025
Clarification request: Conduct in deletion-related editing	none	(orig. case)	6 November 2025

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   1. Request a decision be clarified
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2. If your request will affect or involve other users (including any users you have named as parties), you must notify them; you can use {{subst:Arbitration CA notice|SECTIONTITLE}} to do this.
3. Add the diffs of the talk page notifications under the applicable header of the request.

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• You may only edit your own section. Address your submission to arbitrators, not to other participants. If you wish to rebut, clarify, or otherwise refer to another submission for the benefit of arbitrators, you may do so within your own section. (See Wikipedia:Guide to arbitration § Responding to requests.)

Amendment request: Conduct in deletion-related editing

Initiated by Johnpacklambert at 16:43, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Case or decision affected

Conduct in deletion-related editing arbitration case (t) (ev / t) (w / t) (pd / t)

Clauses to which an amendment is requested

1. 4) Johnpacklambert (talk · contribs) is banned from taking the following actions: (1) participating in deletion discussions, broadly construed; (2) proposing an article for deletion ("PRODing"), but not contesting a proposed deletion ("de-PRODing"); and (3) turning an article into a redirect. This sanction supersedes his March 2017 community topic ban. This ban may be appealed twelve months after the enactment of this remedy, and every twelve months thereafter.
2. Link to the principle, finding, remedy, section, etc for which you are requesting amendment

List of any users involved or directly affected, and confirmation that all are aware of the request

• Johnpacklambert (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (initiator)
• Username (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
• Username (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)

Confirmation that all parties are aware of the request

• [diff of notification Username]
• [diff of notification Username]

Information about amendment request

• 4) Johnpacklambert (talk · contribs) is banned from taking the following actions: (1) participating in deletion discussions, broadly construed; (2) proposing an article for deletion ("PRODing"), but not contesting a proposed deletion ("de-PRODing"); and (3) turning an article into a redirect. This sanction supersedes his March 2017 community topic ban. This ban may be appealed twelve months after the enactment of this remedy, and every twelve months thereafter.
  • I want it to be clear this clause allows me to participate in categories for discussion
• Link to the principle, finding, remedy, section, etc for which you are requesting amendment
  • State the desired modification

Statement by Johnpacklambert

The restriction on my participation in deletion discussions and related discussions was imposed in July 2022. I understand that I was at times too combative on issues and apologize for that. The discussion at the time focused only on my participation in article deletion discussions. However when the restriction was written it was written in a way to cover topic discussions on things other than articles. This included a ban on participation in discussions about categories. After almost 38 months I am asking that that specific part of the restriction be lifted so that I can participate in discussions about deleting, merging and renaming categories. I understand these restrictions were imposed for wise reasons back in 2022, but I feel allowing me to participate in Category discussions would be reasonable at this time. The decision speaks of reconsideration after 12 months. There has been no discussion on this restriction now for I believe 22 months, and I better understand now how to cooperate with others. I feel allowing me to participate in Categories for discussion discussions would be a reasonable modification of this restruliction at this time. John Pack Lambert (talk) 16:43, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

• I was wrong in my actions in late 2022 that lead to a total editing ban for a time. That was over 3 years ago and I have not done anything like that since. I have tried to avoid discussing deleting articles at all. My understanding was that the ban applied to articles. I did not think it prevented me from making comments on the organization of categories. I was under the impression that I was not able to participate at CfD because the pan on Afd was extended to other general discussion formats. My understanding though was that the broad ban on discussing deletion was a ban on deleting of articles, broadly construed, and did not apply to non-article things such as categories.John Pack Lambert (talk) 19:42, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by GoodDay

The best way to learn if an editor has learned their lesson, is to allow them to prove it. Recommend lifting the aforementioned restrictions. GoodDay (talk) 16:58, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by SarekOfVulcan

Per GoodDay above, that's the way to find out if it's going to work. SarekOfVulcan (talk) 17:04, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by HouseBlaster

Johnpacklambert has a habit of requesting that editors merge categories, time and time again. Their talk archives have plenty of examples (I have yet to find one without such comments), and they were blocked for violating their topic ban back in 2022 following an AE thread.

I gave Mr. Lambert a note about this last year, and it seems the behavior has continued. However, AE seems to think that merge/rename nominations are not covered by the topic ban. I strongly believe that merger discussions are covered; the only difference at CFD between "merge" and "delete" is whether the former contents of the category are added to another before deletion. I have no firm opinion on whether rename discussions at CFD are covered, though a sizeable minority of rename nominations end with deletion or merging. If the ban is not lifted or narrowed, some clarification on what is and is not permitted would be appreciated.

Best, HouseBlaster (talk • he/they) 18:40, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Harry, I was deliberately vague about that because I don't have a firm opinion on the matter :) ... consider my above comment something of a Brandeis brief.

From what I can tell, the restriction was a deliberately overbroad; to paraphrase a recent vote of yours, it was ensuring the same caravan did not pack up and move on to overzealous deletion of categories or files or drafts. Mr. Lambert was already under a community XFD restriction, an unrelated topic ban in religion, his block log is not super pretty, and a site ban was on the table and was seriously considered; in those circumstances, broad strokes would seem wise. Using more refined strokes would not be a terrible idea, though I would oppose repealing the ban wholesale; the article deletion processes (PROD, AFD, BLARing articles) should continue to be covered. A suspended removal, allowing uninvolved admins to reinstate the ban if need be, would be wise. In other words, I think a probationary lift allowing all participation regarding CFD would not be a terrible idea.

My impression of Mr. Lambert's comments are that they are helpful, though I have not read them in detail. I would be curious to hear Smasongarrison's thoughts on lifting the topic ban; she is a category superstar, CFD regular, and has interacted with Mr. Lambert frequently. My real advice would be to listen to whatever she says :)

Best, HouseBlaster (talk • he/they) 03:16, 20 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Pppery

This topic ban was imposed for overzealous behavior in AfD discussions. It never made sense to expand its scope beyond AfD discussions and I would suggest it be narrowed to that. * Pppery * _{it has begun...} 18:47, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Smasongarrison

I have mixed feelings about JPL becoming more involved at CFD. He has a long history with categorization. Most of the discussion has focused on his topic ban in terms of article work, but historically, he's had similar issues in categorization (e.g.,Wikipedia:Administrators'_noticeboard/IncidentArchive1073#User:_Johnpacklambert_emptying_categories_prematurely;_edit_warring, which makes this directly relevant here.

On one hand, I do think he's shown real growth. When editors are willing to put in the time to work with him, he's open to the feedback and able to have productive conversations. On the other hand, consistent follow-through on that feedback hasn't been his strong suit.

My main concern with full participation at CFD is that he can be extremely rigid on certain topics, particularly when it comes to distinctions between nationals from modern and/or former countries. That rigidity tends to cause recurring friction (e.g., recent ones include User_talk:Johnpacklambert/Archives/2025/October#Manually_overriding_templates, User_talk:Johnpacklambert/Archives/2025/August#Please_populate,_parent,_and_sort_key_the_categories_you_create). There's also a bit of irony in his approach: he often points out that categories are underpopulated and should be merged, but he continues to create new, narrowly defined ones of the same kind, without recognizing the contradiction.

All that said, I don't think the answer is to exclude him entirely. He does have good ideas and, given structure and oversight, can make valuable contributions. I'd support allowing him to comment in CFD discussions but not to make proposals himself. I think that that would strike the balance between giving him the opportunity to demonstrate his growth, without disrupting the project. ^SMason_Garrison 05:01, 20 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by FOARP

I've been very occasionally keeping tabs on JPL and as far as I can see the ban converted them into an effective, productive, gnoming member of the EN WP community, and they have (admittedly with some shakiness at the start) kept their nose clean. I can't claim to have reviewed every edit they've made since the ARBCOM decision, but the ones I've reviewed have been entirely on-point. In the spirit of WP:ROPE I think at the very least the request can be granted, and that possibly loosening of restrictions can go further. FOARP (talk) 10:52, 20 October 2025 (UTC)

S Marshall

• As a participant in the Arbcom case being modified, I would support this provided that JPL's reintroduction to deletion discussions is rate-limited in some way, such as for example: (a) participating in no more than one XfD at a time (he can choose a new one to participate in when the previous one is closed); or (b) editing no more than one XfD page per day.

JPL's conduct in individual XfDs isn't highly problematic. It's the aggregate effect of participating in hundreds of them.—S Marshall T/C 16:14, 21 October 2025 (UTC)

500 words is very long for a CFD !vote, isn't it?—S Marshall T/C 07:28, 27 October 2025 (UTC)

The obvious corollary to my first comment, of course, is that I would oppose this if not rate-limited in some fashion. JPL can be very prolific indeed, and CFD is not all that well-attended, so he could have a significant impact on how our category system works. Simply put: we need it to be JPL that adapts to our category structure and not the other way around.—S Marshall T/C 09:28, 4 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Barkeep49

At the time of the decision, JPL asked if merges were included in the topic ban, and then arb L235 answered yes something that I, as another then arb agreed with at that time. I believe there might have been more discussion about this either on arbwiki or the list (or maybe it was IRC) at the time. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 23:04, 24 October 2025 (UTC)

Statement by {other-editor}

Other editors are free to make relevant comments on this request as necessary. Comments here should address why or why not the Committee should accept the amendment request or provide additional information.

Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Conduct in deletion-related editing: Clerk notes

This area is used for notes by the clerks (including clerk recusals).

• Recuse (CFD is my wheelhouse, and I am considering adding a statement). HouseBlaster (talk • he/they) 16:45, 18 October 2025 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Conduct in deletion-related editing: Arbitrator views and discussion

• I'm reasonably receptive to this request but XfD is not my area of expertise. HouseBlaster should I take your comment as opposition to the request? Besides the ambiguity of whether the restriction applies to CfD, have JPL's contributions there been disruptive or unhelpful? HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 23:25, 19 October 2025 (UTC)
• There was some discussion of whether merge discussions are incorporated into this sanction at that AE thread, but I think the controlling factor was really the nature of his participation and the question wasn't fully dissected. I would hold that participating directly in a merge discussion almost certainly violates the restriction. They involve whether a standalone page should exist or not, which gives them a lot of the same personal-philosophy baggage as AfD.
  As for amending the sanction to allow weighing in on categories, I'm hesitant. As I understand it, the category area combines a lot of procedural rigor with a tendency for controversy disproportionate to the weight of the matter a la ARBCAPS. If we were to do something that allows him to show he's here to contribute constructively, I'd say an unban that allows for a maximum of 3 CfD comments per day – limited to 1 comment per thread, 500 words per comment, and no nominations – would be my starting place. theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 18:48, 24 October 2025 (UTC)

  happy for it to be 250 as well :) theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 00:49, 2 November 2025 (UTC)

• I think leek's idea for cats is a reasonable way to proceed, maybe with a 6 month wait before review. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 22:46, 24 October 2025 (UTC)
  • Though I'm generally in favor of simple restrictions when possible, I'm open to a suggestion along these lines. - Aoidh (talk) 01:08, 31 October 2025 (UTC)
  • 250 is fine. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 01:25, 2 November 2025 (UTC)
• I'm fine with leeky's proposed modification. Elli (talk | contribs) 00:16, 2 November 2025 (UTC)
• Agree with the above, but tend to also agree with S Marshall's comment that 500 feels quite long. Reckon 250-300 is the sweet spot - this comment, for reference, is 42. Twelve times the length of this, is a very long CfD comment. Daniel (talk) 00:41, 2 November 2025 (UTC)
• There was a 2022 clarification request and 2023 amendment request on the possibility of a categories exemption to the topic ban. Based on community input here, I think that we can loosen this, especially since some of the cited misconduct is quite old.
  I don't like overly-complicated restrictions: enforcement eats into time and energy that is better spent elsewhere. Of the options so far (word limits, nomination ban, CfD rate limit) I think that having all would be too much: from the case's findings, the main issue is the speed at which Johnpacklambert works, so I would have only the CfD limit that automatically expires. If we want to give someone the ability to show that they have changed, having an extremely short leash is not always helpful. Sdrqaz (talk) 04:25, 2 November 2025 (UTC)
• I would prefer a suspended removal over rate-limiting participation; if we really are willing to give them slack to demonstrate their changed ways, we might as well just do it rather than kick the can down the road and have to revisit this (again) six months down the line. Primefac (talk) 22:40, 2 November 2025 (UTC)
• A quick update - noting that there's general sentiment to make some sort of amendment here, just working out wording etc. with colleagues and we'll be able to post some motions for voting at some point hopefully soon. Cheers, Daniel (talk) 06:40, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Amendment request: Lightbreather

Initiated by Lightbreather at 23:44, 3 November 2025 (UTC)

Case or decision affected

Lightbreather arbitration case (t) (ev / t) (w / t) (pd / t)

Clauses to which an amendment is requested

1. Gun control topic ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Gun_control_topic-ban
2. Restricted to one account https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Restricted_to_one_account
3. 1RR https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_1RR
4. Reverse topic ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Reverse_topic_ban
5. Interaction bans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Interaction_bans_taken_over_(alternate)

List of any users involved or directly affected, and confirmation that all are aware of the request

• Lightbreather (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (initiator)
• Karanacs (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
• Mike Searson (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
• Sitush (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)
• Scalhotrod (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)

Confirmation that all parties are aware of the request

• diff of notification of Karanacs
• diff of notification of Mike Searson
• diff of notification of Sitush
• [diff of notification of Scalhotrod] (not possible)

Information about amendment request

• Gun control topic ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Gun_control_topic-ban
  • I respectfully ask to have the ban lifted
• Restricted to one account https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Restricted_to_one_account
  • I respectfully ask to have the restriction lifted
• 1RR https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_1RR
  • I respectfully ask to have the restriction lifted
• Reverse topic ban https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Reverse_topic_ban
  • I respectfully ask to have the restriction lifted
• Interaction bans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Arbitration/Requests/Case/Lightbreather#Lightbreather:_Interaction_bans_taken_over_(alternate)
  • I respectfully ask to have the bans lifted

Statement by Lightbreather

I successfully appealed my site ban in September 2022. Although I would have liked to have all restrictions removed, I only requested lifting the site ban. I stated at the time that I would wait at least 12 months before asking to remove the other restrictions. The appeal can be seen here: , including my "Dear community" promises.

Ultimately, I waited until March of this year to ask that the remaining restrictions be lifted. In those two-and-one-half years between Sept. 2022 and March 2025, I made hundreds of edits to dozens of articles, including the creation of two biographies (P. B. Young and Amy Kelly). I abided by my restrictions and behaved as promised, but the request was declined mostly, I believe, because I had not made enough edits:

It was suggested that I edit more and try again in a few months. So here I am. I recently put a lot of work into improving Mexico–United States border wall, which had been the destination page for an unconventional "merge" from Trump wall. This work had the potential for conflict, but there was none. I also recently worked to improve Ed McCurdy.

I respectfully ask once again to have the rest of my restrictions removed. And I thank you once again for your consideration.

In anticipation of some of the questions that you might ask (assuming they'll be the same or similar to my last request):

• Re: recent inactivity: As I said previously, that will probably be a pattern for me: Edit for some length of time (days, weeks, or months) and then, out of choice or necessity, be inactive when my energy is directed elsewhere. (For instance, my dog died last May and I just adopted a young dog from the pound. She is going to need lots of supervision and training as she came in off the street.)
• There is one other website that I have volunteered at for over 14 years, without incident. If the committee wishes to know my identity there, I will be happy to email the link.
• Someone suggested at my last request that I am unable to join a project, contribute, and seek review, but that is untrue. In Jan. 2015 I set a goal to bring "Gun show loophole" to good article status, I invited others to join me, and we did it. Links: , ,
• Rather than focus on the quantity of my edits since being unbanned, could I get some feedback on the quality of my work? Consider perhaps what user wbm1058 said re my article on Amy Kelly.
• In a nutshell, I would like to put the past - 10 years past - behind me and further prove myself. I promise I will not let the community down.

@ScottishFinnishRadish: Thanks for the notification and consideration.

@Primefac: et al. I have explained why I "pop up" here to edit. Surely there are other editors in good standing who edit in this way. As for need, this is a sincere question: Is it policy that an editor must demonstrate a need to have a restriction lifted? Equally sincere: If an editor demonstrates that the restriction is no longer needed, is that not taken into consideration? Per the motion of Sept. 2022 , I have engaged in no behaviors identified in the Findings of Fact from my case, and I have adhered to normal editorial process and expectations. I understand that was about my site ban, but is it not relevant in considering my current requests?

@Anastrophe: My reverted response wasn't about guns, it was about an apology you made to me.

@ScottishFinnishRadish: I have no intention or reason to create another account. If I want to someday, I will follow whatever policy is required. I would like all restrictions lifted because: 1) It took me four appeals just to get my site ban lifted and each attempt caused me extreme stress (which you will understand because of info I shared privately). 2) This is my second appearance before the committee to request lifting my remaining restrictions, and the thought of having to return a third or fourth time stresses me badly just to think about. 3) I feel I have shown that I am perfectly capable of editing here productively and without conflict, unlike the spring of 2015.

Statement by Drmies, former arb and friend of the show

OK, I never got the "one account requirement"--the only thing that's different is arb approval rather than arb notification. Might as well do away with it. The other restrictions should also, in my opinion, be lifted. LB had been editing conflict-free, has done good work, and should be just another member of the flock. The inactivity doesn't concern me at all: LB offered reasons for it, but the question is, IMO, just not really appropriate: we all have lives. My edit count over the last year will tell you I've been going through things but that's just not relevant to my participation here. Same applies to LB. I favor a lifting of all restrictions. Drmies (talk) 17:53, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Wbm1058

• I too support a reversal of all sanctions, for time served. But, it seems too late for that as it appears that she's throwing in the towel and giving up on the idea of ever getting her good name back. Her next step may be to request a WP:Courtesy vanishing, which as far as I know, she doesn't need to have her sanctions lifted in order to do that – or does she?! She's made a boatload of edits on Mexico–United States border wall, which have stuck, without drama. What the hell more does she need to do to demonstrate she's a capable editor in controversial topic areas? – wbm1058 (talk) 19:33, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
  • She's responsible for a third of the content of the Mexico–United States border wall article. – wbm1058 (talk) 20:05, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• This is not a "one fell swoop" request. There was a previous request to undo one of six. A "one fell swoop" would be to undo all six at once. This is just to undo #2 through #6. I also point out that all six remedies were imposed in ONE FELL SWOOP. If you can impose six with one fell swoop, what's the big deal with taking two fell swoops to terminate all of them? If y'all didn't wait until things got to ten times boiling point to even accept a case, then you might not feel the need to impose so many sanctions at once, and if sanctions were imposed over time as a series of escalations, then it might make more sense to relax them over time as well. /soapbox wbm1058 (talk) 21:14, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Jayen466

Per Drmies above. Time served. Please lift. Andreas JN466 22:53, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Anastrophe

I still think it's a risk, but lightbreather has endured enough. Call it my 'better angels', or just 'I'm too old for this "stuff"'. We'll see what happens. Grace doesn't come easily for me. cheers. anastrophe, an editor he is. 21:49, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

A promise not to let the community down isn't adequate for rescission of the gun-related topics ban. lb's been banned from the topic during this restricted return. So, no bad behaviors on the topic have obtained. It's a tautology. I think it's a mistake to remove it on a virtual 'handshake'. I voted (inappropriately) to approve all of the other rescissions. Free access to gun control topics, and with the 1RR restriction removed? No. In real life, a history of bad behaviors can't be erased. One can make amends, but just as with an alcoholic, one must likely abstain evermore to remain sober (I'm not directing any aspersions regarding alcohol towards the subject, it's just a bad metaphor). Gun topics were the locus from which all of the bad behaviors derived - many behaviors that were beyond the pale.

Rescission would be a mistake. anastrophe, an editor he is. 23:42, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

theleekycauldron wrote "Quite the Catch-22 you've set up, Anastrophe – how is Lightbreather supposed to prove she's no longer a threat to disrupt to the gun control topic area when she's no longer allowed to touch the topic area, if her word and productive editing elsewhere isn't enough?"

I didn't 'set up' anything; lb put herself in this position, I've no control in the decision, and I'm entitled to leave a comment on the case. I have volumes of direct interaction with lb on gun topics. In twenty years here, I've 'endured' a 24hr block for 3RR, and a 48hr block for 1RR which the involved admins wanted to rescind but I wouldn't let them. Then there's lb.anastrophe 00:24, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

lb commented, since reverted. IMO, it's Q.E.D. - the behavior that leads me to be against the rescission of the topic ban. In your 'Dear community' letter, you wrote "I won't edit gun, gun control, or gun politics articles or comment on associated talk pages. Not just because of my topic ban, but also because I do not want to edit there."

If that's the case, then a rescission of the topic ban is cosmetic, which does not alter the function of the editor. Yes, that is a poorly-timed joke.

I've apologized and been forgiving in the past. But I'm also pragmatic, and sometimes I follow my gut. If I'm wrong, in time I may owe another apology. anastrophe 01:40, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

re lb's comment re the reverted: I understand it was about the apology, which was sincere. The problem is all the abhorrent behaviors that were the reason for the site ban, which I was blissfully unaware of for years, until the return was being decided. Learning nearly a decade later that I'd been written about off-wiki was shocking, and I felt 'over my dead body'. But I weighed the evidence, read lb's statements of desire for redemption dispassionately, and supported it. But it hinged on the topic ban. Which I believe must stay in place. anastrophe 03:40, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by FIM

Per Drmies, lift all restrictions (with the possible exception of the one a/c restriction). I also agree that LB's levels are wholly in accordance with community ethos. She has 750 edits to mainspace this year, ironically more than most activ

Statement by Atsme

Just curious...has ArbCom decided to put #8 of Larry Sanger's 9 Theses into play? My thoughts actually bounce back to User:Jytdog so will he also be coming back? I realize each case is different, but...is Wikipedia now completely erasing all lines? Atsme 💬 📧 16:13, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Luckily Sanger published that, otherwise no one would have ever been unbanned or unblocked after an indef, That's how things were before he wrote that, right? ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 16:32, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Oh nevermind, I just checked and LB was already unbanned before that list was published. So I guess the answer is no, it had no impact at all. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 16:44, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Thryduulf

(re Atsme) indefinite blocks, even those imposed by ArbCom, have always meant "until it is no longer needed" not "forever" so, no, nothing has changed. Jytdog will be welcome to return if they (a) appeal, and (b) convince ArbCom (and possibly the community, I can't remember the details off the top of my head) that they will not repeat the behaviours that result in their ban. Lightbreather's appeal is completely unrelated to a hypothetical appeal by Jytdog (and, afair, both were entirely uninvolved in why the other was banned) though so I don't understand why you think it is relevant? Thryduulf (talk) 16:31, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Ivanvector (Lightbreather)

@ScottishFinnishRadish: isn't replying to comments in other users' sections frowned upon here?

(general comments) I normally automatically oppose lifting one account restrictions, given the energy that sockpuppets waste, but from what I can tell Lightbreather is under this restriction as a result of having edited while logged out, once, ten years ago. I can't tell why the Committee even bothered to impose it in the first place.

For all of the other restrictions, I stopped reading the background when I saw that the newest of them is more than a decade old. Lightbreather has remained a reasonably productive and reasonably drama-free contributor during that time. I frankly don't care about anything else, having happened while Obama was still in the White House.

All of the restrictions should be lifted, not for time served but because Lightbreather has kept their side of the bargain, and because they, like all of us, are here to build an encyclopedia. Other than the one account restriction, which should be lifted because there wasn't any good reason to impose it in the first place. Ivanvector (^Talk/_Edits) 19:03, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Much like the sectioned discussion on the pending decision talk pages, Arbs have some latitude to reply where they think it would be most effective or constructive. Since it didn't have to do much with the actual report (much like this response) it's better off outside of the arb deliberation and discussion sections. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 19:42, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Iljhgtn

I would like to recommend that Lightbreather not have their topic ban rescinded. This gun control topic ban was put in place it would seem with very good cause, and this editor shows an obsession with the topic of gun control, and any editors who have touched the area. From that prior matter, "It is unacceptable for an editor to continually accuse another of egregious misbehavior in an attempt to besmirch their reputation. Concerns should be brought up in the appropriate forums with evidence, if at all." Lightbreather continues to make bad faith off-wiki attacks but has never reached out to me for comment or brought any matter to WP:Dispute Resolution involving me that I am aware of. Lightbreather has recently made comments and threads on Wikipediocracy attacking my character immediately preceding this ArbCom request, all beginning on August 31, 2025. Lightbreather claimed I am someone named Scalhotrod (apparently that editor had a history with Lightbreather, I did not know either of them until I saw the threads). I think it would be a mistake to remove any of these restrictions, but especially the topic ban. They are not able to edit in that area without extreme POV pushing and may have attempted to dox me. I have never seen another editor assume bad faith worse than Lightbreather did on there. I hesitated to make this comment, but it would appear as if some people believe that Lightbreather has reformed from their very contentious editing of the past. Judging by the prior discussions I read here, and the off-wiki discussions, that does not seem to be the case. Thank you to the ArbCom, and for anyone that has already commented, I think it would be worth reconsidering your support for ending this restriction. Iljhgtn (talk) 20:11, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Iggy pop goes the weasel

I don't see a need for ongoing restrictions that aren't being violated and haven't been for a long time. It should be pretty clear that a block or other sanctions can be easily reapplied if problematic behavior resumes, but we should give productive editors a chance to continue showing us they won't be a problem. Keeping unnecessary restrictions in place appears punitive vs preventative, which flies in the face of the general spirit of Wikipedia. Iggy pop goes the weasel (talk) 23:16, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by (other editor)

Other editors are free to make relevant comments on this request as necessary. Comments here should address why or why not the Committee should accept the amendment request or provide additional information.

Lightbreather: Clerk notes

This area is used for notes by the clerks (including clerk recusals).

• I've removed one of the party headers like last time. Sdrqaz (talk) 05:33, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
• @Anastrophe: Arbitration pages, like this one, use sectioned discussion, meaning comments in one's own section, for all content by that individual, including replies to others. This is in contrast to how much of the encyclopedia works, which is the usual threaded discussion that you are likely expecting. You can find more details about this format in the guide to arbitration. Theleekycauldron has added a note to your reply indicating that it is a reply. EggRoll97 ^(talk) 01:10, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
• @Lightbreather: I am going to grant an extension to 750 words as you are obviously the main party at this request, so should be given more leeway to respond to others. If you need any more, please ask here. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Lightbreather: Implementation notes

Clerks and arbitrators should use this section to clarify their understanding of which motions are passing. These notes were last updated by automatic template check

Motion implementation notes

Motion name	Support	Oppose	Abstain	Passing	Support needed	Notes
Motion A: Gun control topic ban rescinded	5	1	1		2	1 support conditional on Motion C failing
Motion B: Restricted to one account rescinded	3	3	0		5
Motion C: 1RR rescinded	2	5	0		6
Motion D: Reverse topic ban rescinded	7	0	1		.
Motion E: Interaction bans rescinded	6	0	2		1

Notes

Lightbreather: Arbitrator views and discussion

• As with the previous request, I am recusing. - Aoidh (talk) 02:24, 4 November 2025 (UTC)
• One of the big issues raised in the last appeal was lack of activity. This appeal follows about a month of activity following 5 months of inactivity after the last appeal. There's no explanation of why they want or need the ibans, one account restriction, or 1RR lifted. There was some discussion in the last appeal about the reverse topic ban being onerous, and I'm most amenable to lifting that. Giving this more thought, but I didn't want this to sit here with LB not knowing that it's being considered. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 16:37, 5 November 2025 (UTC)
• My initial thoughts are similar to those of SFR. I will note that this is a standard I would give to just about any request; a period of sustained activity is more likely to demonstrate need/ability (depending on circumstance) than popping up out of nowhere and asking for things. Primefac (talk) 02:05, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

  Re Lightbreather: it is (clearly) not a policy, just my own opinion on the matter. I will also note that it does not preclude someone from getting what they ask, just that it makes the decision a lot easier. I am still waiting on a few responses but I will note that at the moment I am leaning positively towards most of your requests. Primefac (talk) 19:43, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

• I'm of a mind to support lifting restrictions and throwing out some rope. Unfortunate to see LB reverse course after just a few days and threaten to quit but I understand that Wiki life can be stressful. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 19:51, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• Supportive of removing the reverse topic ban and the interaction bans. Open to removing the topic ban and 1RR, pending further input from the community and my colleagues. Opposed to removing the one account restriction. Daniel (talk) 22:06, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• In general, I don't agree with lifting all restrictions in one fell swoop. I hear the concerns about activity but I also take Drmies's point, and I can see that a restriction as onerous as the reverse topic ban might contribute to a decline in activity. I'm open to a loosening of restrictions as the first step on the road towards removing them, but not to lifting them all outright. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 17:58, 7 November 2025 (UTC)
• I've had a tough time making up my mind here. I (and I think most Arbs) usually want to see a decent amount of activity before lifting sanctions, with a higher bar for sanctions that don't meaningfully impact one's ability to contribute (such as a one-account restriction). Someone staying inactive doesn't necessarily show that problematic behavior won't recur when that person becomes more active -- it's not evidence against that editor, it just means we don't have enough information to really tell.

Looking specifically: Lightbreather's recent contributions are good, including contributions in contentious topics. Additionally, after a few days for input, no one in the community has expressed concerns. While Lightbreather hasn't has had sustained activity over the past few years, she has been sporadically active; since being unbanned, there's been six months where's she's made at least fifty edits, mostly to articles. Given these circumstances, I support lifting all sanctions. Elli (talk | contribs) 03:35, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

• Last time, Lightbreather was told to become more active. She's made over 500 mainspace edits in 2025 and 800 since her unban in 2022. Let's keep in mind that she's a volunteer, under no obligation to maintain any activity standard. Lightbreather was 10 years ago. I think that we can move on, and hope that people change after a decade. I support lifting everything. Sdrqaz (talk) 05:33, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
• Quite the Catch-22 you've set up, Anastrophe – how is Lightbreather supposed to prove she's no longer a threat to disrupt to the gun control topic area when she's no longer allowed to touch the topic area, if her word and productive editing elsewhere isn't enough? theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 00:08, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

Motions: Rescinding of Lightbreather restrictions

I have presented these motions all individually, to allow them to be voted on separately, per the split in commentary in the arbitrator views and discussion section above between 'rescind all' and 'rescind some'. (I have kept the interaction bans as one proposal, given they were one remedy in the original case.) Once the below motions are all concluded either way, any motion(s) that pass can presumably be actioned as a singular unit. Daniel (talk) 06:01, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Motion A: Gun control topic ban rescinded

Remedy 2 (Lightbreather: Gun control topic-ban) of Lightbreather is rescinded.

For this motion there are 14 active arbitrators, not counting 1 recused. With one arbitrator abstaining, 7 support or oppose votes are a majority.

Majority reference

Abstentions	Support votes needed for majority
0	8
1–2	7
3–4	6

Support

1. Elli (talk | contribs) 07:14, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. On the condition that her 1RR remain. If motion C passes, treat this as an oppose. I think that gun control is not as hot a topic as it was ten years ago. But if we're going to lift the ban, I think that she would only benefit from the restraint a 1RR poses. Easier to not edit war if you can't be tempted to. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 23:30, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
3. Daniel (talk) 09:47, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
4. Looks like it's breaking this direction, allow gun control edits, keep 1RR. That works for me. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 12:34, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
5. See my comment above. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Oppose

1. Gun control was at the very heart of the issues and remains a hot-button issue. I'm willing to assume good faith that Lightbreather has mellowed over the years and therefore willing to think about loosening restrictions, but reintroducing a a controversial editor into an emotive topic area is not the place to start. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 13:22, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Abstain

1. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 06:21, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Arbitrator discussion

Motion B: Restricted to one account rescinded

Remedy 3 (Lightbreather: Restricted to one account) of Lightbreather is rescinded.

For this motion there are 14 active arbitrators, not counting 1 recused. With no arbitrators abstaining, 8 support or oppose votes are a majority.

Majority reference

Abstentions	Support votes needed for majority
0	8
1–2	7
3–4	6

Support

1. Elli (talk | contribs) 07:14, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. Socking doesn't seem to have been the biggest issue in the case, and any future socking would be sanctionable in its own right. I do honestly believe that Lightbreather wants to rehabilitate her reputation so it seems unlikely that she would jeopardise that with socking. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 13:31, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
3. I'm unaware of any allegations of sockpuppetry that aren't many many years old. The last block for socking was in 2014. See my comment above and I agree with Harry. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Oppose

1. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 06:21, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. Daniel (talk) 06:37, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
3. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 23:09, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

Abstain

Arbitrator discussion

Is there any pressing reason why they would need this restriction removed other than wanting to be out from under sanctions? Lightbreather, do you have any intention of creating or using alternate accounts? ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 12:34, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Motion C: 1RR rescinded

Remedy 4 (Lightbreather: 1RR) of Lightbreather is rescinded.

For this motion there are 14 active arbitrators, not counting 1 recused. With no arbitrators abstaining, 8 support or oppose votes are a majority.

Majority reference

Abstentions	Support votes needed for majority
0	8
1–2	7
3–4	6

Support

1. Elli (talk | contribs) 07:14, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. I haven't seen any recent evidence of edit-warring and doubt that Lightbreather will start now. See my comment above. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Oppose

1. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 06:22, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 23:31, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
3. Daniel (talk) 09:47, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
4. Looks like the other arbs had a stronger preference than myself for which sanction to remove and which to leave, and that works for me. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 12:34, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
5. Willing to be convinced, but edit-warring was an issue and this is not an onerous restriction. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 13:35, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Abstain

Arbitrator discussion

I'm more likely to support one of the other between this and the gun control topic ban. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 22:24, 9 November 2025 (UTC)

Motion D: Reverse topic ban rescinded

Remedy 5 (Lightbreather: Reverse topic ban) of Lightbreather is rescinded.

For this motion there are 14 active arbitrators, not counting 1 recused. With one arbitrator abstaining, 7 support or oppose votes are a majority.

Majority reference

Abstentions	Support votes needed for majority
0	8
1–2	7
3–4	6

Support

1. Daniel (talk) 06:37, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. Elli (talk | contribs) 07:14, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
3. Primefac (talk) 22:26, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
4. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 22:24, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
5. This is a particularly onerous restriction and of dubious necessity a decade on. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 23:18, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
6. It is a particularly onerous restriction. Deliberately, and necessarily, so at the time but I'm not sure it was intended to last a decade. Rather, it should have provided a path back to good standing. I'm willing to lift this as an attempt to put Lightbreather on that path and hope that she stays on it. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 13:48, 10 November 2025 (UTC)
7. See my comment above. I think that it is very plausible that this restriction is discouraging greater participation. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Oppose

Abstain

1. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 06:22, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Arbitrator discussion

Motion E: Interaction bans rescinded

The interaction bans assumed by the Arbitration Committee in Remedy 6A (Lightbreather: Interaction bans taken over (alternate)) of Lightbreather are rescinded.

For this motion there are 14 active arbitrators, not counting 1 recused. With two arbitrators abstaining, 7 support or oppose votes are a majority.

Majority reference

Abstentions	Support votes needed for majority
0	8
1–2	7
3–4	6

Support

1. Daniel (talk) 07:11, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. Elli (talk | contribs) 07:14, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
3. Primefac (talk) 22:27, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
4. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 22:24, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
5. Only one editor is really impacted here. Of the four editors she was ibanned with, two are now blocked, one hasn't edited since 2019, and the other is Sitush, who hasn't edited in five months. If Sitush comes back and says no, I'd consider opposing. CaptainEek ^{Edits Ho Cap'n!}⚓ 23:22, 9 November 2025 (UTC)
6. See my comment above. Sdrqaz (talk) 01:43, 11 November 2025 (UTC)

Oppose

Abstain

1. ~ ToBeFree (talk) 07:07, 8 November 2025 (UTC)
2. I'm undecided here. I also have some previous involvement (I was on good terms with Eric Corbett and I imposed the interaction ban on Mike Searson), so I'll sit this part out. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 13:58, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Arbitrator discussion

• Just noting that this motion had a wording tweak post-publishing to make clear that it was the interaction bans themselves being rescinded, not the Committee's assumption of them. At that time only ToBeFree and I had voted, and we have both subsequently re-voted on the new proposal (note to ToBeFree). Thanks to Elli for the feedback. Cheers, Daniel (talk) 07:11, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Amendment request: Arbitration Enforcement noticeboard scope

Initiated by L235 at 23:11, 4 November 2025 (UTC)

Case or decision affected

Wikipedia:Arbitration_Committee/Procedures#Noticeboard_scope_2

Clauses to which an amendment is requested

1. requests or appeals pursuant to community-imposed remedies which match the contentious topics procedure, if those requests or appeals are assigned to the arbitration enforcement noticeboard by the community.

List of any users involved or directly affected, and confirmation that all are aware of the request

• L235 (talk · contribs · blocks · protections · deletions · page moves · rights · RfA) (initiator)

Information about amendment request

• requests or appeals pursuant to community-imposed remedies which match the contentious topics procedure, if those requests or appeals are assigned to the arbitration enforcement noticeboard by the community.
  • Expand the scope to a broader set of communtiy-imposed general sanctions

Statement by L235

In 2022, as part of WP:CT2022, ArbCom authorized AE to hear requests or appeals relating to community-designated contentious topics, so long as the community wanted AE to hear those requests or appeals. A recent RfC has taken ArbCom up on this offer and now allows community-designated contentious topics (CCTOPs) to be enforced at AE.

In the process of writing the documentation at AE to implement this RfC, I have noticed that the current language has the potential to create its own confusion, because AE can only hear requests and appeals that arise from CCTOP enforcement and not enforcement of other community remedies like 1RR or ECR. To clarify what I mean, there are currently four buckets of community-authorized general sanctions:

1. Plain CCTOP designations without 1RR or ECR (WP:GS/UKU, WP:GS/PW, WP:GS/MJ, WP:GS/UYGHUR, WP:GS/ACAS);
2. CCTOP designations plus 1RR (WP:GS/SCW&ISIL and WP:GS/Crypto);
3. ECR to supplement an existing ArbCom CTOP (WP:RUSUKR, which imposes community ECR within the broader WP:CT/EE; WP:GS/AA, which imposes community ECR to supplement WP:CT/A-A; WP:GS/KURD, which imposes community ECR to supplement WP:CT/KURD); and
4. Plain non-CCTOP restrictions (WP:GS/PAGEANT, which authorizes indefinite semiprotections).

Now that the community has authorized enforcement of CCTOPs at AE, bucket #1 works great. But because the authorization for AE to hear community-imposed sanctions only applies to community-imposed remedies which match the contentious topics procedure (emphasis added), buckets #2-4 face some confusion. In bucket #2, AE can hear enforcement requests and appeals for contentious topics in general but not 1RR violations. In bucket #3, the ArbCom CT portion can be heard at AE, but not the community ECR portions. And bucket #4 is wholly unaffected by the new RfC.

This state of affairs is quite confusing because some restrictions within a topic can be enforced (and some enforcement actions can be appealed) at AE, but not all of them. I can't think of a principled reason for this difference in treatment. I would therefore ask that ArbCom permit the community to designate AE as a place to hear enforcement requests and appeals for a broader set of topicwide restrictions.

Below I've included some suggested motion text, but the exact way this is done is of course up to ArbCom.

Extended content

Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/Procedures § Noticeboard scope 2 is amended by striking the last list item and inserting in its place the following: enforcement requests and appeals from enforcement actions arising from community-imposed general sanctions (including community-designated contentious topics), if the community has assigned those requests and appeals to the arbitration enforcement noticeboard.

Addition 11/7: Additionally, if ArbCom wanted to give the community the option (but not the requirement) to allow logging at AELOG:

Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/Procedures § Logging is amended by appending the following paragraph: Enforcement actions arising from community-authorized general sanctions (including community-designated contentious topics) may be logged at Wikipedia:Arbitration enforcement log if the community has decided that those actions should be logged at the arbitration enforcement log.

After such a motion is enacted, the community would then need to allow the use of the AE noticeboard in those cases, which it could do by RfC. Speaking personally, based on the results of the last RfC, I think such an RfC would pass fairly quickly.

Best, KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 23:11, 4 November 2025 (UTC)

I thank the arbitrators supporting the amendment and will note that such a change will likely need to be made by motion announced (with 24 hours notice) at ACN and AN in accordance with Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/Procedures § Modification of procedures. Therefore, a rough consensus of arbitrators of arbitrators under Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee/Procedures § Closing is unlikely to suffice. Best, KevinL (aka L235 · t · c) 18:13, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Newyorkbrad

For editors who spend most of their wikitime in mainspace rather on the noticeboards and arbitration pages, the distinction between ArbCom-based contentious topics and community-based general sanctions, and the existence of different procedures for invoking or appealing them, takes time to learn about and can be a distraction. Anything that makes the procedures more parallel, and therefore easier to understand and implement, warrants serious consideration. The proposal would seem to fit into that category. Newyorkbrad (talk) 17:40, 5 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by RGloucester

I agree that this is a good change, but I want to make clear that, for general sanctions other than contentious topics, the community has yet to assign those requests and appeals to the arbitration enforcement noticeboard, as the recent RfC was limited in scope to contentious topics. I hope that, if this change is adopted, the community will come to a consensus to make such an assignment. Yours, &c. RGloucester — ☎ 03:52, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by {other-editor}

Other editors are free to make relevant comments on this request as necessary. Comments here should address why or why not the Committee should accept the amendment request or provide additional information.

Arbitration Enforcement noticeboard scope: Clerk notes

This area is used for notes by the clerks (including clerk recusals).

Arbitration Enforcement noticeboard scope: Arbitrator views and discussion

• Yeah, that's fine. It's all called contentious topics, so I don't think it's that big a deal, but if people want to adjust language that's fine. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 16:44, 5 November 2025 (UTC)
• I don't see an issue with the suggested change, or with making the process (slightly) less confusing. - Aoidh (talk) 03:43, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• Seems reasonable to me. Elli (talk | contribs) 17:57, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• This seems like simple-enough housekeeping and I support the principle of simplification/removal of duplication. It probably needs a motion as a change to the procedures, but that should be simple enough. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 18:01, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

  +1 theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 15:46, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

• This looks fine in enforcing the Community's will (different people will have different opinions on whether AE is inherently better than AN), but I am more hesitant over the suggestion of using AELOG for Community-imposed sanctions. I think that the drawbacks from the confusion that may cause is greater than the minimal increase in convenience. Sdrqaz (talk) 05:33, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Clarification request: Yasuke

Consensus of arbitrators commenting is that this is automatic. Daniel (talk) 20:16, 8 November 2025 (UTC) The following discussion has been closed. Please do not modify it.

Initiated by JHD0919 at 17:11, 5 November 2025 (UTC)

Case or decision affected

Yasuke arbitration case (t) (ev / t) (w / t) (pd / t)

List of any users involved or directly affected, and confirmation that all are aware of the request:

• JHD0919 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (initiator)

Statement by JHD0919

In regards to Remedy 1a, specifically this portion:

Starting in 2026 and checked yearly afterwards, this designation expires on 1 January if no sanctions have been logged in the preceding 2 years.

When it comes time for the expiration, does it expire automatically, or is a motion required? The remedy text doesn't say, which has left me confused. JHD0919 (talk) 17:11, 5 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by {other-editor}

Other editors are free to make relevant comments on this request as necessary. Comments here should opine whether and how the Committee should clarify or amend the decision or provide additional information.

Yasuke: Clerk notes

This area is used for notes by the clerks (including clerk recusals).

Yasuke: Arbitrator views and discussion

• Looks automatic to me. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 17:15, 5 November 2025 (UTC)

  +1, we could intervene if we didn't want it to expire but the application does seem automatic. theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 19:15, 5 November 2025 (UTC)

• Looks automatic to me too. Daniel (talk) 19:49, 5 November 2025 (UTC)
• Concur; it expires if nothing has happened, which seems fairly automatic. Primefac (talk) 02:00, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• I was a drafter on that case, and it was worded with the intention for it to be automatic if there are no logged sanctions in that time period. - Aoidh (talk) 03:45, 6 November 2025 (UTC)
• Automatic. Elli (talk | contribs) 04:08, 7 November 2025 (UTC)
• I thought this was a good piece of drafting that kept a provision for as long as it was useful but avoided having unused provisions on the books. HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 18:06, 7 November 2025 (UTC)
• I agree with my colleagues that it is automatic. Sdrqaz (talk) 05:33, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Clarification request: Conduct in deletion-related editing

Consensus is that removing prods and improving articles is fine. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 12:30, 10 November 2025 (UTC) The following discussion has been closed. Please do not modify it.

Initiated by JHD0919 at 18:23, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Case or decision affected

Conduct in deletion-related editing arbitration case (t) (ev / t) (w / t) (pd / t)

List of any users involved or directly affected, and confirmation that all are aware of the request:

• JHD0919 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) (initiator)
• TenPoundHammer (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log)

Confirmation that all parties are aware of the request

• diff of me telling TPH about me making this request

Statement by JHD0919

Here's the deal: Yesterday I PRODed Stony Point Fashion Park under the belief that it failed GNG. Shortly afterwards, TenPoundHammer attempted to expand on the article to prevent deletion, only to undo it after coming to the conclusion that they were flirting their topic ban. And then, earlier today, they sent a message on my talk page claiming to have found a ton of coverage on the subject in Richmond, Virginia newspapers. I am unsure as to whether coverage in newspapers from a single city is enough to strengthen the article, but I am also willing to give TPH the benefit of doubt and allow them to expand upon it with said coverage...except, I have no idea if they'd be violating their topic ban by doing so. Does TPH's topic ban apply to attempting to improve on articles that have been PRODed, as well as removing PRODs? JHD0919 (talk) 18:23, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Sorry TPH, I had no idea what pronouns you use. I've revised my initial statement accordingly. JHD0919 (talk) 18:49, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

Nyttend, with all due respect, I hard disagree with your assertion that this request was unnecessary. As I said above, the reason I made it was because neither TPH nor myself knew whether edits to PRODs and De-PRODs count as violations of the former's topic ban. Had TPH not self-reverted their initial Stony Point edit, or self-reverted it for a reason other than "I fear I'm flirting my topic ban," we wouldn't be here talking about this. JHD0919 (talk) 01:36, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by TenPoundHammer

First off, a polite reminder that I use they/them pronouns.

The level of coverage from the local newspaper has a strong historical precedent of being sufficient for shopping malls. Compare Muscatine Mall, Tri-City Pavilions, Colonial Plaza, University Park Mall, Swifton Center, or any of the other GA-class shopping mall articles out there. I think the precedent is very much in favor of Stony Point Fashion Park. (Is any of this flirting too close to "don't talk about notability when you're topic-banned"?)

I have made edits to articles that were at PROD, but to my knowledge no previous attempts have even implied that I shouldn't make any edits to an article at PROD. Even at David Slater, the warnings were about my invocation of WP:BLPUNDEL and discussions of notability being in violation of my topic ban (which I concede are valid concerns, and why I've tried to avoid discussions of notability since), and not the fact that I was making good-faith expansion of an article that at the time was at PROD. Even before the topic ban, I don't recall deprodding ever being an issue of concern for me.

I still decided to self-revert my Stony Point edit immediately as I wanted to play it safe after both the David Slater incident and my recent block. I know that past edits of mine have given the impression of trying to get one over on the topic ban, and I've tried to refrain myself from any such edits, which is why I'm hesitating and questioning.

I want to know what the right method is in a case like this. I genuinely do want to expand the Stony Point article because it's a topic of interest for which I have found substantial sourcing. It already was on a personal list I keep on my computer of articles I want to improve. So is it okay for me to just add those sources in or not? Ten Pound Hammer • ^{(What did I screw up now?)} 18:46, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

So it looks like there is no apparent objection to me editing articles at PROD so long as I don't go overboard. Per the precedent of Johnpacklambert's topic ban, does this also mean that removing PRODs is acceptable if I disagree with them and subsequently improve the article -- again if I don't overdo it? Ten Pound Hammer • ^{(What did I screw up now?)} 16:31, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Toadspike

While I appreciate that the committee is heading towards allowing these specific edits by clarifying that PRODs are not deletion discussions, I think it would also be helpful to clarify whether regular editing of pages up for any kind of deletion is allowed. If I understand correctly, the topic ban was intended to stop disruptive communication with other editors, not issues with content, so I personally think that e.g. expanding an article with an ongoing AfD should not be restricted by this topic ban. Toadspike [Talk] 08:28, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

S Marshall

I think the topic ban was because TPH's deletion-related contributions were so prolific that TPH's personal opinions and thoughts about deletion were having a significant impact on the project.

TPH is a good faith editor, and a passionate and prosocial one. Their edits individually are unproblematic, as in this case.

But tens of thousands of such edits can become a problem when taken together.

This PROD-related stuff is fine in the volumes we're talking about here. But don't throw the floodgates wide open, please. Just let a little water through.—S Marshall T/C 09:21, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Barkeep49

Can confirm that the drafters of the case (and ultimtately the committee through the votes) did not consider PROD a deletion discussion and crafted remedies with that understanding in mind. Best, Barkeep49 (talk) 16:34, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Jclemens

Only in the most extreme circumstances, post-disastrous behavioral breaches, should any sanction be considered to prevent the good faith improvement of content facing any form of deletion through the appropriate addition of reliable sourcing. If we ever get so wrapped around the axle of disciplinary process that we lose sight of this, we are in trouble. Jclemens (talk) 06:24, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Cunard

A September 2024 clarification request concluded that "PROD and contesting proposed deletions are covered by the topic ban." The topic ban includes both actions until and unless the Arbitration Committee decides to overturn this previous decision.

I recommend allowing TenPoundHammer to contest proposed deletions and improve articles nominated for proposed deletion. I am not aware of any past disruption in that area.

I'm concerned that there will be disruption if they are allowed to nominate articles for proposed deletion. In this May 2022 ANI post, I wrote:

According to TenPoundHammer's last 5,000 contributions, between 12 May 2022 and 30 May 2022, TenPoundHammer nominated 637 articles for proposed deletion (based on a search of "Notification: proposed deletion"). In the same time period, TenPoundHammer brought 188 articles to Wikipedia:Articles for deletion (based on a search of "Creating deletion discussion page"). In the last 18 days, TenPoundHammer has averaged 35 proposed deletions a day and 10 AfD nominations a day.

In an April 2024 amendment request, I wrote that I told TenPoundHammer that their redirects of television articles was controversial and they should stop. They did not heed my message and redirected over 50 more articles later that month. The Committee imposed a topic ban for blank-and-redirecting, suspended for a period of 12 months.

The suspended topic ban expired on 4 June 2025. TenPoundHammer was blocked four months later on 4 November 2025 for edit warring. They had blanked-and-redirected Gambino Family (group) six times and Ghetto Organized seven times. In the ANI thread TenPoundHammer started, another editor wrote, "What I find more disappointing is that @TenPoundHammer with 20 years on WP and over a quarter million edits stoops to multi-reverting in clear violation of 3RR and seemingly as a repeat of the behaviour that got a just-expired ban."

TenPoundHammer has made strong content contributions since their topic ban. I hope they can continue their good work in this area but stay away from areas that have caused trouble.

In the proposed decision, two arbitrators had recommended making proposed deletions explicit in the remedy but this did not happen. I ask that TenPoundHammer be topic banned from blank-and-redirects and proposed deletions but not topic banned on contesting proposed deletions and improving articles nominated for deletion.

In a previous amendment request, I did not receive a response on whether I should have submitted a separate amendment request (context). Please confirm whether I need to file a separate amendment request or if my request will be considered as part of this clarification. Cunard (talk) 10:23, 8 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by Nyttend

Saw this at WP:AN, and I hope you don't mind a totally uninvolved editor chiming in. (If you do, feel free to remove this.)

Frankly, I don't understand why this is even considered to be related to TPH's bans at TenPoundHammer topic banned (1) and Amendment: TenPoundHammer suspended topic ban for blank-and-redirecting (June 2024). PRODs aren't discussions, and at a brief glance (which is all I know about this, having previously been unaware of this Arbcom case) I don't see anyone alleging that TPH was disruptively prodding or deprodding articles — and since the case banned two other users from deprodding articles, I daresay Arbcom would have included such a ban for TPH too, had this been intended — so I'm surprised that this is necessary at all. (Thank you to TPH for being careful about this.) If this were a community ban, and someone had raised the issue at WP:AN or WP:ANI, I'd say "no way is this a problem" and be dumbfounded if anyone sought sanctions. Since we've ended up here, Arbcom might as well say "sure, we didn't intend TPH's ban to cover prods", but otherwise no attention is needed. Nyttend (talk) 01:11, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Edit — now I see the link to the clarification request from last year. I'm very surprised by what was said there, and I don't think it wise at all. If I understand rightly, people objected to TPH nominating too many articles for deletion (thus overwhelming the system) and perhaps being too vigorous in seeking deletion. Deprodding an article helps to de-overwhelm the PROD system, and any inappropriate behaviour (e.g. abusing whoever prodded the article) can be dealt with as such, instead of with Arbcom sanctions. Just throw out all PROD-related restrictions (or if you absolutely have to keep some restrictions, create a completely new statement comprising all extant PROD-related restrictions) and make the whole thing simpler. But don't leave it in the clarification requests; that's just confusing for uninvolved admins and perhaps for involved parties too. Nyttend (talk) 01:17, 10 November 2025 (UTC)

Statement by {other-editor}

Other editors are free to make relevant comments on this request as necessary. Comments here should opine whether and how the Committee should clarify or amend the decision or provide additional information.

Conduct in deletion-related editing: Clerk notes

This area is used for notes by the clerks (including clerk recusals).

Conduct in deletion-related editing: Arbitrator views and discussion

• I would argue no, it is not included; see the topic ban of Johnpacklambert in the same case, where PRODding and de-PRODding are heavily implied to be separate from a deletion discussion (broadly construed) topic ban. theleekycauldron (talk • she/her) 18:39, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

  Yeah, what she said. ScottishFinnishRadish (talk) 18:49, 6 November 2025 (UTC)

  Agreed. - Aoidh (talk) 04:02, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

  Agreed. Elli (talk | contribs) 04:12, 7 November 2025 (UTC)

• I agree with my colleagues above. PROD, by design, is a lightweight process and not a discussion. I also see no problem with TPH expanding articles that are up for deletion (disruptive editing of such articles can be dealt with the same way as any other disruptive editing without the need for ArbCom to legislate for every possibility). HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 18:20, 7 November 2025 (UTC)
• I think that "deletion discussions, broadly construed" means that it is only forbidden if TenPoundHammer participates in the discussions themselves. Adding and removing PRODs are fine. But I would steer away from trying to influence editors directly on their talk pages if articles are at AfD (I know that this wasn't the case this time): I think that could be viewed as trying to participate by proxy. Sdrqaz (talk) 05:33, 8 November 2025 (UTC)