I started here in January 2006 and soon got hooked. And I haven't destroyed the place yet - it's still here every time I wake up, no matter what I do to it!
Wikipedia is like a house being built by the community, and I'm putting my brick in the wall as I pass on by; sometimes I will linger and sweep up some mess. I used to think of myself primarily as a content builder, though I also got involved in maintenance stuff like writing guidelines, closing AfDs and other discussions, helping out in dispute resolution, !voting in RfAs, reviewing Good Articles, archiving talkpages, etc. Maintenance and content building each has its own value in building the house.
I am an admin. I was a 'Crat, and served three terms on ArbCom, but resigned from those roles as I felt myself getting older and slower, and less active. We need more active and engaged users to step up to become 'Crats. These days I mostly potter around, tinkering in a minor way with articles on subjects I am reading about - a bit of light copy-editing, but I may occasionally do some maintenance or admin work. I like doing GA reviews, though my involvement there is sporadic. I have been involved in reviewing, editing and/or nominating over 200 Good articles. I have written several DYK articles, took Covent Garden to Good Article then FA status, and assisted or been a significant contributor to several other Featured Articles, such as Tiananmen Square self-immolation incident, The Kinks, and George Harrison.
I enjoy giving and receiving awards. Even if the giving and receiving of awards may be fairly random at times, the support and praise of fellow Wikipedians is important. Give someone an award today! These are the random stars I have been given.
This page is best viewed with any old browser and a full mug of murky brown tea
We are not the internet, we are an encyclopaedia. The difference being: we select, organise, and explain.SilkTork
Every word we add to Wikipedia matters.
Our text should arise as a summary of the reliable sources, rather than editors first deciding what they want to say and then looking for sources. Agricolae
When users are subject to behavior which violates Wikipedia's code of conduct, they are not given license to respond in kind. Users are responsible for their own behavior. Concerns regarding the conduct of others should be raised [by] following appropriate conduct dispute resolution procedures. Kolya Butternut
SilkTork is a name I have used for my internet activity since the 1990s. My real name is Steve Pereira. I was born and I live in the UK, from mixed ancestry - Welsh, Irish, and Portuguese. I have a French wife, Christelle, and we have daughter, Phocea, who was born in March 2009. We lived in Rochester, Kent, when I started on Wikipedia, we now live in Southampton. I have five children from three marriages and I have seven grandchildren.
I'm a writer, teacher, and examiner, but gave up teaching a few years ago. Primarily at the moment I am a house-parent and writer. I have had a varied career in which I have been dustman, welder, shop manager, wine salesman, businessman, publisher, gardener, teacher, poet, kitchen designer, examiner, reviewer, writer, warehouseman, editor of poetry magazines including "Angel Exhaust" and "Responses", and editor of an international travel magazine, "Eutopia". One of my hobbies is running, and I have completed several marathons - generally in a time just over 6 hours.
My interests are varied and constantly changing, but include: films, especially those of Tarkovsky, David Lean, Kubrick and Kurosawa; popular music from the 1950s onwards; beer and pubs, literature of all times and countries; playing chess badly; human rights; the history of roads and places; and researching and reading up on whatever grabs my attention this month!
I present this barnstar to you in recognition of your work in cleaning up I Am Legend. CyberGhostface (talk) 23:20, 26 December 2007 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Peace
Awarded to SilkTork for patience, perseverance and focus in helping bring the Karyn Kupcinet article into shape. May you never be haunted by the name James Ellroy. Thanks so much!! Wildhartlivie (talk) 07:21, 7 January 2008 (UTC)
Zen Garden Award for Infinite Patience
I present this Zen Award to SilkTork for somehow finding sanity in an insane situation and for being incredibly understanding even when I couldn't see the forest for the trees. Thanks so much for your help. Pinkadelica (talk) 12:33, 7 January 2008 (UTC)
The Outlaw Halo Award
Since there is apparently no "barnstar of uncommon impartiality", I present you this Outlaw Halo instead. It beats the Special Barnstar any day. Thanks for setting such a good example for others. Zahnrad (talk) 00:49, 2 February 2008 (UTC)
For your hard work in protecting Alan Cabal and freedom of speech Smith Jones (talk) 20:33, 26 June 2008 (UTC)
The Anti-Flame Barnstar
Despite my disappointment with the outcome, you handled the "Is the EU a country" (List of GDP by country) debate in a mature and calm manner. Therefore you deserve this award. THE FOUNDERS INTENT PRAISE 12:01, 8 July 2008 (UTC)
Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
I appreciated your encouragement and efforts on my behalf in a minor but contentious dispute in June 2008 with User: Rollosmokes. This user has been indefinitely blocked and, as of this week, has vowed to leave Wikipedia. This is sad to see, but your assurances that common sense, civility, and consensus eventually prevail have been uplifting. Cheers, Nick Lantana11 (talk) 21:25, 22 July 2008 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Good Humor
For the hilarous rfa message from you! Bring out the weather girls! Andy (talk) 18:04, 2 December 2008 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Peace
For the amazing amount of work you put into developing the foundations of a passionately debated article that meets community standards. And for showing an amazing amount of patience, professionalism and courtesy to all sides of the discussions SiIIyLiIIyPiIIy (talk) 08:00, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
The Editor's Barnstar
For a hard working editor and in recognition of his work and enthusiasm in significantly improving articles on Wikipedia. Tbo 157(talk) 16:48, 29 August 2009 (UTC)
I feel like several of Mattisse's mentors are really working hard, and trying to make the best of a difficult situation. You're one of these. I just wanted to drop you this note to let you know that your work is appreciated. UnitAnode 14:12, 14 October 2009 (UTC)
The Working Man's Barnstar
For all your hard work getting Milford Haven to GA status. Pondle (talk) 23:10, 10 February 2010 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar may be awarded to those that show a pattern of going the extra mile to be nice, without being asked.
This barnstar is awarded to SilkTork, for his dedication to compromise and his ability to work with other editors to come up with amicable solutions which satisfies everyone. Thank you for your valiant efforts to the project. We desperately need more editors like you. :) Okip 00:11, 8 March 2010 (UTC)
On behalf of Wikiproject Good Articles, I would like to express our gratitude to you for your contributions to the Sweeps process. Completion of this monstrous task has proven to be a significant accomplishment not only for our project, but for Wikipedia. As a token of our sincere appreciation, please accept this ribbon. Lara01:14, 28 March 2010 (UTC)]]
The Admin's Barnstar
The Admin's Barnstar may be awarded to administrators who made a particularly difficult decision. Thank you for making those tough decisions. Okip 13:57, 1 June 2010 (UTC)
The Rock music Barnstar
I just had the pleasure of reading Chuck Berry, the article looks great and reads even better. You deserve this for your effort in getting it to Good Article status. J04n(talk page) 18:45, 9 June 2010 (UTC)
This flying Wikipedia world comes to you for your all contributions. Thank you, teşekkürler, merci, grazie, gracias, hvala, köszi, paldies...—CnkALTDS 03:42, 17 August 2010 (UTC)
I am both pleased and honored to present you with the Silk Purse Award in appreciation for your improvements to the Blooded (film) article, helping to change what was seen as a sow's ear into a terrific silk purse. Schmidt,MICHAEL Q. 18:21, 25 March 2011 (UTC)
Your majesty, it gives me great pleasure to bestow these Triple crown upon SilkTork for your contributions in the areas of WP:DYK, WP:GA, and WP:FC. Thank you for all your contributions to the project! – SMasters (talk) 13:36, 19 June 2011 (UTC)
I hereby award this Barnstar of Peace to SilkTork, for his neutrally jugements, and his special attention to dispute resolution here Talk:Iranian Azerbaijanis.Your efforts are greatly appreciated,as a positive force in the Wiki community. Thanks. --Orartu (talk) 12:50, 7 November 2011 (UTC)
The Admin's Barnstar
Thanks for your thoughtful closing of the RFC about music album notability. WhatamIdoing (talk) 18:36, 12 November 2011 (UTC)
The Special Barnstar
For your efforts on Otis Redding (including the cut-and-page move) and its GAN, I hereby award you this barnstar. You deserve it! ♫GoP♫TCN 11:47, 16 November 2011 (UTC)
Nice to see someone breaking the group-think impression that ArbCom might otherwise give. Too bad your proposal has been unanimously rejected by your peer Arbs. ASCIIn2Bme (talk) 11:38, 9 January 2012 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Integrity
awarded to SilkTork who have shown to be a person of integrity and honor, a stand-up guy, loyal, honest and trustworthy. Thank you. Poeticbenttalk 19:15, 5 March 2012 (UTC)
The Instructor's Barnstar
For the invaluable addition to the Parser article of the Lookahead section. It helped me greatly in understanding the LL and LR parsers and parsing in general. Nxavar (talk) 19:04, 25 May 2012 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diplomacy
Even though I suppose the situation hasn't been fully resolved yet, I really appreciate your patience and willingness to help, and I wanted to award this barnstar for what's been accomplished thus far with your help, which, I feel, is a bunch, and deserves to be recognized. Thank you! Prayerfortheworld (talk) 06:56, 11 October 2012 (UTC)
The Original Barnstar
I don't agree with everything you've ever said or done on ArbCom, but I think you're not only an extremely honest person, but brave in the forthright defense of your beliefs and reasonable in showing a willingness to amend them when a developing situation dictates. Thank you for your excellent work on behalf of Wikipedia in an extremely thankless position. Carrite (talk) 02:40, 25 October 2012 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diplomacy
On this I was happy to see your vote. Not because you voted for Elen (in the sense that you supported her CU rights staying for the time being) but because, IMO, you voted for what the motion was about. I realize some people may disagree with my opinion, but even so, I think that what you did was the right thing to do. Kangaroopowah 02:28, 4 December 2012 (UTC)
You did a great job in the dispute resolution on Malayalam Cinema page. Thanks for your patience, perseverance and rational attitude. The moderated discussion initiated by you turned out to be fruitful. And here is my appreciation in the form of a colourful barnstar :-) Aarem(Talk) 02:53, 17 April 2013 (UTC)
The Original Barnstar
To SilkTork, for your contributions as moderator of the Tea Party movement structured discussion. You did a lot of good to that discussion, and I only remembered I hadn't thanked you for it when we were putting the finishing touches to the arbitration decision today. Keep up the fantastic work! AGK[•] 00:50, 3 September 2013 (UTC)
The Special Barnstar
For completely solving an otherwise insoluble problem Op47 (talk) 18:01, 13 October 2013 (UTC)
The Tireless Contributor Barnstar
I'd just like to thank you for your service on ArbCom. I know it's been a pain in the behind most of the time, and while I don't always agree with your stances on issues, I appreciate the service. Enjoy your break. Ealdgyth - Talk 01:23, 20 November 2013 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Integrity
Thank you for your service on the Arbitration Committee. Your good faith attempt at mediation on a recent arbitration case, regardless of outcome, was particularly impressive. The best interests of this project are served by your contributions. — ArtifexMayhem (talk) 21:55, 22 December 2013 (UTC)
The Defender of the Wiki Barnstar
At the end of his committee term, to SilkTork, for taking on a role that he didn't really enjoy and persevering in it for two full years. Your contributions to the committee made a significant, positive difference to Wikipedia. Thank you, and see you around the wiki :-). AGK[•] 07:11, 23 December 2013 (UTC)
davidwr has given you a cup of tea as a thank-you for your promoting civility in the dispute at Blur (band). Tea promotes WikiLove and hopefully this has made your day ever so slightly better.
Spread the WikiLove by giving someone else a tea, especially if it is someone you have had disagreements with in the past or someone putting up with some stick at this time. Enjoy!
Spread the lovely, warm, refreshing goodness of tea by adding {{subst:wikitea}} to their talk page with a friendly message.
Thanks for creating the new Koka noodles article, and for all of your work to improve English Wikipedia. NorthAmerica1000 06:31, 1 May 2014 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diligence
For your finely organised GA review crusade. Hopefully to you it's its own reward, but maybe these pixels will add to that. CMD (talk) 16:29, 13 May 2014 (UTC)
The Teamwork Barnstar
Thanks for lending your talent to the Sgt. Pepperpeer review and FAC. Because of some wonderful teamwork during the last month, the article is among the best on Wikipedia today. I couldn't have done it alone, and I hope that someday I can return the kindness and generosity that I've enjoyed during this process. Cheers! GabeMc(talk|contribs) 16:23, 23 May 2014 (UTC)
The Special Barnstar
This is a belated act of kindness and gratitude for all your WP contributions both past and present including, but not limited to, your fine work during your term at ArbCom. Peace! — Keithbob • Talk • 15:28, 19 July 2014 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diligence
Thanks ! Mugginsx (talk) 11:35, 27 August 2014 (UTC)
The Barnstar of Diligence
For exceptional scrutiny of a GAR listing and helpful identification of areas for improvement. LavaBaron (talk) 17:37, 5 August 2015 (UTC)
The Admin's Barnstar
For all you do for the project, cheers! Tiggerjay (talk) 02:03, 27 October 2015 (UTC)
Your recent comment of Dodger67's RfA demonstrates that one can disagree eloquently but without malice and should serve as a reminder to all users that disagreeing with someone does mean you have to forget about being civil, no matter how heated an argument has become. For that, please accept this Barnstar. Regards SoWhy 13:25, 23 January 2017 (UTC)
Thanks for helping me. MaccoreHenniMii!Pictochat Mii! 18:55, 3 March 2020 (UTC)
The Barnstar Barnstar
Good on you for creating the Job Done award for admins who honorably resign their tools. I think it was a great idea, and you designed it very well. I have no doubt that it will catch on and become a new tradition. Best, ~Swarm~{sting} 09:47, 16 April 2022 (UTC)
The Random Acts of Kindness Barnstar
Thanks for taking the time out to recognize the past efforts of outgoing administrators on WP:BN. I really love that you're going that extra mile to show appreciation. –xenotalk 16:08, 12 October 2022 (UTC) - and jc37 18:26, 1 December 2022 (UTC)
The Sandwich of Exceptional Excellence
The Sandwich of Exceptional Excellence (Potato Salad of Congeniality cluster, 1st. class) In Panis, Veritas. - For being, in my estimation, an all-around great example of a Wikipedian. : ) - jc37 18:26, 1 December 2022 (UTC)
The Admin's Barnstar
For your long years of service, especially on Arb Com. Ad Orientem (talk) 18:04, 19 September 2023 (UTC)
I'll second this. I saw your initial post and was looking at barnstars, and it just felt like there just isn't a barnstar good enough, appropriate enough. Anyway, I wish you and yours all the best for your future : ) - jc37 00:32, 20 September 2023 (UTC)
A cookie for you!
I was surprised to see you weren't a bureaucrat anymore. Thank you for your near-4 years of service. Queen of Hearts (talk • stalk • she/they) 07:42, 26 February 2024 (UTC)
