I'm a legal academic and a lawyer that runs a non-profit project that represents consumers and class members pro bono, occasionally winning a few million dollars for them here and there. I practice in Washington, DC; some say that I do so notably, though I suspect that reflects a systemic bias in Wikipedia. I'm an elected member of theAmerican Law Institute, which entitles me to a cup of coffee at Starbucks if I also give them $3. Someone much better-looking than me is playing me in theHBO movie.
Wikipedia is a hobby. While I have strong political views off-wiki, I aspire to upholdWP:NPOV on-wiki. The fact that my Wikipedia editing has inspired attacks from bothMichael Moore andOrly Taitz accusing me of participating in conspiracies suggests that I've succeeded. The fact that Wikipedia took one of those implausible complaints seriously suggests,among other evidence, that Wikipedia has a systemic bias that interferes withWP:NPOV.
Wikipedia has no deadline. If I don't respond to your article talk-page demand immediately, it might be because I'm working on anotable case in real life, and I care more about that case than a Wikipedia dispute.
Okay, you melted my heart. Let's bury it (the hatchet, not my heart).DavidShankbone 03:55, 22 August 2007 (UTC)
Civility Award
I'm impressed with your ability to remain calm, rational and civil in the face of personal attacks. This seems to be an uncommon trait around here sometimes - Wikipedians surely could learn from your good example.70.110.239.244 17:27, 25 August 2007 (UTC)
I'm sorry to read about that posting of you name and number by a bad apple. :( I wish I could help you, but all I can do is give you this star. —$PЯINGεrαgђ 18:14, 17 August 2007 (UTC)
The Special Barnstar
I hereby award you this shiny barnstar for your quick efforts in response to a redlink and your other diligent efforts to improve articles in a thoughtful and constructive manner.WP:Redlinks are our friend because they tell us an article is waiting to be born and you have just proven that. --Banjeboi 18:24, 10 January 2009 (UTC)
Nice work. --DavidShankbone 18:53, 10 January 2009 (UTC)
The Invisible Barnstar
Thank you for your work on those articles that have been languishing in the backlogs. As someone once told me "Your good work goes unseen unless someone disagrees ;)" --BirgitteSB 01:53, 22 January 2009 (UTC)
Articles created
There are so many holes in Wikipedia that I tend to prefer to wikignome with incremental improvements and to fill interstitial gaps with stubs to avoid red-links, but I did create a good article just to show that I could.
