User:Wgfinley
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Wiki-Break
In the middle of moving so will only be on off and on for a bit, leave a message and I'll get back to you!! -- Wgfinley 02:41, 19 May 2005 (UTC)
Me
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W. Guy Finley is:
Libertarian and former LPI (http://www.lpillinois.com) officer (hooray for former!)
Photo Dweeb (http://www.pbase.com/wgfinley)
Lazy Blogger (http://www.wguyfinley.com)
I got started with Wikipedia after I was constantly coming to it for research reasons on various issues. Before long I saw areas where I could contribute and have done so. Lately my focus has been on the Watergate scandal and trying to get bios up for all the figures, correct articles that need it, expand them where needed.
Also I get very interested in photos and trying to ensure they are verified and pass muster to be included. I spend a lot of time locating public domain versions of non-free images, usually concerning U.S. Presidents.
I worked as a claims adjuster for 10 years and got tired of that. I currently do music production from my home along with other work in graphic design and new media. Guess that degree from USC will never get finished!!
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My most recent work has been on images where Wikipedia has claimed fair use but hasn't tried to secure permissions for them. On April 1, 2005 (no, it was no April Fool!), I obtained permission from The Associated Press to use two of their most famous photos: Joe Rosenthal's picture of the flag raising on Iwo Jima and Nick Ut's picture of Kim Phuc Phan Thi and others at Trang Bang, Vietnam.
I'm a strong believer that some of our claims on fair use stretch too far, especially when we don't at least try to secure permissions for copyrighted works. I think my success here demonstrates you can be successful, even with two of the most famous photos in the world.
AMA
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I'm also petitioning to become a member of the Mediation Committee so if you would care to throw your support for me there I would certainly appreciate it. I think my efforts, albeit in a brief time thus far, are indicative of my ability to be a good mediator and try to end disputes before the last draw of arbitration.
Why an advocate? I spent 11 years as a claims adjuster and spent the vast majority of that time negotiating, repairs, injury settlements, and liability with customers, managers, and other insurance companies. During that time I became well known for my abilities in inter-company arbitration, so much so that co-workers would ask me to write their filings for them.
I also spent 10 years as a referee for AYSO where I served as Regional Referee Administrator, Area Referee Administrator, Intermediate Referee Instructor, and Referee Assessor. I earned a reputation of being tough but fair with all parties and that's pretty much how I live my life.
As an advocate I certainly emulate the great Clarence Darrow, maybe it's because we're both from Illinois. I particularly love one of his famous quotations:
- "Lost causes are the only ones worth fighting for."