My design for the WikiProject Appalachia logo, consists of an Appalachian barn quilt star design with colors corresponding to aspects of the region.
Hello, my name is Dionysius Miller, I joined Wikipedia with the intent to contribute on 11/21/2023 out of a desire to teach and learn about topics at threat of being lost, forgotten, or going uncared for. I hail from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a city situated at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers which form the Ohio River. As such, I specialize in topics related to the city's culture and history, in particular its neighborhoods, sports, notable inhabitants, and general industrial information.
I generally focus on cultures and history, general Appalachian information, Pittsburgh, & biographies of fantastic yet unknown people.
The single article I put the most time into was Old Ironsides due to the fact that I largely had to find lost or century+ year old sources; I went so far as to search through both a physical image and newspaper archive. My biggest project as a wikipedian, however, has been the complete overhaul and revival of WikiProject Appalachia. The project had been dormant for over a decade and I have been in the constant, unrelenting struggle to overhaul every aspect of the project in the hopes of its revival. It has been a gratifying and enjoyable process. From a new barnstar to personally reviewing over 1000 articles for their importance rating, it's been an amazing experience which I highly recommend joining in on or starting with your own passion's space. Where Old Ironsides taught me how to research, WP:APPA has taught me graphic design, patience, obscure Wikipedia guidelines, and a surprising amount of country music history.
My favorite activity for contribution, however, is to expand stubs and missing articles for places, peoples, and events that I come across in my own studies. In particular ones which I have grown to love out of academic interest and genuine care, such as with Katherine Sleeper Walden, an early American environmental conservation activist, or the Old Ironsides Trophy, a largely undocumented piece of college football history.
Admittedly, I fit the description of a WikiBee a bit too much and (while I'm working on it) do tend to get protective/specific on issues such as formatting and references.
Generally speaking, I do not make the push to GA, instead I make an effort to make my best article (usually with the goal of B since it's the highest non-applied class) and move on to the next topic. I make the push at some points for articles I find particularly interesting or important, but I just don't see that as particularly necessary.
I'm always in the market for new research ideas or requests. Please don't hesitate to use my talk page for any complaints, comments, or compliments. Anything constructive and/or informative is greatly appreciated.
My custom signature (feel free to adapt for your own use!):
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