Category talk:Mysterious people

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[edit] Cateory for deletion, renaming

This category was up for deletion. The discussion pointed out the ill definition of the category based simply on its name. To try to remedy that, I have put a definition onto the page and to match that have removed Pynchon and Salinger from the category. --R. S. Shaw 03:33, 2004 Oct 4 (UTC)

This category was up for renaming in June 2005: discussion -R. S. Shaw 28 June 2005 19:25 (UTC)

[edit] Jack the ripper

Surely.

His article would be listed in Category:Unidentified serial killers, a subcategory of this one. In fact, that category already has an entire subcategory devoted to Jack: Category:Jack the Ripper. -R. S. Shaw 17:41, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Badgeman

Should JFK's badgeman be added?

[edit] Columbus

Christopher Columbus tried to hide his origins. Would he qualify?

Hmmm, his case points out the difficulty with this category, at least using the stated criteria. Although much is known about him, there is the origin issue. I'm sure some would argue his origins are clear (son of Domenico of Genoa), in spite of the fact that other origins are proposed. (All I know is what I read in the Wikipedia.) It also seems unclear just how much Columbus tried to hide his exact origin. But supposing he did obfuscate, it may not have been much of an issue at the time; my guess is that his origins didn't seem mysterious to his contemporaries, if that should be considered. Still there's a fair case for including him.
It seems to me that Shakespeare's case is a bit like Columbus's, at least to hear some tell it. If you don't believe the Stratford-on-Avon story, there are several alternative possibilities. -R. S. Shaw 06:37, 2004 Dec 3 (UTC)
Scientists are trying to do a DNA tests on his known or presumed descendants in Spain, France, and Italy."Spanish DNA team seeks roots of Columbus" What’s really mysterious about him is what did he actually look like. All protraits of him were taken after he died. I saw a 1992 issue of National Geographics magazine about Columbus’ voyages and the article had a picture of one of Columbus’ modern descendants who is a Spaniard serving in the Spanish Navy. He sort of look like the Renaissance paintings.--DarkWingEagle 06:18, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Potential Deletions

In my opinion many of the members of this category don't belong here, based on the definition. I think that Anonymous IV, You're So Vain, QT's Diary, Senior Administration Official, Angus Oblong, John of Kolno, and Prester John are definite candidates for deletion from this category. However, the category should exist because it adequately describes personalities like Babushka lady, James de la Cloche, Count of St Germain, Kasper Hauser, feral children, and others.--Cassmus 07:21, 1 May 2006 (UTC)

A lot of this list should be deleted. The start of the article states: "This category is for people about whom there is (or was for a long period) a mystery as to their identity, immediate origins, or life." It further states: "Also, just because a person is reclusive or hides his activities is not a reason to include him in this category". Many of these people are known and their lives documented. They simply chose to be reclusive, unusual or wear a mask. Niteshift36 (talk) 10:16, 1 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Deletions and Category redefinition

I have followed up on my proposal to purge the category of pages that don't belong in it. I've also redefined the category. The definition isn't perfect, especially since it includes words like "mysterious" and "mystique." However, I expanded it to include a person's life, and not just their immediate origins (which would include Rasputin, of whom historians know much about, but is still mysterious in most people's judgment). Because of the subjectivity that remains in the definition, I have decided to keep the disclaimer on the site. Also, I gave specific examples of the kind of pages that do NOT belong, which should keep this category more coherent and internally consistent.--Cassmus 09:50, 26 May 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Deep Throat

His identity being confirmed, does he really belong here?

I think so. The definition says "This category is for people about whom there is (or was for a long period) a mystery as to their identity . . ." (emphasis added). I think that over thirty years of speculation justifies his inclusion in this category.--Cassmus 06:55, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] OK, how about Nostradamus or Edgar Cayce?

Would it be appropriate to include Nostradamus or Edgar Cayce in this category? Just trying to ask an honest question. User:ProfessorPaul 23:50, 18 June 2006 (UTC)

I'm inclined to say no. The category is for people whose "identity, immediate origins, or life" are mysterious. Nostradamus is famous because of his writings and "prophecies," while Cayce was famous for his occult activities. There doesn't seem to be much mystery surrounding their identity, origins, or life. However, others may disagree. Ever since I tackled this category I've been making a few somewhat arbitrary decisions. Others may disagree.--Cassmus 22:57, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Homer the antiquities poet

Should Homer (the antiquities poet) be listed on this page. They included a Chinese philosopher who was around much later than Homer. There are several theories about who Homer was. He could have been a blind old person or he could have been a group of poets called Homeridae that chronicled the history of Odysseus and the Trojan War which is now more of a real historic war since they found Odysseus’ tomb and Ajax’s palace.--DarkWingEagle 06:53, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Added more people

I added these people to the list of mysterious people: Pope Joan Jean Lafitte Keyra Augustina Blackbeard Homer The reason why is because their background is mysterious. Their real names are not known for sure nor are their real birthplaces.

[edit] Categorization of category

Mysteriousness is really more of an attribute than a status, hmm? --lquilter 21:58, 9 January 2007 (UTC)


[edit] Daft Punk

What they hell is daft punk doing here?

[edit] Abagnale

Should Frank Abagnale be on here. He did kind of escape the feds and his identity for a long time not sure exactly how long, I think maybe 5 years, but you get the gist. --Gen. S.T. Shrink *Get to the bunker* 02:37, 4 October 2007 (UTC)

No. Just because they didn't know for a period of time, doesn't put him in the criteria. His life has been chroniceled extensively by the FBI and by Abagnale himself in his book. Niteshift36 (talk) 09:58, 1 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Pseudonyms

It says there that pseudonyms should not be included in this category. However, currently there are several pseudonyms there, including Allahpundit and Billmon.

I was wondering whether or not Spengler (columnist) belongs in the category. If Allahpundit and Billmon do, certainly he does as well. --Victor Chmara 19:47, 1 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Rader

Should Dennis Rader be on here. 31 years seems a long time, nearly as long as Deep Throat, who most definitely belongs here. What do people think? --Gen. S.T. Shrink *Get to the bunker* 04:30, 26 March 2008 (UTC)