Wikipedia:Help desk

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March 31

Marriage Template Problem

Resolved

 – Mysdaao ^talk 12:21, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

In the article for Karl Rove the infobox seems to be displaying incorrect information for his marriages. Instead of the first marriage, it displays "*adr="30///LAST"". This infobox is using the marriage template, and it looks properly formatted to me. Can someone shed some light on the problem? Thanks! Ithizar (talk) 00:25, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

An anonymous editor had removed most of the content of Template:Placename/adr, which Template:Marriage uses. I have reverted the vandalism, and now the marriages in Karl Rove display correctly. --Mysdaao ^talk 00:37, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Thank you! Ithizar (talk) 19:23, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

You're welcome! --Mysdaao ^talk 12:21, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Edit descriptions

Resolved

 –  – ukexpat (talk) 14:28, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I want to be more descriptive in my edit descriptions - at the moment I keep writing 'Rewording and cleanup' and it's really annoying me that I end up typing the same description all the time, although when I do edit an article I tend to do the same kind of edits. What else can I use to describe my edits or do I even need to bother, as I have seen other established editors completely miss them out. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Chevymontecarlo. 10:19, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Experienced editors shouldn't be leaving them out. Edit summaries are less about what you did (you can get that from the diff) and more about why you did it. For things like fixing spelling mistakes there's not much you can add over "fixed spelling", whereas if you're adding content to an article or changing a section you can provide the rationale for why you made the changes in question. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:45, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It's also important to say what you did. Many users don't have time to look at each diff on pages of interest, and the diff engine sometimes gives long confusing diffs for simple changes. See also Help:Edit summary. PrimeHunter (talk) 10:58, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

OK, I will continue with the edit descriptions. I will make them more detailed though. Chevymontecarlo. 07:07, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Please do, they don't need to be essays, just a few descriptive words will do. – ukexpat (talk) 14:28, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Multiple interwiki links on one article

Situation as follows: article on en:wp covers two specific issues that are covered by two articles in other wp. What to do? Article in question is Sculling, which is two aricles on de:wp : Skullen & Wriggen. Also, while I'm at it, after editing, when trying to preview, or save, I keep getting blank pages. What's with that? Thanks & regards, --G-41614 (talk) 11:45, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

One of the interlanguage links, de:Rudern#Skullen, is to a section which is not recommended. An interlanguage link should be used when the entire article in another language is on the same subject. de:Rudern is about rowing (sport), not just sculling. de:Wriggen should be the only German interlanguage link on the page.

What exactly do you mean when you say you keep getting blank pages? Do you mean a Wikipedia page loads with no content, or the page you see has absolutely nothing on it? --Mysdaao ^talk 12:29, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Ok, but Wriggen covers only half of the english article's content, since skullen and wriggen are two different things in German, not like One- and Two-Oar-Sculling in English, so ... leaving just one link is lacking, either, I guess.

As to the empty pages, I get a wp-page alright, just the content is blank(-ed). First time it happened I accidentally hit "save", then got a reply asking me not to blank pages, which I did not appreciate but ok, stuff happens. But now it's a permanent thing - I edit, hit save (minor edits) or preview (anything more than a comma), then get the usual message (... just a preview etc. etc. ...), but the content is gone. Going back, than forward again usually takes care of the problem, but it's bothersome. Also, hit accidentally the wrong button (save), and the blank page is saved - not the intention. HTH, and anyway, thank you for your reply, --G-41614 (talk) 16:41, 31 March 2010 (UTC) Just happened again - hit preview, and voilá - blanked page!

You may be having problems with your page cache. Try to wp:Bypass your cache the next time a page looks blank, as the revised one may just not have made its way back to you. Hitting "save" a second time will not help if this is the case, and may have caused the blanking. Cheers.User:LeadSongDog come howl 17:51, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Regardless of whether the German Wikipedia article Wriggen has less content currently (that can always change) than the English Wikipedia article Sculling, interlanguage links are for linking to articles on the same overall topic in different languages, which these two appear to be. --Mysdaao ^talk 12:31, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Trying to set up a page.

I am trying to set up a page. I have done a search for the name i want to use, Travel247. It ssays there is no travel247 and that it can be used for a page but when I try to set it up it will not allow me? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.47.44.123 (talk) 13:12, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Where do you try to create it? A mainspace article should be created at Travel247. Read Wikipedia:Your first article before creating an article. You have to be logged in to an account to create mainspace pages. Unregistered users can create suggested articles at Wikipedia:Articles for creation. PrimeHunter (talk) 13:22, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

(edit conflict) You'll need to create an account before you can create a page. Following is the standard advice on how to create an article.

A Wizard is available to walk you through these steps. See the Article Wizard.

Thank you.

You will need to first register an account, which has many benefits, including the ability to create articles. Once you have registered, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines which all articles should comport with. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite to reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.

Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.

If you still think an article is appropriate, see Wikipedia:Your first article and Wikipedia:How to write a great article, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation. An Article Wizard is available to walk you through creating an article, but you will need to create an account to use it. if you don't wish to do so, you can submit a proposal for an article at Articles for Creation. TNXMan 13:23, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Something odd at top of article

Article The Reformed Church of Newtown shows 1.REDIRECT at the top; I think it may be caused by a problem with the Multiple Issues template; can someone investigate ? GrahamHardy (talk) 13:51, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

{{Articleissues}} was a double redirect; I've fixed it. You might need to purge your cache to show the correct state of the page. --Floquenbeam (talk) 13:57, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Problem with my email address?

I'm trying to confirm my email address, but it says it can't confirm the address. It's a simple address, (redacted) - do you know why the site would trip on that address? Thank you for your time and attention.

~~AdamLLC~~ —Preceding unsigned comment added by AdamLLC (talk • contribs) 13:53, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It will send a confirmation email to the address you specify. Are things working on the Wikipedia end, but you never get the email? Or are you getting a message from Wikipedia saying it can't confirm the address? p.s. I've redacted the email address, that's often unwise in this age of spambots. --Floquenbeam (talk) 14:00, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I'm also unsure where exactly you encounter a problem. See Help:Email confirmation. If you receive the email but the software will not accept the code then note this part: "Some email programs may break the confirmation link into two lines. If that happens, please copy all parts of the link together into the browser address bar." PrimeHunter (talk) 23:41, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

new user

Hello.

I've created a draft in my userspace and I now want it ot 'go live' on Wikipedia. The guidance says to 'move' it using the 'move' tab. I can;t see a 'move' tab, and do not know where I'd need to move it to if I could. Something else mentions the move neesd to be requested - how do I do that? Can someone please help me. This might seem like a silly problem, but I can;t find anything, through all of the help pages, to simply tell me what I need to do next.

Thanks,

J —Preceding unsigned comment added by APILcommunications (talk • contribs) 14:14, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

The move function is only available for autoconfirmed users; that is, it isn't immediately available for new accounts. I've tidied your userspace work a little and moved it to Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Thanks! Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 14:21, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Based on your username, I'm guessing that you have a conflict of interest with the subject of the article. You may want to read our conflict of interest guideline and our guideline on companies making usernames. Because of these problems, your article may not last long or may be trimmed down. --Arctic Gnome (talk • contribs) 14:26, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Sorry, but that's a blatant violation of the user name policy and has been reported to WP:UAA. – ukexpat (talk) 14:36, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Defaultsort for articles on peoples homes ?

Do articles such as Samuel J. Tilden House require a Defaultsort on for example Tilden ? Obviously the man himself will include a defaultsort; I beleive the House should not; I have removed it but there seem to be a number of such articles, including Sports Centres, Schools and Museums; so now I'm nort so sure; feel free to point me at the relevant documentation or previous discussions, Thanks... GrahamHardy (talk) 14:21, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I would tend to agree with you, but maybe you should begin a discussion at Talk:Samuel J. Tilden House? – ukexpat (talk) 14:42, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It's a more general discussion so should be somewhere more central; I suspect it must have been discussed before; where would I look for an official decision ? GrahamHardy (talk) 16:28, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Just found Wikipedia talk:Categorization of people#buildings, awards, etc., named for a person started on 15th February 2010 - No replies yet though ! GrahamHardy (talk) 16:44, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I'll just check through the Archive pages associated with the above talk page; I'll let you know what I find... GrahamHardy (talk) 16:47, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

• Wikipedia talk:Categorization/Archive 9#sorting: things named after people

I'm of the opinion that such things are best sorted by surname. If one goes to the National Historic Landmarks page for the Tilden house, one will see that the page is titled "Tilden, Samuel J., House". And buildings that have official names like, for instance, John G. Shedd Aquarium are almost always referred to with common names like Shedd Aquarium, though in some cases the WP articles may be titled with the more formal name. Deor (talk) 21:58, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I'm in the User Edit Page

Resolved

 – Article speedily deleted as spam (for the second time). – ukexpat (talk) 14:30, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I want to "Move" my page of make it go live. I've been editing and I think it's ready, but I can't find the "MOVE" button.

What am I doing wrong? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Swolf79 (talk • contribs) 15:14, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It's because your account is not autoconfirmed. However, it looks like your article is at Merrill DataSite. Is that what you needed? TNXMan 15:47, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Swolf79 created Merrill DataSite 20 minutes after posting here so the problem is apparently resolved. New users can create articles but not move pages. Another question is whether the article will be deleted. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:34, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Username Change

At the time that I created my account, I was unaware of Wikipedia’s username formatting. How can I edit my current username or delete the account entirely and start over with a different username (that is currently too similar to the original name)? Thank you! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Awkwardthrust (talk • contribs) 15:28, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

You would need to head over to this page to request a username change. Be sure to read the directions, as they go over what can and cannot be done. TNXMan 15:44, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

As User:Awkwardthrust only had one edit (the message above), it's easier just to abandon that user name and create a new one. – ukexpat (talk) 16:25, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It appears Awkwardthrust wants a name that cannot be created by regular users because it is too similar to the existing name. The people at the link TNXMan gave can fix this. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:30, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Two-level if statements

Is this formatted right for "if A then A, if B then B, else C"?

{{#if:{{{toronto-importance}}}|{{{toronto-importance}}}|{{#if:{{{Toronto-importance}}}}}}|{{{Toronto-importance}}}|{{{importance}}}}}}}

Also, do I need to have an extra pipe symbol inside the tripple-curly-brackets after the words?, like this: {{{toronto-importance|}}}? They are often there, but I don't understand what they're for. Thanks. --Arctic Gnome (talk • contribs) 15:59, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I think you would want this:

{{#if:{{{toronto-importance}}}
     |{{{toronto-importance}}}
     |{{#if:{{{Toronto-importance}}}
          |{{{Toronto-importance}}}
          |{{{importance}}}
      }}
}}

Or in essence: {{#if:{{{toronto-importance}}}|{{{toronto-importance}}}|{{#if:{{{Toronto-importance}}}|{{{Toronto-importance}}}|{{{importance}}}}}}}. –Turian (talk) 16:14, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Thanks. So what is the extra pipe for? Why do #if functions sometimes use {{{importance}}} and sometimes use {{{importance|}}}? --Arctic Gnome (talk • contribs) 17:35, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I'm not entirely sure. From what I have seen, it allows 'customization'. So an accurate example could be:

{{#if:{{{toronto-importance|}}}
     |{{{toronto-importance}}}
     |{{#if:{{{Toronto-importance|}}}
          |{{{Toronto-importance}}}
          |{{{importance|}}}
      }}
}}

I never found a definite definition, so you just need to mess around with it and see how it responds. –Turian (talk) 17:38, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

(←) This might look nicer with mw:Help:Extension:ParserFunctions##switch. --Teratornis (talk) 18:03, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

1. switch wouldn't work in this case. And if there is a way, I am pretty sure it would be more complicated than not. –Turian (talk) 18:05, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

The significance of the pipe is explained at mw:Help:Parser functions in templates. I think the point is that if you don't provide a default (with the pipe) and no value is passed in, then it treats it as non-blank (perhaps as a string 'undefined' or something) and hence true. --ColinFine (talk) 18:17, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

A careful reading of Help:Template#Parameters seems to say that if an unprovided template parameter has no default, the parameter expression appears literally. That is, something like {{{dog}}} with no provided value for "dog" will evaluate to all those characters including the curly braces and thus be true as an argument to a conditional expression. I'm too lazy to verify this with sandbox templates but someone could check if they feel motivated. --Teratornis (talk) 18:25, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Far simpler method

If the example given is what you're actually looking for, then you can replace the whole thing with

{{{toronto-importance|{{{Toronto-importance|{{{importance}}} }}} }}}

This does the same thing and doesn't need any explicit #ifs at all. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 23:05, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

That is far simpler! So with triple-curly-brackets, it defaults to anything after the pipe symbol if the thing before the pipe isn't found? Does the last item need to end with a pipe in case none of the three options are there, like this: {{{importance|}}}? --Arctic Gnome (talk • contribs) 14:42, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

If you want the output to default to being blank, yes. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 09:32, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

How to search all articles links and cites

Resolved

 – ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 18:51, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

How can I search all articles for all occurrences of some url appearing in either links or cites? Thank you—Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 16:23, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I think the Wikipedia search engine (over there on the left if you are using the default monobook skin) can do that, just click "search" rather than "go". – ukexpat (talk) 16:27, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

(edit conflict) You can use Special:Search like a normal search engine. There's an advanced section if you'd like to search specific namespaces also. TNXMan 16:30, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

If you're only looking for articles that contain external links to a specific site, you can also use Special:LinkSearch. --Mysdaao ^talk 16:46, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Eureka! Thx Machine Elf 1735 (talk) 17:29, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

organization changed name

Resolved

 –  – ukexpat (talk) 14:31, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I am an employee at a wildcat sanctuary that has a listing in Wikipedia . Last October, the organization changed its name from "Carnivore Preservation Trust" to "Carolina Tiger Rescue". I noticed there is not a listing in Wikipedia under the new name.

What is the best approach for providing an entry under the new name? I certainly would like people to find an organization listing for either name, and am not sure if it would be better to update the current listing and also create a new one, or simply update the current listing.

I am also concerned about conflict of interest. The COI requirements state you should not write content for "your company"- but does that refer to individuals own their own company, or does this also apply to employees of a company? I certainly intend to provide objective information- not information to promote the organization.

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by CTRescue (talk • contribs) 18:57, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

The page, Carnivore Preservation Trust, would need to be moved to the correct title. I would also suggest you read this page on how to edit when there is a conflict of interest (which does extend to employees). However, it seems like you are here to edit in good faith, so please ask if you have questions. Cheers! TNXMan 19:00, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia does not have listings: it has articles, because it is an encyclopaedia, not a directory. This may seem a trivial matter, but it may help to bear it in mind if you do edit the page. --ColinFine (talk) 23:14, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I have confirmed the name change and moved Carnivore Preservation Trust to Carolina Tiger Rescue so the former now redirects to the latter. You wouldn't have been able to move it before your account became autoconfirmed but you can edit the content of the article to reflect the new name. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:23, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Improper Photo

There is an improper photo that may be offensive to some people that I have been unable to remove.

Back in 2007, while serving in Iraq and rebuilding the Iraqi Air Force, we helped them develop a new Iraqi Air Force insignia, or Roundel. I posted this new roundel on wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Air_Force

6 months later the Iraqi Government introduced a new flag to remove markings that were offensive to many in their country due to their origin with the Hussein regime. Because of this, the Iraqi Air Force reverted back to their historic Roundel (green triangle, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_Air_Force).

After many attempts, I have been unable to remove the round, unauthorized roundel and replace it with the original green triangle. The round one has markings that are offensive to many Iraqis, and it is also not correct to show it as the official emblem.

Can you assist me with removing the newer roundel that I posted and listing the original (triangle) as the current symbol of the Iraqi Air Force? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 143.250.2.10 (talk) 19:14, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

The roundel images you mention appear to be:

• File:Iraqi Air Force roundel.svg - the circular roundel
• File:IQAF_Symbol.svg - the triangular roundel

On Wikipedia, it is not enough to assert what is true, we must provide reliable published sources to allow other Wikipedia editors to verify our claims. For example here is a search of the USDOD site for "iraqi air force". Maybe you can find an article in there that supports your claim. You can discuss this issue on Talk:Iraqi Air Force or Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Iraq. --Teratornis (talk) 19:49, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

Are you IqAF who uploaded commons:File:Iraqi AF Roundel.jpg to Wikimedia Commons in October 2007? If so, do you still have password access to that account? Another editor User:AnonMoos made commons:File:Iraqi Air Force roundel.svg based on the file by IqAF. The original jpg version appears on several language versions of Wikipedia. The svg version is currently only on one page of the Arabian Wikipedia. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:11, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

What sources do we have explicitly supporting the disputed image? A Google image search showed only Wikipedia and Commons yesterday. Guy (Help!) 07:58, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

iko iko lyrics information

Dear Wikki, i recently had read a truly interesting article about the iko iko lyrics. why was it deleated? I cant find the long version. please let me know where i can find more information. thanks ms. gavey —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.170.230.136 (talk) 19:31, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

I presume you are referring to this old version of the article. About 2/3th of the content was removed recently because it was original research. Excirial ^{(Contact me,Contribs)} 19:36, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

It originated from this edit by User:Iancully1111 who still has a lot on the user page which is not part of the encyclopedia. PrimeHunter (talk) 22:53, 31 March 2010 (UTC)

April 1

"Create PDF" option

What happened to the "Create PDF" link that used to exist over in the toolbox when viewing an article? I liked that feature. Comet Tuttle (talk) 00:31, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

When you are logged in there should be a "Download as PDF" link in the Print/export box. Do you not have that link? PrimeHunter (talk) 00:40, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

uploading image

in one of my questions on science desk i wanna put a image <its a bmp file>. while editing the page isn't there a button on which i can click and put a image instantly--Myownid420 (talk) 04:05, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

No. Images can be tricky, general advice follows:

• If you want to add an existing image to an article, add [[Image:File name.jpg|thumb|Caption text.]] to the area of the article where you want the image to appear – replacing File name.jpg with the actual file name of the image, and Caption text with a short description of the image. See our picture tutorial for more information.
• If you want to upload an image from your computer for use in an article, you must find out what the proper license of the image is. If you know the image is licensed under a free-license, upload it to the Wikimedia Commons instead of here, so that all projects have access to the image (sign up). If you are unsure what license the image takes, see the file upload wizard for more information. Please also read Wikipedia's image use policy. I hope this helps.Template:Z40 – ukexpat (talk) 04:09, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

User account for link spam. What to do?

User http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Subhash_Prajapati is only contributing linkspam. I didn't find any advice in the FAQ on how to deal with this. Thanks for any suggestions. pgr94 (talk) 09:21, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Spam is considered vandalism and the user may be blocked, if his/her edits are blatant advertising. Kayau Voting IS evil 09:24, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

(ec)Serial spammers are essentially dealt with the same way you deal with serial vandals. You simply give them the appropriate warnings (detailed at WP:WARNING), and report to WP:AIV if they continue past the last warning (which I just issued). The only thing to keep in mind is that more likely than with vandals, spammers might not know they are doing anything wrong. But of course, WP:AGF can be thrown out the window when they won't stop. Someguy1221 (talk) 09:28, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks for the pointers - I didn't know about WP:AIV. pgr94 (talk) 09:36, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

AFD

I tried to list Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation for AfD using twinkle. But I've had problems getting it listed on the april 1st page. I'm assuming it is some kind of bug with the beta page layout I'm using. Can someone fix the afd. Szzuk (talk) 12:38, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

It's fixed. It was listed at the AfD log properly by its code, but wasn't showing up because the nomination page (the page that is named "Wikipedia articles for deletion/article name") was not formatted properly. Did Twinkle automatically create the nomination page or did you do that manually?--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 12:53, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks. Twinkle didn't create the afd page, I waited overnight because there is sometimes a delay but it wasn't there. So then I created the afd page myself, incorrectly it seems. I'm not sure what is up. Szzuk (talk) 13:00, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Ah. Well, the code to use on the nomination page you can take directly from here, and is in the form:
{{subst:afd2 | pg=PageName | cat=Category | text=Why the page should be deleted}}~~~~. As for why Twinkle didn't create it, I have no idea (and don't use it) but it might be a good idea to note the problem you had at Twinkle's talk page. Cheers.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 13:27, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Might just do it manually next time! Thanks. Szzuk (talk) 13:32, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Templates

How does one create a template? Immunize (talk) 13:59, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Simply by going to the appropriate page and creating it. For example, you could go to Template:Name of template here and insert the material you want (changing the title, obviously). TNXMan 14:03, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

There is also a detailed guide to templates at Help:Template. TNXMan 14:05, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I have created a couple of (simple) ones by shamelessly stealing the code from other similar templates. For example, I cobbled together {{Feedbackreply}} (yes I know it needs work, but at least it has documentation!) from {{Helpdeskreply}} (which has no documentation!). Create in userspace first, then trial and error. – ukexpat (talk) 14:34, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Lol, so have I! :) ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 10:32, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

How do I edit the title of an article?

There is an article for my company which was created back in 2008 - although we've edited the content some the title of the article is our company name which currently is missing a word.

Can I edit the title of the article so it refelects the company's full legal name?

69.9.15.98 (talk) 18:12, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

It would have to be moved to a new title, but only autoconfirmed editors can do that. And see also the naming conventions for companies at WP:NCCORP, and our guidance on editing with a conflict of interest at WP:COI. – ukexpat (talk) 18:20, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I've moved Global Solar to Global Solar Energy as this isn't a controversial move. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 09:40, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Approval of revised version of Wikipedia article

The current article Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee is not very good. It contains just a few sentences which are not sourced very well. I've written a more developed alternative version, updated now that it has been created and is in the news. This version can be found on my user page here. I would update this myself now but I am affiliated with one group listed in the Controversy section (ALG) so I am hoping that another editor see this as an improvement and move it over. Please make this change at your convenience. Or if there is consensus it is OK for me to add it, I can do that, but I thought it would be better to ask. Thanks. --As in liberty (talk) 19:29, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I suggest that you begin a discussion on the article's talk page or on the discussion page of the relevant WikiProject to gain consensus for your suggested changes. – ukexpat (talk) 19:34, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks. There has only been one edit to that page ever. This is why I ask. I can ask some at that Wikiproject though. But what if they don't reply? --As in liberty (talk) 19:47, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Then come back here or ask at Requests for feedback. – ukexpat (talk) 19:55, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Broken new messages banner

Resolved

 –  – ukexpat (talk) 20:38, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

I clicked on the last change button in the new messages banner, and it logged me out. Is something wrong? NERDYSCIENCEDUDE (✉ message • changes) 19:58, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Never mind. It appeared to be an April Fools joke. NERDYSCIENCEDUDE (✉ message • changes) 20:00, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Annoying isn't it? – ukexpat (talk) 20:38, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Notification that I have new messages

Hi, newbie here. I understand (basically) that the orange-box alert message will appear when I have a new message on my Talk page. But I can't find the answer to the following question in any of the FAQs, how-to's, etc.:

If I respond on my Talk page to a message another user has placed there, will the other user in turn be notified that I've left them a message, or do I need to answer on that user's Talk page?

If possible, please reply on my Talk page.

Thanks for your help! --Jackftwist (talk) 21:58, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

No he or she will not receive a notification, but generally speaking if someone leaves you a message on your talk page they will check back or add your talk page to their watchlist, so there is no need for you to worry about them not seeing it. it is generally better to respond on your talk page rather than theirs as it keeps the conversation in one place. Theresa Knott | token threats 22:02, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

As Theresa says; but if you are concerned they might not see it, you can edit their user page and put the template {{talkback|your user name}}, usually at the top. This will add a message to their user page saying that there is a message for them at your user page. --ColinFine (talk) 00:10, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

• Jackftwist, why don't you visit our template page on talkback >>Wikipedia:Talkback << and understand the intricate details of how to use talkback? Write back in case you wish further help. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 10:01, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

soxred93

On this tool, toolserver.org/~soxred93, it is now asking to opt in to graphs and to create the page. I want to opt in and get the monthly contribution comparison graphs, how is this working, do I create the page and then if I do what code do I add there? Off2riorob (talk) 22:00, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Just create a page called User:Off2riorob/EditCounterOptIn.js with any content in it. .js subpages can only be created by the owner of the account, which means that there mere existence of such a page verifies that the user in question wants to opt in. For example, this is my own opt-in page Excirial ^{(Contact me,Contribs)} 22:50, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

Got it, thanks Excrital, done. Off2riorob (talk) 23:26, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Using Book Creator

I have recently created an account on Wikipedia and am trying to save a book with the Book Creator feature. The Help:Books page mentions a "Save and share your book" section, and also a "Save book" button....neither of which I see on the "Book" page. I read on another page that this feature was in development in early 2009....is this still the case? Is there currently any way to save a book other than to download it as a PDF file? DrWikiBook 22:59, 1 April 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by DrWikiBook (talk • contribs)

Perhaps you have misunderstood to what "book" page was referring. If you have already added pages to your book, go to Special:Book, where you can manage your book. At the bottom right, there's a section called "Save and share your book". Proceed from there. You can only download it as PDF or OpenDocument format. See this for more information. Goodvac (talk) 23:11, 1 April 2010 (UTC)

• Does that resolve your query Dr.WikiBook? Do leave another note in case it doesn't. Best. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:53, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

April 2

Search

Why can't I locate my created page by the "search" method? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.2.221.244 (talk) 00:50, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

It takes a while for the pages to be indexed. It's the same for search engines like Google. They have to have a spidering program explore what's new and index it in order for it to become searchable. It can take a few days or even longer. Be patient.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 01:00, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

• User 75.2.221.244, you did not create any new page. In case you are referring to Marriage in South Korea which you edited, just click on the link and you'll be taken to the page. Cheers, ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:43, 2 April 2010 (UTC)
  • Users often come here not logged in and ask about articles they created while logged in. It would seem unlikely this question is related to Marriage in South Korea, as that article has been searchable since 2007, and the manner of the question implies an understanding of the distinction between the go button and searching.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 12:50, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Sure Fuhghettaboutit, I should've kept that in mind. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:10, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Dear user 75.2.221.244, would you be able to write the name of the article you created out here? By the time you write it, it might well have been listed and searchable too... ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:10, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Scientology case?

Resolved

 – ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:39, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Jimbo mentioned a landmark case regarding an apparent ArbCom decision on Scientology.[1] Can someone please provide me some links so I can find out more about this case? A Quest For Knowledge (talk) 01:39, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Requests for arbitration/Scientology. Cheers.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 01:44, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

blackbox vs smoke test

could you distinguish the difference between blackbox testing and smoke testing? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 61.12.116.244 (talk) 02:24, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Have you tried Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in more general questions like these. --The High Fin Sperm Whale 02:31, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

• You might find the following links helpful. Black-box testing, Software testing#Black box testing and Smoke testing. Please do remember, articles on Wikipedia are editable and need not necessarily be reliable. Warm regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:31, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Inappropriate Userboxes

Content restrictions

All userboxes are governed by the civility policy. Userboxes must not include incivility or personal attacks. Userboxes must not be inflammatory or divisive. Wikipedia is not an appropriate place for propaganda, advocacy, or recruitment of any kind, commercial, political, religious, or otherwise, opinion pieces on current affairs or politics, self-promotion, or advertising.

What Should i do If i find one i believe Violates this policy? Weaponbb7 (talk) 02:44, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

You can nominate it for deletion according to the process laid out on this page. In extreme cases, speedy deletion criterion G10 may apply. -- Blanchardb -^{Me•MyEars•MyMouth}- timed 03:10, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

That page says not to and to instead go to Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion. Cptnono (talk) 03:14, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Yes, I saw that too. My bad. -- Blanchardb -^{Me•MyEars•MyMouth}- timed 03:17, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

yeah i did it at Mis and screwed it up! could someone Fix it? i have tried twice! Weaponbb7 (talk)`

Actually I think lots of UBXs have opinions about current affairs or politics. Kayau Voting IS evil 03:55, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

• What's the page that you believe violates policy? Unless you mention the page out here, there's no way anyone can help you as what you've nominated for deletion on Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion doesn't exist. My suggestion, if you're unsure of how to nominate, just leave a note out here. I or any other project helper would assist you in doing that (although it might not mean I agree with your viewpoint of nominating any particular page for deletion). Warm regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 04:37, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

The page is Wikipedia:Miscellany for deletion/User:Cush/Userbox/NoReligion, which was created an hour before your comment. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:09, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Sure. I see it's been already put properly... Thanks for the note. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:18, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

The page for the 2009-10 stanford cardinal women's college basketball team needs editing.

1. The list of played/scheduled games is out of place as the Pac-10 tournament is listed AFTER the games listed for the NCAA Tournament (The Pac-10 tournament happened BEFORE the NCAA Tournament.

2. The schedule completely OMITS all 3 games that stanford played from the Pac-10 Tournament.

3. This error causes the win total listed in the schedule to SKIP from 28 to 31 Holdenpi (talk) 04:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)holdenpiHoldenpi (talk) 04:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

You are the best person in the world to fix this. That's because you noticed the problem. 100% of Wikipedia was created by people who are no different than you in this regard. If you are uncomfortable editing the article in question, then the correct place to bring this up is on the discussion page of the article in question. Go to the article, select the discussion tab, and leave your corrections there. --Jayron32 05:03, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Holdenpi, the page you refer to apparently does not exist by the name you refer to. Is it possible for you to leave a note giving the exact title of the page you're referring to? That would help attract editors, like me, to correct some of the mistakes. Cheers. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:47, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

2009–10 Stanford Cardinal women's basketball team. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:14, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Thanks. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:19, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

• Dear Holdenpi, I have left a note on the talk page of the article. I have also tagged the article and will be watching it. Will make improvements. Please feel free to edit the article yourself too. Warm regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:33, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Music

Are the Starlight Vocal Band (Afternoon Delight) and the Starland Vocal Band one and the same. Wikipedia uses both names interchangeably. —Preceding unsigned comment added by HanisiNana (talk • contribs) 07:41, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Well, there might have been other bands with similar names. But the singles Afternoon Delight was sung by a notable band called Starland Vocal Band. Incidentally, in my opinion, it was their best song. You could click on Starland Vocal Band for information on the band. The Starlight Vocal Band is most probably another band. But other editors could give more views. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:22, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

A Google search for "Starlight Vocal Band" +site:en.wikipedia.org does not return any hits. Where did you see the name on WP? Deor (talk) 13:17, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Error in locked article

Hello, I've spent quite a while looking for contact info for the right place to send this. I was reading the article for Fred Phelps http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps#Lawsuit_against_Westboro_Baptist_Church and under the lawsuit section, it says that Matthew Snyder died in a helicopter crash. I have read several other sources (including quotes from M. Snyder's father) that say he was the gunner on top of a Humvee when it rolled and killed him. http://www.ydr.com/vets/ci_7555437 is one source. A google search for "helicopter" + matthew snyder on google only lists wikipedia as the source. Most articles say that he died in a "vehicle crash". I believe the wikipedia article cause of death is incorrect. I am not webpage savvy enough to navigate through the help pages to fix it myself (I don't have 10 posts or whatever I need). Please direct this request to the proper person/people. Thanks. 07:47, 2 April 2010 (UTC)07:47, 2 April 2010 (UTC)07:47, 2 April 2010 (UTC)07:47, 2 April 2010 (UTC)Leahneuhauser (talk)

I'll post a note on the talk page of the article wrt this request of yours. I'll also see what can be done on that. Regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 07:50, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

For now, I've changed the information using a Los Angeles Times news source, which does say the individual died in combat. But do remember, as long as reliable sources exist, established editors working on that page are free to add information about the individual. And you're free to keep reporting here any information you might feel is not verifiable or supported with reliable sources, in case you do not get response from the editors after discussing the issue with them on the article's talk page. Regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 08:22, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

If an article is protected and you want something added, you can post your suggested edit on the talk page, as noted above, and then place the template {{editprotected}} or {{editsemiprotected}} (depending on its level of protection) above your post on the talk page to call users to review and take action.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 12:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Version 1.0 Editorial Team index/statistics for our WikiProject?

Hi, I'm trying to set up an importance index for Wikipedia essays. We have 800 essays tagged as Top- High- Mid- or Low- importance. We have the subcategories for each, under the parent Category:Wikipedia essays by importance. However, when I ran the WP 1.0 bot at [2], the output was as follows:

Running /home/project/e/n/enwiki/w/enwp10/bin/update-project-web.pl

Project: «WikiProject Essay Categorization and/or Classification‎»
Get: Category:Wikipedia 1.0 assessments
Listed 3344 pages in 0 seconds
Will update 0 projects
Done.


--- Finished downloading assessment data, now uploading table to wiki
Count: 1624
A Maxlag set to -1
A Set maximum retry count to: 20
A Set base URL to: http://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/api.php
A Set debug level to: 3
A Logging in
A Making HTTP request (1)
R Login successful
A Fetching information about logged in user
A Making HTTP request (2)
R Logged in user has bot rights
A Fetching information mediawiki site
A Making HTTP request (3)
A Fetching content of Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team/WikiProject Essay Categorization and/or Classification‎ articles by quality statistics
A Making HTTP request (4)
A Editing Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team/WikiProject Essay Categorization and/or Classification‎ articles by quality statistics
A Making HTTP request (5)
A Making HTTP request (6)

What am I doing wrong/missing? What I want is for an index of articles by importance to exist at Wikipedia:Essay Categorization and/or Classification/Assessment/Statistics. Thanks for your help. ɳorɑfʈ ^Talk! 08:27, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Would you wish to leave a note about this at Wikipedia:Village pump (technical)? Responses would be more specific out there. Best. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 09:08, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Actually, got it taken care of (not with this question, but through another) over at Wikipedia:Version 1.0 Editorial Team. Help request withdrawn. Thanks for responding, though! ɳorɑfʈ ^Talk! 13:17, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Editing football players appearances and goals

I have asked this before.I am changing the pcupdate but it still is one hour behind. How can i get it right? I sent this message at 10:58 so it will most likely say 09:58. Gobbleswoggler (talk) 09:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

And you have been answered before here. Do please mention whether it is extremely critical for you to get the exact time as per local time? You could visit Special:Preferences and change your Date and Time preferences to suit your location. You could also visit WP:Time to understand one project related to time templates (although I suspect you might find the first preference better than the second one). Feel free to clarify further out here. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 10:16, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

You don't need to use five tildes. You can manually specify the update time if you wish. however, Wifione is correct that this is a problem with your user preferences. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:19, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Your edits like [3] say pcupdate= 10:02, 2 April 2010 (UTC) and this is correct. Note both the parameter assignment and the displayed infobox includes "UTC" which means UTC time, and it is UTC time. If you changed it by an hour then it would no longer be UTC time and it would be false to include "UTC" in the edit. Wikipedia uses UTC time and the same time is displayed for all readers (except in some places if they set preferences) so it would be confusing if times were given in the time zone of whichever editor last edited it. Please don't change from UTC to your local time zone when you save edits in Wikipedia. Signatures should also be given in UTC time and your above signature correctly says it is UTC time. At Special:Preferences under the "Date and time" and "Gadgets" tabs are some possibilities for changing which time zone you see when you are logged in but this only affects yourself. PrimeHunter (talk) 12:30, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Font size too small

The text size is too small for the entire Wikipedia site. I have searched the help archives, but was not able to find a solution. My text size is already set at 100%. If I change the encoding for the page to non-European/non-Unicode I have normal size text again. This only helps for the current page as it automatically goes back to tiny text when I navigate to another page, even though I have Encoding-> Auto Select unchecked. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 155.95.80.253 (talk) 12:56, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Which browser and operating system might you be using? Regards. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ _―Œ ^{♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣} 13:21, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

You didn't say which browser you have but "100%" sounds like a zoom function and not a text size function. Does it help to hold down Ctrl and press the + key, possibly on the numeric keypad? Or to hold down Ctrl and scroll the mouse wheel up? If not then try to clear your entire cache. PrimeHunter (talk) 13:25, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

How do I make an indented list without bullets or numbers?

Resolved

 – BelovedFreak 15:51, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

If I wanted to make a list like this:

1. Apple
2. Orange
3. Mango

How could I do it without using bullets or numbers? To appear about six spaces in from the left margin? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Saltwood (talk • contribs) 14:00, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

A simple possiblity is to indent lines by placing one or more colons at the start.

One colon here.

Two here.

Another possibility is to put the whole text in a table. What do you want to use it for? PrimeHunter (talk) 14:08, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

OK thanks, I thought a colon only indented by one space, but that works. Saltwood (talk) 14:26, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Conflict of Interest Help Needed

As National Marketing Director, I have a clear conflict of interest on the subject of water. How can I request some updates and have a neutral party incorporate the needed changes?

Water is a huge subject - very complicated and the portal of communication is clearly Wikipedia. I don't wish to violate the Wikipedia rules and be overly promotional and yet there is new technology that needs to be defined and explained.

I can include the new terms and the registered trademarks out on our website but I need your guidance. I believe you need a specific link or URL? We can provide that. I did provide the URL for the USPTO registration of Low Level Ozone Technology and the website addresses of who is using our technology. Oh, I left out San Jamar which is www.sanjamar.com - they also license our new technology.

I am new and have not yet issued any news releases - I am starting at the top with you. I need your rules so I can best accomodate getting the right information out on the Internet.

Can someone please guide me? Was the talk page appropriate? Formatting? Please help me lend assistance.

Sincerely, Kelly Engaldo

PS Also clean is not sanitized - I didn't review this out on Wikipedia - another important topic of concern. —Preceding unsigned comment added by KEngaldo (talk • contribs) 14:52, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

The best place to bring this up is on the "talk page" of the relevent articles you have concerns about or additional information for. When you are reading the article in question, select the "discussion" tab, and then start a new topic and raise your specific concerns. It may take a day or two for someone to respond, depending on how many people are active in maintaining the pages in question. If you need any additional help, please feel free to ask here, or possibly at Wikipedia:Requests for feedback if you have a significant proposed change you want reviewed. You can also contact me at my user talk page, and I will see what I can do to help out. --Jayron32 14:57, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Concerned about possible edit warring

Riffraffselbow (talk · contribs) has stated he/she feels that I am engaging in edit warring on an IP talk page, and have violated the 3RR (See at my talk page). What would the best course of action be? I have not used my rollback rights in this case. Immunize (talk) 15:21, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Checking in here. If I recall correctly, Help Desk isn't Dispute Resolution, but it might as well continue here. I generally edit as my IP (currently User:24.205.46.147), as I prefer it due to the lack of drama (though after this incident I may start logging in more often!). I made a minor edit ( http://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Know+the+Ledge&diff=353551795&oldid=344937535 ), bringing an article in line with the MoS (see:WP:Censor). I was reverted by Cluebot. I view this as a false positive. I then proceeded to remove the warning. User:Immunize stepped in and reverted the removal of the warning. What followed was a total of 4 reverts by User:Immunize and one by User:Rfl. I feel this breaks WP:3RR. I finally decided to log in to perform the revert. Sure enough, I was not reverted. I feel that I was harassed unduly. I don't really want to go to arbitration/whatever over something that, in the larger scheme of things, is small, but I do want to make sure that User:Immunize understands why this is inappropriate. (At least, I see it as inappropriate; it's entirely possible that I'm wrong, and IP users are guilty until proven innocent. No ill will is meant in this, I simply feel that you (speaking to User:Immunize here) didn't think carefully before repeatedly reverting me on my own talk page.)Riffraffselbow (talk) 15:34, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Users are allowed to remove warnings from their own talkpages according to the Userpage guideline, whether the warning is legitimately for vandalism or not. In this case, it looks to me like a false positive from Cluebot. Perhaps some of the edit summaries used by User:24.205.46.147 weren't the most helpful, but it looks like he or she hasn't done anything wrong here. I don't think dispute resolution is needed here, but would second what Graham Colm said at User talk:Immunize; just apologise, learn from it and move on.--BelovedFreak 15:45, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I apologize. I was not aware that users were allowed to remove warnings from their own user talk pages. My feeling that the edits were not legitimate was encouraged by two things-the edit summaries left by the IP in question, and the fact that another user also reverted. Immunize (talk) 19:11, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I didn't quite understand your position in all of this. This helped me understand it better. Thank you very much. I'm sorry if my edit summaries tended toward the silly; I was annoyed by Cluebot, and figured nobody would ever read them (who knew there are some brave souls watching the Recent Changes: User Talk page?).Riffraffselbow (talk) 07:16, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

school basketball

what is the regulation size for a high school basketball court? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.63.226.145 (talk) 15:21, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Hello, I believe the answer may be at Basketball court#Dimensions. If this doesn't help, you might try the reference desk where someone may know. This help desk is just for questions about using Wikipedia. People hang out at the reference desk waiting to answer general knowledge questions. Regards, --BelovedFreak 15:48, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

soccer vandalism

Should soccer vandalism have a specific template, looking at Sporting Benfica page today it seems to have a problem with soccer vandalism. Kieranian2001 (talk) 16:09, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Warning templates can be seen at Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace. They are independent of the subject of the vandalized page. There are no templates specific to vandalism of soccer articles and I don't see a reason to make such a template. Many warning templates can link to the vandalised article and include a message written by the editor giving the warning. PrimeHunter (talk) 17:25, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Paolo nutini vandalism

I just wanted to know what i could do about this. A editor (not a user just got a code as a name) did an edit by calling Paolo Nutini a homosexual. I just wanted to know what i could do about this person who put this as I'm not an administrator and can't take action. Gobbleswoggler (talk) 16:46, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

You should issue a warning for each bad edit that the IP makes, you can do this by adding {{Uw-v1}} through to {{Uw-v4}} for a final warning on the IP's talk page, if vandalism continues past the final warning given they can be reported at Wikipedia:Administrator intervention against vandalism and they'll be blocked by an Administrator if necessary. Though the edit in question has already been reverted by another user. See also: Wikipedia:Vandalism. Jeffrey Mall (talk • contribs) - 17:04, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Adminship

I just wondered what i could do as i really want to be an administrator but people keep denying me it.If you look at my contributions i do alot of edits a day and I'm a bit confused.Could somebody help me? Gobbleswoggler (talk) 17:40, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Well if i were you i would read this again!..........4000 edits is just not enough see here ....I have 18,371 see here and still dont think i am ready for Adminship...I would say edit and try again in a year!! The strees that admin in under is great and most will want to see if you can handle criticism and aggressive editors (Can you smooth things out .or not!) Moxy (talk) 17:44, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

It is not quantity, but quality. What have you done that would make the community trust you with the admin tools? ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 18:02, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Why do you want to be an administrator? --Teratornis (talk) 19:38, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

tank wars,bomb

how do i download game —Preceding unsigned comment added by Callanoaks (talk • contribs) 17:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

This is not realy the place to ask this ---but look here -->Download Tank Wars 1.0 Now,,,,,,,,,,,Moxy (talk) 18:02, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

"Sysops" and "Crats"

Discussion intially started at Wikipedia talk:User access levels

---

On a friend's wiki, she found that if you made a non-admin a 'crat, they didn't inherit the admin properties - they couldn't block users, delete pages or protect pages. I don't know what version of MediaWiki they are using, but are you sure that enwiki 'crats would have the admin rights as well? I know no one's ever been a 'crat without being an admin, but I was just curious. --PhantomSteve/talk|contribs\ 07:43, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I have done some tests on my own wiki I set up today and crats alone (without admin bit) can't delete pages or block users, however if the rights are changed in the LocalSettings.php then Crats can be given those rights, could someone do a experiment(test) on wikipedia and report back here - maybe someone could create a test account and only add crat rights. Please leave your reports in the relevent sections below. Paul2387 10:57, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

The answer lies at Special:ListGroupRights. You will see that 'crats do not automatically get sysop rights, but they receive the right to +sysop themselves anyway so it hardly matters. - Jarry1250 ^{[Humorous? Discuss.]} 18:32, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I have never heard of anyone who would do a RfB before a RfA, so to +sysop themselves would be pointless as this is given through an RfA. You would normally get the Sysop Flag before you receive your Crat one, all RfB candidates I know of all had Sysop rights beforehand so getting Crat rights before Sysop seems impossible. Paul2387 18:41, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

It's prohibited (de facto or de jure, I don't know) here on en.wp, but the factual answer is that you don't need to be an admin to be a 'crat. - Jarry1250 ^{[Humorous? Discuss.]} 19:02, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Higher res version of image doesn't seem to exist

Hi, I'm trying to find a higher res image for: (not for commercial use, just personal) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jett_Rocks.jpg the user who uploaded it seems not to be on wikipedia anymore. Anyone have any advice? thanks! Lynn —Preceding unsigned comment added by 170.171.1.5 (talk) 18:30, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Maybe a TinEye search? – ukexpat (talk) 20:15, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

My watchlist

Currently my watchlist only shows the single latest change of every page I'm watching. Thus, knowing I have 10 pages on my watchlist, it never shows more than 10 edits. And they change fairly often because the pages I'm watching are being actively edited. How can I fix my watchlist? Thanks. --Магьосник (talk) 19:09, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Go to My preferences in the top right corner of this screen ,,then select tab Watch list...there you can change things up!!..You will what to select the box name Expand watchlist to show all changes, not just the most recent............Moxy (talk) 19:12, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Admin Self unblocking

What should be done about Sysop's being able to unblock themselves when they've been blocked, currently if an Sysop gets blocked they can unblock themselves via Special:Block which is clearly a violation of their block that was placed in the first place. Paul2387 20:05, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Is it a practical problem or merely theoretical? How may sysops actually get blocked and how many of them unblock themselves? If it really is a problem, the only fix would be a software change to prevent it. – ukexpat (talk) 20:31, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Do you have a specific example of an admin that has unblocked themselves? If you do, you should bring it up at WP:ANI. If you are speaking just in the hypothetical, then I think it would depend on the situation. We would need to know more details before giving any specifics, and if there is a specific, detailed situation that needs discussion, then ANI is the place to have it. --Jayron32 02:10, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Any other stuff I should show this editor?

Hi there. I've responded to User:Gobbleswoggler here showing him what paths he can take to be able to submit a vaild WP:RFA, showing stuff like WP:AIV and WP:RFPP. For this reason, I'd like to know if I've forgotten anything there. The only process I can think of now that I did not list there and is not known by him is WP:RFC. Any more things I should add? Buggie111 (talk) 20:20, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

WP:DOOMEDTOFAILURE? – ukexpat (talk) 20:23, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Haha. Very funny. Seriously, I'd like to help him. Anything else? Buggie111 (talk) 20:27, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I didn't read your advice in detail but did you mention Wikipedia:Guide to requests for adminship? – ukexpat (talk) 20:33, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Nope. Anything else, or should I paste that and RFC in? Buggie111 (talk) 20:34, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Depends what you are trying to do - show what tools admins have and what they do with them or show what criteria are usually considered in an RFA. The lead in to WP:RFA has some good links. – ukexpat (talk) 20:37, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Dead link?

Please let me know if the "official site" in the external links section of Barkley, Shut Up and Jam: Gaiden works for you. I flagged it as a dead link but anon IPs keep removing the tag. Am I being trolled or is there some other reason why that site does not come up for me? The Hero of This Nation (talk) 20:41, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Undead for me. – ukexpat (talk) 20:43, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

What browser are you using. Mine's been shot to pieces in IE7. Buggie111 (talk) 20:58, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I'm using Firefox 3.6. I'm sorry but I don't understand what you mean by "Mine's been shot to pieces." The Hero of This Nation (talk) 21:03, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I meant that it's dead. sorry. Wonder which one Ukexpat was using? Buggie111 (talk) 21:12, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

This one: http://www.talesofgames.com/barkley/ - works in FF 3.6.3, Google Chrome 3.0.356, Opera 10.51, Safari 4.0.5 and IE 6.0.2900. – ukexpat (talk) 21:26, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Newbie needs help

Shumayel86 (talk · contribs · deleted contribs · logs · filter log · block user · block log) has created a couple of incomprehensible articles, one of which he re-created several times after it was deleted. I've blocked him for 12h to get his attention and hopefully start some sort of dialogue. He needs someone from the department of helping clueless newbies, if you could point a suitable candidate his way. Guy (Help!) 20:53, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Maybe you should suggest adoption? – ukexpat (talk) 21:11, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

search for cleanup tag

I've been cleaning up some articles that had a cleanup tag or need citations tag. The ones I found I browsed to myself, but is there anyway I can search for articles that have the tags by a certain parameter.... For example, can I search for rivers with tags or articles with tags that belong in the Texas portal?Bgwhite (talk) 21:26, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Category:All pages needing cleanup. And maybe the category intersection tool would be of use: http://toolserver.org/~dschwen/intersection

(edit conflict) You seem to be looking for the union of two or more categories. Unfortunately, that feature is not yet supported natively on the MediaWiki software. There is a toolserver tool (here) that may be of use to you. Be aware that some results may be slightly off due to miscategorization. Intelligentsium 21:42, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Issue on Military uniform

In the article's "see also" section, i see the words "RC_KESHA" assuming it to be vandalism, I checked the log (nothing) and tried to edit it out. With no luck finding it, i kept looking and it appears it is being caused by the {{columns-list|3| tag, but I have no idea how to fix it. Sephiroth storm (talk) 21:46, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

I've reverted several edits of a vandalistic nature that had been made to the template {{columns-list}}. I have also filed a request for protection, as that template is used on a fairly large number of pages. Intelligentsium 22:38, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

question

I was upset to see that JG productions inc article was taken away and the user was blocked. Why can't we have a page on JG productions inc?

thanks, ppi80 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.74.204.91 (talk) 21:55, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Hello. Ppi802 created JG productions inc. Since you are signing as "pp180" (though not logged in) the closeness of your name leads me to suspect that you are or are affiliated with the user who created the entry, even though you speak of that person in the third person. That account has never been blocked. The way you are speaking here, "why can't we have a page" does raise a specter of a role account, which is not allowed. I know "we" can be used as a manner of speaking in its universal sense. I just thought you should be aware. Because of the name issue and the nature of your post, you should also be aware of our conflict of interest guidelines.

There are many problems with the page as it was posted. It was actually deleted under section A7 of the criteria for speedy deletion as an article on a corporation which did not indicate the importance or significance of the subject. After reviewing the deleted page, I agree with its deletion on that basis. A note about this was left on Ppi802's talk page, which you might want to review. There were other problems with the entry. It was extremely short and uninformative and might have been deleted as an article with insufficient context for readers. If it is expanded in a new entry, please also be aware that pages should not read like advertisements but should strive for a neutral tone and may be speedily deleted as well if they are blatantly promotional.

Though not speedy deletion bases, articles must ultimately demonstrate notability by showing they have been the subject of substantive treatment in independent, reliable sources. You might want to look at business FAQ and Why was my page deleted? which expands on many of the things I have said. Finally, note that the name of the article as posted was not as it should be. It was not capitalized nor punctuated in a normal fashion and we don't title articles with corporate designations such as "Inc." --Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 22:56, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

Saved changes deleted

Hello, This morning I began re-writing the article titles "STV Black Jack". I was nearly finished at around 23:30 GMT when the page suddenly re-loaded and had reverted to the almost bare page I started with earlier that day. I have saved the changes to the page several times today, so I can't figure out why this happened. At the same time as the old page reappeared to me, it came with a link saying I had received a message on wikipedia. Maybe these are connected and you are not allowed to edit so much on the first day of having an account? I would like to have the article restored. Please let me know how to get it back. Thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by Teenie82 (talk • contribs) 22:48, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

There are no restrictions on editing on your first day. However, there are restrictions on what kind of external links you may include (see your talk page). An automated script reverted your edits, most likely because of external links you added to YouTube; generally, Wikipedia discourages linking to YouTube. Otherwise, your contributions are welcome. As you seem to have reverted the bot, which will not re-revert, there is nothing more to do here except improve the article. You may be interested in perusing WP:HTEAP, WP:TONE, WP:EL and WP:CITE. Thank you for your contributions. Intelligentsium 23:33, 2 April 2010 (UTC)

April 3

Proxy Error

I received the following error trying to track changes by comparing versions on the history page of the article Nuclear program of Iran:

Proxy Error

The proxy server received an invalid response from an upstream server.

The proxy server could not handle the request GET /wikipedia/en/enwiki/w/index.php.

Reason: Error reading from remote server

Apache/2.2.8 (Ubuntu) mod_fastcgi/2.4.6 PHP/5.2.4-2ubuntu5.7wm1 with Suhosin-Patch mod_ssl/2.2.8 OpenSSL/0.9.8g Server at secure.wikimedia.org Port 443

Is this a problem compatibility problem with my browser (Safari for Mac version 4.0.5)? Is there an error on the page? Or is the article just too big? NPguy (talk) 02:33, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

It seems to just be an issue with your internet; in my experience, such errors are one-time. So two questions: why are you using the secure server, and does the error persist or has it gone away? Calvin 1998 ^(t·c) 02:46, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

I routinely use the secure server because it seemed to be recommended to protect my Wikipedia user account from unauthorized access. I started having this problem in the last week or two, and have encountered it several times since then. Today, I tried several different version comparisons on the same page and encountered the same error each time. NPguy (talk) 02:57, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Image as svg

Could someone take out the background of File:Sky New Zealand logo.PNG making it an svg as I can't do this. WWE Socks 04:09, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

You could try posting a request on the illustration workshop, but as the logo is copyrighted and only available under fair use it's unlikely that the request will be granted. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 09:35, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Will not allow me to save my page, keeps asking for security code over and over again

Hi:

I am a new user and trying to upload a page on a book. I have created an account, started a page and have been hitting "show preview" before saving. When I finally got my page to where it looked like it was supposed to, and tried to hit save, it gives me some warning saying that the page might be an autobiography and that it may be deleted but if I want to save it anyway, to scroll down to the bottom of the page and hit save again.

When I hit save again, it asks me to fill out the captcha security code. I enter the word, hit save again and it gives me the error about autobiographies again. But it still says I can continue but not matter how many times I hit save and re-enter a new captcha, it won't let me save.

The page is NOT an autobiography, it is a page for a psychology book. At the bottom, I included an about the author section but the page itself is about the book.

How the heck am I supposed to get past this??

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Autismconversations (talk • contribs) 04:29, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

The autobiography warning checks your user name against the title of the page you are attempting to create. That your user name is (I would imagine) very similar to the title of the book in question suggests that you have a conflict of interest in the matter. However, if you want to start an article on the subject anyway, try creating one under your user name by putting user:Autismconversations/ in front of the name of the article: once you've created the page, post a link to it here and it can be moved to a normal article title if appropriate. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 09:31, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Ive heard of this bug before, and am not sure what causes it to happen sometimes (people create pages with their username in the title every day and are not stopped), or how it could be fixed. Hopefully someone here will be able to help. —Soap— 14:37, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

HELLO

MY CAPS LOCKS BUTTON IS STUCK, YET I WANT TO EDIT. WHAT IS MY BEST COURSE OF ACTION? THANK YOU VERY MUCH. --EDWARDLIKESTOEDIT (talk) 13:05, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Buy a new keyboard? – ukexpat (talk) 14:28, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

You could try the external links in Caps lock (I haven't tried it). PrimeHunter (talk) 14:37, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Bans

Is there any way to ban vandalisers without being an administrator? Gobbleswoggler (talk) 14:38, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

You can report vandals to WP:AIV, but you can't block them yourself. But please make sure that they have been adequately warned and given a chance to stop before reporting them. ≈ Chamal ^talk ¤ 14:42, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

In short, no. You can report them, as Chamal_N says. Banning is a bit different and is generally done by the Arbitration Committee or by community consensus.--BelovedFreak 14:46, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Errors on convert template page

There are several errors, highlighted in bold red, on the Template:Convert page, in particular the {{convert|60|by|120|m|ft}} example in the Range of values section. Could someone who has the rights to edit this protected page please try to fix this. Thanks. Truthanado (talk) 14:46, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

The best way to request this is to post on the Template talk:Convert page using the {{Editprotected}} template. Then an admin will come along and take a look at it. – ukexpat (talk) 14:58, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Barnstars

How do you award someone a barnstar and what exactly is one? Gobbleswoggler (talk) 14:52, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

See WP:BARNSTAR. – ukexpat (talk) 14:55, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Template Link GA

Hello. How can I add File:Symbol support vote.svg to interwiki of some article, like using this template on de.wiki? Kubek15^{T CS} 14:56, 3 April 2010 (UTC)

Default Cursor Position

Please default the cursor in the search Text Box like they do in Google. Thanks, Mark Heppler