User talk:Fred Gandt/Archive 2

Tracker tool

Hi Fred, thanks mucho for the watchUserContribs.js tool! I was going to write to you with a request for some way to ID pages that are already on my watchlist (perhaps with the cute watchlist star), but I see you took care of that with the slick blue border around the checkboxes. That's cool! Seems to be working fine. Many thanks and I plan to keep using it! Regards, Cyphoidbomb (talk) 16:28, 10 April 2016 (UTC)

You're welcome. Let me know if it goes wrong; there may be cases I've not accounted for.

I was going to add the watchlist stars, but it'd require more code, and processing and makes clutter. The outline gets the job done on the cheap :-)

FYI: If your watchlist is epic, the load time may be slowed significantly (API limits). If that is a problem, I can fix it, but would prefer to avoid it (it would have knock on effects that then also need solutions).

I'm always open to requests/suggestions if you ever need/want anything. I enjoy code :-) fredgandt 16:36, 10 April 2016 (UTC)

I haven't noticed any problems thus far. My watchlist is pretty epic with 8000+ pages, but so far so good. Cyphoidbomb (talk) 19:53, 10 April 2016 (UTC)

Wow! If that's 8000 excluding talk pages, that's 16000 titles to be fetched at 500 per API call - 32 requests before anything else can happen! I'll add session caching of the results. fredgandt 02:39, 11 April 2016 (UTC)

8,668, to be exact, excluding talk pages. Of course many of them are dead and not frequently used... I do notice that it takes about 7 seconds for the tool to fully load on Chrome. I do, however, have several other tools in my common.js, so that might be contributing. Cyphoidbomb (talk) 15:32, 11 April 2016 (UTC)

Yeah, that's 35 API requests @ approx. 200ms per call, so 7 seconds doesn't surprise me ;-)

I've tweaked the code a little already in advance of adding caching, and it should actually run a little faster, but the initial API requests to gather the watchlist for comparison aren't ever going to run any faster. They won't actually block the page from loading or being interactive, since the calls are dealt with asynchronously, but while they're going on in the background, the UI elements involved won't show.

The idea is to cache the watchlist, so subsequent page views will process almost instantly. I've not decided which storage solution to utilise yet though (pros and cons); once I've actioned the decision, the update will be pleasingly obvious.

There's an opportunity for some nifty side benefits to keeping a cached copy of your watchlist handy; like the ability to highlight links to watched pages, and/or un/watch from anywhere. If I choose to go down that route, I'll make that into a unique script, and have both feed off the same cache. fredgandt 16:39, 11 April 2016 (UTC)

@Cyphoidbomb: - I've added session caching with a major caveat. Any watch or unwatch action outside the operation of this script's functions will not affect the cache, which means, the cache and reality can become desynchronised. I have added a button to manually clear the cache, which you should use if you have reason to suspect the cache is inaccurate.

Example

1. You're looking at a user's contribs in one tab, and looking at page histories in another tab.
2. In the histories tab, you watch the page manually by clicking the star at the top, then go back to the contribs tab.
3. At that point, the cache of your watchlist will be missing the page you just watched, so you should clear the cache.

Qs

Why didn't I make it so any watch actions were monitored and used to keep the cache in sync?

Because there are ways the watchlist can be updated that no JavaScript can keep track of; more than there being no guarantee it would work, it'd be guaranteed to fail.

Why use session caching instead of something more permanent?

Privacy, security and because the longer it lasts, the less useful it is per the above.

Why cache the watchlist at all?

Assuming you want to look at several pages worth each of several users' contribs (especially in the hunt for sockpuppets), without caching, the watchlist would need to be recompiled from many API requests on every page load. With caching (accepting the caveat), the watchlist is requested fewer times and possibly only once (depending on other activity).

Any questions or problems - let me know. fredgandt 00:52, 16 April 2016 (UTC)

I trust your judgment! Also, I'm not too sharp with the technicals. :D Many thanks! Cyphoidbomb (talk) 01:13, 16 April 2016 (UTC)

"Edit wars" in LZ related articles

More nonsense similar to what you addressed at Talk:The Rain Song#Edit war over cited content has been going on at "Dazed and Confused"[1], "Beck's Bolero"[2], Peter Grant,[3], and maybe others. Besides temporary RfPPs, any ideas for a longer term solution? —Ojorojo (talk) 17:51, 14 April 2016 (UTC)

1. Don't join in, reach out to the involved editors on their user talk pages softly warning them that they are edit warring and if they continue, they may be reported to WP:ANEW.
2. Start a related talk page section specifically to tackle the dispute (per dispute), and {{ping}} the involved editors.
3. Leave long gaps between messages to give editors a chance to read and think, then read and think again - and again.
4. If you have an opinion, and as far as you're concerned you're right, someone else should arbitrate.

As for long term, policies and guidelines (yawn) can be found or drawn up (very long term) to establish exactly what, where, how etc. should be in articles. I'm on the fuzzy edge at the end of a long day right now, so don't fancy searching, but maybe look for a style guide for music/song articles, and if there isn't one, consider writing one and posting an RfC at WP:VPP for wider input to bring it up to consensus. Then that can be used to settle any disputes over content.

I'll pay more attention tomorrow. See ya then :-) fredgandt 18:11, 14 April 2016 (UTC)

Let's say, for sake of discussion, that this is just the work of one or two editors who is/are seeking to draw attention. They know the ins and outs of WP and use constantly changing IPs. Whatever the sources say is secondary, so discussing facts and references will make little difference. Established policies about verifiability, improper synthesis, neutral point of view, etc. are routinely ignored as would newly established ones. With the history at LZ articles, editors avoid discussions, such as this recent RfC. A situation such as this would require a different approach. —Ojorojo (talk) 21:29, 14 April 2016 (UTC)

@Ojorojo: - I've looked and am now watching. Ugly. There's no magic bullet, but verifiability not truth applies. However, especially on Peter Grant, the users should have been warned about their warring a long time ago. If it flares up again, I'll jump on it. fredgandt 01:00, 16 April 2016 (UTC)

Idea for a new JS script

Hi, Fred! From VPT I see, you like creating some javascript scripts for others :) May I suggest a new one? I would love to have a script OK, my home Wikipedia is another one, but that shouldn't be a reason not to have one here, too, that creates redirects. I have expressed my ideas about it here. OK, I have some more ideas, but they can wait :) Thoughts? --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 17:25, 18 April 2016 (UTC)

Am I correct in thinking you'd like to:

1. Land on any page
2. Desire to create a redirect to it
3. Use a scripted tool to create the redirect page remotely

rather than

1. Land on any page
2. Use a scripted tool to create a redirect from there to another page

? fredgandt 17:45, 18 April 2016 (UTC)

Yes, because the second one is basically the same, what is done currently (that is, a script wouldn't save basically any time). --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 17:49, 18 April 2016 (UTC)

Sure. I'll ping you when it's done. Don't hold your breath - I'm working on the other thing 'till it's done. fredgandt 17:51, 18 April 2016 (UTC)

@Edgars2007: - Not done yet. It's being built under teleDirect.js (name will probably change) and isn't even the complete GUI yet. I'm pinging to let you know that it could take a while. There are a lot of variables to be accounted for, and a lot to get wrong if I'm not careful. The next ping will be when it does something useful. No need to reply. fredgandt 19:29, 20 April 2016 (UTC)

@Edgars2007: - Just letting you know I haven't forgotten (and won't). fredgandt 23:18, 28 April 2016 (UTC)

This is not in hurry, of course. I know, you currently have other work to do. Just updated dialog window. Now I understood, that I don't have to use Paint, but can use MS Access :) Those "#Name?" are meant to be "First redirect" and "Second redirect" (by default at start only first one is shown, of course). Next three buttons to them are "Delete redirect", "Add new", "Copy this redirect to a new redirect". The buttons "A", "B", "C", "D" would be images. "A" would input in last (or the one, where cursor is set, if it's not too difficult) redirect pagename, "B" - pagenamebased title, C - well, in my Wikipedia it would input enwiki pagenamebased title (if there is such), here at enwiki it could be let's say dewiki pagenamebased title, "D" - I had something in my mind, but now I forgot it, but we can come up with some idea later :) --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 08:03, 22 May 2016 (UTC)

Acknowledged. Mind busy; I'll be back. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 10:55, 22 May 2016 (UTC)

@Edgars2007: Sorry - I'm all over the place right now, but your request is not forgotten; it might just be a while.Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 00:25, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

Techy things.

You told me to send you a message on your talk page about helping with techy things (on Template_talk:By_whom). I would love to help with techy things (I have done quite a bit of programming, and I love tech) I don't know much about what is used on MediaWiki (WikiMarkUp—I think—, HTML, CSS—Is it used?—, and javascript—I know a bit about this—) do I need to know some of this to help? Do you have a recommendation on where I can learn? Hungryce (talk) 18:42, 21 April 2016 (UTC)

Hi. There's a lot to summarize:

Templates

Templates work by transclusion, which is a way to include parts of another page where the template is called. The content of the transclusion is limited in all the same ways as all other wiki content.

Magic Words and Parser Functions allow us to create conditional templates utilizing a limited range of variables.

Lua has been introduced, further extending the possibilities by invoking modules to process data in many ways, more efficiently and logically than without.

HTML

There are limits to what HTML can be used in wiki markup.

CSS

Although we can create stylesheets for users (including ourselves) in our user space, which can be utilized by JavaScripts or included separately, there isn't yet a way to apply CSS in pages or templates. However, there is a light at the end of that tunnel ^{will be archived soon}. We can include inline styles in accepted HTML markup, which can also be transcluded.

Every registered editor has a common.css they can edit to affect the presentation of the relative MediaWiki site, and global.css (and .js) to affect ALL the wikimedia sites you're registered on. There are also skin specific CSS and JS pages.

JavaScript

We can create user scripts for ourselves and others within our user space. The common.js is where to start, then as with CSS, further resources can be created in subpages e.g. User:Example/example.js. JavaScript can call the ever present jQuery and built in MediaWiki library, and utilise the API.

So there's some info to get you started. Please feel free to ask for more. I will respond. fredgandt 21:57, 21 April 2016 (UTC)

Disambiguation link notification for April 28

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User script request

Would it be possible to create a user script that automated the process of closing Requested moves discussions. Also, a script for accepting/declining WP:Articles for creation/Redirects requests? Thank you. — Music1201 ^talk 23:25, 3 May 2016 (UTC)

Hi. Semi automating the closure of WP:Articles for creation/Redirects is relatively trivial, and I will happily make something for you, but Wikipedia:Requested moves/Closing instructions is a long page and the throbbing headache that accompanied the abscess in the back of my lower mandible I developed a few days ago makes it hard to muster the energy to read - so will have to wait.

I'll ping you. Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 01:05, 4 May 2016 (UTC)

@Music1201: The first script - easy-AfC-Redirect-and-Category-Response.js is nearly done. I just need to establish the options for category request responses and weave them in. It currently outputs, to the browser console, what it would submit to the API as the section content. I'll ping again when I've finished. In the meantime, please try it and let me know if there's any problems. Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 05:53, 7 May 2016 (UTC)

P.S. I've still got the edit response handling to do too (edit conflicts etc.). Fred Gandt (talk|contribs)

I tried the script and could not seem to get it working. After the dialog box comes up and I enter the page title and press okay it just exits the box and doesn't do anything. — Music1201 ^talk 18:15, 7 May 2016 (UTC)

Correct. As I said above, it's not finished yet and outputs what would be submitted to the API to the browser console. It'll be finished later tonight (UTC). Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 23:32, 7 May 2016 (UTC)

@Music1201: easy-AfC-Redirect-and-Category-Response.js is done. Everything happens behind the scenes. If you make selections, they WILL result in edits to the page, so be careful. If anything goes wrong, let me know.

I'll have a look at the other script at some point, but am really quite ill right now, and feel like curling up into a little ball and crying for my mummy to bring me soup. Unfortunately she's 250 miles away and I'm supposed to be a grown man :-( Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 06:12, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Thank you so much! — Music1201 ^talk 06:18, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Script: Copy/Paste tables from Word to Wiki

@Martinevans123: I'm adding this thread here to keep track of it. I'll let you know here when there's something to try. Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 06:19, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Many thanks, Fred. Martinevans123 (talk) 10:17, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

No problem. Did you see that someone linked to a bunch of tools that might do the job on your post on WP:VPT? If anything there does the job, there's little point me reinventing the wheel. Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 11:40, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Thanks for tipping me off. Yes, that seems to provide all I may need for now. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:39, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Okay. Feel free to let me know if you ever need any technical things later; I like technical things :-) Fred Gandt (talk|contribs) 12:41, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Cheers, Fred. Martinevans123 (talk) 12:43, 8 May 2016 (UTC)

Proposed deletion of List of Google easter eggs/see it

Hello, Fred Gandt. I wanted to let you know that I’m proposing an article that you started, List of Google easter eggs/see it, for deletion because I don't think it meets our criteria for inclusion. If you don't want the article deleted:

1. edit the page
2. remove the text that looks like this: {{proposed deletion/dated...}}
3. save the page

Also, be sure to explain why you think the article should be kept in your edit summary or on the article's talk page. If you don't do so, it may be deleted later anyway.

You can leave a note on my talk page if you have questions. —swpb^T 17:31, 13 May 2016 (UTC)

Hi. Yeah that was my error. I forgot that subpages are disabled in the mainspace. I wondered why the markup wasn't working as expected - duh. I've moved the functionality to {{see it}}, and blanked the content (except for the PROD) in the issue page.

To err is human - whoops! Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 19:26, 13 May 2016 (UTC)

My unexplaned action

Hello. I was very surprised to read your message now. I checked the history and I still do not know what happened. I did not do it intentionally, of course. Why will I remove some pages and add some another I never heared about them? I am a sysop, I do not play with such things. This particular edit has one purpose: undo revision 15495015. Why did it undo another 6 revisions (all from that one till current) - I have no idea. I am glad you found this bug (mine or editor's one, I don't know), and thank you very much for this. I did not wanted this, but still I am very sorry for troubles I made without knowing. Next time I'll know this can happened somehow and check changes even on undoing. Now I removed the redundant line manually. Thanks again. IKhitron (talk) 10:41, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

@IKhitron: I see. Well then, sorry for the grumpy tone of my message to you. It did not look like a mistake since the entries were so perfectly targeted. Very strange; these things are sent to try us!

Thanks for explaining; I feel better knowing it's unlikely going to happen again. It does highlight a potential problem that could realistically do with a solution. Perhaps fully protecting the page, and having a bot handle user requests to add and remove subscriptions? Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 11:12, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

Thank you again. I did not see any grumpy tone. Maybe because English and me are not such good friends. The solution you proposed is possible, but I can think about something much simpler: you (and maybe one or two people) add it to the watchlist. A mail that this particular page was edited should not come more than once a month, so it will not disturb. IKhitron (talk) 13:39, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

Done, but the bot option is a longer term solution with a faster response and unbiased result.

For public record: this conversation is about the tech news subscription page at meta. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 22:16, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

Great. I did this too. IKhitron (talk) 22:34, 24 May 2016 (UTC)

The Template:Rfd2 RfC

Just wanted to inform you that I requested a close for the RfC. Hopefully, the RfC gets closer soon so that whatever result can be implemented. Steel1943 (talk) 13:34, 10 June 2016 (UTC)

@Steel1943: thanks for letting me know. There are several minor improvements in the new code. If the decision is made to not update to the proposed thing (brain refuses to give me the word I want), those little tweaks can still be included. Gotta take dog out. See ya later!Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 14:09, 10 June 2016 (UTC)

@Steel1943: Didn't know this was going on. I haven't been at RfD much, but I've noticed the large amount of stuff Rfd2 dumps. I recently made a simplification to {{RMassist}}, which spit out a large amount of "template guts" that cluttered requests. I made a new template {{RMassist/core}} to hold this logic (couldn't put some of it in, like anchors), and let {{RMassist}} call it (Special:Diff/725435173/725447178). Part of what made the {{RMassist}} refactor easy is that WP:RM/TR doesn't hold on to requests, unlike daily RfD pages, so transclusions don't accumulate. It looks like {{Rfd2}} has much more complicated use cases though. I don't know if this post makes me involved in the RfC (probably not) but if no one is around to close it, I possibly can if I can find the time. --Andy�W.�(talk·ctb) 01:07, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

I actually went ahead and closed the RfC. Special:Permalink/725657614. --Andy�W.�(talk·ctb) 02:12, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

Thanks for the heads up Andy; I now think it's worth discussing making the proposed change but adding subst: to the call to {{rfd links}}. This would add a couple of cleanups and navigation features to the fully substituted output.

I'm pretty sure AnomieBOT can handle substituting {{rfd links}} in closed requests with a little tweak, but unfortunately Anomie didn't respond to pings. If anyone (maybe myself later) wants to start a new discussion about this, Anomie should be more directly contacted for input.Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 04:52, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

No one ever actually pang me there. This edit didn't ping because pings don't happen when you're adding subsections, and pings of the bot don't notify the operator.

AnomieBOT's existing substitution code cannot handle "only in closed discussions"; doing this would require custom code specifically for RfD. If you already have a bot clerking RfD, it would likely be better to see if that bot can add the substing to its duties instead of having two bots doing different parts of it. Anomie** 13:03, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

Sorry Anomie, that whole no pangs in a new sub-section thing went under my radar (and got lost under the desk), then you and your bot came up in conversation so often I just assumed (never works out well) you weren't interested. I did you a grave injustice and must be punished. Can I haz cake? I promise I won't like it ;-)

As for if there are already bots patrolling those pages - I have no idea; Steel1943 may or Oiyarbepsy? I still think it's trivial to ask the closing editors to do it... Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 13:22, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

In my opinion, an additional bot doesn't need to be closing the discussions and day subpages at RfD: other editors do that just fine. Also, RfD already has a bot doing some of the clerking: DumbBOT. Steel1943 (talk) 13:33, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

(edit conflict) It's no big deal, I just wanted to let you know I wasn't ignoring pings. I see User:DumbBOT maintains the list of subpages at Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion#Current list, although I don't know what (if anything) else it might do there or if there are already other clerking bots. Anomie** 13:35, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

So it looks like DumbBOT operated by Tizio would be best employed if ever desired/needed/wanted.

Steel1943, the idea isn't to have the BOT closing the discussions, just substing {{rfd links}} if ever employed as earlier proposed. The discussions would still be closed as normal - manually, then the BOT would come along and subst any unsubsted instances of the links. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 13:44, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

About your first question, I'm not sure given that the aforementioned bot operator isn't very active on Wikipedia anymore. Steel1943 (talk) 13:51, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

Actually, @Steel1943: {{Rfd top collapse}} is "transcluded but not counted" when {{subst:Rfd top}} happens. I'm assuming you don't have a problem with this, since it's behind an #ifeq check, right? --Andy�W.�(talk·ctb) 21:04, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

@Andy M. Wang:, I'm not so concerned with transclusions that are enclosed in "includeonly" tags since they only have potential to "mess up" the page which it is transcluded on. But, to answer a question you asked on your closing statement: Using a bot to substitute the transclusions of {{Rfd2}} may work, but the "when" for that should be "when the page's transclusion is removed from Wikipedia:Redirects for discussion". Steel1943 (talk) 21:09, 17 June 2016 (UTC)

I've emailed Tizio, outlining the events so far, and requested that if interested, they come and join the conversation. I made it clear that this was an open request, and to feel no pressure, so if they're not keen, they may not show up (fair enough).Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 00:22, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

Hi. I took a look at the issue, and while it seems a relatively easy task, it would be a new functionality for the bot. Given the little time I can spend on this nowadays, I'd prefer not to. Tizio 08:15, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

No problem Tizio; thanks for getting back to us. We now know more than we did :-) May the clock be kind to you. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 08:19, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

@Steel1943: See Special:Diff/663597074. {{Relist}} is used at TfD, but note how it adds a transclusion of {{resize}} when substituted. It's probably not as big a deal as {{rfd links}} because it's used only occasionally, and not on every single discussion... but just an FYI. — Andy W. (talk · ctb) 15:42, 25 June 2016 (UTC)

Javascript question

Hi! I have one quick question. So I have such script, that does many F->R. Is it possible to include some variable in replace text? That is, for line

sel = sel.replace( /\|(\s*)name(\s*)=(\s*)([^\n]*)/g, "|$1name$2=$3$4\n|$1origname$2=$3''$4''" );

I would like to use wgTitle instead of first $4. Easy? --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 06:54, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

Like

sel = sel.replace( /\|(\s*)name(\s*)=(\s*)([^\n]*)/g, "|$1name$2=$3" + mw.config.get( 'wgTitle' ) + "\n|$1origname$2=$3''$4''" );

 ? Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 07:14, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

S* :D That looked too wrong to try out :) Thanks! --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 07:35, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

:-) No problem. If you're going to use that value multiple times, store it as var wgTitle = mw.config.get( 'wgTitle' ); in the appropriate parent scope. Then use it as "|$1name$2=$3" + wgTitle + "\n|$1origname$2=$3$4". Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 07:48, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

Yeah, thanks. --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 08:35, 18 June 2016 (UTC)

Part 2

Hi again! My next silly question. Why does this isn't working properly, that is, why padDigits('$2') returns "3", not "03"?

function padDigits(number) {
  number = number.toString();
  while (number.length < 2) number = "0" + number;
  return number;
}

sel = "1 min 3 s 1"

sel = sel.replace( /(\d+)\s*min\s*(\d+)\s*s\s*(\d+)/g, padDigits('$2') );
console.log(sel);//returns "3"

console.log(padDigits('3'));//returns "03"

Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 07:10, 26 July 2016 (UTC)

Solution =

function padDigits( number ) {
  number = number.toString();
  while ( number.length < 2 ) number = "0" + number;
  return number;
}

sel = "1 min 3 s 1"

sel = sel.replace( /(\d+)\s*min\s*(\d+)\s*s\s*(\d+)/g, function( match, group1, group2 ) {
  return padDigits( group2 );
} );

console.log( sel ); //returns "03"

Reason = TBA (I will explain later)

console.log() the number argument inside the function, and you'll see that it's always $2 literal, rather than the matched digit(s). Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 16:42, 26 July 2016 (UTC)

As with most scripting concerns, the correct way to do something will depend on specific circumstances; there are many ways to skin a cat.

The following code will cut to the chase:

function padDigits( number ) {
  return ( number.length < 2 ? "0" : "" ) + number;
}

sel = "1 min 3 s 1"

sel = padDigits( sel.replace( /(\d+)\s*min\s*(\d+)\s*s\s*(\d+)/g, '$2' ) );

console.log( sel ); // returns "03"

When concatenating a number with a string, the number's variable type will be automagically changed to string since we can't do maths with strings, so it's assumed correctly) we mean to concatenate. Other mathematical operations including strings will try to use the strings as numbers, rather than the numbers as strings.

So there's no need to explicitly change the function's argument type, and there's no need to loop since it's only ever going to add 1 zero (or not).

The reason for the function not returning the padded 03 as expected, is that the padDigits( '$2' ) was processing the argument as a literal string, then returning it unchanged, then replace() acted on the return. We need to establish the value of the capture group before handing it to padDigits.

In my first solution, we can do all kinds of clever things to account for variable conditions, since we've got a safe zone to work in by the use of a function. The second simpler solution does exactly what you need, but has little wiggle room for development; it establishes the value from the capture group, then hands it to padDigits.

It will depend entirely on the specific circumstances as to which method suits best.

As for why replace works this way around: dunno; it just does. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 01:13, 27 July 2016 (UTC)

Thanks for the code and explanation! Probably after some few hours searching Internet I would come to conclusion, that I have to place function in the replacement text, but... have other things to do :) In my case the first solution was the needed one, because I showed you only the essential part of my problem. The real thing looks like this. Again, thanks. --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 06:23, 27 July 2016 (UTC)

Part 3

One more problem/question. This time this is the script. After clicking "Rio props" in toolbar, window opens, where I can fill inputfields. What I would need, is some kind of button "Generate", which after pressing it stores all non-empty inputfields in some array/string (currently I don't care which one). --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 11:37, 28 July 2016 (UTC)

I haven't used the OOjs UI stuff at all, and would have to become familiar with it before I could make helpful suggestions. It will be more efficient for you to read and use the documentation, than for me to read it, so I can explain how to use it to you. It looks like you may be using the wrong type of dialog, and should perhaps employ a form inside a popup. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 21:24, 28 July 2016 (UTC)

{{resolved}}. Found simple example with standart jQuery dialog window (now I start to know, what jQuery is :D ) and rewrote the script. I probably made it in the most unpretties way (I know, I will have to rewrite it as loop), but it works, what currently is the most important part. That means, that maybe you can put #Idea for a new JS script lower in your to-do-list, if it's not already on the last place in it :D Looks like I could try to create something usable, if not for enwiki use, then for my wiki. Anyway, thanks! --Edgars2007 (talk/contribs) 11:05, 29 July 2016 (UTC)

User page

Hi. Is "loath ignorance" on your user page intended to be a joke? The verb is loathe, of course. --MZMcBride (talk) 19:12, 22 June 2016 (UTC)

Nope, just a lack of knowledge. Corrected; thank you. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 19:47, 22 June 2016 (UTC)

User Resources

Almost all the time I click on the button to open the resource manager interface it won't open and gives me this error in my console:

Uncaught DOMException: Failed to execute 'toggle' on 'DOMTokenList': The token provided ('fg-js-and-css-manager webfonts-changed') contains HTML space characters, which are not valid in tokens.
at HTMLLIElement.<anonymous> (https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Fred_Gandt/userResourceManager.js&action=raw&ctype=text/javascript:269:25)

--TerraCodes ^{(talk to me)} 02:33, 29 January 2017 (UTC)

@TerraCodes: Hi. It looks like something (MediaWiki code) is adding webfonts-changed to the CSS classlist of your button. I've simulated the issue and got the expected result you describe. I'll fix it soon. Sorry for the inconvenience. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 04:59, 29 January 2017 (UTC)

@TerraCodes: Hi again. I've stuck a bit of tape over the crack. Let me know if it comes unstuck ;-) Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 11:40, 30 January 2017 (UTC)

ok, thanks --TerraCodes ^{(talk to me)} 12:22, 30 January 2017 (UTC)

Its now giving me this error when I try to save Uncaught DOMException: Failed to execute 'toggle' on 'DOMTokenList': The token provided ('fg-js-and-css-manager-saving webfonts-changed') contains HTML space characters, which are not valid in tokens. --TerraCodes ^{(talk to me)} 00:11, 9 February 2017 (UTC)

The WebFonts Extension is screwing with the CSS classes in the Manager's UI. I'll apply a fix, and ping you back when it's done. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 02:08, 9 February 2017 (UTC)

@TerraCodes: Should be fixed now. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 02:32, 9 February 2017 (UTC)

CSS styling in templates

Hello everyone, and sincere apologies if you're getting this message more than once. Just a heads-up that there is currently work on an extension in order to enable CSS styling in templates. Please check the document on mediawiki.org to discuss best storage methods and what we need to avoid with implementation. Thanks, m:User:Melamrawy (WMF), 09:11, 6 February 2017 (UTC)

New Page Reviewer granted

Hello Fred Gandt. Your account has been added to the "New page reviewers" user group, allowing you to review new pages and mark them as patrolled, tag them for maintenance issues, or in some cases, tag them for deletion. The list of articles awaiting review is located at the New Pages Feed. New page reviewing is a vital function for policing the quality of the encylopedia, if you have not already done so, you must read the new tutorial at New Pages Review, the linked guides and essays, and fully understand the various deletion criteria. If you need more help or wish to discuss the process, please join or start a thread at page reviewer talk.

• URGENT: Please consider helping get the huge backlog (around 18,000 pages) down to a manageable number of pages as soon as possible.
• Be nice to new users - they are often not aware of doing anything wrong.
• You will frequently be asked by users to explain why their page is being deleted - be formal and polite in your approach to them too, even if they are not.
• Don't review a page if you are not sure what to do. Just leave it for another reviewer.
• Remember that quality is quintessential to good patrolling. Take your time to patrol each article, there is no rush. Use the message feature and offer basic advice.

The reviewer right does not change your status or how you can edit articles. If you no longer want this user right, you may ask any administrator to remove it for you at any time. In case of abuse or persistent inaccuracy of reviewing, the right can be revoked at any time by an administrator. Lord Roem ~ (talk) 18:13, 30 April 2017 (UTC)

What level are you?

I found your name at Category:User js (probably because you posted the corresponding userbox on your user page), in the level-unspecified list of JavaScript programmers.

I was wondering how experienced you are at JavaScript, and whether you might be interested in getting involved with developing user scripts, hobnobbing with other JavaScript programmers, and organizing and improving JavaScript articles and support pages.

We do all of that and more at the JavaScript WikiProject.

Scripts undergoing development, and the state of JavaScript on Wikipedia, are discussed on the talk page.

For an overview of JavaScript coverage on Wikipedia, see Draft:Outline of JavaScript and Index of JavaScript-related articles. For everything on user scripts, see User:The Transhumanist/Outline of scripts.

The WikiProject also organizes every resource it can find about JavaScript out there, such as articles, books, tutorials, etc. See our growing Reference library. If you know of any good ones, please add them.

If you would like to join the JavaScript WikiProject, feel free to add your name to the participants list.

Hope to see you there! The Transhumanist 16:59, 12 May 2017 (UTC)

Re: google easter eggs

Literally all you had to do was google "flight of conchords lyrics robots"

http://lyrics.wikia.com/wiki/Flight_Of_The_Conchords:Robots

http://www.azlyrics-dot-com/lyrics/flightoftheconchords/robots.html

http://www.metrolyrics.com/robots-lyrics-flight-of-the-conchords.html?ModPagespeed=noscript

https://genius.com/Flight-of-the-conchords-robots-lyrics

--Petzl (talk) 23:06, 17 May 2017 (UTC)

As a user of Wikipedia, I do not expect to have to literally google everything claimed in this encyclopedia to verify its validity. That's what references are for. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 00:27, 18 May 2017 (UTC)

I have given you 4 websites that all have the lyrics to the "Robots" song. The "robots.txt" used by google is an quotation of those lyrics.

Also, are you going to delete the other ones that "require citation" or are you just going to keep reverting my edits only? --Petzl (talk) 00:47, 18 May 2017 (UTC)

There's really no need or use taking this so personally. You're not helping yourself or this project. I however have been looking for a suitable reference, and think I've found one that's okay. Would you like to do the honours?

If so, add <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://getflywheel.com/layout/entertaining-code-comments/|website=getflywheel.com|title=7 entertaining comments left in code|author=Ben Stevinson|date=June 5, 2014|accessdate=May 18, 2017}}</ref> as the reference, and try to make clear that a third party has suggested that YouTube have "paid tribute"; we don't have any "official" word that they did. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 00:58, 18 May 2017 (UTC)

Here's the definitive reference:

<ref>{{cite web|title=Flight of the Conchords Episode 1 - Sally |url=http://www.hbo.com/conchords/img/episode/lyrics_sally.pdf |publisher=HBO.com |accessdate=15 February 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221040620/http://www.hbo.com/conchords/img/episode/lyrics_sally.pdf |archivedate=December 21, 2008 }}</ref>--Petzl (talk) 01:48, 18 May 2017 (UTC)

Would you mind taking a look?

Dear Fred,

I've noticed that you know your way around JavaScript, and like helping others. I've been writing scripts to view and automate the development of outlines, and I was wondering if you would take a look to see if there is anything I could be doing better (in my programming approach, programming style, etc.). So that other programmers can follow along with how the source code works, I provide extensive notes on the scripts' talk pages.

So far, there is:

• User:The Transhumanist/OutlineViewAnnotationToggler.js – this one provides a menu item to turn annotations on/off, so you can view lists bare when you want to (without annotations). When done, it will work on (the embedded lists of) all pages, not just outlines. Currently it is limited to outlines only, for development and testing purposes. It supports hotkey activation/deactivation of annotations, but that feature currently lacks an accurate viewport location reset for retaining the location on screen that the user was looking at. The program also needs an indicator that tells the user it is still on. Otherwise, you might wonder why a bare list has annotations in edit mode, when you go in to add some. :) Though it is functional as is. Check it out. After installing it, look at Outline of cell biology, and press ⇧ Shift+Alt+a. And again.
• User:The Transhumanist/RedlinksRemover.js – strips out entries in outlines that are nothing but a redlink. It removes them right out of the tree structure. But only end nodes (i.e., not parent nodes, which we need to keep). It delinks redlinks that have non-redlink offspring, or that have or are embedded in an annotation. It does not yet recognize entries that lack a bullet (it treats those as embedded).

It is my objective to build a set of scripts that fully automate the process of creating outlines. This end goal is a long way off (AI-complete?). In the meantime, I hope to increase editor productivity as much as I can. Fifty percent automation would double an editor's productivity. I think I could reach 80% automation (a five-fold increase in productivity) within a couple years.

There's more:

• User:The Transhumanist/StripSearchInWikicode.js – another script, which strips WP search results down to a bare list of links, and inserts wikilink formatting for ease of insertion of those links into lists. This is useful for gathering links for outlines. I'd like this script to sort its results. So, if you know how, or know someone who knows how, please let me know. A more immediate problem is that the output is interlaced with CR/LFs. I can't figure out how to get rid of them. Stripping them out in WikEd via regex is a tedious extra step. It would be nice to track them down and remove them with the script.

I look forward to your comments and suggestions. The Transhumanist 07:24, 26 October 2017 (UTC)

Hi. Just a quick message to let you know that I am taking notice; I'll get back to you. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 02:54, 27 October 2017 (UTC)

I haven't forgotten you. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 04:29, 24 December 2017 (UTC)

Simple diff

Is this the kind of thing you do, Fred? --Anthonyhcole (talk · contribs · email) 11:47, 23 December 2017 (UTC)

Hi. Yes, that's the kind of thing I like to do but not if it reinvents the wheel unnecessarily; is Izno's suggestion a suitable solution? Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 04:26, 24 December 2017 (UTC)

Google Easter Eggs Chrome OS "Citation Needed"

Hello Mr.Gandt, I'm very new to actually using the editing feature of wikipedia so please correct me if anything I do, have done, or say is uncouth. I was simply curious about the "citation needed" put on the edit that I made to the article Google Easter Eggs in the subsection Chrome OS. To start, I was unsure where in the article to put my addition since its not exactly part of the google search engine. However given that Google (Now Alphabet) created chrome, and there was a subsection titled Chrome OS, and the link to get to the chrome apps page is specific to, and will only work on, chrome OS, I thought it fit well there (but recommendations are always appreciated). In Addition, I was unsure exactly how to cite the source for the fact. It was a discovery I made myself and its simply inside the source code for the page itself (I know you are familiar with coding. In addition, I saw your earlier response for someone with a similar concern to their addition to the same article but on a different subsection where you stated that "I do not expect to have to literally google everything claimed in this encyclopedia to verify its validity" which I found to be a fair statement). I, however, was unsure how to cite my particular addition. I attempted to search online for any mention of the reference but there was nothing I could find. As far as I can tell, it is previously undiscovered. I was going to add an image alongside to corroborate my findings, but as I am a novice at using this website's editing feature, was clueless as how to go about doing that. I could also simply link to the poem that the reference was based off of but again, I was not completely sure what the best option was. Anyway, whatever recommendation you could give would be helpful. Thank you! Ryanjr123 (talk) 06:06, 1 January 2018 (UTC)

Hi @Ryanjr123:. I just woke up, and that's a lot to discuss, so for starters I'll leave a welcome template on your talk page which contains a lot of links to guidance on how to contribute to Wikipedia.

I'll come back with more specific responses later :) Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 08:34, 1 January 2018 (UTC)

Ok sounds good. Thanks! Ryanjr123 (talk) 15:33, 1 January 2018 (UTC)

I'll try and keep this relatively simple, since mostly you'll need to refer to the documentation I'm about to link:

• The template {{Citation needed}} is used to indicate when a statement is not reliably referenced.
• I was unsure where in the article to put my addition - Don't worry about it. Do your best, and trust that another editor will make changes if they see fit.
  • If ever there's any need to discuss the content of an article, use its talk page.
• It was a discovery I made myself - That's what we call original research, and we don't ^{well, we do, and that's what this conversation is about} accept it.
• The use of images on Wikipedia isn't as simple as one might like; we must be very careful about whether we are allowed to use the image. It's complicated.

Hopefully that (and by extension the documentation linked within) helps you understand a little better. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 21:25, 1 January 2018 (UTC)

Ok, I read the articles you linked in your response. They were very helpful in aiding my understanding of what to do, but I wanted to run it by you just to be sure. In the original research page, I found this statement, "Do not add unsourced material from your personal experience, because that would make Wikipedia a primary source of that material". This idea makes sense I think. Since I have no secondary sources to cite for my claim, although the evidence is plainly there, it should not be added to the page because that would make it a primary source. However, could I use the poem from the book as a secondary source to support the claim (either the book itself or a website housing the poem from the book)? Im not sure of this because of what one of the sources pages said about not directly relating to the statement. Thanks again for your help! Ryanjr123 (talk) 23:49, 1 January 2018 (UTC)

A good reference should state that Google has added the Easter egg in question to one of their products; any reference(s) that don't explicitly and contextually affirm the statements we add to the encyclopedia are either irrelevant or being used to synthesize affirmation - which is just one of the forms of "original research" that isn't acceptable.

Quite simply, if a truly suitable reference can't be found, just mark the statements as requiring citation (just as I did), and walk away; another editor may remove the content and you may choose to discuss that with them, but in the end, this is a collaborative effort, with no single editor having any special responsibility or authority. This is The wisdom of the crowd at work. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 08:36, 3 January 2018 (UTC)

Upcoming changes to wikitext parsing

Hello,

There will be some changes to the way wikitext is parsed during the next few weeks. It will affect all namespaces. You can see a list of pages that may display incorrectly at Special:LintErrors. Since most of the easy problems have already been solved at the English Wikipedia, I am specifically contacting tech-savvy editors such as yourself with this one-time message, in the hope that you will be able to investigate the remaining high-priority pages during the next month.

There are approximately 10,000 articles (and many more non-article pages) with high-priority errors. The most important ones are the articles with misnested tags and table problems. Some of these involve templates, such as infoboxes, or the way the template is used in the article. In some cases, the "error" is a minor, unimportant difference in the visual appearance. In other cases, the results are undesirable. You can see a before-and-after comparison of any article by adding ?action=parsermigration-edit to the end of a link, like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Foss?action=parsermigration-edit (which shows a difference in how {{infobox ship}} is parsed).

If you are interested in helping with this project, please see Wikipedia:Linter. There are also some basic instructions (and links to even more information) at https://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikitech-ambassadors/2018-April/001836.html You can also leave a note at WT:Linter if you have questions.

Thank you for all the good things you do for the English Wikipedia. Whatamidoing (WMF) (talk) 21:18, 19 April 2018 (UTC)

hi

I have added I know that I know nothing to "I know that I know nothing" article and it was removed by you saying "external link to blog". Can't we add any blogs? I have seen some blogs. --A-wiki-guest-user (talk) 05:20, 12 October 2018 (UTC)

Hi. Please see these guidelines about external linking for details; specifically point #11 about blogs. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 05:31, 12 October 2018 (UTC)

Thank you. --A-wiki-guest-user (talk) 10:20, 12 October 2018 (UTC)

User scripts Newsletter - Invitation

Hi. Recently, I discovered a passion for created and understanding user scripts on wikipedia, and am planning to create a monthly newsletter about new scripts and related projects (created by anyone, not for simply promoting my own), as well as currently pending user script requests, Wikipedia-related JavaScript tips/tricks, and other related information. This message was sent to you because you are listed as a member of the user script developers category. If you would like to subscribe to this upcoming newsletter, please go to User:DannyS712/subscribe to scripts and add yourself. If you have any questions, please reach out and talk to me。 --DannyS712 (talk) 05:22, 23 December 2018 (UTC)

chess again

hi.

so a while ago we had this thing with displaying interactive chess game. i proposed using a script which is operational now on hewiki for ~5 years or so, and you came out with your own implementation, which was better from html/css point of view (more modern way of doing animation etc.), but was inadequate, from usability POV, b/c it required the editor to deconstruct the chess game and manually provide a list of moves, when the desirable input is either the PGN of the game, or the algebraic notation.

in the meantime, for different reasons, i created a module that deconstruct PGN and generates the list of boards as FEN strings (i.e., an array of strings, such that the first represents the board at the start of the game, the 2nd is the board after white 1st move, etc.). now, this does not contain the information about which piece moved where, but if it will help, i can add those to the output in any way that helps.

see module:pgn. it contains one useful function: pgn2fen. this function accepts one parameter (pgn), and returns 2: the "metadata" table, and the array of FEN strings. it should not be that difficult to add a 3rd return value, e.g. what pieces moved from which square to which square (more than 1 when castling), what piece was removed (usually can be deduced from the first value, except en passant), and some indication for promotion.

currently, Module:Chess games uses it, to generate {{Chess diagram}}.

i think you can use module:pgn to make your "interactive chess" tool actually useful. let me know what you think.

peace - קיפודנחש (aka kipod) (talk) 21:49, 3 January 2019 (UTC)

getUnpatrolledOfAlexNewArtBotResultsPages and "so far..." display

Hi, there is apparently an error in functionality of your javascript which is invoked in my account and others' accounts by "importScript( "User:Fred Gandt/getUnpatrolledOfAlexNewArtBotResultsPages.js" );" in our common.js files. I don't really recall what the script did for me, though I do assume it was good and think i must have appreciated it. However, somehow the environment changed and now the script causes a stray "so far..." to follow every picture caption in any gallery I view. Apparently, anyhow, because I brought up the "so far..." display issue at Wikipedia:Village pump (technical)#Template:Gallery horrible display error and your script was identified there as the problem for another editor, and was "fixed" by their removing their common.js call of your script. I could do the same but I wonder what else your script has been doing, positively, and whether your script could just be modified. Could you possibly please join the discussion at the Village pump (technical)? Thanks, cheers, --Doncram (talk) 14:46, 3 February 2019 (UTC)

I have fixed the userscript's call to load the offending CSS where it shouldn't and apologise for the inconvenience. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 17:11, 3 February 2019 (UTC)

Thanks for making me feel welcome!

i look forward to expanding this communities knowledge and my own. i will put your tips to work --Squishybaughman (talk) 19:39, 15 May 2019 (UTC)

No problem; you're welcome—literally ;) Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 19:46, 15 May 2019 (UTC)

confirmLogout.js

Hey Fred Gandt,

The cancel button for this script still logs the user out. Could this be fixed? -- 1989 (talk) 20:06, 23 June 2019 (UTC)

This is the second user script I have become aware of in the last hour that is not functioning correctly; it used to work. I'll get to figuring out what's wrong shortly. Sorry for the inconvenience. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 20:12, 23 June 2019 (UTC)

 Done A click event listener (used to trigger some kind of notification) on the logout link was causing this problem; I've removed the event listener and the script's functionality is back to normal. Thanks for the head's up. I'll keep my eye on it. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 20:56, 23 June 2019 (UTC)

A Dobos torte for you!

7&6=thirteen (☎) has given you a Dobos torte to enjoy! Seven layers of fun because you deserve it. To give a Dobos torte and spread the WikiLove, just place {{subst:Dobos Torte}} on someone else's talkpage, whether it be someone you have had disagreements with in the past or a good friend.

7&6=thirteen (☎) 14:34, 10 July 2019 (UTC)

OMG that looks amazing! I may have to pop to the shop for some cheesecake now; I can blame the resulting fat belly on you Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 14:46, 10 July 2019 (UTC)

WP Songs guidance

Are you still interested in this WT:SONGS#Use of songs in advertising, movies, television etc.? I think with some wording similar to WP:SONGCOVER it's ready to go. —Ojorojo (talk) 17:39, 15 July 2019 (UTC)

Yes Ojorojo. I am attending to multiple things here (research for and the act of article creation and improvement) and elsewhere (Life is just a bowl of All-Bran) that constantly divert my attention, but I am absolutely still involved. Sorry for the delay and confusion. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 17:53, 15 July 2019 (UTC)

Regarding edit reverts to band names

Hi Fred Gandt, this page applies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Music#Names_(definite_article) I.e., when the proper name of the band includes the article "the", it should be capitalised. That's also correct English usage. Thanks. Cadar (talk) 11:59, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

Nope; see your talk page. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 12:02, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

[Moved from user talk page Cadar]

See in MOS:THEMUSIC: "Mid-sentence, per the MoS main page, the word the should in general not be capitalized in continuous prose" and revert your errors; thank you. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 12:01, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

1) I began the discussion on your talk page, therefore I am going to continue it here.

2) Read the link I posted. "The Beatles" does not apply. The name of the band known as "the Beatles" was not "The Beatles". Look at literally ANY of their album covers. The rule applies when the name of the band includes the word the: "The 1975". "The Big Pink". See the difference?

3) I'm not making it up. This is correct English usage. This is correct usage per the WP guidelines. Please stick to them.

Cadar (talk) 12:09, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

Your opinion is not relevant. We have guidelines; please stick to them. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 12:11, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

Are you KIDDING me?? READ THE ADDRESS I POSTED!! IT IS THE WIKIPEDIA GUIDELINES!!

Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Music#Names_(definite_article) Tell me where that is NOT Wikipedia Guidelines? I am NOT going to change my edit, it was correct in the first place. Yes, my opinion is irrelevant, but that's not my opinion. THAT IS CORRECT ENGLISH USAGE AND CORRECT WIKIPEDIA USAGE. Please try to keep up. You're wasting my time now.

Cadar (talk) 12:15, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

You are uncivil and I refuse to be provoked. The errors will be fixed eventually and I hope in time you learn better behaviour and come to understand the Manual of Style guidelines. Please take a look at WP:THREAD and MOS:INDENTMIX, when you can spare the time, in regard to your placement of talk page comments (i.e. no empty lines between indents etc.). Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 12:29, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

I apologise. I seem to have made a mistake. I've had a stressful week.

Cadar (talk) 18:17, 25 July 2019 (UTC)

RE: Edit summaries

I didn't make an edit summary because I was too concentrated on fixing your mistake of removing that the album was Hill's only studio release. (I mean, this is just plain true, no debate about it.) So, excu-se me, and you're welcome for that. And next time, leave an edit summary with a more valid argument than this for your change. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Dan56 (talk • contribs) 16:19, 8 August 2019 (UTC)

Note: The above is in reference to this removed thread on Dan56's talk page. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 16:28, 8 August 2019 (UTC)

Disambiguation link notification for August 16

Hi. Thank you for your recent edits. An automated process has detected that when you recently edited La Complainte du partisan, you added a link pointing to the disambiguation page Folk (check to confirm | fix with Dab solver). Such links are usually incorrect, since a disambiguation page is merely a list of unrelated topics with similar titles. (Read the FAQ • Join us at the DPL WikiProject.)

It's OK to remove this message. Also, to stop receiving these messages, follow these opt-out instructions. Thanks, DPL bot (talk) 07:39, 16 August 2019 (UTC)

Screwed up ABBA section

Hello! Please fix the mess we how have here & reinstate the subsection heading "Fashion, style, videos, advertising campaigns" which now is not visible. Thx. --SergeWoodzing (talk) 20:39, 21 August 2019 (UTC)

A minor technical error. My bad, but easily fixed. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 20:51, 21 August 2019 (UTC)

Question

How was my edit summary in List of Google Easter eggs not accurate? That was a typo. Sincerely, Humorous. (talk) 05:46, 24 August 2019 (UTC)

Your edit changed the meaning of the sentence by removing one the words; that's a bit more important than Fixed Typo would suggest. The first search term "causes" and the second search term ... oh, I see someone messed up the sentence before you, a while ago actually. The sentence should have read, "'askew' causes and 'tilt' once caused the results page to be tilted,..."; I must have missed that change. So I can see why you assumed the first "causes" was an error. I will fix the article now; unfortunately, I still can't find a reliable source that explicitly states that "tilt" no longer triggers the effect, so I'm just going to remove the "tilt" reference. I hope you'll forgive the confusion. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 10:43, 24 August 2019 (UTC)

Thank you. Sincerely, Humorous. (talk) 01:46, 25 August 2019 (UTC)

How?

How is iMDB not a reliable source? Tell me that. The King Gemini (talk) 20:57, 30 October 2019 (UTC)

You can start by reading this essay Wikipedia:Citing IMDb, then go on to review Wikipedia:WikiProject Film/Resources#Questionable resources and Wikipedia:Reliable sources#User-generated content (under Wikipedia:Reliable sources#Questionable and self-published sources). Wikipedia is full of guides and discussions about imdb and similar sources; you can use this search link to hone in on a lot of the more relevant info (beyond that I've linked directly). Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 22:36, 30 October 2019 (UTC)

Google Code-In 2019 is coming - please mentor some documentation tasks!

Hello,

Google Code-In, Google-organized contest in which the Wikimedia Foundation participates, starts in a few weeks. This contest is about taking high school students into the world of opensource. I'm sending you this message because you recently edited a documentation page at the English Wikipedia.

I would like to ask you to take part in Google Code-In as a mentor. That would mean to prepare at least one task (it can be documentation related, or something else - the other categories are Code, Design, Quality Assurance and Outreach) for the participants, and help the student to complete it. Please sign up at the contest page and send us your Google account address to google-code-in-admins@lists.wikimedia.org, so we can invite you in!

From my own experience, Google Code-In can be fun, you can make several new friends, attract new people to your wiki and make them part of your community.

If you have any questions, please let us know at google-code-in-admins@lists.wikimedia.org.

Thank you!

--User:Martin Urbanec (talk) 21:58, 23 November 2019 (UTC)

editToken

Hello Fred Gandt,

Your script User:Fred Gandt/easy-AfC-Redirect-and-Category-Response.js is no longer functional because it attempts to get an editToken from mw.user.tokens. The script should instead get a csrfToken. editTokens were removed from mw.user.tokens on October 3, 2019 at Phabricator during this edit as they were redundant to csrfTokens.– BrandonXLF (talk) 00:06, 25 November 2019 (UTC)

trying to explain

hi.

so i read your comment on User talk:Frietjes, and completely missed your sig (silly, i know), so i wrote a long response thinking i was talking with them. so i deleted my response there (if you care, you can read it in page history), since it's not really relevant - my discussion there was about Module:Chessboard, which has nothing to do with "interactive game".

i understand your interest in the subject had long since waned, and that's fine. i did mention you more than once in other discussions recently, mostly since i wanted to give credit where credit is due: no doubt the way you set up the board and placed the pieces was superior to the way i did it. fwiw, i converted the viewer to imitate "your way" long time ago.

where i did not agree with you then, was about the input to the viewer - "your way" (or at least your demo) required that the editor manually generate a lot of information, which i felt was not practical for wiki, and the "pgn analyzer" part of the viewer was indispensable.

from your response in one of the discussions it's clear that i was not always as polite and respectful as i should have been - water under the bridge, but FWIW, i do apologize.

regarding "the right way": i think i told you in the past, but i'll mention it again here: for completely different project, i _did_ create a while ago "pgn parser" using lua, which i thought you might be interested in utilizing to develop your viewer into "the right way". in a way, you can look at the prototype on mw: as implementing your vision. this prototype is not an end in itself, and personally i don't consider it "the right way" - it was built as a scaffold to help with a more ambitious project (mediawiki extension) - a project i would never take upon myself, but once someone else did, i try to assist them.

so i understand that "no hard feelings" is much easier said than done. for a while i did hold some grudge - i felt that your input sabotaged my attempt to push the viewer on the enwiki community (for reference: this was after a previous attempt was sabotaged by another editor, now blocked indefinitely). after the last attempt, which _nobody_ "sabotaged" or even objected to, and still failed, i realized that my perception was probably wrong (as a side, several other wikis, including ruwiki, _did_ adopt the viewer). and of course, from your side, it's clear that things i said were perceived as "attacks", and i can understand if _you_ still hold some grudges... so, at least from my side, truly, no hard feelings, and i apologize for any disrespectful thing i ever said to you or about you.

peace - קיפודנחש (aka kipod) (talk) 19:02, 14 January 2020 (UTC)

A guy from long ago—how have you been?

Dear Fred, many years ago you kindly and patiently helped me with formatting and sourcing math articles. Right now im working on Evil corporation, tryin to give a good source for claims that IG Farben was knowing involved in war crimes during WWII, especially gassing Jews at Auschwitz. I’d be grateful again for your formatting magic if you get a chance. Regards, Rich (talk) 03:31, 29 February 2020 (UTC)

Hello Rich. The math formatting was very technical, and I was glad to assist, but I don't see anything quite so challenging on "Evil corporation"; what help do you need? Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 21:40, 2 March 2020 (UTC)

Re Cases in 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic: hh:mm vs hhmm

Hey Fred! I just wanted to drop in about your revert to my edit on {{Cases in 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic}}. ISO 8601 explains that the basic form of any 24h time syntax is hhmm, with hh:mm being only used as an extended form (which doesn't hugely fit, as if we're going to use 24h time, it'd be to presumably save space). I'm not sure if there's any special Wikipedia standard (I'm not the most experienced editor, I will admit) on time syntax, but if there is, please shoot me a link! Otherwise, are you okay for me to change the syntax to hhmm? ItsPugle (talk) 06:56, 19 April 2020 (UTC)

The most significant concern regarding "standards" on Wikipedia are those derived on-the-fly by consensus. Regarding my revert of your removal of the colon; I challenged your bold edit, and you're right to start a conversation rather than edit warring, but it should be done on the Template's talk page, so all concerned editors can be kept in the loop, the changes in the Template's history, where contentious, may be qualified by the talk page discussions, and so that all related discussions are found in the same place. I agree with the vast majority of the past editors (only yourself excluded to date) that the colon should be in the time format, and I do not think it should be removed. If you'd like to argue your case for removing the colon, please start a thread on the Template's talk page. Cheers. Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 07:16, 19 April 2020 (UTC)

Hi Fred. Thanks, I'll start a conversation on the template's talk page. This is such an insignificant edit given the context of what it is, so I wouldn't personally consider it a bold edit nor have witnessed any existing discussion or consensus on the topic, but nonetheless, I'll start that conversation. Thanks, ItsPugle (talk) 07:22, 19 April 2020 (UTC)

Michael Malloy

I don't see how my edit in Michael Malloy is vandalism. It says the same thing as what was previously written but in a more interesting way. Zooweemanasanwige (talk) 17:26, 4 May 2020 (UTC)

Disputed non-free use rationale for File:Anna Marly - La Complainte du partisan - 1963.ogg

Thank you for uploading File:Anna Marly - La Complainte du partisan - 1963.ogg. However, there is a concern that the rationale provided for using this file on Wikipedia may not meet the criteria required by Wikipedia:Non-free content. This can be corrected by going to the file description page and adding or clarifying the reason why the file qualifies under this policy. Adding and completing one of the templates available from Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline is an easy way to ensure that your file is in compliance with Wikipedia policy. Please be aware that a non-free use rationale is not the same as an image copyright tag; descriptions for files used under the non-free content policy require both a copyright tag and a non-free use rationale.

If it is determined that the file does not qualify under the non-free content policy, it might be deleted by an administrator seven days after the file was tagged in accordance with section F7 of the criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions, please ask them at the media copyright questions page. Thank you. (t · c) buidhe 02:54, 26 July 2020 (UTC)

Disputed non-free use rationale for File:Leonard Cohen, The Partisan, 1968 - 28.5 second excerpt of English transition to French.ogg

Thank you for uploading File:Leonard Cohen, The Partisan, 1968 - 28.5 second excerpt of English transition to French.ogg. However, there is a concern that the rationale provided for using this file on Wikipedia may not meet the criteria required by Wikipedia:Non-free content. This can be corrected by going to the file description page and adding or clarifying the reason why the file qualifies under this policy. Adding and completing one of the templates available from Wikipedia:Non-free use rationale guideline is an easy way to ensure that your file is in compliance with Wikipedia policy. Please be aware that a non-free use rationale is not the same as an image copyright tag; descriptions for files used under the non-free content policy require both a copyright tag and a non-free use rationale.

If it is determined that the file does not qualify under the non-free content policy, it might be deleted by an administrator seven days after the file was tagged in accordance with section F7 of the criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions, please ask them at the media copyright questions page. Thank you. (t · c) buidhe 02:55, 26 July 2020 (UTC)

About Play the game

TL;DR

Wikipedia:Play the game has shortcut link WP:PTG. Can I use (redirect) that shortcut PTG to a different page?

Long form

I am working from WP:ELEMENTS, about chemical elements and the periodic table. An important subtask is the graphics of the PT. For this task, I want to start a subpage WP: ... /Periodic table graphics. My question is: could we use shortcut page WP:PTG for this page? That is: change the redirect? Your article will not be changed.

The new redirect page "WP:.../Periodic table graphics" will have this hatnote, like:

For a humerous take on Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Play the game

-DePiep (talk) 22:29, 26 October 2020 (UTC)

Sure thing :) It's only on a handful of pages. Will you do any appropriate cleanup? Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 22:34, 26 October 2020 (UTC)

Oh ... hatnote ... got ya :) *derp* Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 22:34, 26 October 2020 (UTC)

Thanks. And yes I will (no ring involved). -DePiep (talk) 22:48, 26 October 2020 (UTC)

Just a quick thank you!

Hello, LeBigMan here

I understand that this may not really belong here, but I am short on time, so sorry in advance!

I just want to take the time to say thank you on reverting my edit on List of Google easter eggs. I know it might sound odd hearing this, but I am genuinely glad that you reverted my edit. Not only did my edit violate guidelines, I also didn't like the way it made the page display on ceartain devices. I am also very new to editing, and I still have a lot to learn!

So, once again, thank you for reverting my edit :D

p.s.: I think guys/gals like you don't get enough thanks and recognition on Wikipedia. You do a lot to make the wiki better, so thank you on that note as well!

LeBigMan (talk) 03:09, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

Thank you for the "thank you" @LeBigMan: I'm just doing what little I can to help around here :)

That particular article had a rather pivotal discussion regarding its use of external links some time ago, and trying to keep it from straying too far away from reasonable is important, or the tenuous peace could easily fall apart. TL;DR of that discussion: external links in the article body are there for convenience only. I'm glad you understand that an external link to a page that requires a non-standard browser plugin to function could not be argued as convenient; it would actually more likely frustrate and/or confuse a lot of users.

Thanks for your effort to improve the article; we all had to start somewhere, and learning the complexities of Wikipedia policies and guidelines takes time; be patient with yourself :) Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 07:35, 1 February 2021 (UTC)

Thanks for Input on Indian Removal

Thanks for the recent input on the Indian removal summary. Will make an edit soon. I have to tell you, I initially read your comment way too quickly and thought I saw "bold lies are at the very heart of Wikipedia". So I thought OMG I've gotten into a controversy already... Then I read it more carefully. Anyway thanks.Howbeit (talk) 16:19, 26 February 2021 (UTC)

LOL "bold lies" nice :D Fred Gandt · talk · contribs 18:06, 26 February 2021 (UTC)