Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2010 April 9

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Help desk
< April 8 << Mar | April | May >> April 10 >
Welcome to the Wikipedia Help Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current Help Desk pages.


April 9[edit]

Help! Can't get second reference to work.[edit]

Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Show_Boat_%281929_film%29 The 1929 film was long believed to be lost, but most of it has been found and released on laserdisc and shown on Turner Classic Movies. A number of sections of the soundtrack were found in the mid-1990s on Vitaphone records [1], although the film was made with a Movietone soundtrack. Two more records were discovered in 2005 [2], and it was thought these elements would be used for a 2007 DVD which has yet to appear. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Marknyc (talkcontribs) 01:09, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You did not close the first reference tag. This is what you currently have:
  • <ref name=The Vitaphone Project Summer-Fall 2005 [http://www.picking.com/vitaphone74.html]</ref>
This is what you should have (I have bolded the change; make sure you replace NAME with a name of your choice, leaving the quotation marks):
  • <ref name="NAME">The Vitaphone Project Summer-Fall 2005</ref>
Hope that answers it. ~SuperHamster Talk Contribs 01:14, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
(edit conflict) I fixed it up for you. For more info on using named references, see this page for guidelines. TNXMan 01:15, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Also if you could see WP:Citing sources. Thanks. ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ ―Œ ♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣ 05:17, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Women are better driver than Men[edit]

Mens' are better driver than women —Preceding unsigned comment added by Chandramoul (talkcontribs) 04:06, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Please do not put up non-neutral content in Wikipedia, especially since this page is for help on Wikipedia only. See WP:Neutral point of view. Kayau Voting IS evil 05:00, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Lol, though I may have my strong personal opinions on this topic, I think it's better to guide the kid to our WP:Reference Desk. Chandramouli, go there and have fun :) ♪ ♫ Wifione ♫ ♪ ―Œ ♣Łeave Ξ мessage♣ 05:12, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No such anchor: CITEREF...[edit]

Resolved
 – --Redrose64 (talk) 16:43, 11 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I don't get it. In e.g., http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai there are tons of e.g.,


<a href="#CITEREFPatelMasselos2003">Patel & Masselos 2003</a>
<a href="#CITEREFMehta2004">Mehta 2004</a>
<a href="#CITEREFHansen2001">Hansen 2001</a>

But no corresponding anchors. One will only get at most

No such anchor: CITEREFHansen2001

in ones browser, if anything. What's the deal? Jidanni (talk) 04:11, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The inline refs use the Harvard citation template {{harvnb}}; it doesn't appear that the corresponding footnotes have ref=harv set, which is required according to the documentation for that template. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 07:47, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It turns out much deeper. Jidanni (talk) 19:50, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

 Done I've fixed up all, except for one. Please see Talk:Mumbai#Referencing and continue the discussion there. --Redrose64 (talk) 16:43, 11 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

edit buttons in a table[edit]

Hi.

I've written a template on our local wiki that basically helps to document procedures by listing them step-by-step in a table format. The template is actually in three parts, so it works roughly like this:

{{howto-start}}
{{howto-step|1|header=This is the header for step 1}}

STEP 1 CONTENT

{{howto-step|2|header=This is the header for step 2}}

STEP 2 CONTENT

...

{{howto-end}}

My question is: is it possible to include edit 'buttons' for each step that allow you to edit that particular step instead of the whole table, in the same way you have edit 'buttons' for each section in an article? Is there a magic word or extension or some such feature I can use?

I've already tried making the step headers like normal article headers but it's pretty clear that they aren't meant to be used in tables because you have to do weird things to the template code to make it work, and even then it doesn't turn out nicely.

Any suggestions would be welcome! Thanks -- TequilaFish (talk) 04:31, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You can make headers. See this page for an example. Kayau Voting IS evil 04:58, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, I'm aware that you can make headers in a wikitable. The problem is that I'm using a template to build my table, and if you refer to the pseudocode above, you can see that I'm using the "howto-step" template to format the header (using the "header" parameter) - this means I'd have to include header markup in the actual "howto-step" template, and the fact is that header markup doesn't work properly when included in template code. The editing action is tied to the page the header markup is included on, i.e. the template, in this case - so in every instance, clicking the edit button would cause you to edit the howto-step template, not the actual howto page itself.
So far as I can tell there isn't a magic word or anything that can help me out here, so I'm going to try some workarounds. Any other suggestions would still be appreciated. -- TequilaFish (talk) 23:34, 11 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Someone trying to delete a credible article about Dr. Judy Wood[edit]

Dear Wikipedia,

I am a member, and I have donoted $20 to your organization. I would like to donate more in the future, but I am just a broke college student, so I cannot afford more at the moment.

My name is Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez, and my username is Pookzta.

Recently, I have created a page titled Judy Wood, after the very notable 9/11 researcher known as Dr. Judy Wood (www.drjudywood.com).

I am in close contact with Dr. Wood, and have gotten permission from her to create the article. I have also used many references in the article, to prove that the claims in the wikipedia page are true.

However, some people do not like the research of Dr. Judy Wood being discussed on the internet, even though she has her own website and the information is wide-spread. These people are people we refer to as "trolls", because they purposely try to suppress the research that Dr. Wood has done, by slandering her, criticizing her, and trying to delete or add false information to any Wikipedia pages or Forum posts created about her.

The page I recently created can be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judy_Wood

Someone is trying to delete the page by complaining that it does not contain credible sources / references, and that I do not have permission to user her pictures.

I can assure you I do have permission to use her pictures, because she has given that permission to me, and she should be sending you all an email soon to let you know that I do in fact have permission to post this information and these pictures about her.

Also, the persons trying to get the page about her taken down, are also claiming that the sources are not credible. The sources are credible, and I encourage you to verify them yourself if you are concerned about this. I will add more references as I find them, but there are at least 4 or 5 so far.

Please be aware that Dr. Judy Wood's research is extremely important, and that is why there are many paid people all over the internet that are threatning her and trying to defame her work. She has received many threats due to the importance of her research, and one of her students was murdered in 2006 (Michael Zebuhr), which was followed by a threat directed towards her stating that she "could be next".

Please do not allow people to soil the spirit of Wikipedia, because the article I have created about her is not only important, but it meets all of the guidelines that I read before I created the page.

Is there anyway I can report users that make false claims about the page? For example, if someone claims the references are not legitimate even though they are, can I report them for lying?

Thanks for your time and help.

Sincerely,

Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez M1 Medical Student B.S. Biology / Neurobiology —Preceding unsigned comment added by Pookzta (talkcontribs) 05:25, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Content published on Judy Wood's own website, and court documents relating to lawsuits she is a party to, do not constitute reliable sources. Please review Wikipedia:Reliable sources. A reliable source, in Wikipedia terms, is source with a reputation for fact checking and accuracy. They should generally not be self-published. Any individual can set up a website and claim to be a reliable source. Any individual can file a lawsuit and claim to be pursuing the truth. That's why we need content from third-party, reliable publishers. Scientific information should come scientific journals, and not private websites. Biographical information should come from news media, and not court documents. Someguy1221 (talk) 05:48, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]


Those are NOT the only sources listed. There are OTHER sources listed. Check the information for yourself. More sources will be added in time, but even now, there are very credible sources that are NOT from Dr. Wood's website. Please stop implying that the only sources are from her website. Also, her website is used for HOSTING her many legal documents, and the legal documents themselves are also VALID SOURCES. 3 out of the 5 references listed are EXTERNAL REFERENCES. Of those 3, 1 is a government source, and 2 are Academic Universities! Just because they are hosted on her website does not mean they are not valid documents. Stop being a troll. Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez 06:55, 9 April 2010 (UTC)
I strongly suggest you read WP:AGF and WP:CIVIL before you make any more comments on editors.
Someguy1221 is not saying there are no sources, he is saying they are not the sort that we use. Legal documents, for instance, must be from the original source to avoid the possibility that they've been altered. Also you need sources that show notability by our standards, not anyone elses, see WP:PROF. You are also committing copyright violation. Please stop re-creating this. If you are unhappy with the results of the original discussion in 2007 at WP:Articles for deletion/Judy Wood or the recent deletions, you can appeal at WP:DRV but you should not keep re-creating it. You also should sign your name with four tildes looking like ~~~. Thank you. Dougweller (talk) 07:27, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Considering Dr. Wood is the ONLY 9/11 Researcher ever to file her evidence in a court of law, and considering that one of her court cases made it all the way to the Supreme Court in October 2009, she is MORE notable than many 9/11 researchers, yet many of them have their own pages. This is UNFAIR, and this is not what Wikipedia is all about. Censorship and Unfairness and NOT what Wikipedia is about. I am also NOT in Copyright violation, because her information and phtos are FAIR USE and are posted Publicly, but in addition to that, she has also given me permission personally, and will be emailing the Wikipedia Permission email to alert them to this within 48 hours. I also have donated to Wikipedia and plan on donating a lot more. Sorry for forgetting my signature, I am new here. Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez 07:44, 9 April 2010 (UTC)—Preceding unsigned comment added by Pookzta (talkcontribs)
In addition, 3 of the 5 references used are from EXTERNAL SOURCES. 1 is from a government website, and 2 are from Academic Universities. The only 2 sources used from her website are links to the legal documents she has scanned in. Abraham Hafiz Rodriguez 07:46, 9 April 2010 (UTC)—Preceding unsigned comment added by Pookzta (talkcontribs)
I have looked at those sources. The government source doesn't look like anything relevant to her notability. You might to better to find a more enlightening URL to use. One of the academic websites is simply a faculty listing. It doesn't demonstrate notability. The other is her dissertation. As in, she wrote it (of course you know this). That also doesn't demonstrate her notability. A source that demonstrates her notability would be one that is about her and not by her. And it would be one that is not published essentially at her request, as is a court document or a request for investigation. If you can provide documentation that there has been such coverage, then she is notable. But regardless, this is the place to make the appeal. Someguy1221 (talk) 08:02, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Concur with Someguy1221 - there is nothing here we would build an article upon. However, if you feel that strongly, take it to DRV... where you are likely to get the same response. --Cameron Scott (talk) 08:06, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Can't an admin userfy that page so he can work on it in peace? (And to let non-admins like me to check if he's doing it right.) Kayau Voting IS evil 09:01, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Userfication won't do anything to help if there aren't any sources in the first place. It appears to me that the bigger problem with the article is that the text is simply a copy of a page from Dr Wood's website. If you're going to write an article, your text must be original, merely using reliable sources -- which, as you've been told, you still haven't produced -- to establish notability and then back up the text you write. Copy text from another website and the page WILL be deleted, no exceptions. Xenon54 / talk / 10:18, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
If the copyright holder in question gives him permission to use it, why would it be unacceptable to let him userfy it, then in his userspace evolve it so it becomes something completely different? It is not easy, but not impossible either. Kayau Voting IS evil 10:22, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Chicken and egg situation, we can't host copyright content *until* we have seen verification that it has been released. Someone *saying* the author has given permission doesn't cut it for wikipedia. --Cameron Scott (talk) 10:24, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I believe this will happen soon. BTW, to xenon54, 'copying text from another website' is OK if it's a public domain work. Kayau Voting IS evil 10:26, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
All that matters about when it happens is that we *cannot* have copyright text *before* it happens. The public domain aspect here is a red herring as there is no question about that. Even leaving that aside, I do not think this text is being released into the Public domain, simply that this user is being given permission to use it - which might still render it unusable for our purposes and the requirements of the GFDL. --Cameron Scott (talk) 10:40, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

RP system v. Bibiography/Footnotes system[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 01:34, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

At the list of vegetarians, we use the rp system, so the page number of the references come right after the [1]. However, in the peer review, all 3 reviewers were confused about the page numbers. As the list of vegetarians is a giant list and the refs are already longer than the actual content, should it be changed into bibliography/footnotes system in order to pass FLC? Kayau Voting IS evil 10:20, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Replied on article talk page. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) talk 10:44, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Removal of adminship[edit]

The page

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

The issue is that some time ago we had a college intern start the page. Since then he has left the company and this page is now locked down in a protected mode and I can not access it to input my company's information and keep it up to date.

The company name is Specialized Transportation Inc. (STI)

Can this authorship be rerouted to me as he is no longer associated to our company?

Thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by Stidelivers (talkcontribs) 12:38, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

There has never been a page at Specialized Transportation Inc, but Specialized Transportation was deleted on July 8, 2007 as blatant advertising.
---— Gadget850 (Ed) talk 12:54, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Are you referring to Specialized Transportation Inc.? That article was deleted several times in July 2007 and there has not been a page with that title since then. The deleted versions were created by 3 different accounts in 2007. See also Wikipedia:Ownership of articles. The title is currently protected from recreating an article but if it was created then anybody would be able to edit it. PrimeHunter (talk) 12:57, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Requirement of stoichiometric quanity of lime[edit]

Hellow!

Could you tell me the stoichiometric requirement of lime(Cao) for neutralizing Sulphurdioxide gas please along with chemical equation? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Krishvanamali (talkcontribs) 13:00, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Please put your question at the science reference desk. They specialise in science. This page is for help on Wikipedia only. Kayau Voting IS evil 13:11, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
But note that they will not do your homework for you. TNXMan 13:12, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Page tagged for speedy deletion per CSD A7 not getting deleted[edit]

I requested the speedy deletion of this page, which is clearly about a non-notable person, some time ago today, and yet it has still not been deleted. The creator has not contested the deletion of the page, and I am confused as to why the page has not yet been deleted. Immunize (talk) 15:17, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Probably because no one has had a chance to go through CAT:SD. It backs up occasionally. A page like this is OK (no real damage if left up) and the urgent issues (attack pages and copyright vios) are dealt with quickly. I've deleted this page. TNXMan 15:21, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

How do I close an account, if possible?[edit]

Hi. I was just wondering how I close a Wikipedia account? I see no immediately obvious ways of doing so. Thanks for any tips. —Preceding unsigned comment added by LSmok3 (talkcontribs)

Accounts cannot be deleted. You can however, simply stop using your account and place {{retired}} at the top. TNXMan 15:26, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
You may also want to look at -->The Right to vanish - If you wish to leave permanently, and to remove any association with your past edits, you may exercise your right to vanish. It is not a requirement, but the Wikipedia community will typically accord the ability to vanish to users in good standing who exercise their right to leave and ask to "vanish" permanently.............Moxy (talk) 17:11, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Exclaim!5[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 18:23, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Can someone check this user's edits. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Contributions/Exclaim!5

It's kinda spam-like and likely a conflict of interest. 129.120.94.105 (talk) 17:04, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Tnxman has blocked User:Exclaim!5 for spamming and reverted their edits. – ukexpat (talk) 18:23, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Thomas Donilon profile[edit]

HE WAS NOT MANAGER OF 1980 DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION IN NEW YORK CITY —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.71.106.11 (talk) 17:14, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Tagged as "citation needed". – ukexpat (talk) 18:30, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Charity support[edit]

I am the president of a non profit charity in India. I am willing to participate in Wikimedia projects. Please let me know when and how to apply to get myself involved in Wikimedia projects Help me out. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Pallabdutta (talkcontribs) 17:23, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

If you mean contributing to Wikipedia, see Wikipedia:Tutorial and possibly (if you're thinking of writing about yourself or your charity) WP:COI. Rd232 talk 20:54, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Log In?[edit]

I originally created a user account using the secure server option. When I try to log in under the normal option, it won't let me sign on. Does that mean I have to create another account to sign in unsecured?Grand Bison (talk) 18:23, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

You appear to be logged in right now. Is Grand Bison the account to which you are referring? TNXMan 18:24, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I logged in using the secure server option. When I try to log in using the unsecured option, it won't let me in. I would prefer not using the secured server always to view Wikipidia and contribute. Yes, Grand Bison is the account to which I am referring Grand Bison (talk) 18:28, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
What message do you see when you try to sign in using the unsecure server? TNXMan 19:01, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I see in a red outlined box the words "Login error Incorrect password or confirmation code entered. Please try again."Grand Bison (talk) 19:29, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Hmm. So your password works on the secure server, but not the regular login? Odd. I don't know what would cause that. You may want to ask at the technical village pump or try resetting your password. TNXMan 20:16, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello! this s Avicennasis here. I created this account via the secure server, logged out, and was able to log in via the normal interface. I am not sure what the difference is between your machine/account and mine, but this shows that you do not need to register twice (secure and unsecured.) G'luck! AvicennasisTest568596 (talk) 08:46, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

How to cite a map of Lewis and Clark Expedition held in commons?[edit]

I would like to use a copy reproduction of your map on the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806). How do I cite it if it is in Wikipedia commons? The map would appear in my proposed supplemental history text that I am writing.70.110.36.66 (talk) 20:43, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

It is nice and simple see -->Wikipedia:Picture tutorial the code you need looks like this -->[[File:Wikipedesketch1.png|thumb|left]]....Moxy (talk) 20:45, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
If you are using the image on Wikipedia, then there is no need to cite it. When the image is placed in an article as Moxy showed, the image links to the file with all its information. However, if you want to use the image elsewhere, you will need to follow the terms outlined by the licenses. I am assuming that you are using either File:Carte Lewis-Clark Expedition.png or File:Carte_Lewis-Clark_Expedition-fr.svg; both of these were released under GNU Free Documentation License and CC-BY-SA 3.0, which are shown on each of the files' pages. These are free licenses, so all you basically have to do is mention the author as the creator of the work among some other requirements. You can learn about GNU licensing here and CC-BY-SA 3.0 here. ~SuperHamster Talk Contribs 20:53, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

template problem[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 01:33, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, I'm struggling with a template. {{CotM}} is supposed to be a generic version of {{WPVENCotM-Talk}}; and it gives an error message "Unexpected < operator" (see Template talk:CotM). The Ven template has the same if expression and seems to work. Help, please... :( Rd232 talk 20:51, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

{{CURRENTMONTH}} gives a number. I'm guessing that {{JULIANDAY}} is not able to handle month names for its month argument. It works fine if you substitute 4 for April. Intelligentsium 20:59, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
of course - thanks! I've stuck in an {{isnumeric}} test to make sure users don't make the same mistake. Rd232 talk 01:18, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Bug with sorting in Category[edit]

Hi, I believe there's a mediawiki bug evidenced on this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:God_games - note that "What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord? 2" for some reason is appearing under the letter H. "What Did I Do To Deserve This, My Lord?" comes under the letter W, where it can logically be expected to be. If someone wants to confirm it and report it to wherever these things get reported. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.139.166.148 (talk) 21:01, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

That's because it contains the {{DEFAULTSORT:Holy Invasion Of Privacy, Badman! 2: Time To Tighten Up Security!}} code, so it sorts under "H". I don't know enough about the subject to say whether this sort key is correct. – ukexpat (talk) 21:10, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
A sort key should not be so unrelated to the actual page name. I have removed the sort key.[1] PrimeHunter (talk) 21:17, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Userboxes[edit]

Is there a way to decrease the size of the userboxes when referencing them on your page, rather than editing the userbox itself? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Teddybeardog (talkcontribs) 21:05, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No. Don't edit the user box directly when it's used by other editors. You can copy the code and alter that. PrimeHunter (talk) 21:24, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
You could wrap them inside a div with smaller text size set if it's only the text size that you need to adjust. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:09, 13 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Creating a disambiguation (Loose Balls)[edit]

Browsing through Wikipedia, I came upon the article for the book Loose Balls. There are actually two books with that title written about professional basketball, the one mentioned in the article and another written 10 years later by NBA player Jayson Williams. (There is a reference to his book in his article.) If I create an article about Williams' book, obviously it would need a disambiguation note in its title, as would the article about the Terry Pluto book, and the original Loose Balls page would become a disambiguation. My question: What is the best way to distinguish the two books in their titles?

(1) By their distinct subtitles:

  • Loose Balls: The Short Wild Life of the American Basketball Association
  • Loose Balls: Easy Money, Hard Fouls, Cheap Laughs, and True Love in the NBA

(2) By their authors:

  • Loose Balls (Terry Pluto book)
  • Loose Balls (Jayson Williams book)

(3) By their publication date:

  • Loose Balls (1990 book)
  • Loose Balls (2000 book)

Or is there some other way that is better? (One can't say Loose Balls (basketball book) because that applies to both.) Thank you for your advice. — Michael J 21:30, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Seeing that the point is disambiguation, include all three!
For example, "Loose Balls: The Short Wild Life of the American Basketball Association, the 1990 book by Terry Pluto.".
The best way is actually to keep the original Loose Balls page (or perhaps move it to a better title), create your new one, and put a hatnote on the first, using Template:About. Calvin 1998 (t·c) 21:36, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Calvin, you're not answering Michael's question, which was about what title to use, not how to do the disambiguation. Michael, the answer is given at Wikipedia:Naming conventions (books)#Standard disambiguation, and appears to be your no. 2. --ColinFine (talk) 20:02, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is there wiki-database, a wiki-spreadsheet, a wiki-website software?[edit]

I am sorry but I can't navigate all these sites, I get lost.

Is there a wiki-database, a wiki-spreadsheet, a wiki-website? or free software to create these things?


21:56, 9 April 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Opentoinput (talkcontribs)

See List of wiki software. TWiki for example has some sort of spreadsheet extension, but I have not used it. Wikipedia runs on the MediaWiki software which has a built-in database, but you have to install your own instance of MediaWiki if you want to monkey with the database. Your question is too vague to really answer. What are you trying to do? --Teratornis (talk) 22:20, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Technically this help desk is for questions related to editing Wikipedia, and knowledge questions should be asked at the Reference Desk. But since i can answer this one for the wikipedia site itsself ill just do it over here.
There are several wiki-like packages which allows someone to deploy his own wiki for personal use. Wikipedia itself uses the MediaWiki application, which was developed by the Wikimedia Foundation in order to host wikipedia. This application is currently freely available under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 2, which allows you to host a mediawiki free of charge for your own purposes. For more details, install instructions or support i would refer you to the mediawiki website.
Note that this is only one option. If you wish a more complete overview i would like to point you to the computing reference desk where you pursue this question for more details. Excirial (Contact me,Contribs) 22:22, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Business Materials[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 15:38, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Is it ok to promote my company by submitting relevant marketing materials? If yes, how do I create a profile and make it public? 90.214.179.111 (talk) 22:34, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

No. Wikipedia is not for advertising of any kind. Intelligentsium 22:47, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Starting up[edit]

Resolved
 –  – ukexpat (talk) 01:32, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Hello. Where do I start here? I'm told there is some sort of start up page that gives a general idea on how to edit. Johnno 63 (talk) 22:54, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I've left you a welcome message with some helpful links. More specifically, this page may be of use. If you have questions as you go, feel free to ask. TNXMan 23:00, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. I've got a million questions I could ask you, but I won't take up you're time. Just one though. What does Beta do that enhances Wikipedia? Johnno 63 (talk) 23:03, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
In a nutshell, make it easier to navigate and edit Wikipedia. I haven't messed around with it much, but there's a whole project devoted to it (see this page). As for your other questions, ask away! That's the reason this desk is here - to answer questions about editing Wikipedia. TNXMan 23:09, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
I'm sure I'll be back asking questions, but meanwhile I'll study the welcome pages you have sent me. Thanks for your replies, and I hope to eventually contribute to this project. Johnno 63 (talk) 23:19, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
And see WP:TUTORIAL and WP:TMM. Note that figuring out how to edit on Wikipedia is secondary to learning what you should edit. People commonly come to Wikipedia with incorrect assumptions about the content which is allowable here. See WP:NOT for starters. If you came to Wikipedia with some specific idea in mind for what you want to write about, the first step is to determine whether Wikipedia wants you to write about that topic, and if so, then how to go about it. The most important aspect of writing on Wikipedia is that we don't simply write what we know, but what we can reliably source. --Teratornis (talk) 19:36, 10 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Printing an article[edit]

Why isn't there an option to print an article? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.130.109.93 (talk) 23:44, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

On the left side of every article is a link that says "Printable version". Click on that link and that will bring up a version of the article suitable for printing. Then all you have to do is press print in your web browser. --Mysdaao talk 23:49, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]
Unless you have a text-only or very old browser, all you need to do is select File → Print. See Help:Printable for more information including why you don't really need the Printable version link. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) talk 23:52, 9 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]