Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2011 February 15

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February 15[edit]

Problems uploading images[edit]

I have been trying to upload a clean image for a page for ages now, and the upload sever keeps changing the color scheme on a perfectly clear image on my computer. Yet, when I insert the image into a file, it sometimes shows up perfectly clear. Why and how do I fix this? Catchthedream (talk) 09:55, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

...and this post also deleted half of the text you were editing! Looking at the history of File:Issamar1.JPG, were those first five uploads all from the same, unaltered, file on your computer? If so, then something is definitely damaging the bytes that you are sending. I will post at Village pump (technical) on your behalf. -- John of Reading (talk) 10:12, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you so much! :) Catchthedream (talk) 10:30, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I have tagged the image as not having evidence of permission. You state that the source is "Direct communication with subject." but this is insufficient for Wikipedia purposes (see the process set out at WP:IOWN) and on the face of it incompatible with the license given for the image. – ukexpat (talk) 15:54, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Moving problems with Scott Nicholson[edit]

Resolved

I was trying to resolve some issues with Scott Nicholson/Scott Nicholson (writer). I was trying to move the later back to the former as there was no conflict that required the more specific title. But it looks like the original move from Scott Nicholson occurred while it was under AfD discussion, which when resolved caused a notice to be placed at Talk:Scott Nicholson. This prevented the move of Talk:Scott Nicholson (writer). The history of the 2 talk pages should be merged. Thanks! Kuguar03 (talk) 05:44, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I redirected Talk:Scott Nicholson (writer) to Talk:Scott Nicholson, this should resolve the issues with it.   ArcAngel   (talk) ) 08:10, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

HELP!![edit]

Can you please help me out with this article-Ooty? I was editing the infobox when suddenly the whole article went out of shape. It's LIVE now! Please help.--Suraj T 06:53, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

This has been fixed by Rich Farmbrough (talk · contribs) -- John of Reading (talk) 07:56, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Pileated Woodpecker page not proper[edit]

the page comes with no actual wikipedia layout around it, maybe somebody can fix this issue —Preceding unsigned comment added by 92.63.13.213 (talk) 07:55, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The page renders fine to me. Maybe you could clear your cache and see what happens? [[CharlieEchoTango]] 07:56, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

maths project[edit]

dear friends, i want to make a project on maths.our teacher told us to make a mathematical object out of waste..please suggest me something..i m an problem.. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.183.50.171 (talk) 09:07, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Perhaps you could have a go at building an Icosahedron? -- John of Reading (talk) 09:20, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Infront Sports & Media Page - International versions / Can you help?[edit]

I've been directed here by helpful Wikipedians to establish the best method of creating different country versions of the content on the Infront page. I would like to provide translated versions of the English text for the German, French and Italian Wikipedia sites. The German one specifically is of greatest interest as there is currently incorrect information on there about the company. It is relevant to have this information in all country versions as Infront is international and active worldwide. I'm told I will have to translate the information which is no problem but was wondering if the English references would be sufficient or if I would have to find references in the individual languages as well? I was also wondering if you could advise on the best process for this - clearly I will link all pages to the original English Wikipedia page but would be grateful for any other advice you can offer.

Many thanks Clnatinfront (talk) 12:29, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Bear in mind that it appears that you have a conflict of interest, so you have to keep a neutral point of view when editing the articles. There is also a chance too that you may be blocked from editing because the username you have chosen is in violation of the username policy, because it represents a group or company, and not an individual.   ArcAngel   (talk) ) 13:51, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Username is a clear violation IMHO and reported to WP:UAA. – ukexpat (talk) 16:07, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Apparently not... – ukexpat (talk) 17:55, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Just a remark to ukexpat. Maybe next time you won't be quite so hasty to beat up the newbies with administrative action and rather just give them a friendly explanation of the problem first. I've noticed you doing this before, please try to assume good faith and be a bit more welcoming instead of immediately biting the newbies. Administrative action is for deliberate malicious acts, not newbie mistakes. Roger (talk) 18:21, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I report them as I see them. Reporting what I believe to be a UN violation isn't biting. – ukexpat (talk) 18:41, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Demetrias - the Nun[edit]

In 413, Pelagius wrote a lengthy letter to Demetrias, who had recently turned her back on wealth in order to become a nun. Pelagius' letter was to explain his position in the argument of "free-will" or the "freedom of will" with Augustine of Hippo. This was found under the Pelagian controversy. My Question: Who is this nun - Demetrias? And why did Pelagius write her? What role did she play during the period of the early Christianity and development?

Keep up the good work. God bless! Sincerely, —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.219.178.2 (talk) 15:05, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

This page is only for questions about how to use Wikipedia. You may ask this question here.-- ♫Greatorangepumpkin♫ T 15:11, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Or, alternatively, you may be interested in reading about Demetrias (daughter of Anicius Hermogenianus Olybrius). BencherliteTalk 16:19, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

747-8 PDF causes abort[edit]

After I download the article about the 747-8 in PDF format, both Firefox and Internet Explorer terminate. I had this result on Monday and again today, Tuesday. I am a computer person so I have tried many things without success. Please let me know when this is fixed. Thanks Raydiek (talk) 16:13, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Works for me. - David Biddulph (talk) 16:25, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Can you download any other articles in PDF format? Since you are a computer person, you understand the need to isolate the cause:
  • Is the problem on your computer, or on Wikipedia? (Not likely to be on Wikipedia since at least one other user can download the PDF you want.)
  • Is the problem only with this article, or with all articles?
  • Can you view PDF files from other sites?
See WP:BROWSER for general information about using various Web browsers with Wikipedia. --Teratornis (talk) 18:55, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Since there do not appear to be any other reports of this either here or at WP:VP/T, it seems likely - not certain, but likely - that the problem is in your machine. But then, as you are a computer person, you obviously realise this. --ColinFine (talk) 23:08, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

tagged as possible conflict of interest[edit]

Hi, I linked to an interview with Sally Fallon Morell this morning on the Weston A. Price page that would be helpful for those wondering how that organization began, but it was removed with a tag "possible conflict of interest". I am not affiliated with the WAPF and wondered if I could try again to put that link up. Although, I think I put it in the wrong spot today. Would my link HAVE to go to the "external links" section?

Thanks, KitchenKop (username) — Preceding unsigned comment added by KitchenKop (talkcontribs) 17:31, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The source you provided, a page on "kellythekitchenkop.com", looks very similar to your username thus the bot quite reasonably assumed that you have a connection to that site. Your edit was not on Weston Price it was on Weston A. Price Foundation. Please provide specific links in your posts, I had to check your contribution log to find what you are talking about. If you are in fact connected to the "kellythekitchenkop.com" website please note that it is generally considered bad form to quote yourself on WP unless you are a generally recognised reliable source on the particular topic. BTW please sign your posts properly by typing four tildes at the end like this - ~~~~. Thanks. Roger (talk) 18:09, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I've brought KitchenKop's to WP:UAA because of the apparent WP:COI and WP:SPAMNAME problems.
As Roger mentions, this appears to be in reference to recent edits to Weston A. Price Foundation. In that case, a bot tagged the similarity between the username and the url, and Alexf removed the edits as spam.
The relevant policies/guidelines include WP:U, WP:COI, WP:SPAM, WP:EL, and WP:NOTLINK.
KitchenKop, I suggest changing your username or starting a new account that doesn't make you appear to be representing kellythekitchenkop.com. Also, note that kellythekitchenkop.com is very unlikely to be an acceptable link within Wikipedia as an external link (WP:ELNO, especially #11) or as a source. --Ronz (talk) 19:24, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, I made a bunch of newbie mistakes, I'm sorry. On the username, I assumed that my whole url as a username would be a no-no, but thought this one would be ok. I can make a new one, but just didn't want to use my name. As far as quoting myself, I can see that would be bad form, but tell me this: do you think that an interview with Sally Fallon (WAPF president) on the beginnings of the Weston A. Price Foundation would be a helpful link on Wikipedia as an external link or no? I know it may not get through, but I'm hoping it will based on the "notability" clause: "significant, interesting, or unusual enough to deserve attention or to be recorded." If not, I won't bother trying to get it on there with a new username. (Is this something I should open a topic on on the Weston A. Price Foundation talk page??) Thank you for your help and again I'm sorry for all the screw ups! KellyKitchenKop (talk) 15:28, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Don't worry about the mistakes. They happen. You saw there was a problem and started a discussion on it. Kudos!
Fallon isn't notable, and the foundation is notable for it's activism and promotion of highly questionable dietary advice. I'd guess that an interview with the founder probably wouldn't be of much interest and would tend to WP:SOAP and WP:PRIMARY problems. Is there a way to get a transcript for review? --Ronz (talk) 18:15, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

A deaf reader did ask me if I could do a transcript for him, so as soon as I have a chance I'll do that and then let you know here. How can I get it to you, can I post a link here? (I don't want to screw up again!) Sorry for my ignorance of this stuff, but, are you one who could approve it? Thanks for your time! KellyKitchenKop (talk) 20:16, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Great! I think it would be best to continue this discussion on Talk:Weston_A._Price_Foundation so others interested in the topic could find and contribute to the discussion more easily. It would be fine to post the link there for review. --Ronz (talk) 23:38, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a way we could copy and paste our discussion so far over there, just the parts pertinent to the discussion on whether or not the interview is notable? KellyKitchenKop (talk) 13:39, 17 February 2011 (UTC) Forgot to ask: In the meantime should I go ahead and change my username, or is it OK just 'til we decide if I can include a link to the interview? KellyKitchenKop (talk) 13:41, 17 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

delivery of passports[edit]

I live in a block of flats and a blank delivery card from "the dx delivery co." was on the stairs. after asking all my neighbours if they were expecting anything I came to the conclusion it could be my passport. Could not access their website and ot took several phone calls to get through to an automated service. I think this service is deplorable and another company needs to be considered for this service. They now want an extorshinate amount of money for it to be delivered, or else am going to have to sit in all day and wait. Needs to be looked at for security reasons if nothing else. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.240.105.43 (talk) 17:43, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over 3.5 million articles and thought we were affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is for asking questions related to using or contributing to Wikipedia itself. Thus, we have no special knowledge about the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the upper right side of your screen. If you cannot find what you are looking for, we have a reference desk, divided into various subject areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck.
One of the reference desks is probably a better place to ask your question. However, I had no difficulty accessing DX's website and the service does seem above board. According to the FAQ, they're apparently happy to deliver to another address (eg: your work place) or let someone you trust sign for it (eg: a neighbour), and I can find no mention of a fee payable by the recipient (though they are a secure courier service, so I suppose it is possible the person you spoke with was in sales and thought you wanted something collected and delivered to someone else). You could call their customer services again (on 0844 371 0000 or 01604 496 798) and try to clarify the situation. Astronaut (talk) 02:07, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia kml or kmz file[edit]

Hello,

I am looking to embed Google Earth into my website for my 7th Grade students. I want to include the Wikipedia layer on the embedded GE browser app. I was wondering if there was a stand-alone kml or kmz file to place the Wikipedia layer on my embedded Google Earth. Panoramio has a stand-along kml file downloadable from their site and was wondering if there was such a file for Wikipedia.

Thanks! — Preceding unsigned comment added by Rigwald (talkcontribs) 18:49, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Does Wikipedia:WikiProject Geographical coordinates#Tools and applications based on coordinates from Wikipedia provide any useful clues? I found that by Googling around a bit. --Teratornis (talk) 19:10, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Dear Sirs, I am writing about the artist Luigi Lucioni. There is a stub atricle. I finished the article on user page and I feel it is complete. I can't figure out how to proceed to the next step. I've search the site and can't figure it out. Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by Stuartembury (talkcontribs) 18:50, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, thanks for your contributions. Since Luigi Lucioni already exists, you would simply copy-and-paste the information into the article. But you need to source your information. At present it is not good enough to be added to the article. Thanks. —Half Price 18:58, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

How to save an article without posting it[edit]

I am wanting to write an article, but I know it's going to take me longer than one sitting to get it done with. I was about to start, but I was apprehensive that if I pressed save it would automatically go online and I don't want it to do that. Is there any way I can save it without publishing it so that I can continue to edit it without other people seeing it until it's finished? — Preceding unsigned comment added by IRTLive (talkcontribs) 19:04, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Yes you would created it in a user sandbox, such as User:IRTLive/Sandbox, where you can work on it at your own pace. If you are connected with the Indiana Repertory Theatre (from one of your edits to the Tutorial sandbox) and are contemplating editing that article or related articles please read WP:COI. Your user name would also in that case probably be a violation of the user name policy. – ukexpat (talk) 19:11, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Your account shows few edits. If that is all the Wikipedia editing you have done, any brand-new article you create is at high risk of being deleted. It's much better to start by making small edits to existing articles, watch the articles you edit and learn from the changes other editors make to your edits, and read the friendly manuals. Before you even started to write an article, you already missed two things: you did not sign your post, and you created an account that may violate WP:ORGNAME. This is not to criticize you, but to point out that you may be venturing into something difficult (article creation) before you know enough about all the gotchas on Wikipedia. See WP:AFD and examine the remarkable number of new articles whose deletion is being debated right now. There are many rules for content and formatting that are nearly impossible for new users to guess without studying Wikipedia extensively first. You can ask for help with writing a new article at Wikipedia:Requested articles. Good luck. --Teratornis (talk) 19:30, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
But if you do decide to go ahead, Your first article and the article wizard may be helpful. --ColinFine (talk) 23:11, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I never clicked on that![edit]

When I went back to the Steve Kean article, the computer itself clicked on the Swansea City A.F.C. article. I never clicked on that! I have a mug which says "I love my computer", but oh no that is wrong! Velociraptor888 20:12, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Do you have a question? -- kainaw 20:22, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, and it is, "Why did the computer click on a link itself?". Velociraptor888 08:46, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
We cannot say what happened on your computer but my guess would be that your mouse sent a click signal for some reason. Maybe it registered two clicks when you went to Steve Kean and the second was interpreted as a click on one of the piped Swansea City links in the article. Whatever happened it's unlikely that Wikipedia redirected you on its own. PrimeHunter (talk) 13:55, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Image Uploads[edit]

I have a question about the really complicated rules on this website. i have been struggling to edit a page for a while on here and everytime i finally upload an image under the "fair use" promotional option i go back to it and all the work i have done on the page has been deleted. the page i am working on is for musician promotional purposes and i have been working on the page trying to add images aand more information everyday to find i get no further forward. there is so much information on here regarding images and licences, the free use option that offers you to option of the fair use of a promotional photo hasn't worked for me yet and i'm really struggling to see where i am going wrong as i have seen various other users managing this option just fine. could you please help me out?

also, when you upload a image to wikicommons, does it have to have an existing link on a website online for it to work on here? ive just finished uploading an image that i was successful with the last time i tried and it just wont work.

i appreciate any information possible to stop my work on here being deleted day after day.

Thank you

1122hangover (talk) 21:38, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I am afraid that the answer is: if you are working on a page for musician promotional purposes, you are in the wrong place. That purpose is fundamentally contrary to the purpose of Wikipedia: see WP:PROMOTION. Sorry. --ColinFine (talk) 23:13, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
An image such as File:Dopebandpromo99.jpg does not satisfy the criteria for fair use if it depicts a person who is still alive. Also see Fair use for the relevant legal theory. Fair use of copyrighted images conflicts to some degree with Wikipedia's aim to be a free content resource. You can eliminate your difficulties by uploading only images to which you own the copyright, and releasing them under a free license such as {{Cc-by-sa-3.0}}. --Teratornis (talk) 06:42, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

how to make the changes in Sanbox[edit]

I want to suggest the changes for the business.com. Since I know it just sold to ResourceNation on Feb 14, 2011. But I do not want directly edit the page.

~ — Preceding unsigned comment added by Olixps (talkcontribs) 21:51, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

You can suggest the changes at Talk:Business.com if you wish. Or the sandbox is Wikipedia:Sandbox, just clicked "edit" at the top. CTJF83 22:30, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Wikipedia:Sandbox gets erased regularly. If you want to create your own personal sandbox for preparing an article revision or for some other reason, click this red link: User:Olixps/Sandbox. Adrian J. Hunter(talkcontribs) 14:43, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Creating new discussion pages[edit]

I noticed that there aren't discussion pages for many IPA charts (**********). There is no Template talk:IPAhelp2col either. I think the talk pages should be created, because their lack hinders unregistered users from posting comments there. But I'm not sure what templates I should use to create them. --Theurgist (talk) 23:32, 15 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Unregistered users can create discussion pages in all talk namespaces. PrimeHunter (talk) 00:00, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
If you want to create a talk page, and don't know what else to put on it, {{Talk header}} often works. --Teratornis (talk) 05:42, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]
That template is usually only for talk pages with issues— see the documentation. As noted, anyone can start a talk page. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) talk 14:38, 16 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]