Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2008 April 10

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April 10[edit]

Editing changes not sticking[edit]

I am a professional editor, who worked today to streamline a few pieces of deflamatory information previously posted on a wikipedia-referenced subject. None of my changes 'stuck'. I attempted to follow the advised process, but found my changes fully discarded and every bit of the old data returned. Can you advise what I have done wrong? I logged in, opened the editor, edited correctly, saved, and verified the image as professional, logical, thorough and well-written once done. Logging back in a few moments later showed me that all had been put back to the previous, original text. Is there a specific methodology for being able to contribute to this forum? Do my changes have to be 'approved' by someone on your staff? I feel my contribution is not being respected, or perhaps I am doing this wrong. Can you please advise? Your instructions state that "Edits on main Wikipedia article pages should not be signed—the article is a shared work based on the contributions of many people and one editor should not be singled out above others." Thank you. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Wikiuserc (talkcontribs) 00:20, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You contributions are being reverted for a variety of reasons by two other editors, which have been pointed out to you on your talk page, and you should have gotten a message bar across the top of your screen to let you know about it. You'll have to post on either the talk pages of those who left you messages, or on Talk:Almeda University to discuss it with them. Someguy1221 (talk) 00:27, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
To understand what other users are doing to your edits to Almeda University, read these pages: Help:History, Help:Edit summary, WP:REVERT, WP:NPOV, and WP:RS. Then look at the history. It appears that several editors reverted your edits. Since it seems some other users find your changes controversial, you should discuss the changes you want to make on the article's talk page first. Also, on Wikipedia, credentials don't matter as much as knowledge of, and adherence to, our policies and guidelines. The more closely your work adheres to our rules, the less likely it is to get reverted by other editors - unless other editors themselves do not understand our rules yet, which sometimes happens, because people at all levels of understanding of Wikipedia are free to get on here and take a crack at editing. Wikipedia is almost certainly different than anything you have used before, which means your initial assumptions about how Wikipedia works and what is appropriate on Wikipedia will almost certainly need revision. Don't feel singled out, because we all go through the same process. --Teratornis (talk) 00:37, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Today I made a new page called OceanLab, which is the correct spelling of the band. I then moved all of the content of the old Oceanlab page to the new one and replaced the old one with a redirect. Is this the correct way to do this? I remember something in past about doing a move or something. Any comments? CAPTAIN: FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk) 00:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You should have moved the page with the "move" tab at top to preserve the edit history and satisfy the GFDL. I will fix it. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:01, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you. I am glad I asked. CAPTAIN: FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk) 01:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for asking. It's fixed now. Using "move" also moves the talk page at the same time. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:13, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wikiproject[edit]

I'm new on the wiki and just found about Wikiprojects. I was curious as to whether or not there is one devoted to providing media information. For example i'm editing the Yahoo article regarding the merger. There is lot's of breaking news, and i was wondering if they had a project of wikipedians who did that sort of thing to. Thanks. Æon 01:19, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I do not know of any WikiProjects devoted to current events, but you may be interested in Wikinews. Paragon12321 (talk) 01:29, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I guess Æon wants a project for articles about media and not for current events. There is Wikipedia:WikiProject Media. See Wikipedia:WikiProject Council/Directory for an overview of WikiProjects. Article talk pages often have boxes for WikiProjects. Talk:Yahoo! has 5 but not for WikiProject Media. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:44, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Paragon12321 was right actually. Since there is not, wouldn't it be a good idea to have one. Thanks for all your help. Æon 02:33, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
OK. Wikipedia:In the news section on the Main Page/Candidates and Portal:Current events may be of interest to you. Anybody can use news media and update relevant articles with new information. I'm not sure what you want the WikiProject to do. PrimeHunter (talk) 03:02, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I found the inactive Wikipedia:WikiProject Current events. PrimeHunter (talk) 03:05, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I can't figure out how to remove the text regarding the missing image in the infobox on the A State of Trance page. Can someone explain this to me so I can do it? CAPTAIN: FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk) 01:23, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The article uses {{Infobox Radio show}} which currently always produces that text when there is no image. Is there a template coder here who can make the image optional? It also affects other pages. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:35, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Did that, I think my changes fixed the problem. Pyrospirit (talk · contribs) 01:37, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you very much! CAPTAIN: FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk) 01:39, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I noticed that whatever change was made broke the image on the Trance Around the World page, but not the Club Life page. Does anyone know what happened? FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk · contribs 03:17, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
If imagesize is included with no parameter, then just the image name is shown. I just fixed the same problem in ((tl|Infobox WorldScouting}}, so have a look. I also don't think that 180x180px works as anticipated, but I can't put my finger on the reference at the moment. --— Gadget850 (Ed) talk - 21:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Missing character[edit]

When you edit a page there is a box below the one you type in that has many special characters for you to use. Unfortunately the IPA section is missing the ð which represents the voiced dental fricative. At least several lengthy scans have failed to bring it to my notice if it is there. It seems like a simple enough fix for whomever can figure out how to edit it but I suspect it's wisely hidden or otherwise protected from general editing. It would be nice to have that character there though, it's a rather common one. If I wrote this in IPA I would've used it twelve times. -LambaJan (talk) 01:46, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's part of the MediaWiki interface, only admins can change it (or even see the code). Bring it up at ...um... actually, I don't know where. Calvin 1998 (t-c) 01:54, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
(ec) That display is controlled by MediaWiki:Edittools, which only admins can edit. You can request the change on the talk page, or maybe an admin who happens across here will change it...Someguy1221 (talk) 01:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Can't you just use the ð from the characters section? DuncanHill (talk) 01:58, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
(ec)The character ð can be found under the "Characters" section, 2nd row, 7th character from the right. (The row looks like this: ð Þ þ Œ œ Æ æ) « Gonzo fan2007 (talkcontribs) 02:00, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The line wraps depending on your text and window size so the above count may be different for you. But can't you just use your browser's search function to find characters if you already have them from somewhere else? I found ð that way by copying the character from your post to the browser search field. PrimeHunter (talk) 02:06, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
(ec) Which row it is on will depend on your screen size...seeing it now, it's 13 characters to the left of {{Unicode|}}. Someguy1221 (talk) 02:07, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks Gonzo Fan. The characters are so small in that box the resolution isn't big enough for it to look anything like how it looks when it's bigger. It's not my eyes or monitor, it's the pixel arrangement in that font size that doesn't include the cross-bar. I also wasn't expecting it there because I assumed those were all Latin based characters and this one is from Old English. So I looked really hard in the IPA section and scanned back and forth a few times over the other ones and I completely missed it. So, thanks you guys. I guess it's not missing after all. -LambaJan (talk) 02:39, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What's this business about a browser search function? The way you're talking it sounds awesome but I'm running Firefox and I'm not seeing anything like that in the pulldown menus. Thanks. -LambaJan (talk) 02:46, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Try Ctrl-f. I don't have Firefox and don't know which menu it is in. PrimeHunter (talk) 02:56, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Cool! Yeah! That's great. Thanks. -LambaJan (talk) 11:33, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Why my article shows my user name?[edit]

Why the article I wrote shows my user name on it? Can I change the article title to the organization that I am writing about? I don't like my name show on the internet, How can I fix it? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Freyachiang (talkcontribs) 02:50, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You created the page on your userpage instead of making a new article in the right spot. Use the "move" tab to change the title. Calvin 1998 (t-c) 02:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
As Calvin 1998 posted to User talk:Freyachiang, accounts must be 4 days old to move pages and the move tab appears then. PrimeHunter (talk) 03:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

RAILROAD TRACKS[edit]

I NEED TO KNOW HOW MUCH A 15 FOOT SECTION OF RAILROAD TRACK WEIGHTS? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.238.66.90 (talk) 03:34, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Try the Reference Desk. This is a page for asking questions on how to use Wikipedia. Cheers, --Bfigura (talk) 03:41, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Read the Rail tracks article. It suggests there is no one answer; tracks capable of carrying heavier trains, or faster trains, must themselves be heavier. Then there is standard guage and narrow guage. Also, you must specify whether you want to know the weight of just the rails, or also the ties (sleepers) and trackbed. The question as you posed it does not admit a precise answer. --Teratornis (talk) 04:03, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I really do hope you are not asking this in anticipation of removing a section of railroad track from an "in service" part of your country's rail network. To do so would be highly irresponsible and could have the potential to cause many hundreds of deaths. Astronaut (talk) 05:00, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Watchlist changes?[edit]

Hi all. Has anyone else noticed that the watchlist now includes page deletion and creation notices (when 'all' is selected). Is this new? I don't seem to remember seeing it before. Cheers --Bfigura (talk) 03:40, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I noticed this also. FOR GREAT JUSTICE. (talk · contribs 04:15, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, it is a new feature. Mr.Z-man 05:02, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Restoring deleted email using windows vista[edit]

I accidently permanently deleted some email files. Is there any software on the market compatible with Windows Vista to restore these email files? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.83.178.165 (talk) 04:17, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Try asking at the reference desk. This page is for help with using Wikipedia. Leebo T/C 04:19, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
This would be the appropriate one. --Cameron (t|p|c) 12:28, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How do I leave a comment about use of a particular tag?[edit]

Basically, I want to place a comment on the equivalent to the talk page of {{OR}}. I think its use in-text may assume bad faith on the part of the original contributor, especially with the existence of the {{fact}} tag. The page the tag links to (WP:NOR) does not appear to be the right location. I currently replace uses of the {{or|date=whatever}} with {{fact|date=whatever}}, and I would like to see if this is a useful practice.

ETA: Also, is there a way to only watch for the answer to this question instead of the whole page? Oh, and I forgot to sign. -- trlkly 06:26, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Template talk:Original research would be the associated talk page for {{OR}} that is used to comment on said template. And no there is currently not a way to watchlist a particular section. « Gonzo fan2007 (talkcontribs) 06:27, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. I feel kinda stupid for not figuring that out myself. In fact, I think I've posted on a template_talk page before. It also looks like my view has already been expressed and dealt with, so I won't be making a comment there. But thanks for the help, anyways. -- trlkly

Anybody knows what the weird syntax at the bottom of the page is all about? I don't know if this is Wiki syntax or something else.--Lenticel (talk) 07:53, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It's just an HTML object that isn't enabled in Wiki-markup, added by the same user who posted the wierd message. See Hyperlink#Link behavior in web browsers. Someguy1221 (talk) 07:58, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Ah, okay. I thought it was something harmful. I'll just ignore the message then.--Lenticel (talk) 08:03, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The message was from 2006 and written like a private post to the article subject. I have removed it. PrimeHunter (talk) 12:50, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is this just a promotional page that should be speedy deleted or a legitimate article that just needs to be overhauled? AgnosticPreachersKid (talk) 08:25, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Well i see you have tagged the page for speedy deletion. Hopefully it will get deleted soon. ·Add§hore· Talk/Cont 08:51, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yes, I was bold and tagged it. :) I think I'm correct. AgnosticPreachersKid (talk) 09:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Yep it has been deleted now :) Good to see you know how to tag under CSD now :). ·Add§hore· Talk/Cont 10:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

In need of help[edit]

Can someone help me pls. Im doing a project for school and I need to find out information on Turkmenistan thank you. David, aged 11. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.248.48 (talk) 12:44, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hi David, the best place to start looking is our article Turkmenistan. If you have more questions after that, a good place to ask is at the Reference desk, where volunteers will try to help. Best wishes, DuncanHill (talk) 12:59, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That articles looks long and complicated. Isn't there a more simple version of this enclyclopedia for kids? David. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.248.48 (talk) 13:01, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
There is a "Wikipedia for Schools" - their article on Turkmenistan is at [1]. DuncanHill (talk) 13:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
wow, that is cool that they have a WP for schools, thanks. I wouldnt have known other wise. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.248.48 (talk) 13:13, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hi. If you need an article written in simple english, which is easier to understand than the standard-English version, see the Simple English version. Thanks. ~AH1(TCU) 15:37, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

search my brother[edit]

the mobile no of my brother is <removed mobile phone number> —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.93.133.235 (talk) 13:03, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hello. I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over two million articles, and thought that we were directly affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the online free encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is a help desk for asking questions related to using the encyclopedia. Thus, we have no inside track on the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the left hand side of your screen. If that is not fruitful, we have a reference desk, divided into various subjects areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck. PrimeHunter (talk) 22:34, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hi. You might want to try one of those Internet sites that allow you to search someone's address and other info based on their phone number. Thanks. ~AH1(TCU) 15:39, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Page redirected[edit]

I made a page for New Pretty Ricky member Ambition/4 Play but his page has been redirected to the main Pretty ricky page. How do i get it back to him having his own page. He's an individual member so he needs his own page. Thank You

Sweetpw (talk) 13:23, 10 April 2008 (UTC).[reply]

As far as I can see the page redirects to the page you created. However a merge is being discussed. You can take part here.--Cameron (t|p|c) 14:18, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What the heck is this rubbish?[edit]

I just found this [[2]]. I thought this was supposed to be an encyclopedia. Surely there is room for rubbish like this somewhere else on the internet rather than WP. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.248.48 (talk) 13:45, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That page is part of the wikipedia space not part of the encyclopaedia space. --Cameron (t|p|c) 14:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
PS:It does contain a warning banner at the top of the page! --Cameron (t|p|c) 14:15, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It's not a warning banner - it's the BIG HUGE FREAKING PURPLE BOX! DuncanHill (talk) 14:19, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
He knows what I mean! --Cameron (t|p|c) 16:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
By "space" we mean "namespace". --Teratornis (talk) 18:58, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

How do I include my firm in the "Advertising Agencies of the United States" list?[edit]

Can someone tell me how to include my firm in the "Advertising Agencies of the United States" list? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Leila Dillon (talkcontribs) 14:17, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Responded on her talk page. --Orange Mike | Talk 14:21, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you like helping out on the help desk??[edit]

You must get fed up with it sometimes? why do you bother? it's not like u get paid. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.251.12 (talk) 14:25, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm a union steward, a sometime lay preacher, etc. I like helping people; that's all the reward I ask. --Orange Mike | Talk 14:27, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It can get a little frustrating, but it's nowhere near the stress-fest that is WP:AfD or WP:DRV! As with Orangemike, I like helping out folks, and the Help desk is rather easy to handle for the most part. -- Kesh (talk) 16:16, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I tried to explain this here: User:Teratornis/Help desk notes. --Teratornis (talk) 18:45, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

is this the right place?[edit]

I'm not sure if this is the right place, but here goes anyway: in the article self identity, it says that this is the idea that "sentient beings hold for their own existence." Does this mean we exist for the sake of existing? --AtTheAbyss (talk) 14:41, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I suppose so... You might be able to get a clearer explanation at WP:Reference desk/Humanities. PeterSymonds | talk 14:45, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Most if not all animals appear to have some way to distinguish self from non-self. A crab, for example, does not eat its own leg, no matter how hungry it gets. I would not say we exist for the sake of existing so much as I would say we could not exist if we could not distinguish self from everything else, and treat self differently from everything else. --Teratornis (talk) 18:50, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is Wikipedia supposed to be a democratic community?[edit]

Is it possible that I might one day become head of WP? Would it be possible for a group to overthrow the democratic regime and install and autocracy? Would it be possible for WP users to wage the first ever internet world war, where we go around invading and hijacking every site on the net and turning it into a WP page, with me, the life long supreme leader of the world of Wikipedia, living like a king with servants all around me in my palace. Even world leaders would suck up to me because I controlled the WWW, all internet media and everything, so if they wanted favourable press they would have to be nice to me. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.251.12 (talk) 14:57, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If you don't need help with using Wikipedia, please take these kinds of discussions elsewhere. As interesting as you might find this subject, it's off topic for this forum. Leebo T/C 15:00, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Anything is possible, but if you wanted to take over Wikipedia, you would first have to learn where to look up the answers to questions such as you pose. That's because the people you would need to impress all know how to look up those answers. Wikipedia has become one of the world's top Web sites by having lots of competent people making important contributions, and competent people are unlikely to follow anyone who is visibly less competent than they are. --Teratornis (talk) 18:55, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Wikipedia is not a democracy, Wikipedia is not communism, Wikipedia is not an autocracy, or any other kind of political system, for that matter. Hope this helps. Thanks. ~AH1(TCU) 15:45, 12 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Contributions from a range of IP[edit]

I've been looking for this for a few minutes now, I know I've seen someone mentioning it recently but can't find info now that I actually want it. Could someone point me to the page/discussion/tool that explains how to get a list of contributions from a range of IP addresses? I think it's supposed to work like Special:Contributions, but you type in a range instead of an IP address. thanks. --barneca (talk) 15:01, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, sorry but I don't know the answer to this question, hopefully someone will be along soon who does though! :)79.77.251.12 (talk) 15:04, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think you're looking for this tool, but it is "temporary disabled for enwiki because of some performance reasons". Bovlb (talk) 15:47, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I found it; you can choose a Gadget under "my preferences" to "Allow /16 and /24 – /32 CIDR ranges on Special:Contributions forms (uses API), as well as wildcard prefix searches, e.g., Splark*". Unfortunately, I don't actually understand what CIDR ranges are, but luckily this is Wikipedia, and I can go here!. Thanks Bovlb. --barneca (talk) 16:40, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]


I think this admin is trying to hunt me down because i spoke out about the way he seems to block people after 1 or 2 offenses, and about the way he is rude in his comms towards new users/new vandals :( —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.251.12 (talk) 16:00, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
To be honest, your coy response to this question after vandalizing barneca isn't endearing. The help desk is not the place for waging your feud. Barneca asked a question related to using Wikipedia; if you want to talk about this dispute, do so in the appropriate place. Leebo T/C 16:15, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The API still works for checking ranges: http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/API:Query_-_Lists#usercontribs_.2F_uc Someguy1221 (talk) 17:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Lost Password[edit]

I seem to have forgotten my password. I've tried to get it e-mailed to me. What can I do, since nothing else works?

Michael Williams (E-Mail removed for security purposes) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.62.92.104 (talk) 15:07, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If you can't get the emailed password, and you haven't set a committed identity, then I'm afraid you're out of luck. You'll need to create a new account. Bovlb (talk) 15:49, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

deleted article, Roanoke Symphony Orchestra[edit]

I am the author of the wiki article Roanoke Smphony Orchestra, which was speedily deleted. The reason specified for deletion is copyright infringement. This article was a copy of another article written by me, available at the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra web site, specifically: www.rso.com/history.htm. Furthermore, I am a staff member (and webmaster) for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra site, www.rso.com.

What do I need to do to be able to have the wiki article revived? Do I need to add my name to the bottom of the article at rso.com? If so, I will. Thank you.

--RodneyO (talk) 15:58, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Please see this page for the procedure to follow. However, if you are involved with the RSO, you probably should not be writing an article on them, as it would be a conflict of interest which could compromise Wikipedia's neutrality policy. See our FAQ on the topic. Best, --Bfigura (talk) 16:03, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wrong article name[edit]

I found an article that is miss named. The article is named Dan Ortmeier when the article should be named Daniel Ormeier. I checked his MLB.com info and his listing in an SF Chronicle article and both call him Daniel.[3] What do I need to get the page named changed?User:calbear22 (talk) 17:08, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Pages are renamed by moving them to new target names. This procedure preserves the page's edit history. Please do not rename a page by copying/pasting its content to a new page name. If you have an account and it is at least four days old, you can move a page yourself, but please first review Wikipedia:Naming conventions. If you still wish to rename the page, go to it and click the move tab at the top (near the history and watch tabs). You can then specify a new name for the article. The old page name will automatically become a redirect to the new page. However, if the desired target page name already exists, you will need an administrator to move the page for you, which can be requested at Wikipedia:Requested moves. Hope this helps.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 17:13, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks.User:calbear22 (talk) 17:24, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

archiving own talk pages[edit]

Thanks for the previous help on this subject, I would be grateful if someone could cast an eye over this before any bot or something else gets truly mad. I think I have done it right, I want to create a linked archive for one year of talk, then repeat in the following years. Many thanks, if I can learn from any mistake I am a "doer", so tell me how to correct it if necessary, if really messy then can I ask you please. Edmund Patrick ( confer work) 17:43, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What you have done is set up MiszaBot to automatically archive anything older than a year (350 days) into User talk:Edmund Patrick/Archive1, which by the way you should probably rename as User talk:Edmund Patrick/Archive 1 for compatibility issues. This is probably not exactly what you had in mind, because it will do nothing until 350 days have elapsed from the day the first comment was left and then will day by day slowly incrementally archive each day anything that is then 350 days old. Perhaps from your naming of your archive, Year One, what you meant to do is put everything done in the first year of your existence on Wikipedia into that archive and then switch to another. You can do that by just changing the 350 to something more like 5 and then in a year edit where it puts the archive into /Archive 2 for example. You only have to make one edit a year to keep changing where is puts the archive. You can also automate the procedure as well - ask if you want help with that if you get tired of doing it by hand each year. 199.125.109.64 (talk) 15:42, 13 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

how do I create new articles?[edit]

Hello there,

this must seem like a stupid question, but I cannot for the life of me find a simple link to a "create new entry" page of some kind. I do not want to edit a page, I want to create a new one and I just cannot find the link to do this. I would think it would be one of the first links on the side bar of every page.

--Devinology (talk) 18:21, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Provided the new article meets the criteria for WP:Notability and so on, the page at WP:Your first article should help you get started. AlexiusHoratius (talk) 18:28, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You can use Help:Starting a new page. You can also use the search function, which, like you said, is found on every page. If you search for something that doesn't have an article, it will take you to a page that says at the top "You searched for [your search term]" with your search term in red. Clicking on that link allows you to create the page. Leebo T/C 18:36, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'm going with the automated response in addition to the advice from my fellow wikipedians above - just because it's detailed and appropriate for new users.
Before creating an article, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines which all articles should comport with. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite to reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.
Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.
If you still think an article is appropriate, see Help:Starting a new page. You might also look at Wikipedia:Your first article and Wikipedia:How to write a great article for guidance, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation. Wisdom89 (T / C) 18:44, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

WSSM call letter and format switch to WRQR[edit]

I won't say I did a lot of work on the history of WSSM when it still had those letters. But I was taking advantage of an online resource I had when I accidentally discovered some major changes in Wilmington, North Carolina radio. According to the article on WRQR, those letters have been moved to what was WSSM. I did discover that the WSSM article was still there, though. I was disappointed to see that someone had deleted the history of WSSM in a previous edit, but I knew to go back through the history where I found my previous version. I edited the history section of that article and added some new stuff, but when I saved it I realized that was a mistake. Because there was outdated "current" information and an outdated infobox. I could simply copy and paste from the WRQR article and move WSSM to WRQR, but that couldn't be done since there is already a WRQR article.

What's the proper way to handle this? The WSSM article, in an earlier version, even had an unsourced statement that the WRQR letters are once again WSSM. I deleted that because I have no way to prove it. I don't even live in the area! I just found the story interesting.Vchimpanzee · talk · contributions · 19:01, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]


Adding Edit Summary after your Edit[edit]

Is it possible to add an Edit Summary after the edit has been made and saved? And if so, how? Roccasecca (talk) 20:11, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunately, no. Sorry. Soxred93 | talk bot 20:14, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You can however make a dummy edit (ie, insert a blank line where it won't change the actual formatting, etc), and leave the summary there. (Something along the lines of "Dummy edit -- summary from last edit goes here"). Best, --Bfigura (talk) 20:27, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
If you are having trouble remembering to fill in the edit summary, you can be automatically prompted to do so by checking the box on your 'My Preferences' page, under the editing tab. AlexiusHoratius (talk) 20:32, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

multiple image template request[edit]

could someone make {{quadruple image}} and {{quintuple image}} templates that are similar to

[[file:{{{2}}}|0px|alt=]]
[[file:{{{4}}}|0px|alt=]]

and

[[file:{{{2}}}|0px|alt=]]
[[file:{{{4}}}|0px|alt=]]
[[file:{{{6}}}|0px|alt=]]

? Also is it possible to improve the double and triple image templates so that you only have to put the size for the first image and the others scale automatically?--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTD) 20:29, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

You might want to try posting this at WP:RT. Hersfold (t/a/c) 20:34, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
You can also try {{Infobox Awards}}. I created this to illustrate awards, but it has seen a number of other uses. --— Gadget850 (Ed) talk - 22:07, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
O.K. I tried experimenting with {{Infobox Awards}} and like it at . I am wondering if my usage of it at Willie Gillis is Kosher or if I should revert my last change.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTD) 14:32, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Definitely like its use in the Four Freedoms (painting series), but I'm torn on the Willie Gillis article. On one hand, it seems dominating, but on the other it looks nice and organized. Could you break it up into multiple {{Infobox Awards}}, I wonder? Jauerbackdude?/dude. 14:52, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Do you think I should just revert to the way it was before my last edit.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTD) 18:25, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think so. It's all a matter of personal preference, but I guess I'd go with the first one... or maybe a combination of the two. Either way, I would definitely use this style, rather than simply using a gallery or random thumbnails. Overall, looks really good, IMO. Jauerbackdude?/dude. 19:11, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Convert template[edit]

Resolved

At Four Freedoms (painting series), the {{convert}} template does not seem to be handling decimal input because it seems to thing 45.75 and 46 inches are a full inch different based on the conversions from what I can tell.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTD) 20:36, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

45.75 appears to be the correct one. 46 inches is about 116.8cm, not 120. I don't know what the problem is though. Leebo T/C 20:50, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
See Default rounding on the template page.--Patrick (talk) 21:42, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It seems someone has fixed the code so the conversions are accurate.--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTD) 18:26, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

OK can someone help me with this...[edit]

I believe user:Barneca may have created a sock so as to vandalise and try to stitch me up. He agrees so a checkuser so I am requesting this be carried out.

For his consent see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Dark3345

  • I see no proof; Barneca's an admin, and I doubt they'd create a sock for anything, and the talk page you link to shows no proof. This is also inappropriate for the help desk. Ten Pound Hammer and his otters(Broken clamshellsOtter chirps) 21:12, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It's a very long story but bascially somebody cloned me and tried to impersonate me. The admins thought it was me and blocked, but then they did checkuser and were stunned to find it was not me. I believe the hoax would have only been carried out by a handful of users who had been following my edits, and I believe user:Barneca is a strong suspect, regardless of the fact he is an admin. Moreover he gives consent to being checked out, so please can somebody put my mind at rest~? 79.77.248.1 (talk) 21:16, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I still see no proof. What user name did you edit under? There are no edits under your IP prior to the malformed checkuser request you made. Ten Pound Hammer and his otters(Broken clamshellsOtter chirps) 21:18, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I was editing under my IP, but for some reason it changes every time i connect. Please look at this page: [[4]] for details. It's a looong story! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 79.77.248.1 (talk) 21:22, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This is still being discussed? I minorly defended this IP at WP:ANI where there is more commentary, but now I'm starting to think it may be bordering on trolling. It has to stop. I wouldn't bother even responding Ten. Wisdom89 (T / C) 21:25, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The anonymous user may have had a point originally, but because everything I've seen since then has been mischievous, I don't see a reason why his hunch should be enough to run a checkuser. He refuses to address the issue in the proper ways and continually disrupts the help desk at the same time. Leebo T/C 21:30, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

debate result for AFD was KEEP but page has been removed?[edit]

Hello,

I was trying to find an article which apparently was nominated for deletion, but the final verdict (according to the AFD page) was to keep it. However it does appear to have been deleted after all...?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Articles_for_deletion/Table_of_differences_between_the_book_and_film_adaptations_of_Charlie_and_the_Chocolate_Factory


Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.172.226.100 (talk) 22:16, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There seems to have been another AfD closed as "delete", which you can read at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Differences between book and film versions of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. DuncanHill (talk) 22:20, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I will update the book's discussion page to also reference the 2nd AFD and not just the first. Thanks! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 64.172.226.100 (talk) 22:29, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]


Cannot edit from phone[edit]

I can access Wikipedia from my phone but when I try to edit it says that I cannot because I am using Google Web accelerator. Can some explain please? Superstarwarsfan (talk) 22:28, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There's actually a page on this: Wikipedia:Google Web Accelerator Someguy1221 (talk) 22:34, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
That page makes total sense. But why is this showing up on my cell phone? Superstarwarsfan (talk) 22:39, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Most cells and/or other mobile devices use Google Web Accelerator to connect to the internet, usually from behind a common proxy IP.--VectorPotentialTalk 22:40, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

creating a new article[edit]

i was wondering how to create an article about a band i like that isn't preveosly on wikipedia. How do i do this? Jh24601 (talk) 22:48, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Here you go. Wikipedia:Your first article --Elliskev 22:51, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Before creating an article, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines which all articles should comport with. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite to reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.
Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.
If you still think an article is appropriate, see Help:Starting a new page. You might also look at Wikipedia:Your first article and Wikipedia:How to write a great article for guidance, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 23:08, 10 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]