Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2008 July 22

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July 22[edit]

blacklist[edit]

The article Volcano Vaporizer (made by Storz & Bickel) will not allow the placement of the Storz & Bickel website's product page (URL not placed here as it gets blocked even from the help page) into the external links section due to "spam blacklist". The external link is on the Storz & Bickel article. Why would this be and where can I read more about this? Thanks. Mjpresson (talk) 00:56, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Correction: The website (Storz & Bickel.com) is not linked to in either article. Mjpresson (talk) 01:42, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It is on the blacklist and has some history already:
What you can do is adding your comments/request to the latest one. Greetings, =Species8473= (talk) 01:55, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

the cost of extracting a barrel of oil[edit]

15 years ago I was given this statistic at a conference: Alaska oil costs $27 a barrel to extract mexican oil costs $17 a barrel to extract Texas oil costs $25 a barrel to extract Saudi Arabia costs .87cents a barrel to extract.

What are todays' numbers? 75.172.17.211 (talk) 01:57, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Have you tried Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in knowledge questions and will try to answer any question in the universe (except how to use Wikipedia, since that is what this Help Desk is for). Just follow the link, select the relevant section, and ask away. I hope this helps. Calvin 1998 (t-c) 01:58, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Can someone help set up[edit]

Can someone help set up {{ChicagoWikiProject}} so that Wikipedia:WikiProject Chicago/A-Class review instructions can operate like like Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history/Review/A-Class review instructions?--TonyTheTiger (t/c/bio/WP:CHICAGO/WP:LOTM) 03:49, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia password limits[edit]

Wikipedia's page for creating an account or logging in has a link to the article "Password strength". I have the following questions:

-- Wavelength (talk) 04:09, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
To answer Q2, the password change form maxes out at 50 characters, to answer Q1, it should accept anything you put in - punctuation certainly works, Greek must work otherwise the Greek Wikipedia would be in ruins, I don't know about non-Latin characters, though :( Q3: As I said, you're not allowed to make it longer than 50 chars (form won't let you) Q4: who knows? :P Calvin 1998 (t-c) 04:16, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
1. All unicode characters are allowed. 2. There is no limit imposed by MediaWiki, it can be several megabytes if your browser will let you type that much. 3. No. 4. Because you can do whatever you want and it just works. -- Tim Starling (talk) 15:41, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
For what it is worth, User:Slark has posted the following message (07:39, 20 March 2008) [1] at Talk:Password strength#Wikipedia password limits.
I just changed my Wikipedia password using KeePassX 0.2.2 (new version 0.3.1! with AutoType!) with maxed out password strength, which has the following options:
1000 characters length
Upper letters
Lower letters
Numbers
Special characters
White spaces
Minus
Underline
higher ANSI characters
KeePassX reports a password generated with these options as either 8000 bit or 12816 bit quality, either way Wikipedia happily accepted it. [end of message by Slark]
-- Wavelength (talk) 16:12, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

122.163.184.99 (talk) 06:34, 22 July 2008 (UTC) about mathematics content management[edit]

Sir, I want to know how the mathematics formula and equation is displayed on the page by using this editer without using any IE ad-ons as like MathPlayer of design since. will u tell me what makes the special character to be displayed on the web using aHTML . another thing the typing editor is not so user friendly ...that it takes much time update why not we use MATHML .............


I am asking this question as i want to develop a web application contening math equation and formulla ....so plz tell me the sourse of this editor and the way it works


thanks

I'm afraid I can't help you with the specifics for the maths formula, as I have never used it before. However, I can at least point you to the part of Wikipedia that gives instructions on that. Have a read of the Manual of Style section on Mathematics, which should give you the help you need. StephenBuxton (talk) 06:57, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
It sounds as though you're asking about how the software actually handles the characters, not how to use them in Wikipedia articles. You might want to try asking at the computing section of our reference desk, which (if I've interpreted your question correctly) is probably more appropriate. Olaf Davis | Talk 11:57, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Improving an article to save it from getting deleted[edit]

I would like to create another article. What can I do to improve on? Are there certain areas that I can eliminate that will make it more acceptable? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 61.129.99.234 (talk) 08:12, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I've had a look at Labbrand, the article you were working on. As I see it, there were a number of issues that surrounded it. First of all, it read as an advert. Wikipedia is not a series of adverts, and anything that reads as an advert will be deleted. See WP:SPAM for more information. You can still have articles about companies that don't read as adverts, they need to be written with a neutral point of view - seeWP:NPOV. That article wasn't as it was written by people who were heavily involved with the company, leading to a conflict of interest - see WP:COI. Also, was the company notable? If it isn't notable, then the article will be deleted. Have a read of WP:COMPANY for the notability requirments of companies.
I'll post a welcome note on your talk page, which will give you a number of good links to read which should give you ideas about how to write a good article. Hope this helps. StephenBuxton (talk) 09:25, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I've taken the liberty of fixing the link to WP:SPAM which Stephen posted above. Olaf Davis | Talk 11:54, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
And now I've fixed my own link to the same place! Olaf Davis | Talk 14:54, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

software version numbers as original research[edit]

When we release a new version of software that has a Wikipedia article, can we update the version numbers in the infobox in that article right away? Or should that wait until the new version has been mentioned in the press or such, to avoid original research? 85.23.32.88 (talk) 11:41, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I think you've answered your own question there. You could update the article, but without verifiable data, it runs the risk of being reverted, either as original research, or by someone thinking the article has been vandalised (not realising that you are making a positive contribution to the article). Better to wait until there are sources. However, I would also recommend that you read the policy on conflict of interest. I don't know to what extent you are editing the article that you are personally involved with, but you do have to be careful about this issue. The policy isn't there to put a blanket ban on you editing; provided you are up front and honest about it, there shouldn't be an issue. StephenBuxton (talk) 11:48, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I'd say a company's website is a reliable source for the latest version number of its own software, so as long as it's updated there first, it should be ok. And it's hard to see COI issues in keeping a number up to date. Algebraist 11:56, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Technically you should be able to cite the software itself as long as there is a visible revision number on it, much the same way you would cite the title page of a book for its publication date(s).--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 13:39, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Although I'm also interested in your general policy, the software in question is ELinks. There, the edits by 213.216.199.53 and 85.23.32.88 are mine. The tone of the article seems neutral enough to me; it is quite open about the weaknesses of the software. It just lacks citations. 85.23.32.88 (talk) 13:56, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
One way to possibly get more citations is to ask some journalists to write about your software. --Teratornis (talk) 17:22, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Archiving old talk pages and article rating[edit]

Hi there all,

Can you tell me how i get old talk pages archived? as i cant seem to do it.

Also i am wanting to re class a article from c to b as i done along of work to clean ti up and reference it, i looked at the b class criteria and it does appear to fit. but i tried re classing it asks to meet the criteria how do i tell it it has meet the criteria?--Andrewcrawford (talk) 11:45, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

For archiving a talk page, please read WP:AATP.StephenBuxton (talk) 11:51, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
As for reclassifying your article, I would recommend getting it peer reviewed. See WP:REVIEW which will talk you through the process. StephenBuxton (talk) 11:53, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for yoru response and help. :)--Andrewcrawford (talk) 12:53, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Autoconfirmed status for posting images[edit]

Hi,

I would like to add my images to some articles, but cannot because my account has not been autoconfirmed. As I understand it, in order to become autoconfirmed I'll need to make 10 edits to articles. I don't really have any content to add to the articles, only photos. Is there another way to become confirmed?

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jbagnell (talk • contribs) 14:54, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hi mate. The easiest way to gain some edits is to revert some vandalism. Or perhaps you could go over some small articles and copy-edit them, or find new references for articles that are marked for having none - there are loads of cleanup jobs you can do here. There are simply hundereds of behind the scenes jobs you can do to gain an edit count, so you should have no problem. MattieTK 15:03, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I probably shouldn't admit this, but those ten edits don't have to be to articles. You clocked up one by posting here, and the other seven can be completely pointless edits to your user page if you want. Algebraist 15:22, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Looking for credibility of weekly standard[edit]

'Bold text'Hello

my name is abdiasis mohamed, i was looking for the credibilty source of the weekly standard, can you please send me any source to find out about the factul credibility of this magazine.

thanks for your general contribution to the world.

mohamed —Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.230.174.130 (talk) 16:14, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Mohamed, this type of question best fits on the reliable sources noticeboard. In short: According to Weekly Standard it is an opinion magazine. Official policy at WP:RS has a section on news organizations where it is stated in bold that: "Opinion pieces are only reliable for statements as to the opinion of their authors, not for statements of fact". Hope this helps, for more take it to -> WP:RSN. =Species8473= (talk) 17:16, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Another possibility is that the question is general, and doesn't have to do with editing on Wikipedia. If that is the case, this question would be more suitable for the Reference desk, specifically Wikipedia:Reference desk/Humanities. Also, you should be specific about which "weekly standard" you refer to (there might be more than one; it's a big world, after all). Wikipedia has an article: The Weekly Standard. If that's the one you mean, you can link to it in your question on the Reference desk (or on the WP:RSN if this is a question about editing on Wikipedia), so responders can understand your question. --Teratornis (talk) 17:19, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Mobile phone[edit]

I have chinese mobile phone which software crupetd by receving a bluetooth message and it works as restart again.Is there any solution? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.81.228.35 (talk) 17:52, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Have you tried Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in knowledge questions and will try to answer just about any question in the universe (except how to use Wikipedia, since that is what this Help Desk is for). Just follow the link, select the relevant section, and ask away. I hope this helps. Scottydude talk 18:10, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Email[edit]

If you harrass someome via email, do you get blocked? I think so, but I'd like it confirmed, seeing as it's not actually Wikipedia. Steel Talon (Interrogation room) 18:39, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There could be a log for Special:Emailuser… Admiral Norton (talk) 18:42, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
The short answer: Yes, people have been blocked for it before. The long answer: Blocks have happened for it but it is generally hard to prove, and if you have an issue with it you can always disable your email features in your user preferences. If a user is particularly troublesome to you it is simply easiest to add him or her to a blacklist and not feed them.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 19:03, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
If a user is repeatedly abusing e-mail they can be blocked from using Special:Emailuser. See Wikipedia:Blocking policy#Setting_block_options. Raven4x4x (talk) 04:26, 23 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

New field[edit]

I am the inventor of devices called upper and lower Body Oars.

They turn the arms and legs into solid loadable levers so the core muscles can move or lift many times more weight in water then they ever could on land.

They are like having an exoskeleton around the arms and legs to carry all of the effort and resistance forces of full range core muscles exercise, without using (or even needing) the joints or bones that are exclusive too the arms and legs, allowing far greater muscle effort to build massively strong body cores on anyone, painlessly after the body adjusts to using them.

They will allow at least four times more core running muscle effort than any traditional method can get from athletes, but this jumps up to hundreds of times more core mobility muscle exercise for people too old, obese or disabled to walk, stand up or swim. Thus massively strengthening the mucles around the hips and waist that also empower better health. 

How do I go about putting a proper description of Body Oars on Wikipedia?

(You can see them at bodyoars.com if you care too)


Steven Craig —Preceding unsigned comment added by Steven Craig 85 (talk • contribs) 19:24, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Because you are the inventor of Body Oars, you probably have a conflict of interest and are suggested to not make an article. For more information see our Business FAQ. Paragon12321 (talk) 19:48, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Probably? I cannot think of a clearer COI apart from writing an article about oneself! – ukexpat (talk) 19:58, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Collapsing templates[edit]

How do you collapse a template, i tried everything but it wont collapse, i want to collapse this and this template so it could look like this template. (without the color) Erik93 (talk) 20:20, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Change |state to: 

| state = {{{state<includeonly>|uncollapsed</includeonly>}}}

Now, the state parameter sets whatever state you desire in the article, such as {{|PDMF Stadiums|state=collapsed}}. The makes the template show as uncollapsed when you view the template page. --—— Gadget850 (Ed) talk - 21:00, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Adding a Bio section chart on the side[edit]

this is the format im trying to follow: picture: date established: president: locations: colors: sponsors:


does anyone know how to do this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 63.202.31.6 (talk) 23:21, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This is usually done with an infobox but there are many of them for different purposes. What is the article about? Maybe you want something in Category:Sports infobox templates. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:35, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]
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