Wikipedia:New contributors' help page

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Help:Contents

[edit] 8th Platoon

[edit] Examples of the subject

Hi

Why is it advised in some articles not to add more examples on the subject main page?

For example, there is a article called "knock knock jokes" and there were lots of examples, but now there are a couple of links to some pages outside of Wikipedia.

Thanks Kensai (talk) 11:24, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

Usually because of WP:NOT#INDISCRIMINATE, WP:LIST and WP:SUMMARY. In keeping with trying to build an encyclopedia, articles need to be written succinctly and in prose format (when applicable). Simply listing more and more examples on a subject leads to unnecessary clutter. Wisdom89 _{(T / ^C)} 17:12, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

OK, thanks for the info. 198.54.202.94 (talk) 08:55, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Getting Started

Hello - I have read and read and can't figure this out. I am trying to write an article and have seen the sandbox and the tutorials, but i was confused when I saw we should request to submit biographies... I am trying to write one on William A. Bond, an American figure on whom there is little on the internet. (Most of his information is in hard copies of very old reference material.) For example, he was a captain in WWII, he went on a major safari every year after the war and holds world records for some of his hunts. There is a museum that holds 140 full mounts, he had one of the largest private gun and Civil War collections (General Custard's gun to Indian chief headresses!) He also comes from high pedigree, his ancestors were major southern plantation owners etc.

SO i have submitted the request, what is next? i'm going to pull some information from his book, The Bill Bond Chronicles, that he had published privately. Should I start working on it or do I need to wait to hear back from an admin for the green light?

and where exactly do I start typing, it says on my user page, but i am not sure. I hope this isn't annoying to you, just so confused! it seems difficult to navigate. Thanks! 03hawnee (talk) 19:59, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

See above Mike P ^(WHAT???) 20:19, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

Mike's link takes you to a paragraph full of useful guidance on writing articles, biog and otherwise, which should help you. It's possible your subject may meet notability guidelines if he is mentioned in credible third-party sources, but the best way of finding out is to write your article and see what other editors think. No, you don't need to wait for permission from anyone to submit it, just be bold and go ahead. The best way is to create it on a user subpage. This means it won't be deleted by any over-enthusiastic editor while you're working on it. To create a user subpage for your article, go to your user page and click the edit this page tab. Then type in the line [[User:03hawnee|William A Bond]] and save the page. A redlink will appear on your userpage, and if you click on this you'll be taken to a text box where you can input text and save it to create your page. Then follow the guidelines on WP:Your first article. When it's ready, you can move it into articlespace. If you ensure that you assert Mr Bond's notability and provide good strong citations for your material - printed sources are fine - your article stands a good chance of making it. If you need help, feel free to ask. Good luck. --Karenjc 22:13, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

Karen, THANK YOU!!! Ok so I've created the subpage (which seems like it is the best way to go) - now do I just start typing? Or do I have to follow some special format and insert the symbols etc? I would love so much to just write in paragraphs. Also, where do I list the references (third party sources)? At the bottom of my article? And when I'm finished, then what? Do I submit to someone? (AH I wish I could hire a Wikipedia guru to do all this!) Thanks so much for your time and help. 03hawnee (talk) 19:19, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

Karen made a slight error - the code to add to your user page should have been [[User:03hawnee/William A. Bond]] - I fixed that for you and also created the sub page with the {{User Sandbox}} template. All you have to do now is click on the blue link on your User page, that will take you to the subpage. When you get there, click the edit tab and edit away. Leave the {{User Sandbox}} template in place. Also take a look at your first article for more advice on article construction. – ukexpat (talk) 20:16, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How do i add a page about myself for the public to see

Im new to wikipedia and i want to add a page about me and im having trouble could somone help me? —Preceding unsigned comment added by TboneOfAddo (talk • contribs) 01:41, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

Hi Tbone, you can do that on your userpage. It's a good way to let other editors know a little bit about you. Welcome, have fun. --Bongwarrior (talk) 02:10, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

And you can post bios at wikibios and wikipopuli. – ukexpat (talk) 17:47, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] WP:NPOV – who care and assess

Please advice who care about WP:NPOV – WP:UNDUE

• Minority views can receive attention on pages specifically devoted to them—Wikipedia is not a paper encyclopedia. But on such pages, though a view may be spelled out in great detail, the article should make appropriate reference to the majority viewpoint wherever relevant, and must not reflect an attempt to rewrite majority-view content strictly from the perspective of the minority view.

In terms of WP:REDFLAG policy regarding history How monority/majority gets? Based on sole person records in CV or based on number of historians which involved and the level of institution in which they currently has a post (not affilation). ThanksJo0doe (talk) 06:03, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

I'm not 100% certain I understand your question - are you asking how many historians have to endorse a view, and how respected their institutions must be, before the view becomes 'mainstream'? If so, I'm not sure I can give an answer in general terms - do you have a specific historical view in mind? A concrete example might be easier to discuss. Of course, someone else may feel able to give you a general answer. Olaf Davis | Talk 10:48, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Denise Palomino

denise palomino is a jamaican writer with two collections of poetry to her credit, the frist publication entitled "MONTHS AND YEARS" and the second is"COMPONENTS OF LIFE" —Preceding unsigned comment added by D-palomino (talk • contribs) 13:40, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

This is a page where new contributors can ask questions about using and navigating around Wikipedia. Do you have a question? If you want to start an article about Ms Palomino, please see Wikipedia: Your first article. Regards, --Karenjc 18:19, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

And having just noticed your signature, you should also read Wikipedia:Conflict of interest before you start the article. --Karenjc 18:21, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Help with Wikipedia entry

I just logged onto the page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Provincetown_Jazz_Festival) which I created for the only three-day jazz festival on Cape Cod, MA and found the following:

0 This article is orphaned as few or no other articles link to it.

0 This article or section needs sources or references that appear in reliable, third-party publications.

o This article or section needs to be wikified to meet Wikipedia's quality standards.

0 This article lacks information on the notability of the subject matter.

I am having trouble understanding what I need to do?

Thanks,

(*email deleted*) 72.72.47.43 (talk) 16:18, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

First, thanks for your article. In each of those tags there are blue words that if you click on them they will take you to pages with additional information. The first thing would be to look at WP:N and see what is required to make sure the topic is notable, if the subject is not it will be deleted. Other editors will help also. PLease also take a look at WP:COI. Gtstricky^{Talk or C} 18:00, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Reporting Vandalism

I just undid an edit made by 76.26.130.129 in Photography because it appears to be an act of Vandalism. In checking other edits made from this IP Address, many appear to have been reversed. I am new on Wikipida, so would someone please review me action? All of the activity from 76.26.130.129 needs to be reviewed. Is there a better way to report Vandalism? Michael Ronayne (talk) 16:28, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

You did exactly the right thing. A warning on the talk page of the vandal would also be appropriate but as this is an IP it would probably be ignored. I added one anyway. – ukexpat (talk) 17:50, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

Also take a look at WP:VAN for lots of info on vandalism and what to do. Gtstricky^{Talk or C} 17:54, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

Numerous acts of active vandalism is reported at WP:AIV. Wisdom89 _{(T / ^C)} 18:23, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Proper? Would someone write submit a page about FLOATOGRAPH TECHNOLOGIES?

Is it improper to ask someone to write an unbiased entry about my company Floatograph Technologies? Contact me if you're interested in doing so via my website. If improper, forget I asked! thanks... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.178.124.7 (talk) 05:11, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

Actually, having a third party write about your company would be the preferred method as it would circumvent a potential conflict of interest. Wisdom89 _{(T / ^C)} 05:13, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Requested_articles is the correct place to put a request for this, but it may be a long time before someone gets around to writing it. Olaf Davis | Talk 10:41, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

Hello, I am able and willing to write an article from a third party POV for your corporation, Floatograph Technologies. However,you must provide evidence that you are able to provide me with citations as per Wikipedia:Reliable sources, at least three references, and an explanation of why your company meets the Wikipedia:Notability guidelines. I am somewhat busy, so it is entirely possible that this may take me a week or so.

BrianKnez (talk) 02:16, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] About project management

Please fill in the subject box above, then REPLACE ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS with your question, and don't forget to sign by leaving the following four tildes (~'s) in place which automatically formats to your signature once you click "save page" below. 203.196.161.172 (talk) 11:56, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

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. -- Natalya 11:58, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] I keep getting an edit deleted

I received a message: 'your recent contributions, such as your edit to the page Whitley Bay, seem to be advertising or for promotional purposes. Wikipedia does not allow advertising in articles'

I simply linked to a website which provides an online directory of every facility, from leisure to businesses to walks and much more, it is a town guide and not for advertising purposes. The link below this entry is also for an online directory but is at least two years out of date. The website I linked to is a voluntary website put together for no charge by members of the Chamber of Trade who are unpaid, our aim was to make an online version of a guide book to assist both visitors and residents.

If you remove this link then there will not be an up-to-date guide to all services available in town and I think this is important. I for one use Wiki whilst researching places I will visit and sites such as the one I am linking to are invaluable.

Please re-consider and let me know the outcome.

ClinIrwin (talk) 14:16, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

Most likely because it's published by the local Department of Trade and most likely has commercial links or content. Mike P ^(WHAT???) 17:00, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

You might be better off raising your points on the talk page of the article in question, where it's more likely to be seen by whoever removed the material in the first place. Olaf Davis | Talk 10:43, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Question from a newcomer

Hello, I recently made a minor edit without realizing I was not logged in, and now the history section of a particular page shows the IP address instead of my screen name. Is it safe for this number to be publicly visible, and in any case, is there a way for me to replace it with my screen name? Thank you in advance for your help. Bailarin85 (talk) 16:37, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

You'll be fine. Most can only access who is your internet provider but not the individual user. Mike P ^(WHAT???) 16:54, 5 July 2008 (UTC)

And no, an IP edit cannot be reassigned to an account. Edits can be deleted in crtain cases but that is unlikely to be done here. PrimeHunter (talk) 22:20, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] problem with my user page

Hello I've created a new article on the writer Susan Sellers, but did something wrong and have actually ended up turning my own userpage into the article itself. This was not intended! If possible, I would like to reclaim my userpage, but I do want to leave the new article on Susan Sellers intact too, of course. ANy help much appreciated.

Abigail fisher (talk) 22:07, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

I have removed [1] the redirect which was created on your user page when you moved it to an article. See Wikipedia:Redirect#Navigating redirects for how to go to a redirecting page instead of the target of the redirect. PrimeHunter (talk) 22:16, 6 July 2008 (UTC)

I did some initial wikification. Needs more details. – ukexpat (talk) 01:59, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

I've replaced the sentence that was on your user page before you created that article.--BelovedFreak 14:32, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Fonts, tables without borders, available bgcolors

I want to include a table as a box which has a quotation within. I want to use an old English type font. I want the box to be indented 1 inch from the left and the right with the copy within centered. I could prepare in in photo format, but would rather not.

I have searched and searched and cannot find a listing of usable "bgcolors" or fonts. Argee (talk) 02:48, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Give this code a try:

Do note, however, that "bgcolor" is short for "background color" which, in (X)HTML terms, refers to something like this. x42bn6 Talk Mess 09:02, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Help with First Article - JAN ROSTWOROWSKI (1919 – 75 )

I helped a friend post an article written in Polish entitled JAN ROSTWOROWSKI (1919 – 75 ) in the Polish section of Wikipedia. Unfortunately as all the instructions were in Polish, we may have missed something, please can someone help me either find the article, or how it can be posted properly. Many thanks Larchg (talk) 10:41, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

pl:Jan Rostworowski has only been edited in 2007. Is that it? PrimeHunter (talk) 10:57, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

No... hmmm, obviously we didn't fill everything in properly - should I start again? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Larchg (talk • contribs) 11:11, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Given that there is already an article there (pl:Jan Rostworowski) you'd have to amend that one rather than add another one about the same person. Why don't you write an article on him for the English Wikipedia (Jan Rostworowski)? And if you don't speak Polish, how do you know what the article you're trying to post says? By the way, Category:User pl contains users on this Wikipedia that speak Polish and pl:Kategoria:User en contains users on the Polish Wikipedia who speak English, someone in there may be able to help. It's probably best to concentrate on writing articles in languages you know though! --BelovedFreak 14:29, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for the advise Belovedfreak. The article was written in Polish by my Polish friend and I was just trying to help her get it published =- we will look at adding her article to the one already there. Larchg (talk) 15:34, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Kathy Kirby

Hello, I have tried unsuccessfully a number of times to provide an link to Miss Kirby's new official website, of which she has signed a contract approving the same www.kathykirby.me.uk I would so appreciate it if it could be added to her page. Thank you so much Exclusively7 (talk) 18:12, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Between us Belovedfreak and I have fixed the external links. – ukexpat (talk) 19:25, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

Actually, I'm not 100% satisfied because the previous site also claimed to be "official". How do we know which one really is? I left a message at Wikipedia talk:External links‎ hoping for some input.--BelovedFreak 19:33, 7 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Oil Bonds

Oil Bonds are issued by Government of India in lieu of the payment due from them to the government onwed oil companies. Normally the oil is sold at subsidy to the public. In other words government undertakes to pay a portion of the cost on behalf of the public. However, the government is not cash rich to make such a huge payment upfront. Hence, it issues "Oil Bonds" to the companies in lieu of cash. Oil Bonds are issued with varying maturity periods and has a coupon rate associated with it. So, in real terms Oil Bonds are debts in government's balance sheet.

Oil Bonds can be traded in the secondary market which enables the oil companies owning the bonds to sell them off to the public/bank to raise cash. Government is proposing to include the oil bonds in the Bank's SLR investments. This would make the bonds more liquid and have more buyers for the bonds. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Visrinivas (talk • contribs) 04:51, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Hello, I'm not sure if you have a question; this is a page where you can ask questions and get help. If you want to start an article, have a read of Wikipedia:Your first article. --BelovedFreak 11:09, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Images removed

Please fill in the subject box above, then REPLACE ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS with your question, and don't forget to sign by leaving the following four tildes (~'s) in place which automatically formats to your signature once you click "save page" below. Atmjnr (talk) 08:50, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Hey! its appears that you have deleted pics from my wiki page..... i dont understand why..... you say its copyrighted images.... but the pictures are of me and my college tutor took the pictures.... hows this copyrighted? Atmjnr (talk) 08:50, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Not an Administrator but, say, Image:JNR live 2007.JPG was deleted under "CSD I4: Image lacking sources or licensing information for more than seven days". My guess is that you didn't put any information down.

And yes, the images are copyrighted. Your college tutor holds the copyrights as the photographer. If he/she is willing to release it under a license suitable for Wikipedia, then it can be used. See Wikipedia:FAQ/Copyright. x42bn6 Talk Mess 08:58, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Article moved from personal sandbox

I created a new article 'BCM Classification' in my personal sandbox and moved it out into the main encyclopedia once completed. The sandbox now shows a copy, or is it an alias of the page? Can I delete the Sandbox version without affecting the moved article? Please send reply to my talk page.

Thanks,

Hostkvall (talk) 12:16, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Answered on talk as requested. Algebraist 12:27, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] creating new page

How can I create a new wiki entry? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Weatherman41 (talk • contribs) 14:07, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Take a look at WP:YFA.  – ukexpat (talk) 14:39, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] What happened to the references?

I just made some changes to "Orval Hobart Mowrer" and now, on the page, the references no longer show up. What did I do? Thanks. Rose bartram (talk) 17:07, 8 July 2008 (UTC)Rose Bartram

You left a <ref> tag unclosed. Already fixed. Algebraist 17:19, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

(edit conflict) I checked the article and you were missing a </ref> tag . This tag closes the reference. When the closing tag is missing, it treats everything after the <ref> tag as a reference. I also added a {{reflist}} so that the references display at the bottom. I hope this helps! TN‑X-Man 17:20, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] updating a page/photo

Hello. I have read through all the information, but I am just left more confused then when I started. I have been assigned to change the picture for my boss on his bio page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gentilozzi). I have gone into the Wikipedia Common area and uploaded the new photo, however, I just don't know where to go from here to get it posted and remove the old photo. Any help would be extremely appreciated. Rsrpr (talk) 18:16, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Do you remember the name of the image that you uploaded to Commons? – ukexpat (talk) 18:24, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Yes, it is Image:Paul Gentilozzi.jpg —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rsrpr (talk • contribs) 18:25, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

(e/c) I found it [[Image:Paul Gentilozzi.jpg]]. On the article page, in edit mode, replace the existing image wikilink (at the top of the article) with [[Image:Paul Gentilozzi.jpg|thumb|right||caption]], replacing "caption" with the caption you wish to use. – ukexpat (talk) 18:32, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

I was so close.....trying to change it from the photo page, not the actual bio page. I see now. I will give it a try. Thanks a million! :) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rsrpr (talk • contribs) 18:34, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Glad I could help. Just as a "by the way", when you are on Wikipedia and you want to link to an article here, you don't need to use the full URL, just put the article name in double square brackets, like this [[Paul Gentilozzi]], which renders as Paul Gentilozzi. – ukexpat (talk) 18:37, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

That worked! Now I just have one more question regarding this photo. Is there anyway to make the thumbnail bigger (like it was with the previous photo) or does that just depend on the file size? And thanks for the "BTY" help - well needed as I learn my way around wiki! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Rsrpr (talk • contribs) 18:52, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Yes, you just add a size parameter, say |200px - I'll do it and you will see what I mean. – ukexpat (talk) 19:34, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

I made it 300px - is that big enough? – ukexpat (talk) 19:36, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Can I write an article about my Firefox add-on?

I have created a free add-on for Firefox that automatically inserts HTML signatures for each email address you have set up in your account. I would like to create an article about it, but want to avoid coming across as a link page or spammer. I feel like it would be a useful addition, as many people use it and love it (1,000 downloads a week or so). There may also be a good place to reference this add-on instead of creating it's own article.

Here is the add-on for your review: Blank Canvas Gmail Signatures

Please advise.

Thanks,

Jerome Dane (talk) 20:44, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Hi Jerome, thanks for posting here and for wanting to help the community. There are a couple of problems I see with the idea, though. First, it sounds like it might be difficult to demonstrate notability, which is necessary for any article. You can read or skim through that page if you like, but it basically means that there must be coverage of it in non-trivial, reliable secondary sources. A more specific guideline is Wikipedia:Notability (web), which says that content should ideally be of historical significance as well. The Criteria section of that page lists qualities that make web content notable, though I don't believe your program qualifies there. Also, I wanted to mention that since you created the extension, there is almost by definition a conflict of interest here--you definitely seem to have the best intentions, but the idea with this policy is that if a topic is notable enough, someone else would create it. So I'm sorry, but based on these policies, unless you can demonstrate notability and maintain a neutral point of view, I don't think it qualifies for an article on Wikipedia. I do, however, encourage you to edit and create other articles.  :) —Pie4all88 (talk) 21:20, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Thank you so much for your detailed response. I had a feeling that the reasons you mentioned above applied, but I wanted to check them out with an expert first. I will simply focus on other things here at wikipedia. Again, thanks for taking the time. Jerome Dane (talk) 21:37, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

No problem. Wikipedia is a big place with quite a bit of policy when it comes to creating new pages. See you around the 'pedia! —Pie4all88 (talk) 14:11, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Blue Box on Right of Article, Concise Information

Hi, I am in the process of writing an article on an established nonprofit that didn't happen to already have an article. Formatting the body of the article is going well, but how do I get that nice blue box that appears on the right-hand side of most articles that can have the address, a picture, employees, and other bits and pieces of information?

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ecologic (talk • contribs) 20:53, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

That's an Infobox, see WP:Infobox. For a non-profit, you would use the template described here: Template:Infobox Non-profit. – ukexpat (talk) 20:58, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How do I add a contribution?

how do i add a contribution? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 143.43.10.25 (talk) 23:48, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Here is a good Welcome to Wikipedia, and once you're past that, Wikipedia:How to edit a page discusses how to contribute. -- Natalya 00:04, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

And of course, your first article. – ukexpat (talk) 01:28, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Exhausted... Need Help

I created my first article about two weeks ago and don't recall how to check back to see if it was accepted. Is there a link to do that? Does it take much more time than just two weeks? If so, is there a way to find out how long? If I do not see the article by now does this mean it was rejected? If so is there a place to go to find out why? Is there a place that answers the above questions? I have spent much time pouring through the faqs, help-desks and several other areas and have not found anything specifically addressing these basic questions. Thank you. 71.116.174.25 (talk) 03:46, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

The first thing I think we'd need to know is where you "created" your article. Only logged-in users are able to create new pages, which is an instantaneous process. However, as an "anonymous" user, you wouldn't have been able to create the page through the usual process, so my best guess is that you posted the text of an article somewhere, and the challenge is to work out where that might be. Under your current IP address there is only one contribution - this one - so we're going to need more information as to where you may have posted your text, and what was in that text. My main guesses are that you posted it to:

• Wikipedia:Articles for creation
• Wikipedia:New contributors' help page (i.e. this page) or Wikipedia:Help desk
• Wikipedia:Sandbox or another sandbox page, like Wikipedia:Introduction

The first one is where people are advised to do this kind of thing, but the other options are very common mistakes. If you can say where you posted the article text, and give us an idea what was in it (the subject of the article, at the very least), it should be much easier to track down your contribution and work out what happened to it.

On a more general note, then assuming you correctly posted to Articles for creation, then your article should appear in an archive. Submissions that are obviously not suitable (a quick guideline of that can be found at WP:WWMPD) will be rejected very quickly, while those that at first glance look like they might warrant an article may take a little longer, although I know that a few months ago there was a drive to clear up the massive backlog that used to exist (on the order of years due to previous inefficient processing and archiving), but I haven't checked back recently to see how things are going now. If you posted to one of the inappropriate places I suggested, then chances are it was either archived or otherwise cleared and so will require some history digging to find. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 05:54, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How do i question a statement?

Hello! I am new to Wiki. If someone is saying that something is a fact then they should have proof to back this up. How do I question them? How do I make it known to them that I would like to see the proof for their "fact"? Thank you! AlexanderRoecop (talk) 11:03, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

You could post on the Talk Page of the article where you are questioning the fact, or, if you know that the information was only added by one editor, you could post it on the user's own talk page. -- Natalya 11:04, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

"Proof" is a very elusive state. But in general, Wikipedia articles are supposed to have references and to be verifiable. If not, you can use the ^{[citation needed]} template to request sourcea. However, make sure that you have read all of the article and the available sources. The lede is supposed to be a summary of the article, and often without references (the references should be in the main body then). A friendly request on talk (as suggested by Natalya) if often perceived as more polite than a simple tagging. In any case, it is a good idea to explain what you think is unsupported, and why you think so. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 11:45, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] can't find my new page in search

I just created a page -- Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc. -- and I cannot find it in the search engine, even if I type in the case-sensitive full name. Is there a process for new pages to "go live"? When will I be able to find it in the search engine? Thanks. Houlihansmith (talk) 17:06, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

It's at Houlihan Smith & Company, Inc.. A few of points though: (1) I am going to move it to Houlihan Smith & Company to comply with WP naming conventions. (2) I strongly advise you to change your user name -- as it stands now you are using a user name that would be deemed as promotional and you will probably be blocked from editing. (3) The tone of the article is, IMHO, promotional and it is in danger of being tagged for speedy deletion as such. Please take a look at WP:CORP and WP:SPAM. For the moment I will tag it with article issues tags.  – ukexpat (talk) 17:27, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

One point I overlooked -- from a quick perusal of the references you have listed, I don't think they are reliable sources for Wikipedia purposes. You may want to consider rewriting the article as a subpage of your user page. You can work on it there without risk of it being deleted. Let me know if you need help with that. – ukexpat (talk) 17:33, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] advertising? what advertising?

please help me understand why fred flare was erased? there was no advertising? please help! thanksFred flare (talk) —Preceding comment was added at 19:10, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

It was seen that the article you wrote about Fred Flare was considered advertising, not encyclopedic content. Wikipedia:Spam talks about Wikipedia's stance on advertising. You might also take a look at Wikipedia:Notability (organizations and companies) to see the critera for the inclusion of companies on Wikipedia. I hope that helps, -- Natalya 19:57, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

You should also consider changing your user name, lest it be considered promotional. – ukexpat (talk) 20:44, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

I see that my suggestion has fallen on deaf ears so I have reported username to WP:UAA. – ukexpat (talk) 16:24, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Toilet - slang use of the word BOG

Hello.I think i know where the use of the word Bog as in 'going to the bog' meaning to go to the toilet may originate from.How do I add it to the Toilet page please,Thanks. Alandmunn Alandmunn (talk) 21:10, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Just click the edit link at the top of the article page and add it in an appropriate place in the article. However, you will need a reliable source to support your edit. Unsourced statements and original research are not permitted and will be reverted. – ukexpat (talk) 21:18, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Maria Ann Fitzherbert and King George IV

I have a copy of the information on the "Family Pact-With Appended Patent" Re: The son of Maria Ann Fitzherbert and King George 4.

"If - in A.D. 1812, he or his elder son James, of his sons first male heir, then living, shall give notice to the crown, that such sum or its equivalent in United States money is preferred to the hereunto appended peerage, subject to the following provisions:

First - That the said James Henry Adolf (styled Hayward) shall within one year from the date of this pact, with his wife and children, quietly remove to Americas, and refrain from appearing again in London, or in any part of Western Europe, until A.D. 1912, unless recalled by Parliment.

It goes on with a Second and another paragraph regarding provisions that were set and was given "in consideration of the aforementioned covenants of the crown and prospective succession.

I do not have the original but it was Whitness to His Majesty's signature Henry Brogham-Chancellor Charles Grey, E. of H. And it goes on with many names including Alexandrina - Princess and finally Maria Ann Fitzherbert and James H. A. Hayward.

Then a family tree is attached up until my former Husband is named as a child to one of the ancestors and now my son is intitled to be included. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Claudiadw (talk • contribs) 06:49, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

Is this about a Wikipedia article and do you have a question? Have you tried the Humanities section of Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in answering knowledge questions there; this help desk is only for questions about using Wikipedia. For your convenience, here is the link to post a question there: click here. I hope this helps. PrimeHunter (talk) 12:07, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

>

[edit] Image deleter

I received a notice from an editor that an image I used in Mink Stole might not be fair use. It said that I had a 7 days to justify it, so I put the "disputed" tag on the image yesterday until I can get better certs, and I detailed the description and rationale. Now, today,(only after ONE day, this editor User:Rettetast deleted it without even addressing it before or reading the dispute tag which has been there less than 24 hrs, saying only "invalid". The image Image:Mink Stole actress is a low res filmshot from an earlier film she was in and there are no free images available to assist the article and provide visual reference. Is that not fair use? I thought we were supposed to help each other.Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 19:07, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

Non-free images like screenshots don't qualify for fair use when being used to illustrate the article of a living person, as in the Mink Stole article. I'll have a look for the exact policy to back that up, but that's basically the reason it was deleted. --BelovedFreak 20:10, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

Ok, here we go: Wikipedia:Non-free content > Unacceptable use > Multimedia #12: "Pictures of people still alive, groups still active, and buildings still standing; provided that taking a new free picture as a replacement (which is almost always considered possible) would serve the same encyclopedic purpose as the non-free image." It is possible that a free image of Mink Stole exists, or could be taken, as a replacement, so a non-free image would not qualify as fair use. It would be ok in the article about that specific film, as long as it was to provide critical commentary. Hope this helps, --BelovedFreak 20:14, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Table enumeration

I am trying to merge two pages with class=wikitable. But even though the two tables are separate, enumeration is continuous. (See User:Sillyvalley/Sandbox for the result.) This screws up the second table. Is there some way to reset enumeration at the beginning of the second table? Sillyvalley (talk) 01:45, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

Another more appealing layout for my table merge would be to arrange data in a single table, arranged by time sequence but with independent row enumerations because the two time sequences are not identical. My attempt to do this resulted in the !# values be incremented horizontally first, then vertically (visual in Sillyvalley/Sandbox 2). What I wanted is a table with !# values incremented vertically, independent in each row. Sillyvalley (talk) 04:11, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

Guess I was too focused on table. The answer is in Help:List. Both are possible, but has to be entered with to-be-obsolete HTML code. Sillyvalley (talk) 04:48, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

Not quite - Turns out the enumeration in my tables are not provided by list, but automatically by external links. And external links are enumerated continuously in an article. Any idea how to reset that? Sillyvalley (talk) 05:02, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't think you can. If you ask over at the technical section of the Village Pump, I am sure you will get a better answer. – ukexpat (talk) 00:28, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

What is more, Multi-column numbered list is still a simple list and won't provide the desired layout for time sequence merge. Sillyvalley (talk) 05:26, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Switching contributions from IP address to User Account

I made some updates without noticing that I was not logged in, so they are tagged with my IP address instead of my user account. Is there a way to retroactively change these updates so that they are associated with my user account instead? —Preceding unsigned comment added by SunnyDSunnyD (talk • contribs) 04:32, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

No, but you can put a note on your user page, or make a null edit to a page to identify the IP edit(s) as yours. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 04:33, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

OK, thanks. SunnyDSunnyD (talk) 04:34, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

You mean a dummy edit (i.e. adding an extra space). A null edit, which changes nothing, does not get logged in the history. Algebraist 20:15, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Free imgs of living people

What is the best way to attempt to obtain a free image of a living person for their article? Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 20:08, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

Take a picture of them yourself, release it under a free license. The second best is to find someone else who's taken a picture and persuade them to release it freely (if they haven't already). Algebraist 20:12, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

See also Wikipedia:Requesting copyright permission. Garion96 (talk) 20:15, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

Thanks. Could someone elaborate a little on the "persuade" part of it? I'm not familiar with the procedure or the etiquette involved. Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)}

Thanks. I see it now.Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 20:20, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

There are some good tips at User:Videmus Omnia/Requesting free content. --BelovedFreak 20:45, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

That userpage is a great help. Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 23:02, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Changing a poorly-thought-out redirect

Is there a way to redirect a poorly though-out redirect so that it does in the other direction? That is, it seems as though an author's casual/informal name (such as Bob Banks) should redirect to his/her byline name (such as Robert B. Banks), not the other way around.

From reading the Help file on redirection, [2], it looks to me as though there is not an easy way to redirect once things have been set up in the wrong direction.

I am asking re a specific page. Cf: Talk:Vonda_McIntyre

Thanks! --Furfish (talk) 23:50, 11 July 2008 (UTC)

You can request at WP:RM for administrative assistance, or you can tag the redirect for WP:CSD#G6 with {{db-g6}}. Someguy1221 (talk) 00:05, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] lost my certificat, what do i do to have new originals

Please fill in the subject box above, then REPLACE ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS with your question, and don't forget to sign by leaving the following four tildes (~'s) in place which automatically formats to your signature once you click "save page" below. 70.15.20.81 (talk) 01:38, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

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.. It may also help if you clarify for them what type of certificate you have lost. -- Natalya 02:42, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Move ubx template?

Can I change the name of a ubx I made with Userbox maker by "moving", like with a page name? Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 02:11, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

You can move any page the way described at Help:Moving a page - pages in your userspace, templates, etc. So, if you made a userbox and put it on a page in your userspace, you could move it to a different page in your userspace. I'm not sure if that answers your question though... do say if you need more information. -- Natalya 11:11, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Properties of Chords of a circle

AB & CD are two parallel chords of a circle such that AB=10 CM, and CD=24cm. If the chords are on the opposit side of a centre and the distance between them is 17CM. Find the radius of the circle.(~'s) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Getmonika (talk • contribs) 06:52, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried the Mathematics section of Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in answering knowledge questions there; this help desk is only for questions about using Wikipedia. For your convenience, here is the link to post a question there: click here. I hope this helps. -- Natalya 11:09, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

By the way, to sign at the end of a post you write this: ~~~~ which is what "the following four tildes (~'s)" means! Best, Olaf Davis | Talk 12:16, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How do I reverse edits that were undone by someone else?

I am the Executive Director of an organization and there is a page here that was written by someone about us. I am trying to correct the page and some mis-information that appears on the page, plus I'd like to make the page look nicer by using titles, etc, Every time I go in and do the edits, someone (a bot?) comes along and undoes the edits.

How do I get the incorrect information off the page and how do I fix the page to look more like I'd like it to look without someone editing it I copied, actually, the format that I saw on another organizations page - but the last "undo" said I was copying my website (which looks, of course, nothing like a wiki page)

VictoriaWoodhull (talk) 20:12, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

One thing might be an issue. Your username is contained in your organization's title, which might be considered a Conflict of interest. Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 20:41, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

Ah. I will change my user name and try again. Thanks! —Preceding unsigned comment added by VictoriaWoodhull (talk • contribs) 20:42, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

A quick note: that is not advisable. You should consider finding a neutral third-party to edit the article. Especially if you are executive director of the organization. Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 20:44, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't know if it's an issue but the article is being re-edited immediately by a just-signed user, perhaps they did as they said and just changed their username. Mike P ^{(wots all this, then?)} 21:17, 12 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Can't get a clear info.

I was searching the information about the programming languages used for running a basic web search engines Iam not able to find it with accuracy. Can you help me with this. 59.92.33.124 (talk) 18:57, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried the Computing section of Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in answering knowledge questions there; this help desk is only for questions about using Wikipedia. For your convenience, here is the link to post a question there: click here. I hope this helps. I suggest saying what exactly your goal is. Do you really want to make your own "basic" (no such thing if it's going to be useful) web search engine? Or do you just want a search box at your website which calls an existing external search engine? PrimeHunter (talk) 20:03, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Web search engines can be written in nearly any serious current programming language. I once wrote a simple crawler in AWK. Crawlers are usually limited by network performance, and are heavy on string processing. Therefore high-level languages like Perl*urg* or Python (programming language) are very appropriate. Searching the actual index once build is often limited by CPU. I would assume that most current systems are implemented in C or C++. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 12:47, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Learning the editing process

Sorry, I did read the guide to edit(and have reread them and checked FAQ)and had a go in the tutorial sandbox (rechecked this also) but I am confused to my error. On my first attempt at an edit, when from my point of view I was just roughing out a phrase, to refer to Prof Claw's measurement of pain in fibromyalgia sufferers, which is from a peer reviewed scientific paper I got from pub med, so an conventional academic reference from 2003 - I got 2 watchlists remarks. What concerns me is not as such that they said original research, as I had not put in the references or indeed finished the phrase but that I thought I had yet to submit anything. So the criticism would had been valid if it was a finished and saved edit, but from my point of view I was drafting a sentence, and had yet to reference it. I understood you could press a preview button before saving changes from what I read. I am sure I have made a very simple mistake but what is it? If I am supposed to do this in a usersandbox