Help desk
< December 22	<< Nov \| December \| Jan >>	December 24 >

Welcome to the Wikipedia Help Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current Help Desk pages.

December 23[edit]

Help Changing Title Information...[edit]

The title I created for the page is not correct. It reads: User:cookingupastory I would like it to read instead, Cooking Up A Story

Sounds simple, but after trying to discover the answer on your site, it became obvious to me it was not a simple change. My goal is to have the page discoverable for those who use the title (of our show) in Wikipedia. I do plan to add additional content once the basics get properly configured.

Thanks for your help.

Fred

I think you should read our userpage policy. Promotional material is not allowed, and may be removed. Please do not use Wikipedia to advertise things. -Amarkov ^blah_edits 00:03, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Change may to will. Don't expect to be able to use wikipedia for only promoting things. — Seadog_MS 00:10, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

New Page[edit]

I created a new Wikipedia page, but when I search for it on the web, it doesn't come up. Was there something else I was supposed to do? Thank you,

Susan Montez

Were you searching here, or on Google? It may take up to 24 hours for a new article to show up here, and several days to a week before it shows up on Google. -- Kesh 00:53, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Saving articles[edit]

Can I save interesting articles in my own personal folder?Ceeliekid 00:48, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Absolutely. If you want to save a page to your bookmarks, you are more than welcome to add that page to the bookmarks in your browser. This way, you will be able to bring up the most current version of the page. Additionally, if you want to save one particular edit of a page, just go to "Permanent link" in the toolbox on the left-hand side.

I see also that you are a registered user. You also have the benefit of adding a page to your "watchlist." Just go to the page that you want to add, and click "Watch" at the top of the page. Then click on "my watchlist" at the very top to view all of the pages you are watching.

If you're looking to save the page to your hard drive, you can do that too. Just go to File-Save.

Hope this helps... tiZom_(2¢) 01:16, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Question marks where text cannot be displayed: affects editing?[edit]

Occasionally I will see question marks in a Wikipedia article, signifying text my computer is unable to interpret. This is common with Japanese/Chinese characters and things of that nature. My question is (and by its very nature, this is not something I can test myself), if I edit one of these articles, will the special characters remain, or will they be reduced to actual question marks and affect the users who can see these characters? I'm guessing the actual characters are preserved when I see the ????? in the article and in the article's Edit box, but I'd rather be safe and make sure I'm not resubmitting the article with question mark characters. Thanks.. mussavcom 01:02, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Yup, they'll be safe. The "?" is not an actual "?" character--it is what your computer displays when it encounters a unicode character or the like that it doesn't have the font for. Best option? Just install the fonts, its pretty easy. Shift JIS encoding is pretty common across the Internet.— Dark Shikari ^talk/_contribs 02:42, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Oops - edit conflict here:

Don't worry, you're not ruining these characters! I was actually unsure myself, so I just went to a computer that doesn't recognize Chinese characters. I copied the characters (which showed up as boxes on my screen) and pasted them into my sandbox at Tomtheman5/Sandbox (diff). Then I went to another computer, and was able to see the Chinese characters. Seems like you're all set. tiZom_(2¢) 02:44, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know whether all browsers are safe if you copy special characters within or between edit boxes. If you copy from the edit box to a text editor and back, then you may ruin special characters (coming from the guy who changed π to p and similar). You can click "Show changes" to see all differences between the initial and current text in the edit box. If some characters were changed then you should see them in red (they may look identical in your browser but red indicates a change). PrimeHunter 03:10, 24 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

New Policy?[edit]

I was just doing a bit of newpage patrolling, and every article I see made has a long complicated edit summary. Is there some new policy or an old one I'm not aware of? Whenever I create a page I just say "created a page". Can someone throw me a link, if it's applicable? Dooms Day349 02:29, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know the link, but there's a new feature where page creations have an automatic edit summary like that unless you specify another. -Amarkov ^blah_edits 02:30, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That would explain it. I don't care to use it, personally. Thank you very much. Dooms Day349 02:32, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, I take that back. In the four seconds since I posted that message, I've seen that this thing has merits to it. Does anyone have the link? Dooms Day349 02:33, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Edit summary#Automatic summaries. Is that it? tiZom_(2¢) 02:47, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That is what I would think. — Seadog_MS 02:48, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

#Vandalism-en-wp[edit]

Hi I just got verified and I am able to go on the IRC channel, but I get this message /msg NickServ IDENTIFY <password>. What do I put in these fields. Thank you. — Seadog_MS 02:33, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Okay now it says my password is accpeted, and it says my mode is +e but I can't do anything...I.E can't post a message. Can someone please help me on what to do. — Seadog_MS 02:44, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You need to request voice to post anything. I think this is usually done in the #cvu-request channel. -- zzuuzz ^(talk) 03:15, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Software problem?[edit]

Did anyone just notice the layout of Wikipedia totally change and the sidebar go away? It only lasted a minute, is it just me? Was somebody messing with the software? Dooms Day349 02:38, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Could it have been a hiccup on your end? i.e. the CSS didn't load? -- Consumed Crustacean (talk) 02:40, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I dunno. It's gone now, in any case. Odd. Dooms Day349 02:47, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Possibly Controversial Essay[edit]

I'm considering writing an essay, but I'm afraid the topic might be considered uncivil. Basically, it's about when new users get all uppity and think they know better than the users who have been here far longer. I understand that new and inexperienced users can be useful, I personally know a fantastic one who is very diligent in patrolling an article we have a mutual interest in, but sadly I know more that don't care to read policies and just do what they want. IAR only applies in certain cases, you know. Then again, maybe somebody has already written this, and if they have throw me the link. If the topic's bad, though, tell me and I won't write it, I'll just keep my dark thoughts on the inside...:)

Can't believe I've had three topics here within a few hours, lol. Dooms Day349 04:54, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

That is a baad idea, you'll most definitely be accused of WP:BITE. I recommend you don't write it. -Amarkov ^blah_edits 04:55, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Precisely the reason I've asked the question. Thank you. Dooms Day349 05:09, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Sounds like the basic idea could be expressed (carefully) in Wikipedia:Avoiding common mistakes. -- Rick Block (talk) 15:58, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Write it on a subpage in your userspace and ask for feedback privately from a couple of experienced editors before posting it in the project space. Anchoress 16:15, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How do I start?[edit]

Hi. I have trouble creating an account, registering, logging in or creating a username. Maybe I already have an account, and maybe I don't. How do I find out? What do I do next? How do I register (I couldn't find a place or link for registration). I think the name I would like to use ("Kurtlane") is already assigned to someone, but maybe it is assigned to me, and I don't know it. Could you please guide me through, or tell me where I can look for guidance. (I think I cannot use the "Change username" template, since I don't yet have a username). 75.84.102.227 05:08, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Ok, so up in the top right corner there is a link "Sign in/Create account" click that. Then you click create account. This will take you to a page where you enter the username you want, a password and optionally an email address. That's your account created. If User:Kurtlane (were you editing Medicine wheel?) is you then you will have to try and remember the password or if you entered an email address you can get a new password emailed to you by going to sign in and clicking email new password. I hope it helped. James086^{Talk | Contribs} 11:09, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

To create a new username - click this link.

It appears that the User:Kurtlane is already in use, but only on the 9th April 2006 [1]. If this makes sense and you still think it is your account - then you will find an email in your registering email account, reminding them you of your password and account details. Lethaniol 11:12, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Numbers[edit]

What are those red/green numbers in the recent changes? --Proficient 05:35, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Number of characters added or removed. -Amarkov ^blah_edits 05:36, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It is all discussed here MediaWiki talk:Recentchangestext#New field in recent changes not defined anywhere. Lethaniol 11:03, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Indian states[edit]

I would like to know about the details of indian states. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 202.177.152.249 (talk • contribs).

Do you mean the States and territories of India? If so, start with this article and follow the links. There is an article here about each Indian state. -- Rick Block (talk) 15:48, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Cant post a Video link on Ehud Olmert page[edit]

I have a Video clip of Ehud Olmert saying about Israel haveing Nuclear weapons, I tried to post a link but it got reverted, it seems there in NO WAY to post the link, becasue it is hosted on my site at youtube. I feel this is a VERY important video as it is in the mans own words and not just text, please help me post this link, I feel it would add to the completness of the article. But each time I try to post it gets reverted by a 'bot' HELP !!!!

set free

Video clip is the following http://youtube.com/watch?v=tRrpvyZ9OQ0

As I answered above, YouTube links should almost always be avoided, hence the automatic reversion. There is not information on the source of the video so it could be a copyright violation. If you feel very strongly that this video should be included, start a discussion on the talk page of the relevant article. Trebor 19:08, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

And despite the title of the video, he isn't admitting anything. He's just comparing whatever 'it' is to Iran's uranium enrichment. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:22, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Popular Queries[edit]

Hi,

Is there information available as to what the most popular queries are in a day, week, month, year...etc? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ryansittler (talk • contribs) 17:35, 23 December 2006

See this, but you can choose only a specific month as the temporal criterion. Jacek Kendysz 17:47, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Deleted article?[edit]

I made the Curbed(.com) article, but when i went to look to make sure it was there, it just had reverted to the "this page hasn't been created yet", even though i had already created and saved it a couple of times. Also, how do you create a redirect page for an article? for example, i just created the Oakley THUMP article and i want to be able to redirect a user in case that user searches for Oakley Thump (not capitalized).--Technofreak90 18:56, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Checking the deletion log for Curbed, it was deleted on the 21 December [2]. The deleting admin gave the reason G4 from WP:CSD which is "recreation of deleted material". It had previously been deleted in July because it had not asserted any notability. For information on how to make redirects, see WP:REDIRECT. Trebor 19:02, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Information about films in production[edit]

As an editor who works on a good number of Wikipedia articles about upcoming films, I'm curious about the best way to handle leaked production information. I've often cited the policy that information reported by scoopers is not verifiable, as they are not reliable sources. However, if scooper information is complemented with pictures, does the information become authentic? For example, the Joker will make an appearance in The Dark Knight. I wouldn't be surprised to see leaked information and photos about how the Joker looks. My question is, does information such as this have any kind of place here at Wikipedia, or should it be dismissed entirely? —Erik (talk • contrib) - 19:05, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

It should be dismissed entirely. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia and information should not be posted until it is 100% fact. Wait until there is an official announcement from the studio or actor or some other reliable source.--NMajdan•talk 20:18, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

How about pictures taken during production by anonymous studio members? Are these not legally permitted to be in the public domain or used under any kind of fair use rationale? I've dealt with a similar situation at Spider-Man 3 where people keep posting screenshots of Venom from the leaked Comic-Con footage. Sony had clearly been removing the trailer from websites, other editors and I guard the article against the inclusion of anything from the footage. However, if there's no sign of a studio's response to a batch of unofficial production stills, is their usage permitted? —Erik (talk • contrib) - 20:29, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Pictures need to be attributed. You can't attribute something to an anonymous studio member. I doubt anything that isn't officially released can be used anyway. - Mgm|^(talk) 21:24, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Anything leaked, even if true, could wind up on the cutting room floor and never show up in the final version of the film. User:Zoe|(talk) 22:20, 28 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Referencing a Talk Page to Group Multiple Sources into One[edit]

There is currently a debate as to whether the talk page for an article can be used as a source on the List of best-selling video game consoles. To acquire the total sales for some systems, a collection of about 10+ different sources was compiled, explained, and added together on the Talk Page. The resulting figure was then used on the main article page with the source as the Talk Page section where all the sources are listed. This was done instead of listing all the sources and explanations on the main article page, where it would make the article excessively messy. Is this acceptable or not? --Zomic13 14:19, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I would say no. The external sources should be cited. Wikipedia cannot be a source (WP:CITE).--NMajdan•talk 20:16, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

You're already on a slippery slope by interpreting multiple numerical sources. Doing so might constitute WP:OR, - Mgm|^(talk) 21:25, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Proposal for a New Wiki[edit]

Wouldn't it be great if there was a collaborative collection of hyperlinks that anyone could add to? Each page/article will be full of various (specific, general) links to relevant sites concerning the page's particular topic. Such a wiki would be helpful for exploring knowledge and will allow users to navigate and find relevant links better than many search engines. Or would it be better to just put links under the External Links section of a Wikipedia article? The restrictions and guidelines of External Links on Wikipedia are too strict to make a sizable wiki under them, but such rules can be reduced for a new wiki. Links could be organized and briefly summarized as to prevent any unwanted effects, such as inaccuracies and advertising. Warnings can easily be posted by editors. Please tell me if any such wiki already exists. In not, why not make one? What do you think?

--DrZeus 21:38, 23 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]

If you have a wiki solely consisting of links to information that about a subject, isn't that the same thing as fragmenting Wikipedia into pieces? I suppose there could be some use to it (links for software help, for example), but for the most part I couldn't see this working too well. I could see it being difficult to manage. Since it's going to be all links, a lot of things, good or bad, could get swept away in the sea of blue that each page would be.

If you're really avid about a project like this, remember that MediaWiki is a free download...you'd just need to find a good hoster. I've got a few suggestions, but I don't want someone to call me out for advertisement. Wikia is free too, if your project is approved. « SCHLAGWERK ^{Talk to me!} 04:19, 24 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]