Wikipedia:Help desk

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• For other types of questions, use the search box, see the reference desk or Help:Contents. If you have comments about a specific article, use that article's talk page.
• Do not provide your email address or any other contact information. Answers will be provided on this page only.
• Check back on this page to see if your question has been answered.
• For real-time help, use our IRC help channel, #wikipedia-en-help.
• New editors may prefer the Teahouse, a help area for beginners (but please don't ask in both places).

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March 7

Userbox

How do I make a Userbox Maestrofin (talk) 02:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Maestrofin: See WP:CREATEUSERBOX for info on that. RudolfRed (talk) 02:47, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Sometimes what I will do is search for an article that has a userbox that would work for my purposes. Then, I will go to the source code, copy, and paste into the article I am editing.

Hu Nhu (talk) 04:08, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Tagging incomplete refs

What is the correct tag for incomplete citations? I've discovered a reference that consists of only the author surname and a page number, there doesn't seem to be a complete citation of the same source elsewhere in the article. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 09:23, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

It's helpful to provide a link to the article in question. Guessing (because you didn't provide a link) it will be a reference to a citation that has been removed. The best thing is to go back in the history and see if it worked some time ago, hen trace the full citation. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 11:04, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

It's also possible that the reference was copied from another article, without copying the complete citation. TSventon (talk) 11:14, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

To answer the original question, {{Full citation needed}}. DMacks (talk) 13:08, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Dodger67: The work is fully cited in this diff (found using WikiBlame). Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 20:17, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Submitting a biography

I would like to submit a biography of my father who made a notable contribution to the care of people with special needs and was rewarded with an OBE I have the source material and the text but please can you tell me the process for submission Regards Simon SRoth59 (talk) 10:42, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

SRoth59 You will first need to declare a conflict of interest (click for instructions). After that, if your text summarizes what independent reliable sources say about your father, you may create and submit a draft via the Article Wizard. Creating a new article is challenging, I would suggest using the tutorial and reading Your First Article. 331dot (talk) 10:47, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

In addition to what 331dot says, I would also strongly suggest spending significant time working on other articles and learning about Wikipedia before you even try it. Please see my reply to another editor in #Publishing Article above (buried in the middle of a long exchange, I'm afraid. ColinFine (talk) 11:25, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@SRoth59: Creating a new article from scratch is one of the most challenging things in Wikipedia. There is a group dedicated to working on articles relating to disability, and you might find somebody there willing to help, who knows about how to put an article together. Try asking at Wikipedia_talk:WikiProject_Disability. And good luck! --Gronk Oz (talk) 11:54, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Many thanks 81.108.181.195 (talk) 12:38, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Regarding a new article

Hello All, if I have no contributing privileges and would like to put up a new article or profile, can anyone with such privileges assist. I'll do all the editing and fact checking. Thanks Gavin Ngabonziza (talk) 11:41, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Hello! Please read Help:Your first article. Remsense诉 12:09, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

What do you mean by "contributing privileges", Gavin Ngabonziza? Or what is it that you want to do (or to be done) but that you cannot do? -- Hoary (talk) 12:13, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Hello Hoary, a local engineer recently achieved a milestone in the refurbishment of world war 2 memorial stadium and I would like a new article or profile of his added. However I am unable to write up anything since I am not yet a Wikipedia contributor. Can someone help me put up his profile as mentioned here. I'll edit it and add any other facts. 41.84.196.195 (talk) 12:21, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Gavin Ngabonziza Answered at the Teahouse. Please don't ask in two places at once as it wastes volunteer's time. Mike Turnbull (talk) 12:50, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for the reminder 41.84.196.195 (talk) 12:52, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

wiki key

when i reported a problem to wikipidea they gave me a key to comeback and see the answer,where should i go now? Z33blabla (talk) 14:46, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

I don't know what you mean by a key.

Please explain further. ColinFine (talk) 15:03, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

ead7ec50140f2b817984dfae25e0262fbba0d23520efe4f3c7e1c555d76fc56dad98f8f(this is half of it)it gave me this key after i reported a problem and told me to save it so i can see the answer,what am i supposed to do now note:i didnt have an account at that time and it have been well over a month so i think they already answered me Z33blabla (talk) 15:08, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Sorry, I'm lost. Where/to whom did you report this problem? Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 17:04, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

I checked with chatgpt, it suggested that this may have have been using the Phabricator system. Fabrickator (talk) 17:35, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Sounds plausible. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 17:40, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Westminster School District | Board President Name Change

Hello we are looking to change the name of our Board PResident to Frances Nguyen at the Westminster School District in Westminster, CA. Could we make this change? Thank you. 2605:A601:A701:3100:3C88:4918:5E9D:6C43 (talk) 17:39, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

I did it for you:[1]. But yes, that would have been ok. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 17:44, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Regency of Algiers

Hi Folks!! In the notes sections I changed an sfnlink template ref to sfn but it left behind this: "Cite error: A list-defined reference named "FOOTNOTEKaddache2003538" is not used in the content (see the help page)." Does anybody know how to fix it? I trying to change the sfnlink cites into sfn to make them standard looking, in that section. scope_creep^Talk 18:54, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Scope creep: You can't fix that: it is tracked as T22707. A workaround is available, already explained at Talk (I edit-conflicted with you adding it). The workaround ({{sfnlink}}) was already in the article, which is why there wasn't an error before. Your change removed the workaround, falling into the condition which generates the bug. Just undo your change, and it will work again. See Talk:Regency of Algiers#Last issue from previous list comment of 19:03, 7 March 2024, and Template:Sfn/doc#Sfn embedded in list-defined ref does not work. Mathglot (talk) 19:12, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Hi @Mathglot: Its good to see you. Right, that is probably why I couldn't fix it. I'll revert. scope_creep^Talk 19:15, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Deleting and uploading an image

Hi, I am trying to upload an image to my mum's Wikipedia page and have gotten very confused. I managed to up load it to A page, but not sure it's in the right place. I've requested a 'speedy delete' so I can try again, but unsure what to do next. The thumbnail is below. This is my first time trying to do this and I'm lost! Thanks!

Barbara Else

Esmerelda72 (talk) 19:22, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Esmerelda72, you have uploaded it to Wikimedia Commons. You can now include it in the article Barbara Else, just as you included it here. But there is a problem. From what you said with your Commons upload, "Uploaded a work by Chris Else from Provided by the subject's husband who took the photo. with UploadWizard", the copyright belongs to your father. Wikipedia takes copyright law very seriously, and the image is likely to be removed from Commons unless the holder of the copyright does the upload (or goes through some tedious bureaucracy). This is unfortunate, but there's nothing we can do about it. Maproom (talk) 19:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Thanks! I'll ask him to do that. Esmerelda72 (talk) 19:46, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Esmerelda72, please review WP:COI before making any further edits to Barbara Else. The photo you uploaded is on Commons, where it should be - confusingly, the information there says the photograph was taken by the subject's husband, and that they are providing it, whereas above you say you are the subject's daughter. Has the photographer emailed Wikimedia Commons to provide permission for this photograph's use? 57.140.16.57 (talk) 19:36, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for your reply - no he hasn't emailed Wikimedia to provide permission, but he told me I could use it as there's no copyright issues with as he's the photographer. Esmerelda72 (talk) 19:38, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Esmerelda72, unfortunately, that is not enough. He took the photo, he owns the copyright, and he must be the one to release it for use, either by uploading it himself or emailing a written release to Wikimedia Commons. Please follow the instructions at c:Com:VRT to prevent the photo being deleted as a copyright violation. 57.140.16.57 (talk) 19:43, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Thanks so much for your help. Much appreciated! Esmerelda72 (talk) 19:44, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Esmerelda72, I added the photo to the article but you really need to clarify on Commons who took that photo because in most circumstances, the photographer is the only person who can freely license it. Her husband must do the licensing and cannot delegate that to you. It is a legal transaction. Cullen328 (talk) 19:45, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Thank you so much! I'll get him on to it. Esmerelda72 (talk) 19:48, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

Sorry for my bad english language (i'm not from England). But I want to say that Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was born in Istanbul on February 26, 1954, not in Rize (you can see the site of Columbia University https://worldleaders.columbia.edu/directory/recep-tayyip-erdogan and the official website of the Turkish government https://www.tccb.gov.tr/receptayyiperdogan/biyografi/). Someone can change the place of birth in his page? Yours faithfully. 2A02:B027:F02:7329:D1F1:28B9:E550:3B46 (talk) 19:23, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Hello. Your English is fine. Please make your request at Talk: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan where it will be reviewed by editors familiar with that biography. Cullen328 (talk) 19:49, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Cullen328 I did it. Thank you very much. 2A02:B027:F02:7329:D1F1:28B9:E550:3B46 (talk) 20:03, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Updating Tom Calma Infobox officeholder template

I've tried updating the Tom Calma Infobox officeholder template as his term as chancellor of University of Canberra has finished, but the template is still showing him as the incumbent chancellor. What else needs to be changed? -- Jtneill - Talk 22:04, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Jtneill This line here

| office1             = [[Chancellor (education)#Australia|Chancellor]] of the [[University of Canberra]]

Cocobb8 (💬 talk • ✏️ contribs) 22:12, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@User:Cocobb8 Tx for the quick response. It helped me to look more closely. Adding info to:

| term_end1           =

seemed to do the trick for removing "Incumbent" from the infobox.

Sincerely, James -- Jtneill - Talk 22:57, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Deleting a redirect

Hello, Wikipedians! I would like to delete a redirect (List of capitals by continent, which redirects to Lists of capitals) in order to make it into an actual page, so how would I go about doing that? 8UB3RG1N3 (talk) 23:40, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

Why delete it? Just edit the page, replacing the redirect. Clarityfiend (talk) 23:59, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

If you think you can expand it to an acceptable article in one go, you can edit it directly (go to it, let Wikipedia follow the redirect, and then at the top you'll see a note "Redirected from List of capitals by continent", and you can pick that and go to the actual redirection page, and edit it.

Alternatively, you could develop in draft using AFC; and when you think it's ready, either submit it for review (in which case the accepting reviewer will handle moving it over the redirect), or else submit a requested move for it to replace the redirect. ColinFine (talk) 23:59, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

OH! Thank you so much. 8UB3RG1N3 (talk) 00:28, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Table column width

In List of people known as the Elder or the Younger#Modern era, the two lifespan columns are of different widths, with the second column being so cramped the two years end up on different lines (at least in my browser). What's the best way to fix this, or at least make the columns the same width? Clarityfiend (talk) 23:58, 7 March 2024 (UTC)

@Clarityfiend: None of the tables have a width setting for any of their columns, which is as things should be: browser software is generally smart enough to adjust widths to fit content and make best use of the available display width. The first of the columns you refer to seems to have more cells with a longer content than the second column does, so has been allocated more width.

As always, there is a trade-off: by increasing the width of one column to accommodate its contents, another will have less width for its own; this can results in large areas of cramped text and empty space. My own tendency is to leave things as they are; if you really don't like split content, you could wrap it in {{nowrap}}s, but that does not always achieve the best result, especially on narrower displays. Bazza 7 (talk) 10:17, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Clarityfiend: The first lifespan column is wider because it has two cells with {{fl.|time}} which always adds nowrap around the optional time parameter. It can be changed to {{fl.}} time to allow wrapping. The table is wide for narrow screens so I suggest to allow wrapping in both columns, not adding code to disallow it in the second. PrimeHunter (talk) 10:26, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

March 8

Vandalism help request from 98.48.11.89

I have noticed some vandalism at Talk:Murder of Laken Riley. Namely, some racist comments. Would an editor please assist me with fixing it? Thank you, 98.48.11.89 (talk) 01:42, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

 Done Tollens (talk) 01:43, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

I've blocked the ip for now too Jimfbleak - talk to me? 08:50, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Getting repeated query error messages, never seen in years of querying

They look like this; my queries seem to be retuning good data. Ideas? Thanks!

2024-03-07 23:24:11.232 Bands and Members[9102:6438779] Error: execSQLStatement:onConnection:toCompletionWithRetry:writeLockHelp - SQL=BEGIN IMMEDIATE TRANSACTION;, error-code=10, error-message=disk I/O error

2024-03-07 23:24:11.232 Bands and Members[9102:6438779] Error: stepSQLStatement:toCompletionWithRetry - stepping returned unhandled result=10, DB=/Users/rondevvoss/Library/Containers/com.rivoapp.Bands-and-Members/Data/Library/Caches/com.rivoapp.Bands-and-Members/Cache.db

2024-03-07 23:24:11.232 Bands and Members[9102:6438779] Error: execSQLStatement:onConnection:toCompletionWithRetry:writeLockHelp - SQL=COMMIT TRANSACTION;, error-code=1, error-message=cannot commit - no transaction is active remBracketItems !!! Ron (talk) 07:32, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Hello, Ron. I don't know what this is, but I'm 99% certain that it is a technical issue, and absolutely nothing to do with the content that you're trying to submit. If it's still doing it, I suggest asking at WP:VPT. ColinFine (talk) 18:06, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

My bot is actually just reading (continuously for many hours, with the five second wait when told), no writing. It's still happening, apparently harmless (to me, at least). I'll ask Colin, thanks. Ron (talk) 00:56, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

On second thought, I'll wait, as I suspect the problem is with the above Cache.db file which, when the run is over, I'll delete and see if the problem goes away. Ron (talk) 01:22, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Lua error

Hey everyone,

I'm having a Lua issue where adding a template outputs an error on one of my subpages.

I had tried putting those on my user page, and I got the same error which is due to a maximum limit to fancy templates. But putting them on a subpage should reset the "fancy template count" for that page, shouldn't it?

Cheers! Cocobb8 (💬 talk • ✏️ contribs) 13:55, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

The error message says 'too many expensive function calls'. A page is allowed 500 expensive function calls (see mw:Manual:Parser functions § Expensive parser functions).

Your sandbox includes calls to {{Articles with too few wikilinks progress}}, {{Articles with bare URLs for citations progress}}, {{Dead link progress}}. Each of those templates makes 243 of 500 expensive function calls via mw.site.stats.pagesInCategory() at Module:Progress_box line 55. 243 × 3 = 729 which is greater than 500 so the third template fails. There is no magic fix for this.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 15:06, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

How do I add a link to just 1 archived tweet?

On Brian Deer, I cited this November 2022 tweet by Deer, as evidence he has Irish citizenship and his middle name is Laurence, which has now gone dead. I found an archive of Deer's tweets that contains the tweet, (it's the 16th tweet from the top). Trouble is, when I click on the tweet itself (to use it as an archived version of the original tweet) I am met with this error message.

I have 2 questions about this:

1. How do I add to the reference just the archived tweet? 2. Does the link being dead mean Deer does not want it to be added, and does that mean I should not do so?

Thank you, Slamforeman (talk) 14:06, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Twitter is not acceptable as an independent verifiable source anyway Jimfbleak - talk to me? 16:07, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

I thought it is when it’s a primary source stating a fact they'd have no reason to lie about, or am I mistaken? Slamforeman (talk) 16:55, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Jimfbleak, I went looking through the guidelines, and I am almost certain his tweet is fine to cite, per WP:TWITTER. For my own understanding, can you elaborate on your view that it would not be? Slamforeman (talk) 18:48, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Slamforeman, fair enough. I wouldn't necessarily accept it as evidence of, say, age, but it looks OK for what you are claiming Jimfbleak - talk to me? 10:49, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Citing a whole journal

Hi Folks!! How do I cite a whole journal, for example [2]. Thanks. scope_creep^Talk 16:26, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Why would you compel our readers to laboriously search through every page of a journal to find the one article/page/paragraph/sentence that supports a factoid in an en.wiki article? Don't be reader hostile.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 16:44, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Trappist the monk: The whole journal is about him. It would be cited in further reading. Would it not be expected to be cited in that manner? There is actually two journals dedicated to the man. Put a link in then in the ext links? scope_creep^Talk 17:02, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

If the journals are not used (cited) in support of the en.wiki article text then §Further reading is probably more appropriate for listing them than §External links.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 17:24, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Trappist the monk: They won't be cited in the article themselves, but I would like to use a proper cite so they are formatted like the rest of the entries in the George MacDonald#Further reading section. How would I do it, if its possible. scope_creep^Talk 17:45, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Scope creep use a cite template but remove the ref tags before saving. Roger (Dodger67) (talk) 17:53, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

If we're talking about using {{cite journal}}, there isn't a way to link to the online journal without the template also has an article title. You can write:

{{cite journal |title=none |journal=North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies |publisher=St. Norbert College |issn=0265-7295}}

North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies. St. Norbert College. ISSN 0265-7295.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: untitled periodical (link)

but that adds the article to Category:CS1 maint: untitled periodical. Too bad there isn't an en.wiki article about North Wind the journal; could have used |journal=[[North Wind (journal)|North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies]] or some such. Probably better to avoid {{cite journal}} entirely:

[https://digitalcommons.snc.edu/northwind/ ''North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies'']. St. Norbert College. {{issn|0265-7295}}.

North Wind: A Journal of George MacDonald Studies. St. Norbert College. ISSN 0265-7295.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 18:03, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

That seems to have fixed it visually, putting the title=none. I guess a Gnome will be along to try and fix it properly. It is a peer-reviewed journal. Seems to be well respected, while the other one, although long lived, >40 years, looks more like a personal project for that group. I've saved the above text to a area in my user page. I might create the journal article at some point, although it will be a while. I've got so much to do. Maybe in six months to year. It wouldn't be a big article. George MacDonald seems to be massive and well known Victorian writer who started the whole fantasy thing, although up until about three months ago, I hadn't heard of it, so probably creating it is a good idea. I think we can leave it there for the moment. Thanks Folks!! scope_creep^Talk 18:17, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Login issue - original email account closed

Hello Wikipedia team,

I tried logging into Wikipedia with username but when I set up the account originally I used my old email address which was deleted several years ago. I now have new email accounts.

Is there a way to establish my original Wikipedia account under my original username, or will I need to open a new account?

Thanks, Chris Rice Springfield, MO USA 75.98.102.50 (talk) 17:05, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

This is often asked, and if you do not have access to the old email address then it is pretty much game over and you will have to set up a new account. See H:RP for more detail.--♦IanMacM♦ ^{(talk to me)} 17:10, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

How do I stop an image from indenting the next section header?

I know there's a simple way to do this, but I cannot seem to find it. The article in question is Georg_Wilhelm_Friedrich_Hegel#Reception. (It's an issue only on large displays.)

Many thanks! Patrick J. Welsh (talk) 18:04, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@PatrickJWelsh: put the {{clear}} template just above the heading. -Arch dude (talk) 18:07, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Thanks! That did it. Patrick J. Welsh (talk) 18:14, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Or, move the offending image to the right?

—Trappist the monk (talk) 18:10, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Images on the right is the preference of MOS:IMAGELOC, for easier reading and WP:ACCESSIBILITY. Bazza 7 (talk) 19:21, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

Chiropractic

The description of Chiropractic on Wikipedia is false. Chiropractic is not pseudo science. It has been scientifically proven. Mkrizan88 (talk) 19:44, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@Mkrizan88: You're welcome to raise this on the article's talk page. Please check first that the matter has not already been discussed and resolved; and be ready to support your claims with citations to reliable and independent sources. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 19:50, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

If you check the archives on the talk page [3] you will find that it has been discussed at enormous length over many, many years. You would need to explain where it has been "scientifically proven". Theroadislong (talk) 15:26, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

I would not. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 16:23, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

New Profile

Does anyone know where I can have someone check my content to see if I meet the eligibility requirements for a page? JenniferGuttman (talk) 20:24, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

@JenniferGuttman, Hi and welcome to Wikipedia! Assuming this [4] is you. Per my googling and WP:GNG, the answer is no, but of course google doesn't know all. You can try for a second opinion at Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Women in Red. Wikipedia:An article about yourself isn't necessarily a good thing may be of interest. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 21:55, 8 March 2024 (UTC)

There are zero "profiles" on Wikipedia, only articles on people who pass the criteria at WP:GNG. 20:41, 8 March 2024 (UTC) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Theroadislong (talk • contribs)

@Theroadislong: wikt:profile#Noun: "A summary or collection of information, especially about a person". Wikipedia has millions of articles meeting this definition. Please stop giving misleading, bitey answers. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 12:48, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Not remotely misleading or bitey, see Wikipedia:NOTPROFILE. Theroadislong (talk) 13:59, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

NOTPROFILE is a shortcut to Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not#Wikipedia is not a blog, web hosting service, social networking service, or memorial site. That section - indeed, that whole page - page does not include the string "profile", and OP was not asking for anything listed there. In plain language, it is perfectly reasonable to refer to a Wikipedia article about a person as a profile of them, and it is clearly that to which the OP referred. Your response did absolutely nothing to address their question: "if I meet the eligibility requirements for a page?" beyond what had already been said by Gråbergs Gråa Sång. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 16:18, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

@JenniferGuttman: Hi Jennifer. Your use of the word "profile" inadvertently raised the hackles of some of us here, like walking into a gathering of women and saying "hi, girls!" It seems like a quibble, but the underlying problem is real. Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, and the term "profile" is not used by encyclopedias. You won't find "profiles" in the Encyclopedia Britannica. The term implies that it's a piece intended to show the subject in the best light. The term "article" is more neutral, and we hope it will remind you and other editors to maintain a neutral point of view. -Arch dude (talk) 16:40, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Thank you so much for the clarification. I am very sorry for my clumsy verbiage and for any misrepresentation my language may have played in demonstrating a lack of respect for the importance of Wikipedia and the work of the editors. 2600:1017:B82C:9C0D:7820:622D:9AA0:90A3 (talk) 20:10, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

March 9

looking for something regarding consensus for a change

Hello,
Im not sure if the is exactly the right place to ask, but is there a existing consensus for something like this? Just wanted to find out before I run it through AWB. Thank you Geardona (talk to me?) 02:20, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Is there a tool that lets me download my own contributions?

I want to download all of my contributions into a JSON or CSV file or something, with a timestamp. I realise that I can use the API but I'd prefer to just use a pre-made tool. —Panamitsu (talk) 03:09, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

File incorrectly rotated by Wikipedia during upload

I downloaded a file that was rotated 90 degrees clockwise. I rotated it 90 degrees counterclockwise myself to correct it, then uploaded it. But then when I uploaded the file https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Elgar_Fantasy_on_a_Composer_on_a_Bicycle.jpg it was incorrectly rotated by Wikipedia during the upload. No amount of uploading different rotations of the file would fix this, so I added "Cleanup image|rotate 90 degrees anticlockwise" to the top of the file description as instructed here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:HD/rotate But now I am getting an error message for adding that. I'm doing everything as told but it's still not working out right. Can someone please rotate this image so that it displays correctly? Nicholas0 (talk) 13:04, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

It all depends upon how you attempted to rotate it. Some display software will allow you to set the Orientation EXIF flag so that compliant display software will rotate the image. If you use a full photo editing suite however you will be able to rotate and save the rotated file which will then display correctly in any software. Personally I tend to use GIMP, though Darktable does as well. There will be equivalents if you are still using Windows. I downloaded the image you had uploaded and the EXIF metadata has no Orientation tag, and is 300x420 which is portrait orientation. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 15:09, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

How to ask wider ranger of users for feed back

I wondering what is the best way highlight an issues which would effect more several hundred articles across several countries. IT seems one user has started the process on a smaller scale but its going to have to go out to a wider net to see if there is some consensus on whether or not to include the lists of continuing television series in these articles. As seen here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:2024_in_British_television Crazyseiko (talk) 17:57, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

WT:TV would likely be the correct location. Lee Vilenski ^{(talk • contribs)} 18:07, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Generally, see WP:APPNOTE. Gråbergs Gråa Sång (talk) 20:43, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Where do I report technical issues?

I notice something in order of Wikipedia being manipulated in terms of search engine results.

It is not a cybersecurity issue, per se, but wanted to report it to the appropriate person. Starlighsky (talk) 20:22, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

What have search engine results to do with Wikipedia? ColinFine (talk) 20:40, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

It is complicated. I would think something like technical support would be best to contact.

How do I do that? Starlighsky (talk) 22:37, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

@Starlighsky and ColinFine: See WP:LINKSPAM. Some folks try to do this, but we use nofollow, so it annoys us and wastes their time. Please take a look at WP:SPAM to decide whether or not to try to blacklist these folks. -Arch dude (talk) 21:23, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

It is a different issue. It only shows up on the search engine Bing, though.

It is complicated. Is there a department that I contact about this? Starlighsky (talk) 22:36, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Starlighsky, you can try Wikipedia:Village pump (technical), but please provide complete and specific details, not just a vague description. Cullen328 (talk) 22:42, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Will do. Starlighsky (talk) 23:11, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Citation source ordering

When you're using shortened refs with a list of longer full citations below it, is there a specific way/ways you're supposed to order the full citations? I've just been doing it randomly but that's kind of annoying and feels bad. PARAKANYAA (talk) 22:23, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Alpha sort by left-most rendered name list (usually author). With multiple sources by the same name, subsort by year.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 22:27, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Thank you :) PARAKANYAA (talk) 22:31, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Add name to Alumni graduates list

I am an AD alumi my name is Harrison Cruse, a graduate of the class of 1953, Retired as Assistant Chief of the Graphics Branch of the US Military Academy West Point. I would like to be included on your list of graduates for that year. The best High School in NYC Luashby (talk) 23:20, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

Hello @Luashby. Articles listing graduates are not general lists of all the alumni of that institution, but instead a list of notable graduates, i.e. people who already have a Wikipedia article. Unfortunately, unless you are notable by our standards, you would not warrant inclusion. Qcne (talk) 23:57, 9 March 2024 (UTC)

March 10

Profile

How do I add a user box? I’m a newcomer, and I’m really confused. Sleepingkitten 🐠 Sleepingkitten7110 05:01, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Sleepingkitten7110: This page has instructions and a userbox search option: Wikipedia:Userboxes Also, you can click on the "edit source" or "edit" button at the top of any user's page, if you see something you relate to. Good luck, editing, Rjjⁱⁱⁱ (talk) 06:44, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Lua Error

In the Maldives Portal, the section "Selected articles" there is a Lua Error, but the pages are done fully, please check and fix it as soon as possible. MAL MALDIVE (talk) 06:42, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@MAL MALDIVE: I've made an edit. Since you've configured the selected articles in subpages numbered 1 to 25, I think {{Transclude random subpage}} is the correct way to display one of them. -- John of Reading (talk) 07:44, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

thanks MAL MALDIVE (talk) 07:46, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Regarding MAP in de wikipedia.

Hello, I recently visited the German-language Wikipedia page about India (here) and noticed that the map used there (here) is completely different from the ones used in other language versions, including English one (here). However, when I tried to raise this issue, I was told that the German version has its own rules for maps that don't make sense (here). Can anyone help me with this or suggest what I should do next? This is not just about the map used on the India page, but also for maps of other countries as well. It would be greatly appreciated if you could participate in the German Wikipedia talk page.(here) Thank You. राजकुमार^(talk) 07:14, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

I suggest you do nothing. We certainly can't do anything about the German Wikipedia. You have already been told that the German Wikipedia has its own rules. You need to discuss it over there. Shantavira|^{feed me} 09:24, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Shantavira, Thank you for your reply. But isn't it crucial to ensure that all wikis have accurate and particular standard maps in order to maintain the high standard of accuracy that Wikipedia is known for? Otherwise, it will become similar to Reddit. राजकुमार^(talk) 11:11, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

It may be desirable, but it is certainly not "crucial". Each Wikipedia is a community project, and chooses independently how it will do things. There is certainly no pressure on any one Wikipedia to be like others. ColinFine (talk) 12:18, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@ColinFine, You are correct that each Wikipedia has its own set of rules. However, I am specifically referring to maps that display disputed regions. Wikipedia's core value is to present the truth in various languages. The challenge lies in determining how each Wikipedia should identify and classify disputed regions. If it happens, then every Wikipedia page will have its own disputed regions. राजकुमार^(talk) 17:35, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Shantavira: No, it's not crucial. It's not even a Wikimedia Foundation policy. If you wish to discuss a policy change, you will need to do that at the WMF level, not here at the English Wikipedia. -Arch dude (talk) 16:18, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

I think you meant to ping @राजकुमार rather than Shantavira, Arch dude. ColinFine (talk) 17:05, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Arch dude, I am seeking suggestions here before I escalate the matter to the WMF level. राजकुमार^(talk) 17:24, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

The only suggestion you are going to get here is to discuss issues concerning the German Wikipedia at an appropriate place: which isn't anywhere on the English-language Wikipedia. AndyTheGrump (talk) 17:29, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@राजकुमार: I think any attempt to homologate policies among the Wikipedias is a bad idea. Some of the Wikipedia communities are subject to government influence or control. Furthermore any sort of top-down control tends to stifle the consensus building approach that has worked for the last two decades to make Wikipedia the best encyclopedia the world has ever seen. This is beyond the scope of the help desk. -Arch dude (talk) 17:55, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@Arch dude, I completely agree with you. However, initiating a conversation isn't a bad idea. राजकुमार^(talk) 18:03, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

@AndyTheGrump, I am currently working on it, but I'm concerned about maintaining neutrality in the text, as there have been some discussions on the talk page.(here) राजकुमार^(talk) 18:08, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

About the name of the country

There was a disagreement with some user. Originally, I work in a different language version of Wikipedia, not in English, and the title of the article "China" was listed as the official name, "People's Republic of China." But all articles about other countries were listed as abbreviations, not formal names. (except in the case where formal names are often used.) So I made a "proposal" to change China to China as well, not to the People's Republic of China. But someone said, "The title of an article about the country is based on an official name." But in my language, most of the articles about the country were listed as abbreviations, not formal names. The title of the article was not listed as a formal name, except in the case where it was more widely used in my language. For example, in South Africa, the official name of South Africa was originally used more widely in my language, and the official name of South Africa was listed as the title of the article. However, one user said, "An article about a country is based on a formal name," citing a small number of such cases as South Africa. So I said, "In South Africa, the official name is only listed as the title of articles about the country because the official name is more widely used, and most articles about other countries have abbreviations, not official names." But he said to me, "The title of the article about the country originally starts with the official name, and if it is okay to abbreviate the title, it will be abbreviated. But in the case of China, the title of the article is China, it is very controversial that if only one country were to be named China, it would go against the claims of the Republic of China that it claims to be China." Is the title of an article about a country really based on a formal name like that guy said on Wikipedia? _{Mamiamauwy (talk) 12:23, 10 March 2024 (UTC)}

Different language Wikipedias have different editorial policies from one another. See ours, which is WP:COMMONNAME. Not much else to say here. Remsense诉 12:29, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

County/Welsh principal area weather box

I'm wanting to create a weather box for a Welsh county/principal area. I'm thinking of something like the London weatherbox which appears to be a template specifically created for London. Does an English county / Welsh principal area template already exist for this? Copying I can manage, but creating one from scratch will likely exceed my technical ability. Thanks for any advice. KJP1 (talk) 12:56, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Now found one at Dorset which is usable. KJP1 (talk) 14:52, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

My article is not published yet

Hello,

More than two months ago, I have published my article on my profile. I would like to know about my why my article hasn`t published yet? SMAfzal123 (talk) 13:02, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Your draft was deleted as unambiguous advertising. Theroadislong (talk) 13:04, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Mistake while citing

Hello. I think I made a mistake at Bahmani–Vijayanagar War (1362–1367) at this revision [5] but I couldn't fix it. Can anyone help. Imperial^[AFCND] 17:29, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Is that better? Cheers, Cl3phact0 (talk) 17:41, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Indeed it is. Regards. Imperial^[AFCND] 17:50, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Hope its ok, but can any one take a look?

Anything should be edited or missing or reducted? Omadacycline (talk) 18:30, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Hey @Omadacycline,

An advert tag was added to the draft, so you may want to take a look at that. A good place to start is to make sure you are writing from a neutral point of view and aren't writing in a way that promotes the article.

Cheers, Cocobb8 (💬 talk • ✏️ contribs) 19:00, 10 March 2024 (UTC)

Can you point out any portion, which is promotional..... Any sentence or section.

And accept my apology, i know i am disturbing you. Omadacycline (talk) 19:03, 10 March 2024 (UTC)