Wikipedia:New contributors' help page

Wikipedia:New contributors' help page

What would you like to do? Ask a question Do something Ask a knowledge question that you cannot find the answer to in the encyclopedia. (e.g. Did Leonardo da Vinci build a working flying machine?) Learn about how and where you can help Wikipedia (information and resources on the basics needed to comprehend, comment on, and contribute to Wikipedia) Ask a question at the Teahouse about using or editing Wikipedia that you cannot find the answer to in the Frequently Asked Questions. (e.g. How can I fix this problem with this article?) Create an article now (see Your first article before you start) Ask a question about a practical problem you have that is not related to using or editing Wikipedia. (e.g. I was cheated by a builder. Please Help.) Request that other editors review your new article   Ways to get help If you place {{helpme}} on your talk page, a helper will visit you there as soon as possible! Join the #wikipedia-en-help IRC channel for real-time chat. New to IRC? Click here to be connected instantly! The template below outlines Wikipedia's help pages and can be viewed at the bottom of most related pages. (Click "show" on the right to expand the template)

• Shortcuts:
• WP:NCH
• WP:NUH
• WP:N?
• WP:NCHP

Help!

Hello. I am one of the "newbies" you mention. First, allow me to say that the layout of material on edting in "Wikipedia" seems unduly complicated. Frequently,I find I am totally mystified about how to handle a problem. I plan to read more of the introductory material/tutorials..to try to unravel just what is going on here, but my initial impression is that this is a counterintutitive set-up.

One question..

I have noticed at times..e.g., in the article on Lee Oswald, a bracketed note that a passage requires a date. Yet, when I click "edit," and the page comes up again, I see that someone HAS already inserted a date. How come the originally encountered form does not show the date supplied? Incidentally, in the example cited, I see that the date supplied is off by one year..as plainly shown by the date of publication of a source shown way at the end of the article. Does this qualify as a "minor edit?" How about correction of clearly improper English usage and poor punctuation usage? (aside from quotes, of course)

I have been finding some material in the articles to be terrifically slanted. I assume my "correction" of this would be to add my own paragraph after the offending one, with proper attribution? If so, then, how do I add a superscript number (and then get all the other citations to "fit in" with the addition)? THANKS.

Doc 23:16, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

I do not know where my "talk page" is. And, I would prefer that people email me, frankly. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Zounds456 (talk • contribs) 23:16, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

Your talk page is right here. If you see a tag^{[like this one]} whose concern has been addressed, you may remove it. Most tags are added manually, and must also be removed manually. Correcting grammar and poor punctuation is a minor edit, as is correcting an incorrect date, and can be marked as such. However, "slanted" (I assume you mean POV) material should be removed, but only with an informative edit summary, or some users may mistake your removal for vandalism. Superscript numbers are added by using <ref> tags: simply type <ref>Insert footnote text here</ref>, and "Insert footnote text here" will be inserted at the bottom of the page (see WP:REF and WP:FOOT). The superscript numbers are added automatically. For example, if I type the text before, it produces

.

Intelligentsium 00:05, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

Welcome to Wikipedia! When trying to figure out how Wikipedia coding works, it's often helpful to look at the code of existing articles. You have indicated you already know how to do this. I've probably learned most of the coding by looking at some odd feature in an article, wondering "how did they do that?", and then clicking the "edit" tab to see how it was done. You can always copy from coding in other articles as an example. Hope the reply from Intelligentium above was helpful in explaining references. If you need more help, just ask! --A Knight Who Says Ni (talk) 16:32, 9 November 2009 (UTC)

I am also a newbie. I seem to be lost in the wealth of information to which I am exposed. I do not understand some of what I am reading, though I thought I was well educated! How do I ask a simple question? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bevgon (talk • contribs) 18:04, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

Process

what is the process of conversion of gas into solid called? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.177.173.238 (talk) 14:28, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

You might find what you are looking for in the article about Deposition (physics). If you cannot find the answer there, you can try asking your question at Wikipedia's Reference Desk. They specialize in knowledge questions and will try to answer just about any question in the universe (except about how to use Wikipedia, which is what this help desk is for). I hope this helps. TNXMan 14:30, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

New Page for a Company

Hi there,

I work for a medium-sized corporation that for some reason, does not have a wikipedia page yet. I new to this, but I understand that a company needs to first be qualified for a wiki, which I believe we are. (We're mentioned in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and trade publications like Advertising Age on a daily basis; Our top competitors all have wikipedia pages; Several large publishers and trade magazines have published profile stories about our company) I also understand that the page in no way should be "PR" or contain "marketing" language, which is why I'm asking for help :)

How should we get started?

Cheers,

Clark

--ClarkFred (talk) 17:48, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

You may want to read the notability guideline for companies, as well as the guidelines on conflict of interest. What is your company called? I can create an article for you.--Unionhawk ^{Talk E-mail Review} 17:55, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Also note that a company doesn't "have" an article here, since nobody "owns" an article. Some companies have become notable enough that somebody has written about them; some have not - some have (so far) fallen between the cracks, so to speak. --Orange Mike | Talk 18:56, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Help!

I give up! I have been trying to update the article about the Eugene Water & Electric Board and am having the hardest time.

I am the web editor and write all content for the utility's website. I copied some of the text to create our Wikipedia page. I edited it, but only slightly. This was immediately pulled for copyright violations. Why? I wrote it. It is non promotional?

Secondly, I uploaded our logo and photo of our building. We own both images. Again, I got a note about media copyright. I cannot figure out what and how I need to do to these images to make them acceptable.

Also, whoever commented on my page noted that I was not using the Show preview and Show changes buttons. Everytime I clicked on those, I lost my work. The only way that I could find to check my work was by saving it. It could be a function of our environment, as we are ultra security conscious and many sites are blocked. Either that, or something wasn't working right. Do you have any solutions?

Can someone call me? I am finding it hard to communicate when questions and answers are a day apart.

When I get messages on my talk page, is this from an official Wikipedia editor? I am not sure who is making the calls about copyright issues.

While I understand HTML and CSS, I find Wikipedia code really hard. Do you need to be a developer to use this?

Katie Sproles, Web Editor, Eugene Water & Electric Board--Ksproles (talk) 20:39, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

We only have your word for it that you are who you say you are and for that reason there is a process for releasing copyright materials for use on Wikipedia, please see WP:IOWN. Even if the materials are released, the article must still comply with our policies and other guidance such as WP:NPOV, WP:SPAM and WP:RS. Other editors have been trying to help on your talk page. Please read and follow their advice. – ukexpat (talk) 20:44, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Notibility

I have edited something of Wiki but now it says this article may not meet the "general notablity guideline". How do I go about fixing this? I tried to read what is said but it's too confusing. I know the information I have published is true because I know the person whose page I am editing. Please help. Thank you. ```` —Preceding unsigned comment added by Lmbgemini (talk • contribs) 21:16, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

A credible source should be given for any information on a living person! Is there a book peer reviewed journal or newspaper giving the information you added? If the person is notable you will find a nespaper saying: This person did this and has achived that and here you go .... Tis person is notable! If nobody ever wrote anything about that person and no newspaper ever credited that person for anything than ... this person is not notable. --Stone (talk) 21:23, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Please take a look at WP:BIO, WP:RS and WP:SPAM. – ukexpat (talk) 21:28, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

i made a topic

its about me. its called Bendanna. tell me how to make it look coolBendanna (talk) 09:21, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Various editors have been communicating with you on your talk page regarding the articles you have created. Unfortunately they do not meet various Wikipedia guidelines, including those on notability and conflicts of interest, and they have been nominated for speedy deletion. Please read the messages on your talk page and the guidance recommended to you before recreating them. Karenjc 11:52, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Hermesetas

Dear Sir,

I want clarification about the above product, that Hermesetas, Aspartame and Sacchrin are one and same or not.

Awaiting your early reply.

My id is <email redacted>

Thanks & Regards Narendra Astik —Preceding unsigned comment added by 122.170.38.98 (talk) 09:37, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

I have deleted the email address you left here, as Refdesk replies cannot be made by off-Wikipedia means. Hermesetas is a brand name of the Hermes Sweeteners company and can refer to more than one of their products. In the UK, Hemesetas sweeteners are composed of saccharin, whereas Hermesetas Gold contain a blend of aspartame, cyclamate and saccharin (see here). The same site offers information about Hermesetas products in other countries. As you will see if you consult our aspartame and saccharin articles, they are two different substances, and cyclamate is different again. There is a useful disambiguation page at Sweetener which offers links to a number of related articles. Karenjc 11:46, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Laser-Scan Ltd

The original article seems to have been removed and refers the reader to Redevers. Can I resubmit an entry on Laser-Scan Ltd? Trerceiri (talk) 17:14, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Can you give a link to the pages you mean? There has never been articles on the English Wikipedia named Laser-Scan Ltd or Redevers. Thanks. --Mysdaao ^talk 18:37, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

removing wikify messagebox

I just revised an entry which had been flagged with a wikify messagebox. I removed the messagebox from the entry. Instructions seem to suggest I should also remove the title from the list of articles needing to be wikified. I cannot find this entry in the list so I wonder if I am looking in the right place. Secondly, is this the correct procedure? Alawa (talk) 20:32, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Placement of a template such as {{wikify}} automatically places the article in an assocated category or categories. Once you remove the template the page is automatically removed from any category page(s) the template placed it in. Cheers.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 21:21, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

By the way, the edit you made to Transient epileptic amnesia is a very impressive edit—especially for a new user. If you need any help or have other questions, please feel free to stop by my talk page.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 21:25, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

linking problem

I have found a link that is intending to go to a page that does not exist but instead goes to a page with the same name, but the wrong content. How can I make it so the wikipedia link will just be red and avoid confusion? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cigsmoker (talk • contribs) 20:46, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Hello Cigsmoker. You would pipe the red link to the name of the article that has not yet been created. To know what name to pipe to, I suggest you go read WP:NAME, but for an example, if an article exists about a person, and a different person of the same name doesn't have an article (and should) and that person is notable as a biologist, the name of the red link would be John Doe (biologist). Thus, you would create the red link with the code: [[John Doe (biologist)|John doe]]. Cheers.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 21:05, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Possible conflict of interest in addition of page.

I have written a piece of freeware software for windows which should fit nicely into the same category as a number of other similar applications all of which have descriptive pages here on wikipedia. I realise that it is an obvious conflict of interest here (at the very least one of self promotion).

Regardless of my motives I think that a WikiPedia page on my software would (provided that it is impartial) be useful to users of WikiPedia as my software is one member of small group of similar applications. I also fully undestand that I would not be able to control the fate of the page or its contents once it is created.

How would I go about adding such a page? I assume it should at the very least be reviewed by an impartial editor. I would be the first to acknowledge that my software has a number of flaws (and would have no problem outlining them on the page).

I'm new to wikipedia so any pointers would be welcome.

Best Regards,

HilarityEnsues (talk) 20:59, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Is your software an established piece of software released in the wider world and written about by uninvolved people? Encyclopedia articles are written from reliable sources that have been published by uninvolved people. Such sources verify the content and show notability. A proper article here, thus, contains a references section and has citations throughout the article showing where the information comes from so readers can verify the content. So, it is not a matter of whether it would be useful or interesting material, it is a matter of the type of reference work an encyclopedia is, and because of that, what belongs inside it. Please also read our page policy on original research. In short, nothing new should ever be announced or described through a Wikipedia article. All of our content comes from already existing primary and secondary sources, while we are a tertiary source.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 21:12, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Thank you very much for the information. The first version of my software was released in 2002 and has been written about academically by me as well as referenced in some 40+ academic publications by others since. In this sense it is not original research. I think I will proceed and create the page (I will of course take pains to follow wikipedia conventions, citing my sources etc.) and we will see how it will be received.HilarityEnsues (talk) 09:43, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

Also have a read of WP:COI. From that you will also note that it's a good idea to place some text on the article talk page explaining your situation.  Ronhjones  ^(Talk) 17:49, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

First article - I don't want to break any rules!

Hi, I have just written my first article for Wikipedia about the Bradford Robotic Telescope. I would really appreciate it if somebody with more experience of these things could have a look and point me in the right direction if I have done anything wrong. You can find the article here User:Djbog/Bradford Robotic Telescope. I can easily add images of the instruments etc. if people think it would be useful. Djbog (talk) 21:32, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

It looks like you're off to a great start. I would say the last step is to integrate some coverage of the telescope, using reliable sources. TNXMan 23:02, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for your help, I have referenced the article. If it is suitable for the 'big time' can somebody confirm that it is suitable to move to the mainspace? I am happy to move it myself, or if somebody would like to move it for me that would be appreciated. Djbog (talk) 12:38, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Moved. The article is at Bradford Robotic Telescope. Thanks for creating it.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 12:49, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

And I added it to the BRT disambiguation page. – ukexpat (talk) 16:11, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

creating pages

How do i make my page "notable" ? S-bbrewster (talk) 22:50, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

Briefly, you must source it using independent reliable sources. For a great guide on how to get started, read the info on this page. TNXMan 23:00, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

changing the title of an article

As a new contributor I made a minor change in an article, but the title of the article really should be changed as well (for consistency and because it much better reflexes the intent of the article: the curreent title is misleading. I can't figure out how to change a title. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Bluecor (talk • contribs) 22:53, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

To which page were you referring? To correct the title, articles must be moved to the correct title, but your account must be autoconfirmed first (which means that it has been active for four days and made at least ten edits). TNXMan 22:59, 15 November 2009 (UTC)

Fit seeking jump bid? – ukexpat (talk) 16:13, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

title was "Fit seeking jump bid" to be changed to "Fit showing jump bid" because this is how these jump bids are referred to in the Bridge literature. I'm not autoconfirmed. Also have not figured out how to create/access a talk page to request this change.— Preceding unsigned comment added by Bluecor (talk • contribs)

The talk page is accessible by clicking the Discussion tab at the top of the article page. I have made the move request for you. – ukexpat (talk) 14:55, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Correcting a spurious link

I've started a discussion on the "Iverson Award" page but I have no idea how to stop a link going to an incorrect reference page? I could really use some help please? Please read my discussion entry on the "Iverson Award" page for a fuller explanation. Thanks. CPN (talk) 00:38, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

I've changed the link to point to Donald B. McIntyre, which is where a new article could be created for the correct person. --Mysdaao ^talk 02:43, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Jewish Boxers

You omitted Abie Bain from Newark, NJ He fought Maxie Rosenbloom and lost in a decision. Ended up as a HOllywood bit player in many, many films. He was a close friend of my family, anhd lived with us in Los Angeles when he first came out to California. Go to GOOGLE,and look up Abie Bain. Jerry Perchesky Banning,California —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.103.198.9 (talk) 03:57, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

There is no article on the English Wikipedia for Abie Bain. The category Category:Jewish boxers is for people with articles already. An article can only be added to the category by adding the category name to the article itself. If you believe Abie Bain is notable enough for an article, you are welcome to create an account and create an article for him yourself, because any one with an account can create a new article on Wikipedia. --Mysdaao ^talk 13:22, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Clarification on external links to avoid ?

I was hoping for some clarification on external links to be avoided WP:ELNO. I spend a lot of time on the actor pages. Regarding any "famous people" pages, it is obvious to me that fan sites should be avoided. I was curious about some other types of links, though, before I delete them unnecessarily. When, if ever, are these links allowed when they belong to the person the article is about?

• Subject’s Facebook or MySpace
• Subject’s Twitter account
• Subject’s blog
• TV.com entry. Is this really relevant? The entries are usually empty or copies of Wiki data. Almost everyone has an IMDB page already.

I don’t want to delete valid external links, but to me these all should be avoided. While these are mentioned in the WP:ELNO guidelines, it weren't clear to me what to do when these accounts belong to the subject of the article. Technically they are controlled by the subject of the article according to WP:ELOFFICIAL guidelines. I’d appreciate any help/input/comments. Thanks so much. Logical Fuzz (talk) 22:44, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

This sounds like a proposal, or a policy-related question. Please see WP:VPPR for the former, and WP:VPP for the latter. You may also note that we have a policy that states you can edit boldly (in good faith, of course) to improve the encyclopaedia without fear of repercussions, so if you believe these links are detracting from the articles, start a discussion, or in blatantly inappropriate cases, remove them! Intelligentsium 23:03, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

If the subject doesn't have a unique website of their own, then the one link allowed to the subject's own site could go to their Facebook, MySpace or LiveJournal if that's all they have; but just to one, ideally the one with the most content. A Twitter page is unlikely to contain anything of substance. (I'm always inclined to wonder about the notability of somebody in the entertainment industry without their own website, but that's just me.) If the TV.com entry contributes nothing, then hack back the linkfarm. --Orange Mike | Talk 23:32, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Help needed with editing a page

Hello, I am a new contributor with little experience in this type of thing, so I ask for your patience in advance. I am an older lady who is a technophobe.

I have written an article on bamboo massage and it needs to be improved but I have no idea how to do what is being asked. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamboo_massage

If there are other editors who are willing to help so that the article is correct, I would greatly appreciate it and welcome any assistance.DLLAUS (talk) 20:21, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

According to our records, you have never edited Wikipedia except to ask this question. There have been two articles about bamboo massage. The first, created by User:Bamboo Massage, was deleted as a copyright violation. The second, created by User:Bamboo Massage again, was deleted as blatant advertisement. Are you User:Bamboo Massage? --Orange Mike | Talk 21:18, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Hello,

Yes, I had to change the user name as it was banned.

All I am simply trying to do is write an article on bamboo masssage. There are articles on other massage modalities, stone, crystal etc.

I had no intentions of advertising, I am genuinly trying to give information on the technique itself.

I am simply asking that someone helps me rewrite it so that it is suitable. Are you saying that I can't write an article on a subject that I am knowledgeable about because I have a business that sells massage kits? If so then perhaps someone else could write the article and submit it. I explained that in the orginial bamboo massage I put the link to the site because I wanted to prove that I had written it and it was not copyright. I am very new at all of this. And basically have no idea what I'm doing.

I also sell crystals and stones along with many other accessories. I am not trying to promote my business as I do that successfully already.

I am really just trying to add facutal information regarding this modality.

I would appeciate your help. And will be happily guided by those of you who are more experienced.

Thank you.

It appears the page has now been deleleted. DLLAUS (talk) 22:47, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

What you need to do is to find some neutral, independent, substantial, and reliable source material, such as peer reviewed academic journals, independent magazines, newspapers, or books from reputable publishers, things like that, and uses those sources to write a neutrally-worded article on the subject, and you need to cite the sources you use in the article itself. The article should be written under a tone which does not take a position on the subject itself, but merely reports on the existance and facts about the subject. There is a chance that there is no source material which is neutral, independent, substantial, and reliable which cover the subject, in that case it may not be an appropriate subject matter for Wikipedia. As a general tip, creating a new article from scratch is the hardest thing to do correctly at Wikipedia. If you are interested in joining in as a regular Wikipedia editor, it would be best to start small by editing existing articles which need expansion or clean-up, and once you learn the standards and practices here a bit better, then consider to start creating new articles. --Jayron32 23:58, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Thank you.

I will paste a link, could you tell me if this is the type of reference material you require.

http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=0C_gMnmhMf4C&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=chinese+medicine+bamboo+massage+&ots=HaVAOTSJQv&sig=6SrdrdihiIa09xYV7-W-UyqG530#v=onepage&q=chinese%20medicine%20bamboo%20massage&f=false

and

http://aim.bmj.com/content/16/1/49.abstract

and

http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=51Ikuts7ObkC&oi=fnd&pg=PA19&dq=chinese+medicine+bamboo+massage+&ots=XZFcgnm_XJ&sig=Xj3kx6u08qJy9iyFoDS1gxASY9w#v=onepage&q=chinese%20medicine%20bamboo%20massage&f=false

Regards DeborahDLLAUS (talk) 00:21, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

The first appears to be a book about cupping therapy, which does not appear related to "bamboo massage". Skimming that book, I find no references to the phrase "bamboo massage". It would be a very good reference for the Wikipedia article on cupping, which already exists, but does not appear to be about your subject. The second link is an abstract to a journal article which appears to be about incorporating traditional chinese medical techiniques in western medical training in a specific university program, but bamboo massage does not appear to be discussed in detail, if at all though other tehcniques are. The third is another general overview of traditional chinese medicine, but near as I can tell by searching the book, the phrase "bamboo massage" does not appear at all. None of the references you just gave actually seem to discuss bamboo massage, indeed the don't even seem to use the phrase "bamboo massage" at all. I still don't see any reliable source which discuss the technique directly. --Jayron32 04:59, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Lost my contribution

Hello, I was contributing an article " Fuller Landau" and when I went upload an image, I was unable to return, nor find the page that I just created, please help-I just 3 hours working on it. Thank you Andreas Pollmueller Apollmueller (talk) 21:48, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

You probably forgot to click the save button. I suggest that you create a draft first in a user subpage, such as User:Apollmueller/Fuller Landau - I have created the subpage for you and put a link to it on your user page. – ukexpat (talk) 21:58, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

And if it's this Fuller Landau, please read WP:CORP, WP:RS, WP:SPAM and WP:YFA. – ukexpat (talk) 22:01, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

The only thing you saved before your message, was a very short edit to the sandbox testing page. Use your personal sandbox (as created by Ukexpat above) to create an article. And save it frequently! --A Knight Who Says Ni (talk) 22:06, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

software listings

Hello,

I've noticed that there are many Wikipedia pages that have software products by name listed. An example: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PDF_software

When I've tried to include another software product in this list (correctly listed in the right section and category) it is consistently removed.

Trying to understand why some vendors and products may be list on these type of pages (clearly reference pages) and other can not.

Why are some company bio pages permitted to exist and others are not?

I do understand this is not a commerical site, but if products by names are present it does seem unfair to not list all, especially those that have market appeal and are "free". Believe the intent of this specific page is to be a valid resource and therefore a more complete list is a good thing - right?

Are there guidelines for this? Or is it based on financial contributions made, etc?

For specific topics like: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanitization_(classified_information) the content is somewhat dated and technology is now available from Adobe and many other vendors to automate and/or improve redaction techniques and best practices. That information is useful to know, but how does one find the balance of keeping content like this informative without also including commerical aspects? Are there guidelines for this. I am an expert in redaction technology and best practices, but to talk about it is difficult to not include vendor product names.

Questions from a rookie. Sorry.

Thanks,

Capsilver. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Capsilver (talk • contribs) 04:19, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Wikipedia is not a directory and does not want to list everything that exists. Such lists are often only intended for entries which already have their own linked Wikipedia article. Sometimes other entries are added by an editor and later deleted by other editors. List of PDF software starts: "This list of PDF software includes links to articles on computer software used to manage PDF documents." See Wikipedia:Notability (organizations and companies) for requirements for a product to get its own article. See also Wikipedia:FAQ/Organizations. Both free and commercial products are allowed and have to satisfy the same notability requirements. Financial contributions are irrelevant. PrimeHunter (talk) 04:43, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

submission of name

i want to submitt my name in "manj" rajput section? please do let me know the procedure, how i can submitt my name to you to add that in that website? Rana Zaheer Ahmed s/o rana muhammad Bashir. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 115.186.67.96 (talk) 22:19, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

I see you have now added yourself to Manj#Prominent Manjjs. You shouldn't do that per Wikipedia:Conflict of interest. The existing section in the current version [1] is not what such sections should look like. Somebody may clean up the section and remove a lot of entries (not a single of them links to a Wikipedia biography). PrimeHunter (talk) 22:35, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Helpme

helpme —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cutemodel4u (talk • contribs) 15:56, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

With what do you need help? TNXMan 15:58, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

User name question

We forgot to put the word: The in front of Andromeda Corp. Andromeda Corp. (talk) 16:50, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Do you mean in your username? The procedure for changing those is set out at Wikipedia:Changing username, but you should be aware that "role" accounts used by multiple people (as your "we" suggests this one is) are not permitted, and that promotional usernames are also forbidden (so you should not edit in the name of a commercial interest). See WP:USERNAME for details. Gonzonoir (talk) 17:00, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Translating question

I am interested in translating some English articles into Tok Pisin. How do I add Tok Pisin as a translation of other pages? Αδελφος (talk) 20:50, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

The Tok Pisin Wikipedia is to be found at Tok Pisin Wikipedia Fran Pes. --Orange Mike | Talk 22:10, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Would like to create a wiki about a web design company

Hi,

Can you help me create a wiki about a web design company... Its not meant as spam..How can i create a legit page?

Colin —Preceding unsigned comment added by Colinspencerwood (talk • contribs) 21:50, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Do you mean a wiki, or do you mean an article in Wikipedia? If the latter: what makes this company notable? See WP:CORP for some guidance on that topic. --Orange Mike | Talk 22:03, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

See also Wikipedia:FAQ/Organizations. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:12, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

How can I get the ability to move draft to article?

Resolved

I have been signed up for months and have done more than 10 edits, but still can't see any way of moving my draft to an article. Any suggestions? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Alana1/Australian_2018_and_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_Bid

Alana1 (talk) 06:22, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

All is well now. I have the drop down menu.— Preceding unsigned comment added by Alana1 (talk • contribs)

Hello Alana, thanks for your contributions. I've taken the liberty of cleaning up the page significantly for you. GlassCobra 15:14, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Adding content that requires media verification from the target of the article, eg adding Cultural References to a Simpsons Episode article

I recently watched the Simpsons episode Bart Gets Famous, and noticed a few Cultural References that were not mentioned in the Wikipedia article.

I have always been fascinated by the Cultural References in the episode articles, but I am wondering at the warning about "original research".

In the episode in question, Bart gives Krusty the Clown a danish, after which Krusty throws him his sweaty towel. The scene is reminiscent of the 1979 Coke Commercial with Mean Joe Green throwing a kid his game jersey after the kid gives him a Coke.

Unfortunately, I don't know if this counts as "original research", and therefore is not valid for the article?

If so, does that mean that I can't add anything to an article that hasn't been explicitly mentioned somewhere else, like in a DVD commentary?

Thank you for your time... —Preceding unsigned comment added by ThereCanBeOnlyOneAWalker (talk • contribs) 17:54, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

If what you are adding is a statement of fact (this happens in the episode, and resembles a scene in this commercial), I believe that it would be enough if you had a (legal) link to the commercial itself, as any reader could go and verify it for themselves. But if the commercial is not (legally) available on the web, or in some other medium which is available to the public on demand, such a public library, then you cannot, and only a reliable published statement that it was so would be enough. --ColinFine (talk) 18:07, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

I would tend to disagree with you, Colin. The conclusion that something resembles something else, or is an homage/tribute/reference to something else, seems to me to fall under original research. If an article in the New York Times calls that Simpsons episode a cultural reference to the Coke commercial, then you've got a source; but your own belief fails our verifiability requirement. That sort of dispute is one of the reasons that "cultural references" sections are so widely disliked: who decides? --Orange Mike | Talk 20:39, 20 November 2009 (UTC)

Actually, the bigger problem with "cultural references" sections is not that they aren't verifiable, which they usually are (oftentimes, I would call such as "self evident"), however, it is that they are trivial. Wikipedia articles are designed to be well-written and comprehensive "without going into unnecessary detail" according to WP:WIAFA. Endlessly listing every cross-reference in every single Simpsons or Family Guy or South Park episode crosses into the "unnecessary detail" territory quite easily. There are many many many things which are verifiable, and related to a notable subject, but which are not terribly relevent, and endless strings of facts, without context or encorporation into an article as part of making it an engaging and enjoyable read, only degrade the quality of an article. Wikipedia is not supposed to supposed to be as complete as a Google Search would be... --Jayron32 03:00, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

I don't agree with Jayron in this specific case. I agree generally that too much trivia is a potential problem, but one of the important aspects of the Simpsons is the cultural mirror. If a character on Law and Order tossed a towel to someone, it would probably be a stretch to call it homage to the commercial, and not appropriate for the article. (L&O does hold a mirror to society, but not the same way as the Simpsons). In contrast, the cultural references in the Simpsons are a large part of the attraction. While some may lament Wikipedia's robust handling of pop culture in contrast to other areas covered, once we accept that pop culture is acceptable, I don't think we should handcuff it beyond the usual rules of verifiability.

I do side with OrangeMike - the reference, while fairly obvious, is Original research if not cited, so a reference is required.--SPhilbrickT 15:22, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

BTW, it is mentioned here, but not sure whether TV.com qualifies as a Reliable Source--SPhilbrickT 15:28, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

guns in the cockpit

It is my understanding that in the beginning of aviation law (1929?) that maritime(admiralty law) would apply. The Captain of an airliner would have the same powers as a ship Captain. This would include carrying a weapon and marrying people. Where can I get information on the history of this? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Menefento (talk • contribs) 02:32, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

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) 02:36, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

no-profit organization, Wikipedia page

Hello,

I work for a no-profit organization (art field) and we don't have a Wikipedia page. I opened an account and then uploaded the organization's profile more than 3 weeks ago, but I can't see anything online yet. How long does it take to be uploaded online? Should I tried to upload again the text?

Thank you in advance for your help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Artfortheworld (talk • contribs) 20:30, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

It was probably deleted. What exactly (case-sensitive) did you name the page?--Unionhawk ^{Talk E-mail Review} 20:45, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

Also, please be aware that you have a conflict of interest. It is discouraged that you create or edit an article about something that you are closely related to.--Unionhawk ^{Talk E-mail Review} 20:46, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

Your account has no deleted edits so I guess you refer to User:Artfortheworld which was created 18 days ago. That is your user page and not an article in the encyclopedia. But see Wikipedia:FAQ/Organizations. PrimeHunter (talk) 21:13, 21 November 2009 (UTC)

And note that the criterion for inclusion in Wikipedia is notability. A non-profit organisation, no matter how worthy, merits an article only if it is notable by Wikipedia's criterion. --09:17, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Submitting a new article

Once it's created on a User Page, how does one submit a new article for posting by Wikipedia? Thank you. --CalWriter88 00:27, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

It's a good idea to ask for feedback at feedback. Caution, the volume of inquires there exceeds the editors reviewing, so not everything gets reviewed promptly. After addressing any identified issued, the process is to use the move button to move the article to mainspace. If you are AUTOCONFIRMED, you can do it. If not, just ask, and someone else will do it.

If you sign your posts, we can tell you if you are autoconfirmed.--SPhilbrickT 01:07, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

I looked briefly at your draft article Bomb Iran: A Musical Parody

• You should look at Article Layout, as it does not follow an appropraite layout for an encyclopedia article.
• You should look at Notability, as that is a critical requirement for Wikipedia articles.
• You need to add reliable sources.
• Articles should not be signed, but talk pages should be.--SPhilbrickT 01:16, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

An administrator warring against an opinion of an user

Where is an help about the case of an administrator who abuse of it's powers to destroy an user only because the user expressed an opinion that the administrator do not agree ? Tanks. --Mashra (talk) 14:06, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Which dispute is it about? Without seeing the specifics, I can only direct you to Wikipedia:Dispute resolution. I don't know whether the user was blocked when you say "destroy an user", but if it was the case then see also Wikipedia:Blocking policy and Wikipedia:Appealing a block. PrimeHunter (talk) 14:21, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

The case in the italian WP: it:Discussioni_utente:Austroungarika#Mi_scusi_Austro. The censor-administrator abusing of it's powers to destroy an user account only becouse of a single opinion expressed by the user is it:Utente:Vituzzu. I'm searching an help about this specific question: an administrator who abuse of it's powers to destroy an user only because the user expressed an opinion that the administrator do not agree (case of an opinion's censor-administrator). --Mashra (talk) 15:17, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

This is a help page for the English Wikipedia. Different language Wikipedias have different rules, procedures and administration. I don't know Italian and cannot review the case or the Italian procedures but maybe you can find something helpful at it:Wikipedia:Risoluzione dei conflitti, it:Wikipedia:Utenti problematici or it:Aiuto:Sportello informazioni. PrimeHunter (talk) 15:26, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

It is useful to wrirte an help on the topic "Administrator's abuses of power". Thanks PrimeHunter but in the italian WP there is no help about any question of this topic. Expert administrators could be concerned on the general topic and on the hypothesis I'm speaking about: administrator's abuse against an user opinion. --Mashra (talk) 17:24, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

People disagree about what is abusive and there are different kinds of abuse and alleged abuse. In the English Wikipedia there are several different places where different types of disputes and abuse allegations can be discussed but as mentioned, the Italian Wikipedia may have other procedures and are not required to follow English procedures. I don't know Italian and don't even know whether this case is about a contested block, page protection, edit warring, warnings, or something different which may or may not involve use or threat of use of administrator tools. PrimeHunter (talk) 17:40, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Ok. There is a gap or vacancy of an help on the topic "Administrator's abuses of power". Unfortunately they are possible, and the lack of an help constitute a critical point of Wikipedia, penalizing mostly the users striked by the most serius administrator's abuses (e.g infinite bloc only because an user opinion). The english one is the mother Wikipedia, and if such topic-help is not present here, there is no hope to find it on the italian WP, and there is no hope ti protect users. In fact I'm italian and, before asking here, have not found what were searching on the WP_it namespaces. Thanks. --Mashra (talk) 19:00, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Mashra, I don't think you're getting what PrimeHunter is saying. We can't help you - you've got a help page on the wrong Wikipedia. You're going to have to ask on your Wikipedia, or find out your local policies and guidelines, or something, but we can't help you here. Another place you could try is #wikipedia-it which is your local Wikipedia's IRC channel. Other than that, there's nothing we can do for you. Fleetflame · whack! whack! · 20:13, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Thanks Fleetflame, I understood PrimeHunter answer and your's answer. It's perfectly logic that a case in WP_it shall be solved in WP_it; and in fact I have not asked here to solve a concrete case of administrator's abuse of power (of course is out of discussion). The problem here (the WP_en) is that it's true and objctive the gap described above: the lack of an help about "Administrator's abuses of power", because nobody respond that such help exist. Therefore I got that arguments about "administrator's abuses of power" are only scattered fragments in namespeces, inaccessible to the majority of users; and I hope a sapient administrator or an expert user agree about the advisability to gather fragments in a clear help titled "Administrator's abuses of power". The purpose is to protect users not against all possible kind of administrator's abuses of power (probably it's impossibile a thorough forecast), but to protect against the most serious ones. In a such help listing the most serious administrator's abuses of power, I like to read the hypothesis of an administrator blocking infinetly an user only because the user expressed an opinion that the administrator do not agree (a very detestable and shamed abuse). Such help could list others serious abuses, and is valuable, worthwhile and desirable IMMO. That's all. --Mashra (talk) 21:56, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

You sound obsessed with the title "Administrator's abuses of power". I have already given you relevant links to pages at the English Wikipedia such as Wikipedia:Dispute resolution and Wikipedia:Appealing a block, but I wonder whether you have read them. You can find more pages at the links, for example Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents. Most editors who appeal a block is accusing the blocking administrator of bad things. We are not going to create a page name with a vague inflammatory title like Wikipedia:Administrator's abuses of power for that reason, and then lump all types of complaints in there. We have different processes designed to handle different types of problems and alleged problems. Accusations of abuse are common in conflicts but that doesn't mean the same process is suited to handle any conflict where somebody screams "Abuse!". PrimeHunter (talk) 23:31, 22 November 2009 (UTC)

Thanks very much. My discussion is resumed here: Wikipedia_talk:Blocking_policy#Administrator.27s_errors_and_abuses_in_the_blocking_policy --Mashra (talk) 20:11, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

Language of Cited Sources

If I speak a foreign language, may I cite foreign language resources in my English language wikipedia entries?Nickeyrc (talk) 20:03, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

From WP:NONENG "English-language sources are preferable to sources in other languages so that readers can easily verify the content of the article. However, sources in other languages are acceptable where an English equivalent is not available." (note that this answer applies without respect to your language capabilities.)--SPhilbrickT 20:39, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

suggested addition to entry "Eternal Flame"

this article fails to mention Baba Gurgur http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Gurgur, kirkuk, iraq. it is quite likely mentioned in the biblical old testament at least once. it has been burning approximately 4000 years. while it is unlikely, its close proximity to ancient persia suggests a potential tie to the eternal flame of zoroastrianism. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.171.242.37 (talk) 04:06, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Thank you for your suggestion regarding Eternal flame. When you feel an article needs improvement, please feel free to make those changes. Wikipedia is a wiki, so anyone can edit almost any article by simply following the edit this page link at the top. The Wikipedia community encourages you to be bold in updating pages. Don't worry too much about making honest mistakes — they're likely to be found and corrected quickly. If you're not sure how editing works, check out how to edit a page, or use the sandbox to try out your editing skills. New contributors are always welcome. You don't even need to log in (although there are many reasons why you might want to). --Mysdaao ^talk 12:21, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Can't find edit link in the article

I was going to make a minor edit to the Pumpkin article. (The word "accredited" is used where it should be "credited"). However, there is no "Edit This Page" tab on that article.

I am probably missing something obvious, but I cannot see how to edit that article. If it were an article about some hot topic, I might imagine that the page was protected from further edits, but would you really need to do that for an article on pumpkins? —Preceding unsigned comment added by RadicalHick (talk • contribs) 09:12, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

It's actually a very popular target for vandalism, possibly due to halloween and all. So yeah, it's semi-protected. You'll be able to edit it once your account is four days old and has at least ten edits. See Wikipedia:Semi-protection and Wikipedia:Autoconfirmed for more information. In any event, I've made the edit for you. Cheers. Someguy1221 (talk) 09:22, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

YouTube

how can i download my videos on you tube —Preceding unsigned comment added by Sahilrai (talk • contribs) 11:22, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

This page is for questions about using Wikipedia. Please consider asking this question at the Computing reference desk. They specialize in answering computer 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 and ask away. You could always try searching Wikipedia for an article related to the topic you want to know more about. I hope this helps. --Mysdaao ^talk 12:19, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Else Betty Wallheimer

Referring to the article on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Jonas, the name Else Betty Wallheimer is mentioned on a picture caption. What information is available concerning this person?

Thank you,

John L. Wallace, Ph.D. [email removed] —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jwall9999 (talk • contribs) 00:27, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

The name Else Betty Wallheimer is not directly in a caption on Hans Jonas but it is in the image page File:Moenchengladbach Stolpersteine Mozartstrasse.jpg, and visible in the image itself on Hans Jonas. Wikipedia doesn't appear to have information about her. 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. You can also try an external search engine like Google. The editor who uploaded the image can be contacted at de:Benutzer Diskussion:Kliojünger. PrimeHunter (talk) 00:42, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

food bar opening

can I opean a convient food takeout bar in this ITC building ornearby —Preceding unsigned comment added by 173.19.207.51 (talk) 05:59, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over 6.8 million articles and thought we were affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is for asking questions related to using or contributing to Wikipedia itself. Thus, we have no special knowledge about the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the upper right side of your screen. If you cannot find what you are looking for, we have a reference desk, divided into various subject areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck. Gonzonoir (talk) 09:30, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Google listing of user pages

Resolved

 – Mysdaao ^talk 15:03, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Hi, I am a bit confused as to why google has listed my user pages in it's index. i.e. this google search (3rd link is a user page belonging to me). Is it possible to put any code on a page like that one to stop it from being indexed? Thanks! --The.Filsouf (talk) 13:40, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

You can use {{NOINDEX}} to prevent search engines from indexing the page. Either add {{NOINDEX}} on your page which will not display anything, or add {{NOINDEX|visible = yes}} to also display the line "This page has been removed from search engines' indexes." --Mysdaao ^talk 14:00, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

How useful. Thanks. --The.Filsouf (talk) 14:43, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

You're welcome. --Mysdaao ^talk 15:03, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Draft article to mainspace?

I have a short article ready ro publish but I can't figure out how to do it. It is in my user space -Larryc1 - entitled 'Death in the Air' - The Cockburn-Lange Hoax. THis is my first attempt - sorry to be asking such basic questions but there it is! Regards,LarryLarryc1 (talk) 18:44, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Your draft is at: User:Larryc1/'Death in the Sky' - The Cockburn-Lange Hoax. I don't think it's quite ready to move to the mainspace yet - you need to move the references up into the main body of the article, see WP:CITE. When it is moved to the main space, the title should probably be Death in the Air (hoax). Also, the tone needs a little work as some of it is not encyclopedic. Hope this helps. – ukexpat (talk) 19:06, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

Writing an Article

Hello, I am a college student writing a paper about some of the basic uses of Wikipedia. I have already written an article about Constitutonal violations which is very short and unfinished. A pop up has appeared on the main page which states that this article uses 'neologisms'. Is there any way to avoid this? Any advice on this or any other area on Wikipedia would be greatly appreciated. thank you —Preceding unsigned comment added by SimpsonRichard (talk • contribs)

Need some help

Please keep in mind I don't spend my days on wikis, thus I am not that experienced, so bear with me.

I'm trying to add some information to an articale, under controversy, someone else had originally added it for me, though they really didn't know anymore about this process than I and quickly became frustrated. I can see why, people are IMO editing it back because they do not like to hear the truth, I feel the information is valid and verifiable and although there may be some statement that is not NPOV, like maybe the last sentence, that hardly is an excuse to revert the entire thing and it is under a controversy section, in my mind controversy can't be completely NPOV to begin with and my friend even tried deleteing the whole section to no avail and the artical is riddled with non NPOV which seems to be OK with these other editors, IMO they just want to try and enforce rules on information they don't want to hear. So, now what?

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=America%27s_Army&action=history

I am open to making changes as needed to bring things into alignment but feel the other editors obviously just intend to keep this controversy silent and would rather not hear of any of it. Could someone help me to deliver the information in a NPOV that may be satisfactory to all?

70.235.22.27 (talk) 04:35, 26 November 2009 (UTC)