Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2008 March 20

= March 20 =

?!?
How do you make Wikipedia your homepage. Thank You

Shashi Bala Shrivastava


 * In your browser settings, change your default homepage to Wikipedia.org  Wisdom89  ( T |undefined /  C ) 02:26, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * The procedure depends on your browser. If you have problems then say which browser it is. PrimeHunter (talk) 02:31, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Article Singh
Hello Wikipedians, I would like to inform that article Singh is gaurded by users that are not allowing others to contribute. Singh is an Caste among Hindus, and due to past conflicts and politics between Hindus and Sikhs, Users are not putting up Hindu. Many users tried to put up Hindu and it always gets reverted. What should be done? Singh is an Hindu caste even before Sikhism was born. How can we put that up and make it remain ? --GauthamSingh (talk) 02:39, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * You must provide a verifiable source for those claims on that talk page for that article. -- Kesh (talk) 03:04, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

using wikipedia to advertise
is trying to plug his rap career —Preceding unsigned comment added by Sickero (talk • contribs)
 * It has been proposed the articlebe deleted . Thanks for letting us know. Pedro : Chat  11:27, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Usage of hexadecimal colours in wikimarkup tags
I know how to change font colour but only to colours with HTML colour names. How do you use hexadecimal colour codes in wikimarkup to change font colour? Thanks! WP holic 11:35, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * See Colours. PrimeHunter (talk) 14:06, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Template markup
Is there a way to markup a template so it generates my sig every time I subst it? -- ÐeadΣyeДrrow (Talk | Contribs) 11:45, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Many of the Welcome Templates automatically include your signature when you subst them. You should be able to find the code in these templates. Raven4x4x (talk) 12:07, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks, Raven. I couldn't think of a template to use as an example off the top of my head -- ÐeadΣyeДrrow (Talk | Contribs) 12:09, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Total number of articles in categories
I wasn't sure where to ask this. Categories now seem to be able to give the total number of articles in them. This is great! However, why don't the "Wikify by month" categories show this total number? (For example, .) Also, is there any way of parsing this number onto a page? If it is at all possible, this would make updating the Wikification progress template much easier. Feel free to move this post if there is a more appropriate venue. Cheers. – Liveste (talk • edits) 11:55, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Great question and one that I have no idea how to answer. Try asking over at WP:VPT where they deal with the tech side of Wikipedia. Cheers  Gtstricky Talk or C 13:26, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * One of my hobbies is trying to figure out how to search for obscure stuff like this. So I'm going to share my record of trial and error for this one. One way to find out about changes to the MediaWiki software is to search the wikis where people tend to post this kind of thing (this turns out to be a dead end in this case, but bear with me). See the handy search links in the examples in Template:Google custom:
 * Searching MediaWiki.org for the keywords: category count finds this page:
 * Release_notes/1.9
 * which mentions:
 * (3687, 7892) Add distinct heading for media files in category display, with count.
 * Bug 3687 looks like it might be somewhat related. Anyway, once you find the first result that seems to relate to a question, you can do further searches with better keywords. For example, we might try searching through the MediaWiki release notes, which we can do with Google custom:
 * Searching the release notes for "category" finds a number of results, with multiple instances of the keyword "category" per page, so you have to browse to them and do a  search in your browser. I don't see right away that this finds the exact answer to the question, but this is how to look for stuff. It might be easier if all the answers were in one handy place, but they usually aren't. Of course lots of stuff comes up on the Help desk, so we can always search that too: . It looks like people were asking how to count the pages in a category fairly recently, so this must be a new feature. Ah, but then I thought about the first answer to the question above, and I got the idea to search the Village pump:
 * which leads to:
 * Village pump (technical)/Archive 20
 * which documents the request for this feature and its addition. Wow. --Teratornis (talk) 17:53, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * which leads to:
 * Village pump (technical)/Archive 20
 * which documents the request for this feature and its addition. Wow. --Teratornis (talk) 17:53, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * which documents the request for this feature and its addition. Wow. --Teratornis (talk) 17:53, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * User:Erwin85 created a tool on the toolserver to do this called CategoryCount. He's also created a bot that will parse this and display it on a page for you as at User:Erwin85/CatCount. Nanonic (talk) 18:20, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

i can't edit a page
I want to edit a page but i can't find the edit this page. The guide said it would be at the top of the page but i can't see it there it's just skiped. From Theragergoeswild929
 * Likely the page has been protected from editing for some reason. Which page are you speaking of? -- ÐeadΣyeДrrow (Talk - Contribs) 12:39, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * If the page is protected, instead of "edit this page" you may see "view source", which means you can't edit that page (but you should be able to edit almost all pages). You should also see other tabs, such as "history".  Hey, I guess you managed to edit this page!  --Coppertwig (talk) 12:56, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * See more at Protection policy. If it's only semi-protected then you can edit it when your account becomes 4 days old. You can make suggestions on the article's talk page after clicking the "discussion" tab. PrimeHunter (talk) 14:04, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Quiz
I created the animal quiz but I get a cold response. How can I get more people to know it? Also, can someone help me to "beautify" the quiz?--Mark Chung (talk) 12:58, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * You could try making an advertisement. This is probably the wrong place to look for people to help at your portal. Why not try asking at the talk page of another animal-related portal...? --Camaeron (t/c) 13:16, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * You could add it to Category:Wikipedia games. PrimeHunter (talk) 13:58, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Given that Wikipedia is not a place to host games, I don't think you're going to see a lot of support here. -- Kesh (talk) 14:04, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * You could put it in portal space, such as Portal:Fish/Quiz - that gets a lot of activity.

RFA Tool
Who/whom maintains this tool? Vivio Testa rossa  Talk Who 13:21, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * If you mean the tool on Wikipedia talk:Requests for adminship it is maintained by User:SQLBot. If you mean another one please provide a link as there are multiple RFa "tools". (see also this one). --Camaeron (t/c) 13:26, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Correction I mean the one that generates the the ouput used by this. Vivio Testa rossa   Talk Who 22:54, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * That tool is maintained by User:Tangotango. Also see this. — Travis talk  22:57, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

im not able to see telugu font in my system
Respected sir,

My name is kesava reddy. im from anantapur dist... with the orticle in 3-02-08 EENADU SUNDAY MAGAZINE, i came to know about this site and i felt very happy... and i opened in my system........ but i m un-able to see telugu font in my system..... i also gathered all the information about one famous temple which is near to my village im eagarly waiting to upload that information into this site..... so plese... kindly help me how can i able to see telugu font in my system..... my system having all latest configuration

your sincerely kesava reddy.b


 * You may not have the font installed on your computer. If you are running Windows, you can install a font by downloading it off of the internet. Once it is downloaded, you can move it into the 'fonts' folder on your computer. That should let you see a font that you have not been able to see before. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask :) Fusion  Mix  14:38, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

about project
i have to prepare a project on software testing.please give relevant information
 * Wikipedia will not do your homework for you. -- Kesh (talk) 15:03, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * See dyoh. Then while you are doing your own homework, you may find our software testing article useful. --Teratornis (talk) 17:05, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Created Articles?
Is there a way to see which articles you have created? WEBURIEDOURSECRETSINTHEPARK  talk  16:37, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * See WP:WPEC. --Teratornis (talk) 17:06, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Here is one tool here.  Gtstricky Talk or C 18:17, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

It says I don't exist or don't have any edits. Just trying to be helpful. Vchimpanzee ·  talk  ·  contributions  · 18:20, 20 March 2008 (UTC).
 * It is case sensitive. make sure your name appears exactly as it does in your signature. Worked for me click here.  Gtstricky Talk or C 18:28, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

about expecting a normal child after getting married in relatives
I have married to my mother's second sister's son and we are married for 2 years now and i m 24 years old and my husband is 30 yrs old, now as we are planning for a child, how much is the risk of having  child and can we have a normal child inspite of married in relative?

will there be any possibility of having ab normal child or child with any defeciency?

waould like to know the how much percentage chances are there of defeciency or ab normal child?

please do reply as i m very much in need of proper guidance related to this.

n dont want to spoil the life of the one who would come and see a new life

Would appreciate a quick response.

Thanks in Advance.

Sincerely,

XYZ

This question would be better suited at the Reference Desk under science, however, bear in mind that we cannot offer medical advice.  Wisdom89  ( T |undefined /  C ) 18:53, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * See Medical disclaimer. Then you may find information about where to seek professional help by reading the genetic counseling article and following links therefrom. --Teratornis (talk) 18:56, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Lupin's anti-vandal tool and Twinkle have disappeared
They're still in my monobook.js but I can't use them. By which I mean that the tabs and toolbax links have disappeared. I also had a special side box that showed me a list of new pages and that's gone too. PLEASE HELP! George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 20:18, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * In fact, nothing in my monobook.js works. I'm using the monobook skin but none of it works!  George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 20:25, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Are you using an older browser that doesn't support JavaScript? Try purging as well. Xenon54 20:28, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Using latest firefox with all the required plugins and I've purged twice, still no luck. George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 20:33, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * It maybe because you added some new items to your monobook. That happened to me several times. To fix this, you need to click refresh several - and I must say again several times. - Milk's   Favorite   Cookie  20:39, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Since you made some changes recently, try reverting to the version from a few days ago.  Gtstricky Talk or C 20:40, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Refreshing about 5 times has worked. Thanks!  George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 20:42, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * FYI, you can also turn on Twinkle in the Gadgets tab of your preferences. You might want to do that and take it out completely.  Gtstricky Talk or C 20:43, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I did at first but it then added every page I used it on to my watchlist and really annoyed me. George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 20:59, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Creation of a sourced article in the place of an unsourced one that was deleted and protected.
Dear Helpful Admin,

There is an article topic that I would like to create. However, the article space in question has been protected to prevent its creation. Looking into this, I found that a previous version of articles about this topic lacked multiple sources and was hence deleted. I have written a prototype article which is suitably and reliably sourced and have requested the protection to be removed, however my request was immediately downturned and in fact treated with hostility and accusations of trolling. So I would like to enquire as to the correct course of action here? Under normal circumstances I would be bold and recreate the article listing my sources as per wiki guidelines, but I can't do that because the space is protected. So I could try a DRV but if I do that, I need it to refer to my prototype article and not to the previous article which lacked sources. What should I do?

Thanks,

LoserNo1 (talk) 21:29, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm sure there's something like WP:AFC for registered users somewhere, I just can't remember where. George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 21:40, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * You’ll need to file an unprotection request at WP:RFPP. — Travis talk  21:49, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Many thanks for your helpful comments, but perhaps I could have made my question a little clearer. I already tried filing an unprotection request at WP:RFPP but this was immediately declined and I was accused of trolling, presumably because there have been previous attempts to recreate the former, unsourced article. As unprotection requests were ineffective, and a deletion review would refer to the previous, unsourced article that was deleted, is there a procedure whereby I can present my newly written, sourced article for creation?. Thanks. LoserNo1 (talk) 22:10, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * I suggest that you create the page in your userspace. For example, if the name of the article is ExampleName, then create a page with the name User talk:LoserNo1/ExampleName.  Then you can show it to people.  Then you can try again at RFPP or at DRV, giving a link to the version of the page in your userspace so that people can see how well-sourced it is.  If the page in the mainspace (regular page names) gets unprotected, then you can move or copy the information to there.  If you like, you can put a note on my talk page with a link to the article in your userspace and I may have suggestions for improving it, which you might want to do before presenting it at those noticeboards. I wish you good luck! --Coppertwig (talk) 22:23, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I was going to suggest just what Coppertwig did. Create the article in your userspace and your RFPP or DRV case will be more viable. Cheers — Travis talk  22:35, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for all your help. I will do as you suggest now. LoserNo1 (talk) 23:03, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Bad sites for referencing
Is there a list on Wikipedia of sites not allowed/recommended for use in referencing statements made in articles? -- Matthew | talk | Contribs 22:06, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Read up on reliable sources for what is generally permitted or frowned upon.  Wisdom89  ( T |undefined /  C ) 22:10, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * (edit conflict) :Please see WP:RS - Milk's   Favorite   Cookie  22:10, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I've read that, but I know I've seen on Wikipedia a list of "bad sites". -- Matthew | talk | Contribs 22:13, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Nevermind.. I was thinking of the list at WP:BLACKLIST -- Matthew | talk | Contribs 22:17, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Contibution
Hi,

How can I contribute an article for wikipedia? Like for example, I want to write a short story about my fave editor? Thank you
 * Wikipedia is not the place for stories. If you mean you want to write an article: create an account, make sure the page doesn't already exist under another title, search the title of the page you want to create and click the 'create this page' link.  George D. Watson  (Dendodge). Talk Help 22:49, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Your fave editor on wikipedia? you are not allowed to write about that. All wiki pages have to be notable. However if it is your fave newspaper editor, perhaps you can, depending if the newspaper is natable. God damn if i knew the shortcut to "how to edit wiki" i could really have helped you, sorry. Is there a word for people who try to help others and do it incompetantly? thats what i seem to be. Willy turner (talk) 22:52, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Side comment to Willy turner: see Help desk/How to answer for information on how to look up stuff like this. The various Help desk volunteers have documented their methods for helping others somewhat competently. It's not just a matter of knowing all the answers (not many people actually know all the answers), but knowing how to look up the answers. --Teratornis (talk) 01:49, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

Hey, I've got it sorted out now... Thank you!
 * Wikipedia does, however, have WP:Essays. Take a look at that link Mac Davis (talk) 00:17, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

Is it considered OK to remove any unreferenced material from an article?
Perhaps predictably, the page i have in mind is the "war on terror" page. Am i within my rights to remove all unreferenced material immediately without discussion? Yes, discussion may be nice, courtious etc, but am i breaking any Wiki policies, rules, or guidelines if i remove any unreferenced material from any article without discussion? Bearing in mind as im sure you are aware that it is difficult/impossible to have a 'discussion' with some people on certain issues.(esp if they are completely uninformed/ignorant on the issue in question) Not meaning to sound too much of a dick, yours sincerely, Willy turner (talk) 22:46, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * No, under WP:BOLD, you are fine. But do be prepared to possibly be challenged about it. seresin | wasn't he just...? 22:48, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

And i can delete unreferenced material 3 times every 24 hours yeah? Is that what the 3 revert rule means? If I provide a link to your advice will it even achieve anything? You can read for yourself what i wrote on the talkpage. I dont care what they say, so long as it has credible references. Im in the right arent i? Willy turner (talk) 23:00, 20 March 2008 (UTC) Wanderer i am just about to read your point Willy turner (talk) 23:00, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * I thought was intended to avoid the kind of bloodbath unrestrained deletions would lead to.  Wanderer57 (talk) 22:56, 20 March 2008 (UTC)

Yes i could try plastering the page in 'citation needed', however i would bet they will be deleted. Willy turner (talk) 23:03, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * The 3 revert rule is more for when you challenge another person's edit. If someone makes an edit, and you change it back (revert), you can do that up to 3 times in a 24 hour period. Generally, by the time you get to 2rr, you need to talk it over with the other party and find out why they're making that change. Most folks will be reasonable, but if they won't, it's not worth breaking 3rr over. -- Kesh (talk) 23:24, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * (ec)Do note that I was by no means suggesting you take that course of action. Discussion and allowing time to fix things is always the best course of action. However, it is technically allowed for you to make such edits under our policy on being bold. But just because you can do it doesn't mean it's a good idea. seresin | wasn't he just...? 23:25, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * See Verifiability. There is no ban on removing any type of unsourced content, but removal without tagging (for example with fact) or discussing first ought to be reserved for certain circumstances, especially negative claims about living people, and claims contradicted by a reliable source. Some other cases where I may do it:
 * Claims which appear implausible and I don't find any support with Google.
 * Claims where I guess I would have been able to verify it with Google if it had been true (because it seems like something online sources would have reported in findable places).
 * Claims which are contradicted by unreliable sources and not supported by any source I can find.
 * Claims added by a vandal or an editor I know has a history of adding false unsourced claims with similarities to this one.
 * PrimeHunter (talk) 23:27, 20 March 2008 (UTC)


 * Here is the course of action I would recommend. First, place the "citation needed" tag on the material that concerns you, and raise the issue or issues on the talk page. That shows your willingness to work constructively to resolve the situation. If, as you suspect, the tag is deleted without any discussion on the talk page, you are then justified in removing the unsourced material. However, this commits you to discussing the issue(s) on the talk page (which you should probably put on your watchlist). That's sort of the "Wikipedia way" of doing things, since the preference is generally to handle conflict by working toward consensus. --Tkynerd (talk) 23:59, 20 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Tyknerd has given a recommendation of proper conduct. If you feel that the content in question is blatantly and completely false (not your opinion that it is false), I would say you can go ahead and remove it, while adding a topic to the talk page. Mac Davis (talk) 00:15, 21 March 2008 (UTC)