Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2015 April 14

= April 14 =

request edit
Hi, I have come across a wiki page on which a contributor has added a slanted comment which I believe was added to make the subject of the page look bad. I am related to the subject of the page, so can't really modify the page myself. What can I do? Thanks, Kukuinut


 * What is the article's title? &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  00:33, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * The advice at WP:AUTOPROB applies equally well to a case like yours. -- John of Reading (talk) 06:25, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

The page is 'Tom Apple'. The slanted comment which was added last July was posted by someone using the moniker of a man who has an axe to grind with the subject of the wiki page. I tried several times to post information which corrects the statement inserted by the contributor in July--I was trying to upload the information to PVMoutside's user page using the 'talk' feature, but just couldn't get it to work. Kukuinut

Was successful, thanks! Kukuinut

Questions about guidelines
I had some questions about if there are certain rules to the guidelines that support certain edits.

First, is there anything to the guidelines that could argue photo collages for ethnic group articles, such as the 30-man collage in Poles, is beneficial to Wikipedia? Or guidelines that could be used to support the existence of the collages in any way.

Second, are there any guidelines that support using certain different names for events or places depending on the subject of the article? For example, the fact that World War I/II are called so mostly on American articles, but are called First/Second World War on most European articles. This also goes for more controversial issues. For example, if Israelis and Palestinians call a city by a different name, could the respective preferred name be used for both kinds of articles?

Third, is there a general guideline for alternate language names of a location? An example would be Thessaloniki and all the alternate names under etymology. What kind of significance must an alternative language name have in order to be on Wikipedia? Is there a guideline that goes over when an alternative language name is not significant enough? --Steverci (talk) 01:39, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * I think that WP:ENGVAR and WP:COMMONNAME will answer not only the last two of your questions but also many that you haven't considered yet. I'm sorry but I don't have an answer for the first.  Dismas |(talk) 01:44, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * WP:GALLERY and WP:MONTAGE cover some basic aspects of the first question to get you started, but don't go into finer details. GermanJoe (talk) 01:56, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * Lastly, most of these examples have probably been reached through forming a consensus. You could take a look through the archives of the talk pages to find discussions over some of these.  CaptRik (talk) 07:29, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

What's the template?
what is the template for informing article creator in their talk page that their article has been proposed for Speedy deletion? I couldn't find any template for that particular purpose. does anyone know that template? Supdiop (talk) 06:34, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * This is in the first section at WP:CSD. It says to post  to the creator's talk page as well as any other editors who have made major contributions.  That's my quick summary of it.
 * That said, if you use Twinkle to tag the article, it will automatically notify the page creator. Dismas |(talk) 07:09, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * I must have missed it while reading Criteria for Speedy deletion. Thank you, that helps me a lot. Supdiop (talk) 07:18, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Emereo Pty ltd and Emily Smith
Emily Smith has published more than a 1,000 books "XYZ Handbook - Everything You Need to Know About XYZ". These books are copied from Wikipedia and now are being used as RSes. Has the author or published entered into some sort of partnership with WMF? At Googe Books they say that "a portion of the proceeds of each book will be donated to the Wikimedia Foundation to support their mission." Is this true? Are they donating anything to WMF? Further discussion at Amazon.com, Review at Google Books. Thanks, --Skr15081997 (talk) 07:08, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * See WP:REUSE, it's allowed so long as they comply with the licensing correctly. I don't think anyone here would be able to confirm whether they were truly donating money to the WMF but there's no requirement to.  I think it could be considered a problem if material that was sourced from Wikipedia was then in turn used as an RS in a controversial area.  Not sure how we would handle that,Reliable Source Noticeboard perhaps?  CaptRik (talk) 07:25, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Defaultsort clarification
Hello all,

I'm looking for a bit of clarity on the use of. I was told recently that defaultsort is only to be used in biographical articles. I have previously used it in articles (of all types) to prevent them from being sorted by the "A" or "The" at the beginning of the title; as an example, The Wind in the Willows is listed in it's various categories under "Wind in the Willows, The".

I'm somewhat rusty, and don't want to go around adding defaultsorts inappropriately! WP:SORTKEY suggests they can be used in articles other than biographies, but perhaps the guidelines have changed since I became less active. Would anyone be able to help me out?

Many thanks,

-- Kateshortforbob talk  09:04, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * First I've heard of the "bios only" rule. Where did you see it?  As far as I know, it can be used on any article for the reasons you mention.  You'll see it being used at the TWitW article that you reference as well as at The Number of the Beast (novel).  (the first novel with a "the" at the beginning that I could think of.)  Dismas |(talk) 10:19, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Thanks for the reply, Dismas. My edit to add a defaultsort to an article about a band was reverted with the edit summary "defaultsort is only for biographies". It looks like the article itself will be deleted, so I'm not too concerned about that. I had always thought one of the uses of defaultsort was so category pages didn't have dozens of articles listed under "A" or "T" incorrectly, but I didn't want to create more work for others removing my incorrectly added templates. -- Kateshortforbob talk  10:39, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Defaultsort is used wherever it is appropriate to do so. Mjroots (talk) 18:49, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * If we've ever had such a rule, it never should have existed. Defaultsort is simply an easier way to change the alphabetical sorting in all categories; it's not often appropriate except in biographies, but there's no reason to object in the exceptional situations.  Perhaps someone's thinking of the biographical metadata sections (see Persondata) that are often placed next to the categories and the defaultsort?  Nyttend (talk) 22:08, 16 April 2015 (UTC)

Formatting help needed
List of universities in Bangladesh - here the top most series of images should show up by the side of table, like the two other tables. But, it is not doing so. I can't find the problem. Can someone help? Aditya (talk • contribs) 09:05, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * I see four tables, with images to the right of the tables as follows:


 * Table 1 - Public universities - 12 images
 * Table 2 - Special universities - no images
 * Table 3 - Private universities - 5 images
 * Table 4 - International universities - 1 image
 * No other images, except the one in the lead.
 * This is in Firefox under Windows, with the browser window maximized. The format does get messed up when I reduce the width of the window by about 10-15%. Seems like poor page layout to me, but fixing it would be non-trivial. I'd suggest raising the issue on the article's talk page. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  09:58, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Publishing from the sandbox
I finished my article in my sandbox and now want to publish it. My status is "user". What should I do? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Valik gord (talk • contribs)
 * Being addressed at the Teahouse. -- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom  12:39, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Citation Error Can't Fix
I Need help fixing a citation with error message "was invoked but never defined" from this page - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Draft:Dirk_van_Daele


 * You invoked a reference: but you have never defined this reference. See WP:REFNAME. --  Gadget850talk 11:35, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Also and more importantly, read Notability. If Wikipedia allowed just any executive officer an article here, it would read more like a LinkedIn than an encyclopedia – so this is the wrong place for it. If Dirk van Daele was 'notable' (in an encyclopedic sense), he would already have a article upon himself. You do not need to wastes-your-time to write one for him here (even if he paid you), as he has no encyclopedic notability (as yet)  and thus your draft will be rejected.--Aspro (talk) 15:33, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Images from the German Wikipedia
I would dearly love to use an image from the German Wikipedia (where it is freely available without restriction) in an article I just created in the English Wikipedia. The usual approach, in this case surrounded by two sets of square brackets, does not work, maybe because the image is not in the Commons? What can I do to get this useful image into my article? Many thanks in advance for any help!--Remotelysensed (talk) 12:22, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Yep you will need to move it to Commons before it can be used here. This page details the process and also any restrictions.  CaptRik (talk) 14:03, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Personal Autobiography
Is Wikipedia an appropriate place to write a personal autobiography. I am retired, not looking for work and not interested in using social media. But I'd like an online record of my career and family connections. Bob Orr


 * Autobiography talks about personal autobiographies and why they are discouraged. RJFJR (talk) 14:51, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Bug?
I just clicked on the "gymnasium" link in the first sentence of Joseph-König-Gymnasium, and I got to the disambiguation page Gymnasium, but in the wiki-text of the school's article it says. Why then, am I going to the disambiguation page? I'm using Wikipedia with the Android alpha app version 2015-04-02 right now. -- Metrophil44 (talk) 14:22, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * That's odd. Does it happen if you log out? What happens if you click gymnasium, gymnasium, gymnasium here? They should link to Gymnasium (Germany), Gymnasium (Denmark), Gym. PrimeHunter (talk) 19:00, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * These links work correctly (logged in and out), but the one in Joseph-König-Gymnasium still redirects to the disambiguation (also logged in and out) -- Metrophil44 (talk) 20:39, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * That's really weird. Does it do the same in another browser? They all work normally for me. If you find another example of this or if this is happening for other people, we could ask some of the experts at Village pump (technical). We could ask now, but with just one example I don't think there would be enough to go on. Keep us informed.  SchreiberBike &#124; ⌨   21:06, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * I just tried the Internet app (and desktop version) and that works correctly -- Metrophil44 (talk) 21:54, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Vandalism
How do I warn an anonymus vandalistic user? Kukkie (talk) 14:27, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Go to WP:WARN, choose a template from the Vandalism section, copy it, paste it onto the IP's user talk page, fill in the article/page name as parameter 1, sign, and save. Later you can look into tools such as WP:TWINKLE and WP:HUGGLE. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  14:34, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * I'm an experienced user on the Dutch wikipedia (more then 7000 edits). Am I allowed to use it now? Kukkie (talk) 14:37, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Anyone is allowed to warn vandals. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  14:38, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * Thank you. Kukkie (talk) 14:47, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * I reported your vandal at WP:AIV. Should be blocked before long, with any luck. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  14:50, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * My report was rejected as "not a violation", no other explanation. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  14:53, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * It looks as if the "not a violation" response was regarding a different user, and your report was lost in an edit conflict. Dealt with now, anyway. --David Biddulph (talk) 15:44, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * I have done a new request. Kukkie (talk) 15:07, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Usurpation
Request for usurpation[edit] Hello, Kukkie. A request has been made at Wikipedia:Changing username/Usurpations to usurp, or "take over", your username because another user would like to use it to edit. The changing username guideline allows a username that is not being actively used to be usurped if the user is given an opportunity to object and does not do so.

If you have an email set in your preferences, you should be getting an email from a bureaucrat or changing username clerk explaining how to consent or object to this process.

If you do not object to being renamed to a new username in order for another user to use the name you currently have, please log in and post a reply here saying so (you may also tell us what username you would like to be renamed to, or we will provide you with a generic one).

If you do nothing: the request may be filled shortly, and your account will be moved to a generic username. You may request that it be moved to a new username of your choice at any time.

If you object to being renamed: please log in and make an edit to this page clearly stating that you object to usurpation. Any objection on your part will prevent usurpation.

Please note that even if your current username is usurped, you can still edit and your data will not be lost; your preferences, watchlist, and other user settings will be transferred to a new username.

Thank you for your time. This notification has been automatically delivered by a robot. Please comment at the Request for Usurpation page. AnomieBOT⚡ 14:53, 19 March 2014 (UTC)


 * What's this. Is my username still Kukkie? Kukkie (talk) 14:47, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * Yes, you have been Kukkie at the English Wikipedia since March 2014. You are quoting from User talk:Kukkie (usurped). Another account had the username Kukkie at the English Wikipedia before that but was renamed to "Kukkie (usurped)" at Changing username/Usurpations/Completed/44. Somebody posted the request on your behalf but you confirmed it in [//nl.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gebruiker:Kukkie&diff=40824743&oldid=40807132]. PrimeHunter (talk) 17:06, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Wrongfully Accused of Disruptive Editing
Hello, I was wondering how I go about reporting a user for falsely accusing me of disruptive editing? I don't believe one edit to a page, and another to fix a spelling mistake in my first edit counts as disruptive editing. I've spoken to them and they're absolutely adamant that it was disruptive editing. If someone could point me in the right direction that would be very helpful. Cheers, Thanks, Brocicle (talk) 02:58, 15 April 2015 (UTC)


 * If you were being harassed, the proper venue would be WP:ANI. However, I don't think one warning you disagree with rises to the level of harassment. And "I shall be making a formal complaint against you for wrongful accusations against me" is not a great way to initiate a peaceful content discussion with another editor. If you wish to pursue dispute resolution related to the content question, see WP:DR. &#8213; Mandruss  &#9742;  17:16, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * (edit conflict) WP:OWNTALK allows you to remove the post from your talk page. The article currently has the content you wanted so please move on. If we spent time discussing every editor who opposes an accusation from another editor then we wouldn't have much time to write an encyclopedia. A single accusation like that is not a blockable offense so the best you could hope for is getting others to say it wasn't justified. PrimeHunter (talk) 17:27, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * FWIW, the warning was valid. Brocicle has been advised of this. As said above, not a major issue likely to lead to an imminent block. Something to learn from, absorb, and move on with. Mjroots (talk) 18:29, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Submitting a page about myself
Hey: I've read through the material, including COI, and am still not clear about whether it is acceptable for me to submit a page/article about myself. I am a well-published professional writer and have eyeballed Wikipedia pages for several of my peers and have strived to make certain that the article is straightforward and non-biased. Basic information with verifiable links. Or is it better to ask a third party to submit material for/about me? What is the appropriate protocol here? Thanks. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Thompsonabbey (talk • contribs)


 * It isn't against the rules to write it yourself, it's just highly discouraged for the reasons pointed out in COI. To do this, it would probably be best to go through the articles for creation process where another editor will confirm that the resulting article isn't overly biased or promotional.  Dismas |(talk) 19:47, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Rotana Jet Aviation.
request edit

Hi,

My name is Anil Kumar, from Rotana Jet Aviation.

The wiki page for my company is Rotana_Jet

I an trying to edit the information as the current information showing on wiki is not correct. I tried to put a brief information about my company and it is changed back to the old one. Later I have tried creating account and it happened to see me that my account is been blocked.

Could you please unblock me and allow me to edit the information. Or Can you please accept the information I had updated today.

My contact information are

Appreciate your assistance and quick response.

Thanks Anil Rotana Jet Abu Dhabi - UAE


 * Looks like the article has been protected because someone has been persistently adding copyrighted information into it . This is an absolute no-no.  I see you posted this question on the article talk page, can I suggest you write out your proposed changes there, providing the sources for the information too?  CaptRik (talk) 20:55, 14 April 2015 (UTC)

Talk Page?
Can someone help me with the Talk page Shumbard (talk) 20:26, 14 April 2015 (UTC)
 * Which article's talk page do you need help with, and what help are you asking for? RudolfRed (talk) 20:29, 14 April 2015 (UTC)


 * This question at the Teahouse shows that Shumbard means his own talk page. The only edit to it is by Shumbard himself, adding what may be intended as a draft article. Shumbard, what kind of help do you want? The intended purpose of your talk page is for communication between you and other editors. Maproom (talk) 21:13, 14 April 2015 (UTC)