Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2011 February 8

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February 8

Help editing article with reference list

Hi. I'm working on an article on my userpage about a business guru. Every time I've tried adding a reference or even editing the page at all, the article starts automatically deleting content near the reference section. How can I add references without having to do extensive rewrites? Thanks. --Catchthedream (talk) 15:07, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I assume you're referring to edits like this? I don't what's caused that, but Wikipedia seems a little screwy at the moment, as you can see from threads below. Maybe it will be fine tomorrow. If not, your problem sounds vaguely reminiscent of when an old version of Internet Explorer used to delete the bottoms of pages that were too big, so you might try updating your internet browser (Firefox is great). Adrian J. Hunter^{(talk•contribs)} 16:04, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Thank you! I do use firefox, let's just assume it's a wikipedia problem. Do we know when it will be fixed? Catchthedream (talk) 17:25, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Not a clue, but you can always save wikitext in an ordinary text editor (eg Notepad on computers running Windows), and paste it into Wikipedia later. Adrian J. Hunter^{(talk•contribs)} 03:36, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

ChemDiscovery doesn't show up

Hi:

I've created a new article in Wikipedia, "ChemDiscovery"

It seems to cater for all the requirements posed by Wikipedia; it's been a week after last change.

It doesn't show up in Wikipedia search or anywhere else but my account, however.

Please advise. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Olivia avvf (talk • contribs)

Comment : 19:01, January 25, 2011 Rhaworth (talk | contribs) deleted "ChemDiscovery" ‎ (G11: Unambiguous advertising or promotion). [CharlieEchoTango] 00:56, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

You created it both in article space at ChemDiscovery where it was deleted, and on your own user page at User:Olivia avvf. It reads like an advertisement and is unsuited as a Wikipedia article. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:08, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Given that, it also should not be on her userpage, or should be moved to a subpage as a draft so it can be re-written, provided Olivia doesn't have conflict of interest issues.   ArcAngel   (talk) ) 01:45, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Deleting an old version of an image file

I went through the Wikipedia:Deletion process and Template:Ffd pages, along with their respective talk pages, and I couldn't find any way to request an old version of an image file to be deleted (without deleting the entire file itself). The image in question is File:Horsehead.jpg, which has a possible joke image of a horse (head). I used TinEye to trace that image to this website, so I can assume the horse head, besides being unencyclopedic and possibly irrelevant to the nebula, is most likely a copyright infringing image anyway. The only reason I question whether the image was intended to be funny or not is because the file name itself is not descriptive enough. (I may just put in a request to change that.) Somewhere along the way, the file "horsehead.jpg" became what it is now. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! – Kerαunoςcopia^◁_galaxies 03:18, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Actually, the file in question is a duplicate (or extremely similar) image to others, including File:Horsehead_Nebula.jpg and a derivative on Commons. So I suppose it should be deleted and the image on the article replaced? I'd still like to know how to tag an old version of an image as well. – Kerαunoςcopia^◁_galaxies 03:25, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I would revert to the old version of the image and tag it as a copy vio. The license currently used on that image is invalid for the nebula image. Then upload the nebula image to a different name, or re upload to Horsehead.jpg once the horse image has been deleted. Rehevkor ✉ 03:48, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I've gone ahead and done this myself. The image File:Paardenkopnevel.jpg is probably the closest version of the image on commons atm. Rehevkor ✉ 03:54, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Thanks so much, Rehevkor! – Kerαunoςcopia^◁_galaxies 06:15, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

ABOUT POSTING/CREATING a new article(about a leading company)

can anyone pls guide me how to create a new article..becos i cant follow wats written in wiki. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Joel741174 (talk • contribs) 04:57, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

WP:1st about first article in general; WP:CORP about articles on companies. If there's something specific in there that you don't understand, please ask. - David Biddulph (talk) 05:21, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Also Wikipedia:Starting an article. --Monterey Bay (talk) 05:26, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Please note the encyclopedia (and to some extent the help and reference pages) expect a certain standard of English. Using SMS language is unacceptable in an article. Astronaut 13:53, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

And of course there is also the New Article Wizard. – ukexpat 14:26, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Hidden category

I've been working on the backlog of articles needing copy editing, and I recently copy edited Food. Now I'm having trouble getting it out of Category:Wikipedia articles needing copy edit from February 2011. It doesn't have the copy edit template. It did have copy editing listed on the to do list on the talk page, but I removed it when I was done. It seems silly but I cannot figure out how to get rid of this category. Thanks, Spock of Vulcan (talk) 05:39, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

The category is displaying from the {{Multiple issues}} template at the top of the page. Specifically, the template includes the parameter |crystal= (resulting in the text in the template: "It may contain unsourced predictions, speculative material or accounts of events that might not occur"). This parameter places the article into the copy edit needed category.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk)

Claiming IP edits from new account

Is there a way to claim edits I've made from an IP as being part of this new account? I have a vague recollection of reading something to that effect, but browsing help articles and googling haven't turned up anything. Imyourfoot (talk) 05:48, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Unfortunately, they can't be transferred to your new account, but there is a related suggestion here: Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2010 July 2#Transferring IP edits to a username. Spock of Vulcan (talk) 05:52, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Just note that there is a terminology mistake in that past thread: it would be a dummy edit (not a null edit).--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 06:02, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Alright, thanks for the help. None of the edits were significant so it's no big loss. Imyourfoot (talk) 06:19, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Posting pictures...

Hello

I am totally new to editing on wikipedia. Till date have been using it to source information. I recently tried to add some informtion to the proile of one an Indian car rally driver. I wanted to add some pictures to this artcle but could not do so. can you [lease help me tell me how can I add pictures to a article.

Thank you regards Atul Pande — Preceding unsigned comment added by Atulpande (talk • contribs) 07:06, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Hi Atul Pande, and thanks for offering to help out! Here's some advice about adding pictures:

• If you want to add an existing image to an article, add [[File:File name.jpg|thumb|Caption text.]] to the area of the article where you want the image to appear – replacing File name.jpg with the actual file name of the image, and Caption text with a short description of the image. See our picture tutorial for more information.
• If you want to upload an image from your computer for use in an article, you must determine the proper license of the image (or whether it is in the public domain). If you know the image is public domain or copyrighted but under a suitable free-license, upload it to the Wikimedia Commons instead of here, so that all projects have access to the image (sign up). If you are unsure of the licensing status, see the file upload wizard for more information. Please also read Wikipedia's image use policy. I hope this helps.

Does that answer your question? Gonzonoir (talk) 08:59, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

e-mailadres

Mijne dames, heren, Om contact te maken met de claimafdeling SLM Claims is mij het volgende e-mailadres opgegeven: . Dit e-mailadres is niet correct. Kunt u mij het juiste e-mailadres verstrekken? Bij voorbaat mijn dank. A.H. van Riet <personal contact details redacted> —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.93.17.30 (talk) 09:12, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over 3.5 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, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I have removed the OP's personal contact details to protect them from spammers and scammers. Any answers will be provided on this page. Karenjc 09:33, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Probeer dit: http://www.slm.nl/nl/customer-support/4/klanten-service/reactions Katherine (talk) 09:37, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Zenith Solar

Article regarding Zenith Solar, I updated and added latest information for Zenith Solar, but the old information is still showing on top. This old information is no longer correct. How do I delete the old information?

Thanks — Preceding unsigned comment added by ZenithSolar (talk • contribs) 09:46, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I've removed your email address to save you from spammers' email-harvesting bots. Adrian J. Hunter^{(talk•contribs)} 09:55, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Zenith Solar (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

Your addition was removed by Dismas (talk · contribs) because the added material seemed over-promotional. Please see the FAQ for Organisations. -- John of Reading (talk) 10:37, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

You username is also a problem. Wikipedia does not allow usernames that suggest an association with a company or other entity. Only individual people are allowed to edit in their personal, private, capacity. Please see WP:COI that explains the policy on Conflict of Interest. Roger (talk) 14:30, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

... and WP:CORPNAME on corporate names. - David Biddulph (talk) 19:07, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

short stories in german language for children

sir / madam, I want to download / read / copy-paste small, simple stories in german language for children. How and where can I do that. Pl guide. thanks and regards meera9876-----– — Preceding unsigned comment added by Meera9876 (talk • contribs) 11:48, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

No where on Wikipedia. This is an encyclopedia, and most likely the short story is copyright, and has no place on Wikipedia, sorry, CTJF83 12:57, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

IF the stories are either not copyright or else published under some kind of free licence - and that's a very big if - you might be able to host them on a web site of your own. You might be interested in Category:Free web hosting services. Adrian J. Hunter^{(talk•contribs)} 14:28, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I think we've misunderstood - the question says "download". If you are looking for stories that you can download and use yourself, to teach german to children, then you are unlikely to find any here at Wikipedia. You might find some at the BBC - Languages - German site, perhaps. -- John of Reading (talk) 16:33, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Big Problems with WP

hello,

I have much graphic problems with WP: Infoboxes are left-aligned, text-size in references are twice time bigger, hidden boxes are now open, in the history tab I can't find any link above, like "Contributors" and many, many more issues. Please fix this as soon as possible. Thank you.-- ♫Greatorangepumpkin♫ T 13:59, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I am also seeing Infoboxes left aligned. -- GateKeeper ^(talk) @ 14:06, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

According to the Wikipedians in IRC, it's maintenance. Kayau Voting IS evil 14:09, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Yeah, it was announced that it was going to take place sometime in these days, the maintenance. Things should be back to normal soon. ~ Elitropia 14:14, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

So are we supposed to wait for things to change back in the meantime, or are we supposed to adjust our computers, or what? ----DanTD (talk) 14:30, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

You can always report the bugs to WP:BUGS. ~ Elitropia (talk) 14:35, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I didn't see this supposed announcement. Might be helpful if a notice appeared at the top of one's watchlist while it's actually going on, so you'd know. Cynwolfe (talk) 14:38, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Just found this, see the Technology report from yesterday. ~ Elitropia (talk) 14:42, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

OK now? I've got Twinkle back, anyway. -- John of Reading (talk) 14:43, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Cynwolfe, I cannot tell about your page but it was there yesterday on my page, but sure it would be useful to keep it today, too. John of Reading, no it's not okay, the pages are still messed up. Well, patience now ; ) ~ Elitropia (talk) 14:47, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Looks like this is clearing up. If you still have issues, please try Wikipedia:Bypass your cache. ---— Gadget850 (Ed) ^talk 14:50, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Sweet, clearing the cache worked well, here : ) ~ Elitropia (talk) 14:53, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I too am noticing issues - most noticeably the info box left aline. Furthermore, there is double referencing i.e. in the reference list is the highlighted title of the reference, but also a web address after the retrieval date. I've tried to cache, but it's not working... :? FilmFan2011 (talk) 14:57, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Next option: patience. – ukexpat (talk) 15:41, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

• OK it seems that everything is OK now. Thanks.-- ♫Greatorangepumpkin♫ T 16:02, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Info boxes wacked

The info boxes for both Google Maps and Bergen Ballpark are showing up on my computer screen smaller than normal, left justified, and residing over the text (as opposed to the side of the text). Do these info boxes sho up the same way for anyone else? e.g., is this a problem with Wikipedia or an issue with my veew? The Wikipedia text that appears on my computer screen appears smaller. Is there some My Preferences that controls all this? -- Uzma Gamal (talk) 14:52, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

See above. Personally, I thought the world was ending. --Danger (talk) 14:57, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

uploading... from user page.

Hi. I have written an entry about 'kit barker' but it only comes up on a user page. if I enter 'kit barker' into google it brings up the page [my user page with the kit barker info] but not when I enter the same search into Wikipedia..... It doesn't find it at all..... I just don't know hoe to detach the info from me [rivesdaletom] and have it as a stand alone proper entry, there seems no obvious way to go forward. Many thanks for help with this. T Barker Riversdaletom (talk) 16:08, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

The process involves moving the userpage draft (User:Riversdaletom/Kit Barker) to mainspace. However, I don't think it is ready yet. The formatting needs to be fixed to comply with the manual of style but more importantly, you need to cite references to reliable sources to demonstrate that the subject is notable as described at WP:BIO. You refer to some books, but it is not clear how they support notability. – ukexpat (talk) 16:15, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I'm willing to give you a bit of help with the most obvious form and format problems. Roger (talk) 16:22, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Please write complete grammatical sentences. Do you have an allergy to the word "He"? Roger (talk) 16:28, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I've helped some as well with some of the more obvious things like making lists, ISBN magic and stray formatting. But as pointed out, notability is significant concern.Naraht (talk) 16:33, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Sorry Naraht, I have just completely overwritten all your edits with mine. The perils of simultaneous editing! Roger 16:53, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Not all of them! :)17:19, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

How can I get my WP back ...

... to as it was yesterday? For example, look and feel of article history, user talk page, my contributions, etc. And as for performance! :( Any help appreciated. Jan1naD ^{(talk • contrib)} 17:14, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Patience, see above! There are some upgrades being done I think. Try bypassing your browser cache and a server purge. – ukexpat (talk) 17:22, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Never mind that, it's back to normal already. Thanks, whoever. I hope it stays like that now. Jan1naD ^{(talk • contrib)} 17:25, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Article on Bokeh has lost it's Wikipedia chrome

The article on Bokeh <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bokeh>, doesn't have the standard Wikipedia sidebar and other formatting. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.223.5.104 (talk) 18:49, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Please see several threads above and be patient. Software upgrades are being implemented. – ukexpat (talk) 18:54, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Correct the page "National Analysts"

Good afternoon!

I am employed by National Analysts Worldwide and have done primary and secondary research into the origins of our firm. I want to tell you that I had provided last week a replacement/edit to the initial page. My edits were not accepted. I note, this original page with its errors was only created last month, January 2011.

I do wish to point out that there are a couple of falsehoods/errors in this page. Allow me to clarify for you:

1. National Analysts Worldwide was previously known as National Analysts. 2. National Analysts was founded by Charles Coolidge Parlin. 3. Donald M. Hobart succeeded him as head of the department upon Parlin's retirement. 4. The origins of the "first commercial research unit" was formed in 1911 when Charles Coolidge Parlin was hired by Curtis Publishing Company to run that unit. The name of that unit was "Division of Commercial Research." 5. This date is significant to the industry and our company heritage, as it is the origin of market research as a discipline as well as the origin of the business unit. 6. National Analysts did become an independent organization in 1943 in order to provide research services to industry and government.

Please consider my comments above and correct these errors.

For your reference, some of my sources: Original corporate records, some held at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. History of Qualitative Research Methods in Marketing, page 5. (Wherein Hobart himself explains it was Parlin) A New Brand of Business by Douglas B. Ward (the entire book) The History of Marketing Thought Robert Bartels, page 124 -125. Marketing Research Text and Cases, Harper W. Boyd, Jr. and Ralph Westfall, page 15. Market Research and Modeling: Progress and Prospects, Yoram Wind, Paul E. Green, page 246 Marketing /Research People: Their Behind-the-Scenes Stories, Jack J. Honomichl, page 100. American Advertising Foundation site: http://www.advertisinghalloffame.org/members/member_bio.php?memid=748 American Marketing Association site: http://www.marketingpower.com/Calendar/Pages/CharlesCoolidgeParlinAward.aspx — Preceding unsigned comment added by Patriciagreen (talk • contribs) 19:17, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

This discussion should be conducted on the article's talk page, not here. --Orange Mike | Talk 20:30, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Also, please read the policy on conflicts of interest. -- Bk314159 (Talk to me and find out what I've done) 22:39, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Images

I have noticed that when you type in certain names and images are associated the images appear on the left hand side rather than the normal right hand side. Is there something going on with the site or is this something new that Wikipedia is doing? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.177.135.18 (talk) 21:15, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

At Wikipedia, images can be placed in various locations within the article text. See Wikipedia:Picture tutorial for more info. --Jayron32 21:18, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

A problem with the rollout of the new software version was causing issues with image placement. I think it's fixed now, so please bypass your cache to make sure. – ukexpat (talk) 15:09, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

Vandalism on Ishmael Khaldi page

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael_Khaldi repeated vandalism and violations by User Zkharya. Needs to be reported and probably user should be blocked. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Joatsimeon (talk • contribs) 21:28, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

That is not vandalism. Please read WP:VAND to see what is. Oh, and watch out, if you keep reverting non-vandalism, you could be blocked for WP:3RR violation. CTJF83 21:32, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

(edit conflict)That is absolutely not vandalism. Looks like you two need to work this out at the article talk page using civil discourse. You stand to be blocked yourself for edit warring over a content dispute. Leave the article alone and work out disputes on the article talk page, seeking help from Wikipedia:Dispute resolution if you need aditional help to resolve your differences. --Jayron32 21:33, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

OK, well personal attacks on a private individual and irrelevant and unsourced material looks a lot like vandalism to me. It strikes me as though there are a lot of violations there (and I note that the user has been blocked previously for it) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Joatsimeon (talk • contribs) 21:35, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

note both given 3RR warning. CTJF83 21:36, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

@Joatsimeon: We're not saying that his (or your) edits are perfect; but what we are saying is to stop fighting in the text, behave like mature adults, and take your conflict out of public view in the article talk pages. If you can't work this out, seek help from Wikipedia:Dispute resolution. You make claims that his edits are in error; seek outside help to decide if they are. They do not appear to be vandalism at first glance; given that they involve referenced text and a clear attempt to improve the article, at least from his point of view. Note that not every attempt to improve an article is necessarily an actual improvement, but all such good-faith attempts are never vandalism and you should not claim that someone is trying to make the article worse (which is what vandalism is; a deliberate attempt to make wikipedia worse) when they are not. Even if they are making it worse (and I do not say they are, I am merely conceding it for the point of the next statement), as long as they are doing so in the attempt to make it right, you shouldn't call it vandalism. Try to work with them constructively, and if that hits a roadblock, ask for help as described at Wikipedia:Dispute resolution. --Jayron32 21:43, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Also, remember to assume good faith. -- Bk314159 (Talk to me and find out what I've done) 22:37, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Reference issue removed?

I work for the company: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mpower_Pictures

For two years it's had the issue with primary sources, but I have since updated it to only use third-party sources.

How do I see to it that the issue is removed? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 96.229.66.210 (talk) 21:32, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Once the issue is resolved, you may remove the tag. I have done this for you. CTJF83 21:34, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

New format for pages?

Hi, I guess somethings have changed and many infoboxes that were on the right are now on the left! E.g. Patronages of Saint George looks chaotic now. How do we move the infobox back to where it was on the right? Thanks. History2007 (talk) 22:42, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

?? The infobox is on the right, the table of contents is on the left. CTJF83 22:47, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

I see the same. Infobox on the right. Right where it's always been. Dismas|^(talk) 22:49, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Interesting. I tried Internet explorer and infobox is on the right as you guys said. But on Firefox I see it on the left, out of order. The same is true on several other pages, e.g. I also see Saint Joseph as out of order in FireFox but ok on Micorsoft's browser. New software somewhere? History2007 (talk) 22:52, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Dunno, I am, and have for years used firefox, and have never seen an infobox on the right. WP:VPT issue? CTJF83 22:53, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

The navbox at the end of the pages used to look strange earlier today. They have fixed that since. I remember some notice about new software for Wikipedia somewhere. Was that today? Where do we ask? History2007 (talk) 22:58, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Try WP:VPT CTJF83 22:59, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

There we go: Wikipedia:VPT#infobox_alignment_out_of_line other people have that problem too. History2007 (talk) 23:00, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Ok, cool, does purging your cache fix the issue? CTJF83 23:03, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Yes, it looks ok now. Thanks. History2007 (talk) 23:05, 8 February 2011 (UTC)

Sure CTJF83 23:16, 8 February 2011 (UTC)