Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2014 December 11

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December 11

IP address talk page banners

As I am not an administrator, is it fine if I put the label/banner on top of IP address talk pages with the network operator information? Also, I have noticed that all these pages have warnings and blocks so I should only place the banner on IP addresses which have vandalized before? pcfan500 (talk) 00:47, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

yes you can add templates. the template is to provide benefit for either the IP user or other editors. if you feel that such benefit exists for a particular IP address, sure add it. -- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 01:47, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

• If you have valid information, please do add the proper IP templates as you come across them. I find the templates very useful as part of my WP:ACC duties and I'm sure other account creators do as well. :) — {{U|Technical 13}} ^{(e • t • c)} 02:10, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

"Fierce" Attitude Regarding Proposals and the Like

First of all, I'm not asking for medical advice here, because the actual "doing something about the underlying problem" is already scheduled and going to occur near the very end of this month. This question has to do purely with what the subject line indicates.

Second of all, I'm not sure if this is where this type of post should go, or if it should go somewhere else. I'd just like some suggestions as to what might be most beneficial editing-wise considering the circumstances. My sincere apologies if this is the completely wrong place for this kind of thing.

In any case...

I find that, due to the problem that has developed ever since this Summer (it's a contracted mentally-related thing that I didn't have until a certain event occurred this past Summer), I seem to be more aggressive in my discussions here, particularly at the Village Pump. I'm a little disheartened by this, because I feel that when (yes, I'm going to be optimistic and assume that I eventually will) recover from all of this, I might have left a bad mark on who I am here as a Wikipedian, and may have said some things that I didn't mean to or the like, or (worse) driven away editors.

As such, I ask this: what would some good editing practices be (until this whole shebang eventually gets resolved) for someone who is being consistently unnaturally aggressive when giving opinions regarding proposals, discussions or the like (not ridiculously so, mind you. I'm not doing anything that would warrant any dispute resolution type stuff, but at the same time I'm a bit worried that it could get to that point, hence why I raise this question)? I can't exactly stop this subconscious aggression from occurring, due to the circumstances, but I can at least notice it before I click "Save page", and go to CTRL-X stuff that is aggressive and modify the post so that it doesn't contain any of that once I post it. Tharthandorf Aquanashi (talk) 02:37, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Did I add this to the wrong area, or...? I really would like some editing advice regarding this if at all possible. Tharthandorf Aquanashi (talk) 14:20, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

If I'm not supposed to ask questions like this or something, then I'd appreciate that someone just tell me that so that I can try and figure out the answer to this for myself rather than waste my time waiting for a response.

Alternatively, if that's not the case, and someone hasn't just come around who wishes to answer the question yet, ignore this particular comment.Tharthandorf Aquanashi (talk) 00:11, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

I think this is a fine place to ask the question,, Tharthandorf Aquanashi. I acknowledge you for being willing to come out and explain the issue, and ask for assistance. But I'm not sure what assistance we can give: you've said that you review what you're minded to post, and sometimes delete it. I don't know of any other resource to suggest. --ColinFine (talk) 00:46, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

Usually, when newbies join Wikipedia, they are templated with one of a variety of welcome templates that often list things that can help them get used to Wikipedia. I note, in particular, the Five Pillars (which I used to see mentioned a lot more in discussions long ago, but very scarcely nowadays [probably because it's more of a "defining the spirit"-type thing, rather than a "giving specific details"-type thing]). That gives people a good idea in their heads of what is and is not acceptable for Wikipedia.

Similarly, I see essays like Staying Cool When The Editing Gets Hot as particularly advisory for issues like mine.

As such, I was wondering if (in the case of there not being much anyone could really think of besides what I had mentioned, to possibly help my editing in the situation) someone might perhaps be able to link me to some essays in the same or in a similar vein as/to Staying Cool When The Editing Gets Hot that I might have somehow overlooked, forgotten about, or become unfamiliar with.

In short, I just would like to at least have some things that I might be able to keep in mind, and (in the worst, most likelily case) have open in other tabs, when participating in discussions or the like in the case that my own judgment becomes clouded during the situation and I am unable to rely on my own mental "checker" afterwards. Tharthandorf Aquanashi (talk) 01:22, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

good evening

can somebody please create the article of iraq-mexico relations? asap — Preceding unsigned comment added by Jesusacosta 3050 (talk • contribs) 02:58, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

You may better ask at Wikipedia:Requested articles. --Fauzan^{✆ talk}_{✉ mail} 09:16, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

James Watson and his auction of Nobel gold medal

Congratulations Wikipedia for immediately adding information on the return to him of the Nobel gold medal by the Russian who got it when it was auctioned. It is a news that just came out today, Dec. 9th. 2014 ( Dec. 10th. 2014 in the U.K.) and you have already added it to your page in Wikipedia. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.234.134.94 (talk) 03:00, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Copyright status of images

I'm interested in adding an image or two to this article, but I want to make that these images are in the public domain. I'd assume that they are, because they appear to be very old, but since copyright is definitely not my strong point, I wanted to get a second opinion. Thanks, --Biblioworm 03:36, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

WP:MCQ may be a better place for your question, but taking a quick look at the criteria set out at Template:PD-UK, they would appear to be public domain.--ukexpat (talk) 14:36, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Misspelled user name

I misspelled my company name when I registered just a while ago. The correct name is SADComesaBrasil. Kindly advise — Preceding unsigned comment added by SADComesBrasil (talk • contribs) 03:56, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

To request a username change, read this page. However, you are advised against creating an account and editing on behalf of an organization or company in accordance with our policies on conflict of interest. --Fauzan^{✆ talk}_{✉ mail} 09:11, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Re-starting Deleted Article

Hi,

So I was unaware of Wikipedia's Rules and Regulations when I made the Gray Matters Capital Foundation's Wikipedia article on the orders of the Founder and Executive Director, Bob Pattillo.

I had thought that it would be better to populate the articles with direct quotes and links to their sources. If it already is public information, then why does it matter whether it is also available here?

In any case, I am willing to do the rewrites as required, however I just need to know if there is anything I have to do to re-publish the Wikipedia-friendly article?

Thank you!

A — Preceding unsigned comment added by Bsabharti (talk • contribs) 04:02, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Please don't. On orders from founder and executive director you have a conflict of interest and should not ever edit directly about the company or its competitors. -- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 04:10, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

You could, however, make suggestions on the TALK page of your article. -- Charles Edwin Shipp (talk) 18:57, 13 December 2014 (UTC)

Hi Re:Donor

Hi,

Re:Donations.

Yes, a good thing and I agree VERY much but want to share some things.

I have given feedback about omissions and more importantly FALSE time lines and assertions. My responses... Best: "Edit it your self" Worst: "Piss off!" No kidding!!!

All that aside, an accountancy to where the income versus distribution of funds goes (unadulterated) would help greatly.

Mr. Wales makes a huge portion, and yes, one should be rewarded but NOT at that high of a capitalistic rate.

If he lived just off the interest he would be living still in the 1%'er quota.

That is WRONG!

Adding that ALWAYS hitting at Christmas with THREATS of "advertisements" does not show a "we are all equal" attitude.

To sum it up, no REAL accountancy of funds, especially to the HUGE amount going to Mr. Wales coupled with the crass responses I have received for ONLY wanting to CORRECT GROSS errors.

Well, make it accountable AND without the attitude of "Do it yourself" to "piss off: and I am SURE more would be happy to help.

The indolent reply’s, waifish "donate Gov'ner" (crass) is just a class based bunch of "Lords" doing Copperfield.

Respectfully.

One who DID respect this idea... — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.220.190.61 (talk) 04:07, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Wikimedia Foundation does account for its funds. It publishes its annual budget; you can read the most recent one right here. Every penny is accounted for. If you want to know how your donation will be spent before considering giving, feel free to read this document (it is publicly available, and everyone is encouraged to read it). Thanks for asking about this, and I hope that knowing that you can access this information will help you in your decision to give. --Jayron32 04:23, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

(edit conflict) This is the only edit by your current IP address so we cannot comment on your previous edits. There are financial reports at wmf:Financial reports. I don't know the basis for your statements about Mr. Wales. Jimmy Wales#Wikimedia Foundation says: "His work for the foundation, including his appearances to promote it at computer and educational conferences, has always been unpaid." PrimeHunter (talk) 04:28, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

References

Another way to donate

You guys have missed a time proven way for people to support situations such as yours---How about the opportunity for some one to SEND A CHECK---Some of us SENIORS are not up to speed with the latest way to eliminate personality---How about a---PO BOX---What a concept--!!!---Don't forget the " Old Folks" — Preceding unsigned comment added by 107.19.148.32 (talk) 04:15, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

You absolutely can donate by check. See here for specific instructions on how to do so. You can donate by many methods, here describes all of them, but the Wikimedia Foundation absolutely accepts checks, just check out the links I have given you for information on how to do so. --Jayron32 04:20, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Notifications counter stuck

Tracked in Phabricator
Task T59684

For some reason the notifications counter next to my name won't reset. It stays stuck at 1 no matter how many times I click on it. Anyone knows how to fix this glitch? Mezigue (talk) 10:05, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

See if the advice in the first reply here is any use. -- John of Reading (talk) 10:13, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

It wasn't. However the next notification seems to have flushed the bug, so to speak, so all clear now, thanks! Mezigue (talk) 12:26, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

• This is a known bug that has been reported on Phabricator:. Screenshot of stuck counter on Meta uploaded on commons. Thanks for this report, will add to bug ticket. — {{U|Technical 13}} ^{(e • t • c)} 14:33, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Help:Cite errors/Cite error included ref

I am trying to update Mr. Johnson Calderon's work as a journalist. Please see www.deuxmoi.com. Thank you — Preceding unsigned comment added by PaulReid1985 (talk • contribs) 09:19, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Paul Johnson Calderon (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

I have added the missing </ref> tag. -- John of Reading (talk) 09:21, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Help:Cite errors/Cite error ref too many keys

Hi! I just wanted to simplify a passage I thought was too repetitive, and I'm really not sure what the problem is, so I hope you can help. It is the Dolley Madison page (the First Lady, not the snack-cake brand): the yellow-fever paragraph of the "First Marriage and Family" section:

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dolley_Madison&actino=edit&section=3

I know one has to adjust the sources when changing phrase order and I thought I had done that, but I got a red message: Cite error: "The <ref> tag has too many names." Could somebody please set it right? I'm very sorry for the trouble and I will try not to do it again. Thank you. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Baeleigh (talk • contribs) 17:34, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

@Baeleigh: it looks like you had just misspelled "ref name" as "ref bane". seems to be fixed now.-- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 17:39, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Austin Police Department

Austin Police Department (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

We received an e-mail at OTRS questioning the apparent lack of balance in this article. Would someone who has the time please take a look? Thanks.--ukexpat (talk) 19:00, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

I concur with the concern. I don't have time at this time to do anything, but have tagged the article. It appears that the misconduct section was added in the spring, and that in the past three months the article has been primarily updated by two editors and some IP addresses who have expanded the misconduct section. Robert McClenon (talk) 19:08, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

The Red Pen of Doom has taken a hatchet to it. Thanks.--ukexpat (talk) 19:17, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

I have restored useful information from a very old version of the article. Two edit warriors have been blocked. Robert McClenon (talk) 19:41, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

Wilayat articles

A large number of one-line "articles" beginning "Wilayat" Wilayat Nineveh (ISIL), Wilayat Baghdad (ISIL), Wilayat Hama (ISIL) etc. have been added in the past 2 days. Although I can see that someone reading, say, "Wilayat Hama" in a newspaper might want to know what it refers to, I cannot see that they serve any other purpose. There is no obvious article to redirect them to, so should they be deleted? and if so, under what criteria? - Arjayay (talk) 19:50, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

I have AFD'd them as non-notable and self-proclaimed. Maybe the others should listed as a group AFD --ukexpat (talk) 20:11, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

There are a bunch more. Anyone want to help out with a bulk AFD? Thanks.--ukexpat (talk) 15:19, 12 December 2014 (UTC)

@Ukexpat: sure - send me a message on my talk and what you want me to do. --Mdann52talk to me! 08:00, 14 December 2014 (UTC)

Donations

Why doesnt wikipedia have a paid for app, your donations would come alot quicker. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.6.205.107 (talk) 23:39, 11 December 2014 (UTC)

For a number of reasons. Just to name two: Wikipedia applications for mobile phones already exist that are free. Secondly, there would really need to be a consensus for something like that were it to happen (and, evidently, there currently is not one). Tharthandorf Aquanashi (talk) 00:13, 12 December 2014 (UTC)