Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2017 February 19

Welcome to the Wikipedia Help Desk Archives
The page you are currently viewing is an archive page. While you can leave answers for any questions shown below, please ask new questions on one of the current Help Desk pages.

February 19

Lost my account details and memory, ip, sanity and lord knows what else!

Hello everyone, last week, I suddenly got the mood to edit wikipedia again. I stopped in 2012, after a personal loss. I was maily working on philosophical and pshychological articles. However, I cannot remember my username and I am having a very hard time actually remembering what I edited in the past. To make things even harder, I moved since then, so my IP changed. Is it possible in some way to find my old username and start editing with it again? Or at least see what remains of what I did so long ago? Thanksa for any help! 85.150.152.71 (talk) 11:01, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

additional information: looking in the source of ancient emails, I think the IP from which I edited perhaps was 81.68.73.34 or 83.86.103.1. I hope that can make a difference. 85.150.152.71 (talk) 11:14, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

If you may have stored an email address in the account and still have access to mails there then try entering it at Special:PasswordReset with a blank Username field. PrimeHunter (talk) 11:25, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

I am not sure if I do. I remember that, in that time, I was trying to systematically organise my email;s into seperate accounts for official matters, social matters and intellectual matters. The attempt failed, because I only ended up coming to my 'social' account regularly, leaving important emails unread instead of easier found (which was the idea). I do not recall the email adresses and actually ended some, I remember. :( 85.150.152.71 (talk) 11:44, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

If you can remember any article you worked on, then look at the History of that article, and your old userid will probably jump out at you quickly. Then you can look at the list of contributions for that user. You will still need to know the password in order to edit with that userid, or if you set up an email then use the process that Primehunter mentioned above. --Gronk Oz (talk) 13:40, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

I did, before I came here. But,what did I actually work on and what did I only plan to do? And: it was 5 years ago. It is difficult to find. I remember I was working on one of the topics on Immanuel Kant, but which one exactly? And I really could not find a name that rung a bell. The article was featured as a 'great' article, or something like that. It was with someone else that I did the work. So, I think maybe my work was only in the talk page. But that has been archived in some articles. So, what can I do? 85.150.152.71 (talk) 14:38, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

If you have also forgotten the password and didn't store an email address or no longer have access to it then you cannot recover the account even if you find the username. Just create a new account. There are 30 million. One more makes no difference. PrimeHunter (talk) 16:36, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Yeah, I considered doing so. But in the past I added some articles on obscure psycho analytical terms that I ran across while reading Freud. I was considering adding them to his 'Wolfman'. But I decided on editing an unrelated page about the same term that was not psycho analytical in nature. I added the terms because there was hardly any information about it on the web whatsoever. I am actually looking for those terms, but I forgot the words themselves. That is what stated this quest. I actually have need of it. I know I am a pain, but is there any way to find it based on the IP's I provided? 85.150.152.71 (talk) 09:29, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

I searched the two IP addresses and there were no edits. I also did a wild card search on the last digits and turned up a few articles, but none in the subjects or date ranges you mentioned. - X201 (talk) 10:40, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

I did the same search and there were no contributions from those two IP addresses. Are there any other possible IPs? If you can remember just one of the unusual words that you added, we might be able to help. If you remember just one of the articles, then the history of the article around that time will reveal the usernames and you will probably recognise the one that you used. Dbfirs 10:45, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

None of the mentioned IP addresses have edited while logged out: Special:Contributions/85.150.152.71, Special:Contributions/81.68.73.34, Special:Contributions/83.86.103.1. meta:CheckUser policy#CheckUser status says information about IP addresses of logged in users is only stored for 90 days. Even within the 90 days I don't think a CheckUser would give you the information for privacy reasons, since somebody else might have edited from the same IP address. Special:ListUsers can show usernames starting with a given string. If you have an old mail archive then you can search it for mail from wikimedia.org. PrimeHunter (talk) 10:50, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

I actually checked my mail, but it was inconclusive. I will check again. I also have a different online idea; I asked a forum where I used to post. But it will depend on the skill and good nature of the admin if he will find me the old IP. Anyway, I am trying to get the old IP.85.150.152.71 (talk) 09:46, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

Yeah, my IP must have been 81.68.73.34. I checked source codes of many emails. Is it somehow possible to find an account with that? 85.150.152.71 (talk) 21:31, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

I don't see how when the IP address hasn't edited while logged out. It has edited Wikitravel [1] but that does not seem helpful. PrimeHunter (talk) 21:52, 21 February 2017 (UTC)

Not with something that old. Checkusers are the handful of users with the technical ability to connect IPs and accounts; they can get a given account's IP address, or find what accounts have used a specific address or group of addresses. However, (1) checkusers' abilities depend on data that gets removed more often than once a year, so they'd not have a chance at being able to help with something from 2012; and (2) the checkuser policy severely restricts what can be done with this kind of data (due to privacy concerns), so I doubt that they'd be allowed to serve your request even if you were asking about something from five days ago, not five years ago. Nyttend (talk) 02:17, 22 February 2017 (UTC)

Referencing error at trifluoroperacetic acid

Reference 18 in the article trifluoroperacetic acid displays an error " Invalid |name-list-format=10.15227/orgsyn.066.0132 ". There s no name-list-format parameter in the reference, and the value it gives (10.15227/orgsyn.066.0132) is the value of the doi, which does display. Where is this error coming from, and what can I do to fix it? Thanks. EdChem (talk) 12:39, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

@EdChem: There was an error in a recent edit to {{OrgSynth}}, which I have fixed. -- John of Reading (talk) 12:46, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Thanks, John, no wonder I couldn't find the problem! EdChem (talk) 13:00, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

iPhone app question

Why don't the categories appear in the information about an article in the iphone app?JMcC (talk) 13:07, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

@Jmcc150: Last I heard, this aspect hasn't been added to the Wikipedia mobile apps yet. Showing categories for articles was requested in the 2016 Community Wishlist Survey. Stevie is the man! ^{Talk • Work} 14:43, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

JMcC, they're excluded from mobile (a slightly different URL, e.g. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page instead of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) entirely, not just the iPhone. The issue has been raised at "Phabricator", the Wikimedia Foundation's tech site for improving/developing our wiki software (either I raised the issue, or I contributed after someone else raised it), because the difficulty of typing properly on a cellphone makes navigation via links much more important than on a full-size computer, but the reason they exclude them is that some category names are extremely long, to the point that they'd obscure much of the rest of the page. For an extreme example, consider the North Court article, a stub with several long-named categories. The whole article is just 598 characters, while the categories are 351 characters, and one category by itself is 88 characters long. I've seen a Phabricator proposal (I can't remember where it is, however) to put a link on a page that, if you click it, would give you the category names on a separate page (as is already done with links to foreign-language Wikipedia articles), thus giving you the category links without overwhelming the article. Nyttend (talk) 02:13, 22 February 2017 (UTC)

Can anyone put a deletion notice on an article?

Hi, I often look at new pages and I am wondering if a non-moderator can leave a deletion template. (Cass) — Preceding unsigned comment added by Cassini127 (talk • contribs)

I added your signature back in, Cassini127: a signature on a talk or project page is more than just your name: it lets people find your user page, talk page, and contributions easily. Please sign with four tildes (~~~~) and the software will do the rest. --ColinFine (talk) 15:21, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Yes, Cassini127. There are no moderators on Wikipedia: there are admins, who can do a few admin things that other editors can't but most things anybody can do. However, Deletion is quite complicated on Wikipedia, so don't add any notice until you have understood the Deletion policy, and know when to use the three different kinds of deletion. When you are ready to do so, enabling Twinkle makes it much easier to initiate the process. --ColinFine (talk) 15:24, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Thank you, I appreciate your help!

Referencing errors on IDBI Bank

Reference help requested.

Thanks, Perumalism Chat 15:58, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Ref 1 contained a 'text ignored message' caused by a missing url=.  Fixed Eagleash (talk) 16:23, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

COI-tag abuse

Users (some canvassing seems to be going on) are repeatedly adding a COI template to The Russian Bride, as a mark of shame, even though no COI has been declared and the neutrality of the text is undisputed. I don't know where to go with this. Lyrda (talk) 16:11, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Firstly, I require that you immediately provide evidence of canvassing or retract the above statement. Exemplo347 (talk) 16:12, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

I'll wait for a secondly, thanks. Ganging up on a user, to intimidate, shame, and so forth, is unacceptable behaviour, no matter the manner in which it came about. Lyrda (talk) 16:20, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Ok ok ok. Everybody calm down. All involved should probably WP:DROPTHESTICK as far as the COI template goes, regardless of whether it's there or not, since, unless someone can find a helluva lot better sources than I could, it seems likely to be deleted anyway.

The impression of canvassing probably comes from the likes of myself, who had Exemplo's talk page on their watchlist, finding the AfD discussion precisely because of the conversation that recently happened there on the user talk. For the record, that's not actually canvassing, but I can see how it could seem unfair from the perspective of a new user.

To Lyrda, for my own part, I !voted delete because I couldn't find better sources, decidedly not out of any ill will toward you, and equally not out of any particular loyalty to Exemplo.

To Exemplo347, gotta grow a bit thicker skin buddy. If the worst that has happened to you here is a newer user accusing you of something unfounded, then oh boy. Just wait. As an individual continues to edit Wikipedia, the changes of being being called a Nazi approaches one. TimothyJosephWood 16:22, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Meh, I was called John Podesta the other month. Exemplo347 (talk) 16:24, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

@Lyrda: Here's some general advice based on my experience. Placement of the COI tag doesn't require a declaration by the editor with a COI. It can be added if there is a reasonable suspicion of COI. Of course, if anyone challenges it, it should be discussed on the article's talk page. If the tag-placing editor won't back up their claim, then it should be removed. Stevie is the man! ^{Talk • Work} 16:25, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Thanks, that's how I figured it. The tag-placing editor has accused me of COI repeatedly, before adding the template, without even an attempt to back this up. And then deleted my comments about this on their talk page. Lyrda (talk) 16:29, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

• I've taken the liberty of removing the COI template for the time being, since the point is moot if the article doesn't survive AfD. If it does, then we can have the conversation at that point, and feel free to ping to me to it and I'll help out if I can. When in doubt, AGF and build an encyclopedia. TimothyJosephWood 17:15, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

BTW, if someone will photoshop that on to this poster, I'll give you a star off a barn or something. TimothyJosephWood 17:15, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

• Like this? [2] is the first search hit for "keep calm and carry on generator". Tigraan^{Click here to contact me} 20:26, 20 February 2017 (UTC)

Infobox picture

I can not get the infobox picture to show up for https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saadeldin_Abouaish — Preceding unsigned comment added by Iansaum (talk • contribs) 16:39, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

The image doesn't seem to exist. Did you upload it? Lyrda (talk) 16:47, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

(edit conflict) Images have to uploaded to Wikipedia or preferably to commons. Links to external images or files stored on your computer will not work. Please see WP:IDD and MOS:IMAGES for more information. Please sign your posts on talk pages by typing four tildes (~~~~). Thank you. Eagleash (talk) 16:52, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

(edit conflict)Hello, Iansaum. Like Lyrda, I can't find the image you're trying to use, on Wikipedia or Commons; or a record of it having been deleted. How did you upload it?

But before worrying about superficial prettinesses like images, you would be well advised to worry about the fundamentals of the article you have created. It's not important whether an article has a picture or not: it's more attractive if it has, but not important. It is crucially important whether an article has references to substantial indepedent reliable sources; and without them, the article is likely to be deleted, as has been suggested for Saadeldin Abouaish. Spend your time finding independent sources - without which your keep !vote in the deletion discussion carries no weight. --ColinFine (talk) 17:03, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

First of all, welcome to WP, Iansaum! It is quite the undertaking to jump right in by creating an article first time around. Please don't be dismayed by the tone some editors choose to exhibit to newbies. In reviewing your subject, it does seem your page will indeed be deleted simply because of its non-notability status: at this time. However, if the subject continues on his career course; I am confident you will have an article "post-university" (2020) to write in due time. Most of what is there now seems to be "Early Career". Give it time; and during this interim, try and gather as much information along the way with reliable sources for the article you want to create. Also, try visiting the Teahouse, found here (under Stuck?): [3] among other important links. Best of luck to you; and I look forward to seeing your article on Saadeldin Abouaish! Maineartists (talk) 17:54, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

I figured out the problem, and his page had been updated with accurate references (I was having trouble figuring out how to properly format references). I am confident in his notability, as he is a world class player, not just for his age, but professionally. Iansaum (talk) 22:26, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

• That's good, Iansaum. I hope you are right. Have you checked in here: WP:NCOLLATH? Since there is no "squash" category: Notability Sports I worry just how you will prove notability. Best of luck, though. Maineartists (talk) 22:47, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

(edit conflict) The image has not been uploaded with the required copyright/licensing details (see File:Saadeldin Abouaish.jpg). It will likely be deleted from commons unless the information can be provided. If you are not the copyright holder, you will need to obtain permission from whoever is. And, as above it is probably too early in his career for an article just yet. Eagleash (talk) 22:51, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Jonathan FeBland

URGENT: Why exactly was Jonathan FeBland (Polymath) removed from Wikipedia in 2010 having been on the site since 2005 ? Check out febland.net/ when you have a little free time and do let him know your opinion. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Znethru (talk • contribs) 18:47, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

The explanation for the deletion is at WP:Articles for deletion/Jonathan FeBland (2nd nomination), as linked from your user talk page. --David Biddulph (talk) 19:00, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

And as you see in that discussion, Znethru, the consensus at that time was that there was not enough material published about FeBland in indpendent reliable sources to establish notability in Wikipedia's special sense, and so an article on him ws not accepted. Seven years on, there may now be enough information published. Since you are the one who who thinks this is urgent (Wikipedia does not, by the way: There is no deadline), I suggest you study WP:Notability and WP:NMUSIC and WP:IRS, and see if you can find enough reliable sources to establish notability. If so, there could be an article (it is not clear to me whether you are connected with FeBland or not: if you are, then you also need to read about conflict of interest). If there are still not adequate sources, then there is no point in spending time on it. Remember that nothing that he has published or said will contribute to notability: we require sources wholly independent of him. --ColinFine (talk) 19:10, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Znethru Since the two discussions for deletion occurred (2009 / 2010) there have been an increase in what were initial concerns regarding this subject: lack of notability, online reviews, resources separate from the source, etc. One commenting editor said a google search didn't even bring up the subject's name (2009). This has dramatically changed. The subject has won awards, is now associated with extremely esteemed musical organizations throughout the world, and reviews. The article was poorly written simply because there was just not enough to satisfy. However, I do feel that there are enough resources to resurrect this subject: WP:NMUSIC for composers. I would gladly help you in this endeavor if need be. On a side note: What he has published does contribute to notability. Since as a composer, when one composes a work, one also publishes it -- which suffices under: WP:COMPOSER. In the same vein as Elliot Schwartz (who was a well known composer in the world of music, but whose article is a poorly written one that does not even come close to representing the subject and his life's work for notability through reviews, awards, compositions, etc), I think this subject will stick this time. Best of luck. Maineartists (talk) 21:03, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

Mary, Crown Princess of Denmark

Please check ref number 11 - which I did not do. It is all wrong - dead link - etc Thanks so much Srbernadette (talk) 22:17, 19 February 2017 (UTC)

 Done Boomer Vial^{Holla! We gonna ball} 04:24, 20 February 2017 (UTC)