Help desk
< February 5	<< Jan \| February \| Mar >>	February 7 >

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 6

web scrapping on wikipedia

I would like to know whether web scrapping is prohibited in wikipedia. I am developing a new product which will integrate data from wikipedia. I don't want to use your databases that you provide as it will make my product heavy in terms of memory. I am ready to give a share of the profit i make with the new product i make, If it makes any profit.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Sanjitmathewranjit (talk • contribs) 07:11, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry, but scrapping is disallowed, and will cause your scrapper to be blocked. It's also very inefficient compared to using a download, bot at our end and at your end. The policies are at Wikipedia:Database download Read the whole thing, since the scrapping policy is fairly far down the page. Note that a simple "snapshot" of the english language Wikipedia is quite small at about 15 GB. The reason the full database is so bit (15 TB) is that is included all revisions of all articles, which is not what you would get with a scrape anyway. Wikipedia has no interest in profit-sharing. Our use model is to make the material freely available. Good luck with your project. Please remember that you must attribute Wikipedia when you use its content, since failure to do so would violate our copyright, which is illegal. -Arch dude (talk) 09:17, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Please also read Wikipedia:Mirrors and forks, which provides further information about reusing Wikipedia content. -Arch dude (talk) 09:22, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Can you please check my English in this article?

Can you please help me check my English in this article? Thank you! Beyoncetan (talk) 09:01, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I am working on some slight changes. Your English is very good! Tribe of Tiger ^{Let's Purrfect!} 15:16, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Tribe of Tiger: Thank you so much for your help! Beyoncetan (talk) 22:17, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

You can also request a copy-edit at Wikipedia:WikiProject Guild of Copy Editors/Requests. – Corinne (talk) 15:21, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

A wikipedia article of myself was deleted

Hi, My name is Dimitris Nassios and produce music under the alias Quasamodo. It has come to my attention that the wikipedia page about me has been deleted. Is there anything I can do to bring it back?

Thank you in advance — Preceding unsigned comment added by Roarschaq (talk • contribs) 09:09, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Explanation of the reason for the deletion was given at User talk:OriginalCrackerJack, together with instructions as to what to do if you wish to retrieve the deleted material for future reference or improvement. --David Biddulph (talk) 09:31, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Signature markup

Please could someone explain to me why the following doesn't work when I try and set it as my new signature in preferences? I get the error "Invalid raw signature. Check HTML tags."

[[User:Fish and karate|Fish]]+[[User_talk:Fish and karate|Karate]]

It seems to render fine, see:

Fish+Karate

So what gives? Cheers. fish&karate 09:55, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

[[User:Fish and karate|Fish]]+[[User_talk:Fish and karate|Karate]]

Lourdes 10:17, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Awesome, thank you. Observe: Fish+Karate 10:50, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

:) Lourdes 10:53, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Citation of newspaper articles?

How do I cite a newspaper article on a Wikipedia page?

Thank you.

FDLeyda likes water features. (talk) 13:24, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@FDLeyda likes water features: Please see WP:CITET#Examples (scroll down to 'news article'). Or you could use Template:Cite news, (see under 'usage'). If you have not already done so, please look at WP:REFB. Eagleash (talk) 13:40, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@FDLeyda: fixing the ping. -- John of Reading (talk) 21:47, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Super Bowl LIII Logo

Can you upload the Super Bowl LIII Logo Now If you can find it for me please. 68.102.39.189 (talk) 15:06, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Why Didn't You Answer Me A Few Hours Ago GET YOUR LAZY BUTTS IN GEAR NOW. 68.102.39.189 (talk) 19:36, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

That sort of language will certainly dissuade any editor from helping you, and because you have made a habit of it, you are liable to be blocked for incivility. --David Biddulph (talk) 19:44, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

If you want it uploaded; find it and then request it be uploaded at Wikipedia:Files for upload. ~ GB fan 19:52, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I found it online at Sportslogos.com. 68.102.39.189 (talk) 21:29, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Now you follow the request instructions above. Eagleash (talk) 21:44, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

infobox image

I am trying to create a wikipedia page and am having trouble as I whenever I try and add an image to the infobox, it doesn't work. I have tried with various versions of the same image and no image loads, it just shows the text/jpg when I click 'show preview'.

How can I fix this please/

Eleala! (talk) —Preceding undated comment added 15:14, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Eleala!: This is very likely because the image has not been uploaded to Wikipedia but is being 'copied' from elsewhere on the web. Images must be be uploaded to Wikipedia or preferably to commons and must satisfy the licensing requirements. Please see WP:UPIMAGE for a guide to uploading. It is preferable if images are your own work. Others can be used if you have obtained the necessary permission from the copyright holder (usually the person who created the image). See also WP:IUP. Please sign your posts on talk pages by typing four tildes (~~~~). Thank you. Eagleash (talk) 15:23, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Eagleash: Thankyou for getting back! How do I upload an image to when creating an infobox? It only gives the option for adding text as far as I can see. I am very new to this so don't really know what to do. Eleala! (talk) 15:31, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Eleala!:, you don't upload the image when creating an infobox. You upload the image first (WP:UPIMAGE as per Eagleash), then you can add the image name to the image field within the infobox. Does that help? 78.26 _{(spin me / revolutions)} 15:38, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) @Eleala!: Please have a read of the links above. As you have created a Wiki account you will have also opened an account at Commons. It is preferable to upload images there. To get to the Commons account click 'contributions' at the top of any page, then 'uploads' just under the main heading then the link to commons again in the first line or two. At commons (it should log you in automatically) you will find a link to upload on the left of the page. This will guide you through the upload procedure and also the licensing requirements (if these are not satisfied the image will get deleted). It will also provide you with a pre-formatted link to use on Wikipedia. In an infobox you just use the file name I.e. "Filename.jpg" without the words image or file or thumb etc. or any brackets. There should be a paremeter in the infobox |image =. Good luck. Eagleash (talk) 15:46, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Eagleash: :@78.26: Okay that makes sense, thank you. I have permission to upload the images but am not sure how to fill out the form, in regards to which legal code/copyright status it is etc. Any help would be really appreciated.Eleala! (talk) 16:01, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Who does the image belong to? If it belongs to you then you must release it under a license like CC. You can use someone elses image if they have licensed it. Emir of Wikipedia (talk) 16:06, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Just to expand a bit on Emir's excellent reply, please see Wikipedia:Requesting copyright permission if the image doesn't belong to you but you have permission from the copyright owner to use it. 78.26 _{(spin me / revolutions)} 16:15, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Eleala!: You'd be forgiven for finding the whole process a bit baffling. I've been here about 10 years, uploaded hundreds of images, and I'm still working out how to do things. The instructions are less than clear, that's for sure (though the advice above is crystal clear). A good resource for this sort of thing can be found at User:Yunshui/Images for beginners. Take your time and read the whole page. It isn't very long. Then, for more about the specifics, use the links provided there. It will tell you pretty much everything you need to know. nagualdesign 16:23, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

The images belong to the brand where I am currently volunteering and I have permission to use these images. Sorry I am just really confused with which copyright license it comes under. It is a logo and portrait that I am trying to upload. Thanks.Eleala! (talk) 16:44, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Logos in particular are not normally free. However, they can be used under "Fair Use", which means they have to be uploaded here, not on Wikimedia Commons, they must be small (less that 100,000 pixels in total), and you have to provide a clear rationale. Here's one I uploaded yesterday. If you click on Edit you can copy/paste the information and work out what needs to be changed. I hope that helps. nagualdesign 16:56, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you, that was really helpful. However, now when I try to upload the image it says 'Something went wrong' and says this 'We could not determine whether this file is suitable for Wikimedia Commons. Please only upload photos that you took yourself with your camera, or see what else is acceptable. See the guide to make sure the file is acceptable and learn how to upload it on Wikimedia Commons.' I can't get past this and have tried various versions of the image. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Eleala! (talk • contribs) 17:12, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict)::@Eleala!: Not wishing to add to your difficulties, as you have a connection to the subject you must also read WP:COI and as you seem to refer to employment (even unpaid) WP:PAID also. This is not optional you must do this and make any necessary disclosures. Please do not create a draft (like that recently deleted) which contains copyright violations. You must not copy anything from elsewhere on the web; but see WP:COPYREQ for how to obtain permission in this respect. Do not add content which appears promotional. Eagleash (talk) 17:17, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Also, you didn't tell us at the start that you wanted to upload copyright logos "with permission". This is probably not possible at Commons because of copyright laws that whoever gave you permission might not understand. A low resolution image of a copyright logo might be allowed here on Wikipedia (not on Commons) for a specific article under WP:Fair use policy as explained by nagualdesign above. Dbfirs 18:07, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

As I specifically wrote "not on Wikimedia Commons" and their reply was "Thank you, that was really helpful. However, now when I try to upload the image [to Wikimedia Commons]..." I'm thinking of WP:COMPETENCE. It's difficult enough explaining this stuff to the highly competent. nagualdesign 18:25, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, I was underlining your advice, not questioning it. The photo should probably go on Commons if an appropriate licence is available, but the logo here under fair use. I wonder whether the article will be WP:Notable? Dbfirs 19:22, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Changing profile photo

A page that I follow had their profile picture changed. Specifically, when you search this name on google, the image that pops up that links to Wikipedia has been changed. How do I modify that image? Currently, the image is not associated with the page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Soccerfan9 (talk • contribs) 16:54, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Soccerfan9: You will need to contact Google. We have no control over what is displayed by Google when you search, we can only control what is in the article. RudolfRed (talk) 16:56, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

A stock reply for similar questions:

Are you by any chance referring to a photo or text shown to the right of a Google search? Google's Knowledge Graph uses a wide variety of sources. There may be a text paragraph ending with "Wikipedia" to indicate that particular text was copied from Wikipedia. An image and other text before or after the Wikipedia excerpt may be from sources completely unrelated to Wikipedia. We have no control over how Google presents our information, but Google's Knowledge Graph has a "Feedback" link where anyone can mark a field as wrong. PrimeHunter (talk) 17:30, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict): @Soccerfan9: Is this page Michele Dalton, as the photo you have uploaded (File:Action Dalton.jpg) currently has no evidence of permission. Emir of Wikipedia (talk) 17:32, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Reading between the lines here, I think that Soccerfan9 is mostly a Micheledaltonfan9, and replaced the image here hoping to change the image shown on Google's top result. @Soccerfan9: There's no quick way to get the world's premiere search engine to show what you want it to show. nagualdesign 17:38, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

hi I have a prob with the merqui Sosa wiki page thank you

Hi I dont understand what is the prob with the merqui Sosa wiki page I update with reference and it is said it si black list thank you — Preceding unsigned comment added by DianaJulita (talk • contribs) 18:03, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Are you the same editor as Diana julita? What reference are you trying to add to Merqui Sosa? --David Biddulph (talk) 18:09, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

We can't help you out if you don't tell us what reference you are trying to add to the article. If its a web link reference it will be blocked by captcha until you enter the security code question it requires so that the software knows you are not a bot. Remember to use ~~~~ after adding your comment so that SineBot doesn't auto-sign the post. OmegaDOS 18:15, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Actor Peter O’Toole’s Irish nationality

I have a real issue with whoever keeps changing Peter O’Toole’s citizenship status on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_O%27Toole). There seems to be a determination to keep the great man exclusively British. Peter O’Toole was originally written as “British and Irish”, “British-Irish”, “Irish” (on the week he died) and now “British with Irish descent”. When researching the origins of the corrections on Wikipedia, I was shocked to read racist responses (“paddyism”). Not that it matters, it certainly doesn’t for many other artists, but Peter O’Toole was either born in Ireland (Connemara) or England (Leeds) but he did hold an Irish passport, spent so much of his life in Ireland and was on record many times stating that he was proud to be Irish. And as an Irishman myself, I have always felt proud that the great Peter O’Toole was a fellow compatriot. Although he was a UK resident, Peter O'Toole's nationality is listed as "Irish" on his 2013 UK tax filings for Keep Films. (See page 3) That can not get more official than that. https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/document-api-images-prod/docs/gxiTUijtj970JBOzNbpJGswRxbWrAQ5XiQd7ndBERF4/application-pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAJX5HA7WTEXBDOA2A&Expires=1517945099&Signature=FfNJpjoadxWGWZBV1MwNQ%2FDAwTw%3D&x-amz-security-token=FQoDYXdzEKr%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaDEUD8w0OrreY95OBfiK3A4BpcCErxqG5U%2F20%2FDD0ljCMW5qGVM2ILaHst7wGlj8dOYDlbFNak7rBGdB1I72abIJL9F%2F1uYpk%2BGoJeMRnN6tNQKUOxJayiW08Q3S47NCmxGIAbdkrv4oApePP5J90AH5C1yCo%2F%2BvJoVrNyIb7qpeqz8Nqs%2FyuUDN75knU0bE6WN%2B9oIyoynPmSu9iEYDfWPktg%2B9vmdRa8jsDs7VpnY%2BwkMGMfMsWGU9HfaEL7SzpEp300dZzqQOz0iy171LfjblEOrAaQFsV1M4cuqPerrnPcBgPPJMRTNl1euXdcglBazpREIeIzaLlxM1IIZuQ9JTH1aIQNeOF9Y5IV0C1ikz9bfQsTmeg9CTVmfDQG%2BQ4in6Vjm9sGrfXhivrSYyMNwz4qw4LyTcClfnDGMJGQSS7DTCWhypzDy0BEZhj2C1u8nm51HgK%2F4gP1aHu%2B7%2FLtR2X4xPF9Mvp3dKtCHUli7cKDjz0xeD6Rtx75tYjAQGf6WAZ%2Fd6vjiFf0WpdgfqkRCrAtdsUC89jqAFF86jVMmOS8yxZQz4lU73fSLEiKCF1qzfRIwMxi7x7%2FPA6iBU4DQ9e0WurHVkom6%2Fn0wU%3D — Preceding unsigned comment added by Paulb1964 (talk • contribs) 20:20, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

@Paulb1964: Please discuss this on the article's talk page. If you can't reach a consensus there, you can follow the guidance at WP:DR. RudolfRed (talk) 20:32, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

How do you determine if the person reverting my edits is an administrator or a vandal?

I'm user:DHT863 and want to make some edits on article:Republic(disambig) but user:Bkonrad disagrees and denies all of my explanations without saying why. He doesn't seem welcoming at all. I really don't know if Bkonrad is a man or a woman. I ran into him first time while trying to edit article:Republic and gave up by moving to the article:Republic(disambig) but he followed me there. What is going on here? Does he have authority to do that? What am I suppose to do? Thanks. -- DHT863 (talk) 21:46, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

It's lucky you didn't post this a few days ago, or you would undoubtedly have been blocked for your sixteen reverts on the article. WP:BRD is the thing here - you've made a change, it's been reverted, so now you discuss it on the talk page. I see you have done that, and it's been explained to you why your edit was not policy-compliant. I have protected the article for a week so save you being blocked for reverting again. Black Kite (talk) 21:52, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

DHT863 And to answer your first question, user:Bkonrad is an admin, identifies as male and has almost 160,000 edits here Jimfbleak - talk to me? 06:28, 7 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

And there are at least three or four editors who are actually not a vandal nor an admin. (The more you know.™) GMG ^talk 07:07, 7 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

deleted entry

Someone (user:davewild) deleted my page, and I'm wondering why and what to do about it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.109.188.165 (talk) 23:41, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

There are four chief processes under which articles in the mainspace are deleted:

1. Speedy deletion
2. Proposed deletion (prod)
3. Proposed deletion of articles on living persons (sticky prod); and
4. Articles for deletion (AfD).

To learn about typical reasons articles are deleted, see Wikipedia:Why was the page I created deleted? To find out why the particular article you posted was deleted, go to the deletion log and type into the search field marked "Title" the exact name of the article, mindful of the original capitalization, spelling and spacing. The deletion log entry will show when the article was deleted, by which administrator, and typically contain a deletion summary listing the reason for deletion. If you wish to contest this deletion, please contact the administrator first on his or her talk page and, depending on the circumstances, politely explain why you think the article should be restored, or why a copy should be provided to you so you can address the reason for deletion before reposting the article. If after that the article remains deleted and you still wish to contest it, you have the option of listing the article at Wikipedia:Deletion review, but articles are normally only restored if the deletion was clearly improper. Sakura Cartelet^Talk 23:43, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

I guess you refer to Vanessa Vadim. The deletion log shows it was deleted in 2015 at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Vanessa Vadim. The nomination said "fails WP:GNG". PrimeHunter (talk) 23:55, 6 February 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2018 February 6

Contents