Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2024 September 10

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September 10

WP:SIGCOV Question

I'm trying to make sure I'm understanding WP:SIGCOV. I'm talking with an editor on Rosemary's Baby (franchise), while we've found sources that mention a franchise, they talk about the films/tv shows and other items individually after. Does SIGCOV mean it has to discuss the topic as a whole? Because that's my understanding. and I want to make sure i'm not getting it wrong for another editor and bickering over nothing. Please ping me if you reply, I'll subscribe either way, but it helps me out.Andrzejbanas (talk) 03:27, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Andrzejbanas, as I see it, if a reliable source mentions a show business franchise, and then goes on to discuss the various components of the franchise, like a movie, a novel, a TV show, comic books, or other related items, then that is significant coverage of the franchise. That is what a show business franchise is after all: an assemblage of various closely related entertainment components. Cullen328 (talk) 06:13, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

While I gather that seems well and good, but what's the point of the article? It feels like it just reiterates what the other items are. Is that really following SIGCOV? because I can't seem to seperate it unless it's talking about the topic at large more specifically. If only talks about ehe elements of it, I feel like it's kind of falling apart in that sense. Andrzejbanas (talk) 08:09, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Alan E. Cober

I went to add Alan E. Cober as illustrator of The Dark is Rising it wouldn't link when the brackets were added. There's a page for him! DMc75771 (talk) 03:39, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Hi @DMc75771: ! I think the issue might have been the spacing between the name. If the text is kept on one line, that seemed to have fixed your problem. Andrzejbanas (talk) 04:58, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Is this vandalism?

I saw a user make these edits to the Wikipedia page for Fireman Sam. Page Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Fireman_Sam&oldid=1244991118 Is this vandalism? You can see the history, because there are more edits like this... Cooldudeseven7 (Discuss over a cup of tea?) 12:59, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

@Cooldudeseven7 Our definition of vandalism is all about editing....deliberately intended to disrupt I looked at the IP's contribution history and it seems they made a similar silly edit on another article (also now reverted), which leads me to suspect they were deliberately doing what they were doing, rather than just being incompetent. As they have stopped for the moment, no other action is needed at present. Mike Turnbull (talk) 15:16, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Thank you so much! Cooldudeseven7 (Discuss over a cup of tea?) 15:30, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

i have publish my edit of biography but dont know how to move it into the live space

i have publish my edit of biography but dont know how to move it into the live space Ahmad87861 (talk) 16:35, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Hello, Ahmad87861. I have added a header to User:Ahmad87861/sandbox that will allow you to submit it for review when it is ready.

Unfortunately, it is nowhere near ready for review, and has no chance at all of being accepted in its current form.

A Wikipedia article should be a summary of what reliable independent sources have published about a subject: nothing less, and very little more.

Consequently writing an article begins with finding suitable sources - because it you can't find any, you will know that the subject does not meet Wikipedia's criteria for notability, and not to spend any more time on it.

Please read WP:YFA carefully.

My earnest advice to new editors is to not even think about trying to create an article until you have spent several weeks - at least - learning about how Wikipedia works by making improvements to existing articles. Once you have understood core policies such as verifiability, neutral point of view, reliable, independent sources, and notability, and experienced how we handle disagreements with other editors (the Bold, Revert, Discuss cycle), then you might be ready to read your first article carefully, and try creating a draft. ColinFine (talk) 17:07, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Please remove the fake sources. Theroadislong (talk) 14:54, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

Wikipedia mobile app question

I just installed the Android Wikipedia mobile app on my phone. I logged in, poked around, then wanted to log out but I didn't see any way to do that. I finally disconnected from Wi-Fi and powered off my phone. How do I log out? Thanks.--Bbb23 (talk) 16:38, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

I don't think you can: see m:Wikimedia Apps/Android FAQ. But why do you want to? ColinFine (talk) 17:13, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

I don't have any apps on my phone that I can log out from, other than by closing the app. 331dot (talk) 17:16, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

@Bbb23 Go to the App info from your Android device settings. Then click Clear Storage. That'll reset the app to default settings and log you out. Qcne (talk) 17:21, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Multiple replies. I didn't see anything on the FAQ (and the link you provided doesn't work). I normally edit on a PC and sometimes edit on a tablet; in both cases I log out; feels better. How do I "close" the app? I don't want to "reset the app".--Bbb23 (talk) 17:29, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

@Bbb23 You can navigate to the app list and swipe away to pause the process. This won't log you out though. Qcne (talk) 17:33, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

This is just an update on what has happened at my end. I powered back on my phone. I opened the Wikipedia app. I was still logged in, which, for me at least, was a surprise. However, this time, I went to the app's Settings and there was a place to log off. It warned me that it would log off on "all devices", and when I clicked it, it logged me off the phone and here on my PC. Anyway, although I still have a few unrelated questions about the app, I'm gonna stop here. TBH, I don't really want to use my phone to look at or edit Wikipedia. The screen is just too small. I'll probably leave it installed, just not use it.--Bbb23 (talk) 18:20, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

The Jemez Language page.

The Jemez Language (Towa) is to not be written as it is against traditional ruling. I hope you will take it down as it is not allowed by Pueblo officials. People not from the Pubelo of Jemez are to not learn the Jemez Language. 208.77.76.246 (talk) 16:40, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

See WP:NOTCENSORED, specifically "Some organizations' rules or traditions call for secrecy with regard to certain information about them. Such restrictions do not apply to Wikipedia, because Wikipedia is not a member of those organizations; thus, Wikipedia will not remove such information from articles if it is otherwise encyclopedic.". Wikipedia is not bound by restrictions on what Pueblo people can learn. If they are not permitted to learn the language, they should stay away from that article. 331dot (talk) 16:59, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

I think you are a bit mistaken; the proscription is not against the Jemez people but against people who are not members of the Jemez pueblo.

—Trappist the monk (talk) 17:30, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

Thank you; I understand that, but my overall point remains the same- Wikipedia isn't bound by rules like that. 331dot (talk) 17:32, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

https://jemezenterprises.com/history-2/ says: "Jemez is the only culture that speaks this language, and our traditional law forbids our language from being translated into writing in order to prevent exploitation by outside cultures." Insiders are apparently also disallowed to write the language. I don't know whether outsiders are disallowed to learn the language by listening. Either way, Wikipedia doesn't adhere to such rules, at least not the English Wikipedia. PrimeHunter (talk) 18:52, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

If I make a rule, I cannot tell you to follow it. You cannot do that to me either. TooManyFingers (talk) 07:29, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Unable to create account

I'm trying to create an account, but it tells me: "Visitors to Wikipedia using your IP address have created 6 accounts in the last 24 hours, which is the maximum allowed in this time period. As a result, visitors using this IP address cannot create any more accounts at the moment. If you would like to request an account be created for you, follow the instructions at Wikipedia:Request an account."

I have a dynamic IP address from a major ISP, Telefonica, and I tried getting a new IP address half a dozen times, but it keeps telling me that error. I feel like something is wrong with it. How could every IP address I get have been used already to create so many accounts? It takes about ten minutes for me to restart my router and get a new IP, so I can't keep trying indefinitely.

I also looked at the "Request an account" page, but it says I'm required to provide a proper e-mail address, i.e. not a throwaway one like yopmail, that I usually use. I don't want to link my real address, and I don't know how else to get an address, because I don't use gmail or things like that, where they require you to provide your phone number.

Thanks for any assistance. 78.55.110.54 (talk) 23:06, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

You can wait 24 hours and try again. ‹hamster717🐉› ^{(discuss anything!🐹✈️ • my contribs🌌🌠)} 23:27, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

My IP address changes more often than 24 hours. Whenever I get a new one, it always says that I've already made six accounts. Thanks. 77.191.173.8 (talk) 01:48, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Where does it say you cannot use a throwaway email address? I don't see that at WP:ACC, but maybe I missed it. 331dot (talk) 23:50, 10 September 2024 (UTC)

If you click through the questions until you get to the actual "request an account" page at https://accounts.wmflabs.org it says "The first thing we need is a username, and secondly, a valid email address that we can send your password to (please don't use temporary inboxes, or email aliasing, as this may cause your request to be rejected)." 77.191.173.8 (talk) 01:48, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

You can create an account at a friend or family members location. 331dot (talk) 00:11, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

I don't have a lot of friends :( and don't plan to be visiting anytime soon. But I'll keep that in mind, thanks. 77.191.173.8 (talk) 01:48, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

You must be able to read emails during the requested account process but it's not required after that, and you are free to delete the email address at Special:Preferences when the account has been created. Note however that without a working email address stored in your account, you cannot gain access to the account if you forget the password. Some users have claimed their password stopped working but I suspect they just forgot it. Maybe you can create the account from another IP address when you have access, e.g. using a smartphone at a Wi-Fi hotspot somewhere. It's optional to give an email address if you create an account on your own. PrimeHunter (talk) 00:24, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Maybe I'll try using a yopmail disposable address anyway, even though it says "please don't use temporary inboxes". I don't really trust WiFi hotspots, so I don't use them. I do have a smartphone with Internet, so I could try turning off WiFi and using the cellular data with that. Thanks for the suggestions. 77.191.173.8 (talk) 01:48, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

To whom can I report a malfunction in the account creation page?

I'm still unable to create an account. See my question from September 10. I keep getting the error message that "Visitors to Wikipedia using your IP address have created 6 accounts in the last 24 hours", but it's not true. I left the computer on overnight, and still have the same IP address for more than 24 hours. It seems to me like it's broken. I know I could maybe go somewhere else to create it, but I feel like I want to help report and fix this, so other people won't have the same problem. 77.191.173.8 (talk) 23:56, 11 September 2024 (UTC)

Well, you don't have the same IP address as you did yesterday. Keeping your computer on doesn't change that your IP can change any time. Either way, IP addresses can be used by several people, which is likely the case here. Unfortunately, this is intentional and doesn't need to be fixed, we don't want people to create tons and tons of accounts. Do you have a friend or family member that could "lend" you their email address? They could send you the credentials when they receive it by email, and you can unlink the email later. Regards, win8x (talking | spying) 00:09, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

@Win8x: I actually do have the same IP address as I did yesterday. See my replies at 01:48, 11 September 2024 (UTC). Keeping my computer on does prevent the address from changing, with my ISP here in Germany. So no, my IP address can't have been used by several people in the past 24 hours (though I guess technically I still have to wait another hour). And as I said, I would like to report this malfunction to someone in charge of it, rather than jump through hoops trying to "borrow" someone else's e-mail address or something like that. I'm pretty sure it is something that needs to be fixed, or at least clarified.. Thanks for your input, anyway. 77.191.173.8 (talk) 00:59, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

Oops, didn’t look properly. Apologies. Guess I’ll have to go educate myself on dynamic IPs. Hope another editor can help you out. Best of luck, win8x (talking | spying) 01:42, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

@Drmies: Is a CheckUser allowed to say whether multiple accounts have really been created in the last day by people assigned the IP address 77.191.173.8? PrimeHunter (talk) 06:19, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

PrimeHunter, CU never publicly links IP addresses to accounts. Thanks, Drmies (talk) 14:41, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

User:Primefac, can you provide some technical assistance here? I don't see anything in the block log. Drmies (talk) 14:44, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

I am not seeing anything immediately obvious. It could be a global lockout issue that I'm not able to see locally, but it could also be a cache issue (i.e. the original issue was from account spamming, but the system hasn't reset itself). Clearing the browser cache (or even trying on a different device) may help. Otherwise using your real email temporarily to get an account may be the way to go (as stated, it can be removed once you have access and there is no long-term, stored, or otherwise permanent record of it being on the account). Primefac (talk) 15:45, 12 September 2024 (UTC)

Thanks for looking at this. I haven't been able to retain an IP address for much more than 24 hours so far. Every time I get a new one, I get the same error message. I can get a new IP address by power-cycling my router. I've tried that 15 or 20 times, but it always says the same thing. What are the chances that every IP address in this pool has been used to create multiple Wikipedia accounts in the past 24 hours? It's from O2/Telefonica, and covers most of north-eastern Germany, so a huge number of people. Usually I will keep the same address all day, it's not like it's changing every hour or something.

I tried clearing my browser cache, using different browsers (Firefox, Vivaldi, Safari), and creating a fresh browser profile in Firefox, with default settings and no extensions. I tried using the browser on my phone, with WiFi. Then I turned off the WiFi on the phone, and tried with cellular data (also on O2/Telefonica, but the mobile address pool), and it still happens. I disconnected the router, and connected to the phone as a hotspot from the computer, so that I'm using cellular data (which I'm doing at the moment). Tried again, with different browsers, cleared the cache, etc., but still always seeing the already "created six accounts" message.

So I have the feeling that something is broken, and it's not my equipment, and that it may be affecting many other people too. Let me know if you have any more ideas, thanks. If it can't be resolved in the next while, I guess eventually I'll try to figure out an e-mail address I can use for the "request an account" form. 176.0.145.237 (talk) 10:29, 13 September 2024 (UTC)

@Primefac: just doing this so you get a notification of the above, not sure if the "reply" button does that - sorry if you get two! 176.0.145.237 (talk) 10:33, 13 September 2024 (UTC)

Genuinely don't know what the issue might be. Primefac (talk) 19:24, 13 September 2024 (UTC)