Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2007 March 10

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[edit] March 10

[edit] Deleting search history

when i type something into the search bar a list of all searches Ive made apperas below it. This is quite bothersome how can i stop this from happening?

  • In Internet Explorer, click Tools -> Internet Options..., click the Content tab, click AutoComplete and there are options there. Uncheck the box for "forms" (and "Web addresses" and "User names and passwords on forms" if you want) and click "Clear Forms".
  • In Firefox, to disable the feature go to Tools -> Options..., in the Privacy section, click the Saved Forms tab and uncheck "Save information I enter in forms and the Search Bar" and click OK and then click Tools -> Clear Private Data... and make sure Saved Form Information has a tick and then click Clear Private Data Now. It's up to you to determine what other data you want to clear. --WikiSlasher 00:41, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] National Anthem Project

Could this article please be made more secure? It concerns a highly controversial project that has been the subject of considerable scholarly debate in many publications in the fields of music and education. Some contributors have attempted to provide a balanced depiction of pro and con arguments regarding this project. Examine previous versions of this page and you will find lists of references to relevant books and articles as well as an explanation of opposing views. However, someone - presumably directly associated with the project - has repeatedly deleted everything and simply posted what essentially amounts to a propagandistic advertisement supporting the project. Today, once again, that is what has been posted on this page. Thank you very much for your attention to this matter. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.218.204.17 (talk) 00:31, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

If it is the same person, report them at WP:AIV if its just vandalism type things or WP:ANI for more major problems. If there is a serious problem with multiple users, request page protection at WP:RPP. Mr.Z-mantalk¢Review! 01:28, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] words in dictionary

Why can't I find words and their meanings that are in an English dictionary? Whare do I find them?

Thank you74.109.135.152 01:17, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Vi <email redacted>

Hi. You'll probably find what you're looking for at Wiktionary.org. If not, you may create a page there just like you do here. Xiner (talk, email) 01:20, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Deleting pictures

how so i delete a picture from a particular page?Pilotchick 01:18, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

You can remove a picture by editing the page and taking out the picture link. It should look something like 
[[Image:example.jpg|75px|right|]]
To have an image deleted, nominate it on WP:IFD. Mr.Z-mantalk¢Review! 01:25, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
It's more problematic than that - dueling or doubled articles, Cătălina Ponor and Catalina Ponor, one of which has an atrocious photo. Haven't compared the two articles, but I don't doubt one is meant to be complimentary and the other not. Should be merged and redirected, eh? Shenme 01:38, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I've restored the redirect at Catalina Ponor and found the original standard athletic photo and restored that at Cătălina Ponor. It's obvious someone has included much negative text in the article ... (sigh) Shenme 03:08, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Text Size

Other than putting text into a header format, how can I increase the size of the text? ---Signed By:Kornfan71(My Talk ۩ Contribs) 01:54, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

You can make text Big, by doing this <big>Big</big>. --After Midnight 0001 02:20, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Or even better, use CSS. Try
<span style="font-size:157%;">text</span>
which will result in text: default size 10 pt font * 157% = 15.7 size font. The "big" tag does the same as <span style="font-size:120%;">text</span>. GracenotesT § 06:47, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Thanks! ---Signed By:Kornfan71(My Talk ۩ Contribs) 14:45, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Or you could use <span style="font-size:larger;">text</span> (text), which is a bit less specific. (Do we want half of the people using size 156% and the other half 157%?) See the CSS 2.1 standard for the list of sizes CSS understands. In general, though, there's probably no good reason to do this. Use headers for sections, and that should be all that's needed. grendel|khan 16:17, 13 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] How do I write this article if no "respected" sources exist.

There is an article on the software "Vodei Multimedia Processor" that I have worked on. Factual information is being removed because it isn't published or on a website that is considered credible.

I am writing things that the reader only needs to investigate themselves. I've even listed step-by-step instructions and uploaded screenshots to show that the software does, indeed, cost money and that there are a few other questionable attributes about the software (not the least of which is, why would anyone encode with their software?).

Can you help me in figuring out how to write this article without having a procession of people remove it completely citing wikipedia policy?

Tony Reed —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Qabala (talk • contribs) 03:40, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

Attribution is a non-negotiable policy. If there are no reliable sources for the article, then there is no article. Natalie 03:41, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Yes, and this may involve original research and non-notability, too. You may want to read Wikipedia:Your first article for ideas about what you can contribute. Xiner (talk, email) 03:45, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
If Wikipedia does not want your content, maybe another wiki does. Search WikiIndex for wikis that are about software. If no published sources exist for your topic, contact some reporters and see if they will write some. --Teratornis 18:21, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I can't believe I forgot about this: Wikipedia:Not Wikipedia and Wikipedia:Alternative outlets both have links to a wide variety of other wikis, both Wikimedia Foundation projects and others, that may accept the content you have. Natalie 17:44, 12 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Charles Upham Memorial Cavalry Champions Belt.

My question is, Is an ongoing history of a sporting competition a suitable article for inclusion as a Wikipedia subject. There is currently no written history of this prestigeous competition. The Cavalry Champions Belt is New Zealand's second oldest sporting competition, started in 1872 and renamed the Charles Upham Memorial Cavalry Champions belt in 1985, following the death of Sir Charles Upham, VC and Bar. I wish to write an ongoing history of the Belt with brief information about each of the winners. My intention is to add information as it comes to light and as time produces more Champions. CUMCCB020304 04:50, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

It probably is. If you make sure that you follow the attribution policy (basically linking to/referencing the external sources you used) then there shouldn't be a problem. --Cherry blossom tree 10:16, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

I don't see any problems with this, except to be careful to avoid WP:OR. If there is currently no written history of this competition, it may be difficult to find reputable sources as references for the article, which may lead to problems. BTW, if you wish to have a look at a possible format for such an article, a comparison with something like Chatham Cup (NZ's top soccer tournament) may be informative. Grutness...wha? 10:25, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Searching for the use of a term within articles when the term is the title of an article

How can one search for the use of a term within articles without being redirected to the main article about the term?

It would be very helpful to do this when rooting out vandalism spamming by commercial entities. For example, I watch the article Benjamin Britten. In the past, I have removed commercial links from the page to the Find A Grave website and the website for Naxos records. I was clear from looking at histories that users had created accounts or used anon accounts to add these links to a number of pages. However, especially when IPs are used, it may not be possible to track down all instances of such spamming just from user histories.

When a non-notable organization spams in this way, you can simply search for the orgs name and get a list of articles in which its mentioned. However, both Naxos and Find a Grave are notable enough to have their own articles - searching simply directs me there, so the main article acts as a sort of "search shield" for any spamming they may do in other articles.

Is there any way to get around this?

Dybryd 08:33, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

  • Actually, Find A Grave isn't spam. I sometimes link to them as they're a pretty useful resource in their field and multiple veteran users and non-spammers link to it, just like we often link to IMSB. Full text searching can't be done with the Wikipedia search engine, you can use a restricted Google search instead. As for finding links: Special:Linksearch. - Mgm|(talk) 08:46, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
  • Click on "Search" instead of "Go" (which is activated by pressing enter) to search for articles containing the search term. PrimeHunter 12:50, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Ipswich School

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been informed that the entry for Ipswich School is offensive and should be removed. It mentions pupils by name and makes a number of unfounded comments about the school's reputation.

I would appreciate some contact from those who edit the content to explain their policy as regards schools and the protection of pupils from bullying.

I would also like the page removed, please.

Mr D Ayling (Deputy Head)

The offensive material has been removed. Our experience shows that material such as this is almost always added by pupils of the school itself so they are probably the people you wish to speak to. Unfortunately we cannot remove the page completely. --Cherry blossom tree 10:23, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Also we can strict rules governing the information that can be added concerning real people - and this will include the bullying of individuals. Please see WP:BLP for more info. Such instances will be deleted on sight, the only problem is that there is only a limited number of editors to patrol many articles, but we will try our best. It is not possible to remove the page completely. Cheers Lethaniol 10:42, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
That is the unfortunate downside to free and open editing - anyone can add/remove/change whatever they want to. You, or another member of staff/responsible individual, may wish to keep an eye on the article from now on. Adrian M. H. 14:51, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
If the problem continues, see: Template:Schoolblock and WP:ABUSE. --Teratornis 18:07, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] language translation

how do i translate the web page to hindi? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 59.92.77.219 (talk) 09:08, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

This would be better addressed here --KZ Talk • Vandal • Contrib 10:00, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
If you are looking for Wikipedia articles in Hindi, see the Hindi Wikipedia.24.20.69.240 10:03, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] IS:3521:1988 Safety Belts

Furnish Details of Safety Belt Testing —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 61.2.34.154 (talk) 09:51, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

Knowledge questions are normally best asked at the reference desk but in your case it may be best to contact a safety belt testing company. Either way, you should probably ask it more politely. --Cherry blossom tree 10:26, 10 March 2007 (UTC)


[edit] My son has a problem...

Content has been removed. If you want to see it, please check wikinews:Wikinews:Bad jokes and other deleted nonsense#Not quite news (third item). This is apparently a sort of urban legend. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 12:46, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia isn't really qualified to give advice about this. If it is something that worries you then you should talk to his school or seek help from a qualified professional. Sorry I can't help more. --Cherry blossom tree 11:28, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Assuming good faith and all, but see also Wikipedia:Community_noticeboard#Briefsism. Garion96 (talk) 11:49, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

This is about the 3rd time I have seen this. Has also been posted to the admin noticedboards. ViridaeTalk 12:07, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Download pages with Plucker

Hi Wikipedians:

I want to download a page with Plucker, but Plucker seems to be unable to generate a home page from Wikipedia -- I am guessing because the Wikipedia is not HTML.

I have seen a couple of bundles of Wikipedia content in Plucker format so it appears to be possible. Can you tell me how to go about this?

Also, if possible I would like to use Plucker to pluck linked pages as well to a depth of two pages only (including the home page). Can this be done?

Thanks -- 216.147.135.2 12:34, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Wikipedia is HTML - that's why you can see it with your web browser without Flash or Acrobat Reader. As for using a third-party program to download contents, that's probably better asked at Wikipedia:Reference desk; this page is for assisting editors, not readers. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 12:38, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
We have some available at Wikipedia:Snapshots. You're probably better off asking for help at a Plucker forum, rather than here. --Cherry blossom tree 12:40, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] how should one download the contents of wikipedia?

how should one download the contents of wikipedia? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 202.53.8.229 (talk) 14:24, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

Short answer: I wouldn't it has 1.6 million articles. Somone else can direct you to the database dumps, I can't remember where they are. ViridaeTalk 14:30, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Wikipedia:Database dumps? --Cherry blossom tree 14:36, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
For the important articles, i suggest going here and downloading the zip file. --KZ Talk • Vandal • Contrib 00:17, 11 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Article: Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary

I think I forgot to sign most of my edits Haberrshm 14:56, 10 March 2007 (UTC)haberrshm - is that the cleanup problem.

I don't know what is not neutral about the article. The information comes from Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary articles, constitutions, documents, policies, mandates, etc. that we have written about ourselves.

Please let me know. If we cannot write about who we are, perhaps we need to ask that the article be totally deleted. The first edition of the article certainly did not reflect at all who we are or what we wish to be said about ourselves.

Thanks for any help you could give.

Sr. Dympna Haber, RSHM

Haberrshm 14:56, 10 March 2007 (UTC) haberrshm

There is a difference between an encyclopaedia article and what a group wishes to write about themselves. It is written in the first person, which is the most obvious problem, but it also reads like a promotional pamphlet. If you want to have the article deleted then you can look at Wikipedia:Articles for deletion, but arguing for this on the basis that you cannot control the contents of the article will not be successful. --Cherry blossom tree 15:09, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I am afraid you can not own an article - please read WP:OWN. If this article is of notable subject, which it appears to be, then it is unlikely to be deleted. Also I recommend reading WP:NPOV - an article should not be written to promote a particular POV (point of view) even if this it the article subject's POV. All significant points of view need to be taken into account, as well as the article being written in a neutral style Cheers Lethaniol 15:21, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

I have deleted (I think) all usage of We and Our, so I think that the article is now all in the 3rd person. Does that fix it?

Haberrshm 14:42, 11 March 2007 (UTC)haberrshm

[edit] Images

How do you add a pic? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Phillyfan0419 (talk • contribs)

WP:IMAGE should help. Xiner (talk, email) 16:50, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
Just to tell you, however, most pictures lying around the internet are not free, which means that (unless they can be used via fair use), they should not be uploaded. If you have a personal picture to upload to Wikipedia, please release under a free license (such as the GFDL), or even upload it to Wikimedia Commons. Meanwhile, please be bold :) GracenotesT § 17:07, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Time Covers

I've noticed that there are a whole bunch of TIME magazine covers in various articles. How do I get one for an article where there's none as yet? There's a beautiful one of Mario Proccacino I'd love to see in the article I wrote. Ericl 18:54, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Please note that using an image for decorative purposes would violate WP:FAIRUSE. You may check the criteria to see if there's a valid reason for uploading such a copyrighted image. Xiner (talk, email) 19:02, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I think the information found in this image page may help: Image:Time's first cover.jpg. It looks like you can use low resolution images from [1] under Wikipedia:Fair use - but as Xiner said you need to check this first. Cheers Lethaniol 19:04, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] G Tube Feeding

How long is the normal range for your stomach to empty after a g tube feeding. My mother is finding that when she starts her 2nd feeding of 4 a day that the food from the previous feeding backs up out of her tube.

Thank you,

Renee Peterson —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 208.187.151.227 (talk) 17:17, 10 March 2007 (UTC).

Please discuss this with your doctor. Xiner (talk, email) 17:29, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
If you have insurance, companies such as Blue Cross and Aetna usually have advice nurses that can be called, at no charge. If you don't know the number, check the website or call the toll-free number on your insurance card. -- John Broughton (♫♫) 20:31, 11 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] How to Nominate a Page For Protection?

The article James Bradford has been vandalized over the past few days by a variety of different IP addresses. In each one they add some sort of joke about Bradford being seafood, and recently even included a link to a strange web page. My best guess is this is a personal prank because the people in question know a person by the same name, but I would advise a temporary lock being put on the page prohibiting edits by unregistered users - except I don't know how to do that. Midnightguinea 23:47, 10 March 2007 (UTC)

Normally WP:RFPP. I am looking into it though. ViridaeTalk 23:48, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
No need for protection, very low level vandalism. Suggest you put it on your watch list and just revert the vandalism as it comes along. ViridaeTalk 23:48, 10 March 2007 (UTC)
I'll gladly do that, but I think if it continues on a daily basis over the next several weeks I'll grow a little tired of doing so ;) Midnightguinea 01:42, 11 March 2007 (UTC)
I have it on my watch list too and it will come up on the recent changes list. I'm sure you won't have to revert too often. ViridaeTalk 01:48, 11 March 2007 (UTC)