Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2008 January 16

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[edit] January 16

[edit] cant video and other media be used as proof of factual accuracy of a statement?

I just tried to create a page and had it reverted 4 times for being an "attack page", even though i also provided a link to a video showing objective proof that the things I said were correct, and not just some POV nonsense. are videos not considered as suitable as references to provide proof of the factual accuracy of something? if not, why was i reverted? Fubardoman (talk) 01:11, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

The page you were posting is not appropriate for Wikipedia. Sorry. You may wish to see what Wikipedia is not or our community portal to learn more about contributing. – Luna Santin (talk) 01:17, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Also WP:V which answers your original question. --Tagishsimon (talk) 01:26, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Actually that does not answer his original question which is also my question...what are the guidelines for referencing video sources. Is it sufficient to simply reference the name of the source or does the video source itself have to be accessable? If the latter, can Youtube and other online video sources be referenced even if their copywrite status is questionable?71.168.36.54 (talk) 00:10, 21 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Search User namespaces

Hello, I want to search all user namespaces for a keyword. What do I type into the searchbar to do that? Thanks, Sarsaparilla (talk) 01:36, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Visit this link, and replace the searchterm (I used "keyword") in that link with what you are looking for. --TheDJ (talk • contribs) 01:39, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
To get there another time, write normally in the search box to the left, click "Search" below the search box, then use the search box at the bottom of the search page where you can uncheck "Article" and check "User" and "User talk". In Special:Preferences under Search, you can choose which namespaces to search by default. PrimeHunter (talk) 01:43, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
If you find Wikipedia's built-in search too flaky, you can also use a Google custom search:
If by "all user namespaces" you mean you also want to search the User talk: namespace, that requires another search:
--Teratornis (talk) 17:08, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How do I know if somebody's an admin?

Resolved.

How do I know? What's the quickest way to find out? I've made this mistake a few times now, including above, where I called Sarsaparilla one! ☯  Zenwhat (talk) 07:32, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Input the username at Special:Listusers. -SpuriousQ (talk) 07:43, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Some admins will advertise the fact on their userpage, generally with an icon resembling a mop. However, not all admins do this (some don't even have a userpage!) and the only thing stopping non-admins from doing the same is other users keeping an eye on it and reverting their addition. Confusing Manifestation(Say hi!) 09:54, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Another way to tell is to view the user's log. To do that you click the log link under "toolbox" on the left side of your screen when viewing that editor's user page or talk page. While it isn't foolproof it is a good quick way to tell. Generally if you see any blocks or deletions in the log, you can assume they have at least had admin powers at one point. If there are none recently the person may have given up on or lost their admin privileges, but if any of them are recent it is generally safe to assume they are still an admin.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 16:36, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Special:Listusers/sysop lists all the administrators (also known as "sysop"s according to MediaWiki's synonym disease). Also see WP:EIW#Admin for everything you'd want to know about administratorship in general. --Teratornis (talk) 17:03, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] South African Air Force Personnel circa 1920

I would like to know how to access lists of personnel, non-officer, in the South African Air Force around 1920. My grandfather was with the RAF and then emigrated to South Africa at around this time. I believe he may have joined the SAAF at this time.

Many thanks for any help. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.159.98.107 (talk) 09:51, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

I'm not sure, but my grandfather has dealt a lot with archives, and from what I have seen with him, things like this in general are only available upon official request from state archives. Call them or send them a letter. This is their webpage http://www.national.archives.gov.za/ --TheDJ (talk • contribs) 11:48, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] 18 size engine

What is meant by an 18 size engine? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.89.20.27 (talk) 10:08, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Have you tried the Miscellaneous section of Wikipedia's Reference Desk? They specialize in answering knowledge questions there; this help desk is only for questions about using Wikipedia. For your convenience, here is the link to post a question there: click here. I hope this helps.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 13:31, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Who's Bob?

whos bob? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.219.203.141 (talk) 11:08, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Hello. I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over two million articles, and thought that we were directly affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the online free encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is a help desk for asking questions related to using the encyclopedia. Thus, we have no inside track on the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the left hand side of your screen. If that is not fruitful, we have a reference desk, divided into various subjects areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck. --TheDJ (talk • contribs) 11:49, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Bob goes, "Wooof! Wooof!". No seriously, you might want to check our article on Bob. It has at the bottom, a list of people called Bob. • Anakin (contribs • complaints) 14:28, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Page

How do you create your own page on wikipedia —Preceding unsigned comment added by John Stain salesian (talk • contribs) 11:20, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Before creating an article, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines which all articles should comport with. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite to reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.
Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.
If you still think an article is appropriate, see Wikipedia:Your first article and Wikipedia:How to write a great article for guidance, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 13:23, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
In addition to the above, it's hard to tell from your question whether you are using the phrase "own page" loosely or mean that literally, but please don't create a page about yourself. Doing so would violate our conflict of interest guidelines, See also Wikipedia:Autobiography. Finally, please note that once you post material it is no longer "yours". You are releasing it under the GFDL and it may and will be "edited mercilessly" by others. Please see Wikipedia:Ownership of articles for further information.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 13:28, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
One other possible interpretation of the question is how you create your own user page (although, if that isn't what you meant, the following info might seem a little patronizing). If that's what you meant, it's easy. Just click on this link: User:John Stain salesian, start typing, and when you're happy, click "Save Page". Your red name will turn blue. If you want to get back to your userpage from anywhere, click on the John Stain salesian link at the very, very top of any page (next to the little person icon). If you'd like to play around with the software without mucking up your nice, clean user page, try experimenting in: User:John Stain salesian/Sandbox first. --barneca (talk) 14:46, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] How to Insert a Self Created Image

Hi Wiki,

I have created an image i want to use this image in a page which i have created Kunal1514 (talk) 11:49, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

  • If you want to add an existing image to an article, type [[Image:File name.jpg|right|Optional caption.]] to the article – replacing File name.jpg with the actual file name of the image, right with the alignment of the image on the page and Optional caption with the caption, which of course, is optional. See our picture tutorial for more information.
  • If you want to upload an image from your computer, to put in an article, you must find out what license the image is licensed under. If you know your image is licensed under a free-license, upload it to the Wikimedia Commons, where all projects have access to the image. If you are unsure what license your image is licensed under, see the file upload wizard for more information. Also, please read Wikipedia's image use policy, because if you upload the image under a false license, you may be blocked.

Hope this has helped. --TheDJ (talk • contribs) 11:52, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] View and edit watchlist

My View and edit watchlist has gone blank. What do I do to restore it? Thanks in advance. --Stormbay (talk) 15:33, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

This sounds like it *might* be a browser issue. I would try quiting it, and reloading, and possibly clearing your computer's cache.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 16:02, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Thanks! --Stormbay (talk) 19:30, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] kecksburg ufo

I need a copy of the Readers Digest Article on the Kecksburg UFO, dated Dec.5th,1965.. How can I get or print a copy of that article? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Kecksburg ufo (talk • contribs) 15:44, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Hi, this help desk is for answering questions about Wikipedia only. For help finding information, please see the Wikipedia:Reference desk.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 16:05, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Call your local library and ask if they have the edition in any form (hardcopy, microfilm etc.) and if not, who would--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 16:06, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] REQUIRED AIR FORCE

Resolved.

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF AIR FORCE. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 202.154.248.140 (talk) 16:10, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Hello. I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over two million articles, and thought that we were directly affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the online free encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is a help desk for asking questions related to using the encyclopedia. Thus, we have no inside track on the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the left hand side of your screen. If that is not fruitful, we have a reference desk, divided into various subjects areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 16:29, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Citation problems

Resolved.

Hello I was wondering if someone could take a look at the citation I added on the page here: Velma Barfield and let me know why it isn't showing up correctly. To my knowlege I did it correctly and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Nicklinn (talk) 16:13, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Fixed. {{cite web}} doesn't automatically put the citation in <ref></ref> tags; you have to do it manually. Algebraist 16:25, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Thanks for your help! Nicklinn (talk) 16:51, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
See the instructions in WP:FOOT. --Teratornis (talk) 16:56, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] satyr

How do I go about locating pornunciations of words? For example, SATYR

You may want to start with the Wiktionary entry. Bovlb (talk) 17:10, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] DEALER & MFRS OF FANCY DECORATIVE PIPE

REQUIRE DEALER & MFRS ADDRESS OF FANCY DECORATIVE PIPES —Preceding unsigned comment added by 59.180.18.202 (talk) 17:24, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Wikipedia is not for advertising, this is for questions about USING Wikipedia. Please don't post such messages here. Thanks The Helpful One (Talk) (Contributions) (Review Me!) 17:27, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
This questioner may be {{astray}}. Note that the word pipe has several meanings, so the questioner will need to be more specific about which type of pipe he or she wants. --Teratornis (talk) 17:38, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Hello. I suspect, based on your question, that you found one of our over two million articles, and thought that we were directly affiliated in some way with that subject. Please note that you are at Wikipedia, the online free encyclopedia that anyone can edit, and this page is a help desk for asking questions related to using the encyclopedia. Thus, we have no inside track on the subject of your question. You can, however, search our vast catalogue of articles by typing a subject into the search field on the left hand side of your screen. If that is not fruitful, we have a reference desk, divided into various subjects areas, where asking knowledge questions is welcome. Best of luck. The Helpful One (Talk) (Contributions) (Review Me!) 17:57, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Legion of Merit

I would like to add Horatio G. Sickel, IV to the "Recipients of the Legion of Merit". How do I do this ? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Fostergoodwill (talk • contribs) 17:56, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Recipients of the Legion of Merit is a category. You can't add a subject to a category without there first being an article on the subject. Once an article is created, placing the person in the category is explained at Wikipedia:Categorization. I am posting a template below which gives some detailed information about creating articles.-Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 18:50, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Before creating an article, please search Wikipedia first to make sure that an article does not already exist on the subject. Please also review a few of our relevant policies and guidelines which all articles should comport with. As Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, articles must not contain original research, must be written from a neutral point of view, should cite to reliable sources which verify their content and must not contain unsourced, negative content about living people.
Articles must also demonstrate the notability of the subject. Please see our subject specific guidelines for people, bands and musicians, companies and organizations and web content and note that if you are closely associated with the subject, our conflict of interest guideline strongly recommends against you creating the article.
If you still think an article is appropriate, see Wikipedia:Your first article and Wikipedia:How to write a great article for guidance, and please consider taking a tour through the Wikipedia:Tutorial so that you know how to properly format the article before creation.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 18:50, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Miss-spelled headline.

I have gone through the article and corrected the spelling of Scot's name, and corrected the names of his family. Also added name of friend. However, the main heading still reads Scott Halpin, which is incorrect. The correct spelling is Scot Halpin (one t). I am Scot's wife. I am a very reliable source. Thanks for your help. ```` —Preceding unsigned comment added by Robinyounghalpin (talk • contribs) 18:10, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Pages are renamed by moving them to new target names. This procedure preserves the page's edit history. Please do not rename a page by copying/pasting its content to a new page name. If you have an account and it is at least four days old, you can move a page yourself, but please first review Wikipedia:Naming conventions. If you still wish to rename the page, go to it and click the move tab at the top (near the history and watch tabs). You can then specify a new name for the article. The old page name will automatically become a redirect to the new page. However, if the desired target page name already exists, you will need an administrator to move the page for you, which can be requested at Wikipedia:Requested moves. Hope this helps.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 18:53, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Up loading Pictures

Up loading Pictures. Quick question? Is there any type of copyright violation up loading pictures from our Wikipedia Germen site to Wikipedia English site? Thanks for your help. Shoessss |  Chat  18:13, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Many images used on the German Wikipedia are located on the Wikimedia Commons, which means you can use the images on the English Wikipedia as well without having to upload anything. If an image is uploaded locally on the German Wikipedia (i.e. is not located on the Wikimedia Commons) then it could potentially be moved to the Wikimedia Commons, provided it has a license that is accepted on the Wikimedia Commons. As far as I know, all licenses accepted for images on the German Wikipedia are also accepted on the Wikimedia Commons, but I don't know this for sure. To move images to Commons, you can use Commonshelper (checking 'directly upload file' makes it easier). I believe Commonshelper will only upload files that are correctly licensed for the Commons. Arthena(talk) 19:51, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Racial Accusations in Talk Pages

I see that making racial accusations in talk pages are discouraged in policy, but is it enforceable? If so, what are the ramifications of these posts by the same user. Is there a warning template that addresses this issue?

[[1]] [[2]] [[3]] [[4]] [[5]] [[6]] Angrymansr (talk) 19:14, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

The best place to start would be with Wikipedia:No personal attacks#Responding to personal attacks. If the initial steps don't work consider moving to the appropriate steps in the Wikipedia:Dispute resolution process.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 20:19, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Find an administrator on WP:AN/I, the admin will give the user a warning to refrain from racial comments and will block the user if he does not better himself --TheDJ (talk • contribs) 20:23, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
I've politely let the editor know through his/her talk page that this is not acceptable behavior. However, because this is an anonymous IP address, there is no guarantee they will see the message or use the same IP next time.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 20:51, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Thank you for the info. Angrymansr (talk) 18:11, 18 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Posting threads on the Mailing List

Resolved.

Could someone tell me how to post threads onto the WikiEN-l mailing list. I've subscribed and all, just need a few pointers. Thanks. Rudget. 19:15, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

You should probably read this page: [7]. Arthena(talk) 19:28, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Thanks, just got an automatic email and that's helped. :) Thank though, Arthena. Rudget. 19:29, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] protection

Resolved.

The article …Baby One More Time has the page protection lock in the upper-right corner, and is in category "Protected due to dispute", but it is not actually protected at all. I am not sure how this should be remedied. Arthena(talk) 19:26, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Fixed. Rudget. 19:28, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] John McCain

I am trying to add to the John McCain page/artocle under political positions the follwoing:

In 2005, Sen. McCain was aaked about the now infamous Downing Street Memo. (Some time previous to the memo it had already been alleged that the intelligence had been "sexed up".) The memo recorded the head of MI6 as expressing the view following his recent visit to Washington that "Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being "fixed around" emphasis added the policy." It also quoted Foreign Secretary Jack Straw as saying that it was clear that Bush had "made up his mind" to take military action but that "the case was thin", and the Attorney-General Lord Goldsmith as warning that justifying the invasion on legal grounds would be difficult. Later, in the New York Times, Amb. Wilson would use the phrase twisted to exaggerate the Iraqi threat. Sen. McCain responded in a letter: "I am not certain that this British use of the word "fixed" has the same meaning which we might give to it in our country,…. " despite that both Merriam-Webster and Oxford give the same meanings for the word.

I cannot get iot to take, it appears in a dotted box anfd my links are not links. Help?

Ted Rogers <email removed for privacy concerns> —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ted Rogers (talk • contribs) 19:52, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

There was a hidden space somewhere in front of the text. I was able to fix it by deleting all white spaces between the broken text and the area before it. Also, it is not a good idea to list your email openly. If you want people to be able to email you consider a link like the one in my signature.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 20:04, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Request to remove user page

Resolved.

I would like to remove my user page: User:SyrinxZ/Home Décor Products. This page was created while creating a different page, and there's no need for it anymore. Please let me know how it can be removed. Thank you - SyrinxZ (talk) 19:58, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Tag it with {{db-author}} and it should be speedily deleted. An alternative that you could utilize in the future when you work on a page in userpsace before creating it would be to simply move the page to its new location in the first place.--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 19:59, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Thanks for your help Oni, I was unaware of the Move function at the time.SyrinxZ (talk) 20:07, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Glad to help--Oni Ookami AlfadorTalk|@ 20:09, 16 January 2008 (UTC)
Be aware that if you do use the move, there will be a REDIRECT left at your User page which will redirect to the new location. You can then put the "db-author" tag on your User page, or just edit it to include other content. Corvus cornixtalk 00:17, 17 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Contributions

Resolved.

How long will the contributions of old inactive users exist? Will the contributions also be seen after 100 years? Please leave an answer on my talk page. D@rk talk 20:51, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Replied on User talk:Dark Kyle. NF24(radio me!) 21:02, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

[edit] copyvio removal

I received a copyvio I followed the instruction atleast I thought I did but it is still there. I stated that on the webpage http://www.ecpl.lib.oh.us/Flewellen%20Files/Icabodflewellenhomepage.htm at the bottom it states that I processed it? This was included in my email regarding the use of the material for wikipedia. I wanted to add the proper license but I could not find how to do it. Instead of being an editor maybe I should have just sent the information to an editor with an attached license and let them put it on the site. This is confusing.—Preceding unsigned comment added by Proarchivy (talk • contribs) 21:41, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

remove and start over

Can I just remove everything Icabod Flewellen upload the page to you with the correct license and have an editor place it on Wikipedia? rita —Preceding unsigned comment added by Proarchivy (talk • contribs) 22:02, 16 January 2008 (UTC)

Yep, I deleted it as an "author request" and as a copyvio. Yes, anyone can add information to Wikipedia as long as it conforms to wikipedia policy. You need to add the license to the web-page from which the information came. Woody (talk) 01:33, 17 January 2008 (UTC)