Help desk
< May 30	<< Apr \| May \| Jun >>	June 1 >

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.

May 31

Dictionary

How do I use wiki as a dictionary. I type in words to find the meaning and I get companies histories instead of definitions. Please help. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.44.161.209 (talk) 01:14, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Currently, you are in Wikipedia, the user generated English Encyclopedia - and so attempting to utilize an encyclopedia as a dictionary will generally have about the same effectiveness as attempting to utilize a hammer in place of a screwdriver.

You can try the sister project Wiktionary, the user generated dictionary and might have better luck.-- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 01:47, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Anti-Catholic Bigoted Article

Gay bishops#Roman Catholic Church in modern times

This article is meant to inflict damage upon the Catholic Church and its clergy. It is not for informational purposes, but rather to smear. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.80.30.26 (talk) 03:58, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

No, it isn't. I've read the article, and the tone is perfectly within policy with regards to WP:NPOV. It's meant to inform, nothing more, nothing less. SpeedDemon520 (talk) 03:59, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

@74.80.30.26: The best way to address what you feel is non-neutral content is to learn about Wikipedia editing principles and policy, and become an involved Wikipedia editor. The second-best way is to post your concerns, with specifics, on the article's talk page, where other editors may or may not respond, and may or may not modify the article more to your liking. The worst possible way is to post a general and vague complaint at the Help desk, which is for questions about how to use and edit Wikipedia. ―Mandruss ☎ 04:03, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Catholic Charismatic Church of Canada

I am a Priest of the Catholic Charismatic Church of Canada. There are some serious inaccuracies and contradictions in the article. I tried to remove the first paragraph, but it was immediately restored. Our Church is not Old Catholic. It began as a religious community,The City of Mary, which was a legal,canonical community in the Diocese of St. Jerome. We are devoted followers of St. Padre Pio and Venerable Maria de Agreda. We are in the Ultramontanist tradition which teaches the universal jurisdiction of the Pope. We are not "Old Catholic" but rather a tacitly recognized ecclesia sui juris in accordance with THE CODE OF CANON LAW OF ORIENTAL CHURCHES. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 101.221.130.181 (talk) 09:25, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The best place to discuss this is on the talk page of the article Catholic Charismatic Church of Canada. If you just delete sections of the page without explanation, other editors are very likely to restore them. Meanwhile, the article currently has no references. You, and anyone else, could help by providing references to reliable and impartial published sources, to confirm statements in the article. See Help:Referencing for beginners for instructions on how to do this. Maproom (talk) 09:39, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

There are also seerious copyright issues with this article. I have blanked a large section of it, pending resolution. DES ^(talk) 20:08, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Non-blue redirects

I read somewhere that redirects can be seen as greenlinks instead of the usual bluelinks. How can I do so? Regards, --Skr15081997 (talk) 09:31, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

User:Anomie/linkclassifier (linked from the more general Help:Link color) is probably what you look for. (Disclaimer: I don't use and have not tested this function). GermanJoe (talk) 09:37, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Help:Cite errors/Cite error included ref

Chelsea FC no home losses season 2014-15 to be added — Preceding unsigned comment added by 89.241.17.214 (talk) 09:42, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

National Automotive Parts Association edit

To whom it may concern:

The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) site was edited May 29, 2015, at 21:01, a process which deleted the accurate history of NAPA. Are you able to advise as to who provided this edit? Was it someone from NAPA or do you have other writers involved in the information provided about this company? Thank you for your kind assistance.

Martha Lyon — Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.180.67.212 (talk) 09:43, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

On that date, an editor with the username Coromero made 55 edits to the article National Automotive Parts Association. These included at least one which removed a valid reference and replaced it by a broken reference. (I have no interest in automotive parts, and will show no further interest in this). Maproom (talk) 10:04, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

In keeping with this site's policies, I've removed your email address. any responses will be found here. Anyone can edit Wikipedia, so it's quite possible that Coromero has no connection to the company. Indeed, people with such a connection are deemed to have a conflict of interest, and are discouraged from editing articles themselves. Having said that, the only edits that user has made are to National Automotive Parts Association and the closely relate Genuine Parts Company, so some connection might be suspected. Rojomoke (talk) 10:34, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Audie Murphy

Stories, on Wikipedia, state he was born 1925. The cemetery stone reads born 1924 — Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.222.126.13 (talk) 10:02, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The Help desk is for questions about how to use and edit Wikipedia. To report a suspected error in an article, post on the article's talk page. However, in this case that would be a waste of your time. If you actually read the article, you will see where it states, "The headstone contains the incorrect birth year 1924, based upon the falsified materials among his military records." and cites a page at audiemurphy.com, where there is a lengthier explanation about the discrepancy. ―Mandruss ☎ 10:21, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Problems on Chrome

Wondered if other people were having problems on Google Chrome, or if it's just me? On any template with a hidden/show option, it's changed the default to show, and won't let me hide it- for example all the templates at England cricket team are usually hidden, but not for me. And it also won't let me use the sort function on tables, for example at Template:AFC statistics- which is a pain as an AfC reviewer. I've resorted to suing Firefox, where I haven't got these problems. Joseph2302 (talk) 14:43, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Clear your Wikipedia cookies; see Wikipedia:Village pump (technical)/Archive 137#Collapsing not working. Alakzi (talk) 14:50, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Fixed Cleared all my cookies, and it works now. Thanks. Joseph2302 (talk) 15:23, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Creating content for sites of interest

I'd like to create content for a "Site of Interest." Similar to: The Music Hall (Portsmouth) Is that an "article?" Or is that a different type of template. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Jpjhouse (talk • contribs) 16:11, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The Music Hall (Portsmouth) is an article. It is not a template of any kind, and does not use any template. My guess is that you would like to create an article about one of the items listed at Portsmouth, New Hampshire#Sites of interest, which is not currently the subject of an article. For guidance, you could read Wikipedia:Your first article. Maproom (talk) 16:25, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you Maproom That's just what I did. However, I did need to copy and paste from our own website, so that may take extra review. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Jpjhouse (talk • contribs) 18:25, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

You should never copy and paste from a website. It is likely to be the copyright property of the owner of the web site, and may therefore be promptly removed as in breach of copyright, as explained at Wikipedia:Your_first_article#And_be_careful_about.... Also, if "our own website" refers to a website controlled by the subject of the article, it is likely to be biassed, and unacceptable for that reason. Moreover, if you are associated with the subject of the article, an employee of it maybe, you should not be creating an article about it, see Wikipedia:Your_first_article#Are_you_closely_connected_to_the_article_topic.3F. Maproom (talk) 19:37, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Crash bar

I don’t wish to ‘edit’ this article, simply question the terminology used. Where does the term “Crash Bar” come from with regard to a Fire Exit door’s release mechanism? Is it defined by legislation or simply because in common usage somewhere?

I’ve always known this type of device more appropriately as a “Panic Bar”, which is mentioned as an alternative. However, I would suggest ‘Panic Bar’ should be the primary form of words. Particularly as “Crash Bar” is know the world over as a device fitted to Motorcycles. To protect its engine in the event of a crash.

AC Buck, UK Live to Ride, Ride to Live. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 185.15.227.212 (talk) 16:25, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Make that suggestion on the article talk page, Talk: Crash bar. See Moving for more information on the moving (renaming) of articles. The ability to move articles is one of the advantages of creating an account and becoming an auto-confirmed editor. Robert McClenon (talk) 19:55, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

But before you do, consider that what "you" have 'always known' may not be typical of the majority. I'm also a Brit (as I deduce you are), who formerly worked in Facilities Maintenance (which includes checking, maintaining and repairing such devices, amongst many other things), and never heard them referred to as "panic bars".

Neither of our individual personal experiences is decisive: we should be determine what actually is the most common usage. If formal Regulations prefer a particular term (as seems likely), it would be good to include that information in the article. {The poster formerly known as 87.81.230.195} 212.95.237.92 (talk) 13:38, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

adding images in a talk side

1) I need to add a picture to a talk. It seems that to add image to a talk is forbidden. It is so? Why? 2) The picture to be added is taken by Google Earth: is this subject to copy-rights? Thanks. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Vcaini (talk • contribs) 17:36, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I am not sure why you "need" to add an image to a talk page, but, provided it is not copyright, this should not be a problem - please note, however, that only images on Wikipedia Commons are normally copyright free - images with a fair-use license, hosted on the English Wikipedia are not copyright free so cannot be used on talk pages.
Google Earth images are very clearly copyright - it states this at the bottom of the screen - but even if it did not, that would not mean they were not copyright. - Arjayay (talk) 17:49, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

A-class rating

I have the article on Bikini raised to the status of a GA. The plan is to take to FA. But, I wanted to take one small step at a time. That means getting an A-class listing first. So I checked through all the projects that endorse the article, since A-class is a project specific affair. Unfortunately NONE of the projects had a A-class review system, and only one - Wikipedia:WikiProject Fashion - had one article listed, though without a process. Now what do I do to get that A-class review? Wikipedia has no centralized process like GA or FA or even PR for A-class reviews. Aditya^{(talk • contribs)} 18:10, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

My advice? – Just skip straight to having someone review Bikini for Featured article status. I don't think there is any need (certainly no requirement) to get the article to 'A'-class first. As far as I know, there is no "formal review process" for 'A', 'B', or 'C' class status, just individual editors assigning that status based on their own appraisals and the Article grades guidelines. So, I think just go for it! --IJBall (talk) 00:48, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Hours of operation are incorrect

http://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/fremont-indian/

Fremont Indian State Park and museum is the site I am asking about. On your information it shows closed on Saturday and Sunday. When in reality it is open 7 days a week 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Sunday. Here is the site I got your information from.

Fremont_Indian_State_Park_and_Museum

Could you update this so people know the hours when they can visit.

168.179.196.71 (talk) 19:07, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

The usual Wikipedia statement is so fix it. You can edit the article. Robert McClenon (talk) 19:31, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Am I missing something? I tried to fix it for the IP, but I don't see the hours of operation in the article. Robert McClenon (talk) 19:40, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

A Google search for "Fremont Indian State Park and Museum" produces, on Google's results page, the information

Saturday Closed

Sunday Closed

Maybe 168 thinks that we here at Wikipedia are somehow able to correct Google's errors? Unfortunately we aren't. Maproom (talk) 19:48, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) Unless I am missing something (and my apologies if I did miss it) the hours of operation are not mentioned in the article. There are a few things to consider before adding those to the article. Since the hours of operation are subject to seasonal change it is preferable to not mention them since that requires regular updating of an article. In the case of this article the last time it was edited was January of 2014 and those hours would have changed a few times since then. This is covered somewhere in the MOS but I can't remember where at the moment. Now I am not saying they can't be added - especially since I can't find where this is covered - it is just that caution should be taken when proceeding. In any event there are a number of websites (including the one the OP provided) where people can get the info they don't find at Wikipedia. MarnetteD|Talk 19:55, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It looks like Maproom and Robert McClenon provided some answers while I was typing my post. Thanks to you both. MarnetteD|Talk 19:57, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I think this comes under Wikipedia is not a directory. I would omit the hours. DES ^(talk) 20:01, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

(edit conflict) That is one. I was going to use this shortcut WP:NOTGUIDE but either one gets the OP to the relevant guidelines. MarnetteD|Talk 20:04, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Not giving opening hours is what we ought to do, particularly as the article has a link to the Park & Museum's own web site, and what we are doing. But giving the wrong hours (as 168 thought we were doing) would definitely be worse than giving the right hours. I would still like to know why 168 thought we were giving the wrong hours. Maproom (talk) 20:19, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I'm certain that 168 looked up the museum on Google and saw the hours posted there. I just confirmed that they are wrong according to what 168 said above. As for why they came here... Wikipedia is the very first link in the infocard in the results. So, they assumed that we provided Google with all the info. They didn't realize that only the description paragraph comes from here and that the hours are provided to Google somehow else. Dismas|^(talk) 21:00, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, it's so common for posters to blame us for Google's errors that we made a stock answer for it: {{HD/GKG}}. Opening hours are often taken from a Google Plus page, here probably the "Contact Information" box at https://plus.google.com/112096720452752563302/about. Google Plus pages like this are usually made by or can be edited by the organization they are about. PrimeHunter (talk) 21:56, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Martin Sixsmith movie Philomena was so close to my world/My mother was given up to the NY Foundling Hospital 1910/then they place her on one of the Orphan Train to East Texas/ This lady was the first wife of actor William Powell.

I have tried a million times to write her history. It took me 30 years to find this when someone told me about the Library for the Performing Arts in New York. The NY Foundling Hospital told me the same story about all of their records were burned in a fire so I gave up for a while until someone told me about Performing Arts and they save the day!I have worn out typewriters and gone through a few computers and addresses.

This movie was so like my mother's history. At time I want to name it Riches to Rags. My mom always told me: "These people are not mine, I came from New York City and this lady Eileen Wilson brought me to this place when it was cold, dark and rainy and left me there. I think it was December 12 1910. She was 3 1/2 year old. I did get my mother's original birthday and her mother was Eileen Wilson and father was Guy Alan.

I wished I had the talent of Martin Sixsmith! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2602:306:B8C6:5900:2835:784:6A7D:AF5A (talk) 21:10, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

This page is for asking questions about how to edit or use Wikipedia. Do you have such a question? Questions about film history should be made at the reference desk-- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 21:26, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

References

Redirect issue

I recently created a redirect from WP:AUTHOUR to Wikipedia:Notability (people)#Creative professionals (authour is the British English spelling of author). The redirect works, however the link I added in the shortcuts box of Wikipedia:Notability (people)#Creative professionals is still a redlink. Can someone help me out, please? Joseph2302 (talk) 21:51, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

It's because the redirect you created was WP:Authour, not WP:AUTHOUR

- Happysailor ^(Talk) 21:53, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I have created the uppercase version now. DES ^(talk) 21:58, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks. I'm sure I've referred to WP:AUTHOUR quite a few times before, so it made sense for it to exist. Joseph2302 (talk) 22:01, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Brits spell author the same way you do. It's not like colour. Maproom (talk) 22:07, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Well I'm British, and I've only ever spelt it authour. Joseph2302 (talk) 22:10, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Some sources call it an obsolete spelling. In any case, I have reverted your edit with edit summary "Per Template:Shortcut#Usage, shortcut boxes are not meant to include all redirects, no reason to give alternative spelling of existing entry".[1] The section already has too many links in the shortcut box. The main purpose of such boxes it to show a way to easily link to or refer to the page or section. In this case there may be some justification for giving seperate shortcuts for separate professions but not for giving an alternative spelling of the same profession. PrimeHunter (talk) 22:16, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I saw, I only added it since I'm sure other shortcut boxes do have the British and American spelling. Wouldn't have done if I'd realised most people consider it obsolete. Joseph2302 (talk) 22:24, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Well, WP:OSE. Alternative spellings are always a poor reason to expand a shortcut box. You only need one spelling to copy a link from the box. You only need a redirect and not the box to make other spellings work in links and searches. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:05, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yes I know OSE is a bad argument, and you're right. Although why should the one spelling always be the American spelling? In this case it should be (since authour is apparently infrequently used), but what about other cases? Joseph2302 (talk) 23:16, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I haven't said it should always be American. Being Danish, I don't care and wouldn't replace a spelling but just revert the most recent addition if there are two spellings. For articles, see WP:ENGVAR. PrimeHunter (talk) 23:49, 31 May 2015 (UTC)[reply]

I know you haven't, but I think too much of Wikipedia is written in American. I'm going to stop posting here though, since I know the relevant rules, and so WP:NOTAFORUM probably applies to my last couple of posts. Joseph2302 (talk) 00:07, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]

"Authour" is listed by the OED as a pre-17th century spelling, and does not occur even once in the British National Corpus ("author" occurs 4356 times). It is not "the British spelling". --ColinFine (talk) 22:49, 1 June 2015 (UTC)[reply]