Help desk
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December 3

Experienced user help, please?

I'm leaving work shortly and likely won't have time to clean this up when I get home. I've just found that User:Kamal455 is adding spam links wherever they find dead reference links in various articles. Could someone help out by cleaning these up? Thanks, Dismas|^(talk) 11:15, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

User:Dismas,

I am only adding links on relevant articles and this is not a spam — Preceding unsigned comment added by Kamal455 (talk • contribs) 11:22, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

This edit is the first I saw. The link you added has no information on Suzen Johnson or the Gifford family at all. Dismas|^(talk) 11:25, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Neither of the two promotional sites added appear to verify the information in the articles; it's pretty obvious spam. I've blocked Kamal455 and will mass rollback their edits. Yunshui ^雲 _水 11:38, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Technical question regarding image formatting

Hi guys. The summary of my question/issue is this. What I want to do is place two or more images next to each other on a page (rather than one underneath the other which usually occurs), with a frame and a caption, but without using a < gallery > tag. Wikipedia:Extended image syntax has an example of what I want to do under the "Overlaying annotations on an image" section, but the problem is that it uses a template to achieve this. I don't want to use the template because I'm actually already using a template to display the image (long story, I can explain more about this if it's relevant). What I'm hoping though is that actually there is a simple wiki syntax that will allow me to do what I've described above, without getting into too much black magic CSS coding. Any suggestions appreciated! Ðiliff «» (Talk) 11:32, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, I think it would be easier if I just show you what I'm working on and trying to do. I have two templates, each one displays a random image from a collection of images each time the template is referenced. The two templates are here and here. You can view the template code (it's fairly simple) to see how the image syntax is used there. I've created a basic page on my sandbox in which I'm trying to make the two randomised images display next to each other rather than under each other. You're welcome to play with the sandbox and the templates to try to get it working if you like. Ðiliff «» (Talk) 11:41, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Would a table work? E.g.

That's the only way I can think of for doing it without a template. Obviously you could spruce up the formatting using table syntax... Yunshui ^雲 _水 11:48, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Actually I think that will probably work perfectly. Thank you, I didn't realise it was that simple. Ðiliff «» (Talk) 12:11, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Ðiliff, the template {{multiple image}} may also useful as used here. J e e 12:41, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Hi Jee. I don't think it will though, because unless I misunderstand how it works, it wouldn't allow an image template to be used inside the multiple image template. I need to use a template for the image itself because my template randomises the image. If I just wanted to use a single image, then yes it would work fine. :-) Ðiliff «» (Talk) 12:46, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Oops; I didn't noticed that part. Then a table or div tags may better. I've a similar use in my common user page; but only one random image at a time. :) J e e 13:20, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Wow, those are beautiful images Jee.--ukexpat (talk) 14:47, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

= Wikipedia content supported by reference possibly based on Wikipedia content

Philip Bloch

To whom it may concern,

It has been over 3 months that we submitted legit information for Phillip Bloch and have been waiting to hear from someone in regards to his wikipedia page. Can someone please let me know if there is anything else we need to do in order to expedite the process? I look forward to hearing from someone ASAP.

Thank you for all of your help!

All my best, Ingrid — Preceding unsigned comment added by Phillipstyles (talk • contribs) 17:04, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Your Draft:Phillip Bloch is not on the queue for review because you broke the syntax by using <ref/> for yourr reference terminating tags instead of </ref>. The error message in the article tells you that, and gives you a wikilink to the relevant help page. --David Biddulph (talk) 17:14, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

There was also a warning to that effect in September on your user talk page. --David Biddulph (talk) 17:18, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Hello, Ingrid. Forgive me if I'm jumping to wrong conclusions, but your username and your use of "we" and "our" suggests to me that you may be associated with Phillip Bloch. If that is so, you need to read WP:BESTCOI for how to edit when you have a conflict of interest, and also to be aware that accounts must be personal and may not be shared, and that user names which suggest that the account is editing for an organisation are not permitted. --ColinFine (talk) 18:25, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

@Phillipstyles: (Ingrid?) I fixed the formatting errors, so a lot of the text that was 'hidden' is now visible, but the page still needs a lot of 'wikifying'. Perhaps wp:My first article may help. (oh @#$ er... Darn it! I meant!

) The page has been deleted! (WP:CSD#G11: Unambiguous advertising or promotion) - 220 of ^Borg 18:34, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Image rotated 90 degrees

I'm trying to upload a photo of Kenneth Johnson (producer), but Wikipedia rotates the image onto its side when I upload it (see the file here). Searching the archives I see that someone had the same problem three years ago, but although they solved it then, their discussion doesn't help me, since ukepat doesn't explain how he was able to upload a version which Wikipedia won't automatically rotate. What do I do?--NukeofEarl (talk) 17:22, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know the answer to the question, but your image can't be used as its use does not satisfy the non-free content criteria. --David Biddulph (talk) 17:26, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Why is that?--NukeofEarl (talk) 17:35, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The licensing/copyright issue can be dealt with by providing evidence of permission as described in the tag I just added to the image page. The rotation issue can be fixed by using an image editing application such as Photoshop to rotate the image and then uploading the rotated image.--ukexpat (talk) 17:39, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

This rationale seems incorrect: "While this purpose could be served with a free use photo, I believe this non-free photo is actually preferable on legal terms, since I have received express permission from Kenneth Johnson (both the subject of the photo and its owner) to use it on Wikipedia." Since when do we prefer or accept for Wikipedia only images? --NeilN ^{talk to me} 17:44, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

We don't. WP:NFCC#1 says "No free equivalent. Non-free content is used only where no free equivalent is available, or could be created, that would serve the same encyclopedic purpose." As the subject is alive, there is no justification for a non-free image. --David Biddulph (talk) 17:49, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Oh boy. It would be nice if the Image Upload Wizard let you know that photos of living persons have such stringent requirements; I'd never have guessed it from how few articles on living persons lack infobox photos. Unfortunately I think I'll have to just let this one be deleted. The e-mail I got from the owner giving his permission naturally doesn't have the legal language required by WP:CONSENT, and I wouldn't feel right about asking him to type up such an e-mail to wikimedia. Thanks for the help anyway.--NukeofEarl (talk) 18:11, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

NukeofEarl, out of curiosity, did you use this upload form? --NeilN ^{talk to me} 18:17, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The MediaWiki software as of 5 October 2011 checks image metadata such as EXIF and automatically rotates the image when it is uploaded. The file page may show the upright image, but thumbnails may be rotated. At the bottom of the file page there is a Metadata section— click on "Show extended details" to see the orientation.

The file may be stored on Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons. If the text below the image is "This is a file from the Wikimedia Commons", then it is on Commons.

If the file is on Commons, then click on "description page there" to directly open the image on Commons.
- If you are registered and logged in, then use the Request rotation link directly below the image and a bot will correct the orientation automatically.
- If you are not registered, then edit the page and add {{rotate}} per the documentation.
- See also: Commons:Rotation
If the file is on Wikipedia, then
- the file will need to be downloaded, fixed using editing software and reuploaded.
- the file could be moved to Commons (if it is allowed there — e.g. fair use images are not) and rotated by the bot there (see above).
- If you don't have any of those abilities, then you can add {{Cleanup image|rotate 90 degrees clockwise}}, {{Cleanup image|rotate 90 degrees anticlockwise}}, or {{Cleanup image|rotate 180 degrees}} to the top of the file description page. You can also place a request on the Help Desk.

-- Gadget850^talk 18:19, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I have rotated the image (which is on en:Wikipedia). Quick and easy, but probably a waste of time in view of the lack of copyright. Maproom (talk) 21:37, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

How can I write and send a check to wikipedia

I am sure there are many people like myself who would donate money to Wikipedia but would prefer to write and send a check but Wikipedia has not provided a mailing address... PLEASE give one. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.60.197.176 (talk)

The address is here. --NeilN ^{talk to me} 18:24, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.

149 New Montgomery Street Floor 6

San Francisco, CA 94105

USA --Orange Mike | Talk 18:30, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The IP geolocates to the US, so check the above link for the correct address. RudolfRed (talk) 18:33, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Reference problem

I can't change a broken link in references - its just shows a list like below .... (?)

==References==
{{reflist|35em}}

— Preceding unsigned comment added by ESDAW (talk • contribs) 21:42, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The reference itself is coded in the body of the text in this case. Click the "^" next to the reference, and it'll take you to where the reference is in the text, edit *that* section to find the actual code for the reference. Rwessel (talk) 22:44, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

See Help:Referencing for beginners. -- Gadget850^talk 02:10, 4 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Information may be incorrect

The article on laurie Brown, footballer for Arsenal football club and football manager and father of field hockey player Karen Brown.[1] is incorrect ! The part that states that he is the father of Karen Brown, international hockey player is not correct ! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 84.13.75.5 (talk) 21:53, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Just adding a convenience link. Dismas|^(talk) 22:00, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

A reliable source states that Laurie Brown is the father of Karen Brown. Do you have an alternate reliable source that disagrees with the claim? In any case, discuss on the article talk page. Robert McClenon (talk) 22:41, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

According to The Times, her father was Leslie Brown (footballer) - Harris, Cathy (27 January 1998). "Brown adds third writers' award to collection - Hockey - Interview - Karen Brown". The Times. Sport, especially football, runs in the family. Les, her father, played for Wimbledon and Dulwich Hamlet, representing Great Britain at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Hack (talk) 03:28, 4 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

User:Hack has removed the questionable parentage information. Since there is a conflict between different reliable sources, the removal of the parentage information from Karen Brown (field hockey) is the correct application of the policy on biographies of living persons. Thank you for removing the questionable information from a biography of a living person. Robert McClenon (talk) 16:28, 4 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Language Change

Is it possible for me to change the language of an article? If so how? I found the article i want to read but it's written in German. 69.248.114.84 (talk) 23:14, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

There are versions of Wikipedia in many languages. If you found an article in English Wikipedia that is in German, it is in the wrong place.

If the article is in German Wikipedia and you want to read it, there are browsers that have built in translation options and there are many free online translators where you can copy the text of the article and paste it into the translator and it will provide a machine translation - which are OK for getting the general gist of an idea, but are generally not very good at translating specifics. -- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 23:24, 3 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Have you checked the grey far left-hand column of the article? See lower section headed In anderen Sprachen to see if it links to an English version?--Aspro (talk) 02:52, 4 December 2014 (UTC)[reply]