Wikipedia:Help desk/Archives/2014 September 23

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September 23

Death of editor

I have come across a reliable source that indicates a Wikipedia editor has died. Is there any custom about whether to note this on the user's page? Jc3s5h (talk) 00:35, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Wikipedia:Deceased Wikipedians may help you. Often, impromptu memorials and well-wishers sometimes show up on Wikipedian's user pages as well. --Jayron32 01:01, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Removing citation after an episode airs

I have had this question for months. This is about referencing for TV shows. This is becoming a current issue on Dancing with the Stars (U.S. season 19). I know Wikipedia has many guidelines and policies about citing, but this is kind of logical. When adding a source for a dance, for instance, for a specific couple, we add the source. But this has been done and practiced on other pages as well (including DWTS) that when an episode airs we remove the source citing the dance they did. Considering it was seen on live TV by approximately 13-15 million U.S. viewers, is it necessary to cite the dances after the episode has aired? The scores are already referenced, is it really necessary to repeat it again. Also, this has been done on other TV shows. When an episode has been aired, the responsible crew for the episode, the sources are removed. For instance, Pretty Little Liars, Grey's Anatomy, and A LOT MORE. This should apply to already danced dance routines and the page itself, no? A know editor (to me anyways, they've contributed with 43,000 edits) has said this themself (skip to the third message in the beginning). "An aired episode is in itself a sufficient reference for its own content," they said, and I quote.

My final question (it's kind of mixed in my message): should the dances be referenced after the episode has aired? (This applies to scores, music, etc.)

I asked this question because an editor has been messing with the page, so I wanted to clear this out. An editor has made a point that can viewed on my talk page. Please ignore the personal opinion about the specific person.

And if you are going to answer no, please cite the policy in your answer so I can reference my edits.

Admins would be preferable to answer, please. (If you're not, it's fine)

Thanks,

Callmemirela (talk) 02:44, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I cannot, for the life of me, imagine where removing a reliable source is more helpful to our readers. Yes, there is some information for which we are less demanding of sources (for example, plot summaries are generally assumed to be sourced to the work itself, because, duh). However, I've never heard of anyone arguing that a source should be removed to be replaced with nothing where sources already exist. I'm perplexed by any argument that says "This source was great yesterday, but today we don't need it anymore". --Jayron32 03:08, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Jayron32 I quite disagree. If an episode has been aired and the dance was done in public view and citation is needed, summaries should too. A summary can easily turn into fan fiction as well. The directors and writers responsible for the episode is never referenced after an episode airs. Neither should the DWTS with the scores, dances, music, etc. Those responsible for the episodes have their name written on TV, so were the scores. It can be easily seen. Why does the citation only apply to DWTS if the regular episodes from EVERY TV show does not do so as well. TV episode titles are never referenced either, well because it it's been confirmed and stuff. So have the scores, dances and music for DWTS. I personally disagree with that argument. If TV shows aren't referenced with those responsible for TV shows and the episode's summary, neither should the dances and scores after the episode has aired. Look at The Voice. The contestants, the judge's picks and the contestant's pick are neither referenced. It's one or another. This citation policy cannot be applied to just DWTS' information but not other TV shows. That is quite unfair. Callmemirela (talk) 03:41, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Removing the references is not a practice that falls under WP:V, since the information is now presented without a reference. Using Template:Cite episode is an alternative and accepted practice to cite information presented during the broadcast of a television episode. However, as references exist for the information, removing those references after the episode has aired is not aligned WP:IMPROVE. AldezD (talk) 03:11, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

A source that says "Tarzan and Jane have been signed for the upcoming season of Yet Another Unreality Show coming next month" cannot be a source for the article to state "Tarzan and Jane participated season 16 of Yet Another Unreality Show "; while the TV show itself (even if watched only by one person) is primary source that can verify that they appeared. A third party source that says "Last nights appearance of Tarzan and Jane on Yet Another Unreality Show ..." would still be better.

the dances scores music etc- while they can generally formally be cited to the primary source of the show itself- generally are merely WP:UNDUE coverage of WP:FANCRUFT and WP:TRIVIA based on the primary sources and Wikipedia editor's obsessions rather than what the third party reliable sources have deemed the important (a term used really loosely) about the subject. -- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 03:21, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Leaving a message

Hello, how are you?

I am having difficulty in trying to leave a message to one of my classmates?

Thanks ––Lolalore (talk) 05:34, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Dear Lolalore, Wikipedia is not a social networking service like Facebook or Twitter. You can talk to other Wikipedia users about creating an encyclopedia by using using talk pages. -- Sincerely, Taketa (talk) 05:52, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Hi, Lolalore, and welcome to Wikipedia! I see you have been using your user pages to learn how to use Wikipedia syntax – I wish more new editors would do that before starting to make "live" edits. Anyway, if your classmate has registered an account with Wikipedia, and you know their username, you go to their "talk page" and add your message at the bottom. Your own talk page, for example, has the URL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Lolalore and can be linked to here as User talk:Lolalore. Maproom (talk) 07:04, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

@Maproom: I've corrected the error in the URL, which could only cause confusion. -- John of Reading (talk) 18:53, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Unidentifiable cite error caused by cite doi

This article has an error message, Cite error: A list-defined reference has no name, in its References section. The error goes away when a ref, <ref name=Zhu2008>{{cite doi|10.1182/blood-2008-05-078154}}</ref>, is removed from the end of the second paragraph in this section. I need to correct the error to remove the article from an error tracking category, but I don't know how to do so. ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 06:49, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Hi Mandruss, the problem was in using the cite doi template. I have replaced this by a handwritten version [1], which removes the error. Also since this source was in there a couple of times already I made them all into a single ref. Sincerely, Taketa (talk) 07:44, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Thank you, but I was looking for a better understanding, a la teach a man to fish.

• Do all uses of cite doi produce this error? If not, what was different about this case that did?
• Was it impossible to correct the error while still using cite doi? If so, why?
• How did you determine what to replace the cite doi with? ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 07:53, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

The problem was at Template:Cite doi/10.1182.2Fblood-2008-05-078154 and not in the article. A bot didn't fill in the citation as it should and a user tried to fix it but didn't know how. The bot has since been fixed according to User talk:Citation bot/Archive1#Bot dev575 is failing to retrieve citation information for DOI citations (1 MB page, you don't need to read it). PrimeHunter (talk) 08:57, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Thanks, PrimeHunter. If I understand you correctly, it would have been better to correct the template and leave the article alone. What correction is required to the template? ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 09:41, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I reverted the edits which broke the template, & the citation bot has filled in the remaining detail, so the template now looks OK. --David Biddulph (talk) 10:30, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I reverted the article changes and the error is gone. Thanks. ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 11:37, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Fishing

The best time to go fishing, is every chance you get. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.177.118.215 (talk) 08:23, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Yes, but what is your question about how to use or edit Wikipedia. —teb728 t c 08:30, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

HELP me, please I was only selfish......the name of your site has rendered use of my computer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I chose to go into much of a curiosity location the information you say you have within your organization and access to requisite is quality...this is true for me. I cannot even retrieve my very important data that I have stored information. I want to have you correct the access Your computer that renders my Wikipedia source MY data us and then you must send the data you have that belongs to ME!

Lynn Edward Ganze cell number is (Redacted)

Please: unlock my computer and then make a an attempt to send me a response to your work you think you will have done for Me!

Lynn Ganze (Redacted) write me a note that explains all this work you have chosen make amends.

Thank you so very much,

Lynn Ganze — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2605:6000:9503:C100:6874:B895:58C9:9753 (talk) 10:41, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Any data on Wikipedia is not yours, it is content that has been generated by Wikipedia editors (perhaps even including you) and has been released under the CC BY-SA 3.0 License (see the agreement at the bottom of every submit page "By clicking the "Save page" button, you agree to the Terms of Use and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the CC BY-SA 3.0 License and the GFDL with the understanding that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient for CC BY-SA 3.0 attribution." Wikipedia does not lock your computer, although your editing of Wikipedia may be restricted or blocked for violations of various Wikipedia policies-- TRPoD aka The Red Pen of Doom 12:11, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Balzan FC kit colour

I would like to update the kit colour of Balzan FC from a current all red top (FF0000) to a horizontal red and white striped top. Please advise.

I would also like to show Balzan's second kit. This is all dark blue with a small white and red horizontal stripe in the chest area. Please advise. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Robmgt (talk • contribs) 12:52, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

In the section #Balzan F.C. above, it was suggested that you raise your query at Talk:Balzan F.C.. --David Biddulph (talk) 13:02, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Encyclopedia

How do I submit an artist biography for wikipedia Encyclopedia inclusion. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Calliope22llc (talk • contribs) 15:40, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

You have already submitted your draft at User:Calliope22llc/sandbox, presumably by using the green "submit" button in the box at the top of the draft. It is therefore in the queue for review, but the result of the review is entirely predictable. You have no references to reliable sources (published, & independent of the subject) to demonstrate that the subject meets Wikipedia's requirement for notability, & specifically WP:Music. You also need to ensure that the article doesn't appear promotional. It must also not be a copyright violation by repeating information already published elsewhere. In this case the draft does seem to repeat material already published elsewhere, perhaps because your draft is a reprint of a press release. I've added some useful links in a welcome message on your user talk page. You need to read them, and particularly WP:Your first article. --David Biddulph (talk) 16:07, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I have tagged the draft for speedy deletion as a copyvio of http://www.sonicbids.com/band/erinleah/ . The OP's user name is also a problem as it is the same as Ms Leah's record label, see the same page. If you wish to continue editing, please create a new account with a name that represents you as an individual and not the company. There is also a procedure for donating copyright materials but in this case it wouldn't help as the text is far too promotional and unencyclopedic.--ukexpat (talk) 16:43, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Buick customer feedback survey

The following discussion is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

---

Dear Wikipedians, I am an employee of General Motors, working for Buick and we would like you to contact us via http://www.buick.com with your feedback.

Also, we would like to know how our SEO could be improved, any website feedback is welcomed.

Luisa, employee of General Motors, Buick division --LuisaBuickEmployee (talk) 16:48, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

Weird external link created

Hi, I just left a comment here, and a portion of the comment was interpreted by the software as an external link (??). What's going on? Calliopejen1 (talk) 17:33, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I'll leave it to someone who knows to explain why "RFC" followed by a number, without any markup, produces an external link to tools.ietf.org, as RFC 666. In the meantime, you can make your comment work by changing to something like RFC (1). ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 17:47, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

See WP:RFCAUTO. It's rarely used for RFC. PrimeHunter (talk) 18:26, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Odd. Thanks. Calliopejen1 (talk) 22:55, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Large amounts of primary material on social media necessary for article. How do I use it?

The 2014 Jadavpur University protest(s) is the first of its kind in India, intensively using social media for coordination and dissemination, making it first a national and now potentially an international movement (solidarity campaigns have taken place in Ann Arbor and been planned in New York). However, Wikipedia policy is to generally avoid citing such media as unreliable sources. Now several online 'battles' between students and state government officials/sympathizers have erupted, especially in the form of text and image campaigns on Facebook. There are also pages which serve as points for coordination between students across the country on an unprecedented scale. My question here is, how do I cite and show all this? ArkaBlue (talk) 20:08, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

You probably don't. You need secondary sources to evaluate and judge what is important. --NeilN ^{talk to me} 20:30, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

thank you

so I pretty much wait until a reliable news source reports bits and pieces of it, right? — Preceding unsigned comment added by ArkaBlue (talk • contribs) 21:05, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

@ArkaBlue: Yes, as Wikipedia is not the news. Articles should not report on the event, they should summarize what others are saying about the event. --NeilN ^{talk to me} 21:10, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Thank you. We newbies live and learn. Sometimes Wikipedia is so fast with it all, I end up reading it instead of the news.ArkaBlue (talk) 23:19, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

You may also wish to know that it's being discussed as a possible item for In the News on the front page, but concerns over the content in the article need to be addressed first. There's some guidance in the nomination as to what needs sorting (Wikipedia:In_the_news/Candidates#2014_Jadavpur_University_protests). CaptRik (talk) 21:59, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Thank you, I know. They've put me into the discussion too. This is all a little overwhelming, frankly speaking.ArkaBlue (talk) 23:19, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Need help an article

I want write an article but a bit scarred of you’re going to delete please help can I write this article

Finij

Stable release	2.2.1
Type	Student information system
Website	www.finij.com

Finij is a management software developer headquartered in London United Kingdom.

• It is a web based application can be used any time anywhere.
• It is cloud based software used in schools, properties, hotels, shops and solicitor. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Barzaq (talk • contribs) 20:23, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Hi Barzaq. You need independent sources (e.g., in-depth reviews) to show the software is notable to have an article survive deletion discussions. --NeilN ^{talk to me} 20:39, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Davido

Davido (edit | talk | history | protect | delete | links | watch | logs | views)

Greetings Help desk. I need some clarification with the nationality parameter on Wikipedia. Davido was born in America but lives in Nigeria. Since he has both an American and Nigerian passport, should his Biography read: Davido is a Nigerian American recording artist .... or Davido is an American born Nigeria recording artist...? Which is correct. I need some clarification because I believe the former is right. Thanks. Versace1608 (Talk) 01:28, 22 September 2014 (UTC)

Sorry you haven't had any reply to this. The description currently found in the article, "an American-born Nigerian recording artist", seems to describe his situation well. It would seem odd to describe someone of Nigerian descent and nationality, making a career in Nigeria, as "Nigerian-American", that is to say, an American of Nigerian descent.: Noyster (talk), 21:50, 24 September 2014 (UTC)

Reviving sleeper account

I'm assuming my account has gone into sleeper mode but I'm not clear how to re-activate it. I've read FAQs and numerous help pages, and I believe my account should be in good standing.

I'm not getting the link to reset the password, I've tried both inserting username and email separately. Creating a new account with my old username doesn't work, because the system says that username is taken. What's your advice to revive an account or get a hold of my old username? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.156.58.235 (talk) 21:17, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

I'm not sure what you mean by sleeper mode but accounts and passwords never expire and there is nothing to reactivate. It doesn't matter how along ago you last logged in or edited. If you have forgotten the password and cannot receive password mails at the address stored in the account, or no address is stored, then you have to create a new account with another name. Note that for privacy reasons, the message you see at Special:PasswordReset does not reveal whether an entered email address is actually stored in an account. If you have other email addresses you may have stored in the account then check those. If the account has no edits, or in some cases a few insignificant edits, you may be able to get a new account renamed to the old name at Wikipedia:Changing username/Usurpations. We can say more if you tell the username. PrimeHunter (talk) 21:43, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

Please check a reference for me?

I'm at work and can't reach the reference used for the birth date in the Ariel Rebel article. This edit changed it but I can't verify it. Could someone who isn't behind a restrictive firewall help out here? Thanks, Dismas|^(talk) 23:35, 23 September 2014 (UTC)

The cited source does not seem to mention her day and month of birth anywhere. I did find this (NSFW) source that says March 14th. I'm going to change that now. Note to self, in the future read the first line of the article before clicking on external links. Howicus (Did I mess up?) 00:15, 24 September 2014 (UTC)

Sorry about that. I often will mention that the subject is potentially NSFW but I didn't this time. I'll try to remember to keep up the habit of mentioning that when I need to make another request in the future. Dismas|^(talk) 04:05, 24 September 2014 (UTC)

The linked reference only says 1985 today. The Internet Archive shows it once said 14 march 1985 [2] like our article before. But https://twitter.com/ArielRebel/status/514400738307743744 from 23 September 2014 says: "For everybody who asked... My real birthday is September 23, 1985 :) I'm 29 for real today lol :) I'm a fall equinox baby ^_^". I guess the user saw that or someone mentioning it. It's her offical Twitter account linked from her website. I don't know whether to trust the subject or the subject – not our usual dilemma when there are conflicting sources. Or should we mention both dates and reference both of them to the subject? PrimeHunter (talk) 00:27, 24 September 2014 (UTC)

I want to see her driver license (the one thing she hasn't shown us already). ‑‑Mandruss (talk) 00:51, 24 September 2014 (UTC)