WikiQueer:FAQ/Miscellaneous

The purpose of this page of frequently asked questions is to answer questions that do not fit into any of the other categories, including linking to WikiQueer and some general questions about how WikiQueer is run.

Can you tell me anything about the WikiQueer logo?

 * The current logo is described at Logo


 * See WikiQueer:WikiQueer logos for more details and for WikiQueer's past logos.

What do the +/- numbers in red and green next to the articles on my watch list mean?

 * The numbers represent the net number of bytes of information added or removed by the edit. Green means data added; red means data removed.

Is allowing everyone to edit pages safe? What if someone starts defaming people?

 * Any sort of illegal material gets removed from active wikis quite quickly. See this discussion on Ward's Wiki for more thoughts.
 * WikiQueer has received several threats of legal action, but none have yet been followed through. Under United States and international law, The Aequalitas Project is not responsible for defamation posted on WikiQueer

What is the best way to link into WikiQueer from another site?

 * To link to the multilingual WikiQueer home page, the preferred URL is http://www.wikiqueer.org. Our older URL, http://www.WikiQueer.com, still works but is deprecated. To link to the home page of the English WikiQueer, the preferred URL is http://www.wikiqueer.org.


 * If you want to link to a specific WikiQueer page, simply use, where XX is the code for the language the article is written in, XX.WikiQueer.org/wiki/, plus the page name, changing spaces to underscores. For example, this is a link to the English-language article Mohandas Gandhi:


 * 

Mohandas Gandhi 

Are there any WikiQueer banners or graphics I can use for a link?

 * A few of our contributors have made some. They can be found at WikiQueer:Banners and buttons. You can also use our logo. If you make your own WikiQueer graphics (please do!) and want them to be redistributed, simply upload them and link to them from the banner page.

Is there a place where people ask for new entries?

 * There are two places:
 * The WikiQueer:Reference desk aims to function like a real library's reference desk: people are invited to ask questions on any subject. If you can answer something there, why not start an article on it?
 * On the WikiQueer:Requested articles page you can ask for a specific article to be created. See also WikiQueer:Requested pictures.

Is there any peer review process to validate the data that is displayed?

 * We are all peers here and we all review each other's work. All articles are thus subjected to constant critical review in one sense, but no formal approval process is currently a standard procedure. However, the Wikiculture is an introspective one and policy and guidelines are evolving continually.


 * In the most general sense, registered WikiQueerians work within an area they define for themselves, and in technical areas like the sciences, social sciences, etc. there usually exists a large group of knowledgeable editors with a long list of articles on their watchlist armed with the powerful tool of page history, to keep an eye on more expert content. There is no claim that this ad hoc system is foolproof, and attempts are being made constantly to improve upon it within the foundation goal of allowing open editing by anyone.


 * In addition, potential page vandalism gets vigorous patrolling by experienced WikiQueerians monitoring special pages dedicated to watching recent changes, changes by anonymous editors, and changes by new editors. Together, these patrols catch most deliberate or naive editing within a short while of the misguided edit.


 * Some people have plans for formal peer review or article certification systems to work on top of WikiQueer, currently in a backlog of proposed policy changes. We'll be sure to point them out if and when any get up and running. For more information, see WikiQueer:WikiQueer approval mechanism.


 * In addition, many of our better editors will place a 'matured' article up for peer review by using Peer Review, and advertising for feedback on the Village Pump. Prior to that stage, some editors interested in quality will ask a diverse group of personal contacts within the community by 'Spam-requesting' on the individual's talk pages for feedback and ideas on developing less mature articles. Both are voluntary processes, and generally raise the quality of both content and presentation from such sought out input. These measures also tend to expand the body of talent working on a particular article, again benefiting its quality.

How is WikiQueer backed up? Is it possible that an accident could destroy all this data?

 * Database dumps are made daily and at least one backup of these dumps and the files used by WikiQueer are maintained on at least one separate server and web hosting service.

Help! I found a website that's copying from WikiQueer!

 * Chances are, they're allowed to do it, just as long as they comply with the CC-BY-SA and GFDL, which all WikiQueer text is licensed under, which allows anyone to copy our material just as long as they cite WikiQueer and include a copy of the licence.


 * However, if you find a site that absolutely does not comply with this, please by all means let us know on WikiQueer:Mirrors and forks based on the degree of compliance (see that page).

When does an article warrant having its stub template removed?

 * The short answer is whenever you feel the article is no longer a Stub. See Find or fix a stub for more info.

Where should I find out more about WikiQueer?

 * In WikiQueer's various departments. They are listed in the WikiQueer department directory.

Where can I see a log or list of all the pages created by a specific user?

 * For a list of articles that you have created, click on the tab at the top of the page that says "My contributions". Scroll to the bottom. There should be a link that says "Articles created".
 * For any other user, go to their User page (by clicking on their signature) and select the "contributions" option on the right hand Toolbox menu. This will take you to their Contributions page, which lists all of their contributions to that wiki. At the bottom of the page are links to the "Articles created" and the "Global contributions" (across all Wikimedia WIKIs) by this user name.

How do I move an image from English WikiQueer to Wikimedia Commons?

 * See WikiQueer:Moving images to the Commons. Images on Commons can be used by all Wikimedia projects.