Wikimedia FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Wikimedia.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Wikimedia?
Wikimedia is a non-profit organization that operates several free knowledge-based projects, including the popular online encyclopedia Wikipedia.
Can anyone edit on Wikipedia?
Yes, anyone can edit on Wikipedia as long as they follow the community's guidelines and policies.
Why am I getting an "Edit Conflict" error message?
You are getting an "Edit Conflict" error message because someone else has edited the same page you were attempting to edit at the same time. This usually happens when multiple users are working on the same article and one saves their changes before the other.
How can I resolve an "Edit Conflict"?
To resolve an "Edit Conflict", you can merge the changes from your version and the other user's version, or you can undo your changes and start again.
I accidentally deleted a page on Wikipedia. Can I get it back?
Yes, deleted pages can be recovered by contacting the Wikipedia administrators. However, it is important to note that pages are deleted for specific reasons and may not be restored if they do not meet the website's guidelines.
What is a red link on Wikipedia?
A red link on Wikipedia is a link to a page that does not yet exist. It is usually created when a user links to a page that has not been created yet.
Why am I receiving a "This page does not exist" error on Wikimedia Commons?
If you are receiving a "This page does not exist" error on Wikimedia Commons, it means that the page you are trying to access has been deleted or does not exist anymore.
Can I upload any file to Wikimedia Commons?
No, Wikimedia Commons has strict guidelines on what types of files can be uploaded. It is important to review the site's licensing requirements before uploading any files.
How can I upload an image on Wikimedia Commons?
To upload an image on Wikimedia Commons, you can click on the "Upload file" button on the left side of the page and follow the prompts.
Why is my uploaded image not showing up on Wikipedia?
If your uploaded image is not showing up on Wikipedia, it may be because it has not been reviewed by a volunteer. This process can take some time, so please be patient.
What is a "citation needed" tag on Wikipedia?
A "citation needed" tag on Wikipedia is used to indicate that a statement or information is lacking a reliable source. It is a reminder for editors to find and add a source to support the information.
How can I add a citation on Wikipedia?
To add a citation on Wikipedia, you can either use the citation template or manually add the source information in the text using the tags.
Why was my Wikipedia article nominated for deletion?
There are a variety of reasons why a Wikipedia article may be nominated for deletion, such as not meeting the website's notability guidelines, being promotional in nature, or containing copyrighted material.
How can I contest the deletion of my Wikipedia article?
If you believe your article was wrongly nominated for deletion, you can contest it by following the instructions on the deletion page or by discussing it with the nominator on their talk page.
Why is my article not ranking high on Wikipedia search results?
The ranking of articles on Wikipedia's search results is determined by a variety of factors, including the number and reliability of sources, the frequency of views, and the quality of writing. It is important to ensure your article meets the website's guidelines and attracts readers.
Can I add images from the internet to my Wikipedia article?
No, unless you have permission from the copyright holder, it is not allowed to add images from the internet to a Wikipedia article. This can result in copyright infringement.
What is a "sockpuppet" on Wikipedia?
A "sockpuppet" on Wikipedia is a term used to describe a user who creates multiple accounts to deceive or mislead other users or editors on the site.
How can I report a vandalizing or disruptive user on Wikipedia?
To report a user for vandalizing or disrupting on Wikipedia, you can click on the "Report User" link on their user page or contact an administrator for assistance.
Why am I receiving a "You do not have permission to edit" message on Wikipedia?
If you are receiving a "You do not have permission to edit" message on Wikipedia, it could be because your account is new and not yet confirmed or because your IP address is blocked due to violations of the website's policies.
What is a "disambiguation" page on Wikipedia?
A "disambiguation" page on Wikipedia is used to distinguish between two or more articles with similar titles and prevent confusion among readers.
How can I create a disambiguation page on Wikipedia?
To create a disambiguation page on Wikipedia, you can use the template {{disambiguation}} and list all relevant articles below it.
What is the "One action system error" on Wikimedia Commons?
The "One action system error" on Wikimedia Commons is a temporary technical issue that can occur when trying to upload or delete images. It is usually resolved within a few minutes.
Why do I receive a "Spam detected" message when trying to save my edit on Wikipedia?
The "Spam detected" message on Wikipedia means that your edit has triggered the website's spam filter. This could be due to certain keywords or links being used multiple times.
How can I fix a "Spam detected" message on Wikipedia?
To fix a "Spam detected" message on Wikipedia, you can try removing any repetitive words or links, or you can ask for help on the admin noticeboard.
Why am I getting a "Title blacklisted" error message on Wikipedia?
If you are getting a "Title blacklisted" error message on Wikipedia, it means that the title of your article or username contains words that are banned on the website.
How can I change my username on Wikipedia?
To change your username on Wikipedia, you can go to your preferences and click on the "Change username" option. However, please note that there are certain restrictions and guidelines to follow when changing usernames.
Why am I receiving a "Deprecation notice" on MediaWiki?
The "Deprecation notice" on MediaWiki is to alert users that a certain feature or code is being phased out and may not be supported in future versions of the software. It is recommended to make adjustments to your code to avoid errors in the future.
How often is Wikipedia updated?
Wikipedia is constantly updated, with new articles and edits being made every day. However, the rate of updates may vary depending on community involvement and the nature of the topic.
Can I use Wikipedia articles for commercial purposes?
No, Wikipedia articles cannot be used for commercial purposes as all content on the website is licensed under Creative Commons and must be used in accordance with the terms of the license.
How can I donate to Wikimedia?
You can donate to Wikimedia by visiting their donation