MediaWiki - User contributions [en]

Bruno Carrera

2011-01-19T15:52:41Z

84.193.193.10: New page: :''Bruno Carrera is a Decepticon-allied human from the live-action film continuity family.'' '''Bruno Carrera''' is an Italian criminal. ==F...

:''Bruno Carrera is a [[Decepticon]]-allied human from the [[Live-action film series|live-action film]] [[continuity family]].''

'''Bruno Carrera''' is an [[Italy|Italian]] criminal.

==Fiction==
===''The Veiled Threat''===
[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] entered into a deal with Carrera to help destroy [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] in exchange for dominion over Europe when the Decepticons win.

To that end, the Decepticons attacked [[Rome]], and Starscream challenged Optimus to single combat inside the [[Coliseum]]. When Prime entered the structure, he fell through a trap door into a subway tunnel extension and into a strong set of restraints arranged by Carrera, where he was confronted by [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]]. Before the Decepticon could dispatch Prime, he was attacked by the humans, giving Prime the chance to work himself free and hand Barricade his skidplate.

After the battle was over, Starscream paid Carrera a visit, and paid him back for his "failure". {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

[[Category:Movie humans]]

Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:48:34Z

84.193.193.10: and that's different from, like, half a billion homage characters in WHAT way?

{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3.5|the Throttlebots' leader who was never Bumblebee|the Throttlebot member who was once Bumblebee|Bumblebee (G1)|Goldbug}}

:''Goldbug is an [[Autobot]] [[Throttlebot]] from the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''

[[Image:IDWGoldbug SpotlightMetroplex.jpg|right|thumb|250px|"How can I know others when I don't even know myself?"]]

Along with his other [[Throttlebot]] teammates, '''Goldbug''' is a proven courier officer, skilled at being able to evade the enemy to keep important data out of unauthorized hands and speed it where it needs to go.

{{quote|Let's not kid ourselves. We're scared but we're not gutless.|Goldbug|"[[Spotlight: Metroplex]]"}}
{{TOCclear}}

==Fiction==
===IDW comics continuity===
Goldbug and the Throttlebots were assigned to [[Orvus Base]], orbiting [[Salvvatan VI]], to safeguard top-secret Autobot research. Their purpose was to act as couriers in case the lab came under threat, taking the data and keeping it out of enemy hands. They had no idea what the research actually ''was,'' but that wasn't deemed essential to their job. And indeed, when an attack did come in the form of [[Sixshot]], the Throttlebots were the only ones who made it out of the station alive, the information in their sole possession. They crashed on the planet below and quickly rushed for cover, Sixshot hot on their trail.

What they found on the planet was a strangely unoccupied, [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]ian-style city with [[Energon (fuel)|energon]] reserves. But just as they were powering up, Sixshot caught up with them and demanded the information. Goldbug suggested that they might not have the information at all, then asked him if he would torture them in that case. Sixshot said he would, so Goldbug ordered the Throttlebots to scatter.

[[Image:IDWGoldbugAltmode SpotlightMetroplex.jpg|right|thumb|150px|"I have no idea who you're talking about, and why do I keep getting this guy's mail?"]]

Sixshot quickly took down half the team, even as they tried to feint and counterattack. The remaining three bantered with Sixshot and then attacked him, the battle taking them into a strange chamber where an "intruder alert" alarm began to blare. There, Sixshot shot Goldbug point-blank in the chest, and his remaining two comrades fared little better.

But just as Sixshot was about to execute [[Searchlight (G1)|Searchlight]], the city around them awakened. A giant fist smashed Sixshot, followed by a similarly-proportioned foot. Goldbug and his two companions gaped in awe at the transformed [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]], who declared his own position compromised and announced that he was going to leave and hide again. He told them where to find a shuttle and supplies, but Goldbug was indignant, asking him what kind of Autobot would abandon the dying Throttlebots. Metroplex replied that he wept for them, but his mission was more important, and with that, he left.

[[Rollbar (G1)|Rollbar]] and Searchlight, the latter carrying Goldbug, began walking back to recover their teammates. As they pondered how important Metroplex's mission must be and how lonely he surely is, the battered Sixshot stirred... {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}}
{{--}}

==Notes==
* Goldbug owes his existence to [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] editor/writer [[Andy Schmidt]]'s decision to make the IDW version of Goldbug a [[character]] who is separate from the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity's]] version of [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]. Essentially, this Goldbug is the IDW universe's counterpart to the Goldbugs of other ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]''-based [[continuity|continuities]]... except that he and Bumblebee co-exist. That's why he got his own article. Yeah, we're still scratching our heads, too.
* Goldbug's Cybertronian [[alternate mode]] appears to be an [[:Image:Bumblebee-CyberToon.jpg|homage to Bumblebee's]], as seen on "[[More than Meets the Eye, Part 1]]".

[[Category:Throttlebots]]

Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:41:48Z

84.193.193.10: okay, where's the PROOF that the G1 Goldbug toy represents IDW Goldbug?

Starscream (Movie)

2011-01-19T15:35:29Z

84.193.193.10: Undo revision 545189 by 208.93.61.98 (Talk) is this really necessary?

{{factions|decepticonfilm|hofsilver}}
{{disambig3|Starscream}}{{suite}}

:''Starscream is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[live-action film series]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:RevengeOfTheFallenStarscream.jpg|right|350px|thumb|I got yer AllSpark, ''right here''.]]
'''Starscream''' is a hero on the wrong side. Over the centuries he's come to believe both [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]] and [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] have lost sight of what is best for the Cybertronian race, and simply pursue their own agendas. At some point, he came to the decision that, for the good of the species, a new leader must emerge, and he would be that leader. However, over time, he became as corrupt in his own way as Megatron, although he prefers subtlety and deception to Megatron's brute force. Now, what may once have been noble goals are buried under layers of self interest, transforming Starscream into that which he supposedly despised.

{{quote|Truly the universe favors those who persist.|Starscream|''[[Ghosts of Yesterday]]''}}

:''Hungarian name'': '''Üstökös''' ("Comet")
:''Hungarian name ([[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan Magazine]] only):'' '''Csillagsikoly''' ("Starscream")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Tīen-wáng Hsīng''' (天王星, "Planet Uranus")
:''Chinese name (China):'' '''Hong Zhi Zhu''' (紅蜘蛛, "Red Spider")
:''Ukrainian name'': '''Zorekryk''' (Зорекрик, "Starscream")

==Fiction==
===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
[[Image:Defiance1_Starscream_Ratchet.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Someone is praising Starscream!? Stop the presses!]]

Many years before civil war broke out on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], commander Starscream was a member of the Cybertron defense forces. He was patrolling the [[Eshems Nebula]] when he encountered the fourth alien scout ship he had spotted in the same [[Units of time|cycle]]. As he related this to first officer [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] of the science division, this time the alien ship did not maintain a safe distance, forcing Starscream to attack, and he was damaged in the subsequent battle (and was late for a meeting with [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus]] and Protector [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]). Soon afterwards, these same aliens attacked Cybertron, and Starscream commanded the aerial forces in the defense of the [[Simfur]] temple near the city of [[Metrotitan (ROTF)|Metrotitan]]. After Megatron was injured in battle, Starscream rushed to his side to enquire about his condition and to ask for further orders. He was informed to keep Optimus's team out of the military's way. {{storylink|Defiance issue 1|Defiance #1}}

Megatron was influenced by [[The Fallen|the mysterious relic]] found outside [[Simfur]] to wage a vengeful war against the aliens. Starscream attended a war rally at [[Trypticon (Movie)|Trypticon]] where Megatron assumed dictatorship of Cybertron and its armed forces. After destroying much of the enemy fleet and eliminating its leader, Megatron ordered Starscream and his fellow fliers to destroy the alien flagship and conquer the surrounding systems. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 2|Defiance #2}} Underground opposition to the new regime came in the form of Optimus and his science division, something Lord Megatron would not stand for. While [[Prowl (Movie)|Prowl]] and security officers arrested Optimus on trumped-up charges of treason, Starscream's squadron was given orders to capture Optimus alive and leave no living witnesses. Unfortunately, Optimus ''Prime'' proved more than a match for Starscream's entire unit, bringing down the ruins of a city upon them. The group survived, and were used by Megatron as "proof" that there were enemies within Cybertron as well as without, to rally his army into a new faction: the Decepticons.

During the subsequent civil war, Starscream blindly followed Megatron's orders, murdering those who did not bow to his Lord's will, even those who did not choose sides. {{Storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} Some time later, Starscream was leading an assault on the Autobots at [[Tyger Pax]] when Blackout arrived to reinforce them. They witnessed the launch of the [[AllSpark]] into space, a desperate gambit by the Autobots, and immediately Starscream and Blackout began to bicker over their next move. Seeing Megatron leave the planet in pursuit of the AllSpark, Starscream decided that so would they. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}}

[[Image:Planetfall Starscream yesweare.jpg|200px|thumb|"Hey, what's that?" "I'd call it a TARGET!"]]

Starscream was concerned over the Autobots who still posed a threat, but Megatron ordered him to gather a crew to pursue [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]'s [[Ark (Movie)|ship]]. Unfortunately, [[Nemesis (Movie)|Starscream's ship]] was led into a trap and crippled by [[concussion pulse]] weapons, throwing them off the chase, for now. Humiliated, Starscream and his crew limped back home for repairs. Sometime later, they followed the AllSpark's trace energy pulse and the wake of Prime's ship to a solar system galaxies away. Landing on the [[Mars (planet)|fourth planet]], they destroyed [[Beagle 2 Rover|a primitive lifeform]] that seemed to have been created from the AllSpark, and felt the tag of the life-giving object on the third planet. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream Issue Number One}}

Starscream's team made planetfall on [[Earth]] in Afghanistan, quickly attracting the attention of a nearby US military base, which sent out an armoured personnel carrier to investigate. After it was destroyed, the Decepticons attacked the base itself. During the rather one-sided assault, a human agent of Sector Seven was impressed by the alien invaders' ability to adapt to Earth's finest weaponry. Starscream agreed that they were impressive, and killed the fleshling. After Blackout left the group for another nearby base, Starscream told his fellow Decepticons that their mission wouldn't always be this easy, as the Autobots were bound to turn up. {{storylink|Planetfall (Movie)|Planetfall}}

{{note|The events of Planetfall are inconsistent with the events of IDW's own [[Movie Prequel|prequel comic]]. However, the depiction of the Decepticon arrival in Afghanistan was later used in [[The Reign of Starscream]].}}

In 2003, Starscream's infiltration team, consisting of [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and Blackout, touched down on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] and destroyed the [[Beagle 2 Rover]]. Starscream was disgusted with the rover, but Blackout and Barricade warned that there was an obviously intelligent species nearby, so they would need to be cautious. Starscream agreed, as long as they got to kill something. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 3|Movie Prequel #3}}

[[Image:MoviePrequel4 Starscream youcangonow.jpg|left|300px|thumb|Top this one, Samus.]]

Splitting up, they headed to Earth, where Starscream scanned an F-22 Raptor fighter jet being tested by the [[United States Air Force|US Air Force]] at [[United States Air Force#Facilities|Nellis Air Force Base]]. He destroyed it, then adopted the vehicle form for himself. Leaving the scene of destruction, he radioed his fellow Decepticons to report in on their hunt for new disguise forms, which they did. He reiterated that their mission was to find the AllSpark, to which Blackout responded with a reminder that the mission was also to find Megatron. Starscream dismissively replied, "Yeah, right... him too."

Later, Starscream and Blackout detected the unique radiation of the AllSpark and investigated, but Starscream soon realized it was a trap by Sector Seven. Starscream destroyed several AH-64 Apache helicopters while Blackout attacked Sector Seven's bunker and attempted to hack into their mainframe. When the humans severed the connection, the Decepticons broke off from the battle and linked up with Barricade, who was in pursuit of the Autobot [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. {{storylink|Movie Prequel issue 4|Movie Prequel #4}}
{{--}}

===''Transformers: Beginnings''===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Patrick Hallahan]]

Starscream led the Decepticons to Earth while following the beacon signal used by Bumblebee to call the Autobots. In typical Starscream fashion, he seemed more concerned about collecting the AllSpark to further his own goals than to rescue [[Megatron (Movie)|Lord High Protector Megatron]]. Attracting the attention of a nearby military installation, they were attacked, but easily overpowered the humans, after which he and Blackout took their [[alternate mode]]s from vehicles on base. Starscream, along with Blackout, followed Bumblebee as he fled from a losing battle against Barricade.

Later, when Sector Seven tried to use a false energy signature to attract Bumblebee to their location, the Decepticons picked up on it and followed. Realizing the signal was fake, Starscream pulled the troops out and waited for the Autobots to arrive and flush out the AllSpark for them. {{storylink|Transformers: Beginnings}}

{{note|Transformers: Beginnings is a condensed, flash-animated retelling of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Movie Prequel]] that is detailed above this section.}}

====''Ghosts of Yesterday'' prequel novel====
Starscream had ascended to Decepticon leadership in the absence of their former lord, and though he had to ''seem'' to carry on the long search for the lost Megatron and the [[AllSpark]] to keep his position as leader, his greatest hope was that Megatron would NEVER be found. Some loyal Decepticons, especially [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], strongly suspected this and sought to frustrate Starscream's species-serving plans. [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] buddied up with him, but he did like to trick people. [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] hated him, but one shouldn't really read too much into that. [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]'s opinions are unknown, but Frenzy's a complete lunatic and nobody cared what the pet thought.

During a search of an abandoned solar system, the ''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]'' came across ''[[Ghost 1|a vessel]]'' that bore a resemblance to Megatron's [[alternate mode]]. Starscream went to investigate it, intending to destroy it. After chasing off [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]], he communicated with the creatures aboard the vessel, who called themselves [[human]]s. Starscream claimed that his people once lived with the [[Autobot]]s, and that their treacherous leader, [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], started a war for the AllSpark. The humans told him of a robotic creature that they had found on their world, and Starscream, recognizing it as Megatron, told them it was an Autobot scout. While communicating with them, he downloaded all the information on their computers, learning that the AllSpark was also located on Earth. He offered to help the humans to return to their world if they helped Starscream's group attack the Autobots, hoping that Prime would destroy them and be guilt-stricken in the process. The humans attacked Optimus and Bumblebee, but the two Autobots escaped. After their ship sank into a cavern, Starscream revealed his true nature and abandoned them. As a result, the humans concluded neither faction could be fully trusted. Way to make first contact there, Screamer.

Returning to the battle, he lied to his fellow Decepticons, claiming that the two Autobots were dead and that he'd been unable to communicate with the humans. Blackout, unconvinced by the story, challenged Starscream to single combat. Starscream won, and the Decepticons launched an attack on the ''[[Ark (Movie)|Ark]]''. Unfortunately for Starscream, Optimus, Bumblebee and the human vessel showed up. Starscream, fearful of the information that the ship contained, ordered the Decepticons to destroy it. Unfortunately, Starscream experienced a minor mutiny when Bonecrusher and Blackout demanded answers, and even Barricade wanted to know why. As the battle drew to a close, Starscream was in a position to terminate Prime but came under fire from the humans' weapons. Seriously damaged, Starscream finished them off with a single plasma blast, then ordered the Decepticons to retreat, despite the advantage they had over the Autobots. The Autobots figured that Starscream would not risk traveling to [[Earth]] for fear of losing power, but Prime figured that it was only a matter of time before the desire for vengeance and the lure of the AllSpark brought the Decepticons to that world. {{storylink|Ghosts of Yesterday}}

===''Transformers'' (2007 film)===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Charlie Adler]] (English), [[Tadashi Miyazawa]] (Japan), [[José Sant'anna]] (Brazil), [[Axel Lutter]] (German), [[Luigi Scribani]] (Italian)

[[Image:Movie2007_Starscream_HooverDam.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Starscream without the [[null-ray]]?! But... how can the fans possibly ''survive'' such a wanton desecration of their childhoods??]]

Starscream was lying in wait at a [[United States military|US]] air base when covert agent [[Frenzy (Movie)|Frenzy]] reported that the [[AllSpark]] had been located, along with Megatron, underneath [[Hoover Dam]]. Though he had long feared this day would come, Starscream ordered the rest of the Decepticons to mobilize. The others responded, with Blackout rallying in the name of Megatron.

[[Image:Starscreammovieheadshot.jpg|right|250px|thumb|It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... a bird-legged freak that transforms into a plane.]]

The first to arrive, Starscream attacked the hydroelectric power plant attached to the dam to cause havoc to [[Sector Seven|Sector Seven's]] operations and to speed the thawing of Megatron. With Frenzy's sabotage, Megatron quickly broke free of his icy restraints and escaped the facility. He almost immediately met with the waiting Starscream, who repledged his loyalty to Megatron. Demanding to know what had happened to the AllSpark, Megatron was told by his [[second-in-command]] that it was now in the possession of the humans. Furious, Megatron berated his lieutenant for yet another failure. What a warm reunion.

During the assault on a [[Mission City|nearby city]], Starscream fooled [[William Lennox|Captain Lennox's]] unit by posing as an [[wikipedia:F-22 Raptor|F-22 Raptor]] providing cover. Starscream launched an attack that crippled [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] as [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] realized too late who the fighter really was. As [[Sam Witwicky|ladiesman217]] ran with the AllSpark, Starscream swooped down, blocking his path, only to be attacked by both Ironhide and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]. After fighting without much effort, but still besting them, Starscream took to the skies again, instead of securing the AllSpark from the now-defenseless ladiesman217.

[[Image:Starscreammoviestillrobot.jpg|left|250px|thumb|How do you feel, mighty traffic? Yah!]]

While Megatron attempted to retrieve the AllSpark from ladiesman217, Starscream perched on nearby buildings and shot down an Army Blackhawk helicopter when it attempted to help the human evacuate the Cube. Eventually, real F-22 Raptors from the US Air Force arrived, and Starscream disguised himself. Pretending to be a part of their squadron, Starscream surprised the human pilots by transforming in mid-air and, performing the best display of [[jet judo]] in 20 years, destroyed three of the Raptors before he was fired upon. He transformed back into his disguise and fled, and was not seen in the closing moments of the battle between Optimus Prime and Megatron. (Or was he?)

[[Image:Starscream bails.JPG|right|250px|thumb|I will rule the sequel, Megatron! Even if I am the only one ''in'' the sequel!]]

Most of the Decepticons were defeated, and their bodies cast into the deepest part of the ocean. Ultimately, Starscream retreated from Earth to parts—and with intentions—unknown. {{storylink|Transformers (2007)|Transformers}}
{{-}}

===Toy bios===
{{notemoviebio}}

Fleeing from the Mission City fiasco, Starscream repaired and reenergised himself from a nearby power plant, then fled into deep space to find Decepticon reinforcements. {{storylink|Starscream (Movie)/toys#Voyager Class toys|Deep Space Starscream}}

He eventually decided this was too time-consuming, and went back to Earth in a new stealthy form to wait for the Decepticons, alerted by the energy signature of the AllSpark's destruction, to come to ''him''. He succeeded in building a small army, and had them distract the Autobot forces while he launched a surprise attack on a lone Optimus. {{storylink|Starscream (Movie)/toys#Legends Class toys|Nightwatch Optimus Prime vs. Stealth Starscream}} The battle ended with Optimus still alive and the Decepticons beaten on Earth. {{storylink|Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys#Fast Action Battlers|Fire Blast Optimus Prime}}

===Beast Wars Diorama Story===
At some point, Starscream and multiple Autobots and Decepticons traversed dimensions and found themselves on a different [[Earth]], in the distant past. They crossed paths with new Transformer factions, the [[Maximal]]s and the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s, who were engaged in a conflict called the [[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]. A battle broke out between the four factions and Starscream found himself pitted against the Maximal [[Tigatron]]. He attempted to blast the Maximal from the high ground, only to get shot int he face, instead. [[Optimus Primal]] and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] then double-teamed Starscream, defeating him. With the battle over, the Autobots and the Decepticons returned to their home dimension, leaving the Maximals and Predacons behind to settle the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Beast Wars Diorama Story}}

===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{Note|The following event is unique to the Titan Magazines comic continuity and thus doesn't occur anywhere else.}}

Within seconds of Megatron's defeat, Starscream dubbed himself the new Decepticon leader, with the main problem being that he didn't actually have any troops to lead. To amend this slight impediment, he attacked several [[Allspark Mutation]]s and removed the energy from their bodies, which he then proceeded to implant into the corpses of [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout]], [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Devastator]]. With his former comrades reanimated in this [[Zombie|rudimentary manner]], he directed the shambling husks to attack the Autobots, who were still recovering from their battle that had just finished. While the Autobots eventually destroyed the zombies, Starscream had escaped with several AllSpark energy fragments still in his possession. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 7|Starscream's Militia}}

{{notetitantlg}}

[[Image:Tf mag 10 2008.JPG|left|150px|thumb|So evil, boats spontaneously explode rather than face him.]]
Starscream remained on Earth serving under Megatron—and taking orders from [[Dropkick]], who's got a higher rank. In secret, however, he was using [[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticons]] to implant cerebro-strips in the heads of useful humans; at will, he could control their minds, paving the way for a more subtle conquest when he finally got Megatron out of the way. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}}

He became aware of the moon-based Autobots and while ordered to join [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] in beating up [[NATO]], {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 9|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 1}} he got bored during the mission and left as soon as he could to attack the moon-based Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 2}} He beat them up and viciously taunted them, forcing them to take the initiative and go to Earth—just as he wanted. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 11|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 3}} As he hoped, the Autobots eventually won, killing Megatron, destroying the AllSpark and halting the cyberforming of Earth... leaving him free to take command of the Decepticons!

On top of that, he got his hands on the nanovirus the Autobots used on Megatron. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|Twilight's Last Gleaming, Part: 5}} He also took the AllSpark interface module from Megatron's corpse and assimilated it. He started hearing Megatron's voice in his head some time after this... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

[[Image:InsecticonMovie.JPG|right|250px|thumb|Hey, Starscream's ''bugging'' us lolololololol]]

One of his first acts as leader was to begin a bombing campaign against any human attempt to rebuild infrastructure or regain a foothold in the United States. He then organised an attack that would get all the Autobots together so a NATO tank regiment (its commander under cerebro-strip control) could wipe them all out. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 14|Aftermath Part 1}} While this failed, Starscream has still ensured the new [[President of the United States]] is under cerebro control—and the Autobots have no idea he's in command... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|Aftermath Part 2}}

As well as secretly overseeing scorched-earth strategies and attempted Energon grabs, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 16|Dark Spark}} he also gained [[Mikaela Banes]] as a cerebro-controlled slave. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|Return to Cybertron: Part 2}} When the bulk of the Autobots prepared to briefly leave Earth and had Mikaela watch over their [[Savannah]] base, Starscream just waited until they'd gone and effortlessly seized the place. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 19|Return to Cybertron: Part 3}} As a result, the six hundred square miles around the Autobot base were swiftly seized as an autonomous Decepticon nation, with all resistance smashed easily. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 20|Return to Cybertron: Part 4}} This means, shockingly, he actually ''is'' a better leader than Megatron. ''[[Jesus]]''.

[[Image:Starscream Titan22.JPG|left|210px|thumb|"Stop looking at me ''stop looking at me!''"]]
He sadistically taunted Mikaela, hoping there was part of her that was screaming for help, before dispatching [[Jazz (Movie)|the corrupted Jazz]] and [[Kullt]] to assassinate Optimus. It didn't work. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 21|Hard Target}}

While preparing an ambush for the Autobots who he knew would come for Mikaela, he ranted to the Megatron in his head how he'd been a ''far'' better leader and how he was about to kill all the Autobots. His ambush almost worked too, and he almost killed Prime himself—only for the Autobots to turn out to have had a better plan all along, and escape. Admitting to the voices that he had failed and demanding a strategy from then, he realised to his horror that Megatron's mind had wanted him to take the interface module and had downloaded his brain into it; The voice ''really was'' Megatron and he was demanding to be released! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|The Decepticon Who Haunted Himself}}

He didn't release him, though Megatron did feed Starscream a strategy—blackmailing America into booting the Autobots out, then having Allen nuke their ship. This plan was a success, {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|Revolution Part 1}} and a jubilant Starscream despatched his armies to seize the United States, all the while having his mind-controlled humans hamper ''any'' military counter-offensive. He was ''this'' close to total victory when [[Stockade (Movie)|''Stockade'']] turned up, turning a third of the drone armies and possibly two generals to his side, sparking a [[Decepticon Civil War]].

Watching everything collapse around him, a gibbering Starscream was visited by Megatron's voice again, telling him once again that the only way out was to release him and allow Megatron to live again... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 24|Revolution Part 2}}

[[Image:Starscreamseesthings_Titan25.jpg|right|350px|thumb|"I'm as sane as the [[Thunderwing (G1)|next]] leader!"]]

...and this time, desperate and pressured, Starscream ''did''. With his mind now his own again, he realised to his horror what he'd done... but it was too late, he was now a minion again, and tasked to strafe Stockade's forces while Megatron took on the rebel himself. It all was for naught, however: the Autobots (surprisingly ''not'' dead!) intervened and forcibly teleported all the Decepticons to Cybertron, leaving Starscream trapped there ''forever''. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 25|Revolution Part Three}}

====Star Screams====
{{Note|The following details Starscream's tenure as letter-answerer on the Star Screams letters page.}}

{{bigquote|You could mark [your letters] 'All Hail Starscream' so long as you make it clear this is in no way a reflection on our glorious leader or a prelude to some sort of coup. Just so that we're clear on that.|Star Screams}}

[[Image:Star Screams logo.JPG|left|150px|thumb|Hate mail!]]
As of issue 7, he runs the letters page (renamed Star Screams from the original Mech Mail). He hates the letters, the readers, the comic, the editorial team, and probably the baby [[Jesus]]—but he's still got nothing on ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream's]] [[Armada (Panini comic)|letter-answering stint]]. The source of his misanthropy appears to be that nobody ever sent in fan-art of him (#8). The few things he does like are recycling and environmental measures (#14), girls becoming Transformers fans (#19), and [[To sell toys|humans collecting his action figures]].

Autobot sympathisers are hunted down to be exterminated, especially those who dress up as Autobots (#8, #12 and #17), and even the Prime Minister isn't safe (#24). That said, Starscream appears to have a soft spot for his own fans—in #11, when a female reader complained her mum and aunt kept telling her she was too old for Transformers, he announced that the offending relatives had been shortlisted to spend forever polishing his armour with their own spit, bless.

In #8, he revealed he hates the movie because his best scenes and lines were cut out, and #13 confirmed the Decepticon army loathes [[Michael Bay]] for producing pro-Autobot propaganda. This still hasn't prevented him from shilling Bay's second documentary ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'', as he believes it will depict a Decepticon victory (#10) and is going to ignore the script if it says otherwise (#18). Since then, however, he has come under the sway of an unknown higher power in regards to the film, one Starscream fears (#22)...

In #7, he expressed concern that this "[[Simon Furman|Fur-Man]]" was a [[Maximal]] agent, and warned that Titan Magazines would be destroyed if they continued to produce Autobot propaganda. By #13, the Decepticons appear to have taken over Titan and have imprisoned the staff and creators in cages, forcing them to work merely for food—it is surely no coincidence that during this period, Starscream became a successful leader of the Decepticons in the comic strip and that Starscream began wanting more issues brought out. This mistreatment is causing severe physical trauma to [[Steve White]] and [[Den Patrick]] (#19) though Fur-Man is still a free agent and is evading Decepticon capture (#21). Writer [[Robin Etherington]] appears to have angered him, as Starscream is believed to have deliberately miscredited one of his stories in #24. [http://www.studioblinktwice.com/announce.php?Year=2009]

He has incredible hate for [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]], gleefully recounting the guy's horrible death and going berserk in #9 at the idea of Jazz answering the letters.

While he has said he talks to himself to get intelligent conversation and doesn't trust anyone (#9), he has shown some signs of wanting company: he hoped the [[Seeker (Movie)|Seeker]] jets would all be reunited in the next film (#9), is trying to convince [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to be in it too (#15), and wishes Ironhide would join the Decepticons (#16). Despite wanting to re-unite with Thundercracker, he shows contempt for the guy's lack of drive (#11). He views [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] and Soundwave as potential successors if anything ever happens to him (#21). He also appreciates [[Blackout (Movie)|Blackout's]] work (#23) and while he's annoyed the helicopter is more popular than him, he did go to the trouble of giving the guy a proper burial. (#25)

Starscream appears to have had several "off the record" adventures. He has revealed he once had an [[Starscream (G1)|F-15 mode]] and liked it (#9), openly confirming he was [[:Image:Starscream 1982.jpg|active in 1982]] and the impetus for the [[Hungry Dragon]] cover-up. He also refers to [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] also being an F-15 (#11), implying both were active in [[1982]]. He has also had some experience with and knowledge of [[Unicron]] (#12), something [[Transformers Comic issue 19|no other Transformer had]] and something that terrified him (#17), and in which he apparently witnessed Unicron trying to devour Cybertron (#19)...

He maintains that his voice is not [[Chris Latta|scratchy]] in any way.

Eventually, however, the constant stress of the letters drove him to a nervous breakdown, and he was sent to a very special home (or "on a mission of great importance", according to his cover story). He still produces a regular horrorscope. (Vol.2 #1) [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] has wondered about Starscream's ongoing absence, noting the home must have better security than the Decepticons first thought! (Vol.2 #12) He must be recovering, because he went on to insult ''every single member of this wiki''. ([[Transformers_Comic_issue_2.7#Starscream.27s_stars|Vol.2 #7]])

===IDW ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie comics===
{{bigquote|My plan failed, or was it my troops that failed me? I can only process the situation and hope for a conclusion. There are allies on Earth, and more scattered across the Galaxy. I will seek them out. By my side they will join, and in time, I '''will''' have my kingdom... regardless of the location.|Starscream|[[The Reign of Starscream issue 5|The Reign of Starscream #5]]}}

Starscream assumed the role of [[Decepticon leader]] on Earth following Megatron's defeat and the destruction of the AllSpark. Though tempted to exact revenge on the humans, he realized he might be the last functional Decepticon on the planet, so he escaped Mission City to recover the badly-damaged Barricade. Starscream gave him orders to continue his reconnaissance of the Autobot once he was able, and headed for Hoover Dam to retrieve Frenzy. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream Issue Number One}}

Starscream made his way to Hoover Dam, taking out masses of human soldiers and a [[Landmine (Movie)|less-than-functional attack drone]]. Starscream took a [[Salazar|human captive]] along with Frenzy's body, but the fleshling didn't survive the Decepticon's trip to [[Mars (planet)|Mars]]. However, the trip, combined with the damage from the battle took its toll and upon finding his starship, he had to be helped inside by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]]. The pair discussed Thundercracker's progress with the space bridge terminal, the physiology of humans and the abilities of Starscream's new form. While recharging, he ordered Thundercracker to download the information from Frenzy; however, an Autobot scouting party interrupted their efforts. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream Issue Number Two}}

[[Image:ROSWannabet.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Let's hope that Dreadwing isn't revived by Unicron.]]
Starscream ordered Thundercracker and the drones to deal with them while he prepared for take off. After recovering, he made short work of the Autobots and dragged a damaged Thundercracker inside the ship, before activating the terminal and warping to Cybertron. He handed Thundercracker over to [[Ramjet (Movie)|Ramjet]], and ordered construction of a [[replica AllSpark]], based on Frenzy's data. Approaching Megatron's citadel, Starscream, still impressed by the power his new form gave him, destroyed the former leader's figurehead. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 3|The Reign of Starscream #3}}

A [[Units of time|quartex]] later, Starscream ruminated about ruling over a Cybertron free of war or factions, as well as bringing certain [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|war criminals]] to justice. He arrived at the AllSpark construction yard, busted [[Crankcase (Movie)|Crankcase]]'s vocal processor for whining too much, and chained him up along with [[Elita-One (Movie)|four]] [[Warpath (Movie)|enslaved]] [[Signal Flare (Movie)|Autobot]] [[Grindcore (Movie)|prisoners]] on the new AllSpark, ready to offer up their lives in exchange for a new life for Cybertron. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 4|The Reign of Starscream #4}}

[[Image:StarscreamandWreckageAlliance2.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Yes, it is!]]

Things sort of went downhill from there, though. First, the AllSpark replica didn't work; then [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] rebelled. Then they saw that Arcee had snuck aboard Starscream's ship, led an Autobot attack on [[Simfur]] and destroyed the new AllSpark. In the ensuing chaos, Starscream, along with his few remaining loyal subjects, fought off the army of Dreadwing drones and assorted other traitors. Starscream tracked Dreadwing to the space bridge as he took a starship through it. By the time the ship arrived on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], it was damaged by Starscream's attack, but Dreadwing survived. However, Starscream also survived, revealed himself, and ripped out Dreadwing's spark core. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 5|The Reign of Starscream #5}}

After Dreadwing's betrayal, Starscream relocated to Earth, his aspirations for leadership and his faith in his fellow Decepticons shattered. As he brooded and carved AllSpark runes onto his exo-structure, he picked up a transmission from [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]], informing Starscream of Optimus Prime's forthcoming journey to a Sector Seven facility where Wreckage was held. {{storylink|Alliance issue 1|Alliance #1}}

Starscream arrived on Earth not long after Wreckage escaped. The two engaged in a heated battle, each accusing the other of betrayal. Wreckage managed to gain the upper hand, but the timely arrival of Bumblebee gave Starscream the chance to kill Wreckage. He thanked Bumblebee by blasting him, but was contacted by [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] before he could finish the job. Shocked that Soundwave was still alive, Starscream left with renewed vigor, believing Soundwave held the key to making a new army. Rendezvousing on Mars, Starscream informed Soundwave of Megatron's death and the AllSpark's loss, and was pleased when he was told a number of troops were headed for Earth, with more in stasis. After receiving co-ordinates to Soundwave's ship, a more enthusiastic Starscream left for the ''Nemesis'', aiming to bring the troops aboard out of stasis while Soundwave carried out "[[Solar harvester|other orders]]". {{storylink|Alliance issue 2|Alliance #2}}
{{-}}

===''The Veiled Threat'' prequel novel===
{{Note|The events of ''The Veiled Threat'' take place during [[IDW Publishing]]'s ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]'' comic.}}
Starscream was in [[Zambia]] where he gained control of the rebel [[Human Accessory Force]] by synthesizing [[gold]] coins with his own body. He sent [[Macerator]], [[Dropkick]] and [[Payload (Movie)|Payload]] to blow up a series of dams along the Zambezi River. Although the three Decepticons were stopped by [[NEST]], Starscream intercepted them and killed [[Beachbreak]], who was hoisting [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] up Victoria Falls. He then oversaw the Decepticons attack on a dam along the Zambezi, but the action saw the loss of Macerator and Payload. With their plan in ruins, Starscream ordered Dropkick to retreat.

Little did Starscream know that not all of the troops Soundwave had brought were so eager to serve him for merely succeeding to the Decepticon throne. A number of Decepticons were working in secret to amass vast quantities of energy to locate Megatron and jump start his spark. Upon discovering the existence of this faction, Optimus surmised that Starscream would be hard pressed to withstand a coup, and the only way to secure his claim would be to destroy Optimus and the Autobots quickly.

Starscream flew to [[Italy]] where he allied with criminal mastermind [[Bruno Carrera]], promising him rule of Europe once Starscream ruled Earth if he helped kill Optimus Prime. [[Swindle (Movie)|Swindle]] and [[Jolt (Movie)|Deadend]] drew NEST to Rome, where Starscream challenged Optimus to one-on-one combat in the Coliseum: it was a trap, and Optimus fell through a hidden door into a set of restraints in an underground tunnel built by Carrera. The humans helped Optimus escape though, and Starscream flew off to pay Carrera back for his failure. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan1_FallenStarscream.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Hey! C'mon on outa there you!]]

With Megatron dead, Starscream found himself as one of [[The Fallen]]'s proxies and was not too happy with the idea of working for another guy ''again''. He organised <strike>his</strike> the Fallen's Decepticon army and took them to Cybertron on the Fallen's orders. Unfortunately he was spied on by [[Mudflap (ROTF)|two]] [[Skids (ROTF)|Autobots]], and failed to exterminate them before they fled to Earth. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}} News of this made the Fallen ''very unhappy'', who ordered Starscream to remain on Cybertron and ''not fail again''. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}

After the Twins' bumbling on Earth, they were suspected of being double agents and were to be sent into orbitary exile. [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ordered Starscream to take out the Twins' military escort in an effort to make them defect. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

[[Image:Titan8_Starscreamlastwords.jpg|left|150px|thumb|]]

Later, after the Decepticons had captured the lost [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]], Starscream sat in on Soundwave's interrogation of the old fogey. However, Ransack refused to tell them, and Starscream had to step in to stop an angry Soundwave from killing the guy. He volunteered to interrogate the ancient Seeker himself, but Ransack found the whole thing laughable: he knew the Decepticons were operating their ''own'' agenda while the Fallen was incapacitated, but they'd soon learn their freedom was just an illusion.

A few seconds later, the twins arrived to bust the base up. Starscream and Soundwave soon put an end to ''that'', and Starscream gleefully prepared to exterminate Mudflap at long last... Whoops, that gave Ransack the chance to shoot Starscream in the back and leg it! Desperate to keep the Fallen from knowing they'd been up to anything, Starscream and the other 'Cons chased after the Seeker. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.8|Back-to-Back}}

{{-}}

===''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Charlie Adler]] (English), [[José Sant'anna]] (Portuguese), [[Tadashi Miyazawa]] (Japanese), [[Axel Lutter]] (German), [[Luigi Scribani]] (Italian)

[[Image:ROTF Megatron choke Starscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"We really shouldn't fight in front of the chil--" "SHUT UP!"]]
Starscream was unconcerned with reviving his leader Megatron, choosing to spend his time as acting commander on the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' engineering a new army. His plan was failing miserably, as without [[energon (fuel)|energon]] the [[hatchling]]s were dying. After [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] successfully executed his plan to resurrect Megatron, Starscream (who may or may not have known of said plan) attempted to welcome his commander with open arms, only to be criticized for leaving him for dead. Starscream defended his actions by saying [[The Fallen]] decreed the spawning of a new army, and that in Megatron's absence, someone had to take command. This was a bad choice of words on Starscream's part, as Megatron slammed him into a hatchling sack and told him the simple truth: even in death, there is no command greater than Megatron's.

Megatron noted the plight of the hatchlings though, and sought the advice of the Fallen, whom Starscream had kept on life support, on another source of energon now that the [[AllSpark]] was destroyed. The Fallen revealed there was another source, and that the key to attaining it was through the boy who had killed Megatron. But first, The Fallen commanded that they kill [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]], the last of the [[Dynasty of Primes]], so that he would be safe. Since Optimus would come to protect Sam, it would be a simple matter to capture him. Starscream arrived and announced that they had [[Alice|an agent]] within sight of the boy. He was eager to get that energon, as the hatchlings would keep dying without it.

[[Image:ROTF Starscream Sam Mikaela.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Damn things are everywhere.]]
Starscream aided in [[Sam Witwicky]]'s capture by cutting open the car [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] had captured him in, and watched as Megatron and [[Scalpel (ROTF)|Scalpel]] threatened to dissect him for the information in his mind from the AllSpark regarding the energon source. Optimus and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] arrived to rescue Sam: Starscream let Megatron do most of the fighting in the factory, before Optimus blasted him through the wall and drove off with Sam to a forest.

[[Image:ROTF Prime Starscream arm.jpg|thumb|left|250px|"MY ARM!" "Oh, you want it back? HERE!"]]
Starscream arrived, immediately going for the boy, but Prime ran interference, grabbing Starscream, suplexing him, and kicking off part of his mouth, leading the three Decepticons to gang up on him. Surprisingly, it went quite poorly for the Decepticons: Prime was able to take on all three, using Starscream as a shield and sending his artillery flying at Grindor. After stabbing Megatron multiple times, Optimus ripped off Starscream's arm. Starscream could only cry out in horror as Optimus then used it as a club against the Decepticon. Although Optimus managed to kill Grindor, Megatron eventually managed to kill Optimus, but before they could retrieve Sam, the rest of the Autobots arrived while Bumblebee spirited Sam away. Megatron and Starscream were forced to retreat.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_MegatronStarscream_roofchat.jpg|thumb|right|300px|25 years later and I'm still your punching bag!]]

Starscream and Megatron flew to the top of a [[New York City]] skyscraper, where Starscream revealed that they had lost track of the boy. Megatron berated Starscream and hit him with the detached arm he was trying to stick in, furious that he lost track of a single insect. Starscream countered that there were seven billion insects on the planet, and that he could be anywhere at this point. Megatron decided to reveal the Decepticons' presence to the world: Starscream stood openly atop a skyscraper during the rejuvenated Fallen's announcement to the world.

After Soundwave learned that the boy was in [[Egypt]], Starscream flew to investigate. Locating the boy, he fired upon Bumblebee, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], who had Sam, [[Mikaela Banes]], [[Leo Spitz]] and [[Seymour Simmons]] as their passengers, bombing them to no avail. Bumblebee, Simmons, Leo, and the Twins drew Starscream's fire while Sam and Mikaela fled to the NEST soldiers. During his flyby of the NEST team, he released an electromagnetic pulse that took out the humans' communications, but saw Prime's body. Meeting Megatron atop the pyramid which hid the harvester, Starscream informed Megatron of his discovery, and Megatron ordered the [[Operation: Firestorm|assault]] to begin.

[[Image:ROTF Starscream grab.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Ceiling Seeker is watching you masturbate. And he will no longer tolerate it.]]

As Sam and Mikaela tried to reach Optimus to revive him with the [[Matrix of Leadership]], Starscream led several [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]] and [[Protoform]]s in a search for Sam. It wasn't going very well, to the point that Starscream literally started shooting the ground in anger. An [[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticon]] managed to find them, and Starscream tore the roof off the building they were in, but the two humans managed to lose them again. Starscream then ordered [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] to hold Sam's parents [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky|Judy]] for ransom: Sam was ready to exchange the Matrix, but Bumblebee rescued them and killed Rampage. Starscream was soon drawn into the battle with [[NEST]], and was unable to search for Sam any longer.

[[Image:ROTF Starscream cowards survive.jpg|thumb|right|300px|"Not to call you a coward-Oh heck, you are a coward!"]]
Starscream watched from the sidelines as Optimus was resurrected by the Matrix, and combined with [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. Although the Fallen had obtained the Matrix and activated his solar harvester, as he had predicted, the last of the Primes killed the Fallen and destroyed the harvester. Starscream stood next to Megatron, who had lost his right arm and had half his face blown off thanks to Optimus Prime, and advised that they should flee (cowards do survive after all), something that Megatron acknowledged. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (film)}}
{{-}}
===Cyber Missions===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Bronco D. Jackson]]
[[Image:CyberMissions10 Starscream.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Starscream watched from the air as [[Mindwipe (ROTF)|Mindwipe]] interrogated [[Jack (ROTF)|Jack]]. As the other Decepticon announced the Energon would be his, Starscream corrected his obviously erroneous statement. When they found the convoy, Starscream dropped mines on the road in front of [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]], knocking loose the trailer-load of energon. While Mindwipe turned his hypnotic abilities on the two Autobots, Starscream landed behind them. The two Decepticons' bickering allowed Sideswipe to break Mindwipe's concentration, and he began grappling with Starscream while Ratchet went for the energon. Starscream quickly got the better of Sideswipe and threatened to rip his spark out, but Ratchet responded by throwing the energon and Mindwipe off a nearby cliff. Starscream dived after it, ignoring Mindwipe's pleas for help, and grabbed the energon. Ratchet shot the energon which exploded, but Starscream subsequently streaked from the flames in his jet mode, and the two Autobots decided to find somewhere safe to take cover. {{storylink|Cyber Missions 10}}

Starscream met up with Megatron in the Arctic sometime later, but it was far from a pleasant reunion - Megatron was pissed that Starscream openly defied him, and once again reminded him of his absolute power. Optimus arrived, and a two on one duel ensued. Soon, the Autobots arrived, and Starscream broke off to leave the duel to be leader-to-leader. Starscream took on Ratchet, Ironhide, Bumblebee, and Sideswipe all at once, and eventually was defeated. Starscream quickly fled the scene.{{storylink|Cyber Missions 12}}

Later, Megatron led Starscream, Barricade, Mindwipe, and Bludgeon to rescue the imprisoned Soundwave from the Autobots. However, Soundwave was only a hologram, and Optimus confronted the Decepticons. Megatron once again dueled Optimus, and Starscream told the others to wait until Megatron wore the Autobot leader down, then attack Optimus... only for Ratchet, Ironhide, and Bumblebee to arrive. In the ensuing battle, Starscream tried to flee, but was fired at by Ironhide, and Starscream retaliated by tackling and grappling with Ironhide on the ground. The Autobots' human allies arrived, and outnumbered the Decepticons a hundred to one, and Megatron was once again defeated by Optimus. The Autobot leader gave the Decepticons a choice: leave Earth or fight and die. Starscream, naturally, was the first to leave and abandon his leader, and Mindwipe and Bludgeon followed.{{storylink|Decepticons Attack}}
{{--}}

===Titan Magazines post-''Revenge of the Fallen'' comics===

[[Image:Titan17_Starscreamstatue.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Hasbro's just losing the battle against copyright infringement...]]

Starscream wanted to create his ''own'' Decepticon army and assumed there had to be some Energon sources and artifacts still on Earth to enable this: after all, why else would the Autobots stay? He tore through [[Peru]]'s Amazon rainforest looking for Energon and, in the process, a local tribe began worshipping him and erecting statues in his honour. He briefly thought about recruiting them.

When an Autobot/human team arrived, Starscream briefly engaged them in combat and shrugged off claims that they ''hadn't got'' an ulterior motive for being on Earth. To cover his retreat, he set fire to the rainforest so the Autobots would have to put it out rather than follow him. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.17|The Kingdom of Starscream}}

{{-}}

==Games==
{{picsneeded|Game screen shots, cut scenes, whatever}}
===''Transformers'': The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Daniel Ross]]

====Autobot campaign====
Starscream, Blackout, and a pair of [[Dreadwing (Movie)|Dreadwing]] drones took on [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz]] during the battle of [[Mission City]], but the smaller Autobot managed to beat all four of them. Guess he finally got to fight the big ones. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

====Decepticon campaign====
Starscream coordinated the missions for Blackout and Barricade while hiding in a military base. After receiving information from Barricade that Megatron had been located, Starscream ordered him to proceed to Hoover Dam, while he himself went to locate [[Bonecrusher (Movie)|Bonecrusher]] and [[Brawl (Movie)|Brawl]]. However, the humans were aware of the three Decepticons and used drones, weapon platforms, and fighters based on Cybertronian design. Starscream was forced to move back and forth between Bonecrusher and Brawl, rescuing them from human attackers, all to background music far too heroic for someone of Screamer's character. After taking a moment to enjoy the ruin he had made of the base, Starscream proceeded to Hoover Dam. Blackout informed him that the structure was blocking their scans, so Starscream ordered him to tear it down piece by piece to find Megatron and the AllSpark. When Megatron emerged, Starscream bowed before his [[Lord High Protector|Lord]].

At [[Mission City]], Starscream took a moment to [[Ramjet (G1)|ram]] Optimus Prime during the latter's duel with Megatron, and tried to go head to head with Optimus Prime but was knocked away. After Megatron absorbed the AllSpark and Earth was decimated, Starscream stood at his master's left side as the Decepticon leader declared their business on Earth was concluded.

There is an unlockable skin for Starscream that gives him a G1 paintjob. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (console)|Transformers The Game}}

===Transformers: Autobots (DS)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Daniel Ross]]

While on a mission in the Arctic to find and destroy Megatron and recover the AllSpark, [[Create-A-Bot (Autobot)|Create-A-Bot]] and Ironhide ran into the air commander during their escape. Making Create-A-Bot run for cover, Ironhide took on Starscream and his lackeys (despite mentioning he's "getting too old for this"). Once defeated, Starscream took off into the atmosphere, never to be seen again. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Autobots}}

{{Note|Starscream is the only Decepticon in this version of the game who is not definitively destroyed. (Bonecrusher isn't included, since Prime cut off his head on his way in. Bonecrusher hates this game because of that.) Starscream's body type appears as Skydive, unlockable with 2500 WiFi Tokens. In the US, this feature is also unlockable by downloading the ''Transformers'' preview movie from a Target DS Download Station.}}

===Transformers: Decepticons (DS)===
:''Voice actor'': [[Daniel Ross]]

After the disappearance of Megatron nearly a million years ago (yeah, we know), Starscream took over the Decepticons as their high commander. Arriving on Earth, he instructed [[Create-A-Bot (Decepticon)|Create-A-Bot]] to follow Barricade until he arrived. However, none of the other Decepticons would trust him, and he confided in Create-A-Bot a great number of secrets, including the location of the AllSpark and the identity of the lost Decepticon they were retrieving: [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]]. Starscream reasoned that he hid these things because revealing them would lead to a power struggle, but no one bought it except the naive rookie.

Soon, though, the other Decepticons revealed the reason for their lack of faith (which Create-A-Bot found disturbing): Starscream was a morally ambiguous backstabber. Of course, Megatron wasn't much better, since he was a treacherous, black-hearted face-stabber, but at least he let you know where you stood with him. Once the Autobots returned the AllSpark to Tranquility, he gave chase after a now-AllSpark-empowered Bumblebee (in the single most frustrating level of the game), caught the "babbling fool", and destroyed a meddlesome Blackout, until Barricade got in the way.

After threat of execution for treason, Starscream proceeded to show the smaller Decepticon WHY Megatron picked him as his second-in-command: his brute strength and incredible battle strategy. After a severe thrashing, Create-A-Bot arrived with intent to kill. However, Starscream now had the AllSpark and was nearly unstoppable. They proceeded to battle over the Casino Strip, where Create-A-Bot took the AllSpark from him and smashed it into his chest. Create-A-Bot was knocked back and severely damaged by the blast, but Starscream remained as powerful as ever, perhaps more so now that the AllSpark had merged with his body. However, as was quickly proven, [[Starscream (G1)|Starscreams]] who receive [[Starscream (Armada)|ungodly power]] tend to explode, as Megatron found him and proceeded to chase and tear him apart. In his last breath, Starscream spat on Megatron's name, saying there would always be those who would question his power. Megatron simply replied by smashing his face in. {{storylink|Transformers Autobots/Decepticons|Transformers: Decepticons}}

{{note|Starscream's body type is available in two forms, the regular Starscream playable in certain missions (unlocked by beating the game) and G1 Starscream, based on the Target exclusive retooling/redeco. The G1 body is unlocked by earning 2500 WiFi tokens, or by downloading the preview movie for the game from a Target DS Download Station.}}

===Transformers: The Game (PSP)===
Starscream attacked Hoover Dam to free Megatron from his "tomb". Afterwards, he battled [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]] over the leadership of the Decepticons back on Cybertron. {{storylink|Transformers The Game (PSP)|Transformers The Game}}
{{-}}

===''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' - The Game===
:''Voice actor:'' [[Charlie Adler]]

====Xbox 360/Sony PS3/PC====
=====Decepticon campaign=====
[[Image:ROTF_360PS3PC_Starscream_AerialbotScout1.jpg|thumb|250px|Starscream demonstrating hardware accelerated graphics including particle effects, dynamic lighting, shinemaps, and Autobot-smashing.]]
Starscream served as the main aerial assault unit, utilizing his rapid-fire Gatling gun and his homing missiles. He could also activate a [[Null Reactor]], which slowed enemies down and increased the damage he dealt to them.

After the Decepticons lost possesion of Mikaela, Starscream decided to seek out [[Theodore Galloway|NSA chief Galloway]], and force the location of the other remaining AllSpark shard, and Megatron's location, from him. The fleshing was known to be visiting one of several buildings around the canals of Sam and Mikaela's hometown, and Starscream destroyed each in turn, looking to flush out his target. Galloway was soon located, and Starscream took him for extraction.

The information gained from Galloway lead to the Decepticons capturing an AllSpark shard, and armed with this artifact, a team was sent to revive Megatron. Whilst other Decepticons descended into the sea to attend to their leader, Starscream and several Constructicons attacked the carrier group on the ocean surface. Seeking to eliminate their defense, Starscream destroyed the AA guns mounted on the larger craft, and then sank the small control boats in the area. Before long, Megatron rose from the ocean, and the Decepticons left the area.

When Sam and Bumblebee travelled to an east coast museum to meet with Jetfire, Starscream was ordered by Megatron to destroy the building and retrieve the boy. Although, under heavy fire from Autobots, Starscream collapsed the museum, Sam, Bumblebee and Jetfire escape via space bridge. After Megatron defeated their master [[The Fallen]], who was monotoring the progress of the [[solar harvester]], Starscream immediately reported to Megatron that Optimus had deactivated the machine. Megatron took this reply well, and went off to activate The Fallen's hidden army of protoforms. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

=====Autobot campaign=====
Following Sam Witwicky's flight to Egypt with Jetfire, Starscream fled with his minions to the abandoned foundry where the Decepticons had previously held Sam. Locating him, Optimus Prime battled it out with Starscream, forcing the Air Commander to retreat.

Later, Starscream joined Megatron in attacking Optimus Prime and Jetfire in Egypt. As leader fought leader, [[Seeker (Movie)|Seeker]] fought [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seeker]], with Jetfire holding his own against Starscream until Optimus defeated Megatron and helped defeat Starscream. As Jetfire held the Air Commander at his mercy, Megatron snuck up and ran Jetfire through with his sword, allowing the Decepticons to retreat. {{storylink|Revenge of the Fallen (Xbox 360/PS3/PC)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

==Toys==
''See [[Starscream (Movie)/toys]].''

==Merchandise==
''See [[Starscream (Movie)/toys#Merchandise]].''

==Notes==
* Starscream's film design was initially conceptualized by designer [[Feng Zhu]] <ref>http://www.fengzhudesign.com/portfolio.html</ref>

* The card back of Protoform Starscream's packaging features a completely different, earlier head sculpt. What's more, this head design is featured on his protoform body in IDW's movie prequel comics. It's since become Starscream's standard "pre-Earth" face, likely out of consistency.

* His protoform was not the only design to get a new head. The earliest concepts of Starscream's head were more skull-like and oblong in shape. This was, of course, redesigned to look more "like a samurai helmet." Unlike the redesigned head of Megatron, Starscream's earlier face only shows up in ''one'' piece of media: the book [[Look and Find Transformers]].

* As revealed in ROTF's Blu-ray gallery, Starscream's final head design was one that was rejected for Megatron. Maybe that's why he's such a sycophant.

* On-screen in the first live-action movie, Starscream has only one short conversation with Megatron and a total screen time of less than 10 minutes. The tie-in fiction and the sequel are ''much'' kinder.

* In that 10 minutes in the first film, he was able to blow up a power plant, tear Bumblebee's legs in half with his missiles, gun down Ratchet and Ironhide like it was target practice, blow up a helicopter about to retrieve the Allspark, battle a team of F-22s, and escape the earth's atmosphere. A lot to do in just 10 minutes.

* It has been suggested that, following his attack on the F-22 squadron over the city, Starscream was able to hide among the survivors and take part in the attack on Megatron shortly thereafter. This theory is speculative; While it fits the character of the G1 Starscream from the '80s, there is nothing actually on the screen to suggest it. (Roberto Orci was asked, but refused to give a definite answer.)<ref>http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=387172&postcount=185 Roberto Orci refusing to comment on the possibility of Starscream attacking Megatron during the final battle</ref>

* His bio for his Deep Space figure mentions that he re-energized himself at a power plant after the [[Mission City]] battle. Whilst this was not seen in the film, it appears [[The Real Effing Deal|others]] caught notice of it; [http://www.therealeffingdeal.com/blog/“mission-city-update-exclusive”/].

* The Sector Seven online ARG used the "[[Masterpiece]]" version of [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] to represent the "real" Starscream who had infiltrated Earth. A lot of Generation 1 cameos were made in this manner. Make of that what you will.

* Even though Starscream had only two lines of English dialogue in the first film, José Sant'anna, who played the Generation 1 character in the Brazilian dub of the original cartoon, was re-cast to play the role in the movie. However, his voice was so heavily modulated that only someone with a really good ear could recognize him. Go figure.

*Speaking of dialogue, most of his lines are in Cybertronian. He begins his role with speaking Cybertronian ("This is Starscream. All Decepticons mobilize.") and ends with another Cybertronian line that isn't subtitled. Of course, he could have been talking to himself (as he does when he reaches Sector Seven) or even cursing. Considering ''The Reign of Starscream'' has a guy exploding inside him at this point, swearing seems appropriate.

*He's probably the only Starscream that hasn't died or suffered grievous bodily damage. ''Yet''.
** Although he loses an arm in ''Revenge of the Fallen'', he eventually puts it back on (when Megatron stops slapping him with it). Must be a [[ball joint]].

*The new downloadable content for the ''Revenge of the Fallen'' game on Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gives Starscream [[Starscream (G1)|another form]] and a [[Sunstorm (G1)|repaint of it]]. Because of this, Starscream ends up with the most alternate skins of any character. Huh...that [[Seeker (body-type)|sounds]] [[Starscream clone (Animated)|familiar]] [[Starscream (Armada)|somehow...]]

{{-}}
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tfu.info/2007/Decepticon/ProtoformStarscream/starscream.htm Starscream at TFU.info]

[[Category:3D Battle-Cards]]
[[Category:Cyber Missions characters]]
[[Category:Decepticon leaders]]
[[Category:Hall of Fame]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Movie Decepticons]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen Decepticons]]
[[Category:Seekers]]

Starscream (Movie)

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Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:30:17Z

84.193.193.10: who said I did? anyway, the point is that consensus cannot be used as an excuse to ignore reality

Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:24:04Z

84.193.193.10: Undo revision 545178 by Geewunling (Talk) <begin broken record>consensus does not trump reality<end broken record>

Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:13:45Z

84.193.193.10: Undo revision 545169 by Interrobang (Talk) this is not the "let's present our "wouldn't it be cool if....." thinking as fact" wiki

Talk:Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T15:08:59Z

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{{chapters
|title=Talk:Goldbug (IDW) Archives
|content=*[[Talk:Goldbug (IDW)/Archive1|Archive 1]]
*[[Talk:Goldbug (IDW)/Archive2|Archive 2]]
}}

== ''Transformers'' Gold Bumblebee ==

So what do you think? Is "[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys#Transformers (2010)|Gold Bumblebee]]" really "Goldbug" under a different name? Should the toy be included here? Just throwing the idea out there. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 23:09, 30 October 2010 (EDT)
:I would think his name being "Gold Bumblebee" would preclude him from being a character who isn't Bumblebee. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 23:35, 30 October 2010 (EDT)
::Good point. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:26, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
:::I think we should add that toy anyway since it's supposed to be Goldbug and judging from the name Hasbro gave it, I don't see a toy named Goldbug anytime soon.-[[User:ACIDSTORM92|ACIDSTORM92]] 17:49, 1 December 2010 (EST)
::::If that toy represents any "Goldbug" it is "Goldbug who used to be Bumblebee" while this page is "Goldbug who was never Bumblebee". That seems like reason enough to keep it off this page (and on Bumblebee's), but then again that same reason didn't suffice for the original Goldbug toy (see below). --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 17:51, 1 December 2010 (EST)

== Guys, guys..... ==

Can we ''please'' remove the toy? He has never appeared in that form, EVER. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 16:25, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
:That would give the impression that IDW made him up. It would fail to acknowledge the link between IDW Goldbug and his G1 Throttlebot origins. The IDW story involves the Throttlebots which were a subgroup of Autobots with the same gimmick. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:35, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
::I'm with Blackout on this one. That toy does not match the representation of the character in any of his appearances. A simple note (like the one that was removed earlier today) would cover the connection. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:45, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
:::We already went over this a year ago, and it seems it was decided the toy would stay. By this same logic, the other IDW Throttlebots should be split off into their own toy-free pages for not having appeared in Earth forms yet. Fact of the matter is, we've got a character in a G1 continuity named Goldbug who shares clear similarities with the G1 toy Goldbug. He's meant to represent that toy. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 17:48, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
::::The original toy is of a Goldbug who was Bumblebee, this is Goldbug who was never Bumblebee. The other Throttlebots are the same characters as their old toys. But apparently consensus is against me on this, so I won't press the issue. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 20:15, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
:This matter was dealt with already, as you can see in the miles of text above. Please do not bring it up again. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 17:52, 31 October 2010 (EDT)
:So why is the toy section disappearing? - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:46, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::Because Blackout thinks he's the Judge Dredd of the Transformers wiki. [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] 12:47, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::I was under the impression that toys were shown on the pages of the characters they were released as or of the characters they were officially repurposed as, which of these apply to this toy and this character? Or is there something I'm missing. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 13:33, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::::I've got an idea. There are two archive pages full of this shit, linked above. Read them. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 13:37, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::::I have. The conclusion still makes no sense. This seems like putting the original Optimus Prime toy on every OP page because they were all inspired by the original.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 13:42, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::::::No, it would be like putting the original Optimus Prime toy on every ''Generation 1'' Optimus Prime page. In Optimus Prime's case, there is only one Generation 1 Optimus Prime page. In Goldbug's case, there are two Generation 1 Goldbug pages. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 14:11, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::But they are still different characters. When was that toy released or repurposed as this character? The note would seem to be sufficient.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 14:26, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::::::::He is a Generation 1 character named Goldbug. He wouldn't even EXIST without this toy. Ergo, it's worth putting on his page. [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] 14:33, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::::How does that make this situation any different than any other homage character? It may be worth mentioning, but how does that mean that that toy is this character and not just an inspiration? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 14:51, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::::::::::There's dozens, if not hundreds of characters with personalities and backstories that are distinctly different from their tech specs or appearances in prior continuities, and they aren't split out. Sunbow Ratbat and Marvel Ratbat effectively have nothing in common but their names and the toy they were based on, but they're treated as the same character. Every argument in favor of taking the toy info off this page has a mountain of counter-examples showing why that goes against standard policy. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 14:59, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::::::They are treated as the same characters because they are the same character. The toy is the preexisting character Goldbug-who-was-Bumblebee, this is the new character Goldbug-who-was-never-Bumblebee. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 15:09, 15 January 2011 (EST)
::::::::As long as the IDW is considered to be "G1" by the wiki, they are ''not'' different characters. They just have different backstories. Like G1 Cyclonus or G1 Micromasters. This would all be much less confusing to people if there was one G1 Goldbug page, with notes on Bumblebee's page "Note: for events that happened while Bumblebee was a Throttlebot named Goldbug, see 'Goldbug (G1)'" - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 16:35, 15 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::::''Yes, they are different characters.''
:::::::::G1 Goldbug is Bumblebee. It is a fundamental part of his character. IDW Goldbug is not Bumblebee. There, different guys. --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 08:39, 19 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::::: Then would we have to make a seperate page for cartoon Shockwave and remove his toys because seeking to replace megatron is a fundamental part of his character? Should we make a separate page for IDW Galvatron and remove all his toys because formerly being Megatron is a fundamental part of his character?[[User:Riddlerj|Riddlerj]] 09:28, 19 January 2011 (EST)
:::::::::::1. No. Cartoon Shockwave is clearly the same guy as all the other G1 Shockwaves and he only has a different personality because of a mistake.
:::::::::::2. IDW Galvatron is actually a bit of a grey area. We debated that some time ago but got nowhere. --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 10:08, 19 January 2011 (EST)

Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T13:40:11Z

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Talk:Goldbug (IDW)

2011-01-19T13:39:41Z

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Team Athenia

2011-01-10T19:05:26Z

84.193.193.10: New page: {{factions|autobot}} :''Team Athenia is an Autobot subgroup from the Transformers Animated continuity family.'' '''Team Athenia''' is a squad...

{{factions|autobot}}
:''Team Athenia is an [[Autobot]] subgroup from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

'''Team Athenia''' is a squad of Autobots stationed on the galactic rim.
Its members are:

*[[Rodimus Prime (Animated)|Rodimus Prime]], the leader
*[[Brawn (Animated)|Brawn]]
*[[Hot Shot (Animated)|Hot Shot]]
*[[Red Alert (Animated)|Red Alert]]
*[[Ironhide (Animated)|Ironhide]]

==Fiction==
===Animated cartoon===
Team Athenia battled [[Team Chaar]], composed of [[Strika (Animated)|Strika]], [[Spittor (Animated)|Spittor]], [[Cyclonus (Animated)|Cyclonus]], [[Blackout (Animated)| Blackout]], and [[Oil Slick (Animated)|Oil Slick]] for control of [[space bridge 687-030]], but was defeated. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[Category:Animated]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]

Blaster (G1)

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{{factions|autobot}}
{{disambig3|Blaster}}
:''Blaster is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]]. In Japan he is later rebuilt as '''Twincast'''.''
[[Image:SDCCBlasterBoxArt.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"What it is, big mama? My mama ain't raise no dummies, I dug her rap!"]]
'''Blaster''' loves all [[Earth]] music, especially good, hard, LOUD rock 'n' roll. A powerful fighter who tends to make his presence known, you can find him at the forefront of any situation in which he's involved.

{{note|Blaster's personality varied significantly between the comic and cartoon; see entries below for details.}}

:''Preliminary names:'' '''Pulse'''<ref>[http://www.allspark.com/index.php?full=1&set_albumName=BotCon_2010_Sat_Panels&id=DSC05237&option=com_gallery&Itemid=4&include=view_photo.php Bob Budiansky's notes at BotCon 2010]</ref>, '''Blastbox'''<ref>[[Production bible]] of [[The Transformers (cartoon)|the original cartoon]]</ref>
:''Japanese names:'' '''Broadcast''', later '''Twincast'''
:''Japanese names (Binaltech Asterisk):'' '''Broadblast'''
:''French-Canadian name:'' '''Tempo'''
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Össztűz''' ("All-fire" or "Class firing")
:''Italian name (original cartoon):'' '''Radiorobot'''
:''Italian names (The Headmasters):'' '''Audiobot''' / '''Digital'''
:''[[Omni Productions]] dub names:'' '''Billy''' / '''Blaster'''
:''Portuguese name (Brazil comic):'' '''Dinamitador'''
:''Portuguese name (Portugal comic):'' '''Rajada''' ("Gust")
:''Latin-American name (The Headmasters):'' '''Bill'''

==Fiction==
===Cartoon continuity===
====Generation 1 cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Buster Jones]] (English), [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese), [[Leonardo Araujo]] (Latin American)

[[Image:G1 DinobotIsland Blaster.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"May I have this dance?"]]
Blaster was a fun-loving, hip and happening robot. Loud and energetic, he was happy to share his choice of rockin' tunes with anyone, whether they really wanted to hear them or not.

Blaster appeared out of nowhere one day during [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]'s demonstration of the modifications he'd made to the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] to improve their sense of balance and coordination, and to that end, Blaster was requested to play something "nice". For some reason, Blaster had trouble tuning into a station until Grimlock (obviously tired of this padding) blasted fire at Blaster's controls, allowing the Autobot boom box to tune into the local rock 'n' roll/big band music fusion station. [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] and [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] showed their appreciation for the fine selection of elevator music by jerkily dancing around and claiming their audio sensors were being fried. Blaster continued to enthrall Grimlock until [[Slag (G1)|Slag]] and [[Sludge (G1)|Sludge]] bumped into their leader and totally freaked him out. {{storylink|Dinobot Island, Part 1}}

[[Image:DesertionDinos1 BlastergrabsRavage.jpg|right|170px|thumb|One must wonder how he failed to notice Soundwave, but really, it's more Ironhide's fault.]]
At a not-so-secret EJK testing facility for the new Ultraplane, Blaster was sitting in the back of Ironhide's vehicle mode and didn't seem to notice the fact that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] was sitting right next to him—at least until the Decepticon tape deck launched [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], whom Blaster quickly transformed to grab. The cat turned to attack the Autobot while his master escaped to report to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. Blaster continued to tussle until Ironhide transformed into robot mode and threw them both out of his caboose. After being initially distracted by the Ultraplane's destruction, the Autobots returned to EJK's lab to confront the Decepticons. Blaster greatly appreciated [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]'s taste in fusion rock/big band music to confound the hapless villains. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}}

[[Image:BlasterBlues kickedinface.jpg|left|170px|thumb|De-FEETed!]]
Blaster's taste in music often got him into trouble. He attended a concert by a popular '80s rock/big band fusion hair metal band with [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike]] and [[Carly]]. Concerned that the other Autobots weren't enjoying the concert with them, Blaster flooded the Autobot communications channels with the music, though only [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]] and Jazz seemed to appreciate it. Unfortunately, his taste in music also disrupted an emergency communique from the Helix Observatory, until the other Autobots told him to shut up. After the [[Voltronic Galaxer]] was stolen, Blaster was teamed up with Cosmos to search for signs of the Decepticons, but both were rather quickly captured. Blaster was welded into place to be used as a trans-scrambler for Megatron's scheme to use the voltronic galaxer to disrupt communications on Earth and then demand all the energy on the planet in exchange for normality. While Megatron ranted about his demands, Blaster secretly played his music, which served both to rally the Autobots and inform them of Megatron's location — until Megatron kicked him in the face. After foiling the Decepticon plans, Blaster was assigned to the abandoned moon base with Cosmos, but quickly got into trouble with Prime again for his music. {{storylink|Blaster Blues}}

Later, Blaster and [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] helped the [[New York City|New York]] police crack a car theft ring by posing as an attractive target for punks to steal. After Blaster teamed up with car thief [[Raoul]], they learned that Megatron was behind the criminal operation, stealing cars to rebuild them into transforming drones. Blaster defended the Washington Bridge from the Decepticon drones alongside the other Autobots, but they were nearly overwhelmed by sheer numbers. After [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] realized the cars were remote-controlled, Blaster jammed the frequency, allowing the Autobots to attack and defeat the Decepticons. {{storylink|Make Tracks}}

Blaster proved useful again, even pivotal, in allowing the Autobots to save Cosmos and some [[robotic insecticide]] from the [[Morphobot]]s. It turns out even plants hate Blaster's music. {{storylink|Quest for Survival}} Soon afterward, the Autobots were attacked by the malevolent [[Kremzeek]], an energy life form created by Megatron. Blaster and a small number of other Autobots were the only ones to stay functional long enough to be sprayed with an insulating foam that protected them from the creature's attacks. The Autobot team chased it to [[Japan]], where it wreaked havoc with the massive electronics industry there. The creature spawned copies of itself, one of which managed to slip inside Blaster, and after the other Kremzeeks were seemingly destroyed, it jumped out of his chest and the pursuit began again. {{storylink|Kremzeek!}}

[[Image:Auto-Bop Blaster Soundwave.jpg|right|200px|thumb|So. AWESOME.]]
Blaster was watching "[[As the Kitchen Sinks]]" with his Auto-buddies when Prime informed them that Tracks and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] were late returning from their supply run. Suspecting foul play, the Autobots took off to search for their missing comrades. While on the search, Blaster was forcibly transformed by a Creamy Cream billboard ''(They can do that?)'', then carted away by the big game hunter [[Lord Chumley]] and his butler [[Dinsmoore]] as bait to lure Optimus Prime into a hunt. Chumley apparently couldn't think of a suitably dastardly device in which to store Blaster, though, as he was totally absent from Chumley's prisoner showcase later on. {{storylink|Prime Target}}

{{bigquote|I've been waiting a long time for this, you poor excuse for a sound system!|Blaster confronting [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]|"[[Auto-Bop]]"}}

Tracks and Blaster were reunited with Raoul when they saved their human friend and his [[Bop Crew]] from a bunch of hoodlums in the employ of the [[Dancitron]] nightclub. When a punk tried to ensnare him in a chain, Blaster simply remarked that the humans were seriously out of their league, then broke the chain by moving his arm slightly. The Autobots forced their way into the nightclub, where Blaster appreciated the atmosphere and the impressive sound system. He then went off to dance with some oddly well-dressed ladies who sounded like Penny Marshall. Soon after leaving the club, Tracks and Blaster had to save Raoul again when a Decepticon-controlled train driver sent the train Raoul was in hurtling out of control. Conferring with [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]], Blaster discovered that Dancitron controlled its patrons by using hypnotic signals, and he suggested countering them with his own sonic powers. Entering the club, Blaster finally faced his Decepticon counterpart Soundwave in battle. At first, the combatants appeared to be evenly matched, but Soundwave drove Blaster back with his sonic assaults. Improvising, Blaster jury-rigged Dancitron's own sound system into his speakers. He turned the combined sonic force against Soundwave, forcing him into retreat and wrecking the nightclub in the process. {{storylink|Auto-Bop}}

When Megatron journeyed to Cybertron to bring life to his new [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], Optimus Prime took Blaster and a small group aboard Omega Supreme to stop him. Megatron sent a cadre of [[Centurion droid|Centurion droids]] after the Autobots, delaying them long enough for him to access [[Vector Sigma]] and bring his Stunticons to life. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 1}} As a counter-measure, Blaster and the other Autobots worked to retrofit five Cybertronian shuttles as Earth vehicles, and then used Vector Sigma in turn to bring life to these [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]. Once they returned to Earth, the Autobots and Aerialbots confronted the newly-minted Stunticons. Impressively, Blaster used his sound system to generate a miniature earthquake using sonic vibrations, but [[Wildrider]] just sailed over the cracks and smashed into Blaster's face. On a second encounter with the Stunticons, Blaster converted into tapedeck mode and used his sonics to try blasting down a tree to make [[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] crash. Instead, Breakdown used it as a ramp and Wildrider casually drove by and ran Blaster over. Ouch. {{storylink|The Key to Vector Sigma, Part 2}}

Blaster and Cosmos were sent on an inter-galactic shopping trip to pick up more [[Ingredient X]] for Perceptor's protective chemical spray, [[Corrostop]]. Unfortunately there was no more Ingredient X. Anywhere. In the entire universe. Bummer. {{storylink|Cosmic Rust (episode)|Cosmic Rust}} When the Stunticons returned performing a series of heists for Megatron, Blaster joined Prime and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] in hunting down [[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]]. He didn't do much, but he did get to witness the most awesome game of chicken ever, when Prime totalled Motormaster and proved himself the real "King of the Road". {{storylink|Masquerade}}

[[Image:TFtM BlasterRoundhouseKick.jpg|left|172px|thumb|Everybody was kung-fu fighting, those cats were fast as lightning...]]
In the year 2005, Blaster was assigned to the communications hub at [[Autobot City]] on Earth. When the fortress was [[Battle of Autobot City|attacked]] by the Decepticons, Blaster attempted to send out a distress signal to Optimus Prime's forces on Moon Base 1. His efforts were disrupted by Soundwave, who had sent out his cassette forces to destroy the hub's transmitter. Blaster countered with his own cassette army, and the itty-bitty guys 'rassled. After the Decepticons retreated, Blaster was helping to rebuild the city when he received a faint signal from Jazz and [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] on Moon Base 1, which was being munched by a [[Unicron|ginormous, weird-looking planet]]. Then disappeared for a while. {{storylink|The Transformers: The Movie}}

In early 2006, Blaster was stationed mostly on Earth. After the attack on the [[Galactic Olympics]] which saw [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and Spike kidnapped, Blaster and [[Outback]] were sent to the North African nation of [[Socialist Democratic Federated Republic of Carbombya|Carbombya]] on the suspicion that the militant leader [[Abdul Fakkadi (G1)|Abdul Fakkadi]] was harbouring Decepticon fugitives. Despite Fakkadi's assurances that there were no Decepticons on his soil, Outback managed to psyche out [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] and [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]], whose escape was also quickly put down by the Australian-accented Autobot. Blaster then threatened the two [[Conehead|coneheads]] to spill the beans, for Outback was trigger-happy. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1}} After returning to Autobot City, Blaster kept tabs on the delivery of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]'s [[Transformation cog|transforming cog]], which had been damaged during the battle of Autobot City the year before. Unfortunately, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s delivery shuttle was destroyed by [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], forcing Blaster to call upon Commander [[Marissa Faireborn]] of the [[Earth Defense Command]] for help. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 2}}

However, Faireborn and the Autobot delivery team were stranded when [[Lipole|lipoles]] native to [[Io]] destroyed the EDC ship, so the long-suffering Blaster sent rescue in the form of the magnificent [[Sky Lynx (G1)|Sky Lynx]], whom Blaster remarked was difficult to describe. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 4}} After Sky Lynx effortlessly saved their friends and delivered the cog to Earth, [[Pipes (G1)|Pipes]] installed the cog, and Blaster activated Metroplex's transformation sequence. Once the Autobot city defeated the Decepticon giant [[Trypticon (G1)|Trypticon]], Blaster declared that Metroplex was his kind of town. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

Blaster was briefly seen aboard the Autobot flagship when Optimus Prime returned from the dead to rally the troops against the [[Quintesson|Quintessons]]. He fled the ship with the rest of the crew before Prime's suicidal assault on the Quintessons' central planet. {{storylink|Dark Awakening}}

After Perceptor uncovered a source of chronal energy emanating from an asteroid belt, Blaster accompanied him on a survey mission, along with his cassettes [[Rewind]] and [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]]. Their simple survey soon turned into a battle, though, when a school of [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticons]] assaulted the Autobots as they approached the belt. Blaster radioed for reinforcements during the battle but, alongside Blurr and [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]], they soon made short work of their opponents. At the asteroid belt, they found a Quintesson scientist working with an actual [[Time Window]], allowing passage backwards through time. Several Quintesson ships interrupted their observations, and Blaster and the other Autobots were accidentally chased through the time window itself, finding themselves 11 million years in Cybertron's past. The Quintesson warships were gone, but they just traded one threat for another and soon came under assault by [[Guardian robot|Guardian Robots]]. Blaster and his comrades were saved by the intervention of [[Beta (G1)|Beta]], [[second-in-command]] of the slave rebellion against the Quintessons. With the rebels' leader [[Alpha Trion (G1)|A3]] missing, Blaster and the Autobots stepped into his place to lead the rebellion against the Guardians and their Quintesson masters. The Autobots did their best, but the sheer number of Guardian Robots was on the verge of overwhelming them when A3 returned through the time window. He turned his [[Coda Remote]] device against the Guardians and preserved the natural flow of history, as Blaster and the future Autobots took the window back to the present. {{storylink|Forever Is a Long Time Coming}}

When Daniel Witwicky and Wheelie were taken hostage by the Decepticons, Blaster fielded the ransom call for Spike and Ultra Magnus. His skill as a communication officer seemed to fail him, as he lost [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]'s signal at a critical point in the monologing. Maybe he was just tired of listening to The Villain Speech, trademarked. {{storylink|Surprise Party}} Daniel was saved, but it wasn't long before he got into more trouble, disappearing with Grimlock during a reception on Cybertron. Ultra Magnus summoned Blaster for assistance, and Blaster in turn ejected [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] so that his tracking abilities could locate the missing boy. Their search led to a hidden chamber beneath Cybertron's surface, abandoned since the time of the Quintessons. Blaster summoned Rewind next to help translate and interpret the ancient Quintessonese on the walls, and the rescue party learned the chamber was a method of banishing criminals to other dimensions. After Rewind worked out that Daniel had travelled to [[Menonia]], Blaster and the others reactivated the portal to chase after them. They got involved in a local skirmish against [[Mara-Al-Utha]], the banished Quintesson who had usurped power from the benevolent [[Golden One]]. In order to defeat the Quintesson, Blaster lent his sound system to the Golden One, amplifying his voice as he invoked the proper counter-spells. It had a nice beat, and you could smash Quintessons with it: even Grimlock had to approve. {{storylink|Madman's Paradise}}

[[Image:Blaster C Minor.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Who runs Bartertown?]]
While helping Ultra Magnus and the other Autobots fight the Decepticons on a renegade comet, Blaster was blasted out of space by a musical harmony. It was generated from the planet [[Eurythma]] below as a sonic weapon to destroy the comet before it struck their world. Galvatron naturally wanted such a powerful weapon for himself, and fled the battle with Soundwave to steal the secret of the harmony. Ultra Magnus recruited Blaster and [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]] to make their own effort to secure the harmony, or at least keep it out of Galvatron's hands. Blaster was enamored with Eurythma, and could somehow interpret that the nearby city and the entire civilization were based on musical harmonies. Luckily, he also somehow knew exactly where the "band leader" was, and directed Broadside to take them to [[Basso Profundo]]'s palace. Blaster was the only one who could understand the overly synthesized and harmonic speaking voices of the Eurythmians. Maybe Ultra Magnus was tone deaf. The hunt for the harmony turned into a bizarre scavenger hunt, as Blaster and Soundwave attempted to recover the three thirds of the harmony produced by Basso Profundo, [[Zebop Skandana]] and [[Allegra]]. The Decepticons assembled the harmony first, and Soundwave turned its united power against the Autobots. Blaster managed to stop Soundwave by punching him in the crotch. No seriously — that's where his "Erase" button is. Really. {{storylink|Carnage in C-Minor}}

Running the day-to-day operations of Metroplex and Autobot City on Earth, Blaster was subjected to a security inspection by Kup. He passed with flying colors and nearly succeeded in convincing Kup how seriously they took the job... until he happened to lean against a control panel and set off some 20 year old tunes on the sound speakers. Things turned serious immediately thereafter, though, as Metroplex was invaded by [[Scourge (G1)|Scourge]] and the ghost of Starscream. It only got worse when they stole Metroplex's eyes and set off a bomb in his brain. The report Kup filed for the inspection must have interesting reading material. Poor Blaster. {{storylink|Ghost in the Machine}}

Blaster joined Kup, Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime aboard Omega Supreme to check out some strange reports from the [[Junkion (planet)|planet of Junk]]. These "strange reports" turned out to be a full-fledged war between half the galaxy raging over the [[Junkion (species)|Junkions]]' heads. On the surface, Blaster's receivers located a hypnotic signal being broadcast somehow from the Junkions' TV antenna. Using Omega Supreme to get the proper altitude, Blaster began broadcasting his own counter-frequency to break the spell. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (episode)|The Big Broadcast of 2006}}

Blaster was returning from a space mission aboard Sky Lynx with Outback, Steeljaw and Ramhorn when Perceptor radioed in that a peculiar Quintession transmission was being picked up in their area. On an uninhabited planet, they found a Quintesson journal which detailed centuries of manipulating the planets [[Xetaxxis]] and [[Lanarq]] into ever-escalating warfare. Despite Quintesson and Decepticon interference, Blaster and his comrades managed to bring the journal to the attention of the warring aliens, ending their conflicts... at least for the moment. {{storylink|The Quintesson Journal}}

Blaster was manning Autobot City when [[Victor Drath]]'s men drove the empty shells of Ultra Magnus, Arcee, Springer and Rodimus Prime towards the city for a Trojan horse ploy. When the REAL Magnus and Springer hijacked the latter's helicopter mode and started taking potshots at the city, however, Blaster quickly caught on and transformed the city into battle station mode, cutting off their entry. It's not Springer, it's a ringer! How's that for a zinger? {{storylink|Only Human}}

When Sky Lynx and Cosmos crashed on [[Power Platform Alpha]], Blaster raced out to help with his fellow Autobots. Upon trying to radio for assistance, however, Blaster found himself unable to properly transmit any signals. The Autobots eventually uncovered [[anti-electron]] sabotage in the new power generator, and cleaned out the disruptive influence. {{storylink|Grimlock's New Brain}} Later, Blaster began self-ejecting when the [[Oracle (G1)|Oracle]]'s transmission convinced Ramhorn and Steeljaw to force their way out of Blaster's chest to answer the call of the [[Primitive|Primitives]]. {{storylink|Call of the Primitives}}

Although he wasn't on the initial casualty list, Blaster was revived alongside the Autobots who fell before the crazed [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], during the outbreak of the [[Hate Plague]]. Apparently, the Quintesson repaired him instead of Wheelie. Wise choice. {{storylink|The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2}}

{{-}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====
=====Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers comics=====
Blaster was vacationing on a utopian island when he was captured by the Constructicons. He was eventually freed by [[Kenji]], Superion and several other Autobots. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 6}}

=====''Full Throttle Scramble Power!''=====
[[Image:Fullthrottle_tape_fight.jpg|thumb|right|150px|]]
Blaster came to the rescue of [[Toru]] and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]], after they were captured while searching for the Decepticon [[Omega Whip]] device. Blaster's electro-scrambler gun blew several large holes in Ravage. He then fought against Soundwave until the entire Autobot army arrived with Metroplex to drive off the Decepticons. {{storylink|Full Throttle Scramble Power!}}

{{-}}
=====Scramble City (animation)=====
Blaster was finally gifted with some Cassette forces of his own to counter Soundwave's. [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]] and [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] took on [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] but couldn't protect the secrets of Metroplex. {{storylink|Scramble City: Mobilization}} {{storylink|Scramble City (toy version)}}

=====''Binaltech Asterisk'' online comic=====
[[Image:BroadblastAsteriskManga01.jpg|left|300px|thumb|"My voice gives me super strength!"]]

As a member of the [[Interplanetary Personnel Exchange Program]], Blaster paired up with TV Announcer [[Lumina Hoshi]] in an attempt to promote goodwill and cooperation between humans and Transformers.

While covering an auto show where Blaster was operating undercover, Lumina Hoshi was unfortunately present when a large section of lighting broke free from the ceiling and came hurtling down upon a crowd of people. Luckily, Blaster was able to transform in time and catch the lights before they could squash everyone. Blaster was then left to nervously explain his presence to the onlookers as Lumina apologized for the technical difficulties to her viewers. {{storylink|Binaltech Asterisk (online comic)|Blaster Meets Lumina}}

{{-}}

=====''15 Go! Go!''=====
[[Image:TGGBlaster.jpg|right|180px|thumb|"Don't be cryin'—here's a lion!"]]
As [[Teletraan 15]] lay recuperating from her Galvatron-inflicted injuries, a voice came from a nearby boombox, remarking that the song in her heart sounded lonely.

Transforming into his towering robot mode, Blaster told 15 that a princess like her deserved a more cheerful song. After listening to her problems, he advised her not to worry about what she ought to do and suggested that she concentrate on doing what she loved best. He told her that as individuals, sentient beings are notes, and that together, they become music.

He handed her a small cassette tape and told her that whenever she was depressed, she should listen to music. She thanked him as he left.

Despite Blaster's good intentions, the tape turned out to be full of depressing music. It also turned out to be [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]]. {{storylink|Blaster Volume}}

=====''Kiss Players Position''=====
Blaster hand-picked [[Rosanna (KP)|Rosanna]] to join his cassette team, feeling that she was the only [[Autobot]] who properly understood his love of music.

He was later appointed by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] as the Producer of the [[Kiss Players (singing group)|Kiss Players]] singing group, of which Rosanna became a founding member. {{storylink|Kiss Players (radio drama)|Kiss Players Position}}

=====''The Headmasters'' cartoon=====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Keiichi Nanba]] (Japanese)

[[Image:Hm blaster1.jpg|left|150px|thumb|OOH YEAH MACHO MACHINE WITH THE ELBOW DROP OFF THE TOP ROPE! SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM! MISS ELIZABETH!!]]

Some time before the Transformers' war left Cybertron, Blaster briefly engaged the Decepticons with his comrades.

In 2011, Blaster and his Mini-Cassettes were on Earth under Ultra Magnus's command when the Decepticons attacked Cybertron. While making their way to the [[Space Bridge]] to join their comrades, Blaster and Ultra Magnus were attacked by the new Decepticon ninja consultant, [[Sixshot]]. {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}}

Later, Blaster joined Hot Rod in his search for the [[Matrix of Leadership]]. As they were outlining their plans, however, Blaster detected [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] spying on their conversation. Chasing the bat uncovered Soundwave and Ravage at the Autobot base as well, and after the battle Blaster vowed to one day rid the universe of his nemesis. As the search for the Matrix continued, Hot Rod and Blaster were again confronted by Soundwave in the Arctic. As the Mini-Cassette warriors dealt with each other, Blaster urged Hot Rod to go on without him: HE would deal with Soundwave. The two communications officers began blasting away at one another furiously. The fight then turned physical as Blaster ripped off one of Soundwave's arms and both combatants caved in each other's chests. Soundwave was killed -- and actually ''exploded'' due to the extent of his injuries -- but Blaster quickly succumbed to his wounds as well. With his last words, he urged Hot Rod to find the Matrix. {{storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

[[Image:Twincast emerges.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I'm blue da ba dee da ba die...]]

All the Autobots were content to leave Blaster as a corpse until [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]] and Blaster's cassette forces whined enough to have their pal resurrected. Blaster was then brought back online via [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress]]' [[Master (planet)|Master]] technology, as the yellow and blue repaint '''Twincast'''. Coincidentally, the Decepticons reanimated Soundwave as the black-as-coal Soundblaster. The two arch-enemies then renewed their struggle. Soundblaster was the key figure in controlling Galvatron new WMD, the [[Madmachine]]. Twincast and his Mini-Cassettes infiltrated Trypticon and learned that Soundblaster was broadcasting from [[Chaar]]. He single-handedly overpowered the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicon]]s to access the Decepticon Space Bridge, and made his way to Decepticon headquarters on Chaar. In the control room, Twincast struck Soundblaster hard enough to shake loose the sonic conductor he had been installed with to control the Madmachine, and blew it to smithereens. With a jaunty wave, Twincast said, "Well, I must be going!" and returned to the Autobots. {{storylink|The Great Cassette Operation}}

Later on, Twincast reported to Rodimus Prime that the Decepticons were gathering on Earth, in preparation for raiding Cybertron via the Space Bridge. {{storylink|Cybertron Is in Grave Danger, Part 1}} He also served as the Autobots' karaoke machine at parties. [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] loves karaoke. {{storylink|The Shadow Emperor, Scorponok}}

In order to learn more about the Decepticons' plans, Twincast sent Ramhorn and Steeljaw to Chaar on a reconnaissance mission. They reported back on Scorponok's scheme to harness [[plasma energy]], like that which was released by Cybertron's destruction. {{storylink|The Dormant Volcano Mysteriously Erupts}} He also managed to follow Sixshot to Chaar over the Space Bridge (doesn't anyone GUARD that thing anymore?!), and witnessed the activation of Scorponok's MegaZarak [[Transtector]]. {{storylink|Explosion on Mars!! MegaZarak Appears}}

Presumably because of his role as a communications officer, Twincast was aware of [[Punch (G1)|Punch]]'s undercover duties with the Decepticons as [[Counterpunch (G1)|Counterpunch]]. After the Headmasters clashed with Scorponok near Chaar, he alerted Fortress that Punch had arrived to make his latest report. {{storylink|Return of the Immortal Emperor}} Later, Twincast learned that the Decepticons planned to raid the energy supplies Ultra Magnus was sending to the destitute planet [[Sandra]]. His warning only arrived a few short moments before the Decepticons did. {{storylink|SOS from Planet Sandra}}

When Fortress and the Headmasters pursued the Decepticons out into space, Twincast joined them on the expedition. {{storylink|Fight to the Death on Susei!!}} He was with the Headmasters when they investigated an SOS call from the planet [[Daros]]. {{storylink|Find MegaZarak's Weak Spot!!}} On [[Paradise]], Twincast used his Mini-Cassettes to scout the countryside and locate the Decepticons. {{storylink|Head Formation of Friendship}} He was also active when the Autobots came to the [[Pirate Planet]], watching for Decepticon activity. His scouting patrol came by a sealed pyramid in time to pull [[Highbrow (G1)|Highbrow]] to safety when Galvatron arrived looking for energy. {{storylink|Mystery of the Space Pirate Ship}}

After the Autobots returned to Earth, Twincast helped investigate the sudden flurry of Decepticon attacks. He released his collection of Mini-Cassettes to seek out information, and personally accompanied Steeljaw on an investigation to an Autobot outpost in Alaska. Upon arriving, they discovered Scorponok had wiped out the outpost. Twincast and Steeljaw were spotted by Sixshot, who opened fire on them. Twincast demanded Steeljaw return to Autobot City with the information they had uncovered, while he stayed behind to cover the retreat. Steeljaw reluctantly left his commander to his fate, and Twincast was ultimately blasted into a ravine by Sixshot's Wingwolf mode. Steeljaw eventually returned with reinforcements, and Twincast was taken in for repairs. {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Vanishes on an Iceberg}}

Twincast reported to a series of caves where the Headmasters were searching for [[plasma energy]] bombs left behind by Scorponok and the Decepticons when they departed Earth. He joined the Headmasters aboard the Battleship Maximus as they tried to get the massively powerful explosives a safe distance away from Earth. When they came across a group of [[Targetmaster|six refugees]] fleeing the planet Master, Twincast used his interpretive skills to translate their strange language. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 1)}} On the planet Master, Twincast was among the Autobots when the kidnapped scientist, [[Jack (Headmasters)|Jack]], suddenly returned to their midst. Prompted by the suspicious [[Pointblank]], Twincast scanned Jack and discovered the Decepticons had installed a time bomb inside him. {{storylink|Miraculous Warriors, Targetmasters (Part 2)}} Twincast was also among the Autobots debating whether [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]]'s life was worth the secret of the [[Master Sword]]. {{storylink|The Master Sword Is in Danger!!}}

Twincast joined the entire Autobot army in journeying to the North Pole. There they battled Scorponok and his minions to stop the [[crysmag metal]] towers from destroying the planet Earth. Twincast saved Chromedome and [[Hardhead (G1)|Hardhead]] from [[Mindwipe (G1)|Mindwipe]]'s hypnotic spell by dumping his entire chest full of Mini-Cassettes on the evil Headmaster. {{storylink|The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 2)}}

{{-}}

=====''Generation 2'' story pages=====
[[Image:BlasterG2.jpg|left|180px|thumb|There's so much I don't understand about this image.]]

After [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] forged the [[Cybertron Alliance]], Twincast returned to his original form as Blaster for reasons unknown, adopting a new [[Action Master]] body in the process. {{storylink|G-2 (story page)|G-2 Part 3}}

{{-}}

===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:BlasterUS17.jpg|left|200px|thumb|More than likely, he'll kill you. Yeah, you. You know who you are.]]
Blaster was a rather grim, brooding, rebellious loner who hated Decepticons with a passion. And while he was one of the best kickass fighters the [[Autobot|Autobots]] had he had a bit of a problem with authority. Part of [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]'s Autobot resistance cell on Cybertron, he often disagreed with his superior's orders, especially after his friend [[Scrounge (G1)|Scrounge]] went missing and Blaster wanted to hunt for him. Unfortunately, he found him in the Decepticons' [[smelting pool]]. Blaster was too late to save Scrounge's life, but he did retrieve the last bit of data the little spy had uncovered, so Scrounge didn't die in vain.

[[Image:Powerglideblastercybertronic.jpg|right|150px|thumb|And you thought the 1980s cellphones were huge.]]
This information brought new hope to the Autobot resistance, as it revealed that [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and the Autobots on the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'' were still alive and well after four million years, fighting on a planet called Earth. {{storylink|The Smelting Pool!}} Shortly after Scrounge was killed, Blaster took part in an assault on [[Darkmount]], where he engaged and seemingly destroyed the Decepticon commander [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]], before using the [[space bridge]] to flee to Earth. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}}

Upon arriving on Earth, Blaster was among the Autobots deactivated and disassembled by [[Circuit Breaker]] and [[Rapid Anti-robot Assault Team|RAAT]]. {{storylink|Heavy Traffic!}} He was later released and, ''after a brief skirmish with the crazed future Decepticon known as [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] {{storylink|Fallen Angel (issue)|Fallen Angel}},'' joined the other Earthbound Autobots at the ''Ark'' shortly before Optimus Prime's death. Blaster was one of the Autobots who voted for [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to be the new Autobot leader, though he soon came to regret this decision. {{storylink|King of the Hill!}}

Blaster developed a reluctant friendship with [[Goldbug (G1)|Goldbug]], whose more naturally upbeat personality provided the Boy Wonder to his Batman. After an encounter with the [[Mechanic (G1)|Mechanic]], Blaster and Goldbug went AWOL from Grimlock's command, having grown tired of his aggressive orders and increasing disregard for humans. {{storylink|Mechanical Difficulties!}}

For this disobedience (and their failure to capture the Mechanic), Grimlock branded Blaster and Goldbug traitors and sent the [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] to hunt them down. They eventually captured Blaster, but after he saved their lives from the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]], they realized Grimlock's orders were purely vengeful and let him go. {{storylink|Used Autobots}} {{storylink|Child's Play (issue)|Child's Play}}

[[Image:Blasterbeourleaderplease.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"BLASTER, BE OUR LEADER, PLEAAAASE???"]]
Blaster finally returned to the Ark, where his fellow Autobots begged him to take over as leader. However, he was forced to surrender to his former commander when Grimlock threatened the safety of several Earth children. {{storylink|Spacehikers!}}

[[Image:Variablevoltageharnessblaster.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Maybe they should have called it a Constant Sarcasm Harness.]]
Imprisoned by Grimlock, Blaster was strapped to a [[variable voltage harness]] as punishment for his desertion and disobedience. However, when [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] and his Autobots arrived and Grimlock challenged him to a duel, Blaster took Fortress Maximus's place. Their duel was interrupted by a Decepticon attack. When Blaster pointed out that their feud had put all Autobots in danger, Grimlock agreed to call their duel a draw and declared a truce with Blaster as they fended off the Decepticons side by side. {{storylink|Totaled!}}

While Blaster and [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s girlfriend [[Jesse]] failed to rescue the young boy from the Decepticons' [[Club Con|island resort/base]], they proved instrumental in discovering the upcoming arrival of the legendary Transformers database, the [[Underbase]]. {{storylink|Club Con!}} ''Then Blaster, Prime, [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]] [[Highbrow (G1)|and]] [[Brainstorm|three]] [[Hardhead (G1)|newcomers]] were temporarily displaced into [[Limbo]] to make room for [[Rodimus Prime (G1)|Rodimus Prime]] [[Kup (G1)|and]] [[Blurr (G1)|his]] [[Arcee (G1)|own]] [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|little]] [[Red Alert (G1)|band.]] {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}}'' Like many other Transformers, Blaster was killed fighting the [[Underbase]]-powered [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], shot dead atop the Brooklyn Bridge in [[New York City|New York]]. {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

[[Image:Marvel77-Blaster.jpg|right|150px|thumb|He used to be badass, now he's just a poor man's Perceptor...]]
Blaster was later among the first Autobots resurrected by Grimlock with [[Nucleon]]. Arriving on Cybertron in the nick of time aboard the ''Ark'', he took part in and survived the battle with [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|On the Edge of Extinction!}} In the aftermath, [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] had Blaster run a check on the strange seismic activity Cybertron was suffering from, with disastrous results. It turned out Cybertron was tearing itself apart without the binding life-force of [[Primus]] to sustain it. {{storylink|Exodus!}} Prowl had the Autobots plan for a peaceful co-departure with the Decepticons.

[[Image:EndOfTheRoad-finalfive.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Spared not because I was super awesome earlier, but probably because I have a new Action Master toy.]]

Fat chance. Bludgeon and his army sabotaged the Autobot shuttles and took off to lay waste to the next world they found. Thanks to Grimlock planning ahead, the Autobots managed to follow, but were caught in a trap as the Decepticons lay waiting for them. Blaster was one of the few Autobots present to survive the initial Decepticon ambush on [[Klo]]. He took a blast in the shoulder from [[Quake (G1)|Quake]], but there was still more than enough fight left in Blaster to join Grimlock and the other survivors in charging the Decepticon position. He was last seen shooting the head off of [[Snapdragon (G1)|Snapdragon]]. [[Krunk|Uh oh.]] {{storylink|End of the Road! (US)|End of the Road!}}

In an alternate version of 2006, Blaster went with a group of Autobots to [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] to investigate strange happenings there. When they arrived they discovered a chaotic scene where aliens from many worlds, including the Decepticons, had arrived and were all engaged in a deadly battle with one another. Blaster detected a signal he suspected was putting all the combatants under hypnosis. He and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] came up with a plan where [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] would fly Blaster into the air where Blaster would then broadcast soothing music. The plan succeeded in calming the combatants. {{storylink|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (issue)|The Big Broadcast of 2006 (US)}}

{{note|In the UK version of the story, the events of "The Big Broadcast of 2006" are a fabrication invented by [[Wreck-Gar (G1)|Wreck-Gar]].}}

=====Marvel UK Future Timelines=====
''In the future of 2008, Blaster was present at Autobot City when the Quintesson [[Trident]] ships attacked. He attempted to transform Autobot City himself, but was stopped cold by General [[Ghyrik]]. He was deactivated in the battle that followed and his body strung up on the outer parapets as a warning to any Autobots who came to liberate the city. Although Blaster was inactive, his cassettes were not, and this fact gave Hot Rod and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] an edge when they began battling their way through the Quintesson occupants. {{storylink|Space Pirates!}}''

''Blaster was seen briefly in 2009 at the start of the Time Wars, but did not end up joining Rodimus Prime on his mission into the past (see above). {{storylink|Time Wars (issue)|Time Wars}} After Galvatron was destroyed back in 1989 and the time line rebooted itself, Blaster was still among the Autobots stationed at Autobot City. He responded to Kup's emergency signal when the Autobots crash landed on Earth after a crazed Rodimus Prime turned against them, and helped drive the evil possessing presence out of their leader. {{storylink|White Fire}}''

====''Another Time and Place''====
Blaster was part of the rescue unit who infiltrated [[Hydrus Four]] to defeat the Decepticons and rescue the Dinobots. He personally helped disarm and defeat [[Fangry]]. {{storylink|Another Time and Place}}

===''Transformers in 3-D''===
When Hot Rod and [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]] returned from [[Tau-Ursa]] with a strange recording, Blaster was able to play it. The recording revealed the existence of the [[Destructon]]s, [[Logicon]]s, and the location of [[Metascan Alpha]], the Logicons' storehouse of [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]]. {{storylink|The War Against the Destructons, Chapter 1 of 3}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
[[Image:AgeofWrath2 AutobotResistance.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Steeljaw was in the bathroom.]]
Blaster's first recorded activities took place shortly before the [[Age of Internment]]. When [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] returned from self-imposed exile, he unified the disjointed Autobot factions with the help of warriors like Blaster and [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]. Blaster may or may not have been co-leading a fourth Autobot faction during the Dark Ages with [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] (in addition to those factions overseen by [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and Grimlock), but this was never made completely clear. The Autobots were ready to usher in a new Golden Age, negotiating a peace with the Decepticons and [[Ultracon|Ultracons]], when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] returned to Cybertron after a prolonged absence with his [[Aerospace Extermination Squadron]]. With his new army, Megatron ushered in an Age of Internment, with virtually the entire Autobot army forced to serve as slaves digging under the city-state of [[Praxus]].

Virtually.

A small faction of Autobots remained free, operating under the command of Blaster and Perceptor in the subterranean chambers of [[Iacon (city-state)|Iacon]] Command. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 2}} This resistance unit coordinated several different plans in the hopes of one day overthrowing Megatron's rule over Cybertron. One plan involved the capture and analysis of one of the AXS drones, in order to learn more about Megatron's new [[Cloning|clone technology]]. Blaster oversaw this mission from a distance, using his abilities to jam any emergency transmissions while [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]] and several other Autobots engaged the drone in battle long enough to attach an inhibitor claw, immobilizing it. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath issue 3}}
{{-}}
{{note|Dreamwave's subsequent backruptcy ended the story half-way, leaving it up to speculation how the capture of the drone and the eventual return of Optimus Prime worked into the defeat of Megatron and the end of the Age of Internment.}}

[[Image:PassiveAggression Blaster lovesEarth.jpg|left|300px|thumb|]]
Millions of years later, Blaster was one of the first Autobots who joined the resistance movement against [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]]'s so-called "unified" Cybertronian government, sensing things were rotten in the city-state of Iacon. He joined up with several like-minded 'Bots under the supervision of [[Kup (G1)|Kup]] and [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] to coordinate a rise against the one-eyed tyrant. Blaster's efforts helped the Autobots uncover a subliminal code being pumped through the public address screens around the planet. It seemed that, for whatever reason, Shockwave was intentionally aggravating the violent tendencies of the entire population. Despite his feelings for Shockwave, Blaster still developed a strong taste for information from the Earth culture Shockwave was introducing to Cybertron. He even modified his alternate mode into a Earthen tapedeck. {{storylink|Passive Aggression}}

When Optimus Prime and the crew of the [[Ark (G1)|''Ark'']] were returned to Cybertron by Shockwave's forces, double agents inside the United Cybertronian force delivered Prime and his crew to Blaster and the others at their headquarters in the [[Wastelands]]. With the help of Cybertron's greatest hero, the resistance movement began an open insurrection against Shockwave's loyal Decepticon forces and the [[Guardian Robot|Guardian Robots]] under his control. Shockwave's regime fell, and the Autobots resumed command of Cybertron. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

{{-}}

===''Transformers/G.I. Joe''===
In the year 1985, Blaster and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] hastily took off for [[Earth]] in an starship poorly-suited for interstellar travel. Upon arrival, they unsurprisingly crashed, landing in the forests of [[Oregon]] near [[Mount St. Hilary]]. They were discovered there by a [[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]] team led by [[Flint (G.I. Joe)|Flint]]. {{storylink|Targets of Opportunity}}

{{note|Due to Dreamwave's bankruptcy, Blaster and Perceptor's motivations for coming to Earth — and pretty much anything else — were never revealed.}}

===IDW ''Hearts of Steel'' comics===
Blaster and his fellow Autobots fought the Decepticons on Earth in the distant past until an incoming ice age threatened to deactivate all the Transformers. Both sides went into hiding underground until the danger had passed, remaining in stasis until the mid-19th century. When they woke up, the war against the Decepticons started anew, though Blaster was not seen getting involved. {{storylink|Hearts of Steel issue 1}}

===IDW comics continuity===

Four million years ago, Blaster was present at a victory celebration after the Autobots halted a major Decepticon energon convoy. {{storylink|The Iron Age}}

[[Image:SpotlightBlaster REVENGE.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I'm Batman.]]
Blaster was known as The Voice, a patriotic broadcaster who used his gift with words to rally Autobots whose faith was lacking, or who were in a bad way. He was such a positive influence on the Autobots, it was arranged that he be assassinated. The attempt failed, but Blaster's damaged body was ejected into space. Picked up by a passing [[Yar|trawler]], he was delivered home, where it was revealed that he had to have been attacked by an Autobot. In an effort to flush the traitor out, Blaster went back on the air. The attempt worked, and his would-be killer was revealed: [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]. [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] had used [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] to implant a [[cerebro-shell]] and ordered him to kill Blaster. However, he was able to resist when Blaster used his greatest weapon: his voice. As a damaged Beachcomber was brought in for repairs, Blaster swore he'd find Soundwave and that the last thing he'd ever hear would be... the Voice. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

Over the next year, Blaster began working alongside the [[Wreckers]], and was recruited into a new elite fighting unit on-board the ''[[Trion]]'' by [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]. {{storylink|Spotlight: Drift}} As the ship's communications officer, Blaster started catching large amounts of distress signals before everything suddenly went quiet, and all contact with other Autobots was lost. Eventually, he caught a distress signal from [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]], and the crew of the ''Trion'' went to save the turbo-revvin' young punk from [[Bludgeon (G1)|Bludgeon]] and [[Monstructor (G1)|Monstructor]]. The day was saved by [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], although Blaster disapproved of the scientist's transformation into a warrior, saying he had "defiled himself". {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 15|Lost & Found}}

{{note|It is unclear whether Blaster became an official member of the Wreckers before Kup cannibalized that team to make his own strike force.}}

Blaster and the others harried the Decepticon fleet until they were baited into an ambush above Cybertron. There, the ship was shot down and forced to crash-land on the assumed uninhabitable world. Banding together to survive, they eventually encountered Optimus Prime's unit, only to find him incapacitated, the Matrix having been seized by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} Blaster mingled with the other Autobots for a while, but he didn't feel like having The Voice around raised their morale much. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 6}} He later warned Kup about an incoming [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack that forced them to relocate. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 8}} With morale still dwindling, Blaster attempted to break up a fight between Hot Rod and [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], but was interrupted by [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] telling them they all deserved to die. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}}

The Autobots were eventually saved when [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]] decimated the swarm and carried them all to Earth, where they attacked [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and his troops (which included Soundwave, but Blaster probably didn't know that). Blaster was ordered to block the Decepticons' communications, allowing the arrival of Omega Supreme to take them completely by surprise. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}} He survived the great battle. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 12}}

Blaster remained on Earth with the other Autobots for the next three years, as they regathered their forces. [[Streetwise (G1)|Streetwise]] radioed in to Blaster when [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] got himself nabbed by [[Skywatch]], an event which led to the death of [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] and the resignation of Optimus Prime. {{storylink|...For All Mankind}}

After [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] was named the new leader of the Autobots and formed an alliance with [[Gordon Horiuchi]] of Skywatch, Blaster was among the Autobots who captured [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] and other Decepticons for their new allies. {{storylink|The Hanging Sword}} Unfortunately, Horiuchi betrayed the Autobots and forced them to hunt one of their own kind, [[Blurr (G1)|Blurr]]. Bumblebee managed to get free from Horiuchi's control, and so Blaster and the others stayed behind to cover for him as he sought a solution for their problems. {{storylink|The Impossible Knot}} They pretended to be making plans to hunt down [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] while Bumblebee recovered the control tech Skywatch was using to keep them in line. {{storylink|The Gift Horse}} Bumblebee was successful, and Blaster was later present when Bumblebee unveiled his new, more powerful form, to better serve as Autobot leader. {{storylink|Wings of Wax}}
{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1 Blaster toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Still think you're so superior, Soundwave?"]]
* '''Blaster''' (Autobot, 1985/1986/2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''38''', '''TFC-21'''
**''Accessories:'' [[Electro-scrambler|Electro-Scrambler]] Gun

: Originally a ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' "Radi-Casse Robo" ("radio-cassette", you see), Blaster transforms into a miniature "ghetto blaster" boombox with a fold-out carrying handle. Pressing the "eject" button pops open his tape door, which can store a single micro-cassette Transformer. Due to a possible common internal misassembly issue, many original Blasters had doors which would not open when the eject button is pressed, nor would the other buttons work.

:In robot mode Blaster is freaking huge by the standards of ''Generation 1'' Transformers, towering over most Autobots and Decepticons. He has rather limited (useful) articulation, located in his neck and shoulders.

: Blaster is not a functional AM radio like his original ''Microchange'' toy, but has some left over parts from it, such as the molded power switch above the left speaker, the earphone jack behind the right speaker and the tuning dial next to the tape door. Some releases of Blaster still retain the opening back from the ''Microchange'' release (see Notes).

: Blaster was re-released in 2006 as part of the "[[Transformers Collection]]" "bookbox" series, packaged with [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1985/Autobot/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}
[[Image:ActionMasterBlaster toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Which gun is better?]]
*'''Blaster w/ Flight Pack''' (Action Master, 1990)
**''Accessories:'' "Flight Pack" backpack, "tractor beam electron gun"

: A non-transforming action figure, [[Action Master]] Blaster (not to be confused with the "Action Master Blasters" price-point) is compatible with any other Action Master vehicle or accessory. His design is based largely on his cartoon model, with elements from the toy added (like his visor). He came with the "[[Flight Pack]]" accessory, which converts from a winged jetpack to a massive "electro-scrambler" cannon.
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1990/Autobot/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Action Master Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===The Headmasters===
* '''Twincast''' (Autobot, 1987/2006)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-116'''
**''Accessories:'' Electro-Scrambler Gun

: The first Blaster toy was [[Redeco|redecoed]] and had its tape-door [[Retool|retooled]] in order to accommodate two cassettes at once. The clear-plastic part of the door was also changed to clear-red, so when certain cassettes were placed inside, the "secret plans" decals on them would reveal the "weak point" of either [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Fortress Maximus]] or [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], much like using the [[Tech Spec decoder]]s. He came with Steeljaw, who was given one of these new decals.

: In 2006, Twincast was reissued as an [[e-Hobby]] [[exclusive]], this time packaged with the new character [[Flip Sides (G1)|Flip Sides]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1987/Cybertron/Twincast/twincast.htm More information on Twincast at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Binaltech Asterisk===
[[Image:Bta broadblast.jpg|right|300px|thumb|They see me rollin', they hatin'.]]
*'''Broadblast meets Lumina''' (Binaltech, 2005)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BTA03'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/gun, Lumina Hoshi with stand, driving arms and driving legs

: A redeco of ''[[Alternators]]'' [[Skids (G1)|Skids]], "Broadblast" transforms into a 1:24 scale [[wikipedia:Scion_xB|Toyota bB, aka the Scion xB]]. He has working doors, hood, and trunk, plus his engine becomes a non-firing weapon. He also comes with an extra decal sheet, which includes signs for "TBN" which ''possibly'' stands for "Transformers Broadcast Network" or some such; there is Japanese text on the labels as well, but it's really tiny and hard to make out.

: He came with a PVC-plastic figurine of the [[human]] newsgirl [[Lumina Hoshi]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2005/Cybertron/Broadblast/broadblast.htm More information on Binaltech Asterisk Blaster at TFU.info]''
{{-}}

===Attacktix===
*'''Blaster'''

: Blaster was likely to have been one of several ''Transformers [[Attacktix]]'' Booster pieces, using a powerful spring-loaded "blaster" missile launcher attack. Though displayed as part of the ''Attacktix'' display at the ''[[Star Wars (franchise)|Star Wars]]'' "Celebration IV" convention, he —and all the other pieces revealed at the show— were ultimately never released.

{{canceledtoy}}

===Universe (2008)===
====Classic Series====
[[Image:Blasteruniversetoy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Preparations for the military strike, dubbed Operation Supergroovalisticprosifunkstication Storm, are already underway.]]
*'''Autobot Blaster with Blockrock Mini-Con!''' (Voyager, 2008)
**''Accessories:'' Tri-barrel "particle feedback blaster"/bomb, double-barrel "harmonic wave cannon"/bomb, Cybertron Autobot Cyber Key (Clear black plastic, silver border, red insignia)

: Blaster is a redeco of ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' [[Soundwave (Cybertron)|Soundwave]], transforming into a Cybertronic stealth bomber vaguely like an [[Popular Earth vehicle alternate modes|F-117A Nighthawk prototype]], the [[Wikipedia:Have_Blue|Have Blue]]. He comes with three hexagonal prism "bombs"; one converts into his partner [[Blockrock]], the other two unfold into non-firing blaster weapons. Any one of these "bombs" can be stored in his robot-mode chest, which opens by plugging a [[Cyber Planet Key]] into him (his is a gunmetal-bordered clear-plastic [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]-style Autobot Key). The other two bombs store in indents on the underside of his wings.

[[Image:Blaster-U08-boxart.jpg|left|100px|thumb|If only...]]
: His packaging art shows him with only half of his chest-door as clear-blue, emulating the original toy design's tape-window, but the final product (and stock photography) show the blue all the way across. However, his visor ''does'' have red paint to simulate the "goggle visor" look of the [[#Generation 1|original toy]] and Marvel comics model.

: This mold was also used to make ''Galaxy Force'' [[Soundblaster (Cybertron)|Soundblaster]].
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/TFUBlaster/blaster.htm More information on Classics Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

====G1 Series====
[[Image:Universe2008_SDCC_G1Blaster.jpg|thumb|300px|]]
*'''Autobot Blaster''' (2010)
**''Accessories:'' Electro-Scrambler Gun
:This San Diego Comic-Con [[exclusive]] reissue of Blaster comes with [[Steeljaw (G1)|Steeljaw]], [[Ramhorn (G1)|Ramhorn]] and [[Eject]]. Released as part of the [[Universe (2008 toyline)|''Universe'' (2008) toyline]], the packaging also has a special foil-detailed outer slip case. Blaster is technically a slight [[redeco]], having metal-flake beige legs instead of metallic-swirl silver, and his stickers come pre-applied.

:This set was also made available at the Animation-Comic-Game Hong Kong Fair 2010, and was later released on the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] and then also sold at FanExpo Canada 2010.
{{-}}

===Device Label===
[[Image:Device_Label_Broadcast.jpg|thumb|right|300px|What, not a real notebook?! You are the REAL ''Decept''icon!!]]
*'''Broad Blast''' ([[July 24|7/24]]/2010)
**''Accessories:'' USB cable

:''[[Device Label]]'' Broad Blast transforms into a working USB hub (designed to look like the Toshiba Qosmio laptop computer). The USB functionality works in both robot and laptop modes. Generation 1 Mini-Cassettes can fit into the false tape-deck in his chest in robot mode, but cannot be stored while Broad Blast is in laptop mode due to his head being inside his chest in this form. The Generation 1 Blaster toy's Electro-Scrambler Gun can also fit into Broad Blast's [[5mm post|compatible fist holes]].

:Originally scheduled for release in late [[2009]], Broad Blast was delayed until July 2010. According to a report from getnews.jp at the Tokyo Toy Show 2010, the delay was due to the discovery of a connection cut-off problem after the toy/USB hub is transformed into robot mode. TakaraTomy redesigned the entire lower body to fix this problem. <ref>[http://getnews.jp/archives/68064 Get News.jp report on Device Label Broadblast]</ref>

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
==Merchandise==
===Decoy===
*'''Blaster''' (Decoy, 1987)
**''Decoy number'': '''29'''

: Like all [[Decoy]]s, the decoy Blaster was a randomly-chosen pack-in available with the carded [[Throttlebot]]s, [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]], [[Protectobot (G1)|Protectobots]] and [[Technobot (G1)|Technobot]]s.

::*''[http://www.tfu.info/1986/Autobot/Decoys/Blaster/blaster.htm More information on Decoy Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:Robotheroesblasterthrust.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Waiting futilely for Robot Heroes Scrounge.]]
*'''Blaster and Thrust''' (2008)

:Part of the third wave of ''Universe'' ''[[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]]'', "Generation 1 Series" Blaster comes packaged with [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]. He has the standard shoulders-and-neck articulation. His headsculpt is more toy-based than cartoon-based, featuring his "goggles" (even though his eyes kind of pop out from them).
::*''[http://www.tfu.info/2008/Autobot/RHBlaster/blaster.htm More information on Robot Heroes Blaster at TFU.info]''

{{-}}

==Notes==
* The [[Pre-Transformer|pre-''Transformers'']] version of Blaster was actually a functioning AM radio. The ''[[Micro Change|Microchange]]'' release of the toy came with a microcassette-sized radio that plugged in to Radi-Casse Robo, which had internal wiring that allowed the radio to play through the speakers in its legs. The big hole in his Electro-Scrambler rifle is an earphone storage space, while the cord can be wrapped around the gun and the plug connects to the hole in the gun's stock. Despite popular belief, the compartment in the back of some Blaster toys was not a remnant of a battery compartment, but was actually storage for one of the transforming microcassettes, since a plug kept them from fitting in the cassette door. The battery compartment was actually in one of his legs.

* According to [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] on a [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|letters page]], Blaster's visor is retractable. He uses it to shield his especially delicate optical sensors from sunlight.

* The packaging for Twincast's e-Hobby reissue was the same generic [[Decepticon]]-scheme box used to package [[Magnificus (G1)|Magnificus]]. However, since Flip Sides is technically a Decepticon, it... sorta works.

* According to Blaster himself on the UK letters page, he has two [[Relatives|siblings]]: [[Toaster]] and [[Karmen]]. And then there's [[Bluster]], his retroactively-created and less-seen brother.

* Blaster hosted the [[Letters page (Marvel UK)|Marvel UK comic's letters page]] for the final 33 issues (from [[Rhythms of Darkness!|issue #300]] to [[End of the Road! (US)|issue #332]]), to tie in with his Action Master toy. Here, the letters page was dubbed "Darn 'n' Blast," replacing [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind's]] "Dread Tidings" (despite Dreadwind's holing himself up in the Marvel offices. He was finally evicted by Blaster who complained that Dreadwind had decorated the office in all purple and orange with a solitary picture of a dog with sad eyes). His characterization in the letters page is more in line with his fun-loving, hip and happening self from the cartoon than the rather grim, brooding, rebellious loner seen in the comics. He arrived on the letters page in advance of his resurrection in the comics itself, which did not occur until [[On the Edge of Extinction!|issue #321]]. He was explicitly identified as being a non-transformer Action Master, though his partner Flight Pack did not appear.

* Blaster had a different appearance in the 1980s between the cartoon and the Marvel comic series. His head in the comic was closer to the toy and depicted him with goggles, while the cartoon drew him with regular eyes and a large forehead. By [[On the Edge of Extinction!|late 1990]], however, Blaster's head in the comics more closely resembled the cartoon appearance. This did come after he was revived by Nucleon, though, so maybe this was his side-effect?
** The toy-based head was drawn by [[Don Perlin]] and [[José Delbo]], while [[Herb Trimpe]] (covers, [[G.I. Joe and the Transformers]]), [[Geoff Senior]] (issue 75) and [[Andrew Wildman]] (issues 76-80) drew Blaster's head based on the cartoon version. All versions were colored by [[Nelson Yomtov|Nel Yomtov]], who gave Blaster a red forehead and yellow face (a combination never used on a toy, or in the cartoon).

* Blaster's absence from the second half of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' is often a talking point among fans. It stems from a deleted plotline from early drafts of the movie, in which he would have led several other 1984 and '85 Autobots as a team of guerilla fighters, defending Earth against the Decepticons while Ultra Magnus and the other Autobots went into space to stop Unicron from feeding on the energy of the planet.

* Since the release of ''Universe'' Blaster, there seems to be an attempt on the part of tech spec writers to balance Marvel's dark and brooding portrayal of Blaster with the rock 'n' roll loving version from the original US cartoon. The ''Universe'' write-up has Blaster organizing resistance cells with Perceptor (with NO mention of his musical interests), recalling the storyline in US comic #17-18. The 2010 San Diego Comic Convention release of the figure not only mentions Blaster's love of music ("Any music, from Cybertronian magna marches to down and dirty D.C. hardcore"), it references "his hatred of the Decepticons," because "the war they started killed the music scene (and most of the musicians) on Cybertron"--combining Blaster's varying personalities from these two continuities into one.
** This also means Blaster is a fan of Bad Brains and Minor Threat. That rules '''so hard.'''

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Blaster Blaster's Universe profile at NFTA.net]

[[Category:Action Masters]]
[[Category:Attacktix]]
[[Category:Binaltech Asterisk characters]]
[[Category:Classics Autobots]]
[[Category:Communications specialists]]
[[Category:E-Hobby]]
[[Category:Generation 1 Autobots]]
[[Category:Kiss Players Autobots]]
[[Category:Letters page answerers]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:The Headmasters Autobots]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Talk:Main Page/Archive5

2011-01-07T12:03:32Z

84.193.193.10: New page: ==WHA'PPEN?== So...what on Earth has happened to the TFWiki? Also, for some reason the old Wikia seems to have gained all of the articles that are now missing from here. (Such as the Seas...

==WHA'PPEN?==

So...what on Earth has happened to the TFWiki? Also, for some reason the old Wikia seems to have gained all of the articles that are now missing from here. (Such as the Season 3 animated stuff)
:Seems to me that we've reverted to a June 2008 version of the database which could be really bad news. Some of my articles [[Macabre]] for example are at the old site but not here, which would make sense since I wrote it in September 2008 before we moved here. I don't even have a login here anymore - Emvee :( [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 19:31, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::Looks like our brain-damaged friend is back again.
:::There's some more info on the [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51208&view=findpost&p=1155749 wiki thread in the Allspark forums]. Looks like an upgrade handled very very sloppily. I'm hoping once they restore the old database it'll overwrite the changes made in the interim, seeing as how our favorite Idiot Vandal With No Life is on a rampage. (Sigh.) Wiping out his stupid crap in one go would be priceless. (This is Jeysie, BTW.) --[[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 19:41, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::Thank Primus. I was worried someone had hacked in and deleted the database. The thought of 6 months work lost filled me with dread. --abates 19:46, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::Ditto. Dread all round here too. Good to know it's in hand. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 19:48, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::You know... assuming it does get overwritten so we don't have to worry about undoing it, watching our pet vandal complain about how the wiki malfunctioning prevents him from vandalizing properly is one of the most morbidly hilarious things I've seen in a while. -Jeysie --[[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 20:07, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Don't I know it, I was just having a laugh at that with the other half :) --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:16, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::You know, there are some benefits about this. On the one hand, people don't have to worry about being spoiled about TransWarped. On the other, we get to see Assaulthead self-destruct in rage as he can't vandalize the wiki. However, there is one concern: What if they can't retrieve the lost information? -- (SFH) [[Special:Contributions/67.164.210.225|67.164.210.225]] 20:11, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I'm assuming that Bookworm made a database backup before he started work. Should be fairly simple to upload it again. Which means this conversation never happened. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:16, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I've decided I don't want to think about what happens if he didn't. (Realistically about all we could do is a crapload of trawling through Google's cache, but even then we'd pretty much be seriously hosed.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 20:18, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I didn't spot this thread until right after emailing Suki and Walky (one knows the code well, the other is right by the servers) about the situation (though I figure they already know), as I thought it might have been Assaulthead showing a heretofore hidden hacking genius. (Hey, if Bulkhead can be a space bridge genius...) I hope to heck we don't lose all those months of work. Someone really needs to work on that update process... --Apcog [[Special:Contributions/99.158.0.251|99.158.0.251]] 20:21, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::It would be a real pain if all that work was lost. I hope it's not. How long would it take to get everything back up again? --Tribor

Guys, stop worrying and check out the community portal talk page. That's been restored and its last post was only a couple of days ago. Unless that's the ''only'' page on the enitire wiki that was backed-up, the most that could maybe have been lost is a couple of days' worth. (Okay, as soon as I wrote this, that page got fucked up, too.) The main thing to think about is first-time visitors seeing the site like this. - Magnus Maximus
:I just find it sad that the only person who can log in (with multiple usernames, it seems) is the guy with the (so imaginative) gift for profanity. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:49, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::That's only because he keeps making new accounts every time he shows up, since we keep blocking the old ones.--Apcog [[Special:Contributions/72.48.68.223|72.48.68.223]] 00:15, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

What worries me, is... why is the database even that far back? Even if we somehow lost everything, we should at least be stuck in how the wiki looked when we first arrived, but we've been rolled almost three months before that. (The last edits in the histories all seem to be mid-June 2008, but didn't we move here in mid-September 2008?) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 21:02, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
: Yeah, but IIRC we moved in with an older backup and ended up losing a little bit of stuff? -hx [[Special:Contributions/24.30.97.198|24.30.97.198]] 21:14, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::Only a few weeks at most, though, IIRC, not three months' worth. (Not that it really matters if we did lose everything, it just makes me even more worried that this backup/upgrade wasn't done right.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 21:24, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

:::I just don't uderstand why there wasn't a working failsafe in case something like this happened. I mean come on have you ever heard of an SD card or floppy disk? --E-Bot
Somebody set up us the bomb. --Interrobang 21:26, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

Straight up! I agree, it dosesn't make any sense Dawg. Yo but you know i'm still concerned if something like this could happen again, and if the damage could much more worse than it is now. --The Man 21:19, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::There had been discussion for several months about creating a proper back-up system.
::::No one really thought it was important. *eyeroll* -[[Special:Contributions/207.224.69.82|207.224.69.82]] 23:00, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::I had a look at the page for exporting the database a week or so ago but couldn't work out how to make it give me any data. I kinda wish I'd stuck at it now. Oh well, I'm just hanging out for some sort of official word on what's happening now... --abates 23:09, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::Who are we gonna get the offical word from? Admin? I've only been able to track two. This is what really gets me though, I've put more work into this wiki in the past four months than any other time. But I'm kinda doubting that this entire thing was Assualthead, even though his fancy with profanity is some kind of wonderment. I hate worrying because it's like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.--AWT88--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 23:25, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::Walky just [http://shortpacked.livejournal.com/481400.html blogged] on the matter.
::::::It looks like our host decided to spontaneously upgrade our software without warning or asking us first, forgot to make a database backup while doing so, things got corrupted and now he's slapped in the database we had during transition just to get things working while he digs through the backup archives to find the most up-to-date regular update.
::::::(I am not relaxing until this update is in-hand. That's the kind of flim-flam answer I usually associate with "oops it's all gone" unless I'm informed somethign is going to happen AHEAD of time.) -Derik
:::::::OK, I have [http://www.aldenbates.com/allpages.txt here] a list of all content pages on the Wiki from roughly 4 days ago. I am thinking of writing something to request and save the Google cache of every damn one of them tonight. Actually converting them to Wiki format and restoring them is another matter. --abates 00:34, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Google Cache is passable - I tried a few links that I was able to access and they were about at least a week to three weeks off. --lonegamer78 [[Special:Contributions/76.95.138.16|76.95.138.16]] 00:44, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::If you can automate such a thing, I'd say go for it, Abates, just in case. The TV Tropes folks saved their own wiki from a crash with Google's cache, so while it'll be a crapton of work, it'll still be way better than starting over after losing 9 months of work. And if it turns out we didn't need it because Idiot Server guy gets things running again, well... just a little time wasted, then. --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:21, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::::::Hrm, as I more or less expected, Google throttled me. I'm not sure of a better way to get the cache pages though. :/ --abates 02:26, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

The not-entirely-ultrahorrific news is that the Google cache of every page I've tested for is from March 9th. So at least there IS a record of really everything we've done here; we've only "lost" TransWarped and one or two comic issues.

But for fuck's sake we have to get this nailed down SOON.

First question: is it possible for Google to make a cache of the current lobotomized pages? How long will they rely on their March 9th cache of, say, Kup, before they make a new image of it based on the piece of shit Bookworm reverted us to? Can we ask them to STOP updating?

And does this current incarnation of TFWiki still have the quarter-million implanted redirects to Wikia in it? 'Cos if it does, fuck, we're better off pulling the plug on the site altogether and only putting it back when it's presentable. '''Thylacine 2000''' --[[Special:Contributions/74.73.131.210|74.73.131.210]] 11:03, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

:Agreed. There is absolutely no reason for the site to be up right now. We're begging Google to overwrite their old cache. '''Chip''' [[Special:Contributions/161.203.16.1|161.203.16.1]] 11:39, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

===Another thing comin'===
Okay, people, look here. I don't know jack from shit about databases and backups and servers and whatnot, but what I do know is this:

''This is a fucking catastrophe.''

In the very best possible scenario, we've had a site that's been down all freakin' day. That's if we're very, very lucky, apparently. This is also a site that goes down every single night at 1:10am central time, and stays down from several minutes up to an hour. Every. Single. Night. Like clockwork. This is a known issue and in 6 months, nothing has been done about it.

That's if we're lucky. If we're ''not'' lucky, and I'm seeing no reason to think we are, then we've lost ''eight months of work'', all thanks to some bizarre software update that... does what? Was it even necessary? Was something broken here? Was that whole thing where the site appeared to be working, was that just me hallucinating?

Furthermore, if this required taking down the whole site, ''why on god's green earth was a full backup not made immediately beforehand???''

Daily outages for 6 months, lost backups, no backups before software updates, and a site that's now rudderless. We were supposed to make a clean, sharp, snazzy break from Wikia, show that we'd be better off on our own and didn't need them. At the moment, we instead look like ''idiots'' who can't hack it.

We HAVE advertising money, yes? It is time to find a ''professional'' site host, and PAY THEM for their services so we can in turn get reliable hosting. The free charity hosting thing was very nice, but it seems we've gotten what we paid for. -- repowers, not freakin' signed in.

: Yeah, seriously, what was the server guy ''thinking''? The way this should have been done:
#Ask us first.
#Give at least a week's scheduled warning once we gave permission. (I mean... premiere of the first big TF info in a while kind of is a ''really'' bad time to be doing this sort of thing...)
#Put the wiki in locked-down Maintenance Mode.
#Backup the wiki.
#Upgrade.
#Test it out.
#Unlock the wiki.

:...I'm with you, there's gotta be some webhost we can pay that's better than this silliness. (I'd recommend Dreamhost, but admittedly, while they're more reliable than these folks, I still wouldn't offer it up for more than simple hobby sites.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.222.241|72.79.222.241]] 23:51, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

:Yeah, this was the ''one reservation'' I had against ditching Wikia - that entrusting our work to some random host would be riskier than a company that does nothing ''but'' wikis. Every time I mentioned it, I was either patted on the head or ignored. Maybe NOW the danger will be taken more seriously. - Jackpot [[Special:Contributions/216.231.37.133|216.231.37.133]] 00:53, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::In all fairness, this wasn't "some random host." This would be "the guy Walky pays to host Blank Label, where his livelihood resides." --Rosicrucian --[[Special:Contributions/67.232.209.132|67.232.209.132]] 01:15, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::Not just Walky, but all the other people on BLC. Near as I can tell, this kind of thing has ''never happened'' with the BLC servers before. '''M Sipher'''--[[Special:Contributions/75.177.130.173|75.177.130.173]] 05:38, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::And the problem is that Wikia was unreliable too, in entirely different ways. If we'd stayed with them the wiki might be up... but they'd also be randomly breaking things by upgrading without our permission, and screwing around with our content. Personally, I wish we simply had a webhost where we were allowed to do our own backups/upgrades... --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:21, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::Well, we had no real reason to suspect this would happen. Walkypedia has been on this same server, with the same hosting and same maintenance guy for years (albeit it's not a wiki of anywhere near this scale). Bookworm had, previously, seemed to have his act together. We just have to hope that he gets it back up, and that he's properly chastised by this.--Rosicrucian, [[Special:Contributions/67.232.209.132|67.232.209.132]] 01:24, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::It's just that... personally, I'm dismayed we were trusting an "outside" IT person to maintain our site anyway. I had thought Suki and Derik were handling things. I mean, If I'm going to host something on my own webspace from a webhost, I'm of the "Take my money, give me webspace, keep the space online, and let me handle the rest" mentality. Or at the very least, not do anything to my site unless I authorize it and I'm there watching... --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:30, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

I beleve that we must do everything in our power to restore the wiki post-hast. Otherwise we will fall behind so far it may set us back weeks even months just to get caught up again. And if I might add that if anyone copied any of the articales we can use that information help fix the problem. I know it sounds complcated but we have to try. To me this not just a wiki it stands for everything Transfomers are. --D.J.Sky 03:35 15 March (2009)
:Ruined FOREVER, you mean? - Magnus Maximus 04:39, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

Aw, jesus, I was ''really'' hoping that when I woke up, this would all have been a dream or something. - - McFeely [[Special:Contributions/78.32.44.57|78.32.44.57]] 06:27, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:That's exactly what I was hoping McFreely, but sadly it wasn't. I was hoping the site would be back up by now and we'd have four days of work to recreate, but no, it's still down. I mean ''come on'', the half-ass guys over at the wikia have almost everything we've put up in the past four days (not to our quality but still). I don't know guys... I hope it'll be back up by the time I get home from work tonight and might pull an all nighter trying to do what I can.--AWT88--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 10:53, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

::It's really a bad nightmare. Oww... I have same feeling with Chris. --(TX55) [[Special:Contributions/61.229.26.192|61.229.26.192]] 11:42, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

===Damage control===
Figured there should be a link here to the discussion Rob started on how to go about fixing all of this: [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central]] - '''Jackpot''' [[Special:Contributions/216.231.37.133|216.231.37.133]] 13:52, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

==ROTF countdown==
I can't remember, but was our ROTF countdown thing automated or did somebody have to manually change the number of days left? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:04, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
:<nowiki>*blink*</nowiki> Yeah, it used to be a countdown in wikicode. *yoinks the countdown back onto the page from the history and feels sheepish for not noticing it got overwritten* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 09:15, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
::Thank you kindly. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:17, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
:::It's showing 101 days again, which is where it was stuck after the crash. --[[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 00:00, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::OOps, shall fix. Thanks for the heads up! -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:19, 5 April 2009 (EDT)

== Derik's revamp. ==

Looked and worked awesome when you showed me the sample, even better now that it's in proper layout. Kudos, man.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 01:00, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:Not sure what else was done, but the image banner at the top looks all huge and pixelated now in Firefox on my iMac. This may or may not stem from the revamp.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 03:16, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::It looks mostly spiffilicious, but there's something off on the Continuities/Categories paddings, as the longer titles (External Properties, Full Series Info, and About Continuities) wrap into double lines for me, where they didn't before. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 07:14, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::Doesn't happen for me at 1024, haven't tried it at other resolutions. I did notice that the "Full Series Info" anchor link on the Continuities box is now broken.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 18:56, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::I've had a chance to look at it on the PC at home, and the banner image looks fine there. The Continuities & Categories titles look fine to me, no line wrapping. Go figure. The anchor link for Full Series Info is indeed messed up, though.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 20:22, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::::Mrr, maybe it's my font size. I don't know why it's suddenly weird, though, it was fine before.
:::::As for the "Full Series Info", that, and "anyone can edit" and "add to!" in the disambig were all in-page anchor links to various feature boxes' IDs. If Derik changed or forgot to add the IDs on the feature boxes, either that needs to be fixed, or the links need to be fixed. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 22:20, 5 April 2009 (EDT)

They have ID's-- but not names. (I think 1 or two of the ID's might've changed, I didn't think they were used.) Are you referring to anchors, or...? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:48, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:Yup, anchors. The link in question goes to Main_Page#series for example.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 22:52, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::The anchors work-- they're set using the id= in the main page text. I apparently changed the "#editing" anchor to "#editing-tips" to make it consistent with the rest of the ID's used on the page. I didn't realize anything actually ''used'' it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 23:12, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::And yet, I click on that link, and it's no-go.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 23:17, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::Ah. ''Now'' it works. Go figure.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 13:52, 6 April 2009 (EDT)

I like the ''idea'' of the autosizing banner, but as mentioned previously, it looks really pixel-y and...well, bad. (Never mind that the Decepticon banner has some sort of smudge in the middle of the "K".) I'm looking at it in IE7 at a resolution of 1280x1024, meaning the banner image itself shows up at 1007 pixels wide. But it looks really junky until I shrink the window down so that the image is below 800 pixels. --[[User:Salt-Man Z|Salt-Man Z]] 16:43, 8 April 2009 (EDT)

== Server Slowdown? ==

Still getting some major lag at various times, and not just at the "standard" time of midnight Central Time or so. For at least a couple of hours this afternoon, the wiki was taking too long to respond, delivering server time-out errors, or else generating a blank page. Frankly, until I was able to see it properly again just now, I was worried we had a repeat performance on our hands. I believe Suki/Scout said she was making regular back-ups, which is good. Is this periodic bog-down going to be SOP until/unless we move again, or is Bookworm gonna do something about it?--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 20:27, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:I noticed that there were zero edits from 13:45–18:56 this afternoon. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 20:42, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::Yep, the site was pretty much unreachable for about 5 hours there, along with Blank Label Comics' site. I was beginning to wonder if the server had died completely.
::The favicon seems to have stopped working for me too, though I can't work out why. The image is still there... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:27, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::Five ''hours''? Yeesh. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:49, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::And no one who knows why has shown up here to explain or communicated the reason to anyone who posts here yet. Lovely. Favicon's still working for me, at least.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 00:54, 6 April 2009 (EDT)
:::::I called Bookworm in the middle of it to get him to kick the server in the nuts, but I only got his voicemail. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:14, 6 April 2009 (EDT)
::::::Peachy. My confidence is soaring now. Well, at least we know someone here has tried to get his attention.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 14:40, 6 April 2009 (EDT)

==Been Out for a While==

I figured this would be the best place to do this. First and formost, I'd like to apologize to everyone on the Wiki for not helping in probably our biggest time of need. I have been unable to have internet access for the past few weeks, because the damn hospital wouldn't let me have a computer (and maybe only being able to use one arm on a laptop is pretty damn hard), which means I have been unable to update or edit anything. Hell, today was the first time I was on my Facebook or Myspace for weeks, have finally caught up on Lil'formers and ShortPacked as well.

Anyways, let me explain about these ramblings. Two or three days after the crash--on my way to work--I had some fucking dumbass in a riced Toyota run a red light and T-bone the side of my truck in my door and messed me up pretty good (he fucked himself up as bad as his car) and put me in the hospital. I was pretty damn lucky though, dislocated my shoulder and elbow, factured my forearm and wrist, broke three of my fingers; all on my left arm (and I'm a lefty), cracked four ribs and bruised them too, fractured my tibia and broke my ankle. My right side was farely untouched but still got bruised, oh, and my seatbelt cut into my neck (I've had worse cuts and scars before). This is all probably a bit too much but I figured I needed to explain why I haven't been on here until after everything was fixed.

I do have a few questions now though. 1) I can't log in under my name so do I have to set up a new one? 2) Was everything completely blanked when it came to users (i.e. Page Watch, Contribs., etc.) or can we retrieve that? I guess that's all the questions I can think of right now. Any responses, obviously write on the talk page, or hit me on my IP address Talk Page.--'''AWT88'''--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 23:10, 20 April 2009 (EDT)
:Wow, that sucks. I'm glad to hear you're recovering though!
:And no, the user accounts were completely scragged. You'll have to re-register. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:10, 21 April 2009 (EDT)

==ROTF==

Shouldn't the newest thing be the Veiled Threat instead of Defiance #4? --[[Special:Contributions/206.253.51.107|206.253.51.107]] 09:26, 10 May 2009 (EDT)

== Could not connect ==

Was anyone else unable to connect to tfwiki for the last four hours? Are we still having server problems, then?[[User:KrytenKoro|KrytenKoro]] 14:09, 16 May 2009 (EDT)

I was ''finally'' able to get back on the site after about 6 hours, and noticed there had been ''only one edit in the past 6 hours''. What gives? Has the site been down the entire time, or has everyone been busy at BOTCON?--[[User:AWT88|AWT88]] 23:38, 29 May 2009 (EDT)
:It's definitely been down all that time for me, at least. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 00:48, 30 May 2009 (EDT)
::That was downright painful. :( --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:18, 30 May 2009 (EDT)
:::Indeed, its getting to where I see why Wikia is still running, since its actually up half the time[[Special:Contributions/76.240.201.195|76.240.201.195]] 11:56, 4 June 2009 (EDT)

== Dinoforce ==

For some reason, all of the Dinoforce articles show up twice in the Turncoats category. This doesn't happen with any other article in there, so I think maybe it's a facet of that little accented u in their names. They appear to not just be copies of the same article, though, since the talk page for one was the talk page for the other. I'm not sure if this is an in-joke or not, though, so could someone familiar with the articles please address this?[[User:KrytenKoro|KrytenKoro]] 19:52, 7 June 2009 (EDT)

== Remaining the Fallen? ==

Do we have a lineup of potential Featured Articles for August? I vote for [[Sector Seven]], unless we think it would be a good idea to keep it as-is until the movie leaves theaters..... --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 12:16, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
:Siph suggested [[Micromaster Collection]] a week or two back. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 12:57, 2 August 2009 (EDT)

:Do we have any featured-level G.I.Joe related articles? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:31, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
::Not especially... even the complete ones look kind of... limp. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:44, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
:::I think a G.I.Joe article is a good idea...to bad in don't know nearly enough about the show to lap at least one of the articles a feature...--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 16:54, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
::::So, are we going to switch to Micromaster Collection after all? If that doesn't work for some reason, I could also suggest "Shattered Glass" [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] or [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] for further potential quirkiness. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 01:59, 5 August 2009 (EDT)
:::::I suggest [[Marissa Faireborn]] to go with our G.I. Joe theme. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:21, 6 August 2009 (EDT)
::::::I second Marissa (and note that it's usually Walky who changes the featured article, and he's on the road which is probably why it hasn't changed. Also, I want to slap an "anatomy doesn't work that way" tag on the current tower ad). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:27, 6 August 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Yeah, I'll third the Marissa idea (and not just because I did that article up recently!). We're already a week into August, so I'll just change it now before I head out to work. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 06:05, 7 August 2009 (EDT)

==September FA?==
So.... [[Micromaster Collection]]? --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 02:34, 30 August 2009 (EDT)
:I'm down with that. -- [[User:SFH|SFH]] 02:45, 30 August 2009 (EDT)
:Anyone wanna put that up? I will tomorrow morning if not! :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 09:09, 4 September 2009 (EDT)

== DVD field guide ==

Actually, with the column width wouldn't this fit easily in the featured series box?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 18:57, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:Maybe, although I think it needs to stay in a nicely prominent spot somewhere and not get "lost". There's already so much info jammed in the Featured Series box already. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 19:22, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

== Reception in all fiction ==

Just an idea, why not add a reception section to all main fiction pages (comics and series) ala the Animated/UT pages [[User:Eire]] 20,07 Nov 2 09 (UTC)
:I tend to cringe at these, as they're tough to write, inevitably biased, and magnets for vandalism.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:12, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::I kinda agree. Though I DID really enjoy the UT ones (those articles in general were good reads for me, since I missed most of those shows). I think only in cases where the response was very particularly notable should we dip into such opinionated waters. Otherwise, yeah, they're kinda huge moron/troll/vandal bait. --[[User:ZacWilliam|ZacWilliam]] 15:31, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:::That would be my concern as well. If a series had a particularly notable and uniform reception, then it might be worth a write-up. Otherwise, what is there to say? I worry about echo-chamber effects as well. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 15:40, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::To be honest, don't we already have some sort of reception section in most of the articles? Beast Wars has the infamous [[Trukk not munky]] reactions and so forth, and Beast Machines has the fandom's dim views on it. Is there any section which already doesn't have some sort of fandom reaction on it? -- [[User:SFH|SFH]] 16:02, 2 November 2009 (EST)

Talk:Main Page

2011-01-07T12:03:09Z

84.193.193.10: archive

Talk:Main Page

2011-01-07T12:01:38Z

84.193.193.10: /* Archives */

THE FUNNY STAYS.
-The Management

__TOC__

Please use this talk page for discussion about the [[Main Page]].

To discuss site-wide policies, please visit [[Transformers Wiki Talk:Community Portal|the Community Portal talk page]].

==Archives==
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive1|Archive1]]
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive2|Archive2]]
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive3|Archive3]]
*[[Talk:Main_Page/Archive4|Archive4]]
*[[Talk:Main Page/Archive5|Archive5]]

==WHA'PPEN?==

So...what on Earth has happened to the TFWiki? Also, for some reason the old Wikia seems to have gained all of the articles that are now missing from here. (Such as the Season 3 animated stuff)
:Seems to me that we've reverted to a June 2008 version of the database which could be really bad news. Some of my articles [[Macabre]] for example are at the old site but not here, which would make sense since I wrote it in September 2008 before we moved here. I don't even have a login here anymore - Emvee :( [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 19:31, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::Looks like our brain-damaged friend is back again.
:::There's some more info on the [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51208&view=findpost&p=1155749 wiki thread in the Allspark forums]. Looks like an upgrade handled very very sloppily. I'm hoping once they restore the old database it'll overwrite the changes made in the interim, seeing as how our favorite Idiot Vandal With No Life is on a rampage. (Sigh.) Wiping out his stupid crap in one go would be priceless. (This is Jeysie, BTW.) --[[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 19:41, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::Thank Primus. I was worried someone had hacked in and deleted the database. The thought of 6 months work lost filled me with dread. --abates 19:46, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::Ditto. Dread all round here too. Good to know it's in hand. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 19:48, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::You know... assuming it does get overwritten so we don't have to worry about undoing it, watching our pet vandal complain about how the wiki malfunctioning prevents him from vandalizing properly is one of the most morbidly hilarious things I've seen in a while. -Jeysie --[[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 20:07, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Don't I know it, I was just having a laugh at that with the other half :) --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:16, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::You know, there are some benefits about this. On the one hand, people don't have to worry about being spoiled about TransWarped. On the other, we get to see Assaulthead self-destruct in rage as he can't vandalize the wiki. However, there is one concern: What if they can't retrieve the lost information? -- (SFH) [[Special:Contributions/67.164.210.225|67.164.210.225]] 20:11, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I'm assuming that Bookworm made a database backup before he started work. Should be fairly simple to upload it again. Which means this conversation never happened. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:16, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I've decided I don't want to think about what happens if he didn't. (Realistically about all we could do is a crapload of trawling through Google's cache, but even then we'd pretty much be seriously hosed.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 20:18, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::I didn't spot this thread until right after emailing Suki and Walky (one knows the code well, the other is right by the servers) about the situation (though I figure they already know), as I thought it might have been Assaulthead showing a heretofore hidden hacking genius. (Hey, if Bulkhead can be a space bridge genius...) I hope to heck we don't lose all those months of work. Someone really needs to work on that update process... --Apcog [[Special:Contributions/99.158.0.251|99.158.0.251]] 20:21, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::It would be a real pain if all that work was lost. I hope it's not. How long would it take to get everything back up again? --Tribor

Guys, stop worrying and check out the community portal talk page. That's been restored and its last post was only a couple of days ago. Unless that's the ''only'' page on the enitire wiki that was backed-up, the most that could maybe have been lost is a couple of days' worth. (Okay, as soon as I wrote this, that page got fucked up, too.) The main thing to think about is first-time visitors seeing the site like this. - Magnus Maximus
:I just find it sad that the only person who can log in (with multiple usernames, it seems) is the guy with the (so imaginative) gift for profanity. --Emvee [[Special:Contributions/77.102.92.218|77.102.92.218]] 20:49, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::That's only because he keeps making new accounts every time he shows up, since we keep blocking the old ones.--Apcog [[Special:Contributions/72.48.68.223|72.48.68.223]] 00:15, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

What worries me, is... why is the database even that far back? Even if we somehow lost everything, we should at least be stuck in how the wiki looked when we first arrived, but we've been rolled almost three months before that. (The last edits in the histories all seem to be mid-June 2008, but didn't we move here in mid-September 2008?) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 21:02, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
: Yeah, but IIRC we moved in with an older backup and ended up losing a little bit of stuff? -hx [[Special:Contributions/24.30.97.198|24.30.97.198]] 21:14, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::Only a few weeks at most, though, IIRC, not three months' worth. (Not that it really matters if we did lose everything, it just makes me even more worried that this backup/upgrade wasn't done right.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.219.120|72.79.219.120]] 21:24, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

:::I just don't uderstand why there wasn't a working failsafe in case something like this happened. I mean come on have you ever heard of an SD card or floppy disk? --E-Bot
Somebody set up us the bomb. --Interrobang 21:26, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

Straight up! I agree, it dosesn't make any sense Dawg. Yo but you know i'm still concerned if something like this could happen again, and if the damage could much more worse than it is now. --The Man 21:19, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::There had been discussion for several months about creating a proper back-up system.
::::No one really thought it was important. *eyeroll* -[[Special:Contributions/207.224.69.82|207.224.69.82]] 23:00, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::I had a look at the page for exporting the database a week or so ago but couldn't work out how to make it give me any data. I kinda wish I'd stuck at it now. Oh well, I'm just hanging out for some sort of official word on what's happening now... --abates 23:09, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::Who are we gonna get the offical word from? Admin? I've only been able to track two. This is what really gets me though, I've put more work into this wiki in the past four months than any other time. But I'm kinda doubting that this entire thing was Assualthead, even though his fancy with profanity is some kind of wonderment. I hate worrying because it's like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.--AWT88--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 23:25, 15 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::Walky just [http://shortpacked.livejournal.com/481400.html blogged] on the matter.
::::::It looks like our host decided to spontaneously upgrade our software without warning or asking us first, forgot to make a database backup while doing so, things got corrupted and now he's slapped in the database we had during transition just to get things working while he digs through the backup archives to find the most up-to-date regular update.
::::::(I am not relaxing until this update is in-hand. That's the kind of flim-flam answer I usually associate with "oops it's all gone" unless I'm informed somethign is going to happen AHEAD of time.) -Derik
:::::::OK, I have [http://www.aldenbates.com/allpages.txt here] a list of all content pages on the Wiki from roughly 4 days ago. I am thinking of writing something to request and save the Google cache of every damn one of them tonight. Actually converting them to Wiki format and restoring them is another matter. --abates 00:34, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::::Google Cache is passable - I tried a few links that I was able to access and they were about at least a week to three weeks off. --lonegamer78 [[Special:Contributions/76.95.138.16|76.95.138.16]] 00:44, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::::::If you can automate such a thing, I'd say go for it, Abates, just in case. The TV Tropes folks saved their own wiki from a crash with Google's cache, so while it'll be a crapton of work, it'll still be way better than starting over after losing 9 months of work. And if it turns out we didn't need it because Idiot Server guy gets things running again, well... just a little time wasted, then. --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:21, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::::::::Hrm, as I more or less expected, Google throttled me. I'm not sure of a better way to get the cache pages though. :/ --abates 02:26, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

The not-entirely-ultrahorrific news is that the Google cache of every page I've tested for is from March 9th. So at least there IS a record of really everything we've done here; we've only "lost" TransWarped and one or two comic issues.

But for fuck's sake we have to get this nailed down SOON.

First question: is it possible for Google to make a cache of the current lobotomized pages? How long will they rely on their March 9th cache of, say, Kup, before they make a new image of it based on the piece of shit Bookworm reverted us to? Can we ask them to STOP updating?

And does this current incarnation of TFWiki still have the quarter-million implanted redirects to Wikia in it? 'Cos if it does, fuck, we're better off pulling the plug on the site altogether and only putting it back when it's presentable. '''Thylacine 2000''' --[[Special:Contributions/74.73.131.210|74.73.131.210]] 11:03, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

:Agreed. There is absolutely no reason for the site to be up right now. We're begging Google to overwrite their old cache. '''Chip''' [[Special:Contributions/161.203.16.1|161.203.16.1]] 11:39, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

===Another thing comin'===
Okay, people, look here. I don't know jack from shit about databases and backups and servers and whatnot, but what I do know is this:

''This is a fucking catastrophe.''

In the very best possible scenario, we've had a site that's been down all freakin' day. That's if we're very, very lucky, apparently. This is also a site that goes down every single night at 1:10am central time, and stays down from several minutes up to an hour. Every. Single. Night. Like clockwork. This is a known issue and in 6 months, nothing has been done about it.

That's if we're lucky. If we're ''not'' lucky, and I'm seeing no reason to think we are, then we've lost ''eight months of work'', all thanks to some bizarre software update that... does what? Was it even necessary? Was something broken here? Was that whole thing where the site appeared to be working, was that just me hallucinating?

Furthermore, if this required taking down the whole site, ''why on god's green earth was a full backup not made immediately beforehand???''

Daily outages for 6 months, lost backups, no backups before software updates, and a site that's now rudderless. We were supposed to make a clean, sharp, snazzy break from Wikia, show that we'd be better off on our own and didn't need them. At the moment, we instead look like ''idiots'' who can't hack it.

We HAVE advertising money, yes? It is time to find a ''professional'' site host, and PAY THEM for their services so we can in turn get reliable hosting. The free charity hosting thing was very nice, but it seems we've gotten what we paid for. -- repowers, not freakin' signed in.

: Yeah, seriously, what was the server guy ''thinking''? The way this should have been done:
#Ask us first.
#Give at least a week's scheduled warning once we gave permission. (I mean... premiere of the first big TF info in a while kind of is a ''really'' bad time to be doing this sort of thing...)
#Put the wiki in locked-down Maintenance Mode.
#Backup the wiki.
#Upgrade.
#Test it out.
#Unlock the wiki.

:...I'm with you, there's gotta be some webhost we can pay that's better than this silliness. (I'd recommend Dreamhost, but admittedly, while they're more reliable than these folks, I still wouldn't offer it up for more than simple hobby sites.) --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.222.241|72.79.222.241]] 23:51, 15 March 2009 (EDT)

:Yeah, this was the ''one reservation'' I had against ditching Wikia - that entrusting our work to some random host would be riskier than a company that does nothing ''but'' wikis. Every time I mentioned it, I was either patted on the head or ignored. Maybe NOW the danger will be taken more seriously. - Jackpot [[Special:Contributions/216.231.37.133|216.231.37.133]] 00:53, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::In all fairness, this wasn't "some random host." This would be "the guy Walky pays to host Blank Label, where his livelihood resides." --Rosicrucian --[[Special:Contributions/67.232.209.132|67.232.209.132]] 01:15, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::Not just Walky, but all the other people on BLC. Near as I can tell, this kind of thing has ''never happened'' with the BLC servers before. '''M Sipher'''--[[Special:Contributions/75.177.130.173|75.177.130.173]] 05:38, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::And the problem is that Wikia was unreliable too, in entirely different ways. If we'd stayed with them the wiki might be up... but they'd also be randomly breaking things by upgrading without our permission, and screwing around with our content. Personally, I wish we simply had a webhost where we were allowed to do our own backups/upgrades... --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:21, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
::::Well, we had no real reason to suspect this would happen. Walkypedia has been on this same server, with the same hosting and same maintenance guy for years (albeit it's not a wiki of anywhere near this scale). Bookworm had, previously, seemed to have his act together. We just have to hope that he gets it back up, and that he's properly chastised by this.--Rosicrucian, [[Special:Contributions/67.232.209.132|67.232.209.132]] 01:24, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:::::It's just that... personally, I'm dismayed we were trusting an "outside" IT person to maintain our site anyway. I had thought Suki and Derik were handling things. I mean, If I'm going to host something on my own webspace from a webhost, I'm of the "Take my money, give me webspace, keep the space online, and let me handle the rest" mentality. Or at the very least, not do anything to my site unless I authorize it and I'm there watching... --Jeysie [[Special:Contributions/72.79.218.38|72.79.218.38]] 01:30, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

I beleve that we must do everything in our power to restore the wiki post-hast. Otherwise we will fall behind so far it may set us back weeks even months just to get caught up again. And if I might add that if anyone copied any of the articales we can use that information help fix the problem. I know it sounds complcated but we have to try. To me this not just a wiki it stands for everything Transfomers are. --D.J.Sky 03:35 15 March (2009)
:Ruined FOREVER, you mean? - Magnus Maximus 04:39, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

Aw, jesus, I was ''really'' hoping that when I woke up, this would all have been a dream or something. - - McFeely [[Special:Contributions/78.32.44.57|78.32.44.57]] 06:27, 16 March 2009 (EDT)
:That's exactly what I was hoping McFreely, but sadly it wasn't. I was hoping the site would be back up by now and we'd have four days of work to recreate, but no, it's still down. I mean ''come on'', the half-ass guys over at the wikia have almost everything we've put up in the past four days (not to our quality but still). I don't know guys... I hope it'll be back up by the time I get home from work tonight and might pull an all nighter trying to do what I can.--AWT88--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 10:53, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

::It's really a bad nightmare. Oww... I have same feeling with Chris. --(TX55) [[Special:Contributions/61.229.26.192|61.229.26.192]] 11:42, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

===Damage control===
Figured there should be a link here to the discussion Rob started on how to go about fixing all of this: [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central]] - '''Jackpot''' [[Special:Contributions/216.231.37.133|216.231.37.133]] 13:52, 16 March 2009 (EDT)

==ROTF countdown==
I can't remember, but was our ROTF countdown thing automated or did somebody have to manually change the number of days left? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:04, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
:<nowiki>*blink*</nowiki> Yeah, it used to be a countdown in wikicode. *yoinks the countdown back onto the page from the history and feels sheepish for not noticing it got overwritten* --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 09:15, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
::Thank you kindly. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 09:17, 21 March 2009 (EDT)
:::It's showing 101 days again, which is where it was stuck after the crash. --[[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 00:00, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::OOps, shall fix. Thanks for the heads up! -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:19, 5 April 2009 (EDT)

== Derik's revamp. ==

Looked and worked awesome when you showed me the sample, even better now that it's in proper layout. Kudos, man.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 01:00, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:Not sure what else was done, but the image banner at the top looks all huge and pixelated now in Firefox on my iMac. This may or may not stem from the revamp.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 03:16, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::It looks mostly spiffilicious, but there's something off on the Continuities/Categories paddings, as the longer titles (External Properties, Full Series Info, and About Continuities) wrap into double lines for me, where they didn't before. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 07:14, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::Doesn't happen for me at 1024, haven't tried it at other resolutions. I did notice that the "Full Series Info" anchor link on the Continuities box is now broken.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 18:56, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::I've had a chance to look at it on the PC at home, and the banner image looks fine there. The Continuities & Categories titles look fine to me, no line wrapping. Go figure. The anchor link for Full Series Info is indeed messed up, though.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 20:22, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::::Mrr, maybe it's my font size. I don't know why it's suddenly weird, though, it was fine before.
:::::As for the "Full Series Info", that, and "anyone can edit" and "add to!" in the disambig were all in-page anchor links to various feature boxes' IDs. If Derik changed or forgot to add the IDs on the feature boxes, either that needs to be fixed, or the links need to be fixed. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 22:20, 5 April 2009 (EDT)

They have ID's-- but not names. (I think 1 or two of the ID's might've changed, I didn't think they were used.) Are you referring to anchors, or...? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:48, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:Yup, anchors. The link in question goes to Main_Page#series for example.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 22:52, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::The anchors work-- they're set using the id= in the main page text. I apparently changed the "#editing" anchor to "#editing-tips" to make it consistent with the rest of the ID's used on the page. I didn't realize anything actually ''used'' it. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 23:12, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::And yet, I click on that link, and it's no-go.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 23:17, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::Ah. ''Now'' it works. Go figure.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 13:52, 6 April 2009 (EDT)

I like the ''idea'' of the autosizing banner, but as mentioned previously, it looks really pixel-y and...well, bad. (Never mind that the Decepticon banner has some sort of smudge in the middle of the "K".) I'm looking at it in IE7 at a resolution of 1280x1024, meaning the banner image itself shows up at 1007 pixels wide. But it looks really junky until I shrink the window down so that the image is below 800 pixels. --[[User:Salt-Man Z|Salt-Man Z]] 16:43, 8 April 2009 (EDT)

== Server Slowdown? ==

Still getting some major lag at various times, and not just at the "standard" time of midnight Central Time or so. For at least a couple of hours this afternoon, the wiki was taking too long to respond, delivering server time-out errors, or else generating a blank page. Frankly, until I was able to see it properly again just now, I was worried we had a repeat performance on our hands. I believe Suki/Scout said she was making regular back-ups, which is good. Is this periodic bog-down going to be SOP until/unless we move again, or is Bookworm gonna do something about it?--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 20:27, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:I noticed that there were zero edits from 13:45–18:56 this afternoon. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 20:42, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::Yep, the site was pretty much unreachable for about 5 hours there, along with Blank Label Comics' site. I was beginning to wonder if the server had died completely.
::The favicon seems to have stopped working for me too, though I can't work out why. The image is still there... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:27, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
:::Five ''hours''? Yeesh. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:49, 5 April 2009 (EDT)
::::And no one who knows why has shown up here to explain or communicated the reason to anyone who posts here yet. Lovely. Favicon's still working for me, at least.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 00:54, 6 April 2009 (EDT)
:::::I called Bookworm in the middle of it to get him to kick the server in the nuts, but I only got his voicemail. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 01:14, 6 April 2009 (EDT)
::::::Peachy. My confidence is soaring now. Well, at least we know someone here has tried to get his attention.--[[User:Apcog|Apcog]] 14:40, 6 April 2009 (EDT)

==Been Out for a While==

I figured this would be the best place to do this. First and formost, I'd like to apologize to everyone on the Wiki for not helping in probably our biggest time of need. I have been unable to have internet access for the past few weeks, because the damn hospital wouldn't let me have a computer (and maybe only being able to use one arm on a laptop is pretty damn hard), which means I have been unable to update or edit anything. Hell, today was the first time I was on my Facebook or Myspace for weeks, have finally caught up on Lil'formers and ShortPacked as well.

Anyways, let me explain about these ramblings. Two or three days after the crash--on my way to work--I had some fucking dumbass in a riced Toyota run a red light and T-bone the side of my truck in my door and messed me up pretty good (he fucked himself up as bad as his car) and put me in the hospital. I was pretty damn lucky though, dislocated my shoulder and elbow, factured my forearm and wrist, broke three of my fingers; all on my left arm (and I'm a lefty), cracked four ribs and bruised them too, fractured my tibia and broke my ankle. My right side was farely untouched but still got bruised, oh, and my seatbelt cut into my neck (I've had worse cuts and scars before). This is all probably a bit too much but I figured I needed to explain why I haven't been on here until after everything was fixed.

I do have a few questions now though. 1) I can't log in under my name so do I have to set up a new one? 2) Was everything completely blanked when it came to users (i.e. Page Watch, Contribs., etc.) or can we retrieve that? I guess that's all the questions I can think of right now. Any responses, obviously write on the talk page, or hit me on my IP address Talk Page.--'''AWT88'''--[[Special:Contributions/98.19.92.58|98.19.92.58]] 23:10, 20 April 2009 (EDT)
:Wow, that sucks. I'm glad to hear you're recovering though!
:And no, the user accounts were completely scragged. You'll have to re-register. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 00:10, 21 April 2009 (EDT)

==ROTF==

Shouldn't the newest thing be the Veiled Threat instead of Defiance #4? --[[Special:Contributions/206.253.51.107|206.253.51.107]] 09:26, 10 May 2009 (EDT)

== Could not connect ==

Was anyone else unable to connect to tfwiki for the last four hours? Are we still having server problems, then?[[User:KrytenKoro|KrytenKoro]] 14:09, 16 May 2009 (EDT)

I was ''finally'' able to get back on the site after about 6 hours, and noticed there had been ''only one edit in the past 6 hours''. What gives? Has the site been down the entire time, or has everyone been busy at BOTCON?--[[User:AWT88|AWT88]] 23:38, 29 May 2009 (EDT)
:It's definitely been down all that time for me, at least. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 00:48, 30 May 2009 (EDT)
::That was downright painful. :( --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:18, 30 May 2009 (EDT)
:::Indeed, its getting to where I see why Wikia is still running, since its actually up half the time[[Special:Contributions/76.240.201.195|76.240.201.195]] 11:56, 4 June 2009 (EDT)

== Dinoforce ==

For some reason, all of the Dinoforce articles show up twice in the Turncoats category. This doesn't happen with any other article in there, so I think maybe it's a facet of that little accented u in their names. They appear to not just be copies of the same article, though, since the talk page for one was the talk page for the other. I'm not sure if this is an in-joke or not, though, so could someone familiar with the articles please address this?[[User:KrytenKoro|KrytenKoro]] 19:52, 7 June 2009 (EDT)

== Remaining the Fallen? ==

Do we have a lineup of potential Featured Articles for August? I vote for [[Sector Seven]], unless we think it would be a good idea to keep it as-is until the movie leaves theaters..... --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 12:16, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
:Siph suggested [[Micromaster Collection]] a week or two back. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 12:57, 2 August 2009 (EDT)

:Do we have any featured-level G.I.Joe related articles? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:31, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
::Not especially... even the complete ones look kind of... limp. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:44, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
:::I think a G.I.Joe article is a good idea...to bad in don't know nearly enough about the show to lap at least one of the articles a feature...--[[User:Sunjumper|Sunjumper]] 16:54, 2 August 2009 (EDT)
::::So, are we going to switch to Micromaster Collection after all? If that doesn't work for some reason, I could also suggest "Shattered Glass" [[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] or [[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]] for further potential quirkiness. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 01:59, 5 August 2009 (EDT)
:::::I suggest [[Marissa Faireborn]] to go with our G.I. Joe theme. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 22:21, 6 August 2009 (EDT)
::::::I second Marissa (and note that it's usually Walky who changes the featured article, and he's on the road which is probably why it hasn't changed. Also, I want to slap an "anatomy doesn't work that way" tag on the current tower ad). --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:27, 6 August 2009 (EDT)
:::::::Yeah, I'll third the Marissa idea (and not just because I did that article up recently!). We're already a week into August, so I'll just change it now before I head out to work. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 06:05, 7 August 2009 (EDT)

==September FA?==
So.... [[Micromaster Collection]]? --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 02:34, 30 August 2009 (EDT)
:I'm down with that. -- [[User:SFH|SFH]] 02:45, 30 August 2009 (EDT)
:Anyone wanna put that up? I will tomorrow morning if not! :) --[[User:Abates|abates]] 09:09, 4 September 2009 (EDT)

== DVD field guide ==

Actually, with the column width wouldn't this fit easily in the featured series box?--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 18:57, 22 October 2009 (EDT)
:Maybe, although I think it needs to stay in a nicely prominent spot somewhere and not get "lost". There's already so much info jammed in the Featured Series box already. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 19:22, 22 October 2009 (EDT)

== Reception in all fiction ==

Just an idea, why not add a reception section to all main fiction pages (comics and series) ala the Animated/UT pages [[User:Eire]] 20,07 Nov 2 09 (UTC)
:I tend to cringe at these, as they're tough to write, inevitably biased, and magnets for vandalism.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:12, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::I kinda agree. Though I DID really enjoy the UT ones (those articles in general were good reads for me, since I missed most of those shows). I think only in cases where the response was very particularly notable should we dip into such opinionated waters. Otherwise, yeah, they're kinda huge moron/troll/vandal bait. --[[User:ZacWilliam|ZacWilliam]] 15:31, 2 November 2009 (EST)
:::That would be my concern as well. If a series had a particularly notable and uniform reception, then it might be worth a write-up. Otherwise, what is there to say? I worry about echo-chamber effects as well. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 15:40, 2 November 2009 (EST)
::::To be honest, don't we already have some sort of reception section in most of the articles? Beast Wars has the infamous [[Trukk not munky]] reactions and so forth, and Beast Machines has the fandom's dim views on it. Is there any section which already doesn't have some sort of fandom reaction on it? -- [[User:SFH|SFH]] 16:02, 2 November 2009 (EST)

==Slight reorganization?==
Should we move "Editing Tips" to the left column? The "This Day in History" and "Schedule" boxes are gonna pretty much be longer and longer as time goes on. This is just going to push "Editing" even further down, leaving lots of whitespace. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 18:45, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:I'd been thinking of that myself. Although I was thinking more of breaking up the list into two sections and just having it sit the full width of the page.
:We could instead or also trim the Featured Series box back down, and/or combine the Categories and Continuities boxes, which I'd also been considering. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 19:04, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::How about making the "This Day" and "Schedule" boxes like the "Series" - show a few highlights, click for full listing. On the other hand, "Editing Tips" seems like something that should go in or near the "Toolbox". [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 20:06, 8 November 2009 (EST) (forgot to log in at first)
:::I don't like the idea of condensing either list. Who dictates what's more important? Hell, half the point is to provide more and more jumping-off points to things people might not have thought about normally from the main page. I think simply moving "editing" will suffice. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 20:12, 8 November 2009 (EST)
::::I can see the point about who decides what's important, but surely it is not necessary to have something in the "Schedule" two and a half years beforehand (premiere of TF3). Showing ~ one month's worth on the main page would probably be enough. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 20:23, 8 November 2009 (EST)
:::::It's not like anything that far in advance is going to be announced often. Hell, TF3 is about it, and oh joy, you're saving one line. And no, I don't think one month is enough, because honestly, the Schedule tends to get forgotten, and events end up still on there weeks after they were done. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 21:04, 8 November 2009 (EST)

== Little slow ==

So, what exactly are the differences between tfwiki and transformerswikia? And why the split and stuff?[[User:Hida Atarasi|Hida Atarasi]] 04:07, 17 December 2009 (EST)
:See the [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|complaints]] page as to why we moved. TFWiki is run on an independent server and has almost all of the people who used to edit on th wikia. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:34, 17 December 2009 (EST)

== Just wondering ==

Why is it important to list the advertisements in comic books? I really can't see why?--[[User:LesterX|LesterX]] 20:27, 22 December 2009 (EST)
:Why not? --[[User:FortMax|FortMax]] 20:46, 22 December 2009 (EST)
::Sometimes they have little blurbs, "This guy is cool because..." They are official info, no? Which characters get the marketing monies and whatsuch. Plus they are usually so condensed, they can represent the character in a waaaay left field manner, kinda like eating condensed soup w/o the cans of water. You get the familiar taste, but in a "-choke-, come again?" manner.[[User:Hida Atarasi|Hida Atarasi]] 20:57, 14 February 2010 (EST)

==Sidebar==
Sidebar is FUBAR in Internet Explorer. See [http://obscuretf.com/TFWikiIESideBar.jpg here], ignoring the swath of stuff cut out from the middle because I didn't feel like printscreening it. --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 15:33, 13 January 2010 (EST)
:Looking at it... it seems to be some kind of problem with the float on the sidebar. Whether it's due to IE not properly squishing and/or scrollbar-ing the main content section to ensure it fits (the way FF and Opera do), or something wrong with the float declaration itself, I'm not sure, though. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 15:47, 13 January 2010 (EST)
::In my case, the sidebar's font seemed to have shrunk on the main page but it looks normal when I'm elsewhere. [http://img63.imageshack.us/i/tfwikimainpage.jpg/ Main page] and [http://img685.imageshack.us/i/tfwikisamplebluestreak.jpg/ random page] (okay, Bluestreak's) for comparison. And I'm using Firefox 3.5.7. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 16:16, 13 January 2010 (EST)
:::I get the same result as Lonegamer with Firefox 3.5.5 and IE 8.0.6001.18865. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 16:22, 13 January 2010 (EST)
:::Using IE and yeah, sidebar's hiding way the hell down there somewhere. --[[User:DrSpengler|DrSpengler]] 16:30, 13 January 2010 (EST)
::::Unfortunately, I suspect this likely is something that can only be fixed by someone with access to the site's CSS/HTML, rather than by wikicode. What's the standard method for summoning Suki or Derik? --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:41, 13 January 2010 (EST)
:::::That should be fixed now... --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:35, 13 January 2010 (EST)
:::::I can be summoned by a virgin sacrifice or AIM... like it says on my userpage. -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 17:43, 13 January 2010 (EST)
::::::Ah, that explains it. I don't have AIM or any virgins I'm willing to sacrifice... --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 17:50, 13 January 2010 (EST)
::::::Yay, it's normal! --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 20:58, 13 January 2010 (EST)

== New WFC TFWiki logo image? ==
IMHO, we totally need to add [http://www.gamestop.com/gs/images/bonus/Transformers_Cybertron_bonusLG.jpg a logo of this pic] to our rotation. (I'd do it myself, except I don't have our logo bit to add to it...) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 11:37, 9 February 2010 (EST)
:And I am now content. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 10:22, 10 February 2010 (EST)

== Kudos ==

I'd like to take a nanoclick to say that out of all the various wikis save Wikipedia Prime, and often including Wikipedia Prime, funny or no funny, THIS WIKI HAS IT'S $#!+ TOGETHER. Other Wiki's have about as many users in all as we have SERIOUS/DEDICATED users. ... Does TFWIKI have a fanfare/praise page?[[User:Hida Atarasi|Hida Atarasi]] 21:08, 14 February 2010 (EST)

== Extremely weird... ==

When I try to set the size of Image:DiacloneSkids.jpg to 300px, it comes out as Image:G1SkyLynx toy.jpg[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 23:05, 28 February 2010 (EST)
[[Image:DiacloneSkids.jpg|thumb|right|300px|See?]]
: Can't say I'm seeing that. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 23:21, 28 February 2010 (EST)
::Okay, just my computer then. Still weird. It ONLY does it at 300px, not 299, not 301, JUST 300. Guess it's telling me to log off. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 23:25, 28 February 2010 (EST)
:::Okay, now it's back to normal. [[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:05, 1 March 2010 (EST)
{{-}}
::::Sounds like an image cacheing issue. Those usually fix themselves in a few hours.
::::(OTOH, I've seen a few instances when a certain resolution's thumbnail is permanently screwed up.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 21:40, 9 May 2010 (EDT)

== Possible Tweaks... ==

So, I decided I wanted to try and make our Main Page a little less "unbroken sea of text" if I could. I basically consolidated Continuities/Categories into one, as well as merging Editing Tips/Holy Grails into one along with a resurrected "Improvement Drive" idea. I also added in some headers and logos to break things up, and trimmed down the Series list to show just the major fiction. Check it out here: [[User:Jeysie/Main Page]] and give thoughts? --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 20:11, 9 May 2010 (EDT)
:I like the consolidated "Improvement Drive" box and really like the separation of months in the Schedule. On the other hand, I like using logos in theory, but I'm not so sure about how it works in execution. Particularly I'm wary about the logos of the Japan-exclusive series. Having something on our front page that most of our readers can't read seems, well, unideal. Putting the titles under the logos in plain text would fix that, but that'd seem kind of gratuitous under the English logos. I also ''really'' don't like the use of the logo of the first series in a continuity to represent the entire thing in the Continuities box. It makes it look like the one series is the entire continuity, which also makes it look like an unnecessary overlap with the Series box. I think it'd be better to just leave the continuities as text, since it's clearer that way. -- [[User:HotAndCold|HotAndCold]] 22:56, 9 May 2010 (EDT)
::Yeah, using the Armada logo for the whole Unicron Trilogy is the most glaring part to me. If only there was an official UT logo! It's a shame, cause I think it looks a lot better with the logos there. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 02:29, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
:::If anyone has any ideas on what logos to use in the continuities box, I'm all up for it. Maybe if someone wants to mock up custom graphics?
:::If we want things to be more generic, I could use [[:Image:TheTransformers Logo.jpg|this logo for Generation 1]], and we could create a logo with the "Beast Wars" edited out. UT is still tricky, though... even if we edit out the series name, it looks close to RID then. Meh.
:::We could always switch back to text, of course... just saying, if anyone has alternative ideas.
:::As for the Japanese series, that occurred to me as well, but I'd really like to switch to the logos in that section, and anyone who hovers over the logos does get the English series name in the link.
:::But if there happens to be any English logos for those series available, we could upload them and go with those. Alternatively, my first inclination was to remove those series altogether and just stick with the major major TF fiction, but I didn't want cries of being biased or anything. :P --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 07:19, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
::::I'm not sure what the continuities listing brings to the table that the series listing isn't already doing. I'd just give a link to the continuity family page and keep the full series list link. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:01, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
:::::Well, the continuity families have been part of our main page since pretty much forever, so if you want to remove them, that's a wider discussion than with just me, I'm afraid.
:::::(Though if I had to cast a vote, personally I prefer to keep them, as continuity families are important to our wiki's structure and yet not necessarily an intuitive concept to the new reader. Especially since the dedicated continuity family pages we link to are ''not'' directly analogous to the individual series.)
:::::But in any case, I tweaked them to be plain text links. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:56, 13 May 2010 (EDT)
::::::It still seems to me that Continuity Family and Franchise are terms that should be covered in the series box. And throwing the names of the continuity families at the reader before the term is defined for them seems counter intuitive. But, as you said, some of my concerns go beyond what you are doing here. I generally like what you've done. If it goes through perhaps a discussion of my points could follow. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 19:27, 13 May 2010 (EDT)

:I like it conceptually, but I'd say the subheader bars inside each box will need to be a bit smaller.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 00:49, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
::Smaller in what sense? The font is the same size as the regular text, just bolded. I could shrink the font, though it'll be a little weird having the header smaller than the actual text... or did you mean less padding and/or deeper margins? --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 07:19, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
:::In the sense that each bar is graphically more or less as prominent as the box they're a part of. They're the same height, the background is just as dark, etc. It ends up being visually pretty busy.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 11:08, 10 May 2010 (EDT)
::::Ah, OK. I tried doing some tweaks to make them a bit smaller and lighter; is that more what you had in mind? --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 18:56, 13 May 2010 (EDT)
:::::Definitely a step in the right direction. Looks good.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 03:09, 16 May 2010 (EDT)

== We need to fix the links for the WFC front page title images. ==
They're currently all directing to G1 characters. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 13:17, 2 July 2010 (EDT)

:I had noticed that, but was leery of possibly having the front page linking to red links, so I didn't fix it yet. Do we have all of the pages in question created? --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 13:27, 2 July 2010 (EDT)

::We only have one of them as yet! --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:48, 2 July 2010 (EDT)

:::Easy - disable them. Better than misinforming people, no? --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 02:55, 3 July 2010 (EDT)

::::So, how about it? I've forgotten where the template for that title image box is, or else I'd do it myself. We can reinstate them after we fix up the articles. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 01:25, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

:::::[[Main Page/logo]] is what feeds that. Go nuts!--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 01:29, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

::::::I redirect the un-created ''Prime'' pages to ''[[Transformers: War for Cybertron]]'' for now. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 03:58, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

:::::::Thanks guys. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 04:30, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

::::::::Pftt, I should have thought of that. Thanks, TX55!
::::::::But yeah, get busy creating those pages so we can change the links back to the characters again. ;) --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 08:49, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

:::::::::You're welcome. I'm glad to help with it. :D --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 10:16, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

== Main Page Image Rotation ==

Since it's been a month and a half since BotCon 2010 took place, may I suggest that we remove the BotCon exclusive toy characters? - [[User:Zadok Rox|Zadok Rox]] 10:23, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
: It's been a month and a half since WFC was released! We should take down all of them! And then don't put any more up, because everything else is older than that. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 12:24, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
::Well, the fact the WFC guys are substantially more recognizable to 'casual' fans than the Botcon exclusives factors into it. I believe that was the reasoning for not including guys from G1, Beast Wars, etc. in the rotation. I really wouldn't mind seeing the odd character from various continuities get sorted in from time to time. Dinobot comes to mind, or Hot Shot who seems to have a psychotically devoted fanbase. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 14:33, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
:::I would argue that most of the WFC models are NOT more recognizable to "casual" fans, being kinda generic in many regards. Mind you, I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to cycle in the "big names" from various past franchises. Or instead of a single character, do "mini-collages" of maybe three quasi-important characters from a side from some past series. Cheetor, Rattrap and Dinobot. Hot Rod, Kup and Blurr. Sky-Byte and his stooges. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 15:11, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
::::I'm sort of afraid of the logo becoming another Go-Box. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 18:56, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
:::::I'd be in favour of having, say, a standard set of logo images which would cover the main franchises and would be used most of the time, and then for special events, like movies/BotCons/etc, temporarily swapping in appropriate characters. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:20, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
::::I meant that WFC was the current thing that would be making people seek out a Transformers Wiki, like how before WFC, they were primarily from the movies. I'd like more variety, but logic dictates a focus on the current 'big thing' in the media. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 21:20, 16 August 2010 (EDT)
:::::I agree with both Abates and Cattleprod. As for the concern of the logo becoming another Go-Box, it already is, though I think it's only fair to have an article link with the image. - [[User:Zadok Rox|Zadok Rox]] 10:24, 17 August 2010 (EDT)
::::::I second Zadok's point. I see the logo being for the "big draws" and the Go-box for the nifty obscure corners of the brand. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 13:58, 17 August 2010 (EDT)
:::::::I say go ahead and leave the G2 guys up until we see how relevant they are in the upcoming FunPub story arc. --[[User:Terrortron|Terrortron]] 15:37, 29 November 2010 (EST)

== Help... ==

I've noticed a few times that when I put my sig w/timestamp down, it signs my IP instead of my username. I've tried re-logging in, but it kicks me off as soon as I leave the log-in page. Anyone got any pointers?--[[Special:Contributions/67.142.174.26|67.142.174.26]] 00:06, 5 November 2010 (EDT)

I even tried creating a new username, and it still kicks me off whenever I leave the "log-in successful" page. What's going on?--[[Special:Contributions/67.142.174.24|67.142.174.24]] 12:57, 14 November 2010 (EST)
:Which browser are you using? Check to make sure you don't have cookies disabled for this site, and that the cookies are being created when you log in. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 13:45, 14 November 2010 (EST)

I appreciate the reply. Now, bear with, me I'm somewhat technologicaly impaired. What are cookies and how do I turn them on?-Megatron Prime

:That depends on which browser you're using. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:37, 15 November 2010 (EST)

uh...the big blue E. Internet Explorer. I think. Does that count or is it not a browser?-Megatron Prime
:OK, go into your PC's control panel, open up the "Internet Options" icon, and look on the "Privacy" tab. There should be a slider at the top, that should be set to "Medium". Next click on the "Advanced" button immediately below it, and make sure that the "override cookie handling" tickbox isn't ticked. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 23:58, 15 November 2010 (EST)

No, that didn't work.-Megatron Prime
:Sounds like those are set right anyway. In your internet options, in the "General" tab, there's a "Browsing history" section. If you click "Settings" in that bit, you'll get another window titled "Temporary Internet Files and History Settings". There should be a "View Files" button there, which will give you a list of files. Look for one called "cookie:something@tfwiki.net", and look to the right and see what it has in the "Expires" column. You may need to doublecheck that the date and time on your computer are set correctly, because the login cookies are set to expire after a month. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 01:36, 17 November 2010 (EST)

No "cookies" anywhere in that list. Is there a way to fix that here?
P.S. I really appreciate the help. Sorry it's a hastle-Megatron Prime--[[Special:Contributions/67.142.174.22|67.142.174.22]] 00:02, 18 November 2010 (EST)
:No cookies at all? Hmm, are you running a firewall? The only other thing I can think of is that your firewall is stripping the cookies out, which would be a silly thing to do. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 00:33, 18 November 2010 (EST)

== WFC in sidebar ==
How much longer is that going to stay there? The game came out nearly 5 months ago and there is no more news about it. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 21:51, 17 November 2010 (EST)
:It may continue to get DLC. Some games get DLC well over a year after their release. --[[User:Terrortron|Terrortron]] 06:00, 29 November 2010 (EST)
::Plus, there's the fairly recent announcement of the game getting a sequel. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 06:57, 29 November 2010 (EST)

==Schedule==
Can somebody please remove the 11-20 entry? It has been 2 whole days since it should have been taken off.--oap(I don't actually have an account,it's just that I need something to signify who I am.)
:Geez, dude, it's not that big of a deal. Particularly with weekends it is sometimes nice to see what you may have missed in the last few days. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:31, 22 November 2010 (EST)
==Anti-Wikia Skin Alliance newsletter==
{| style="-moz-border-radius:10px; border:1px solid #002A52; background:#C4E2FF; color: black; padding: 1em; -moz-box-shadow: 0px 0px 1em #555; -webkit-box-shadow: 0px 0px 1em #555; box-shadow: 0px 0px 1em #555; width:100%; text-align: center;"
|-
|colspan=20 style="font-size: 250%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;" | '''The [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page Anti Wikia Skin Alliance] Newsletter'''
|-
!colspan=20 style="font-size: 120%; text-align: center; vertical-align: middle;"|Issue 1 (December 2010)
|-
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Talk:Anti-Wikia_Alliance TALK]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/List_of_wikias_moving MOVING]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Moved_wikis MOVED]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Help HELP]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/retaliation ATTACKS]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Declaration_of_Independence DOI]
| [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Why_we_left WHY]
|}

Hello former wikia members. Editors at the Anti-wikia skin alliance wanted to begin a newsletter to help build a bridge to the former wikias about what is currently happening on Wikia and what is going on at the Anti-wikia skin alliance.

;45 wikias have left wikia

As of December 17, 2010, an incredible Forty-five wikias with 7114 editors have signed the [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Moved_wikis moved page] stating they have left wikia. Other wikias are currently in the process of deciding whether to leave. In response, [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Retaliation wikia has desysopped at least 38 administrators and banned 10], usually indefinitely. [http://community.wikia.com/index.php?title=Forum:My_meeting_with_Sannse&t=20101218004720 In a meeting with Wikia staff member Sannse] reportedly said "Wikia underestimated the negative response to Oasis..."

;Monobook available

Please let your friends who remained on wikia know that:

# Wikifarm Shoutwiki has [http://blog.shoutwiki.com/2010/11/monaco-coming-soon-to-a-shoutwiki-near-you/ stated that Monobook would be available by the end of the year] on Shoutwiki.
# Editor Dantman has created the [https://github.com/dantman/monaco-port Monaco skin] which can be installed on your wikia in [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Monaco_skin#Monaco_skin_installation 10 minutes]. Dantman states this is not a complete skin. It is missing a few features. But it is Monaco.

;Javascript code to redirect your wikia site

This code redirects your Wikia site to a different URL address. :

<div style="background-color:#C9CCD0">
:<nowiki>
if ( wgUserGroups === null || typeof( wgUserGroups ) != null && wgUserGroups.join(' ').indexOf( 'staff' ) == -1 && wgUserGroups.join(' ').indexOf( 'helper' ) == -1 && wgUserGroups.join(' ').indexOf( 'vstf' ) == -1 && wgUserGroups.join(' ').indexOf( 'sysop' ) == -1 && wgUserGroups.join(' ').indexOf( 'bureaucrat' ) == -1 ) {
window.location = 'http://URLofYourNewWiki.example.com/wiki/' + wgPageName;</nowiki>
:<nowiki>}</nowiki>
</div>

:Warning, you will be banned if you add this code to your wikia.

;Help other wikis

If you have technical skills many wikis could use your help. For example, the new Monaco skin's "more" button does not work because none of the javascript has been ported. Other wikis who bravely left wikia are sorely in need of technical assistance. If you can volunteer your time, [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Help#Mentors please sign up here].

If you need technical assistance, please [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Talk:Anti-Wikia_Alliance explain your problem here].

;Assistance with the next newsletter
We would like some help with the next newsletter. We would like to have an interview next time and we are looking for editors who would like to write a regular column. If you are interested, [http://awa.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Talk:Newsletter#volunteer_to_assist please see here].

[[User:Anno1404|Anno1404]] 02:05, 18 December 2010 (EST)

:Since when are we part of AWA? I'm pretty sure Walky pretty much said "HELL NO" to joining. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 04:56, 18 December 2010 (EST)
::Slow down, Blackout. As I recall the objection was to having "part of _____" links and etc all over the place more than anything else...
::HOWEVER, this AWA guy might have considered ASKING if we wanted this gigantic clump of "newsletter" before posting it. Since this is more or less the kind of gigantic link-crap that is unwanted. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 11:23, 18 December 2010 (EST)
:::Correct. No linkcrap. That's part of why we left Wikia. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 14:58, 18 December 2010 (EST)

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2011-01-06T18:09:01Z

84.193.193.10: /* Captcha to prevent spambots? */

__NEWSECTIONLINK__

This is the place for discussion of topics that affect the entire wiki. Some topics that would ordinarily be here have merited their own pages:

{{chapters|title=Specific Discussion Subjects|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">'''Moving From Wikia:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving|Arriving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving|Leaving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|Complaints]]
 <div class="list-header">'''New Ad Policy:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki:Ads|Ads]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Bookworm Database-Crash:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central|Damage Control Central]]
* [[Project:Bookworm Crash]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving2|Leaving Take 2]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Server Move:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving2|Arriving Take 2]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Relicensing:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Relicensing|Relicensing]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Dealing With Vandalism:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism|Vandalism]]
 <div class="list-header">'''GoBots Sister Wiki:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots|Discussion on the place of GoBots in this wiki]]
}} 

{{:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}/Archive}}


== Galvatron ==
So in [http://www.asmzine.com/geekly-rewind/2010/09/14/hasbro-transformers-qa-august-2010-answers/ ASM's Q&A response], Hasbro pretty much officially says to consider Galvatron a separate character from Megatron for all practical purposes. How do we tackle this? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 06:56, 15 September 2010 (EDT)
:I interpret it as saying that in inducting Megatron, Galvatron is not being inducted by connection, since [[Megatron (Animated)|not all Megatrons have become Galvatrons]], and some interpretations of Galvatron (like IDW) are separate from Megatron. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 07:00, 15 September 2010 (EDT)
::Yeah, I don't think this really changes anything about the way we've already got Galvy covered. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 07:14, 15 September 2010 (EDT)

== Excessive Trivia Sections ==

Ok, a few days ago I attempted to clean up some trivia sections. I realize in hindsight I was tired and being a wanker and was removing valuable information, and I apologize for that. However, I think some of our trivia could definitely stand to be integrated into the articles themselves, especially notes like "This character's Universe toy was..." or "in the Energon comic, so-and so was completely different". I would like to integrate these but I was hoping to get an opinion on this, since I went about it wrong once already. Thoughts? -- [[User:Rideonshootingstarxx|Rideonshootingstarxx]] 12:44, 22 September 2010 (EDT)
:Agreed. The Notes sections (shouldn't be Trivia anymore) are for information that doesn't fit elsewhere. If there is a logical place to put it, move the information there. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:58, 22 September 2010 (EDT)

== Editing Drift's related materials ==
Actually, this would cover whatever anyone of us have a '''large''' dislike of, but yeah. This is a wiki, where we're supposed to be informative and be able to present the info in a fun way. I'm not entirely sure of how objective we can be (humor aside), but the whole kerfluffle on Drift's mini and cameos showing in his mini is making me worried on the attitudes of certain editors that could easily descend into a editing/name-calling/accusation war. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 21:39, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
:My position is the Wiki doesn't have to be ''objective'', so long as it isn't ''unreasonable''. There are plenty of flaws in Drift and Shane McCarthy's work to poke fun of -- there's no reason to create ones that aren't true.
:I was re-reading Drift #1 and happened to notice he DID suffer damage from those laser blasts while fleeing. I remembered that note on the Wiki joking that he was "laser-proof", so I removed it. I also posted on the Talk page explaining why. Detour restored the Note several times anyway, even though it was false as written. He eventually tried to re-write it, adding something about Deadlock surviving blasts that blew off Jetstorm's head earlier. Nowhere in the comic did Jetstorm's head get blown off. Drench's did, notCarnivac's did, but Jetstorm was fine. It just shows that Detour doesn't care about being accurate so long as he's not giving an inch on anything Anti-McCarthy on the Wiki.
:So really -- can't we be ''better'' than that? --[[User:Xaaron|Xaaron]] 22:05, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
::Well, I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but I really think Detour shouldn't be allowed to edit anything connected to McCarthy. And I'm pretty much branded an irrational anti-McCarthy troll on the IDW boards, so I think this is saying something. I'm first in line to complain when ''he deserves it'', this sort of stuff is just petty and weakens the valid criticism by association. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 22:25, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
::So because I mixed up Drench and Jetstorm's name, I'm now "making stuff up"? Now who's being irrational? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 00:39, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Please try to be accurate when editing articles. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 02:57, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
::::Yeah, I don't think you really comprehend this discussion and the situation leading up to it, Item42. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 04:17, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Um, people generally hate [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], this wiki's editors want to have reliable articles, and Detour got stuff mixed up, which people blame on his anti-Drift-ism. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 05:53, 24 September 2010 (EDT)

== External Links ==

Similar to the whole business of changing all the "Trivia" sections into "Notes" sections, this is just a heads up for anyone who wants to chip in for a mundane task: if you ever see a link to TFU.info (or a similar toy site) in the External Links section of a character's page, relocating it to that character's Toys section would be super-awesome. (And if the External Links section subsequently becomes empty, get rid of it.) I wouldn't really describe this as a task with much urgency behind it, but it will make characters' pages look consistent, and consistency looks nice. It's really a minor edit that's easy and quick to do, and I'd appreciate some help in this fiasco. An example of how this is supposed to look like can be found at [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal's toy section]]. So keep an eye out while you're bored and clicking that "Random Page" button. :) --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 12:37, 26 September 2010 (EDT)
:I've been trying to do these whenever I come across one. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:44, 26 September 2010 (EDT)
::On a similar note, but requiring slightly more effort, if anyone would like to start adding patents from [[User:Khajidha/sandbox|my sandbox]] to the appropriate toy sections that would also be appreciated. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:33, 1 December 2010 (EST)
:Except for very toy-dense pages, I kind of like them on the bottom, in a standard location, with other external links, where I can just hit the "page down" key to find them. TFU has a "variations" section with all the character's toys you would ever hope to look for. But whatever. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:39, 1 December 2010 (EST)

==Who hosts your wiki now==
Wikia is making more unpopular changes, [http://community.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Sannse/Your_First_Look_at_the_New_Wikia] with a new skin which is even more unpopulat.

In this angry discussion, your site was mentioned as one site which said "f--- you wikia" and left, which I respect so much, and would like to emulate.

I am wondering who is hosting your wikia, and how much does it cost per year? If you could do it again, how would you do it differently? Who could I maybe ask these questions too?

Thank you. [[User:Adamtheclown|Adamtheclown]] 17:12, 28 September 2010 (EDT)
:We're hosted on [http://www.slicehost.com/ Slicehost]. What you go for hostingwise will really depend on how popular your site is though. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:25, 28 September 2010 (EDT)

== McAfee SiteAdvisor review rating this site incorrectly ==

As a countermeasure to viruses on the net, I have a special version of McAfee that has this widget-type thing that gives me ratings on the security of certain websites. I have noticed that this website was recently given a big, fat red "X" rating, showing that this website contains malware and other things, all because of one single rating that the reviewer said he did not like this website. He did not say this was a malware site, but the system apparently decided to take ''one'' person's personal opinion and rate this site as a horrible website so every time I go in, I get this asininely huge message saying "MCAFEE HAS TESTED THIS SITE AND FOUND IT TO BE BLAH BLAH BLAH".

I don't think that just one siteadvisor reviewer (myself) can turn around that rating. Sure, a website can be full of people with questionable morals and values, but that has no reflection on the security of the website. Can I have a little help here?

Here is the page for this website: http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/tfwiki.net?premium=false&client_uid=1093063016&client_ver=3.1.0.175&client_type=IEPlugin&suite=true&aff_id=0-884&locale=en_us&os_ver=6.1.0.0&pip=true --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 08:41, 29 September 2010 (EDT)

:Questionable "morals and values"? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:27, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I feel like I know that guy from somewhere. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:40, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Gotta be [[User: Primal Rage|mignash]]. Also, how could it be a bad shopping experience, we don't SELL anything. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:42, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::No, mignash doesn't spell that well. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:43, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::People usually say "bad shopping experience" in place of "bad experience" because there is a bulleted selector so you don't have a lot of choices. What I don't like is having this website have a false security rating, I don't really care about that negative reviewer with the social rating. It's a ''security'' database, not how good or bad something is socially. Maybe the person was [[User:Trolly McTrollerson|Trolly McTrollerson]] and since he was b& he just wanted to troll even more? --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 09:45, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::Meh. Considering David Willis's reputation as a "fandom boogeyman", stunts like this hardly surprise me. There's a lot of petty fans who apparently categorically refuse to edit this wiki out of hatred for Willis (which apparently also stops them from editing at Wikia as well, go figure...) and who basically go "Yeah? I know Transformers! I'm going to make my own Transformers wiki! With blackjack! And hookers! In fact, forget the wiki!". So, yeah. Hardly surprising. I've dropped off a review myself, but it still doesn't appear to be enough to raise the rating... --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 10:11, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::If Walky wants to dispute it, he can use support@siteadvisor.com to see if that'll fix the rating. Really, that negative "shopping experience review" is ridiculous. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 16:15, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::Sorry I can't help much, all I can add to this discussion is that the negative review is likely from a British TF fan, due to his use of the word "cleverer" which I can count the number of times I've heard it from a non Brit on one hand. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 17:21, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::::WAIT! I stand corrected. In one of his other reviews he uses Shaw Secure, and Shaw is a Canadian ISP. That's what I get for trying to analyze someone's vocabulary, I guess. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 17:23, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::Hmm, the wording's very similar to the Google Sidewiki comment we got dated the same day as this. I suspect it's the same dude. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:39, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::::::I ****LOVE**** how Walky disputed this "The site is indeed full of assholes, but it's malware free." That's us all right! Apparently that was enough to tip us into a green/safe review. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:28, 30 September 2010 (EDT)

== Fan-configurations of toys ==

(From [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Fan-mode|here]], I'm not sure who "User:Divebomb" is though)
Should we have an article on how people would have made-up modes of their toys just because the toys can be configured that way (such as that "combination" of Classics Jetfire and Optimus Prime)? Or maybe just mention that stuff in an article somewhere (like [[Toy]])?
{{note|I'm not suggesting we mention that on individual character ''pages'', cos that will just spiral out of control.}}

-[[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:34, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:I find it odd that we don't have a fan-mode article here. It seems like it would be a valid topic, and a few famous/infamous examples should be mentioned on that page. I agree that we don't need to mention them on individual pages. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:37, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::FYI, User:Divebomb would happen to be me. (Don't tell the Wikipedia guys that though.) --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:40, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Once you admitted to something on a ''publically viewable'' webpage, there's really no stopping the info from getting out. You didn't have to admit who it was ''specifically''. But, I guess if you're gonna be good over there, you ''might'' be allowed to stay. Doesn't Wikipedia have something for reformed vandals? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:53, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::You're assuming they're even gonna notice. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:34, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::I like being honest. If anybody asks, I can tell them who "Divebomb" is, since I never agreed to keep it secret. Don't tempt me. Also, we (both of us) should get back on topic. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 10:52, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I think it is certainly a good idea to make a page such as that! I happen to be very interested in this kind of thing because I, too used to dick around with my toys and I want a wiki article on it; I don't want to search around on geoshitties-type websites for such things. --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 10:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:It would have to be kept brief, with just a few well-known examples, or we'd have people forever adding the fan mode they thought up five minutes ago to turn classics Bumblebee into a turtle with the head of a walrus. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::The toilet mode for [[Shortround]] and his redecos should definitely be listed. The Classics [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Classics|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (G1)#Classics|Jetfire]] combination is another probably notable one. Mention should be made that the design of many movie toys allows multiple configurations.Oh, and the "gerwalk" mode for G1 Jetfire. Beyond that, I'm not sure. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:10, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Don't forget that not all modes are Fan Created. The Jetfire gerwalk mode, for example, is displayed in his instructions, sort of making it official. I remember quite a few instruction booklets showing alternate modes [[User:Riddlerj|Riddlerj]] 16:17, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::Guess I should have left that one out, I put it in as an afterthought. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:21, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Not going into specifics, but the multiple modes created from RID Megatron and how some of the fandom kept looking for additional modes. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 10:16, 30 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::The only really notable example I can think of (one that I copied myself a couple of times) was the faux Overkill you could make out of a BM Mirage and Scavenger...hang on, lemme see if I can find a link...aha http://www.ggaub.com/tf/toys/bm_overkill.html is well documented and would go very nicely under "External links" if such a page existed --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 14:31, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::I think an Alternate Configuration page with a section about fan-made alternate configurations would be a good idea. If I recall correctly, Beast Wars Rampage also had an alternate configuration for his robot mode. (Essentially, it was just another way to put his crab claws). Between him, the characters already mentionned here, I'd say that's enough already to warrant a page. And I'm sure there's others that haven't been mentionned yet too. --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 15:01, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::For "official" alternate configurations, Tigerhawk's semi-abandoned tank mode might also qualify, as well as the Special Teams leaders' launcher modes (though only alternate outside Japan, I suppose). There must be a bunch more. Universe Galvatron's "walker" mode? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 16:48, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::I think we should specify that an alternate configuration is NOT a separate mode. I mean, we already have separate pages for battle modes and stuff. And alternate configuration should be basically "This is still this character's X mode, but you can choose to put this part this way or that way." --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 00:27, 6 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::::Galvy's walker mode is TECHNICALLY official. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:54, 6 October 2010 (EDT)

== [[Frank Miller]] ==

A bit of an edit war or something [http://tfwiki.net/w2/index.php?title=Frank_Miller&action=history here]. [[User:Spin-Out|Spin-Out]] and [[User:Detour|Detour]] changed the caption to a [[david Willis|Shortpacked]] reference, changingthe caption to a picture '''I uploaded'''. Isn't that [[Transformers Wiki:Caption|wrong]] or somesuch? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 11:54, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:I guess if other people dislike a joke, then it's okay to change the caption, I think. A while ago, Eire changed a caption I added on [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s page, but I didn't mind because the new one was funnier. If you take offense, however, that's something that needs to be discussed.--[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 11:58, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::Thing is, their edits put in an '''external link''', that explains the joke. If you look further up this page there's (currently) a section with me getting told by [[Chris McFeely]] and Interrobang that doing so would be a ''bad''thing. If I have to stop doing that, then so should they. Plus, changing a caption like that is discouraged by policy. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 12:02, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Oh lordy McLordlord. Okay, first of all. "Who the hell do you think I am?" was Kamina's catchphrase and that's why Konishi gets it. "WTHDYTIA" is merely a small portion of the larger "What are you, dense? Are you retarded or something? Who the hell do you think I am? I'm the goddamn Batman!", and generally the first part to be left out when it's misquoted because it's so forgettable there compared to what comes before and after it. It's really a poor-ass choice of words for Miller's caption any way you look at it. Second of all, the Shortpacked link does not, as you put it, "explain the joke". The joke doesn't need explaining if you know ANYTHING about Miller, that's why it turned meme mere moments after Willis put it up. It's there because that's where the joke originated, and the comic's funny. Just because there's a link in a caption doesn't mean it's a deliberate attempt at explaining a joke. Look around and you'll see plenty of other captions with such links within them. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:17, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::''Second of all, the Shortpacked link does not, as you put it, "explain the joke". The joke doesn't need explaining if you know ANYTHING about Miller,'' What kind of logic is that? "The link doesn't explain the joke, provided you already understand the joke!" Anyway, while I am personally probably more in favor of linked-text jokes then some seem to be lately, I think they should only be done when the links are inter-wiki. Also, if Item42 put the image up, I say let him keep his own damn caption. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:38, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Eh, I guess if it's Uploader's Choice... I finally managed to be provided with a much cooler image of Miller that's in tune with other real-life people's photos (such as [[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[Ernie Hudson]]), going with an unlikely role of theirs. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:53, 29 September 2010 (EDT)

:::Ahem,
#I know both lines pretty well.
#Just because people do that a lot,doesn't mean it should be done (for example, the caption page has a list of jokes this community is sick of. An example outside this wiki would be main namespace-conversation on TV Tropes)
#I thought the captions are supposed to be a bonus for people who upload stuff?
#It would be much better if this wiki's pages policy give more comprehensive/complete advice.
[[User:Item42|Item42]] 12:23, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:Did... did Detour just upload a ''different'' picture of Frank Miller just so he could get to "win" and make up it's caption? Seriously? Wow. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:54, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::He did both and it's fuckin' hilarious. Much better than anything that was there before! --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 12:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::I don't even disagree that it's a better picture for us to use, it's just to up and do that right in the middle of this discussion is, well... kind of a dick move, really. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:58, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::Not exactly. I'd been asking around for a still of Frank the chemist for a while now. The previous caption just gave my acquaintances the extra motivation to it for me. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 13:00, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
Why the fuck are we having a discussion on this. 
::::I don't have a problem with somebody changing the caption if they uploaded a new picture. Unless... a few hundred pictures are uploaded over old ones just because somebody wanted to change the caption. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 04:14, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
I would like to point out that half of the discussions on this page in the last six weeks have been started by Item42. Can you dial back the need to have elaborate explanations for reverts of your edits, please? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:32, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:To prevent edit warring? I don't see why this shouldn't be discussed. (Though I might point Item to our Allspark thread for other discussions.) --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 17:36, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I suppose I should also ask why we're having an edit war over a ''caption''. Guys. ''Guys.''[[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:41, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Also, why isn't this being discussed on [[Talk:Frank Miller]]? The Community Portal is for sitewide stuff. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 05:28, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

Sorry that I overreacted. found the [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51208 Allspark thread], I think. There should be a link to that somewhere on the help pages or something. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 11:37, 5 October 2010 (EDT)

== Skin ==

What the hell happened to the skin? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:41, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
:No, seriously, what happened? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 06:48, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::I don't see anything wrong with it. Is something not working? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 07:33, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Well, the Monacobook colours seem to have randomly changed. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:59, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::::Must be a problem on your end, because I use MonacoBook and nothing seems different to me. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:01, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::Weird. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 08:58, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::I even tried clearing my cache, and it all loaded up fine. You could try doing the same and seeing if it fixes the problem. If not, post a screen shot and maybe someone will recognise the problem. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:08, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::Cache clearing didn't work.
:::::::[[Image:Skinwtf.JPG|thumb|right|250px|That is what Monacobook now looks like.]] --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:42, 3 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::I just noticed emopanda's been suspended by its webhost. You've still got the code for Derik's tools in your personal css file, and the fact that emopanda's now giving you an html file instead of css is probably confusing your browser. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:48, 3 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::I removed the offending code, and BAM! the skin is back to normal. Thanks. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:00, 4 October 2010 (EDT)

== Talk:/Talk: pages ==

Is there some way to prevent all the spammers from creating these pages? There doesn't seem to be ANY legitimate use for such a page, can't it be forbidden or limited to admins or something? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:40, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
:I believe I brought this up at [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism]]. No one responded. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:50, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

:Not without installing some sort of blacklist extension. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:57, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

== Artist Go Box ==

(Sorry if this isn't the place to do this. First time posting on the Community Portal)

*ahem* I noted that the Go boxes for Dan Reed and Andy Wildman both show Megatron. I don't know if that's intentional, but maybe we should follow that pattern for all the other artists? A close-up shot of Megatron's face, preferably one that capture their style as much as possible in the way that Reed's image is of a demonic, melty looking Megs, and Wildman's shows a mouth-agog spitting Megs. We could use the Senior Megatron drawing that was used in the Marvel box for the middle run of the UK comic. [[User:LiamK|LiamK]] 20:32, 6 October 2010 (EDT)
:I like this idea. It wouldn't work for Pat Lee, but I wouldn't mind having it as a trend for artists when they're added. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 15:41, 7 October 2010 (EDT)

== Potentially dodgy advertising ==

Since I'm not in North America or the EU, the current winning bid on Project Wonderful I can see is something about "Prettiest Teen Girls", which I think is a porn site or is at least unsavoury. [http://www.projectwonderful.com/advertisehere.php?id=25311&type=4 Click the world thumbnail under the flags.] Hopefully somebody with a less dodgy business out bids them soon. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:15, 8 October 2010 (EDT)
:Luckily it seems to have been out-bid already. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 05:34, 8 October 2010 (EDT)

== Ideal Struture of Toy/Merchandise Description ==

Has there been discussion on what constitutes an ideal description for a toy or piece of merchandise? I recently added an admittedly hefty amount of text for Leader-class Movie Starscream, and noted on his Toy Page that various users have trimmed it down so it's "not as review-like". I'm not complaining, but I am curious if the community ever discussed how much info is too much, or if it should be a bit of common sense that I might have missed out on; I'd love to pare it down myself, and perhaps take a crack at some other descriptions that might be too long or "review-like".

Thanks. [[User:Magaroja|Magaroja]] 14:30, 19 October 2010 (EDT)

== Delete blocked user's page ==

Any chance we could have somebody delete [[User:Jolt Volt]]? It's got a bunch of links nobody can edit to fix because the page is protected and there's no real point to keeping it around, anyway. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:06, 20 October 2010 (EDT)
:No one objected, so I've deleted the page. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:53, 10 November 2010 (EST)

== Prime vs. WFC ==

Are these the same franchise or 2 franchises in the same continuity family? If they are the same, shouldn't they have the same nav-box? I've brought this up before on the relevant pages and gotten no response, so I'm reposting it here. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:10, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
:They are supposedly in the same continuity, not just the same continuity family. The wiki treats them as the same franchise as far as disambiguations go. WFC-original characters are given the "(Prime)" as their franchise of origin. I'm not completely convinced it should be that way. There doesn't seem to be much tying WFC and Prime together as a franchise. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:18, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
::What ties the G1 comic and cartoon together? These don't really seem any more different than those. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:33, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Hasbro are clearly making up these franchise continuities as they go along. Between Prime, WFC, Generations, PCC, Transformers 2010/2011 and their sublines (Movie vs non-Movie) the whole brand right now is a complete and utter travesty of a mess. The rebel in me says that we as fans should dictate how these sub-brands should be divided up. A bit like with what we have already done with the Unicron Trilogy, and the extended G1 mythos. Prime is obviously independent in it's own right. WFC doesn't fit into anything easily. [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 12:41, 23 October 2010 (EDT)

== Holy grails ==
Anyone for adding the Hot Rod Go-Kart to the "grail" list? Because seriously. Photos or SOME kind of info about that thing would be beyond awesome. (And, statistically, the kid who won almost HAS to be online now, you know?) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 11:42, 26 October 2010 (EDT)

== Universe 2003 vs Universe 2008 disambiguations ==

I moved Backstop (Universe) to Backstop (Universe 2003) because Backstop (Cybertron) has a Universe 2008 toy. To my mind, that means that Backstop (Universe 2008) exists and means that there cannot be a simple Backstop (Universe). Interrobang seems to disagree. Opening it up for discussion. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:30, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:Once again for the hundredth time, disambiguations are not here to convey information. They are here to separate character articles. "(Universe)" performs that function perfectly fine and old characters appearing in other franchises do not affect disambiguation. Note how [[Megatron (BW)]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)]] remain where they are, despite the presence of older characters with the same name in the same franchise. And [[:Category:Generation 2 characters|the numerous G2 dudes with same name as G1 dudes]]. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 11:39, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::Guess it's a function of my more toy centric thinking. I have to think hard to remember which toy represents which character, but which line they were released in is second nature to me. Which also makes me disagree with the use of an unmodified "Universe" tag in the first place. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:51, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Okay? Precedent (even if we only consider toys) and the rule of KISS we apply to disambiguations isn't agreeing with you. The fact that Hasbro rebranded and sold some toys to crap stores doesn't change that. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:05, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::::Okay, I'll try to not make the same mistake again. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:09, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::Does this actually belong on this page? Seems to me like it should be at the Community Portal instead. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:22, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::Sorry, got distracted. Put it on wrong page by accident. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:24, 26 October 2010 (EDT)

== Difficulty level? ==

Should we have an article on the "transformation difficulty levels" the toys bear on their packaging, and whatever relationship they might have to reality? [[User:JW|JW]] 08:05, 29 October 2010 (EDT)

== I keep getting logged out ==

For some reason, I keep getting logged out at random intervals, even if I select "Remember Me" at the login screen. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:47, 29 October 2010 (EDT)
:How often? Logging in sets up some cookies which are set to eventually expire. They last a month or two at least though. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:05, 29 October 2010 (EDT)
::I specifically said "random intervals". Also, the problem doesn't seem to be on the wiki's side, because it's happening at all wikis I regularly visit. (Specifically, this wiki, a Wikia one I run and am hoping to move, and multiple Wikipedias.) --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 05:47, 30 October 2010 (EDT)
:::The default expiry for cookies in MediaWiki is 30 days, so that's probably what you're experiencing. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:44, 3 November 2010 (EDT)
::::The problem is it's happening much more often that 30 days.
::::Also, FYI, the problem is now only happening at this wiki. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 04:12, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
:::::Hmm, I don't know then - I can only suggest checking the expiry on the cookies in your browser and see when they're set to expire. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:51, 4 November 2010 (EDT)

== Ted Nolan interview? ==

A few places on this wiki mention Ted Nolan, who--as far as anyone can tell--made the first ever Internet post about Transformers. Well, looking at his address his gave in that post, he apparently ''still lives there'', and this is very close to my residence, within easy driving distance. Would anyone be interested in seeing if I could set up an interview to see what he thinks after 25+ years? [[User:Thanos6|Thanos6]] 19:51, 3 November 2010 (EDT)
:I imagine it might be of interest to some fans, but unless he's ended up working on the show or something, probably beyond the remit of this wiki. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:53, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
::Uh... maybe you should shoot him an email first? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 06:22, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
:::Immediately show up on his doorstep without warning and ask him if Rumble is red or blue. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 08:47, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
::::I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid. ''Of course'' I would send him an e-mail or a letter or something first (though the image of pounding on the door and shouting "Ted Nolan! Your sins from the past have caught up with you at last, the Spawn Of Unicron are here to take you to The Pit!" IS amusing). [[User:Thanos6|Thanos6]] 17:11, 4 November 2010 (EDT)

== Universe '08 Minicons + 'Energon fizzy jellies' ==

Browsing in The Entertainer I found 5 packets with the '08 universe logo on the top but lacking any Hasbro logo whatsoever. They instead sport the tag 'Boystoys' which is apparently a UK confection company. Inside comes a little packet of 'Energon fizzy jellies' and most surprisingly one of the 12 minicons previously released as a giftset in walmart I think. They were blind packed so I got Suppressor, Skyhammer, Knock Down and 2 Cloudrakers. I've never seen these before and neither had the cashier but they don't look like knock offs. Anybody with more wiki experience know where these should be filed, if at all?
:Those sound like knockoffs to me. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 15:58, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
:Well what's the quality of the paintjobs and the plastic on the Minicons like? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 15:59, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
::[http://figuredouthq.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-universe-mystery-packs.html Well, certainly looks official enough at first glance.] --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 16:02, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
:Thats them Detour- quality feels like the expected level of a genuine product. I've handled some of the KO G1 gestalts and these are nothing like those
::Looks pretty official. Guess I a) need to read more carefully, and b) stop being so paranoid. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 16:10, 5 November 2010 (EDT)

== Gobots on the wiki... again ==
I only just noticed that the Allspark Almanac II retcons the GoBots as being their universe's version of Transformers, and retcons Gobotron into a form of Primus. So, now that they're officially Transformers, Primus officially exists in their universe, AND they even have their own universal stream indicator (Gargent), should we include GoBots on the wiki as their own continuity family? There was some talk about this on the [[Talk:GoBots (franchise)|GoBots talk page]] back in August, but it never went anywhere. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 16:32, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:I second this, for the reasons Semysane enumerated so well. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:46, 7 November 2010 (EST)
::I'm for both GoBots and Robotix getting articles. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:04, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:::Oh yeah, add my vote to Robotix, too. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 17:07, 7 November 2010 (EST)
I don't know if I really want to have the "Allspark Almanac retconned something" argument again.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 17:11, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:I'm extremely uneasy with this. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 17:27, 7 November 2010 (EST)

I strongly vote "no" on this. You want '''''AN''''' article, structured like we have with, say, [[Visionaries]]? Okay, fine. But all 100+ characters and as many hours of fiction? No. The Almanac's 25-years-after-the-fact out-of-universe retcons notwithstanding, GoBots and Robotix have nothing to do with Transformers. Jeeper Creeper never appeared in any Transformers fiction, never interacted with any Transformers characters, is completely unrelated to any and all Transformers concepts, and does not belong on a Transformers wiki. I think it speaks volumes that like 11 months after people voted "oh yeah, we'll start a GB wiki too" actually nothing has been done. There's very little knowledge, interest, or drive behind the topic. And there are probably five or six orders of magnitude less knowledge, interest, or drive behind Robotix. Including them would demean and dilute everything we've put together here and the interests that led us to try to put it together in the first place. So, again, I vote no. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 21:42, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:Complete agreement. You want to chronicle everything GoBots that wasn't in TFs, then put forth the effort to make a separate GoBots wiki. I'll certainly help take pictures for it. But til then... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 23:08, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:Yes. Exactly. Make Robotix & Gobots overview pages, but not entries for every character or event. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 07:13, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::Thylacine, the fact that nothing has been done with the GoBots wiki is not OUR fault, we've been trying to get it started, but haven't heard anything from the powers that be yet. You've participated in that discussion, so don't act like this is news to you. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 18:56, 8 November 2010 (EST)
:::"The powers that be" do not have a global monopoly on the ability to set up a wiki. It's been a year. But regardless, the point remains that a systematic name-by-name treatment of GoBots / Robotix doesn't belong here. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 22:12, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::::And why not, exactly? They are officially Transformers now. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 23:42, 8 November 2010 (EST)
:::::No they aren't. There's something called "GoBots" and something called "Robotix" that represent real TF continuities, deserving a brief writeup (at most). Almost none of the characters and events from GoBots, and none whatsoever from Robotix, have ever appeared under the Hasbro label and thus are not official TF product, and will never be appropriate for inclusion here under these conditions. The ones that have actually existed within TF qualifying conditions--about 8 GoBots from about 3 stories plus some background easter eggs--are already here. Adding in every other GoBot because "they're a team" would be no less absurd than adding in every single Marvel superhero that never appeared in Transformers, just to match up with the small handful of Marvel superheroes who did appear in Transformers and are already here. Where are our articles about Daredevil and Phoenix and Baron Zemo? You can't just namedrop a universe and then expect all its uncounted thousands of inhabitants, locations, and historical events to be pertinent. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 23:55, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::::::Try actually READING what I'm saying instead of responding to what you WISH I was saying. They didn't just namedrop the universe, it was said specifically that the GoBots are their universe's version of Transformers and specifically that Gobotron is a form of Primus. That is not just namedropping the universe. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 00:14, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::Which doesn't change that >99% of the GoBots stuff '''''did not ever appear in any Transformers-branded fiction or toyline, and therefore has no place on this wiki.''''' --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 00:51, 9 November 2010 (EST)

==Junkions==
I want to tackle the Junkion character articles one of these days, but after attempting to write the first two, I figure I need some advice on how to deal with the loose definition of a Junkion character. Most Junkion models represent multiple characters that are discernable either only because they stand next to each other in one shot/panel or because they have different colors, and then one still wouldn't know which color represents the "character" as named in TCA (don't have the book, but I doubt it contained colored versions of the Junkion models). Then there's models that were used for non-Junkions, most of which are pretty clearly not the same character, but some, like hood Transformer and pole vault Transformer, are ambiguous. So, what'd like help on is an idea how to write character articles on characters that are not defined as characters. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 05:00, 8 November 2010 (EST)

==Ron Friedman auctions==
Ron Friedman, one of the G1 cartoon's writers, is auctioning off [http://comics.ha.com/common/search_results.php?Ntk=SI_Titles&Ntt=transformers&Nty=1&N=52+793+794+791+1893+792&chkNotSold=0&Ns= a TON of old scripts with hand written marginal revisions and whatnot]. These are the kind of things the Wiki needs to have access to. Another charity auction drive, perhaps? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:24, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:Keep me in the loop on this. I think I'd be the logical person to curate this material, and I'm always up for giving to a good cause. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:32, 9 November 2010 (EST)
::I've set up a [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74385 thread at Allspark] just in case. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 17:22, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:::Okay, so Monzo has registered an account and is bidding on the first draft of TFTM. Are there any other ones we think warrant significant time/financial investment, or should we just hope for the best? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 10:54, 10 November 2010 (EST)
::::1) Please don't tell me that both Monzo and Jim are bidding on the same thing. 2) The Wiki has a cash surplus at the moment. I'm in favor of donating it to the cause, but I want to get some yeas first, since it's not technically my money to spend. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 21:38, 11 November 2010 (EST)
:::::Don't worry, Monzo and I (and a few other serious bidders) are coordinating our efforts to try to maximize the benefit to the fandom and minimize our own financial outlay.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 22:20, 11 November 2010 (EST)
::::::You have my vote to use the money, as this is to acquire unique research material pertinent to our subject. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 07:04, 12 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::You have mine too. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:08, 12 November 2010 (EST)
::::::::I wouldn't have posted it here if I wasn't in support of the wiki getting involved. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:27, 12 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::::Aaaaaand Jim has some money. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:13, 12 November 2010 (EST)

== Interview for Examiner journalist about Wikia history ==

I am a "citizen journalist" [http://www.examiner.com/wiki-edits-in-national/gregory-kohs writing for Examiner.com] about issues related to bad management practices and content concerns at wikis on the Internet. I am working on a new piece that will focus on the current defection trend from Wikia to new wiki sites, based on dissatisfaction over the ''Oasis'' skin and how it's been handled by Jimbo, Gil, and company. If there is a senior "bureaucrat" or owner/stakeholder here who would be willing to talk on the record about how this wiki split from Wikia, I would appreciate setting up a time we could talk for an interview. My e-mail is ResearchBiz (at) gmail.com. I am not at all likely to check back here, so please correspond by e-mail. Thank you! -- [[User:Thekohser|Thekohser]] 09:58, 11 November 2010 (EST) (Gregory Kohs)
: I sent him a link to [http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_Wiki:Community_Portal/Complaints]. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:59, 11 November 2010 (EST)

== Redirects with parentheses ==

An issue came up on the [[Talk:Dead End (Prime)]] page that should be discussed more widely. The modern continuity Dead End is actually spelled "Deadend". There is a Movie character who was called "Deadend" in a novel, but his actual page is at "Jolt (Movie)". Should the modern continuity Deadend be at "Deadend" or should it be at "Deadend (Prime)" since there is another character named "Deadend"?

I think "Deadend" may be a bad example since it may be considered just a mistake in the novel and end up an exception to the rule. But what about as a general policy? The question boils down to if there should be alternate name redirects with disambiguation parentheses. Examples: "Rodimus Prime (G1)" => "Hot Rod (G1)" , "Orion Pax (G1) => "Optimus Prime (G1)" , "Tankor (G1) => "Octane" , "Axalon (Animated)" => "Alpha Supreme".

The arguments against using redirects with parentheses are that users will never use them and that they clutter up the search drop down box, potentially dropping off entries with actual pages.

The arguments for using redirects with parentheses are that they appear in the search drop down box and the user could go directly to the article they want. Also, if there are missing entries in the drop down box, that seems like missing information. Example, typing in "Axalon" drops down the terms "Axalon" "Axalon (Armada)" "Axalon (BW)" and "Axalon (disambiguation)" but no "Axalon (Animated)". It could escape the user's notice that there is even is an ''Axalon'' in Animated. If it was there, the user might be like, "Oh, cool, there was an ''Axalon'' in Animated." <click>

My opinion is that the potential for dropping off actual pages from the search box is a good argument. But I really like the alternate names to show up. Could the search box be made bigger? - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:10, 18 November 2010 (EST)

:Hm, I just posted over at [[Tornado (Marvel)]] about this kind of thing, then saw this. I think it has to be looked at on a case-by-base basis, but for some reason all the Skyscorchers have redirects from their European names (even though we don't do this for Japanese names, do we?) leaving a whole bunch of flashing links across the wiki. Surely we could cut that out? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 13:58, 18 November 2010 (EST) [edit] Just had the Skyschorchers' situation explained to me over at Tornado's page...that's probably a separate issue of its own. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 14:08, 18 November 2010 (EST)

: While I can see both sides, I'm not sure the purpose of the search box is to alert people to things they didn't know about. Its purpose is to help people find what they're specifically looking for. Leave the "informative" functionality to the disambig page. [[User:JW|JW]] 15:36, 18 November 2010 (EST)

::But what if I'm specifically looking for the ''Animated'' Axalon? Without the redirect, I type "Axalon" and it's not in the list that drops down. Maybe I hit enter and go to the disambig page and see it there, or maybe I assume the page for it doesn't exist yet. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:51, 18 November 2010 (EST)

:::Is it technically impossible to have redirects be shoved to the bottom of the search box list, thus not "cluttering it up", but still having them appear? [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 19:22, 18 November 2010 (EST)

::::I simply think that every valid name for a character should have a redirect to the appropriate article because that article should be in that location as well. I'm not sure why the various Animated Supremes had their starship name redirects deleted, or why there is no redirect from "Rodimus (G1)". As abates said not having at least a redirect from Axalon (Animated) could lead to the impression of a lack of data, having the redirect shows that the data exists and where to find it.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:33, 19 November 2010 (EST)

:::::I agree with abates, at least some redirects with parentheses are needed, such as Axalon (Animated). --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 09:36, 19 November 2010 (EST)

== Hey guys! ==

We seem to be nearing 12,000 pages. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:02, 19 November 2010 (EST)
:Keep a sharp watch to verify which one is the milestone article, and I'll be happy to make up the icon and slap it on.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 02:50, 22 November 2010 (EST)

== "Generation 1 Autobots", etc. categories ==

I know we talked about this when the nationality thing went down, but is there any support or opposition to the idea of things like "Generation 1 humans" to help divide up the gigantic franchise character categories? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 18:06, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:I definitely support this idea to split the categories by categorizing characters by franchise and faction/race so things could be more sorted.. (I've used it for recent franchises in the wikia.) --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 20:20, 21 November 2010 (EST)

::We are so fucking NOT putting up categories by "race". --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 21:26, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:::I'm pretty sure he meant Transformer and human categories, dude. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 21:31, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:::::Yes, I only refer to Transformers (Autobots/Decepticons) and humans. I forgot there are other race. (oops) Thanks for explaining for me. :D --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 04:26, 22 November 2010 (EST)

::::I don't think that anyone is suggesting that at this point. I think this is mainly about creating subcategories to break some of the ginormous categories down to more manageable size. For example, Category: Humans would have subcategories like Category: Generation 1 humans and Category: Unicron Trilogy humans. I would support that. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 21:33, 21 November 2010 (EST)
:::::Does anybody else care one way or the other? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 15:14, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::It would be a heck of a lot easier to find specific dudes, I'd love categories based on franchises. [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] 15:20, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::It all sounds reasonable to me. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:08, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::Categories based on franchises definitely sounds good. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 20:07, 24 November 2010 (EST)

== Figures prone to breakage that aren't GPS could do with their own page (like the GPS list) ==

Seeing as my comment concerning PCC double clutch was removed yesterday I'd like to propose the creation of a list of figures that are known for being fragile and breakage as a result of poor construction and NOT GPS. Double clutch's ball joints for example or animated arcee's thumbs. Wouldn't be a definitive list by any means but more of a reference list for collectors whose figure just broke becuase of a common design flaw rather than the handling of the figure. Would be a useful reference list is all im saying.
:I can see the merit, but it seems quite subjective...and ultimately every toy is prone to breakage. I could point to a load of my G1s that have "battle damage", and who's to say the movie toys of today won't be similarly beaten up in 25-odd years' time? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 17:57, 25 November 2010 (EST)

==Comics Featured Characters==
Would anyone mind if I excised the "Regular" and "Guest" subheadings in the Humans column? It screws up the numbering and it's not even consistent - Walter Barnett (for one) jumps from one heading to the other as the comic goes on. I'd go ahead and do it, but I thought I'd throw it out there in case anyone has any particular affection for them. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 15:24, 6 December 2010 (EST)
:Please do. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:07, 6 December 2010 (EST)
::Done & done --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 03:39, 9 December 2010 (EST)

== 12,000th article ==

I didn't actually notice till just now, but [[Reachout]] is apparently the 12,000th article. Too bad he has nothing to his name whatsoever, but, uh, cheers. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 20:36, 9 December 2010 (EST)
:Or is it [[Airlift]]? The count shows 12,024 articles, and Reachout is only the 24th newest. Shouldn't the 25th newest actually be the 12,000th? --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 15:20, 10 December 2010 (EST)
::Bluestreak's reasoning seems sound. Who was supposed to make up the milestone marker? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 15:30, 10 December 2010 (EST)
:::Reachout was the second article on the list when we were at 12,001. The new article list isn't always accurate. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:58, 10 December 2010 (EST)
::::I'll buy that. I'm seeing Reachout as 26th newest currently. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 23:10, 10 December 2010 (EST)

== Doctor Who connection? ==

Between the Octuses of various continuities who have been confirmed, either by authorial intent and/or the Almanac, combined with the pure and unquestionable fact that the same, individual Death's Head who interacted with the TFs in Marvel UK is the same that met the Doctor, can we note in this wiki that the Whoniverse(s) have a tangental connection to the TF multiverse and in doing so may well create one of, if not ''the'' largest fictional universes in existence? I am VERY excited about this. [[User:Solaris Prime|Solaris Prime]] 02:34, 12 December 2010 (EST)
:I think we already note that the Whoniverse has a tangential connection to the tF multiverse - after all, the [[Doctor (G1)|Doctor]] does have a page here, as do the [[Dalek]]s. If it's massive fictional universes based on tangential connections you're after, you might be interested to know that Doctor Who forms part of the ever-expanding Westphallverse, see links below
:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kwgow/crossovers.html - introduction to the Westphallverse
:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kwgow/crossovers%28full%29.jpg - diagram showing crossovers
:I don't know if they count animated shows, but given the number of crossovers between all the various Sunbow cartoons it's totally possible that there's a link between at least one of them and one of the 280 shows in the Westphallverse, meaning that GI Joe, Inhumanoids, Transformers, Jem and the Holograms etc. would all share a universe with the Doctor. This universe also contains Red Dwarf, Buffy, Firefly, all the Star Treks, Lost and the X-Files. The only downside is that universe only exists in a 12 year-old boy's head. Multiverses are tricky things. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 05:31, 12 December 2010 (EST)
::Hm, now I read it again, they don't count cartoons because it would make the universe insanely huge. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 05:50, 12 December 2010 (EST)

== Image plagiarism ==

[http://transformers.wikia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:TX55&oldid=348386#Why_on_Earth_did_you_remove_the_picture_of_Alice_in_Robot_mode.3F From the other site]

The point of Mr. P got ''some'' loopholes, but I admit I can't figure out how to retort him so far. (Because I'm barely familiar with any copyright statement of a Wikipedia-based system such as cc-by-2.0 or others.) Yes, apparently a person doesn't own anything which is not created by him/herself, but I don't think it is a good reason to take any screencap or scanned image without any recognition, since it is processed by another person. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 12:05, 15 December 2010 (EST)

:Well just tell him it's not even a question of copyrights, but rather of Teletraan-1 wanting to have different content from TFWiki. Hence, no identical images. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:11, 15 December 2010 (EST)

::Right. It's not copyright, it's courtesy.--[[Special:Contributions/63.203.180.99|63.203.180.99]] 12:57, 15 December 2010 (EST)

:::I am laughing so hard at the assertion that our wiki is "so much fluff," when OUR wiki is just THEIR wiki but with twice the information! --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 13:42, 15 December 2010 (EST)

::::Wow. That guy has ''got'' to take a reality check. (I took the liberty of posting that back there too.) --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 13:47, 15 December 2010 (EST) (-Blackout-, can't be bothered to log in)

:::::While making fun of Wikia diehards is fun and warranted, I think posting why he needed a reality check instead of just laughter would have been more, well, useful. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 14:43, 15 December 2010 (EST)

:I think the dude over there is trolling. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:09, 15 December 2010 (EST)

::Thanks guys for giving advices and replying while I was away. Yes, it is "courtesy", the word I want to use. How come I forgot the word nor mentioning to keep the diversity between the two sites. Haha --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 21:27, 15 December 2010 (EST)

::[http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/User_talk:-Blackout-#Reality_check.3F_Yeah_right_your_TFWIKIA_does_not_won_any_pictures_fromm_the_movie_period. Guess somebody] want to keep the funny stay {{m-}} by saying ''hahahaha''(ridiculous plus hilarious) stuff. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 21:56, 15 December 2010 (EST)

==Didn't we have a Transformers Appearances/References in Other Media page?==
I could have sworn we did, mentioning stuff like Family guy etc. If we don't have such a page, would it be allowed to be created? [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 11:53, 18 December 2010 (EST)
:Unless it's officially sanctioned by Hasbro, no, we do not mention Transformer appearances in other media. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 11:54, 18 December 2010 (EST)
:: If it ever existed, it would have been destroyed with fire in about 30 seconds. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 12:46, 18 December 2010 (EST)
::: Of course, if we did have such a page, we could use it as a lighting rod, keep anons from adding something to Soundwave's page every time Seth Green says the word "transformers." -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 16:28, 18 December 2010 (EST)
::::Of course, NO. Discussion over. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 16:45, 18 December 2010 (EST)
::::Discussion not quite over. If the unofficial nature of the topic is the reason why it is not allowed, then there are several articles that already exist that are pushing boundaries on the wiki. I would have thought that the biggest problem would be it's size.[[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 09:26, 20 December 2010 (EST)
:::::Yeah, that'd be the other big reason. There's so many such references it would be impossible to keep track of them all. It would also involve making sure what's added there is actually a TF reference. And given all the Toms, Dicks and Harrys that'll come out of the woodwork to add such stuff, that's going to be more trouble than not having a page. Best not to get a larger headache for the sake of reducing a smaller one. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 12:44, 20 December 2010 (EST)

=="Knockoff warning" for toy sections?==
Just something that occurred to me... as I skimmed this page http://www.highendtfs.com/?q=node/17 and looked at alllllll the "could be mistaken for real and paid stupid money for" knockoffs... is there any objection to some form of link to this in the relevant toy sections? Sadly, the page lacks a "jump to" feature of any kind, but alerting people to the potential danger of dropping several hundred on what they think is a genuine Defensor box set... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 02:50, 19 December 2010 (EST)

:I think it skirts the line with our "we don't really discuss knockoffs" policy, but on the other hand, yeah, it's a useful bit of information, almost to the point where we could stand to have a special page about ''these specific knockoffs''. I am not opposed to adding a link to that site, no, as long as it's got a massive and specific caveat attached to it (maybe even with a special template box thing ("A Prime Problem"-themed perhaps?)). Hell, maybe the highendtfs people would be willing to throw up navigation in exchange for the inevitable deluge of hits - anyone got contact info for the owner? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:11, 19 December 2010 (EST)

::It's worth noting that there are some very well-done Henkei seekers knockoffs now, too. The really expensive ones even, like Thundercracker. Their sections could use warnings as well. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 17:56, 19 December 2010 (EST)

:::Are they in knockoff PACKAGING that is meant to look like the real thing? That's the really tricky part. G1 MIB shit is much, much more expensive. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 20:27, 19 December 2010 (EST)
::::Yes, they are: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/buyer-beware-update-on-ko-henkei-seekers/20380/ -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 23:03, 19 December 2010 (EST)

::I am not sure I want to attach more template boxes to pages as is. Especially over something like knockoffs. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 20:55, 19 December 2010 (EST)

:::I'd ''thought'' about a template, but... ehn. I think a simple link under the TFU.info (or whatever), perhaps with a bolded "'''Knockoff alert'''" text. Like...

::::*''[http://www.highendtfs.com/?q=node/17 '''Knockoff alert''': More information on packaged imitations of this toy at HighendTFs.com]''

:::Thoughts? This would ONLY cover stuff that is in packaging meant to deceive you by looking as real as they can get it. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 21:05, 19 December 2010 (EST)

::::I could agree with that. This is a step beyond your standard knock off crap, some notice might be appropriate.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 21:44, 19 December 2010 (EST)

:::::I think it is a good idea to have it, since it is useful. This is different from putting info of some KO or unlicensed products on the page. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 21:49, 19 December 2010 (EST)

== Extension:Oversight ==

Quite a few times I've seen admins delete and undelete pages to clean out bad revisions. Why they do this I have no idea, since we have [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Extension:Oversight the Oversight extension] installed.

Perhaps we should look into granting some people "oversighter" access? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 05:09, 25 December 2010 (EST)

== Wikipedia, revisited ==

[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Administrators%27_noticeboard/Incidents#The_.22Campaign_of_Deletion.22_against_the_Transformers_Wiki_Project_by_NotARealWord_and_TFWiki.net]

Just in case anyone's interested. --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 10:54, 5 January 2011 (EST) (-Blackout-, can't be bothered to log back in)
:NEWSFLASH: Nobody cares. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 16:21, 5 January 2011 (EST)

== Captcha to prevent spambots? ==

Is there any way we could implement captcha to account creation to prevent the spambot problem we're having now? I've seen other wikis use that measure. Maybe also disable new page creation by anons? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:56, 6 January 2011 (EST)
:We already have CAPTCHA implemented on the account creation service. --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 13:09, 6 January 2011 (EST) (-Blackout-, can't be bothered to log in)

Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon

2011-01-06T17:36:11Z

84.193.193.10: /* Covers(3) */

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' #15
|prev=Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man
|next=Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3:
|title="Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon"
|image=Transformers 15A.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[January 5]], [[2011]]
|coverdate=January 2010
|written by=[[Mike Costa]]
|art by=[[Don Figueroa]]
|colors by=[[Andrew Dalhouse]]
|letters by=[[Chris Mowry]]
|assistant editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|editor=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2010)]]
}}
'''Megatron deploys his master plan while the Autobots deal with the loss of their allies.'''

==Synopsis==
{{issuestub}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rod]] (9)*
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (11)*
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (12)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (13)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]] (14)
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (16)
|c2=
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] (3)*
*[[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] (4)*
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (5)*
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (6)*
*[[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] (7)*
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (8)*
*[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] (17)
|c3=
*[[Nina]] (1)
*[[Ben Simpson]] (2)
*[[Carlos Tuyuc]] (10)*
*[[Silent Bob]] (11)*
*[[Joe Gladki]] (12)*
*[[Schwalbe]] (15)
}}

<nowiki>*</nowiki> flashbacks

==Quotes==
* TBD

==Errors==
* Repeating the continuity error from last issue, Frenzy is once again shown working with Soundwave prior to the breakout at Skywatch, this time back on the Decepticons' asteroid base before they even returned to Earth. ''[[Transformers: Bumblebee]]'' previously indicated Frenzy was left behind on Earth after [[AHM]], and was captured by the Autobots for Skywatch.

==Items of note==
* TBD

===Covers (3)===
* '''Cover A:''' Dramatic scene of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]; art by [[Don Figueroa]].
* '''Cover B:''' [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] argue while Megatron broods; art by [[Nick Roche]], colors by [[James Brown|J.Brown]].
* '''Cover RI:''' Concept drawing of [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]; art by Don Figueroa.

<gallery>
Image:Transformers 15A.jpg|Megatron always did like purple.
Image:Transformers 15B.jpg|"I have a [[chin]] and you don't, ''so there!''"
Image:Transformers 15RI.jpg|"Hi, I'm not in this issue."
</gallery>

===Advertisements===
*''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' [[Revenge of the Decepticons Part 3:|#16]]
* [[IDWords]] article plugging ''[[Infestation (IDW)|Infestation]]'', ''True Blood'', ''Off Road'' and ''Amazing 3-D Comics''
* ''Skyrockets'' comic
* ''[[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]]: Tales From the Cobra Wars'' anthology
* ''G.I. Joe: Hearts & Minds'' hardcover
* ''Dungeons & Dragons'' comic
* ''Dark Sun'' comic
* ''[[Infestation (IDW)|Infestation]]'' comics (back cover)

[[Category:IDW Generation 1 issues]]

Hideous giant brain guy

2011-01-06T17:25:46Z

84.193.193.10: /* Notes */

{{Noname-nickname}}
:''The hideous giant brain guy is an [[alien]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Hideousgiantbrainguy.jpg|right|150px|thumb|I won't pay a lot for this muffler!]]
The '''hideous giant brain guy''' is one of many beings, native and otherwise, who enjoyed the brief rebirth of gladiatorial combat on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] under the aegis of the alien criminal [[Zabra]]. He is mainly noteworthy because, seriously, what the hell.

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics UK continuity===
The hideous giant brain guy attended the "games" at the [[Jekka Amphitheatre]] in [[Tyrest (city-state)|Tyrest]] on the day of [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]]'s bout against the alien [[Hooligan (G1)|Hooligan]]. He was last seen asking a souvenir salesman about the price of a foot belonging to a defeated combatant. Presumably, when Magnus defeated Zabra and shut down the games, he found something else to do. {{storylink|Deadly Games!|Deadly Games! Part 2}}

He wears a Decepticon tattoo on his frontal lobes. Now ''that's'' a fanboy.

==Notes==
*The hideous giant brain guy is a playable character named HGBG in [[Ninja Gladiator]].

[[Category:European-original characters]]
[[Category:Generation 1 aliens]]
[[Category:Comic-only characters]]

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2011-01-05T15:54:56Z

84.193.193.10: /* Wikipedia, revisited */ new section

A.O. Laser

2010-12-20T17:57:21Z

84.193.193.10: /* Super-God Masterforce comic */

:''The A.O. Laser is a [[Decepticon]] weapon from the [[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
The '''A.O. Laser''' is a Decepticon weapon.

==Fiction==
===Super-God Masterforce comic===
[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] fired the A.O. Laser from the top of [[Qomolangma]], a mountain, to attack places worldwide, including the [[United States|United States of America]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Soviet Union]], and [[Japan]].

It was destroyed when [[Doubleclouder]] betrayed the Decepticons and joined the [[Autobot]]s instead. {{storylink|Decepticons' Great Counterattack!}}

[[Category:Masterforce]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

A.O. Laser

2010-12-20T17:57:09Z

84.193.193.10: New page: :''The A.O. Laser is a Decepticon weapon from the Super-God Masterforce portion of the Generation 1 continuity family.'' The '''A.O. Laser''' ...

:''The A.O. Laser is a [[Decepticon]] weapon from the [[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
The '''A.O. Laser''' is a Decepticon weapon.

==Fiction==
===Super-God Masterforce comic===
[[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] fired the A.O. Laser from the top of [[Qomolangma]], a mountain, to attack places worldwide, including the [[United States|United States of America]], the [[United Kingdom]], the [[Soviet Union]], and [[Japan]].

It was destroyed when [[Doubleclouder]] betrayed the Decepticons and joined the [[Autobot]]s instead. {storylink|Decepticons' Great Counterattack!}}

[[Category:Masterforce]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

VX Bomb

2010-12-20T17:52:04Z

84.193.193.10: New page: :''The VX Bomb is an Autobot weapon from the Super-God Masterforce portion of the Generation 1 continuity family.'' The '''VX Bomb''' is a new...

:''The VX Bomb is an [[Autobot]] weapon from the [[Super-God Masterforce (franchise)|Super-God Masterforce]] portion of the [[Generation 1 continuity family]].''
The '''VX Bomb''' is a new Autobot weapon.

==Fiction==
===Super-God Masterforce comic===
When [[Overlord (Masterforce)|Overlord]] and [[Scorponok (G1)|BlackZarak]] took advantage of the Autobots' visit to their new space-based HQ to raid a city, [[Ginrai]] used the VX Bomb to defeat Overlord. {{storylink|Live? Die?! The Desperate Super-God Combination}}

[[Category:Masterforce]]
[[Category:Weapons]]

Advanced Observation Unit

2010-12-20T17:33:58Z

84.193.193.10: New page: {{factions|autobot}} :''The Advanced Observation Unit is an Autobot unit from the Generation 1 continuity family.'' The '''Advanced Observation Unit'''...

{{factions|autobot}}
:''The Advanced Observation Unit is an [[Autobot]] unit from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''
The '''Advanced Observation Unit''' was the only dedicated unit in the original [[Autobot Guard]].

Members include:

*[[Big Bang]] (leader)
*[[Halo|Halonix Maximus]]
*[[Powerflash]]
*[[Ranger]]
*[[Sentinel Major]]

==Fiction==
===Character profiles===
The Unit was so exceptional that it served as part of the impetus for [[Magnum]]'s formation of the [[Elite Guard]]. Each member of the AOU was given a ranking position in the new Elite Guard structure. {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 35|Sentinel Major's ''Wings of Honor'' profile}}

[[Category:Generation 1]]
[[Category:Subgroups]]
[[Category:Autobot subgroups]]

Magnificus (Animated)

2010-12-18T13:32:52Z

84.193.193.10:

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the clone from Animated|the former Generation 1 Decepticon general|Magnificus (G1)}}
:''Magnificus is a [[Decepticon]] from the [[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]] [[continuity family]].''

'''Magnificus''' is a clone of [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]] created by the [[Decepticon]]s.

==Fiction==
===AllSpark Almanac, Volume II===
After the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] enlisted [[Scalpel (Animated)|Scalpel]] to [[Cloning|clone]] the Autobot's greatest scientific mind, Perceptor, in order to turn the intellect that won the war against the Autobots as part of [[Operation: Doppleganger]]. Despite [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s insistence that copying the Autobot scientist's design schematics would not be enough to turn defeat into victory, Megatron allowed the project to continue. Magnificus was the end result, and a complete failure at achieving the goals he was created for. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II}}

[[Category:Animated Decepticons]]
[[Category:Clones]]

Magnificus (Animated)

2010-12-18T13:30:31Z

84.193.193.10: New page: {{factions|decepticon}} {{disambig2|the clone from Animated|the former Generation 1 Decepticon general|Magnificus (G1)}} '''Magnificus''' is a clone of Perceptor c...

{{factions|decepticon}}
{{disambig2|the clone from Animated|the former Generation 1 Decepticon general|Magnificus (G1)}}
'''Magnificus''' is a clone of [[Perceptor (Animated)|Perceptor]] created by the [[Decepticon]]s.

==Fiction==
===AllSpark Almanac, Volume II===
After the [[Great War (Animated)|Great War]], [[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] enlisted [[Scalpel (Animated)|Scalpel]] to [[Cloning|clone]] the Autobot's greatest scientific mind, Perceptor, in order to turn the intellect that won the war against the Autobots as part of [[Operation: Doppleganger]]. Despite [[Starscream (Animated)|Starscream]]'s insistence that copying the Autobot scientist's design schematics would not be enough to turn defeat into victory, Megatron allowed the project to continue. Magnificus was the end result, and a complete failure at achieving the goals he was created for. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II}}

[[Category:Animated Decepticons]]
[[Category:Clones]]

User talk:Geewunling

2010-12-18T13:29:55Z

84.193.193.10: /* i.e WOH Lyzack */ new section

==Tobedeleted==
Yo, could you maybe mark your additions of the delete template to articles as "minor changes"? Because theyre frickin' ''drowning'' the recent changes page lately, and a way to not have to see them would be nice. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 12:54, 7 April 2009 (EDT)
:...well, once I get to 'em, all you have to do is click "hide patrolled edits."--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 13:55, 7 April 2009 (EDT)
::Oh, yeah, I know ''that'', I just mean ''before'' they get deleted (I could delete them myself, of course, but... here we are!). --[[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 13:58, 7 April 2009 (EDT)

...I will however request that you be a bit less zealous in your flagging of "outdated" talkpages. If it's a talkpage for an article that exists, it ought not get deleted.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 14:42, 7 April 2009 (EDT)
:To clarify, lest there be a misunderstanding, I am ''absolutely cool'' with 99.95% of the ones you are nominating. Talkpage redirects? Boffo. Talkpages for articles that no longer exist? With you entirely. I only object to deleting talkpages for existing articles.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 15:09, 7 April 2009 (EDT)

==Link fixing==
...are you actually fixing all those links BY HAND when a page moves? -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 06:26, 21 November 2009 (EST)
:Hm, yes. I am aware of the bot, but there's two reasons why I (sometimes) prefer to do things by hand:
#Some moves require attention a bot can't give. I assume the bot changed all ''Timelines'' links to ''Timelines (fiction)'', even when that clearly is the wrong link. For franchise names, I prefer to see things sorted, which only can happen manually. This also is/was the case for finally disamb'd stuff like Lithone, Junkion, Black Friday, Transmutate, etc. which in a few cases would link to the wrong place if done by bot.
#In some cases, I'm just not in the mood to see organization be put aside until a bot can attend to it. And doing it manually also gives me a reason to just as well quickly check out the entire pages' coding. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 06:49, 21 November 2009 (EST)

::3) The 'bot has been broken since June?
::4) Derik hasn't been around to fix or, or queue up changes even if it ''was'' working?
::(It's fixed now.) -[[User:Derik|Derik]] 07:08, 21 November 2009 (EST)
:::So, what's the problem here, then? Yes, I do sometimes take care of things manually, which apparently was the only option for some time. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 07:11, 21 November 2009 (EST)

== Continuity-based categories ==

Because there's no point in attempting an edit summary convo when the wiki keeps going down every five seconds... 
Near as I can tell, it doesn't matter if a character is from a certain continuity or not, just that they showed up in a certain continuity's ''fiction''. See stuff like [[:Category:TransTech characters]], for instance. --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 16:58, 22 February 2010 (EST)
:But did Feezon (and the others) show up in another continuity? Given the nature of Venus magazine, I find that a doubtful case: Animated is merely the vessel through which her presence in some sort of unnamed multicontinuity story is told. Or at least, that's how I view it and I might be mistaken. But if so, I do ask for consistency: at least the active participants of Venus should then all be listed as Animated characters. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 17:09, 22 February 2010 (EST)
::Like I said, I think it's just the fiction that matters. I wouldn't have a problem listing all of the characters mentioned in Venus as being "Animated characters" if they have sections in their fiction listing their mention, as it would be consistent with how we generally seem to do things.
::Still, it could be brought up on the Community Portal, as it wouldn't be the first time I've been told something is wrong even though we do it all the time... :P --[[User:Jeysie|Jeysie]] 08:58, 23 February 2010 (EST)
:::If you could bring it up on the CP first, that'd be appreciated. :) [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 09:35, 23 February 2010 (EST)

== Stellar Galleries images ==
What sorta angle did you have in mind for the image of the planets and key? I've got a few shots of the main chamber from the entrance, but the key canister isn't really visible in them, and likewise the shots I have of the key canister don't show the planets very well. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:08, 13 July 2010 (EDT)
:Firstly, thank you very much for the entrance shot. It looks great.
:I haven't played the game myself, so my request stems from what I could see and estimate to be good image content in the youtube clips. I had hoped there was a way to get both elements properly in one shot, but if that's impossible, I let it to someone who actually played the game (you) to decide which element is more vital to the room. I have no clue why the Omega Key was kept there, but if it's only because the game just happened to be laid out like that, a shot of the planet statue is the better option. If there's actually a storywise good reason the Omega Key is kept in the Stellar Galleries, then an image of the canister is the better option. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 08:12, 13 July 2010 (EDT)
::Thanks! I wish there was a way to hide the health bars and so on for a cleaner shot. I'll see what I can do about a shot of the interior. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:59, 13 July 2010 (EDT)

== Junkion names ==
This I can help you with, 'mono wheel chest' is specific enough for me. The only one in the Complete Ark with a single chest wheel Is named Rubbish. On that note, the only one with TWO chest wheels is named Ashtray. = [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 17:11, 17 November 2010 (EST)
:Bringing this over: As I said, the mainpic template contains a "screenshot description" that should make it possible to track who is who. Otherwise, [[:Image:TFTM Junkions.JPG|the three most in front in order are: kisser, double-eye and mouthplate]]. I do have a copy of ''The Ark'', and to me, it seems double-eye's model has no face, unlike the animated version. Just two goggle-like things for "eyes". And large head is... well, the one that attacks Arcee if that helps recognize him. He's got Rubbish's arm model, if that helps further distinguish him. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 17:16, 17 November 2010 (EST)
::Sorry, I'll try to keep all my responses here now. I think Double Eye is close enough to be Hazmat, his chest and helmet design match up, and there's always going to be variations of character models. From Walky's page:
:: Ah. Assuming I read you right: Kisser (guy with shield) is Re-Cycle (God help you figuring out if 'cycle' should be capitalized or not. Double eye is Hazmat, and mouthplate is Greasestain. From your talk page, I'm fairly sure mono wheel chest is Rubbish, making dual wheel chest Ashtray. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 17:21, 17 November 2010 (EST)
:::Well, I don't think the wheel-chest guys could cause much confusion. They've got specific design details easily identified and described. Thanks a lot for the information-I'm going to be adjusting the pages now... but in case it was missed in between, any suggestion for large head's true name? [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 17:28, 17 November 2010 (EST)

== i.e WOH Lyzack ==

Sorry, no can do. I don't have access to the Club material. I'm just writing these based on what I can find on the wiki. --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 08:29, 18 December 2010 (EST) (-Blackout- not logged in)

Photon (subgroup)

2010-12-15T19:23:32Z

84.193.193.10: New page: {{factions|decepticon}} :''The Photons are a Decepticon subgroup from the Wings of Honor portion of the Generation 1 [[co...

{{factions|decepticon}}
:''The Photons are a [[Decepticon]] [[subgroup]] from the [[Wings of Honor continuity|Wings of Honor]] portion of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

During the early days of the war, the '''Photons''' were a Decepticon sub-faction led by [[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]].

==Fiction==
===Timelines: Wings of Honor continuity===
When Reflector joined [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s forces, the Photons went with him. {{storylink|A Team Effort}}

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]

Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: The Demolished Man

2010-12-15T18:59:30Z

84.193.193.10: Undo revision 534882 by 81.131.227.189 (Talk) Why did you remove that?

{{Comicstory|
|seriesissue=''[[The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers]]'' #14
|prev=Heart Like a Wheel
|next=Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2
|title=Revenge of the Decepticons Part 1: "The Demolished Man"
|image=Transformers 14B.jpg
|caption=
|publisher=[[IDW Publishing]]
|date=[[December 8]], [[2010]]
|coverdate=December 2010
|written by=[[Mike Costa]]
|art by=[[Don Figueroa]]
|colors by=[[Andrew Dalhouse]]
|letters by=[[Dave Sharpe]]
|assistant editor=[[Carlos Guzman]]
|editor=[[Andy Schmidt]]
|continuity=[[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW continuity]]
|chronology=[[IDW timeline|Current era (2010)]]
}}
'''Things quickly escalate into disaster for the Autobots after the attack on Bumblebee.'''

==Synopsis==

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] (4)
*[[Bluestreak (G1)|Silverstreak]] (5)
*[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] (7)
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] (10)
*[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] (11)
*[[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] (12)
*[[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (15)
|c2=
*[[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] (3) (news clips)
*[[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (19)
*[[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]] (20)
*[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]] (21)
*[[Dead End (G1)|Dead End]] (22)
*[[Scrapper (G1)|Scrapper]] (23)
*[[Blitzwing (G1)|Blitzwing]] (24)
*[[Breakdown (G1)|Breakdown]] (25)
*[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]] (26)
*[[Wildrider]] (27)
*[[Megatron (G1)|Megatron's head]] (29)
|c3=
*Joe Gladki's daughter (1)
*[[Joe Gladki]] (2)
*[[Pennington]] (6)
*[[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]] (9)
*[[Campologno]] (13)
*Skywatch Autobot repair guy (14)
*[[Maria]] (16)
*[[Nina]] (17)
*[[Ben Simpson]] (18)
*[[Carlos Tuyuc]] (28)
}}

==Quotes==
* TBD

==Errors==
* Nina is once identified by Ben Simpson as Maria.
* The colors of Rumble and Frenzy are switched on both the cover and in the contents, relative to how they've been portrayed thus far. Unless, maybe, they swapped signature powers or something. To say nothing of the fact that when we last saw Frenzy, in ''[[The Hanging Sword|Bumblebee'' #2]], he'd been captured by Skywatch.
*Spike had blown Scrapper's head off in [[The Transformers issue 8|The Transformers #8]]. When Blitzwing is carrying Scrapper away, the Constructicon still has his head.

==Items of note==
===Covers(3)===

===Advertisements===
*TBD

{{comicstub}}
[[Category:IDW Generation 1 issues]]

MediaWiki talk:Community Portal

2010-12-15T18:47:01Z

84.193.193.10: /* Image plagiarism */

__NEWSECTIONLINK__

This is the place for discussion of topics that affect the entire wiki. Some topics that would ordinarily be here have merited their own pages:

{{chapters|title=Specific Discussion Subjects|align=left|content=
<div class="list-header">'''Moving From Wikia:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving|Arriving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving|Leaving]]
* [[Transformers Wiki:Community Portal/Complaints|Complaints]]
 <div class="list-header">'''New Ad Policy:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki:Ads|Ads]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Bookworm Database-Crash:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Damage Control Central|Damage Control Central]]
* [[Project:Bookworm Crash]]
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Leaving2|Leaving Take 2]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Server Move:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Arriving2|Arriving Take 2]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Relicensing:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Relicensing|Relicensing]]
 <div class="list-header">'''Dealing With Vandalism:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism|Vandalism]]
 <div class="list-header">'''GoBots Sister Wiki:'''</div>
* [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/GoBots|Discussion on the place of GoBots in this wiki]]
}} 

{{:{{FULLPAGENAMEE}}/Archive}}


== Galvatron ==
So in [http://www.asmzine.com/geekly-rewind/2010/09/14/hasbro-transformers-qa-august-2010-answers/ ASM's Q&A response], Hasbro pretty much officially says to consider Galvatron a separate character from Megatron for all practical purposes. How do we tackle this? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 06:56, 15 September 2010 (EDT)
:I interpret it as saying that in inducting Megatron, Galvatron is not being inducted by connection, since [[Megatron (Animated)|not all Megatrons have become Galvatrons]], and some interpretations of Galvatron (like IDW) are separate from Megatron. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 07:00, 15 September 2010 (EDT)
::Yeah, I don't think this really changes anything about the way we've already got Galvy covered. - [[User:Chris McFeely|Chris McFeely]] 07:14, 15 September 2010 (EDT)

== Excessive Trivia Sections ==

Ok, a few days ago I attempted to clean up some trivia sections. I realize in hindsight I was tired and being a wanker and was removing valuable information, and I apologize for that. However, I think some of our trivia could definitely stand to be integrated into the articles themselves, especially notes like "This character's Universe toy was..." or "in the Energon comic, so-and so was completely different". I would like to integrate these but I was hoping to get an opinion on this, since I went about it wrong once already. Thoughts? -- [[User:Rideonshootingstarxx|Rideonshootingstarxx]] 12:44, 22 September 2010 (EDT)
:Agreed. The Notes sections (shouldn't be Trivia anymore) are for information that doesn't fit elsewhere. If there is a logical place to put it, move the information there. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:58, 22 September 2010 (EDT)

== Editing Drift's related materials ==
Actually, this would cover whatever anyone of us have a '''large''' dislike of, but yeah. This is a wiki, where we're supposed to be informative and be able to present the info in a fun way. I'm not entirely sure of how objective we can be (humor aside), but the whole kerfluffle on Drift's mini and cameos showing in his mini is making me worried on the attitudes of certain editors that could easily descend into a editing/name-calling/accusation war. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 21:39, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
:My position is the Wiki doesn't have to be ''objective'', so long as it isn't ''unreasonable''. There are plenty of flaws in Drift and Shane McCarthy's work to poke fun of -- there's no reason to create ones that aren't true.
:I was re-reading Drift #1 and happened to notice he DID suffer damage from those laser blasts while fleeing. I remembered that note on the Wiki joking that he was "laser-proof", so I removed it. I also posted on the Talk page explaining why. Detour restored the Note several times anyway, even though it was false as written. He eventually tried to re-write it, adding something about Deadlock surviving blasts that blew off Jetstorm's head earlier. Nowhere in the comic did Jetstorm's head get blown off. Drench's did, notCarnivac's did, but Jetstorm was fine. It just shows that Detour doesn't care about being accurate so long as he's not giving an inch on anything Anti-McCarthy on the Wiki.
:So really -- can't we be ''better'' than that? --[[User:Xaaron|Xaaron]] 22:05, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
::Well, I'm pretty sure I've said this before, but I really think Detour shouldn't be allowed to edit anything connected to McCarthy. And I'm pretty much branded an irrational anti-McCarthy troll on the IDW boards, so I think this is saying something. I'm first in line to complain when ''he deserves it'', this sort of stuff is just petty and weakens the valid criticism by association. - [[User:Cattleprod|Cattleprod]] 22:25, 23 September 2010 (EDT)
::So because I mixed up Drench and Jetstorm's name, I'm now "making stuff up"? Now who's being irrational? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 00:39, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Please try to be accurate when editing articles. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 02:57, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
::::Yeah, I don't think you really comprehend this discussion and the situation leading up to it, Item42. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 04:17, 24 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Um, people generally hate [[Drift (G1)|Drift]], this wiki's editors want to have reliable articles, and Detour got stuff mixed up, which people blame on his anti-Drift-ism. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 05:53, 24 September 2010 (EDT)

== External Links ==

Similar to the whole business of changing all the "Trivia" sections into "Notes" sections, this is just a heads up for anyone who wants to chip in for a mundane task: if you ever see a link to TFU.info (or a similar toy site) in the External Links section of a character's page, relocating it to that character's Toys section would be super-awesome. (And if the External Links section subsequently becomes empty, get rid of it.) I wouldn't really describe this as a task with much urgency behind it, but it will make characters' pages look consistent, and consistency looks nice. It's really a minor edit that's easy and quick to do, and I'd appreciate some help in this fiasco. An example of how this is supposed to look like can be found at [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal's toy section]]. So keep an eye out while you're bored and clicking that "Random Page" button. :) --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 12:37, 26 September 2010 (EDT)
:I've been trying to do these whenever I come across one. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:44, 26 September 2010 (EDT)
::On a similar note, but requiring slightly more effort, if anyone would like to start adding patents from [[User:Khajidha/sandbox|my sandbox]] to the appropriate toy sections that would also be appreciated. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:33, 1 December 2010 (EST)
:Except for very toy-dense pages, I kind of like them on the bottom, in a standard location, with other external links, where I can just hit the "page down" key to find them. TFU has a "variations" section with all the character's toys you would ever hope to look for. But whatever. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:39, 1 December 2010 (EST)

==Who hosts your wiki now==
Wikia is making more unpopular changes, [http://community.wikia.com/wiki/User_blog:Sannse/Your_First_Look_at_the_New_Wikia] with a new skin which is even more unpopulat.

In this angry discussion, your site was mentioned as one site which said "f--- you wikia" and left, which I respect so much, and would like to emulate.

I am wondering who is hosting your wikia, and how much does it cost per year? If you could do it again, how would you do it differently? Who could I maybe ask these questions too?

Thank you. [[User:Adamtheclown|Adamtheclown]] 17:12, 28 September 2010 (EDT)
:We're hosted on [http://www.slicehost.com/ Slicehost]. What you go for hostingwise will really depend on how popular your site is though. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:25, 28 September 2010 (EDT)

== McAfee SiteAdvisor review rating this site incorrectly ==

As a countermeasure to viruses on the net, I have a special version of McAfee that has this widget-type thing that gives me ratings on the security of certain websites. I have noticed that this website was recently given a big, fat red "X" rating, showing that this website contains malware and other things, all because of one single rating that the reviewer said he did not like this website. He did not say this was a malware site, but the system apparently decided to take ''one'' person's personal opinion and rate this site as a horrible website so every time I go in, I get this asininely huge message saying "MCAFEE HAS TESTED THIS SITE AND FOUND IT TO BE BLAH BLAH BLAH".

I don't think that just one siteadvisor reviewer (myself) can turn around that rating. Sure, a website can be full of people with questionable morals and values, but that has no reflection on the security of the website. Can I have a little help here?

Here is the page for this website: http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/tfwiki.net?premium=false&client_uid=1093063016&client_ver=3.1.0.175&client_type=IEPlugin&suite=true&aff_id=0-884&locale=en_us&os_ver=6.1.0.0&pip=true --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 08:41, 29 September 2010 (EDT)

:Questionable "morals and values"? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:27, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I feel like I know that guy from somewhere. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:40, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Gotta be [[User: Primal Rage|mignash]]. Also, how could it be a bad shopping experience, we don't SELL anything. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:42, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::No, mignash doesn't spell that well. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:43, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::People usually say "bad shopping experience" in place of "bad experience" because there is a bulleted selector so you don't have a lot of choices. What I don't like is having this website have a false security rating, I don't really care about that negative reviewer with the social rating. It's a ''security'' database, not how good or bad something is socially. Maybe the person was [[User:Trolly McTrollerson|Trolly McTrollerson]] and since he was b& he just wanted to troll even more? --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 09:45, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::Meh. Considering David Willis's reputation as a "fandom boogeyman", stunts like this hardly surprise me. There's a lot of petty fans who apparently categorically refuse to edit this wiki out of hatred for Willis (which apparently also stops them from editing at Wikia as well, go figure...) and who basically go "Yeah? I know Transformers! I'm going to make my own Transformers wiki! With blackjack! And hookers! In fact, forget the wiki!". So, yeah. Hardly surprising. I've dropped off a review myself, but it still doesn't appear to be enough to raise the rating... --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 10:11, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::If Walky wants to dispute it, he can use support@siteadvisor.com to see if that'll fix the rating. Really, that negative "shopping experience review" is ridiculous. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 16:15, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::Sorry I can't help much, all I can add to this discussion is that the negative review is likely from a British TF fan, due to his use of the word "cleverer" which I can count the number of times I've heard it from a non Brit on one hand. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 17:21, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::::WAIT! I stand corrected. In one of his other reviews he uses Shaw Secure, and Shaw is a Canadian ISP. That's what I get for trying to analyze someone's vocabulary, I guess. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 17:23, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::Hmm, the wording's very similar to the Google Sidewiki comment we got dated the same day as this. I suspect it's the same dude. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:39, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::::::I ****LOVE**** how Walky disputed this "The site is indeed full of assholes, but it's malware free." That's us all right! Apparently that was enough to tip us into a green/safe review. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 10:28, 30 September 2010 (EDT)

== Fan-configurations of toys ==

(From [[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Fan-mode|here]], I'm not sure who "User:Divebomb" is though)
Should we have an article on how people would have made-up modes of their toys just because the toys can be configured that way (such as that "combination" of Classics Jetfire and Optimus Prime)? Or maybe just mention that stuff in an article somewhere (like [[Toy]])?
{{note|I'm not suggesting we mention that on individual character ''pages'', cos that will just spiral out of control.}}

-[[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:34, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:I find it odd that we don't have a fan-mode article here. It seems like it would be a valid topic, and a few famous/infamous examples should be mentioned on that page. I agree that we don't need to mention them on individual pages. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 09:37, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::FYI, User:Divebomb would happen to be me. (Don't tell the Wikipedia guys that though.) --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 09:40, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Once you admitted to something on a ''publically viewable'' webpage, there's really no stopping the info from getting out. You didn't have to admit who it was ''specifically''. But, I guess if you're gonna be good over there, you ''might'' be allowed to stay. Doesn't Wikipedia have something for reformed vandals? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 09:53, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::You're assuming they're even gonna notice. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:34, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::I like being honest. If anybody asks, I can tell them who "Divebomb" is, since I never agreed to keep it secret. Don't tempt me. Also, we (both of us) should get back on topic. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 10:52, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I think it is certainly a good idea to make a page such as that! I happen to be very interested in this kind of thing because I, too used to dick around with my toys and I want a wiki article on it; I don't want to search around on geoshitties-type websites for such things. --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 10:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:It would have to be kept brief, with just a few well-known examples, or we'd have people forever adding the fan mode they thought up five minutes ago to turn classics Bumblebee into a turtle with the head of a walrus. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::The toilet mode for [[Shortround]] and his redecos should definitely be listed. The Classics [[Optimus Prime (G1)#Classics|Optimus Prime]] and [[Jetfire (G1)#Classics|Jetfire]] combination is another probably notable one. Mention should be made that the design of many movie toys allows multiple configurations.Oh, and the "gerwalk" mode for G1 Jetfire. Beyond that, I'm not sure. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:10, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Don't forget that not all modes are Fan Created. The Jetfire gerwalk mode, for example, is displayed in his instructions, sort of making it official. I remember quite a few instruction booklets showing alternate modes [[User:Riddlerj|Riddlerj]] 16:17, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::Guess I should have left that one out, I put it in as an afterthought. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:21, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Not going into specifics, but the multiple modes created from RID Megatron and how some of the fandom kept looking for additional modes. --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 10:16, 30 September 2010 (EDT)
::::::The only really notable example I can think of (one that I copied myself a couple of times) was the faux Overkill you could make out of a BM Mirage and Scavenger...hang on, lemme see if I can find a link...aha http://www.ggaub.com/tf/toys/bm_overkill.html is well documented and would go very nicely under "External links" if such a page existed --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 14:31, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::I think an Alternate Configuration page with a section about fan-made alternate configurations would be a good idea. If I recall correctly, Beast Wars Rampage also had an alternate configuration for his robot mode. (Essentially, it was just another way to put his crab claws). Between him, the characters already mentionned here, I'd say that's enough already to warrant a page. And I'm sure there's others that haven't been mentionned yet too. --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 15:01, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::For "official" alternate configurations, Tigerhawk's semi-abandoned tank mode might also qualify, as well as the Special Teams leaders' launcher modes (though only alternate outside Japan, I suppose). There must be a bunch more. Universe Galvatron's "walker" mode? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 16:48, 5 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::I think we should specify that an alternate configuration is NOT a separate mode. I mean, we already have separate pages for battle modes and stuff. And alternate configuration should be basically "This is still this character's X mode, but you can choose to put this part this way or that way." --[[User:Ascendron|Ascendron]] 00:27, 6 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::::Galvy's walker mode is TECHNICALLY official. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 01:54, 6 October 2010 (EDT)

== [[Frank Miller]] ==

A bit of an edit war or something [http://tfwiki.net/w2/index.php?title=Frank_Miller&action=history here]. [[User:Spin-Out|Spin-Out]] and [[User:Detour|Detour]] changed the caption to a [[david Willis|Shortpacked]] reference, changingthe caption to a picture '''I uploaded'''. Isn't that [[Transformers Wiki:Caption|wrong]] or somesuch? [[User:Item42|Item42]] 11:54, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:I guess if other people dislike a joke, then it's okay to change the caption, I think. A while ago, Eire changed a caption I added on [[Slag (G1)|Slag]]'s page, but I didn't mind because the new one was funnier. If you take offense, however, that's something that needs to be discussed.--[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 11:58, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::Thing is, their edits put in an '''external link''', that explains the joke. If you look further up this page there's (currently) a section with me getting told by [[Chris McFeely]] and Interrobang that doing so would be a ''bad''thing. If I have to stop doing that, then so should they. Plus, changing a caption like that is discouraged by policy. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 12:02, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Oh lordy McLordlord. Okay, first of all. "Who the hell do you think I am?" was Kamina's catchphrase and that's why Konishi gets it. "WTHDYTIA" is merely a small portion of the larger "What are you, dense? Are you retarded or something? Who the hell do you think I am? I'm the goddamn Batman!", and generally the first part to be left out when it's misquoted because it's so forgettable there compared to what comes before and after it. It's really a poor-ass choice of words for Miller's caption any way you look at it. Second of all, the Shortpacked link does not, as you put it, "explain the joke". The joke doesn't need explaining if you know ANYTHING about Miller, that's why it turned meme mere moments after Willis put it up. It's there because that's where the joke originated, and the comic's funny. Just because there's a link in a caption doesn't mean it's a deliberate attempt at explaining a joke. Look around and you'll see plenty of other captions with such links within them. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:17, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::::''Second of all, the Shortpacked link does not, as you put it, "explain the joke". The joke doesn't need explaining if you know ANYTHING about Miller,'' What kind of logic is that? "The link doesn't explain the joke, provided you already understand the joke!" Anyway, while I am personally probably more in favor of linked-text jokes then some seem to be lately, I think they should only be done when the links are inter-wiki. Also, if Item42 put the image up, I say let him keep his own damn caption. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:38, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::::Eh, I guess if it's Uploader's Choice... I finally managed to be provided with a much cooler image of Miller that's in tune with other real-life people's photos (such as [[Maurice LaMarche]] and [[Ernie Hudson]]), going with an unlikely role of theirs. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:53, 29 September 2010 (EDT)

:::Ahem,
#I know both lines pretty well.
#Just because people do that a lot,doesn't mean it should be done (for example, the caption page has a list of jokes this community is sick of. An example outside this wiki would be main namespace-conversation on TV Tropes)
#I thought the captions are supposed to be a bonus for people who upload stuff?
#It would be much better if this wiki's pages policy give more comprehensive/complete advice.
[[User:Item42|Item42]] 12:23, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:Did... did Detour just upload a ''different'' picture of Frank Miller just so he could get to "win" and make up it's caption? Seriously? Wow. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:54, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::He did both and it's fuckin' hilarious. Much better than anything that was there before! --[[User:LokitheGrammarNazi|LokitheGrammarNazi]] 12:55, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::I don't even disagree that it's a better picture for us to use, it's just to up and do that right in the middle of this discussion is, well... kind of a dick move, really. --[[User:KilMichaelMcC|KilMichaelMcC]] 12:58, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::Not exactly. I'd been asking around for a still of Frank the chemist for a while now. The previous caption just gave my acquaintances the extra motivation to it for me. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 13:00, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
Why the fuck are we having a discussion on this. 
::::I don't have a problem with somebody changing the caption if they uploaded a new picture. Unless... a few hundred pictures are uploaded over old ones just because somebody wanted to change the caption. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 04:14, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
I would like to point out that half of the discussions on this page in the last six weeks have been started by Item42. Can you dial back the need to have elaborate explanations for reverts of your edits, please? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:32, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:To prevent edit warring? I don't see why this shouldn't be discussed. (Though I might point Item to our Allspark thread for other discussions.) --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 17:36, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
::I suppose I should also ask why we're having an edit war over a ''caption''. Guys. ''Guys.''[[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:41, 29 September 2010 (EDT)
:::Also, why isn't this being discussed on [[Talk:Frank Miller]]? The Community Portal is for sitewide stuff. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 05:28, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

Sorry that I overreacted. found the [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=51208 Allspark thread], I think. There should be a link to that somewhere on the help pages or something. [[User:Item42|Item42]] 11:37, 5 October 2010 (EDT)

== Skin ==

What the hell happened to the skin? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:41, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
:No, seriously, what happened? --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 06:48, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::I don't see anything wrong with it. Is something not working? --[[User:Abates|abates]] 07:33, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Well, the Monacobook colours seem to have randomly changed. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:59, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::::Must be a problem on your end, because I use MonacoBook and nothing seems different to me. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:01, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::Weird. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 08:58, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::I even tried clearing my cache, and it all loaded up fine. You could try doing the same and seeing if it fixes the problem. If not, post a screen shot and maybe someone will recognise the problem. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 18:08, 2 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::Cache clearing didn't work.
:::::::[[Image:Skinwtf.JPG|thumb|right|250px|That is what Monacobook now looks like.]] --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:42, 3 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::::I just noticed emopanda's been suspended by its webhost. You've still got the code for Derik's tools in your personal css file, and the fact that emopanda's now giving you an html file instead of css is probably confusing your browser. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:48, 3 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::::::I removed the offending code, and BAM! the skin is back to normal. Thanks. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:00, 4 October 2010 (EDT)

== Talk:/Talk: pages ==

Is there some way to prevent all the spammers from creating these pages? There doesn't seem to be ANY legitimate use for such a page, can't it be forbidden or limited to admins or something? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:40, 1 October 2010 (EDT)
:I believe I brought this up at [[Transformers Wiki talk:Community Portal/Vandalism]]. No one responded. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 11:50, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

:Not without installing some sort of blacklist extension. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:57, 1 October 2010 (EDT)

== Artist Go Box ==

(Sorry if this isn't the place to do this. First time posting on the Community Portal)

*ahem* I noted that the Go boxes for Dan Reed and Andy Wildman both show Megatron. I don't know if that's intentional, but maybe we should follow that pattern for all the other artists? A close-up shot of Megatron's face, preferably one that capture their style as much as possible in the way that Reed's image is of a demonic, melty looking Megs, and Wildman's shows a mouth-agog spitting Megs. We could use the Senior Megatron drawing that was used in the Marvel box for the middle run of the UK comic. [[User:LiamK|LiamK]] 20:32, 6 October 2010 (EDT)
:I like this idea. It wouldn't work for Pat Lee, but I wouldn't mind having it as a trend for artists when they're added. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 15:41, 7 October 2010 (EDT)

== Potentially dodgy advertising ==

Since I'm not in North America or the EU, the current winning bid on Project Wonderful I can see is something about "Prettiest Teen Girls", which I think is a porn site or is at least unsavoury. [http://www.projectwonderful.com/advertisehere.php?id=25311&type=4 Click the world thumbnail under the flags.] Hopefully somebody with a less dodgy business out bids them soon. --[[User:FFN|FFN]] 05:15, 8 October 2010 (EDT)
:Luckily it seems to have been out-bid already. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 05:34, 8 October 2010 (EDT)

== Ideal Struture of Toy/Merchandise Description ==

Has there been discussion on what constitutes an ideal description for a toy or piece of merchandise? I recently added an admittedly hefty amount of text for Leader-class Movie Starscream, and noted on his Toy Page that various users have trimmed it down so it's "not as review-like". I'm not complaining, but I am curious if the community ever discussed how much info is too much, or if it should be a bit of common sense that I might have missed out on; I'd love to pare it down myself, and perhaps take a crack at some other descriptions that might be too long or "review-like".

Thanks. [[User:Magaroja|Magaroja]] 14:30, 19 October 2010 (EDT)

== Delete blocked user's page ==

Any chance we could have somebody delete [[User:Jolt Volt]]? It's got a bunch of links nobody can edit to fix because the page is protected and there's no real point to keeping it around, anyway. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 06:06, 20 October 2010 (EDT)
:No one objected, so I've deleted the page. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 19:53, 10 November 2010 (EST)

== Prime vs. WFC ==

Are these the same franchise or 2 franchises in the same continuity family? If they are the same, shouldn't they have the same nav-box? I've brought this up before on the relevant pages and gotten no response, so I'm reposting it here. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:10, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
:They are supposedly in the same continuity, not just the same continuity family. The wiki treats them as the same franchise as far as disambiguations go. WFC-original characters are given the "(Prime)" as their franchise of origin. I'm not completely convinced it should be that way. There doesn't seem to be much tying WFC and Prime together as a franchise. - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:18, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
::What ties the G1 comic and cartoon together? These don't really seem any more different than those. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:33, 23 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Hasbro are clearly making up these franchise continuities as they go along. Between Prime, WFC, Generations, PCC, Transformers 2010/2011 and their sublines (Movie vs non-Movie) the whole brand right now is a complete and utter travesty of a mess. The rebel in me says that we as fans should dictate how these sub-brands should be divided up. A bit like with what we have already done with the Unicron Trilogy, and the extended G1 mythos. Prime is obviously independent in it's own right. WFC doesn't fit into anything easily. [[User:Drmick|Drmick]] 12:41, 23 October 2010 (EDT)

== Holy grails ==
Anyone for adding the Hot Rod Go-Kart to the "grail" list? Because seriously. Photos or SOME kind of info about that thing would be beyond awesome. (And, statistically, the kid who won almost HAS to be online now, you know?) [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 11:42, 26 October 2010 (EDT)

== Universe 2003 vs Universe 2008 disambiguations ==

I moved Backstop (Universe) to Backstop (Universe 2003) because Backstop (Cybertron) has a Universe 2008 toy. To my mind, that means that Backstop (Universe 2008) exists and means that there cannot be a simple Backstop (Universe). Interrobang seems to disagree. Opening it up for discussion. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:30, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:Once again for the hundredth time, disambiguations are not here to convey information. They are here to separate character articles. "(Universe)" performs that function perfectly fine and old characters appearing in other franchises do not affect disambiguation. Note how [[Megatron (BW)]] and [[Silverbolt (BW)]] remain where they are, despite the presence of older characters with the same name in the same franchise. And [[:Category:Generation 2 characters|the numerous G2 dudes with same name as G1 dudes]]. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 11:39, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::Guess it's a function of my more toy centric thinking. I have to think hard to remember which toy represents which character, but which line they were released in is second nature to me. Which also makes me disagree with the use of an unmodified "Universe" tag in the first place. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 11:51, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:::Okay? Precedent (even if we only consider toys) and the rule of KISS we apply to disambiguations isn't agreeing with you. The fact that Hasbro rebranded and sold some toys to crap stores doesn't change that. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 12:05, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::::Okay, I'll try to not make the same mistake again. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:09, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
:::::Does this actually belong on this page? Seems to me like it should be at the Community Portal instead. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 12:22, 26 October 2010 (EDT)
::::::Sorry, got distracted. Put it on wrong page by accident. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 12:24, 26 October 2010 (EDT)

== Difficulty level? ==

Should we have an article on the "transformation difficulty levels" the toys bear on their packaging, and whatever relationship they might have to reality? [[User:JW|JW]] 08:05, 29 October 2010 (EDT)

== I keep getting logged out ==

For some reason, I keep getting logged out at random intervals, even if I select "Remember Me" at the login screen. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 10:47, 29 October 2010 (EDT)
:How often? Logging in sets up some cookies which are set to eventually expire. They last a month or two at least though. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 17:05, 29 October 2010 (EDT)
::I specifically said "random intervals". Also, the problem doesn't seem to be on the wiki's side, because it's happening at all wikis I regularly visit. (Specifically, this wiki, a Wikia one I run and am hoping to move, and multiple Wikipedias.) --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 05:47, 30 October 2010 (EDT)
:::The default expiry for cookies in MediaWiki is 30 days, so that's probably what you're experiencing. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 22:44, 3 November 2010 (EDT)
::::The problem is it's happening much more often that 30 days.
::::Also, FYI, the problem is now only happening at this wiki. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 04:12, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
:::::Hmm, I don't know then - I can only suggest checking the expiry on the cookies in your browser and see when they're set to expire. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:51, 4 November 2010 (EDT)

== Ted Nolan interview? ==

A few places on this wiki mention Ted Nolan, who--as far as anyone can tell--made the first ever Internet post about Transformers. Well, looking at his address his gave in that post, he apparently ''still lives there'', and this is very close to my residence, within easy driving distance. Would anyone be interested in seeing if I could set up an interview to see what he thinks after 25+ years? [[User:Thanos6|Thanos6]] 19:51, 3 November 2010 (EDT)
:I imagine it might be of interest to some fans, but unless he's ended up working on the show or something, probably beyond the remit of this wiki. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 04:53, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
::Uh... maybe you should shoot him an email first? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 06:22, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
:::Immediately show up on his doorstep without warning and ask him if Rumble is red or blue. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 08:47, 4 November 2010 (EDT)
::::I might be crazy, but I'm not stupid. ''Of course'' I would send him an e-mail or a letter or something first (though the image of pounding on the door and shouting "Ted Nolan! Your sins from the past have caught up with you at last, the Spawn Of Unicron are here to take you to The Pit!" IS amusing). [[User:Thanos6|Thanos6]] 17:11, 4 November 2010 (EDT)

== Universe '08 Minicons + 'Energon fizzy jellies' ==

Browsing in The Entertainer I found 5 packets with the '08 universe logo on the top but lacking any Hasbro logo whatsoever. They instead sport the tag 'Boystoys' which is apparently a UK confection company. Inside comes a little packet of 'Energon fizzy jellies' and most surprisingly one of the 12 minicons previously released as a giftset in walmart I think. They were blind packed so I got Suppressor, Skyhammer, Knock Down and 2 Cloudrakers. I've never seen these before and neither had the cashier but they don't look like knock offs. Anybody with more wiki experience know where these should be filed, if at all?
:Those sound like knockoffs to me. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 15:58, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
:Well what's the quality of the paintjobs and the plastic on the Minicons like? --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 15:59, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
::[http://figuredouthq.blogspot.com/2010/10/transformers-universe-mystery-packs.html Well, certainly looks official enough at first glance.] --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 16:02, 5 November 2010 (EDT)
:Thats them Detour- quality feels like the expected level of a genuine product. I've handled some of the KO G1 gestalts and these are nothing like those
::Looks pretty official. Guess I a) need to read more carefully, and b) stop being so paranoid. --[[User:NCZ|NCZ]] 16:10, 5 November 2010 (EDT)

== Gobots on the wiki... again ==
I only just noticed that the Allspark Almanac II retcons the GoBots as being their universe's version of Transformers, and retcons Gobotron into a form of Primus. So, now that they're officially Transformers, Primus officially exists in their universe, AND they even have their own universal stream indicator (Gargent), should we include GoBots on the wiki as their own continuity family? There was some talk about this on the [[Talk:GoBots (franchise)|GoBots talk page]] back in August, but it never went anywhere. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 16:32, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:I second this, for the reasons Semysane enumerated so well. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 16:46, 7 November 2010 (EST)
::I'm for both GoBots and Robotix getting articles. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:04, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:::Oh yeah, add my vote to Robotix, too. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 17:07, 7 November 2010 (EST)
I don't know if I really want to have the "Allspark Almanac retconned something" argument again.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 17:11, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:I'm extremely uneasy with this. --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 17:27, 7 November 2010 (EST)

I strongly vote "no" on this. You want '''''AN''''' article, structured like we have with, say, [[Visionaries]]? Okay, fine. But all 100+ characters and as many hours of fiction? No. The Almanac's 25-years-after-the-fact out-of-universe retcons notwithstanding, GoBots and Robotix have nothing to do with Transformers. Jeeper Creeper never appeared in any Transformers fiction, never interacted with any Transformers characters, is completely unrelated to any and all Transformers concepts, and does not belong on a Transformers wiki. I think it speaks volumes that like 11 months after people voted "oh yeah, we'll start a GB wiki too" actually nothing has been done. There's very little knowledge, interest, or drive behind the topic. And there are probably five or six orders of magnitude less knowledge, interest, or drive behind Robotix. Including them would demean and dilute everything we've put together here and the interests that led us to try to put it together in the first place. So, again, I vote no. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 21:42, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:Complete agreement. You want to chronicle everything GoBots that wasn't in TFs, then put forth the effort to make a separate GoBots wiki. I'll certainly help take pictures for it. But til then... --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 23:08, 7 November 2010 (EST)
:Yes. Exactly. Make Robotix & Gobots overview pages, but not entries for every character or event. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 07:13, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::Thylacine, the fact that nothing has been done with the GoBots wiki is not OUR fault, we've been trying to get it started, but haven't heard anything from the powers that be yet. You've participated in that discussion, so don't act like this is news to you. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 18:56, 8 November 2010 (EST)
:::"The powers that be" do not have a global monopoly on the ability to set up a wiki. It's been a year. But regardless, the point remains that a systematic name-by-name treatment of GoBots / Robotix doesn't belong here. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 22:12, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::::And why not, exactly? They are officially Transformers now. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 23:42, 8 November 2010 (EST)
:::::No they aren't. There's something called "GoBots" and something called "Robotix" that represent real TF continuities, deserving a brief writeup (at most). Almost none of the characters and events from GoBots, and none whatsoever from Robotix, have ever appeared under the Hasbro label and thus are not official TF product, and will never be appropriate for inclusion here under these conditions. The ones that have actually existed within TF qualifying conditions--about 8 GoBots from about 3 stories plus some background easter eggs--are already here. Adding in every other GoBot because "they're a team" would be no less absurd than adding in every single Marvel superhero that never appeared in Transformers, just to match up with the small handful of Marvel superheroes who did appear in Transformers and are already here. Where are our articles about Daredevil and Phoenix and Baron Zemo? You can't just namedrop a universe and then expect all its uncounted thousands of inhabitants, locations, and historical events to be pertinent. --[[User:Thylacine 2000|Thylacine 2000]] 23:55, 8 November 2010 (EST)
::::::Try actually READING what I'm saying instead of responding to what you WISH I was saying. They didn't just namedrop the universe, it was said specifically that the GoBots are their universe's version of Transformers and specifically that Gobotron is a form of Primus. That is not just namedropping the universe. -- [[User:Semysane|Semysane]] 00:14, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::Which doesn't change that >99% of the GoBots stuff '''''did not ever appear in any Transformers-branded fiction or toyline, and therefore has no place on this wiki.''''' --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 00:51, 9 November 2010 (EST)

==Junkions==
I want to tackle the Junkion character articles one of these days, but after attempting to write the first two, I figure I need some advice on how to deal with the loose definition of a Junkion character. Most Junkion models represent multiple characters that are discernable either only because they stand next to each other in one shot/panel or because they have different colors, and then one still wouldn't know which color represents the "character" as named in TCA (don't have the book, but I doubt it contained colored versions of the Junkion models). Then there's models that were used for non-Junkions, most of which are pretty clearly not the same character, but some, like hood Transformer and pole vault Transformer, are ambiguous. So, what'd like help on is an idea how to write character articles on characters that are not defined as characters. [[User:Geewunling|Geewunling]] 05:00, 8 November 2010 (EST)

==Ron Friedman auctions==
Ron Friedman, one of the G1 cartoon's writers, is auctioning off [http://comics.ha.com/common/search_results.php?Ntk=SI_Titles&Ntt=transformers&Nty=1&N=52+793+794+791+1893+792&chkNotSold=0&Ns= a TON of old scripts with hand written marginal revisions and whatnot]. These are the kind of things the Wiki needs to have access to. Another charity auction drive, perhaps? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 15:24, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:Keep me in the loop on this. I think I'd be the logical person to curate this material, and I'm always up for giving to a good cause. --[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 16:32, 9 November 2010 (EST)
::I've set up a [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74385 thread at Allspark] just in case. --[[User:Lonegamer78|Lonegamer78]] 17:22, 9 November 2010 (EST)
:::Okay, so Monzo has registered an account and is bidding on the first draft of TFTM. Are there any other ones we think warrant significant time/financial investment, or should we just hope for the best? [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 10:54, 10 November 2010 (EST)
::::1) Please don't tell me that both Monzo and Jim are bidding on the same thing. 2) The Wiki has a cash surplus at the moment. I'm in favor of donating it to the cause, but I want to get some yeas first, since it's not technically my money to spend. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 21:38, 11 November 2010 (EST)
:::::Don't worry, Monzo and I (and a few other serious bidders) are coordinating our efforts to try to maximize the benefit to the fandom and minimize our own financial outlay.--[[User:Jimsorenson|Jimsorenson]] 22:20, 11 November 2010 (EST)
::::::You have my vote to use the money, as this is to acquire unique research material pertinent to our subject. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 07:04, 12 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::You have mine too. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 07:08, 12 November 2010 (EST)
::::::::I wouldn't have posted it here if I wasn't in support of the wiki getting involved. [[User:Hooper X|-hx]] 09:27, 12 November 2010 (EST)
:::::::::Aaaaaand Jim has some money. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:13, 12 November 2010 (EST)

== Interview for Examiner journalist about Wikia history ==

I am a "citizen journalist" [http://www.examiner.com/wiki-edits-in-national/gregory-kohs writing for Examiner.com] about issues related to bad management practices and content concerns at wikis on the Internet. I am working on a new piece that will focus on the current defection trend from Wikia to new wiki sites, based on dissatisfaction over the ''Oasis'' skin and how it's been handled by Jimbo, Gil, and company. If there is a senior "bureaucrat" or owner/stakeholder here who would be willing to talk on the record about how this wiki split from Wikia, I would appreciate setting up a time we could talk for an interview. My e-mail is ResearchBiz (at) gmail.com. I am not at all likely to check back here, so please correspond by e-mail. Thank you! -- [[User:Thekohser|Thekohser]] 09:58, 11 November 2010 (EST) (Gregory Kohs)
: I sent him a link to [http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_Wiki:Community_Portal/Complaints]. --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 10:59, 11 November 2010 (EST)

== Redirects with parentheses ==

An issue came up on the [[Talk:Dead End (Prime)]] page that should be discussed more widely. The modern continuity Dead End is actually spelled "Deadend". There is a Movie character who was called "Deadend" in a novel, but his actual page is at "Jolt (Movie)". Should the modern continuity Deadend be at "Deadend" or should it be at "Deadend (Prime)" since there is another character named "Deadend"?

I think "Deadend" may be a bad example since it may be considered just a mistake in the novel and end up an exception to the rule. But what about as a general policy? The question boils down to if there should be alternate name redirects with disambiguation parentheses. Examples: "Rodimus Prime (G1)" => "Hot Rod (G1)" , "Orion Pax (G1) => "Optimus Prime (G1)" , "Tankor (G1) => "Octane" , "Axalon (Animated)" => "Alpha Supreme".

The arguments against using redirects with parentheses are that users will never use them and that they clutter up the search drop down box, potentially dropping off entries with actual pages.

The arguments for using redirects with parentheses are that they appear in the search drop down box and the user could go directly to the article they want. Also, if there are missing entries in the drop down box, that seems like missing information. Example, typing in "Axalon" drops down the terms "Axalon" "Axalon (Armada)" "Axalon (BW)" and "Axalon (disambiguation)" but no "Axalon (Animated)". It could escape the user's notice that there is even is an ''Axalon'' in Animated. If it was there, the user might be like, "Oh, cool, there was an ''Axalon'' in Animated." <click>

My opinion is that the potential for dropping off actual pages from the search box is a good argument. But I really like the alternate names to show up. Could the search box be made bigger? - [[User:Starfield|Starfield]] 12:10, 18 November 2010 (EST)

:Hm, I just posted over at [[Tornado (Marvel)]] about this kind of thing, then saw this. I think it has to be looked at on a case-by-base basis, but for some reason all the Skyscorchers have redirects from their European names (even though we don't do this for Japanese names, do we?) leaving a whole bunch of flashing links across the wiki. Surely we could cut that out? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 13:58, 18 November 2010 (EST) [edit] Just had the Skyschorchers' situation explained to me over at Tornado's page...that's probably a separate issue of its own. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 14:08, 18 November 2010 (EST)

: While I can see both sides, I'm not sure the purpose of the search box is to alert people to things they didn't know about. Its purpose is to help people find what they're specifically looking for. Leave the "informative" functionality to the disambig page. [[User:JW|JW]] 15:36, 18 November 2010 (EST)

::But what if I'm specifically looking for the ''Animated'' Axalon? Without the redirect, I type "Axalon" and it's not in the list that drops down. Maybe I hit enter and go to the disambig page and see it there, or maybe I assume the page for it doesn't exist yet. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:51, 18 November 2010 (EST)

:::Is it technically impossible to have redirects be shoved to the bottom of the search box list, thus not "cluttering it up", but still having them appear? [[User:Mammalian Verisimilitude|Mammalian Verisimilitude]] 19:22, 18 November 2010 (EST)

::::I simply think that every valid name for a character should have a redirect to the appropriate article because that article should be in that location as well. I'm not sure why the various Animated Supremes had their starship name redirects deleted, or why there is no redirect from "Rodimus (G1)". As abates said not having at least a redirect from Axalon (Animated) could lead to the impression of a lack of data, having the redirect shows that the data exists and where to find it.--[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 08:33, 19 November 2010 (EST)

:::::I agree with abates, at least some redirects with parentheses are needed, such as Axalon (Animated). --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 09:36, 19 November 2010 (EST)

== Hey guys! ==

We seem to be nearing 12,000 pages. --[[User:-Blackout-|-Blackout-]] 02:02, 19 November 2010 (EST)
:Keep a sharp watch to verify which one is the milestone article, and I'll be happy to make up the icon and slap it on.--[[User:Rosicrucian|Rosicrucian]][[User Talk:Rosicrucian|Talk]] 02:50, 22 November 2010 (EST)

== "Generation 1 Autobots", etc. categories ==

I know we talked about this when the nationality thing went down, but is there any support or opposition to the idea of things like "Generation 1 humans" to help divide up the gigantic franchise character categories? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 18:06, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:I definitely support this idea to split the categories by categorizing characters by franchise and faction/race so things could be more sorted.. (I've used it for recent franchises in the wikia.) --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 20:20, 21 November 2010 (EST)

::We are so fucking NOT putting up categories by "race". --[[User:M Sipher|M Sipher]] 21:26, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:::I'm pretty sure he meant Transformer and human categories, dude. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 21:31, 21 November 2010 (EST)

:::::Yes, I only refer to Transformers (Autobots/Decepticons) and humans. I forgot there are other race. (oops) Thanks for explaining for me. :D --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 04:26, 22 November 2010 (EST)

::::I don't think that anyone is suggesting that at this point. I think this is mainly about creating subcategories to break some of the ginormous categories down to more manageable size. For example, Category: Humans would have subcategories like Category: Generation 1 humans and Category: Unicron Trilogy humans. I would support that. --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 21:33, 21 November 2010 (EST)
:::::Does anybody else care one way or the other? [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 15:14, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::It would be a heck of a lot easier to find specific dudes, I'd love categories based on franchises. [[User:Antimatter|Antimatter]] 15:20, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::It all sounds reasonable to me. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 16:08, 24 November 2010 (EST)
::::::Categories based on franchises definitely sounds good. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 20:07, 24 November 2010 (EST)

== Figures prone to breakage that aren't GPS could do with their own page (like the GPS list) ==

Seeing as my comment concerning PCC double clutch was removed yesterday I'd like to propose the creation of a list of figures that are known for being fragile and breakage as a result of poor construction and NOT GPS. Double clutch's ball joints for example or animated arcee's thumbs. Wouldn't be a definitive list by any means but more of a reference list for collectors whose figure just broke becuase of a common design flaw rather than the handling of the figure. Would be a useful reference list is all im saying.
:I can see the merit, but it seems quite subjective...and ultimately every toy is prone to breakage. I could point to a load of my G1s that have "battle damage", and who's to say the movie toys of today won't be similarly beaten up in 25-odd years' time? --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 17:57, 25 November 2010 (EST)

==Comics Featured Characters==
Would anyone mind if I excised the "Regular" and "Guest" subheadings in the Humans column? It screws up the numbering and it's not even consistent - Walter Barnett (for one) jumps from one heading to the other as the comic goes on. I'd go ahead and do it, but I thought I'd throw it out there in case anyone has any particular affection for them. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 15:24, 6 December 2010 (EST)
:Please do. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 17:07, 6 December 2010 (EST)
::Done & done --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 03:39, 9 December 2010 (EST)

== 12,000th article ==

I didn't actually notice till just now, but [[Reachout]] is apparently the 12,000th article. Too bad he has nothing to his name whatsoever, but, uh, cheers. [[User:Interrobang|—Interrobang]] 20:36, 9 December 2010 (EST)
:Or is it [[Airlift]]? The count shows 12,024 articles, and Reachout is only the 24th newest. Shouldn't the 25th newest actually be the 12,000th? --[[User:Bluestreak7|Bluestreak7]] 15:20, 10 December 2010 (EST)
::Bluestreak's reasoning seems sound. Who was supposed to make up the milestone marker? --[[User:Khajidha|Khajidha]] 15:30, 10 December 2010 (EST)
:::Reachout was the second article on the list when we were at 12,001. The new article list isn't always accurate. --[[User:Abates|abates]] 15:58, 10 December 2010 (EST)
::::I'll buy that. I'm seeing Reachout as 26th newest currently. --[[User:Tigerpaw28|Tigerpaw28]] 23:10, 10 December 2010 (EST)

== Doctor Who connection? ==

Between the Octuses of various continuities who have been confirmed, either by authorial intent and/or the Almanac, combined with the pure and unquestionable fact that the same, individual Death's Head who interacted with the TFs in Marvel UK is the same that met the Doctor, can we note in this wiki that the Whoniverse(s) have a tangental connection to the TF multiverse and in doing so may well create one of, if not ''the'' largest fictional universes in existence? I am VERY excited about this. [[User:Solaris Prime|Solaris Prime]] 02:34, 12 December 2010 (EST)
:I think we already note that the Whoniverse has a tangential connection to the tF multiverse - after all, the [[Doctor (G1)|Doctor]] does have a page here, as do the [[Dalek]]s. If it's massive fictional universes based on tangential connections you're after, you might be interested to know that Doctor Who forms part of the ever-expanding Westphallverse, see links below
:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kwgow/crossovers.html - introduction to the Westphallverse
:http://home.vicnet.net.au/~kwgow/crossovers%28full%29.jpg - diagram showing crossovers
:I don't know if they count animated shows, but given the number of crossovers between all the various Sunbow cartoons it's totally possible that there's a link between at least one of them and one of the 280 shows in the Westphallverse, meaning that GI Joe, Inhumanoids, Transformers, Jem and the Holograms etc. would all share a universe with the Doctor. This universe also contains Red Dwarf, Buffy, Firefly, all the Star Treks, Lost and the X-Files. The only downside is that universe only exists in a 12 year-old boy's head. Multiverses are tricky things. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 05:31, 12 December 2010 (EST)
::Hm, now I read it again, they don't count cartoons because it would make the universe insanely huge. --[[User:Emvee|Emvee]] 05:50, 12 December 2010 (EST)

== Image plagiarism ==

[http://transformers.wikia.com/index.php?title=User_talk:TX55&oldid=348386#Why_on_Earth_did_you_remove_the_picture_of_Alice_in_Robot_mode.3F From the other site]

The point of Mr. P got ''some'' loopholes, but I admit I can't figure out how to retort him so far. (Because I'm barely familiar with any copyright statement of a Wikipedia-based system such as cc-by-2.0 or others.) Yes, apparently a person doesn't own anything which is not created by him/herself, but I don't think it is a good reason to take any screencap or scanned image without any recognition, since it is processed by another person. --'''[[User:TX55|TX55]]'''''[[User talk:TX55|TALK]]'' 12:05, 15 December 2010 (EST)
:Well just tell him it's not even a question of copyrights, but rather of Teletraan-1 wanting to have different content from TFWiki. Hence, no identical images. --[[User:Detour|Detour]] 12:11, 15 December 2010 (EST)
::Right. It's not copyright, it's courtesy.--[[Special:Contributions/63.203.180.99|63.203.180.99]] 12:57, 15 December 2010 (EST)
:::I am laughing so hard at the assertion that our wiki is "so much fluff," when OUR wiki is just THEIR wiki but with twice the information! --[[User:ItsWalky|ItsWalky]] 13:42, 15 December 2010 (EST)
::::Wow. That guy has ''got'' to take a reality check. (I took the liberty of posting that back there too.) --[[Special:Contributions/84.193.193.10|84.193.193.10]] 13:47, 15 December 2010 (EST) (-Blackout-, can't be bothered to log in)