Talk:Main Page/Archive6

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. --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. --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". 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. --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. 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. --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?Hida Atarasi 04:07, 17 December 2009 (EST)

See the 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. --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?--LesterX 20:27, 22 December 2009 (EST)

Why not? --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.Hida Atarasi 20:57, 14 February 2010 (EST)

Sidebar

Sidebar is FUBAR in Internet Explorer. See here, ignoring the swath of stuff cut out from the middle because I didn't feel like printscreening it. --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. --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. Main page and random page (okay, Bluestreak's) for comparison. And I'm using Firefox 3.5.7. --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. --Tigerpaw28 16:22, 13 January 2010 (EST)

Using IE and yeah, sidebar's hiding way the hell down there somewhere. --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? --Jeysie 16:41, 13 January 2010 (EST)

That should be fixed now... --abates 17:35, 13 January 2010 (EST)

I can be summoned by a virgin sacrifice or AIM... like it says on my userpage. -Derik 17:43, 13 January 2010 (EST)

Ah, that explains it. I don't have AIM or any virgins I'm willing to sacrifice... --Jeysie 17:50, 13 January 2010 (EST)

Yay, it's normal! --Lonegamer78 20:58, 13 January 2010 (EST)

New WFC TFWiki logo image?

IMHO, we totally need to add 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...) --Jeysie 11:37, 9 February 2010 (EST)

And I am now content. --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?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.jpgKhajidha 23:05, 28 February 2010 (EST)

See?

Can't say I'm seeing that. --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. Khajidha 23:25, 28 February 2010 (EST)

Okay, now it's back to normal. 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.) -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? --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. -- 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. --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 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 --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. --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. --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. --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.--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? --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.--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? --Jeysie 18:56, 13 May 2010 (EDT)

Definitely a step in the right direction. Looks good.--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. --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? --Jeysie 13:27, 2 July 2010 (EDT)

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

Easy - disable them. Better than misinforming people, no? --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. --FFN 01:25, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

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

I redirect the un-created Prime pages to Transformers: War for Cybertron for now. --TX55^TALK 03:58, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

Thanks guys. --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. ;) --Jeysie 08:49, 4 July 2010 (EDT)

You're welcome. I'm glad to help with it. :D --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? - 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. --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. - 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. --M Sipher 15:11, 16 August 2010 (EDT)

I'm sort of afraid of the logo becoming another Go-Box. --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. --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. - 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. - 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. --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. --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?--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?--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. --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. --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. --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. --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--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. --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. --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. --Terrortron 06:00, 29 November 2010 (EST)

Plus, there's the fairly recent announcement of the game getting a sequel. -- 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. --Khajidha 09:31, 22 November 2010 (EST)

Anti-Wikia Skin Alliance newsletter

The Anti Wikia Skin Alliance Newsletter
Issue 1 (December 2010)
TALK	MOVING	MOVED	HELP	ATTACKS	DOI	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 moved page stating they have left wikia. Other wikias are currently in the process of deciding whether to leave. In response, wikia has desysopped at least 38 administrators and banned 10, usually indefinitely. 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:

1. Wikifarm Shoutwiki has stated that Monobook would be available by the end of the year on Shoutwiki.
2. Editor Dantman has created the Monaco skin which can be installed on your wikia in 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. :

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;

}

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, please sign up here.

If you need technical assistance, please 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, please see here.

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. ---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. --M Sipher 11:23, 18 December 2010 (EST)

Correct. No linkcrap. That's part of why we left Wikia. --ItsWalky 14:58, 18 December 2010 (EST)