Help:Categories - Revision history

Cyberlink420: Protected "Help:Categories" (‎[edit=sysop] (indefinite) ‎[move=sysop] (indefinite))

2024-01-19T23:29:10Z

Protected "Help:Categories" (‎[edit=sysop] (indefinite) ‎[move=sysop] (indefinite))

← Older revision	Revision as of 23:29, 19 January 2024
(No difference)

Abates: /* Overriding default sorting */

2013-11-03T04:16:33Z

Overriding default sorting

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:16, 3 November 2013
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	The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!		The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!

	Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Armada (Dreamwave ~~comic~~)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these articles from listing as 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.		Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Transformers: Armada (Dreamwave)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these articles from listing as 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.

	<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]</pre>		<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]</pre>

M Sipher: /* Subgroup =/= Category */

2010-12-17T07:33:55Z

Subgroup =/= Category

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:33, 17 December 2010
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	This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unnecessary to create categories for every last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.		This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unnecessary to create categories for every last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.

	While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as at the time of the Category's creation, there were ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. (Since then, ~~two~~ other franchises have gained their own Protectobots.) "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''~~six~~'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|~~seven~~]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.		While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as at the time of the Category's creation, there were ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes (plus a page for each team as a whole), from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. (Since then, multiple other franchises have gained their own Protectobots.) "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''seven'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|eight]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.

	===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===		===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===

M Sipher: /* Subgroup =/= Category */

2010-09-30T17:55:29Z

Subgroup =/= Category

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:55, 30 September 2010
Line 73:		Line 73:
	This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unnecessary to create categories for every last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.		This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unnecessary to create categories for every last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.

	While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there ~~are~~ ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, ~~and~~ from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.		While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as at the time of the Category's creation, there were ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. (Since then, two other franchises have gained their own Protectobots.) "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.

	===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===		===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===

Jeysie at 15:42, 24 February 2010

2010-02-24T15:42:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:42, 24 February 2010
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	''Categories'' are broad categorizations a character or article can fit into. Unlike "~~Tags~~," very specific keywords that may be associated with an article, categories are the sort of broad "buckets" into which you could sort an article, depending the standard of comparison you were using.		''Categories'' are broad categorizations a character or article can fit into. Unlike "tags," very specific keywords that may be associated with an article, categories are the sort of broad "buckets" into which you could sort an article, depending the standard of comparison you were using.

	==Category markup==		==Category markup==
	Categories are created by placing a special non-rendering link in an article, example:		Categories are created by placing a special non-rendering link in an article, example:

	<pre>[[Category: Autobots]]		<pre>[[Category:Autobots]]</pre>
	</pre>
	~~...places the article in the category "Autobots." A link to this category will appear at the bottom of the article.~~

	By convention, category links are placed at the bottom of an article, and sorted into alphabetical order so they can be easily found and edited. (The [[~~Grimlock~~ (G1)]] article currently<sup>(~~Jul~~-30-08)</sup> has 24 categories, so organization is important.)		...places the article in [[:Category:Autobots]]. A link to this category will appear at the very bottom of the article.

			By convention, category links are placed at the very bottom of an article, and sorted into alphabetical order so they can be easily found and edited. (The [[Starscream (G1)]] article currently<sup>(Feb-24-10)</sup> has 31 categories, so organization is important.)

	==Technical notes==		==Technical notes==
	===Category order===		===Category order===
	Categories are listed at the bottom of article in the order which they appear in the article. This means that if a template such as ~~<nowiki>~~{{picsneeded}}~~</nowiki>~~ (which includes a category) is used, [[:Category:Articles in need of images]] will be listed first.		Categories are listed at the bottom of article in the order which they appear in the article. This means that if a template such as {{tl\|picsneeded}} (which includes a category) is used, [[:Category:Articles in need of images]] will be listed first.

	While this can screw up the alphabetical order of the category list, on-balance it is considered a good thing, since it communicates that this category 'comes from' higher up in the article (such as tracking down a spoiler template in a long article.)		While this can screw up the alphabetical order of the category list, on-balance it is considered a good thing, since it communicates that this category 'comes from' higher up in the article (such as tracking down a spoiler template in a long article.)
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	===Overriding default sorting===		===Overriding default sorting===
	[[Sunstreaker (G1)\|Sunstreaker]] is listed under 'S,' on his category ~~page~~- a perfectly rational arrangement. However- [[Simon Furman]] would ''also'' be listed under S, which is ''bad''.		[[Sunstreaker (G1)\|Sunstreaker]] is listed under "S," on his category page—-a perfectly rational arrangement. However, [[Simon Furman]] would ''also'' be listed under S, which is ''bad''.

	You can override the sort-order of an article within a category by adding a pipe (\|) character, followed by the way you'd prefer it to list!		You can override the sort-order of an article within a category by adding a pipe (\|) character, followed by the way you'd prefer it to list!

	<pre>[[~~Category:~~ Category:Writers\|Furman, Simon]]		<pre>[[Category:Writers\|Furman, Simon]]</pre>
	</pre>
	The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!		The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!

	Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these articles from listing as 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.		Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these articles from listing as 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.

	<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]		<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]</pre>
	</pre>
	Adding these suffixes can be a pain, especially if there are a ''lot'' of categories, so you can use the magic word "~~Defaultsort~~," which will override the sorting for all categories in the article that lack a suffix.		Lastly, forcing an article to appear at the very top of a category (the franchise/toyline/fiction/etc. pages for a franchise category, for instance), can be achieved by placing an empty space:

			<pre>[[Category:Generation 1\| ]]</pre>

			Adding these suffixes can be a pain, especially if there are a ''lot'' of categories, so you can use the magic word "DEFAULTSORT," which will override the sorting for all categories in the article that lack a suffix.

			<pre>{{DEFAULTSORT:Furman, Simon}}</pre>

	~~<pre>{{DEFAULTSORT:Furman, Simon}}~~
	~~</pre>~~
	===Linking to categories===		===Linking to categories===
	To create an in-article link to a category instead of placing the article ''in'' that category, add a colon (:) at the beginning of the link.		To create an in-article link to a category instead of placing the article ''in'' that category, add a colon (:) at the beginning of the link.

	<pre>[[:Category: Autobots]]		<pre>[[:Category: Autobots]]</pre>
	</pre>

	==New categories==		==New categories==
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	{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}		{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}

	===Categories within categories===		===Categories within categories===
	New Categories should, themselves, be placed within other categories. (Except for a handful of [[:Category:Top-level categories\|Top-level categories]].) A parent category should be the 'finest' or smallest category for which is it true and accurate to sort all members into that category. For example; while it may at first be tempting to put The category "Junkions" within the category "Autobots," there has been a ''single'' Junkion who was also Decepticon, so the category Junkion would instead have to go under "Factions," just like Autobots.		New Categories should, themselves, be placed within other categories. (Except for a handful of [[:Category:Top-level categories\|Top-level categories]].) A parent category should be the 'finest' or smallest category for which is it true and accurate to sort all members into that category. For example; while it may at first be tempting to put The category "Junkions" within the category "Autobots," there has been a ''single'' Junkion who was also Decepticon, so the category Junkion would instead have to go under "Factions," just like Autobots.
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	===Subgroup =/= Category===		===Subgroup =/= Category===
	This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was ~~unneccessary~~ to create categories for ~~evey~~ last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.		This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unnecessary to create categories for every last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.

	While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there are ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, and from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.		While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there are ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, and from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.

	===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===		===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===
	One might be tempted to wonder why some categories are 'bad.' After all, you've already done the work, right, why not let it stand? The problem with a proliferation of categories is that categories are part of the underlying infrastructure of the site. Every time you add a category, you're making the entire site just that much more complicated to maintain. Let's take a fake example so as not to offend anyone - characters whose names have no vowels. You find seven examples, tag them all, and sit back and bask in a job well done. Sure, no one may ever want to look this up, and yea, it's a 6 word category, but what's done is done, right?		One might be tempted to wonder why some categories are "bad." After all, you've already done the work, right, why not let it stand? The problem with a proliferation of categories is that categories are part of the underlying infrastructure of the site. Every time you add a category, you're making the entire site just that much more complicated to maintain. Let's take a fake example so as not to offend anyone - characters whose names have no vowels. You find seven examples, tag them all, and sit back and bask in a job well done. Sure, no one may ever want to look this up, and yea, it's a 6 word category, but what's done is done, right?

	Wrong. Having an incomplete category is worse than having no category at all. The very act of making the category is burdening your future editors to know that it exists, and be vigilant for future instances of that category. So when Furman's new miniseries comes out featuring an alien overlord named T'Xrtv, and you're off doing something else, that category is now conveying incorrect information.		Wrong. Having an incomplete category is worse than having no category at all. The very act of making the category is burdening your future editors to know that it exists, and be vigilant for future instances of that category. So when Furman's new miniseries comes out featuring an alien overlord named T'Xrtv, and you're off doing something else, that category is now conveying incorrect information.

199.90.28.195: /* Technical notes */ grammar

2009-11-30T20:55:53Z

Technical notes: grammar

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 30 November 2009
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	===Overriding default sorting===		===Overriding default sorting===
	[[Sunstreaker (G1)\|Sunstreaker]] is listed under 'S,' on his category page- a perfectly rational arrangement. However- [[Simon Furman]] would ''also'' be listed under S, which ''bad''.		[[Sunstreaker (G1)\|Sunstreaker]] is listed under 'S,' on his category page- a perfectly rational arrangement. However- [[Simon Furman]] would ''also'' be listed under S, which is ''bad''.

	You can override the sort-order of an article within a category by adding a pipe (\|) character, followed by the way you'd prefer it to list!		You can override the sort-order of an article within a category by adding a pipe (\|) character, followed by the way you'd prefer it to list!
Line 27:		Line 27:
	The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!		The article "Simon Furman" is now listed under the F's!

	Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these ~~article~~ from listing 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.		Another seldom-seem application of this trick comes up with the [[Armada (Dreamwave comic)\|Dreamwave Armada comic]], which neglected to give titles to its stories, whose articles are therefore [[Dreamwave Armada issue 1]], [[Dreamwave Armada issue 2]], etc. In order to prevent these articles from listing as 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 2... they have a sort-order declared.

	<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]		<pre>[[Category:Dreamwave Armada issues\|01]]
	</pre>		</pre>
	Adding these suffixes can be a pain, especially if there are a ''lot'' of categories, so you can use the magic word "~~Defaulsort~~," which will override the sorting for all categories in the article that lack a suffix.		Adding these suffixes can be a pain, especially if there are a ''lot'' of categories, so you can use the magic word "Defaultsort," which will override the sorting for all categories in the article that lack a suffix.

	<pre>{{DEFAULTSORT:Furman, Simon}}		<pre>{{DEFAULTSORT:Furman, Simon}}
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	<pre>[[:Category: Autobots]]		<pre>[[:Category: Autobots]]
	</pre>		</pre>

	==New categories==		==New categories==
	Not-previously-existing categories can be created simply by linking to them. Such links will be red (indicating the category does not exist,) but the link will still show a list of all articles that have this category. To make the link blue rather than red, you must create an ''article'' for that category. Some articles are simply a blank page- those whose use or meaning is obvious. Other times a short statement clarifying the purpose, reasoning or usage of that category is appropriate.		Not-previously-existing categories can be created simply by linking to them. Such links will be red (indicating the category does not exist,) but the link will still show a list of all articles that have this category. To make the link blue rather than red, you must create an ''article'' for that category. Some articles are simply a blank page- those whose use or meaning is obvious. Other times a short statement clarifying the purpose, reasoning or usage of that category is appropriate.

Bluestreak7: /* New categories */ no need for dead link. Understandable without.

2009-11-30T16:26:17Z

New categories: no need for dead link. Understandable without.

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:26, 30 November 2009
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	When creating a new category, it is generally better to create a link to the category and leave it red, then begin a discussion on an article's talk page, proposing that category before you create an article for it to poll other users reactions. Red-link categories are generally considered 'less official' than those with articles, and a 'probationary period' of several days or weeks allows other users a fair chance to notice the link and voice objections to the category if they have any.		When creating a new category, it is generally better to create a link to the category and leave it red, then begin a discussion on an article's talk page, proposing that category before you create an article for it to poll other users reactions. Red-link categories are generally considered 'less official' than those with articles, and a 'probationary period' of several days or weeks allows other users a fair chance to notice the link and voice objections to the category if they have any.

	This is to prevent category overlap, or the proliferation of frivolous categories. For example, after considerable debate a consensus was reached that team members such as the [[Throttlebot]]s did not require a ~~[[:Category:Throttlebots\|~~Category: Throttlebots]] for themselves.		This is to prevent category overlap, or the proliferation of frivolous categories. For example, after considerable debate a consensus was reached that team members such as the [[Throttlebot]]s did not require a "Category: Throttlebots" for themselves.

	{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}		{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}

Geewunling: /* New categories */

2009-11-09T06:12:35Z

New categories

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 9 November 2009
Line 45:		Line 45:
	When creating a new category, it is generally better to create a link to the category and leave it red, then begin a discussion on an article's talk page, proposing that category before you create an article for it to poll other users reactions. Red-link categories are generally considered 'less official' than those with articles, and a 'probationary period' of several days or weeks allows other users a fair chance to notice the link and voice objections to the category if they have any.		When creating a new category, it is generally better to create a link to the category and leave it red, then begin a discussion on an article's talk page, proposing that category before you create an article for it to poll other users reactions. Red-link categories are generally considered 'less official' than those with articles, and a 'probationary period' of several days or weeks allows other users a fair chance to notice the link and voice objections to the category if they have any.

	This is to prevent category overlap, or the proliferation of frivolous categories. For example, after considerable debate a consensus was reached that ~~combiner~~ team members such as the [[~~Stunticon\|Stunticons~~]] did not require a [[:Category:~~Stunticons~~\|Category: ~~Stunticons~~]] for themselves.		This is to prevent category overlap, or the proliferation of frivolous categories. For example, after considerable debate a consensus was reached that team members such as the [[Throttlebot]]s did not require a [[:Category:Throttlebots\|Category: Throttlebots]] for themselves.

	{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}		{{note\|Please do not create [[:Category:Things that don't exist]]. Its status as a permanent red link is part of the joke.}}

Geewunling: /* Subgroup =/= Category */

2009-11-09T05:54:55Z

Subgroup =/= Category

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:54, 9 November 2009
Line 68:		Line 68:
	This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unneccessary to create categories for evey last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.		This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unneccessary to create categories for evey last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.

	While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[~~Stunticon~~]]s, as the only "~~Stunticons~~" (so far) are ~~five~~ guys from a single era ~~who turn into a sixth guy~~. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there are ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, and from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.		While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Throttlebot]]s, as the only "Throttlebots" (so far) are six guys from a single era. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there are ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, and from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.

	===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===		===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===

M Sipher: /* Can the category be described easily in just a few words? */ I thought of this at work.

2009-07-29T20:28:57Z

Can the category be described easily in just a few words?: I thought of this at work.

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:28, 29 July 2009
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	===Can the category be described easily in just a few words?===		===Can the category be described easily in just a few words?===
	The best categories are the ones that can be summed up in the fewest words. One word is ideal, or if one won't suffice two or three are preferred over more. The more words that are needed to name the category, the more likely it is that you're describing something overly specific that probably wouldn't make a good category. It's a good litmus test to see if the category you're creating is going to be a useful one.		The best categories are the ones that can be summed up in the fewest words. One word is ideal, or if one won't suffice two or three are preferred over more. The more words that are needed to name the category, the more likely it is that you're describing something overly specific that probably wouldn't make a good category. It's a good litmus test to see if the category you're creating is going to be a useful one.

			===Subgroup =/= Category===
			This is mostly an issue with the many many subgroups found within [[Generation 1 (franchise)\|Generation 1]], though it ties in with the above "overly specific" somewhat. It was decided long ago that just because some characters belong to named subgroups, that it was unneccessary to create categories for evey last one of them, especially considering how small some of those subgroups are.

			While there are no set "rules" as to how many characters should fall under a category to justify its creation, there are some "common sense" guidelines. There is currently no category for the [[Stunticon]]s, as the only "Stunticons" (so far) are five guys from a single era who turn into a sixth guy. There ''is'' a [[:Category:Protectobots\|Protectobots]] category, as there are ''two'' different set of Protectobots, a grand total of eleven individuals with two combined modes, and from different areas of the brand to boot. This is about the "bottom end" of what makes an acceptable character-based subgroup. "[[:Category:Dinobots\|Dinobots]]" is a definite must-have category, as there are so far ''six'' (possibly ''[[Gone Too Far#Notes\|seven]]'') different groups that go by that name with almost no overlap in membership.

	===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===		===So, what's the big deal, anyway?===