Template talk:Metatalk

This template was considered for deletion on 2015 September 14. The result of the discussion was "no consensus".

Redirect[edit]

I redirected this little-used template to {{tl|not a forum]]. I have been reverted with the justification "Seriously? This template should not be redirected to anoy [sic] other template because it serves a unique purpose". Not only am I serious, but that is a poor explanation for any revert, and not true in this case. The redirect should be restored. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 13:59, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Why this template is different from Template:Not a forum[edit]

Template:Not a forum is designed to direct editors against using the talk page of an encyclopedic page (usually and article but could be a category, template, etc.) as a forum for discussing the topic rather than how to improve the subject page. It refers editors with questions about the topic to the Wikipedia:Reference desk. In contrast, this template is designed to direct editors against using the talk page of a project page to ask questions about or commence specific discussions about the improvement of a different page, rather than how to improve the subject page. It refers editors with questions about the topic to Wikipedia:Questions. --Bsherr (talk) 14:07, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]

And @Pigsonthewing: per Wikipedia:BOLD, revert, discuss cycle, "Discuss the contribution, and the reasons for the contribution, on the article's talk page with the person who reverted your contribution. Don't restore your changes or engage in back-and-forth reverting." (emphasis added). — Preceding unsigned comment added by Bsherr (talk • contribs) 14:10, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]

It also says "BRD is not a valid excuse for reverting good-faith efforts to improve a page simply because you don't like the changes". And "BRD is not an excuse to revert any change more than once". And "This page is not one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines". And "BRD is not mandatory.". Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 14:43, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]

It would be easy to add a switch to {{Not a forum}}, directing users to Wikipedia:Questions when the template is used in non-mainspace pages. Andy Mabbett (Pigsonthewing); Talk to Andy; Andy's edits 14:46, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]

The language of the template is more fundamentally different than would make a switch worthwhile. Also, the choice is not really just about the namespace. For example, on an encyclopedic category or template, Template:Not a forum should be used, but on a maintenance category or project template, Template:Metatalk should be used. --Bsherr (talk) 15:47, 19 January 2020 (UTC)[reply]