Talk pages exist to provide a place of discussion about a particular page. They are used so to avoid editing wars between users of differing opinions and to explain why a given edit was made. For the purposes of the Molten Aether games they should also be used in a number of other scenarios. The core idea is; whenever information pertinent to a page needs to be added but does not fit within the page itself either stylistically or functionally, it should go on a talk page.
Situations to Use a Talk Page
- When adding source citations, such as where images or other content was obtained. Whenever possible we should give links to pages where original content has been pulled from the web in general. An excellent example of this is Talk:Planet Classification and Talk:Archer Class Starship where the notes about where source material was where.
- When there is a need to explain edits to a page, especially when this page was created by someone else. Examples include; Talk:Phantom Class Starship, Talk:Schatten Star System, and Talk:Hermod Supergate. This is the most common reason to add a talk page.
- When there is a need to explain reasoning / train of thought. Some pages may not entirely make sense without the train of thought which went into their creation. Excellent examples of this are Talk:Sputnik Support Robot or Talk:Vertex Scanner, in both cases the reasons for these items to exist in one way or another and how it might interact with game play.
- When there are disagreements about contents of a page which need to be worked out. While we have very loose policies regarding page content, a talk page is the perfect place to add concerns or questions about content where it can then be brought to the attention of a moderator.
Situations Not to Use a Talk Page
These guidelines fall within the Respect Rule of the site / games. Basically be respectful, try to add flavor and depth to the game by providing source material / thought processes and posing thoughtful questions respectfully.
- For rude or offensive commentary about a page.
- For rude or offensive commentary about a user.
- For rude or offensive commentary about a character / concept.
- For spam or to otherwise advertise.