Help:Discussion pages

Help:Discussion pages

Discussion pages are a fundamental part of collaborating on a Wiki. They provide a dedicated space for editors to discuss changes to a page, suggest improvements, resolve disputes, and generally coordinate their efforts. This page will guide you through understanding and effectively using discussion pages on this wiki.

== What are Discussion Pages?

Every page on a wiki has an associated discussion page, also known as a "talk" page. These pages are not intended for content *of* the article itself; rather, they are for conversations *about* the article. You can access the discussion page for any given article by clicking the "Discussion" tab at the top of the page. If the page is named "Article Name", the discussion page will be named "Discussion:Article Name".

Think of the article page as the final, polished product and the discussion page as the workshop where that product is crafted. It's where ideas are brainstormed, edits are debated, and consensus is reached. Ignoring the discussion page hinders collaboration and can lead to editing conflicts.

== Why Use Discussion Pages?

There are many reasons to use discussion pages:

**Suggesting Changes:** Before making significant changes to an article, it's good practice to propose them on the discussion page. This allows other editors to provide feedback and ensure the changes align with the article's goals and established content.
**Discussing Edits:** If you're unsure about an edit someone else has made, or if you disagree with it, don't simply revert it. Instead, explain your concerns on the discussion page. Constructive dialogue is far more effective than edit wars.
**Resolving Disputes:** Disagreements are inevitable when multiple people are editing the same content. The discussion page is the place to resolve these disputes through reasoned argument and compromise.
**Seeking Clarification:** If you don't understand something about an article, or if you need more information, ask on the discussion page.
**Requesting Help:** If you're new to wiki editing or if you're struggling with a particular task, ask for help on the discussion page.
**Maintaining Article Quality:** Discussion pages help ensure articles are accurate, neutral, and well-written.
**Building Consensus:** Reaching a consensus among editors is crucial for maintaining a stable and reliable wiki. Discussion pages are the primary forum for building that consensus.

== How to Use Discussion Pages: Basic Formatting

Discussion pages use a specific format to keep conversations organized. Here's a breakdown:

**New Topic:** To start a new discussion, click the "Add topic" button at the top of the page. Give your topic a concise and descriptive title.
**Indentation:** Use indentation to indicate your replies to other editors. Each level of indentation shows that you're responding to a specific comment. Use the colon (`:`) character to create indentation. One colon for the first level, two for the second, and so on. For example:

   ```wiki
   == My Topic ==
   This is my initial comment.

   : Your reply to my comment.

   :: Another reply, nested further.
   ```

**Signatures:** Always sign your comments using four tildles (`Admin (talk) 17:21, 30 March 2025 (UTC)`). This automatically adds your username and a timestamp. For example: `— YourUsername (talk) 12:34, 1 January 2024 (UTC)`
**Summaries:** Keep your comments concise and focused. Avoid rambling or including irrelevant information.
**Neutral Tone:** Maintain a respectful and neutral tone in your comments, even when disagreeing with others. Personal attacks and inflammatory language are prohibited.
**Edit Summaries:** When you create a new topic or reply to an existing one, briefly summarize your changes in the edit summary box. This helps other editors understand what you've done.

== Common Discussion Page Etiquette

Following these guidelines will help ensure productive and respectful discussions:

**Read the Existing Discussion:** Before posting a new topic, check if someone else has already addressed your concern.
**Be Clear and Concise:** State your points clearly and avoid ambiguity.
**Assume Good Faith:** Assume that other editors are acting in good faith, even if you disagree with them.
**Focus on Content, Not Editors:** Criticize ideas, not people.
**Avoid Personal Attacks:** Personal attacks are never acceptable.
**Be Respectful:** Treat other editors with respect, even when you disagree with them.
**Listen Actively:** Pay attention to what others are saying and try to understand their perspectives.
**Be Willing to Compromise:** Collaboration often requires compromise.
**Stay on Topic:** Keep the discussion focused on the subject at hand.
**Use a Descriptive Topic Title:** Help others quickly understand the topic of your discussion.
**Be Patient:** Reaching a consensus can take time.

== Advanced Discussion Page Features

**Watching Pages:** You can "watch" both article and discussion pages. When a watched page is changed, you'll receive a notification on your watchlist. This allows you to stay informed about discussions and edits that are relevant to you. To watch a page, click the "Watch" tab at the top of the page.
**Ping (Mention) Users:** You can notify specific users about a discussion by "pinging" them. To do this, use the `@` symbol followed by their username. For example, `@YourUsername` will send a notification to that user. Use this sparingly and only when their input is specifically needed.
**Templates:** Various templates can be used on discussion pages to streamline communication. For example, templates can be used to request sources, flag potentially biased content, or propose merging articles. See Help:Templates for more information.
**Archiving:** Old discussions are often archived to keep the discussion page from becoming too cluttered. Archived discussions are still accessible, but they are moved to a separate page. The archiving process is usually handled by bots.
**Threaded Discussions:** While MediaWiki doesn't have fully threaded discussions like some other platforms, indentation helps create a similar effect.
**Diffs:** When responding to a specific edit, include a link to the "diff" (difference) between the current and previous versions of the page. This makes it easier for others to understand what you're referring to. You can find the diff link in the page history.

== Strategies for Effective Discussion

**The "BRD" Cycle (Bold, Revert, Discuss):** This is a common approach to editing. Be **bold** and make a change you believe improves the article. If another editor **reverts** your change, don't engage in an edit war. Instead, **discuss** the issue on the discussion page.
**Use Evidence to Support Your Claims:** When making a suggestion or challenging an edit, back up your arguments with reliable sources.
**Focus on Verifiability:** Ensure that all information added to the article is verifiable through reliable sources.
**Understand Neutral Point of View:** Articles should present information in a neutral and unbiased manner.
**Be Aware of Consensus:** Changes should generally reflect the consensus of the editing community.
**Consider Content Policies:** Familiarize yourself with the wiki's content policies and guidelines.
**Use Conflict Resolution:** If you're unable to resolve a dispute on your own, seek assistance from other editors or administrators.

== Discussion Pages and Technical Analysis/Trading (Example Scenarios)

Let's illustrate how discussion pages might be used in the context of articles related to technical analysis and trading. Assume we have articles on topics like:

Here are some potential discussion scenarios:

1. **Inaccuracy in RSI Article:** An editor notices that the formula for calculating the RSI in the Relative Strength Index (RSI) article is incorrect. They would start a new topic on the discussion page titled "Incorrect RSI Formula" and explain the mistake, providing a link to a reliable source that shows the correct formula. 2. **Dispute over Candlestick Pattern Interpretation:** Two editors disagree about the interpretation of a specific Candlestick Patterns pattern (e.g., a Doji). They would discuss their differing interpretations on the discussion page, providing examples from charts and links to reputable trading resources. 3. **Request for Expansion of Fibonacci Article:** An editor wants to add a section on the practical application of Fibonacci Retracements in day trading. They would propose this addition on the discussion page, outlining the content they plan to add and asking for feedback. 4. **Neutrality Concern in Elliott Wave Article:** An editor believes that the Elliott Wave Theory article presents the theory too favorably and lacks a critical perspective. They would raise this concern on the discussion page, suggesting the inclusion of sections discussing the criticisms of the theory. 5. **Clarification Needed on Bollinger Bands:** An editor doesn’t understand the explanation of standard deviation in the Bollinger Bands article. They would ask for clarification on the discussion page. 6. **Adding a section on [Ichimoku Cloud](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/ichimoku-cloud.asp) to trend indicators:** An editor wants to add a section on the Ichimoku Cloud to the Trend Lines article. They would start a discussion proposing the addition and outlining the content. 7. **Debate on the effectiveness of [Head and Shoulders Pattern](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/headandshoulders.asp):** Editors discuss the reliability of the Head and Shoulders pattern as a predictor of trend reversals, referencing studies and backtesting results. 8. **Questioning the validity of [Harmonic Patterns](https://www.babypips.com/learn/forex/harmonic-patterns):** A discussion arises about the statistical significance of Harmonic Patterns and their practical application in trading. 9. **Adding a section on [Volume Spread Analysis](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/volumespreadanalysis.asp):** An editor proposes adding a section on VSA to an article about market momentum. 10. **Discussion on the limitations of [Average True Range (ATR)](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/atr.asp):** Editors debate the effectiveness of ATR as a volatility indicator during periods of low liquidity. 11. **Request for sources on [Donchian Channels](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/donchianchannel.asp):** An editor requests more reliable sources to support the information in the Donchian Channels article. 12. **Adding information on [Keltner Channels](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/k/keltnerchannels.asp):** An editor suggests adding a comparison between Keltner Channels and Bollinger Bands. 13. **Discussion on the use of [Parabolic SAR](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/parabolicsar.asp) in identifying trend reversals:** Editors discuss the accuracy and limitations of the Parabolic SAR indicator. 14. **Request for clarification on [Stochastic Oscillator](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/stochasticoscillator.asp):** An editor asks for a simpler explanation of how to interpret the Stochastic Oscillator. 15. **Adding a section on [Pivot Points](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pivotpoints.asp):** An editor proposes adding a section on how to calculate and use Pivot Points in trading. 16. **Debate about the usefulness of [Williams %R](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/williamsprocentrange.asp):** Editors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Williams %R as a momentum indicator. 17. **Request for examples of [Triangular Formations](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/triangularformation.asp):** An editor requests more visual examples of different types of triangular formations. 18. **Discussion on the impact of [Market Sentiment](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/marketsentiment.asp) on technical indicators:** Editors discuss how market sentiment can influence the accuracy of technical analysis. 19. **Adding information on [Intermarket Analysis](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intermarketanalysis.asp):** An editor suggests adding a section on how to use intermarket analysis to confirm trading signals. 20. **Discussion about the role of [Seasonality](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/seasonality.asp) in trading:** Editors discuss how seasonal patterns can affect market trends. 21. **Request for sources on [Wyckoff Method](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/w/wyckoffmethod.asp):** An editor requests more reliable sources to support the information in the Wyckoff Method article. 22. **Adding a section on [Renko Charts](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/renkochart.asp):** An editor proposes adding a section comparing Renko Charts to traditional candlestick charts. 23. **Discussion on the use of [Heikin Ashi](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/heikin-ashi.asp):** Editors discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using Heikin Ashi charts. 24. **Request for clarification on [Point and Figure Charts](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pointandfigure.asp):** An editor asks for a simpler explanation of how to read Point and Figure Charts. 25. **Adding a section on [Gann Angles](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gannangles.asp):** An editor suggests adding a section on the controversial Gann Angles theory.

These scenarios demonstrate how discussion pages are crucial for maintaining accuracy, resolving disputes, and improving the quality of articles, even in specialized fields like technical analysis and trading.

== Conclusion

Discussion pages are an essential part of the wiki experience. By using them effectively, you can contribute to a collaborative and informative environment. Remember to be respectful, clear, and concise, and always sign your comments. Familiarize yourself with the guidelines outlined in this article, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a valuable member of the wiki community. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're unsure about anything. Further help is available at Help:Contents.

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