Talk Pages
- Talk Pages: Communicating and Collaborating on a Wiki
Talk pages are a fundamental component of any MediaWiki installation, serving as dedicated spaces for discussion about the content of a wiki. They are essential for collaboration, resolving disputes, and improving the quality of information presented. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and effectively using talk pages, geared towards beginners.
What are Talk Pages?
Every page on a wiki, including article pages, user pages, and even special pages, has an associated talk page. Think of the article page as the *what* – the content itself – and the talk page as the *how* and *why* – the discussion about that content. The talk page isn’t where you *add* information to an article; it’s where you discuss *how* to improve the article.
You can access a page's talk page by clicking the "Talk" tab at the top of any page. For example, if you are viewing the page titled "Fibonacci Retracement", there will be a tab labeled "Talk" next to "Article", "View source", and "History". Clicking this tab will take you to the "Talk:Fibonacci Retracement" page.
Talk pages are built around the principle of consensus. Changes to articles should ideally be discussed and agreed upon by the community before being implemented. This prevents edit wars and ensures that the wiki remains a reliable source of information.
Why Use Talk Pages?
There are numerous reasons to utilize talk pages:
- **Discussing Article Content:** If you believe an article is inaccurate, biased, incomplete, or needs improvement, the talk page is the place to raise your concerns. For example, you might suggest adding more information about Elliott Wave Theory, clarifying a definition of Bollinger Bands, or correcting a factual error regarding a particular candlestick pattern.
- **Suggesting Changes:** Before making significant changes to an article, it’s good practice to propose them on the talk page. This allows other editors to provide feedback and help refine your ideas. This is especially important for complex topics like Ichimoku Cloud or when adding content about moving averages.
- **Resolving Disputes:** When disagreements arise about article content, the talk page provides a neutral forum for discussion and resolution. Calm, reasoned debate is key to reaching a consensus.
- **Requesting Clarification:** If you don’t understand something in an article, you can ask for clarification on the talk page.
- **Seeking Feedback:** If you’ve made changes to an article, you can ask for feedback on the talk page to ensure your edits are well-received and contribute positively to the article. This is particularly useful after adding sections on Relative Strength Index (RSI), MACD, or stochastic oscillators.
- **Coordinating Efforts:** Talk pages can be used to coordinate collaborative projects, such as expanding a particular topic or creating new articles.
- **Reporting Vandalism:** While not the primary purpose, you can briefly mention vandalism on the talk page, but also report it through the wiki’s designated reporting mechanisms. Don't engage with vandals directly on the article page.
How to Use Talk Pages: Basic Formatting
Talk pages have a specific format to ensure clarity and organization. Here's how to use them effectively:
- **New Sections:** Start a new section for each distinct topic of discussion. Click the "Add topic" button at the top of the talk page. Give your section a clear and concise title that summarizes the topic.
- **Indentation:** Use indentation to indicate replies to other users. Each level of indentation represents a response to a previous comment. To indent, use a colon (`:`) at the beginning of each line. For example:
```wiki == My Topic == My initial comment. :: Reply to my comment. ::: A further reply. ```
- **Signatures:** Always sign your comments by adding four tildes (`Admin (talk) 04:30, 31 March 2025 (UTC)`) at the end. This automatically inserts your username and a timestamp. For example:
```wiki My comment. Admin (talk) 04:30, 31 March 2025 (UTC) ```
This will appear as:
My comment. – ExampleUser (talk) 2023-10-27 14:30 UTC
- **Line Breaks:** Use double line breaks (two carriage returns) to create paragraphs.
- **Headings:** Use heading markup (e.g., `== Heading ==`, `=== Subheading ===`) to structure your comments within a section.
- **Linking:** Use wiki markup (`link`) to link to other pages on the wiki, including other talk pages. This helps to provide context and facilitate discussion. For example, you might link to the talk page of an article about Heikin Ashi if your discussion is related to that topic.
- **Templates:** Some wikis use templates for specific types of discussions. Check the wiki’s guidelines for any relevant templates.
Talk Page Etiquette
Respectful and constructive communication is crucial on talk pages. Here are some guidelines for maintaining a positive and productive environment:
- **Assume Good Faith:** Assume that other editors are acting in good faith and have the best interests of the wiki at heart. Avoid personal attacks or accusatory language.
- **Be Civil:** Maintain a polite and respectful tone, even when disagreeing with others.
- **Focus on Content, Not Contributors:** Discuss the content of the article, not the motivations or character of other editors.
- **Be Concise and Clear:** Express your ideas clearly and concisely. Avoid rambling or using jargon that others may not understand.
- **Listen to Others:** Carefully consider the viewpoints of other editors.
- **Avoid Edit Wars:** If you disagree with an edit, discuss it on the talk page before reverting it. Repeatedly reverting edits without discussion is considered an edit war and is disruptive.
- **Respect Consensus:** Once a consensus has been reached, respect it and avoid reopening the discussion unless new information comes to light.
- **Archive Old Discussions:** Talk pages can become very long over time. Old discussions should be archived to keep the page manageable. Many wikis have automated archiving systems.
- **Stay on Topic:** Keep discussions relevant to the article at hand. Off-topic conversations should be moved elsewhere.
Advanced Talk Page Features
Beyond the basics, some wikis offer advanced features for talk pages:
- **Watchlists:** You can add talk pages to your watchlist to receive notifications when they are updated. This allows you to stay informed about discussions that are important to you.
- **Notifications:** You can configure your notification settings to receive email or on-wiki notifications when you are mentioned on a talk page or when a section you are participating in is updated.
- **Ping System:** Some wikis have a “ping” system (using `
- Template:Ping – A Beginner's Guide
Template:Ping is a crucial tool for effective communication on this wiki. It allows you to specifically notify other users about replies to discussions, mentions in articles, or any other interaction that requires their attention. Unlike simply mentioning a username, a ping actively draws the user's attention, often through a visual notification and/or an email (depending on their preferences). This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and utilizing the `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` template, covering its functionality, syntax, best practices, and troubleshooting.
What is a Ping and Why Use It?
Imagine contributing to a large discussion page with dozens of active participants. If you simply type a username within the text, the user may not notice it for hours or even days. A ping, however, is a deliberate signal. It's a way of saying, "Hey, this information is specifically for you."
Here's why using `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` is important:
- Direct Attention: Ensures the intended recipient is aware of the message. This is vital for time-sensitive matters or when a response is crucial.
- Improved Communication: Facilitates clearer and more focused discussions. Reduces the chance of important information being overlooked.
- Professionalism: Shows respect for other users' time by only notifying them when their input is specifically requested or relevant. Avoid unnecessary pings.
- Collaboration: Encourages active participation and collaboration on projects.
- Notification System: Leverages the wiki’s notification system, delivering alerts through the site interface and potentially via email.
Basic Syntax
The most basic form of the `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` template is:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
Replace "Username" with the exact username of the user you wish to notify. For example:
```wiki Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
This will notify the user "ExampleUser" that they have been pinged. The wiki software will then usually render it visually (often with a highlighted username) and trigger a notification.
Advanced Syntax and Parameters
The `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` template offers several parameters for more nuanced control:
- Multiple Users: You can ping multiple users by separating their usernames with pipes (|):
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Ping
```
- No Link (Quiet Ping): Sometimes you want to indicate to other editors *that* you considered pinging someone, but decided against it for a reason (e.g., the information isn't vital to them). You can use the `quiet` parameter:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Ping
```
This *will not* send a notification, but the username will still be displayed, perhaps with a subtle visual indication. This is useful in edit summaries or discussion page comments where you want to document your reasoning.
- Reason (Optional): Adding a reason for the ping can provide context for the recipient:
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Ping
```
The reason will usually be included in the notification message.
- Hide Parameter: While not commonly used, the `hide` parameter can completely prevent the username from being displayed, even though the ping is registered internally. This is highly unusual and rarely necessary.
- User ID: While generally unnecessary, you can ping a user by their User ID (a numerical identifier). This is useful in rare cases where a username is ambiguous or has been changed. You can find a user’s ID in their user list entry or via the API.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Ping
```
- Talk Page Ping: To ping a user *specifically* on their talk page, you can use the `talkpage` parameter. This is useful for leaving direct messages. However, it's generally better to use the "Message" tab on a user's page for direct communication.
```wiki
Template loop detected: Template:Ping
```
Best Practices for Using Template:Ping
Using `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` effectively requires consideration and respect for other users. Here are some best practices:
- Relevance is Key: Only ping users when the information is directly relevant to them. Avoid unnecessary notifications. Consider if the user *needs* to be notified.
- Avoid Mass Pings: Do not ping large groups of users indiscriminately. This is considered disruptive and can be counterproductive.
- Context Matters: Provide a clear reason for the ping, especially if it's not immediately obvious.
- Respect Preferences: Be aware that users can control their notification preferences. Some users may choose to disable email notifications.
- Avoid Ping Spam: Repeatedly pinging the same user without a valid reason is considered harassment.
- Use Sparingly: Pings should be reserved for situations where a direct response or acknowledgment is required.
- Consider Alternatives: Before pinging, consider if there are alternative ways to communicate the information, such as watchlist notifications or a general announcement.
- Review Before Saving: Always double-check the usernames before saving your changes to ensure you're pinging the correct individuals. Typographical errors can lead to unintended notifications.
- New User Integration: When welcoming new users or providing assistance, a ping can be a helpful way to draw their attention to relevant resources.
- Project Collaboration: When working on a WikiProject, use pings to coordinate tasks and solicit feedback from other members.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
- Ping Not Working: If a user isn't receiving a ping, several factors could be at play:
* Incorrect Username: Double-check the username for typos. Usernames are case-sensitive. * Notification Preferences: The user may have disabled notifications for pings in their preferences. * Block or Restriction: The user may be blocked or have restrictions preventing them from receiving notifications. * Wiki Software Issue: Rarely, there may be a temporary issue with the wiki software itself.
- Username Changes: If a user has changed their username, pings using the old username will no longer work.
- Template Errors: Incorrect syntax can prevent the template from functioning correctly. Pay close attention to the placement of pipes (|) and parameter names.
- Spam Filters: In some cases, ping notifications may be flagged as spam by the user's email provider.
Examples in Different Scenarios
- Requesting Feedback on an Article:
```wiki Hi User:Editor1, I've finished drafting the article on Elliott wave principle and would appreciate your feedback. Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
- Discussing a Change on a Talk Page:
```wiki User:Analyst2, I've made some updates to the Bollinger Bands section. What are your thoughts? Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
- Reporting a Potential Issue:
```wiki User:Moderator, I've noticed some potential vandalism on the Candlestick pattern page. Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
- Coordinating a Project:
```wiki Team, let's discuss the next steps for the Technical analysis project. Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
- Acknowledging a Contribution:
```wiki Thanks for your help with the Moving average article, User:Contributor. Template loop detected: Template:Ping ```
Related Templates and Tools
- Template:User: Used to link to a user's page.
- Template:Reply to: Helps to create a clear response to a specific comment on a talk page.
- Notifications: The page where users can view their notifications.
- Preferences: The page where users can manage their notification settings.
- Wiki Markup Guide: A comprehensive guide to MediaWiki syntax.
- Help Contents: A central hub for all help documentation.
Further Resources and Learning
- MediaWiki Documentation: MediaWiki Talk Pages Documentation
- Help:Pinging users: Wikipedia's Help Page on Pinging
- Understanding Technical Indicators: Investopedia - Technical Indicators
- Fibonacci Retracement Levels: Forex Trading - Fibonacci Retracement
- Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD): CFI - MACD
- Relative Strength Index (RSI): Investopedia - RSI
- Bollinger Bands Explained: School of Pips - Bollinger Bands
- Candlestick Chart Patterns: Investopedia - Candlestick Patterns
- Elliott Wave Theory: Elliott Wave International
- Trend Analysis: CFI - Trend Analysis
- Support and Resistance Levels: Support and Resistance in Forex
- Volume Analysis: Investopedia - Volume
- Chart Patterns: Investopedia - Chart Patterns
- Head and Shoulders Pattern: Forex Traders - Head and Shoulders
- Double Top and Double Bottom Patterns: TradingView - Double Top/Bottom
- Triangles Chart Pattern: Investopedia - Triangles
- Gap Analysis: Investopedia - Gaps
- Average True Range (ATR): Investopedia - ATR
- Parabolic SAR: Investopedia - Parabolic SAR
- Ichimoku Cloud: Investopedia - Ichimoku Cloud
- Donchian Channels: Investopedia - Donchian Channels
- Keltner Channels: Investopedia - Keltner Channels
- Market Sentiment Analysis: Investopedia - Market Sentiment
- Swing Trading Strategies: Investopedia - Swing Trading
- Day Trading Strategies: Investopedia - Day Trading
- Position Trading Strategies: Investopedia - Position Trading
By understanding and following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize the `Template loop detected: Template:Ping` template to improve communication and collaboration on this wiki.
Help:Contents Special:Preferences Special:Notifications Help:Wiki markup Help:Talk pages Help:User pages Project:WikiProject Technical Analysis Template:Userinfo Template:Note Wikipedia:Civility
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- **Templates for Discussion:** Templates can be used to standardize certain types of discussions, such as requests for sources or calls for consensus.
- **Talk Page Guidelines:** Many wikis have specific guidelines for talk page behavior. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these guidelines before participating in discussions.
- **Dispute Resolution:** If you are unable to resolve a dispute on the talk page, many wikis have dispute resolution processes that can help. This often involves mediation by experienced editors.
Examples of Talk Page Discussions
Let's look at a few example scenarios and how they might play out on a talk page:
- **Scenario 1: Inaccuracy in an Article:**
User A notices that the article on Fibonacci Extensions contains an incorrect formula. They would start a new section on the "Talk:Fibonacci Extensions" page titled "Incorrect Formula". Their comment might read:
```wiki == Incorrect Formula == The formula presented in the article for calculating Fibonacci extension levels appears to be incorrect. It should be [Correct Formula], not [Incorrect Formula as stated in the article]. Can someone please verify and correct this? Admin (talk) 04:30, 31 March 2025 (UTC) ```
- **Scenario 2: Suggesting an Addition:**
User B believes that the article on Trading Volume would benefit from a section on Volume Spread Analysis (VSA). They would start a new section titled "Add Section on Volume Spread Analysis". Their comment might read:
```wiki == Add Section on Volume Spread Analysis == I think it would be beneficial to add a section to this article on Volume Spread Analysis (VSA). VSA is a popular technique used by traders to analyze price action in relation to volume. I'm happy to contribute a draft if there's consensus to add this topic. Admin (talk) 04:30, 31 March 2025 (UTC) ```
- **Scenario 3: Dispute Over Content:**
User C reverts User D’s edit to the article on Support and Resistance Levels, arguing that the edit was unnecessary. User D would start a new section titled "Reversion of Edit - Support and Resistance Levels". Their comment might read:
```wiki == Reversion of Edit - Support and Resistance Levels == Hi User C, I noticed you reverted my recent edit. I added a section explaining the psychological aspect of support and resistance, which I believe adds value to the article. Could you please explain your reasoning for the reversion? I'm open to discussing this further. Admin (talk) 04:30, 31 March 2025 (UTC) ```
These are just examples, and the specific content of talk page discussions will vary depending on the topic and the needs of the wiki community.
Utilizing Talk Pages for Technical Analysis Topics
When discussing technical analysis concepts, talk pages are particularly vital. For instance, debating the effectiveness of a specific trend line break strategy, questioning the parameters used in a Parabolic SAR calculation, or analyzing the validity of a new harmonic pattern identification method all require open discussion. The talk page allows for the presentation of supporting charts, links to relevant research, and collaborative refinement of the article's content. Similarly, when adding new information about complex indicators like Keltner Channels or Average True Range (ATR), the talk page is the ideal place to solicit feedback and ensure accuracy. Discussion about chart patterns like head and shoulders, double tops, and triangles, and their associated trading signals, should also be conducted on the talk page before implementation. Analyzing the confluence of multiple indicators, such as combining Williams %R with Fibonacci retracements, also benefits from collaborative discussion.
Conclusion
Talk pages are an indispensable tool for building a collaborative and informative wiki. By understanding how to use them effectively, you can contribute to the improvement of articles, resolve disputes, and foster a positive and productive community. Remember to be respectful, assume good faith, and focus on the content itself. Mastering the art of talk page communication is crucial for any serious wiki contributor. This includes understanding how to discuss complex topics like gap analysis, wave theory, and price action trading.
Help:Contents Wikipedia:Consensus Wikipedia:Talk page guidelines Wikipedia:Edit warring Wikipedia:Civility Wikipedia:Assume good faith Special:Mywatchlist Wikipedia:Templates Wikipedia:Dispute resolution Wikipedia:Archiving
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