User:Karl Dickman/Thread help

If you want to skip the history of the threads and how to use them, you can go directly to the section on how to use them.

Please note that the goal of this page is to make it as easy to understand as possible. If you wish to improve the wording, don't hesitate; we don't call it Wikipedia for nothing. I politely request, however, that you leave the structure as it is.

What is a synchronised thread?

Synchronised threads are format of talkpage conversation. They allow the presentation of an entire thread on the talkpages of all users involved. It also makes it easier for other users to view of the thread's revision history.

Similar practices are used on VFD and RFA, but the idea of employing it on userpages was developed by Alphax.

Why use synchronised threads?

They allow the display of an entire thread on the talkpages of all users involved, thus providing all important context, including the edit history of the thread.

Currently, when UserA to leaves a note on UserB's talkpage, UserB will usually respond on UserA's talkpage. This procedure works well for communication between the two users, but if UserC attempts to review the conversation, it appears as a string of quotes with no context.

What are the disadvantages of synchronised threads?

1. They can be difficult to use, resulting in more errors.
2. Transcluding them may increase the burden on Wikimedia's servers.
3. Updating the thread will not alert its participants that the thread has been updated.
4. Often, a browser cache must be purged to see changes to the thread.

How can I counteract these problems?

1. Make sure you know how to use the synchronised thread system (see how do I use a synchronised thread below). If you use synchronised threads, please make sure that other usrs know this, by providing instructions on your talkpage.
2. Ideally, the threads shouldn't hassle the servers too much, because they are only transcluded to a handful of pages. Userpage signatures, often transcluded on hundreds of pages, are a far greater problem.
3. To alert other users involved in the thread that it has changed, make a null edit to their talkpage; to do this, go to their talkpage, click the edit this page tab, then click the submit button at the bottom of the edit window. This will cause the system to alert them that they have new messages, but won't actually appear in the revision history.
   Because other users may not do this, add important threads to your watchlist.
4. To purge a talkpage, append <?action=purge> to the URL, thereby replacing <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:USERNAME> with
   <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:USERNAME?action=purge>.

If you wish to be difficult, you can choose to avoid using synchronised threads (see what if I don't like your system below).

What are the technical details of the thread?

When I add a message to another user's talkpage, I will type the text {{User:Ingoolemo/Threads/<thread name>}}. Then, I will follow the redlink to the subpage I created, and type my message. Once my message is saved, I will add a link to that thread on my own talkpage. Thus, the thread is on a separate page, and all edits to the thread should appear automatically on the talkpages of all parties involved.

How do I use a synchronised thread?

Next to each section heading, an [edit] link should appear. Clicking on this link will take you directly to edit window of the thread subpage, which you can then edit to include your reply. Once you have edited the thread, all involved talkpages will be automatically updated.

Do I have to use this system when posting a comment on your talkpage?

No, you don't. Post a comment as you would normally, and I'll handle the synchronisation. If you don't want the thread to be synchronised, please tell me so.

What if I don't like your system?

When you leave a message on my talkpage, tell me explicitly not to synchronise the threads.

If I leave a synchronised message on your talkpage, follow these steps to shut off the synchronisation:

1. Go to your talkpage, where the thread will appear in the form {{User:Ingoolemo/Threads/<thread name>}}.
2. Instert <subst:> after the double brace, thereby replace the above text with {{subst:User:Ingoolemo/Threads/<thread name>}}. This will move all text in the thread subpage directly to your talkpage.

What if we all had hands growing out of our foreheads?

It would remind us not to take things too seriously. Thank you, Dr Hofmann!