User talk:The Rooster

From The Urban Dead Wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Home
Talk
Bots
Contribs
Sandpit
. . .
Rooster.png Use the '+' tab at the top in order to create a new talk section at the bottom. If I've come to you, let's keep the conversation there, if you're coming to me, I'll be replying here.
The archive can be found here.

User:The Rooster/Sandpit/7

Maybe we could get some sort of project going? --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 00:16, 13 February 2009 (UTC)

That was the general idea, though I'm not entirely sure where to start. I'd like to get something set up so that it gets maximum attention, preferably with a nice block on the main page. Though that's beyond even my generally bold editing of things, and also my user rights of course.
I'd be happy to see a project created, but it would need a little time with a few users helping out to set everything up properly, and then a big intrusion onto the main page and general wikispace to try and get the community ball rolling. I wouldn't want to waste my own effort, and especially other user's, setting it up only to have nothing happen. Project CP was a good idea, but CP being the generally deserted area that it was, and the lack of any mission to get people involved again means that the community portal continues to be a generally deserted area. I'm aiming for all or nothing here, and nothing isn't an option. As a reasonably active but almost all behind-the-scenes user, I'm not that well known or particularly influential. Yet here I am, with a backwater sandpit page, pondering nothing less than one of the biggest shake ups in the wiki in recent times. You can see my predicament and general pessimism at this working by now, I hope. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 00:39, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
Wiki news could help with visibility, but it can only be up there so long. Something large and noticeable would be great, but I don't know where that would fit into the main page. Speaking of the main page, it could probably do with a redesign. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 00:51, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
Yeah, I'm kinda thinking of a new entity entirely. A nice, permanent, fixture on the main page. Highlighting all the interesting stuff happening. Like I note on my list, maybe an article of the week and/or article in need of help of the week. Wiki news would be a section of it, and the 'Community Portal' (or something else if renamed) would be the general one-stop shop for finding out which wiki-maintenance projects are going on, what ideas people are proposing for new pages, and for getting help in getting pages updated more. It would also be the place to suggest big changes on the wiki, because I envisage it as being a place where users will check a lot. An entry in the wikinews if the project starts would suffice in trying to attract a few users. The first thing we could attack would be a redesign of the main page, to include whatever 'Community Portal' block we'd like, and whatever other changes people might be after. (I'm guessing you have some to suggest, since you mentioned it) Once done, the main page gets updated, and the general invasion of the wiki starts. I'm really am talking about a big attempt to get a proper community spot set up, no half measures. I am probably being somewhat insane. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 01:08, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
I have a few ideas for a new main page and how to set things up. I'm thinking Urban Dead themed with the colours and style and all, something different from the common Wikipedia-like look to main pages. I'll be gone for the weekend however, so don't expect anything yet. :O --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 02:42, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
When you guys get the ball rolling, you can count me in. --Maverick Talk - OBR Praise Knowledge! 404 06:56, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
Sure thing Maverick. Anyway, Gnome I did a little test and found there was 821x550 room on the page in IE, fullscreen for the most common res of 1024x768. Obviously you can have more than 550 height, but that's gonna be in the scroll down region for most people. So if you design it with that in mind, you'll probably be able to get a page that makes the most of the space without too big a cramp. The current version does have some obvious points for improvement, like the 95% width of tables could be 100%, the wiki already gives a margin, no need for extra. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 14:22, 13 February 2009 (UTC)

Main Page Redesign

I started it, but I don't like rounded borders. Annoying to code, looks fugly etc. It's at a rough outline right now.--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 04:20, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

The rounded corners can go, as an IE user I can't even see them. All the pages here seem fine without them and all the places I've see the code I can't imagine actually add much since the page looks fine anyway. The other places I've see it are coder idiocy because they wanted 'teh kool korners' and didn't think about if it was actually a smart idea. Your page looks fine to me without them, and probably better than with since everything tessellates nicely. Also, it matches the UD style better. Coding wise, three things jump out off the bat.
  • You can lose the br clear bit I think, just leave a gap. It seems to work fine and also allows there to be a nice gap.
  • Border wise, I'm pretty sure there's a way to compact the code that might be applicable here. I think it goes something like "border-something: 10 3 10 3;" where each number relates to each border, revolving clockwise from left I think. Might also be possible for padding.
  • Drop the divs, it doesn't allow you to set spacing between the two sections properly. Nested tables are probably nastier to code by can give the correct result.
-- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 13:21, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
I'm good with tables, oddly. Updated.--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 18:34, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Well that took care of all the points I had pretty neatly, didn't it? I like it very much. I made a couple of minor fixes. (Well one, the v-align for news, in case the CP bit is ever taller, otherwise little). May I also congratulate you on some wonderfully obfuscated code at the bottom, that's brilliantly evil. Onto the more subjective stuff:
  • Do you think it's worth keeping the current header, that shows the latest game update and the logo? I don't think it's worth repeating what the main site says for its header anyway, but I feel the page is lacking a focus point at the top...maybe just inserting the logo in the top left of the introductory text box?
  • What other links are you planning to include? I don't think we need the same amount of insane links as now, but there's room for a few more. I think keeping a few of the important map/information centre links would be good. Suburb definitely, maybe also the MIC/MPM and NIC/NT Status Map. I prefer the maps, but the IC's are good too.
What do you plan on transcluding? I assume the CP and news sections, anything else? Finally, any thoughts on what to stick in the CP bit as a place holder until it's decided what we should actually have there? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 20:10, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Updated the top part with Urban Dead, let me know if the cracked font doesn't work or if the alignment looks wonky, we can always switch it for an image. I agree though, less links are needed for the site nav at the bottom. Maybe projects, or community activities should be in the CP section? Things that aren't normally announced in the wiki news section, but deserve a notice. Also, yep CP & Wiki News will be template, that's it though.--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 21:46, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Yeah, font doesn't work for me, you'd have to stick to something standard anyway, or else use an image. Link wise I've had a thought, if the links tend to be ones that link to the other stuff (IE: Administration links to all the various admin bits, and the BIC links to all the maps and other status information) then you can cut down a lot, while still providing a leap pad to get to places. I agree that current community projects would make a good bit for the CP section, though no doubt that'll be expanded upon somewhat. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 22:08, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Image it is then. Think the wiki news section needs little aesthetic boxes like the site navigation section at the bottom?--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 22:14, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Sounds good, go for it. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 22:18, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

I'm thinking these links for the site navigation part:

Gameplay Information

Player Information

Wiki Information

External Links

We could probably do with some obvious in-your-face general starter guide like on what's on the main page now. Feel free to edit the list. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 22:56, 17 February 2009 (UTC)

I made only a few additions and changes, you basically got everything I would've added. Do you plan on indicating that external links are external? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 23:17, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Mmm, I don't know. I don't like the little blue box things. I could change the colour of it, maybe. Should it be indicated? --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 01:35, 18 February 2009 (UTC)
Updated. The site navigation looks nice, but it feels off balanced because of the cities. It could be compensated by adding stuff to the other 3 sections, or moving the cities elsewhere? Would it be a good idea to put the game updates somewhere? Seems silly not to have them, but I'm not sure where to put it. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 01:58, 18 February 2009 (UTC)
I feel the cities should be included, maybe a mention of them at the end of the intro? "The main city of Urban Dead is Malton, but outbreaks have been seen in the cities of Monroeville and Borehamwood too." or something like that? Hmm.
External link wise, I've never been a fan of the system either (Though it's the lighter text that annoys me). Normally, I would say you should indicate them as a matter of continuity, but in this case, the only external links are under the aptly named 'External Links' section, and so people should expect them even if the usual symbol isn't there. I think you can get away with it. Also, if you wish to be very pedantic about the section heights, you could add a link to the Community Portal under Wiki Info. Slightly redundant, but it makes everything a nice 6 links tall. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 18:48, 18 February 2009 (UTC)
Added the latest news section. Other than templating the news sections and CP, all we have left is the Community Portal. I'm not sure what should go there. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 00:43, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
Maybe just make a small list of active projects until we get something better set up. The Great Suburb Group Massacre is definitely a good example. 'A Tale of Undead Cities' is a reasonably good one. Should probably have one more to fit the rule of three...maybe a quick mention of the UHUB having recently come online? I'm think basically the name and then a quick description (might even be able to use the 'aesthetic tables' like the News and section lists) EG:

Some of the current projects around the wiki:

  • The Great Suburb Group Massacre - To keep the wiki up to date, groups have been queried as to whether they are still active, you can help out in the maintenance effort. If you're part of an active group, make sure you confirm it as active before the 27th February!
  • A Tale of Undead Cities - An organization effort to clean up, improve and revamp the three city pages about Malton, Monroeville and Borehamwood. Help discuss ideas and add your own suggestions for improvements.
  • User Hub - Recently implemented, the user hub allows you to search for users on the wiki more easily. Bookmark it, and come add your name.

Is the tone suitable? Also, you probably want to write something about the user hub, I've made a right hash of that one. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 02:10, 19 February 2009 (UTC)

CP updated. I've been scouring other wikis to see what they do with their main page. I think what we have now is fine and we can always add something later. Other than the templating, does it look good to go?--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 23:09, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
Looks fine and dandy to me sir, and it works an utter treat on smaller resolutions too. The only minor things I can spot are:
  • Your edit link for the news has a case error, it should be 'Wiki News' not 'Wiki news'.
  • You need a proper article in the spotlight. Either that and you need a proper description for the example page. Hehe. You could always be a bit cheeky and have: "Main Page - Our main page has just received a really nice redesign, go check it out!". Ok...maybe not.
Last time the main page was changed, a vote was called on its talk page, is that what you are planning to do? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 23:22, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
Hmm, I can't think of anything new or amazing that would go under the spotlight, except perhaps the redesigned suggestions portal. Perhaps an article needing work? For implementation, I was thinking of sneaking it under the radar through A/PT, may require a few bribes though. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 23:30, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
We can work on what to include in the CP bit in due course. You could just ditch that bit for now, it'll be back I'm sure. As for a 'sneaking' it through A/PT...that's a joke, right? I'll go up the Drama template to 'wikigate' in preparation... -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 23:42, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
I'm totally serial. But seriously, I suppose a little announcement and some discussion on the talk page couldn't hurt. Yarp?--  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 23:48, 19 February 2009 (UTC)
Indeed. I'll swing by and put down my vote once you've announced your little redesign. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 00:02, 20 February 2009 (UTC)
Will do. Something else we might be able to add is that 'coders central' thing, and projects like Project Mentor. Anyway, deal with that later. --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 00:05, 20 February 2009 (UTC)

Main Page Redesign V2

Updated with a white background. Anyways, I've got something going on at the bottom. Few things: the rounded borders can be done with images, the Urban Dead can be an image urban dead themed thing, and the links are just placeholders (the most important stuff will go there). What are you thinking? --  AHLGTG THE END IS NIGH! 02:35, 21 February 2009 (UTC)

I'm slightly lost. I get the white thing for those who don't fancy the green. But I have no idea what you're getting at with everything else. What are you after? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 14:38, 21 February 2009 (UTC)

The Great Suburb Group Massacre, 2009

Is there a page for this anywhere? I noticed you posting on a group's page asking if they were still active, but I didn't see a link to a page for the project. --Pestolence(talk) 20:00, 13 February 2009 (UTC)

Hmm, I had just followed suit based on some earlier posts. Could go back and link it I suppose, though it's not too much of a worry since all they have to do is respond on their talk page. I'll go back and link when I get the chance. -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 20:14, 13 February 2009 (UTC)
OK, cool. Just wondering. --Pestolence(talk) 20:21, 13 February 2009 (UTC)

My sig

Can I increase the size of the images so those two white bars above them don't show up? Or, is there another way? --Haliman - Talk 16:31, 14 February 2009 (UTC)

Bots

Do you think it would be possible to program a bot to work off the user list and add the welcomenewbie template to all new user talk pages automatically? The template will need altering if this can be done, but I'd thought I'd check with you if it's viable before planning that. -- To know the face of God is to know madness....Praise knowledge! Mischief! Mayhem! The Rogues Gallery!. <== DDR Approved Editor 23:11, 16 February 2009 (UTC)

It'd definitely help, and it gets rid of the user provided WN spam.--Suicidal Angel, Help needed? 23:15, 16 February 2009 (UTC)

This section of the conversation was tactically lasered from orbit due to: Irrelevance, later followed by juvenile bickering. Go whine about each other on your own pages, mmmkay? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster

Is there a way to go through the user list and only pick out "newbies", rather than users without talk pages, that may be long abandoned?. Perhaps Special:Contributions/newbies may be a better page to work on? -- boxy talk • teh rulz 01:44 17 February 2009 (BST)
Well we know that bots can work from current time as they can do updates based on time with danger reports, so if we tell the bot to start from X time and give every user that is created after that time a template (with a line of code telling it not to repeat itself of course) we should be fine. The only thing that will need to be done to prevent duplication will be to tell users not to add the template any more, provided the bot is running often enough to cover newbies. -- To know the face of God is to know madness....Praise knowledge! Mischief! Mayhem! The Rogues Gallery!. <== DDR Approved Editor 01:55, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Already done, tell users they are adding the template in error as it's duplicating an already existing wiki function, that text I linked appears to all new wiki accounts when they first load a page.--Karekmaps?! 03:44, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
While the current text based wall of doom method is pretty high on the insensitivity scale, having an automated script do it really takes the biscuit. Whatever happened to people just leaving a nice message, anyway? -- User:The Rooster RoosterDragon User talk:The Rooster 12:04, 17 February 2009 (UTC)
Retrieved from "http://wiki.urbandead.com//index.php?title=User_talk:The_Rooster&oldid=1393423"