Template talk:Testimonials

Testimonial Conventions
For reference, this is a continuation of a discussion between User:Karuberu (talk) and User:Jawat (talk) regarding how we should implement testimonials. Firstly I would like to thank both of you for handling this civilly, it has made reading through your conversation pleasant instead of a headache. The testimonial convention (moving the "I soloed this with RDM/NIN with god gear and sole sushi" type lines to the talk page) was implemented to lessen the clutter on NM pages which detracted from the other notes information in the article. First I will explain my views as to what is acceptable to keep on the main article and what is not, then I will detail how I'd like us, by convention, to place it on the page. I will be going into length in my explanations for the benefit of others, as I know both Karuberu and Jawat already understand the basic reasonings behind the template.

People want to know whether they are able to kill a monster or not, so this information is relevant to the main article. However, once you start putting a list of all the combinations of jobs that can solo, duo or otherwise pwn said NM, you start detracting from the main article. The main article should not be used as a "look what I did" section of the wiki. So it comes to the point where you say "what's acceptable?". To be fair to all contributors, and to add a more professional look to the article, I feel only a general description of what level character or group can be expected to kill the NM is warranted on the main article. This can include multiple entries, but they should not, in general, be too specific. "Killable by 3 level 60 characters" is acceptable, while "Killable by a PLD, RDM, and BST with good gear" is not. These lines should not mention gear, food choices, specific jobs and limit the description of strategy to a link. Strategy for how to kill a monster falls loosely under the guide rules, and does not, in general, belong on the main article. Exceptions can be made if the mention of strategy is extremely brief, or can be linked to another page (either an article on general strategies, or to a strategy subpage if the strategy is long). If you can't keep it to one normal sentence, it likely belongs on a subpage or in the testimonials section of the talk page.

As for the look of this, I believe we should use the following to keep all the pages consistent, and easier for people to find the testimonial section. The "Killable by" line should be no more than 4 entries, and should only take up one bullet line. If the information on the line is too specific, it may be moved to the talk page. This line should be listed last in the notes section. This leaves the other information regarding monster behavior and abilities first, and I think improves the flow of info (page flow top to bottom: monster family and job, monster location and level, notes on monster abilities, notes on how you can take it out). At the end of the line, the testimonial template can be used to link to appropriate section on the Talk page (section named "Testimonials" so that the link will work). Please feel free to discuss this further here. -- 16:24, 29 May 2008 (UTC)