WiKirby:Proposals

Your opinions matter!
Welcome to the Proposals page. Here, WiKirby's editors may propose changes to the way the wiki operates, including how to handle certain categories of content, quality standards, or even just making aesthetic suggestions. Any user who has Autopatrol status or above may make a proposal or vote on one, and after two weeks of voting, if it passes, it will be incorporated into policy. Please see below for the specifics on how to make and/or vote on a proposal.
How to make a proposal
Please use one of the following templates to make a new proposal: Single vote: This is for proposals which only propose a single change to the wiki. ==(insert proposal here) (insert date here)== (insert details of proposal here and sign with ~~~~) {{Support}} {{Oppose}} {{Neutral}} ===Discussion=== {{clear}} Multi-option vote: This is for proposals which include many possible changes to a particular element of policy. One option should always be to keep things as they were. It is recommended that no more than 8 options are given in a single proposal, including the "no change" option. ==(insert proposal here) (insert date here)== (insert details of proposal here and sign with ~~~~) {{Option|1|(option title 1)}} {{Option|2|(option title 2)}} {{Option|3|(option title 3)}} {{Option|etc.|(option title etc.)}} {{Neutral}} ===Discussion=== {{clear}} Multi-facet vote: This is for proposals which want to make several smaller changes to a single element of policy (for instance, making several changes to how the main page looks). Each change needs to be voted up or down individually. There should not be more than 5 parts to a proposal like this. This type of proposal should not be made without approval from wiki administration. ==(insert proposal here) (insert date here)== (insert summary of proposal here and sign with ~~~~) ===Change 1=== (insert details here) {{Support}} {{Oppose}} {{Neutral}} ====Change 1 discussion==== ===Change 2=== (insert details here) {{Support}} {{Oppose}} {{Neutral}} ====Change 2 discussion==== ===Change 3=== (insert details here) {{Support}} {{Oppose}} {{Neutral}} ====Change 3 discussion==== etc. {{clear}} Once a proposal is made, the voting period begins (see voting regulations below). Voting period for a proposal ends two weeks after it starts, at 23:59:59 UTC on the 14th full day of voting. An administrator can veto a proposal at any time, although such action should always be justifiable and agreed upon by multiple admins. Administrators should not use this right to add more weight to their own opinions.
Restrictions
Users may propose many different changes or additions to the wiki. The following things, however, may not be voted on: Proposals which target specific users (such as bestowing or removing ranks or rights). Proposals which violate the law, as specified in the general content policy. Proposals which seek to overturn a recently (within the last 8 weeks (or 56 days)) approved proposal. Re-submitted proposals which were recently (within the last 8 weeks (or 56 days)) rejected, and which have not been significantly altered.

Current Proposals

Standardizing Discussion of Regional Differences (April 17, 2024 - May 1, 2024)

This is a problem I've had for a while now; I feel like the way we discuss regional differences is really unclear because it's focused on being too precise to the point of pedantic. Other wikis handle this in a more clear manner, so I feel like we should have a clear set of guidelines when discussing regional differences. These can probably go in the WiKirby:Localization policy.

1. Prioritize American English in any instance where one language is required. Plain and simple; WiKirby is based in the US, so our articles use American English (the same reason why we voted to remove the LangSwitch template, as nobody was actively switching into British English). In this case, this would be related to page quotes and such where there are differences between the American English and British English versions. While we can list both in other sections, in places like page quotes where it's preferable to only have one, it would be best to prioritize the American version (see old versions of Landia for example, where it was cluttered by listing both versions of the quotes even though they only have minor differences).
2. When discussing regional differences, discuss only the versions that are pertinent. For example, on Parallel Meta Knight, we have this: "The English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Dutch localizations of Parallel Meta Knight's pause flavor text misinterpret his origin. As the original Japanese and localized Chinese and Korean texts describe:" That just leads to a signal-to-noise trainwreck; the pertinent versions to discuss here are the Japanese version (the original text) and the English version (the language the wiki uses). Mentioning the others is putting undue weight on a minor note. We can note somewhere that the Korean and Chinese versions generally follow the Japanese version while all other languages follow the English version. In cases where certain languages have peculiar differences, it's fine to mention them; for example, that Whispy Woods is localized as female in the Brazilian Portuguese version, or that the Mint Leaf is not a Sweet Potato in the Korean and Chinese versions. But if they follow the Japanese version or the English version identically or near-identically, it isn't worth noting. (Obviously, this wouldn't apply to the "names in other languages" section.)
3. Using the terms "PAL" or "NTSC" to describe regional versions is fine. Nintendo officially used the term PAL to describe regional versions of their home consoles and games from the NES all the way up to the Wii, as they were designed to be used for PAL televisions. I can understand not wanting to use it for handhelds or for the Wii U or Switch, as this terminology is based on analog signals that are no longer used, but at least for the NES through the Wii, it is not only valid but official and commonly used terminology. Right now it's commonly switched to "British English", which is not accurate, or "European", which is fine but lacks coverage for Oceania. The same can also apply to NTSC being used for the North American and Japanese versions.
4. Avoid the constructs "in American languages", "in European languages", etc. when referring to regional versions. For example, on Kirby Super Star or Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. In the former case "NTSC" and "PAL" would be fine, while if we want to avoid using "NTSC" and "PAL" in the latter case, then I think it would be better to just say the regions they were designed for and sold in; in the Americas, in Europe and Oceania. It can lead to confusion; for example, French comes from Europe, but Canada is part of America, so is Canadian French a European or an American language? It's not worth dealing with that question when we can just say "in the Americas".

That's my basic thoughts, anyway. I'm sure things can be ironed out more, but I want to standardize this so we avoid conflict and unnecessary confusion. StarPunch (talk) 23:42, 17 April 2024 (UTC)

1. Prioritize American English in any instance where one language is required.

Support

1. No hesitation here. It’s so annoying to see two painfully similar versions of the same quote side by side. Even when we use tabs to show only one at a time, it doesn’t work right on mobile. It’s just like the userlang templates: more trouble than it’s worth. -YFJ (talk · edits) 00:17, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
2. We are an American English-based wiki after all, so it only makes sense to go in this route. – Owencrazyboy17 (talk) 00:24, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
3. I agree, pages listing both English versions can get really cluttered and often the differences are minimal and not really worth listing. If we really wanted to document them just for completion's sake, we could do elsewhere, but this is outside the scope of this proposal I feel. - Gigi (talk • edits) 00:36, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
4. Details in discussion below, but 100% supported. ~ by Waddlez! 00:56, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
5. We use one version of the language for article text, it makes sense to have that one version used for quotes in article bodies. ---PinkYoshiFan 01:02, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
6. Supporting. I think clarity for the reader should be prioritized over "technical accuracy" of terms or trying to meticulously cover all regional differences even where it's just a difference in punctuation, regional spelling, or capitalization. --Samwell (talk) 04:30, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
7. Agreed, for consistency sake and to avoid clutter. ShadowKirby (t/c) a.k.a. your new overlord ShadowMagolor 05:34, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Oppose

Neutral

Discussion

I agree that choosing a localization is the best call. However, I think sometimes there are some times where it's at least worthwhile to highlight some differences, even if it only happens very rarely. In the cases where British English or another language has meaningful differences, I think that has potential value - again, it is rare. I also think that considering how rarely the Japanese, Chinese, and Korean releases deviate from one another, it would be useful to establish some kind of name for that. Personally, the term I use when discussing them is "East Asian versions", but I understand that might have some minor confusion. Perhaps "source release" or something else? ~ by Waddlez! 00:56, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

From what I'm understanding, what you are discussing covers more point 2, I think? These are addressed there (at least partly). - Gigi (talk • edits) 01:18, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

2. When discussing regional differences, discuss only the versions that are pertinent.

Support

1. Probably best for simplicity. Of course, we should definitely mention somewhere which of the two other languages tend to follow, and perhaps point out when games deviate from this. -YFJ (talk · edits) 00:17, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
2. In hindsight, stuff like the aforementioned Parallel Meta Knight example would clutter some stuff up, especially if we're usually only dealing with differences between the original source language (usually Japanese) and the primary English translations spun off of that. Makes sense to keep it simple, instead of overcomplicating things. – Owencrazyboy17 (talk) 00:24, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
3. I agree, in particular when the games keep getting translated to more and more languages, who knows who many languages we will have to list in the future. I do want to point out we should mention somewhere that most languages translate from English, and Korean and Chinese are closer to Japanese, but unsure where at this point. - Gigi (talk • edits) 00:36, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
4. Agreed, no need for mentioning every language individually for how things are localized. ---PinkYoshiFan 01:02, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
5. Agreed, for the reasons I stated in the first point. --Samwell (talk) 04:31, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
6. When it's relevenat? Yeah, absolutely mention versions. When it's not a distinction unique to a specific language then no one cares, and it's just bothersome to fill in. ShadowKirby (t/c) a.k.a. your new overlord ShadowMagolor 05:34, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Oppose

Neutral

3. Using the terms "PAL" or "NTSC" to describe regional versions is fine.

Support

1. As long as they see official usage, I see no reason why we can’t use them. But they are outdated standards and I’d avoid them for newer games where this official distinction is not present. -YFJ (talk · edits) 00:17, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
2. I think we've discussed this enough to the point where it's pretty aparent that NTSC and PAL are widely understood by the gaming community even today, and was how most games were classified when consoles were region locked. It's true, nowadays not so much, in particular since most games now have only one version and just various languages, but when I had to buy Wii games, I always asked for NTSC versions. Owen failed to mention, but South America also is NTSC when it comes to games, even though it's a split between the countries. In Brazil we had PAL TVs but played NTSC games in them. In short, this is a system that isn't directly tied to TVs but that is still widely understood and not exclusinary. If we say "European", we exclude Australia, but if we say "PAL", we do not. If we say "NA", we exclude all of South America, but if we say "NTSC" we do not. For simplicity sake, and with inclusion in mind, I see only reasons in favor of this. - Gigi (talk • edits) 00:36, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
3. If they're officially used, no reason not to use them ourselves. ---PinkYoshiFan 01:02, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
4. Soft support on this one, as long as it's being used in the proper context, and isn't being used to describe regional differences in modern hardware or software. All in all, I think hyperfixating on whether this term is "technically" correct or not is unimportant as long as it's clear from the context. --Samwell (talk) 04:44, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Oppose

1. Heavy, heavy, heavy, heavy, HEAVY oppose across the board for super, duper, ultra, hyper, mega, ultimate, super-deluxe, big, giant, massive, perfectly-explainable reasons!
   Now, yes, StarPunch is correct when stating that Japanese, North American and South Korean releases of games were primarily designed with the NTSC standard in mind, with European and Australian releases designed with the PAL standard. She's also correct when saying that people still use such terminology for video games. But various game developers and publishers would not agree with such statements. In the past, anytime such mentions were present on game box art or in promotional materials, it's literally there to mention the video standard the game cartridge or disc was developed in and nothing else, like on various VHS tapes, Laserdiscs and DVDs. That's not covering the fact that some 50Hz video games can actually be made to run at 60Hz on a game-by-game basis, which further muddles the waters. Not to mention, if a kid goes on an article and reads up about a certain 'NTSC version,' they'll probably think 'What the heck is an NTSC?!' But that was "then." This is "now." And "now," at least in reference to said older video games, such releases are no longer referred to as such.
   1) Most of the various N64, Game Boy and GBA titles on Nintendo Switch Online feature both NA and EU versions of their games appropriately labelled "NA and EU versions" (short for North American and European versions) in the Settings menu.
   2) Some titles like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate may make reference to certain other game titles and/or release dates. In circumstances where they differ in European materials, it's always stated to be "in Europe" not "in PAL", even for older software on the applicable hardware at the time of its original release (e.g. "Kirby Super Star on the SNES (originally known as Kirby's Fun Pak in Europe) was the first Kirby game where two players could team up.", "Luigi's first break as a main protagonist was in Luigi's Mansion, released in Europe in 2002.", "Ness debuted in EarthBound, a game that never made it to Europe on the SNES, but finally came over on the Wii U Virtual Console in 2013.", "Jigglypuff's debut was in the very first Pokémon games, released in Europe in 1999.", "Villager's European debut was in 2004 in Animal Crossing, a game about enjoying a peaceful village life with a variety of animal neighbors.", etc., etc.).
   I can further make arguments in the comments section if need-be, but for now, this wall of text should suffice as to why we shouldn't keep using such outdated terms on a wiki like this, even for older titles and their ancillary materials. – Owencrazyboy17 (talk) 00:24, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Neutral

I have no strong opinion on the subject. It's simpler to use 3-4 letters, but not everyone might know what they mean, and I don't know where it's correct to use. ShadowKirby (t/c) a.k.a. your new overlord ShadowMagolor 05:34, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

4. Avoid the constructs "in American languages", "in European languages", etc. when referring to regional versions.

Support

1. English is a European language, so this distinction is functionally useless anyway. -YFJ (talk · edits) 00:17, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
2. Support, but maybe change the constructs into "in the North American translations" and/or "in the European translations" where applicable. Just a thought. – Owencrazyboy17 (talk) 00:24, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
3. Agreed, language isn't really tied to continent. ---PinkYoshiFan 01:02, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
4. Agreed. I think this is how it was done originally, but for whatever reason, the focus was changed to the "languages". I think that was a misstep on our part that we allowed that to happen. --Samwell (talk) 04:46, 18 April 2024 (UTC)
5. Agreed, per YFJ's statement above. ShadowKirby (t/c) a.k.a. your new overlord ShadowMagolor 05:34, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Oppose

Neutral

Discussion

I think simply replacing "languages" with "versions" would ease this element of the proposal. ~ by Waddlez! 01:00, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

Oh, true! That... completely slipped my mind, LOL. StarPunch (talk) 01:04, 18 April 2024 (UTC)

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