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Help!

No more Mottos. They ran out on June 18th and all we have left are redlinks! Enigma message 03:22, 19 June 2008 (UTC)

I tried to create one for June 19, but it's not working. I'm not too good at this. Enigma message 03:29, 19 June 2008 (UTC)
I am working to solve the problem. Thanks for all your work! Smcafirst the Roadgeek (Road talk) at 00:57, 21 June 2008 (UTC)
I hope no one has a problem with me starting to close some of the discussion and get more mottos approved. Smcafirst the Roadgeek (Road talk) at 01:00, 21 June 2008 (UTC)
Someone has to do it. I certainly can't keep doing it every day! Anyway, I used one from the list. I suppose I should remove the discussion on it? Enigma message 01:25, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

AstroHurricane001 (not) semi-retired

Hi. I've been a frequent contributor to MOTD for over a year. However, I will likely soon not be able to participate (much) in the project. I suggest that if possible, to vote on, close, and schedule the remaning mottos. Best wishes, ~AH1(TCU) 22:14, 28 June 2008 (UTC)

Hi. Due to an unexpected turn of events, I will at least for now not be semi-retiring. I wish to continue to participate in MOTD, and I hope the project will continue to produce lots of new mottos. Appologies for any inconvinience resulting from the original message. Thanks. ~AH1(TCU) 22:46, 30 June 2008 (UTC)

Grammar

Change "A Editor's A Editor" to "An Editor" please...grammar!--Editor510 drop us a line, mate 08:36, 24 July 2008 (UTC)

Failsafes

I just updated the failsafes to the MOTD templates since there wasn't a motto set for today, and aren't any more set at all. If there is no motto for the given day, the template will use yesterday's motto, and if there is no motto for yesterday, it will resort to the emergency "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia" motto. Should anyone notice that being used in the motto, or notice that the motto doesn't change, it might be a good idea to add some more mottos to the schedule. Hersfold (t/a/c) 04:39, 31 July 2008 (UTC)

Schedule is running dry, and there aren't many suggestions.

I just approved and added to the schedule almost two week's worth of mottos (through August 12) that had been sitting in the "Awaiting decision" section for months. Unfortunately, we've only got enough mottos with sufficient support to be approved left to get us to the end of August - if that far. We really need some more suggestions, and a lot more interest in this than it appears we've had of late (ok, I admit, I haven't been hanging around much myself either) to keep things running, or else we need to amend our policies and start repeating some mottos. Our archives contain mottos from May 20, 2006. I highly doubt that anyone's going to remember any from over two years ago, so maybe if there comes a point where we need more mottos but the nominations list is running short, we can start over from the beginning until we've got more new ones to use. To avoid re-repeating, reused mottos should be marked with  Done or something. What does everyone think about this? Hersfold (t/a/c) 04:39, 31 July 2008 (UTC)

The problem is that no one is really running this right now. This needs someone in charge who has some time to devote to it. We've had a lot of problems lately. I don't know if you saw, but there were a few days with no mottos at all. When I saw nothing, I had to look through the nominations page for ones with support and no opposition and emergency-promote them (also to add July . I did this for two days, and then someone else did the same for a few days after that. Then we thankfully had mass promotions done by a few people. Unless we get more nominations soon, which is unlikely, I agree with reusing ones from 2006. Enigma message 02:27, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
If some leadership's what we need, I'm coming back from vacation tomorrow. I can try to liven this up some - design an ad for {{Wikipedia ads}}, post some notices around, harass some people I talk to often (hey, it's not WP:CANVASSing if it's not in relation to a discussion, is it?). Like I said, we're good for a couple days, but it's going to get a bit tight soon. Hersfold non-admin(t/a/c) 04:10, 4 August 2008 (UTC)
No, it's not canvassing. :D Any help is appreciated! An ad would be good. Enigma message 04:19, 4 August 2008 (UTC)


Ta-da. Hersfold (t/a/c) 01:54, 5 August 2008 (UTC)
Oops, actually, there was already an ad, Image:Qxz-ad49.gif. I've deleted my version. Hersfold (t/a/c) 00:45, 6 August 2008 (UTC)
Not sure. Probably not - if you see a good one, suggest it here. If it's been used before, we'll note that in the discussion, but at this point I think we're past caring about that. Hersfold (t/a/c) 01:01, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
Um, I don't know... maybe all of them? Titoxd(?!? - cool stuff) 15:42, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

8/3's motto

Just noticed it. It's a little misleading, because AIV isn't really the ideal place to report personal attacks. Enigma message 00:50, 3 August 2008 (UTC)

Past mottos

I had never come across this project until today, and got here now following a link posted by Hersfold at the help desk. The very first thing I looked for is a link to past mottos that were approved and posted as to me, seeing that will give me the best idea about the project. Is there a page listing past mottos used? Most projects of this sort maintain such a page, i.e., tip of the day, DYK, etc.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 02:18, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Yes. Archives are at Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Schedule/Archive/2006 and .../2007, and all of 2008 is still at Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Schedule. WODUP 02:37, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
Thanks. I think it might be good idea to add a short link to the project template for those.--Fuhghettaboutit (talk) 12:40, 7 August 2008 (UTC)
 Done Hersfold (t/a/c) 15:54, 7 August 2008 (UTC)

Approvals

I realize that I'm closing some rather weak consensuses, and several that I participated in, but to be honest there isn't much option for it. If you'd rather I wait until more comments have been made before closing a discussion, go make those comments. If you'd rather I not close one I've participated in, go close it yourself. The closing process is relatively easy, and anyone can do it - you don't have to be an administrator. Please, I really could use some help with this, as I'm very busy for the next week or so. Hersfold (t/a/c) 12:39, 18 August 2008 (UTC)

Question about style

Should a standard one sentence quote have a period at the end? I noticed that some of them do and some don't. Enigma message 00:37, 4 September 2008 (UTC)

Theoretically, but it's probably not a huge deal. Hersfold (t/a/c) 02:54, 4 September 2008 (UTC)

Future of this Project

I have just been informed on my talk page that this Project is having trouble with continuing. I have the motto on my user page, but I guess more for visitors than myself. I can not say I think this project is all that important. I certainly do not have time to contribute. I will however make a suggestion. We have mottoes for 2007. I suggest these are moved into place for the same dates in 2008, thereby filling the gaps. That would give us 12 months of mottoes that be used again in 2009. The next step would be to modify the selection process to have one section for nominating new mottoes, with space for editors to support them. Another section would be a list of nominations for mottoes to be removed, again with a list for supporters. Then when anyone notices that one new mottos has more than, say, ten supports and one for removal has more than ten supports, the new proposal could replace the old proposal. In this way the list could be improved, but it would still run if there was nobody working on it all the time. What do you think? --Bduke (talk) 05:21, 4 September 2008 (UTC)

I had suggested previously that old mottos be used when needed, and I've already done this with a few days previously. However, I'd still prefer to get new mottos when we can. Judging by the large number of comments on my talk page, I think this project will continue running for some time as is has been, but should the project ever get to the point where it's no longer feasible to run it, we will certainly consider alternate methods such as you're suggesting. Hersfold (t/a/c) 17:18, 4 September 2008 (UTC)
I am in much the same position as Bduke, except I can probably find some time to contribute. :) I didn't realize that there was such a problem with getting people to contribute mottoes. I'll have to come up with some now... and by the way, thanks for the note on my user page, Hersfold! Trvsdrlng (talk) 06:47, 5 September 2008 (UTC)

Don't we have a problem here?

The schedule has not been updated since 31st August 2008, and for tomorrow (6th September) we have no motto. A new motto cannot be assigned either since approved mottos list is empty. Shouldn't we get something from the current nominations fast? Chamal Talk 14:43, 5 September 2008 (UTC)

I'll be working on this later tonight. All of the templates have failsafes installed - if no motto is scheduled for the current day, they will continue to use yesterday's for 24 hours. If there is still no motto scheduled after 24 hours, they all default to "Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia". So technically, yes, a new motto should be in place by midnight UTC, but in reality there's a bit of breathing room. Hersfold (t/a/c) 21:44, 5 September 2008 (UTC)
...and we're set up through the 11th. Just in time. Hersfold (t/a/c) 23:58, 5 September 2008 (UTC)

Leadership

I used to be the idiot in charge of this. Glad to see it's still going since my departure from WP. The Duke of Motto of the day 04:14, 7 September 2008 (UTC)

Mottos

Hi folks, I've moved 7 mottos to the decisions list (all approved, some as per WP:SNOW). Would someone be kind enough to allocate dates for them? Ta muchly •xytram•tkcsgy 10:10, 10 September 2008 (UTC)

Done. In the future, if you don't schedule the mottos, please copy just the mottos to the approvals page. That makes it easier for someone else to come in later, as we only have to edit one section to get them out. As for scheduling, you can just stick them on the next available date on the schedule - only special nominations have particular dates they have to go on, and anything in the way can always be moved. Hersfold (t/a/c) 01:52, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

MOTD templates and changes

Hi folks, I've been playing around in my sandbox and come up with these possible changes which may improve the way mottos are kept and maintained. These are based on the decision boxes used on WP:AFC. Comments are welcome! •xytram•tkcsgy 16:00, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Can't say I really like it. I prefer to have all the comments available at a glance, without having to expand a field to see everything. Nutiketaiel (talk) 12:26, 12 September 2008 (UTC)
It would only be used for nominations that have been decided upon - not "In Review" unless it was something re-listed. I've made a minor amendment to the query/re-listed box so that it is not collasped by default. It's the norm and seems to be very well used and accepted in WP:AFC and I'm sure they deal with more queries than here! •xytram•tkcsgy 13:00, 12 September 2008 (UTC)
Well, if it's only going to be used for one's that have been decided allready, I support. Nutiketaiel (talk) 13:04, 16 September 2008 (UTC)

Best of...

A way to attract attention and solve the problem of not enough mottos would be to reuse the best of the old - and chose the best in well advertised wiki vote/discussion that would attract more attention to this project. I certainly think seeing good, old motto's few times is better than eventing poor new ones just because we desperately want new. --Piotr Konieczny aka Prokonsul Piotrus| talk 18:06, 17 September 2008 (UTC)

I disagree completely. First off, we don't seem to be having a problem getting new mottos, just getting enough people to come here and vote to get a consensus. Secondly, with so many original ideas out there, I don't think we should start re-using mottos untill a room full of monkeys with typewriters manages to duplicate Shakespeare. Nutiketaiel (talk) 13:12, 22 September 2008 (UTC)

Approved section

Is this area of the project in use anymore? Simply south (talk) 17:56, 19 September 2008 (UTC)

Not that I'm aware of, however it may not be a bad idea to hang onto it in case someone isn't sure how the schedule is set up. Hersfold (t/a/c) 22:04, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

Messy, messy, messy

This looks like a project in need of a major overhaul. Especially the Nomination and Scheduling process, but other things could stand to be rewritten, or the styling to be redone. Since I haven't done much with MOTD on this account, and quite a bit on an old account (where many, many, many new mottoes were posted daily), I do need to get back in touch with the processes that drive this project.

But here are a few questions:

  • Who is still here, actively contributing with new mottoes, closing old ones and approving/denying/reopening as per consensus, scheduling, etc?
  • About how many new mottoes are submitted daily?
  • Who is for reworking the nomination process?
  • Who is for restarting the whole project?
  • What "needs" to be kept? Can old archives be deleted if this is restarted?

Please get back to me. Do not reply below this post, it is in many locations. Please leave all concerns here. Thank you QAE 01:42, 27 October 2008 (UTC)

This might not be true but, I think Hereford doesn't go to wikipedia anymore!--Spittlespat 21:55, 31 October 2008 (UTC)


Today's motto

Has no links? [ roux ] [x] 22:44, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

It probably should have and the links version was approved but due to an error it got but up. However, mottos need not necessarily have links. Another example of one without is here, as approved here. Simply south (talk) 23:00, 5 November 2008 (UTC)
Cool beans, thanks for the quick answer! [ roux ] [x] 23:13, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

MOTD Award?

Has there been any thought to dropping a MOTD award on the talk page of the nominator? I just happen to notice that one suggestion I made was used(sorry I've not contributed more) but if I'd not logged in that day I would have missed it. Kind of like a gold star on your Wikispace like DYK does. Something fun to collect on a contributions page :-) This might encourage more to participate.  Geaugagrrl  ☎ 06:23, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

Updated DYK query On 20 October, 2008, Did you know? was updated with a fact from the article Thomas Johnes, which you created or substantially expanded. If you know of another interesting fact from a recently created article, then please suggest it on the Did you know? talk page.
Umm... I don't know. DYK is something serious, it goes on the main page, so that deserves some recognition. Not that MOTD is not serious, but it's like something we do part time, you know? And there're only a very few people contributing to it, which means that only the few of us will be getting this template each day. Chamal talk 06:33, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
Strong Oppose - Awarding a Barnstar for above and beyond or consistantly good contributions is fine. Giving an award for every motto that gets approved is something else entirely- it would be a ton of awards for a tiny handful of us. I think it's a very bad idea. Nutiketaiel (talk) 21:33, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
Like it or not, one already exists. See {{MOTD Barnstar}} Simply south (talk) 21:44, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
Did you even read my comments? I'm fine with a Barnstar. I was awarded that Barnstar, and I myself awarded it to someone else, and have awarded other barnstars to other individuals for hard work on the MOTD project. I like the fact that there is a Barnstar. The Barnstar is for people who contribute consistently or go above and beyond. That is fine with me; in fact, it's a beautiful thing. What you proposed was giving an award to everyone who nominates a motto that ends up being used, and that I am completely opposed to. It would be an inundation of essentially meaningless awards. Comparing it to DKY is rediculous- any contributor to any article in all of Wikipedia can get a DKY- they get spread out. Awarding someone for every approved motto would concentrate the awards among a tiny sub-population: us. It's shameless self-gratification, and I'm completely opposed to it. Nutiketaiel (talk) 21:54, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
Btw, i'm not geaugagrrl. Yes i did read it but now on your new point it is clear that misread it. Simply south (talk) 22:00, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
What's a geaugagrrl? And, re-reading my second comment, I realize that I was maybe a bit rude. I apologize; it's been kind of a long day, and I should have counted to ten before I wrote up my response. Please excuse my rudeness; I stand by my point, though. Nutiketaiel (talk) 22:08, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
geaugagrrl is the original user who posted this. Look above the DYK. And that's okay. Simply south (talk) 22:16, 12 November 2008 (UTC)
And now I'm double embarassed. I must have been really out of it, yesterday; sorry. Nutiketaiel (talk) 12:21, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

Consensus

This grey area i think should be sorted. Consensus is based both on votes and reasoning, when it comes to deciding on the motto. Should there be a minimum on the supports to pass?

Also mottos get rejected due to lots of weak supports or less or majority rule. I think the consensus area should be clarified and sorted out rather than one person's opinion differing over another. And btw, i am not trying to impose my earlier idea of minimum three votes, it is just a suggestion and i am just say that the area should be determined. Simply south (talk) 21:51, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

The concept of Consensus is used throughout Wikipedia. We don;t need special consensus rules for MoTD. It is adequately explained here. Nutiketaiel (talk) 21:56, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

Very, very annoying

While the nominations page has gone through enough of the pros and cons, as a mere utiliser of the MOTD on my user page I have to say that the use of a template within the motto is extremely annoying. I will fully admit that, in my ignorance, I assumed someone had vandalised one of the nested templates somewhere or that perhaps I was suffering from some sort of cache quirk; I even opened up two other browsers to verify that this was not the case.

The long and the short of it is that I, one single follower and user of the MOTD, detest the format of today's motto. I haven't even looked at the message, links, or even the mere words due to the great distraction of the seemingly-misplaced infobox. The work MOTD contributors do is appreciated, but I'd like to vote my "nay" on this experiment. :) - chicgeek talk 02:17, 18 November 2008 (UTC)

Try This One

"Is this where I make some short speech that everyone will learn from in some way?" That was the quote thing. Try it and see if anyone likes it. Gaaras girl434 (talk) 15:55, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

If you want to try this out and gain a consensus, you should suggest this at Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Nominations/In review and follow the guide there. Simply south not SS, sorry 16:20, 13 January 2009 (UTC)

Motto's

Hey there! the motto for today is: the best of those is the one who is at the top but doesn't look down on others!! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 41.247.205.67 (talk) 13:56, 22 January 2009 (UTC)

Er, yeah, thanks. Try adding it here so that it can be discussed by the community. Nutiketaiel (talk) 13:56, 23 January 2009 (UTC)

Supporting one's own motto

There have been some objections raised about my tendency to offer support for my own mottos. The arguements against have been that-

  1. Such action is frowned upon in more formal sections of Wikipedia such as AFD and, therefore, should not be encouraged in other sections.
  2. It can be seen as skewing the results of the consensus in my favor.

My counter-arguements-

  1. MotD is not nearly as formal as the AFD, nor should it be treated as such. My supports for my own mottos are usually intended to be humerous, or to prompt a humerous response.
  2. I am sure those closing the mottos are attentive enough to discount my own support, and besides it's not as if we're voting here- we're looking for a consensus, and one person supporting more or less should not effect that.

If there is a consensus for me to stop this practice, I will do so. The last thing I want to be is disruptive. Comments? Nutiketaiel (talk) 18:04, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

Actually, I don't have a problem with it, nor do I see its necessity. It's obvious that nominating a motto is an automatic support of it, and we can explain our own "support" vote in our nom. —La Pianista (T•C) 18:15, 3 February 2009 (UTC)
I don't like it, sorry. It does skew the result a bit, or maybe it's just me. Sorry, Queenie Talk 18:49, 3 February 2009 (UTC)

New MOTD template

Hi guys, I just whipped up this new motd template and I was wondering if I could add it to the list of templates.

This is the link to the template : {{User:Killeroid/MOTD}} and this is what it looks like

Hope someone likes it —Preceding unsigned comment added by Killeroid (talk • contribs)

Sure go ahead. Btw, don't forget to sign you comments. Simply south (talk) 11:44, 10 March 2009 (UTC)

I have added a search box for the archives to the archive page, hope it works okay. Wikiert T S C 18:15, 15 March 2009 (UTC) :)

Wow. Good one, Wikiert :) Queenie 21:42, 15 March 2009 (UTC)

Barnstar

Someone has made a few suggestions for a new MotD Barnstar. I suggest everyone head over and offer their two cents at the Wikiproject Wikipedia Awards talkpage. Nutiketaiel (talk) 14:09, 7 April 2009 (UTC)

Anniversary

Do you think this month (and again every year) should celebrate the anniversary of the project? Based on my research, this project is just over 4 years old. However a rather ironic thing is that there are many mottos about fighting vandalism and the founder was banned from Wikipedia for sockpuppetry. Simply south (talk) 10:51, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

I suppose. The great MOTD has moved on in those four years, and now there is a great community of all the partcipants and the motto is on many user pages. I could research to see exactly how many user pages... Anyway, how exactly should we celebrate? Further discussion is called for! Wikiert T S C 12:35, 13 April 2009 (UTC)
If everybody wants to celebrate, I have no objection. What did you have in mind, South? Nutiketaiel (talk) 12:43, 13 April 2009 (UTC)
I'm not really sure! Simply south (talk) 13:38, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

I've got an idea! Not the best though. How about we select the best motto of the year? (i.e. the best motto from the period April 2008- April 2009.) Wikiert T S C 09:34, 15 April 2009 (UTC)

That would be extremely difficult to get a consensus on. Nutiketaiel (talk) 11:39, 15 April 2009 (UTC)
Yup, I suppose. I said it wasn't the best idea. Any others, or is this a closed discussion? Wikiert T S C 13:55, 15 April 2009 (UTC)
I don't think this project is big enough to celebrate the anniversary in a big way. Anyway, I guess we may put something up on the Wikipedia Signpost about the project. It might get more people to help here too (hopefully). If you guys are interested, ask User:Ragesoss if this would be possible and get some advice. Someone else will have to do it though, I don't want to get too involved in Wikipedia right now. Chamal talk 14:21, 15 April 2009 (UTC)
I'm not sure how keen they'd be, since they did do that feature on us a little while back. Nutiketaiel (talk) 16:51, 15 April 2009 (UTC)

Help

Running out of mottos... The last one on the schedule is on the 19th or something and today is the 16th. Can someone sort it out, as I'm sure we don't want to have to resort to the same motto as the day before, or 'Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia', the emergency motto. I don't think that I would be very good at making a decision on the mottos, so can someone review some of the oldest ones still in discussion and decide on them, please? Wikiert T S C 15:04, 16 May 2009 (UTC)

I'm still here and there are a few that are about to be approved. I'm going to reject the one with the ridiculous number of edits as there seems no consensus. Simply south (talk) 16:38, 16 May 2009 (UTC)
The mottos now run out on the 27th\28th May. You could try messaging everyone in the category and on the participants page like has been done a few times in the past. Simply south (talk) 22:59, 17 May 2009 (UTC)
Good idea. I'll get round to it, as we are no longer in a complete emergency situation, chances are that maybe a few more mottos will be discussed and approved in the next couple of days. Wikiert T S C 18:00, 18 May 2009 (UTC)

Barnstar

Hi, I updated the barnstar for you as requested, but Queenie seems to have retired, so you might not have known. OrangeDog (talk • edits) 12:33, 18 May 2009 (UTC)


Life

My suggestion: "Life is what happens while you were planning other things." And "Don't give up your dreams - the world is built on dreams" (quoted by Peter Cullen, voice actor). Finally, “Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What’s a sundial in the shade.” Benjamin Franklin.

Where is the list of all MOTD? --Robinson weijman (talk) 08:35, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

If you are trying to make a new suggestion, please put it at Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Nominations/In review. Btw, do not just directly place the quote, in most cases it must directly link back to areas of Wikipedia. Simply south (talk) 09:41, 21 May 2009 (UTC)
OK, thx. --Robinson weijman (talk) 17:25, 21 May 2009 (UTC)

Archival

I didn't know i had done that. For the proper section, please see Wikipedia talk:Motto of the day/Nominations#Archival Simply south (talk) 11:00, 26 May 2009 (UTC)

Comment/Suggestion

Can't these mottos, sayings, quotes, or whatever be more Wikipedia-related? Something inspiring for editors maybe? -- OlEnglish (Talk) 03:12, 5 June 2009 (UTC)

Well, that is kind of the point of the things. If you have some suggestions, come to Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Nominations/In review and comment on the ones being reviewed, or offer up some of your own. Nutiketaiel (talk) 19:47, 5 June 2009 (UTC)
OOh I seen a great one too, just trying to find it again. I'll nominate it once i do. Thanks -- Ϫ 13:13, 8 June 2009 (UTC)

Approving oneself

Is it OK to decide to approve a motto I nominated if the consensus is clearly support? (I mean, lots of people seem to support All Things Must Pass.) Kayau David Copperfield MOBY DICK the great gatsby 14:33, 1 August 2009 (UTC)

Thats a big maybe. If no one else is closing nominations, then ignore all rules, and close per WP:SNOW. Other than that, absolutely not. You have a conflict of interest. I dream of horses (T) @ 02:33, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
Gee, Miss Emily, you seem to be answering a bit too late -- All things must pass has already been approved. Thanks anyway. Kayau Wuthering Heights VANITY FAIR paradise lost 02:36, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
Better late than never. I just looked here, so yeah. I dream of horses (T) @ 02:54, 6 August 2009 (UTC)
I'm looking, even though you told me not to in the edit summary. Bye; studying English now. Kayau Wuthering Heights VANITY FAIR paradise lost 02:58, 6 August 2009 (UTC)

Lack of Interest

Lately there has been a lack of interest in Motto of the Day. I suggest we maybe try to recruit new contributors, or ask former active contributors to add a new motto or review a couple of mottos. Any suggestions?--LAAFansign review 03:45, 22 September 2009 (UTC)

Well, all of those suggestions are good, but we are forgetting one important rule: get the word out. See, the people don't jear about this unless they can find it easily, not by searching deep for a couple of weeks, and so far, we have only 2 ways to get the word out. We should make a Wikiad. I'll contact my long-time partner, Master of Puppets, to help us in our time of need. Secret Saturdays (talk to me)

It's mostly new users who are likely to be interested in MOTD. When we see an enthusiastic new editor, I think we should drop an invitation. Unfortunately as they gain more experience they tend to "move on" to other areas and their priority for MOTD drops down. I'm not active as I used to be here, but I still drop by at least once a week, and so does Julian I think. I believe old timers like Nutiketaiel and pjoef are still active, and we have some newly joined people too who keep the show running :) There are some editors that participate occasionally as well, so we are not in such a bad position as we used be some time ago. And BTW, looks like we already have an ad:
Wikipedia ad for Wikipedia:Motto of the day
Wikipedia adsfile info – #49
≈ Chamal talk ¤ 06:29, 22 September 2009 (UTC)
I think we're doing fine, we've had some really good motto's lately, and a steady flow of new contributors who have been regularly nominating motto's, and we're just about keeping up with the schedule, all in all I don't think there's any think to worry about. If you really want to attract more contributors the best way to do that is to think up very good motto's; I was first attracted to MOTD when I saw a brilliant motto on someone's user page back in September 2008 (To be is to be perceived). SpitfireTally-ho! 11:58, 22 September 2009 (UTC)
Whenever there is a severe drop in interest, normally a message is sent round to all participants to try and get things going again, which usually works (and usually it ends up being me who sends the message ). Simply south (talk) 17:19, 22 September 2009 (UTC)
I've sent about 100 invitations last July when we were running dry. Now, I think we are doing quite well. Anyway, any action that contributes to promote and increase the interest in our project is warmly welcomed! –pjoef (talk • contribs) 20:49, 22 September 2009 (UTC)
Just sent a message to all Decision Makers who are still editing actively but have not contributed to MOTD in a while.--LAAFansign review 01:28, 23 September 2009 (UTC)
I've helped out in nominating a motto for you to look at. Pr3st0n (talk) 23:30, 23 September 2009 (UTC)


I'd like to join, is there any protocol or stuff to joining? Do I have to submit one every <period of time>? Singlish Speªker ♪♫ 10:20, 6 January 2010 (UTC)

we would like regulars but no there isn't anything on that. Also feel free to join. Simply south (talk) 12:08, 6 January 2010 (UTC)

I don't think people actually look at wikipedia ads. (I learnt about the MOTD from - yeah, I know it sounds funny but - from the Recent Changes while I was doing some recent changes patrolling! :)) Kayau Odyssey HUCK FINN to the lighthouse BACK FROM EXAMS 15:04, 17 January 2010 (UTC)

Christmas Mottos

I have just approved two special nominations for Christmas. Both had a positive consensus. Instead of holding one for 2010, I approved one for Dec. 25 and one for Dec. 24. My consensus to choose which on Dec. 25 was based purely on the motto (Wikipedia:Motto of the day/December 25, 2009) which gives a direct reference to Christmas, while the other (Wikipedia:Motto of the day/December 24, 2009) can be used on Christmas Eve. Thanks.--LAAFansign review 00:07, 26 September 2009 (UTC)

30 September Motto

I saw tomorrow's motto is:

→ I do not look upon these United States as a finished product. We are still in the making.

But wouldn't WP:Wikipedia is a work in progress make more sense than Wikipedia:Contributing to Wikipedia, for "we are still in the making"? I didn't know if I should edit the motto, so I thought I would ask here. --Intelligentsium 00:25, 29 September 2009 (UTC)

Thanks for your interest in the Motto of the Day project, and you were right to ask before jumping in and editing a motto, which you usually should not do unless you see vandalism or some such. Each motto is discussed by the Motto of the Day project members and a consensus is reached on the form the motto should take before it is scheduled. The discussion regarding the motto you mention above is archived here. However, your suggestion is a very good one (had it been brought up while the motto was under consideration, it would have had my support). I strongly encourage you to join in the discussions going on currently for the Motto of the Day project at our review page. We can always use more participation, and your insightful comment above shows that you would make an excellent contributor to the project. I hope to see you there! Nutiketaiel (talk) 11:31, 29 September 2009 (UTC)

The Future

What should be done about this project in future. This has been for the last few months teetering on running dry with only short bursts when encouraging people. Yesterday was one of the closest times i have seen being out of mottos and we seem to be just surviving on 5 days ahead. Maybe this project should have the same motto repeated the next day, bring up past mottos to be reused, become MOTW or something else. What can we do to save it? Signpost? Simply south (talk) 01:47, 11 November 2009 (UTC)

I made a suggestion over a year ago - see above. The idea was for the default to be repeating mottoes in one year from the previous year. There would then be a scheme to add new mottoes and to remove old ones. Whenever a motto is approved for removal and there is a new one approved, the latter replaces the former. I still support that. Indeed I think the idea of trying to dream up a new motto ever day is just a waste of effort now we have so many good mottoes that can be reused. --Bduke (Discussion) 02:42, 11 November 2009 (UTC)
I am completely opposed to both of the above suggestions. Sure, things get a little slow once in a while, but we have always kept going forward. Bduke's idea would just stagnate the whole thing, with never changing mottos repeating year after year. South, you're talking about changing the whole nature of the project, and I don't think that's necessary. Nutiketaiel (talk) 15:33, 12 November 2009 (UTC)
How would you suggest things go? We keep getting close to going out. Simply south (talk) 16:00, 13 November 2009 (UTC)
I think that maybe adding the MOTD to the front page (Probably right under the "Strapline") and linking to the MOTD's creator plus WP:MOTD might give us some more willing contributors. Perhaps like so:

Today's motto is: (Insert motto here)
Provided by (Insert Author name here, might require a rework of the way mottoes are stored).Contribute your own motto here.
So, an example for 11/25/09 would be:
Today's motto is: → Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.
Provided by User:Hmmwhatsthisdo. Conthribute your own here.
Just a thought. Hmmwhatsthisdo (talk) 21:28, 25 November 2009 (UTC)

What about using the MOTD ads:

Wikipedia ad for Wikipedia:Motto of the day
Wikipedia adsfile info – #49

or a text version??? –pjoef (talk • contribs) 16:10, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Where. That is really really irritating. --Bduke (Discussion) 22:13, 13 November 2009 (UTC)
Bduke, what is irritating? The banner??? We can make another really really nice banner, which will not irritate you, or we can use a text-only version to be used "eventually" in the days when there are no mottos, of course. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 10:30, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
The box just above of course, with the flashing ads. --Bduke (Discussion) 11:02, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Can we perhaps request help on the Community Portal? Noneofyour (talk) 22:22, 13 November 2009 (UTC)

Could we perhaps have our Wikipedia ad displayed a bit more over Wikipedia, maybe in places like the main page or something. Could we maybe change some of the welcome templates so that they mentioned motto of the day? WVRMAD•Talk •Guestbook 15:00, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
This is a good idea, WVRMAD, but I don't know how it could be implemented. It would be very nice to have the motto of the day featured on the home page together with the today's featured article, picture... but again I don't know how to do it. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 10:30, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

I find the motto gently amusing and I have it on my user page, but I do not consider it that important. It is by no means mission critical for wikipedia. I very much doubt that you would get community support for putting the motto on anything even remotely as important as the main page. I would certainly oppose it. --Bduke (Discussion) 11:02, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

I, too, would oppose putting it on the main page. Perhaps somewhere else that a number of Wikipedians view on a regular basis. Signpost, perhaps? Nutiketaiel (talk) 19:23, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
Signpost is a great idea. Mainpage is a bit...obstrusive?
About the ad - could the words pop up a bit faster? If I were *ahem* the average "attention-span-of-a-fly" internet user, I'd be somewhere else by the time "is" came along. —La Pianista ♫ ♪ 21:17, 18 November 2009 (UTC)
Try Gurch. Should we have a vote on what to do or what seems general consensus? Simply south (talk) 21:55, 18 November 2009 (UTC)

Consensus is against featuring even good articles on the front page; there's simply no way the community is going to agree to putting up MOTD there. Don't even bother asking. Asking the "old timers" to contribute is not going to work. What we need is a way to attract new editors, because from what I've seen here, they work with more enthusiasm on this project than us. Anyway, here's a new ad for your consideration :)

Feel free to edit it (as you can see, it's PD), but please don't add it as a Wikipedia ad just yet. If this is approved, we have to replace the existing banner with this to avoid having 2 banners for MOTD (which would mean either renaming the existing banner or uploading this one over it). ≈ Chamal talk ¤ 04:17, 19 November 2009 (UTC)

Excellent, except I would like a separate frame for "Join Wikipedia's Motto of the Day!". I'd also prefer some more lively colors. (Pistachio? Really?) Some text effects (pop outs, etc.) on that last frame ("Join, etc.") would be an improvement, too.
Being a pianist necessitates nitpicky-ness, you know. If there were something I could do about mah bitchin', I would do so. —La Pianista ♫ ♪ 01:44, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
Wow! That banner is amazing! How did you do that, Chamal? Nutiketaiel (talk) 14:14, 20 November 2009 (UTC)
Great banner Chamal! I would support it replacing the current ad. I see everyones point about Motto of the Day not being important enough for the main page but having an article in the Wikipedia Signpost encouraging users to write a motto would be great. Here is an example of a welcome template for MOTD:
Welcome template with MOTD

Hello, Motto of the day, and Welcome to Wikipedia!

Please remember to sign your name on talk pages by clicking or using four tildes (~~~~); this will automatically produce your username and the date. Also, please do your best to always fill in the edit summary field. Below are some useful links to facilitate your involvement.

Happy editing! ~~~~

Getting started
Finding your way around
Editing articles
Getting help
How you can help

|}

And here is an example of something which will never happen:

Main page with MOTD
Welcome to Wikipedia,
6,918,615 articles in English
Overview · Editing · Questions · Help

Contents · Categories · Featured content · A–Z index

Today's featured article

Ichiko Aoba
Ichiko Aoba

Windswept Adan is the seventh studio album by Japanese singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba (pictured), released on 2 December 2020 by her label, Hermine. The concept album follows the story of a young girl who is sent away by her family to the fictional island of Adan. Aoba and composer Taro Umebayashi wrote, composed, arranged, and produced the music for the album, which was preceded by one single, "Porcelain". Windswept Adan is a chamber folk and psychedelic folk album with elements of jazz, classical, and ambient music. Marking a departure from Aoba's earlier minimalist instrumentation, it includes a celesta, wind chimes, string arrangements, and vocal performances. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its arrangements, instrumentation, and worldbuilding. Upon its release, the album debuted at number 82 on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and number 88 on the Oricon Albums Chart. Aoba supported the album with her first international tour between August and October 2022. (Full article...)

Recently featured:

Did you know...

Zooming In on the Andromeda Galaxy
Zooming In on the Andromeda Galaxy
  • ... that more than one hundred million stars are visible in Zooming In on the Andromeda Galaxy (pictured)?
  • ... that Karen Tei Yamashita realized the structure of her novel, I Hotel, by cutting, folding, and writing on ten cardboard cubes, each representing a year in the book?
  • ... that Carrlyn Bathe met her husband after he sent her gear from his clothing brand?
  • ... that due to the near-miss effect, gamblers may mistake a game of luck for a game of skill?
  • ... that tacklers "bounced off" Chauncey Archiquette "as if he were a brick wall"?
  • ... that the author of the comic book Timeless Voyage was the leader of a UFO religion?
  • ... that Chief Constable James Smart flooded police courts with over 17,000 cases to prove how impractical it was for home owners to light their own stairs?
  • ... that an Indiana university argued in court that The Silver Veil and the Golden Gate, a 1914 painting, was too modern for their art collection in 2024?
  • ... that Piri Reis did not map Antarctica in the sixteenth century?

In the news

On this day...

December 2

Benazir Bhutto
Benazir Bhutto
More anniversaries:
Orion in The Book of Fixed Stars

The Book of Fixed Stars (Arabic: كتاب صور الكواكب kitāb suwar al-kawākib, literally The Book of the Shapes of Stars) is an astronomical text written by Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi (Azophi) around 964. Following the Graeco-Arabic translation movement in the 9th century AD, the book was written in Arabic, the common language for scholars across the vast Islamic territories, although the author himself was Persian. It was an attempt to create a synthesis of the comprehensive star catalogue in Ptolemy's Almagest (books VII and VIII) with the indigenous Arabic astronomical traditions on the constellations (notably the Arabic constellation system of the Anwā'). The original manuscript no longer survives as an autograph, however, the Book of Stars has survived in later-made copies. This image from the book shows the constellation of Orion, in mirror image as if on a celestial globe, and is from a copy in the Bodleian Library dated to the 12th century AD.

Ilustration credit: Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi

Recently featured:

Motto of the Day

Today's motto...

"You expect me to edit?" "No Mr. Bond, I expect you to be reverted!"


Nominate one today!

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Wikipedia is written by volunteer editors and hosted by the Wikimedia Foundation, a non-profit organization that also hosts a range of other volunteer projects:

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This Wikipedia is written in English. Many other Wikipedias are available; some of the largest are listed below.

simple: ar: az: ckb: id: ms: bn: bs: bg: ca: cs: da: de: et: el: es: eo: eu: fa: fr: gl: ko: he: hr: it: ka: lv: lt: hu: nl: ja: mk: no: nn: pl: pt: ro: ru: sk: sl: sr: sh: fi: sv: th: vi: tr: uk: zh:

—Preceding unsigned comment added by WVRMad (talk • contribs) 21st November, 2009

If there is consensus to add it, you need to upload the image to File:Qxz-ad49.gif. A commons admin will have to rename the current image, and then move File:Proposed ad for MOTD.gif to File:Qxz-ad49.gif. I'm afraid I can't make any changes; I'm busy in real life right now and I can't spend much time on Wikipedia. As I said before, you are welcome to improve it. ≈ Chamal talk ¤ 04:16, 1 December 2009 (UTC)

D'oh, what's happening?

Now I don't want to sound like a fool, but why does it seem that even mottos that are usually classified into the 'no consensus' category are often approved, and that there are very few declines apart from those such as 'in favour of edit n' or 'in favour of original'? This phenomenon didn't seemed to be absent when I joined last August. (Did something happen during my wikibreak?) Kayau Odyssey HUCK FINN to the lighthouse BACK FROM EXAMS 06:04, 17 January 2010 (UTC)

New guidelines

I've put all the pieces of MOTD guidelines together and added some rules of my own, here. Please comment on it before I move it to WP:Motto of the day/General rules. Then we would have clear rules on the MOTD. Kayau Odyssey HUCK FINN to the lighthouse BACK FROM EXAMS 06:30, 31 January 2010 (UTC)

I really like the new rules, however I have got some suggestions:
1 - in the content section, how about mentioning that broken links are not a good idea.
2 - in the nomination section, you explain support, oppose, neutral, comment and reply but not suggestion.
WVRMAD•Talk •Guestbook 14:17, 31 January 2010 (UTC)
What do you mean by 'suggestion'? Kayau Odyssey HUCK FINN to the lighthouse 14:29, 31 January 2010 (UTC)

OK, so what should it be called when we move it to the pedia namespace? Kayau Odyssey HUCK FINN to the lighthouse 12:44, 4 February 2010 (UTC)

'Emergency' mottos

I think we should prepare a set of mottos that we can use whenever there is an emergency. These mottos might be a little bland be they should be better than nothing but a redlink. Kayau Voting IS evil 14:44, 25 February 2010 (UTC)

Maybe something like:
"→We've got nothing.
-- I don't like the sound of that.
We got nothin'!"
that? Just a thought. Hmmwhatsthisdo (talk) 01:59, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

Why not just set it to automatically recycle the older mottos from the past? Kinda like how Tip of the day works.. I think they just schedule one set tip for each day of the month, rather than a new one for each day of the year. I'd rather have good daily mottos that were verified and approved by consensus appearing on my userpage rather than this kinda stuff. -- Ϫ 03:48, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

But it's the way the MOTD has always worked - no reusing, that's a rule. BTW, I was the only one who opposed that MOTHER3 WORLD motto, so I guess that's a kind of consensus. Kayau Voting IS evil 06:54, 28 February 2010 (UTC)
Why not reuse? The links to the various project pages is what makes motd useful to newbies, not the mottos themselves. The more times we get a motto that links to a policy page the better. We need more exposure for some projectspace pages, so reusing those mottos that link to them is beneficial. -- Ϫ 07:49, 28 February 2010 (UTC)
Hmm, you've got a point here. (BTW, it's been proposed many times but declined.) However, things change with time so, even if the policy remains unchanged, the quote/motto/slogan/whatever might be so out-of-date, nobody still remembers what it was. Kayau Voting IS evil 10:42, 28 February 2010 (UTC)
Besides, unlike tips, it is fairly easy to think of a wonderful motto to remove the redlinks. Kayau Voting IS evil 10:43, 28 February 2010 (UTC)

3/30/10 Motto: "This Space For Rent." ?

I just noticed that the current motto placeholder for 3/30/10 is not a redlink to the motto page, but rather "This Space For Rent.", linking directly to WP:MOTD. Is this the actual motto, or was this supposed to be for a certain holiday? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hmmwhatsthisdo (talk • contribs) 16:41, 14 March 2010 (UTC)

OK, Secret Saturdays 'approved' it for MOTD's anniversary 30-3, but (un)fortunately there was actually no consensus about whther we should put it up. Anyway, the decision is made and we can't revert it. Kayau Voting IS evil 08:58, 15 March 2010 (UTC)
Ok. Just wondering what it was doing there. Hmmwhatsthisdo (talk) 22:46, 15 March 2010 (UTC)

ROFLOL ~ IMHO this motto is by far the best motto we saw in years (^____^)!!! At least an editor posted a comment here, and another suggested a motto. Great! LOL ~ I think, we should use it as our emergency motto, but pointing to the MOTD participants page. Only in emergency cases, we can also add a section there (to point to) just above the contributors list, asking editors to join and contribute to MOTD. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 11:23, 30 March 2010 (UTC)

Special nominations

Is there a reason for many of the mottos sitting there approved or rejected not being moved to the Decisions page? Smaug123 (talk) 11:16, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

The specials are archived separately, apparently. You know, I've been thinking of merging it into the In Reviews section, like in T:TDYK, as they receive too little attention (especially in this case). Kayau Voting IS evil 11:20, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

Today, I moved and then archived the approved mottoes in the special nominations section (from Jan 2009 to Jan 2010 or so). I was not sure about the procedure to follow, but I added them to archive 25, because it was smaller than A-24. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 11:04, 30 March 2010 (UTC)

No motto for May 31, 2010

Is there a reason why there is no motto for Wikipedia:Motto of the day/May 31, 2010 in the Schedule? Wasn't sure if there was a reason, or what the best remedy would be if it was just an oversight. – Liveste (talk • edits) 02:07, 31 May 2010 (UTC)

I'm really sorry. I think I made a mistake when I copied and pasted the April calendar to create the schedules for May 2010, and I forgot to add the 31st of May /o\. "MEA CULPA!" –pjoef (talk • contribs) 09:21, 22 June 2010 (UTC)

Is it okay to add a new rule to WP:MOTD?

I have a new idea that relates to the concept for WP:SNOW. Is it okay that I add it to the guidelines page? Secret Saturdays (talk to me) 03:38, 25 June 2010 (UTC)

Go on! Be bold! We will delete it if necessary ;) --Smaug123 (talk) 19:36, 26 June 2010 (UTC)
Suggestion from a nut: The future is... peeking behind the past --The Nut (talk) 07:45, 29 June 2010 (UTC)

Centered

I would go and fix this normally, but I'm too lazy, so I'll ask someone else. Why is the text centered on the last few sections, and can someone go fix it? ~~ Hi878 (Come yell at me!) 22:36, 30 June 2010 (UTC)

Main page?

Think we can get the motto up on the main page? We wouldn't need much room to do it and if it does happen even IP's would be able to see the mottos we have. Even if they don't, if would be a major viewer plus. Derild4921☼ 13:55, 21 July 2010 (UTC)

In your dreams! Not a ghost of a chance! Not a cat in hell's chance! Not a snowball's chance in hell! We could have been luckier! (feel free to add more idioms here.) Anyway, it's practically impossible to get MOTD on the main page. The reason is simple: the MOTD is related to WP editing and not WP reading. The main page is supposed to be reader-friendly, so community stuff don't belong there. A user has joked about this before: Wikipedia_talk:Motto_of_the_day/Archive_5#The Future. Kayau Voting IS evil 14:19, 21 July 2010 (UTC)
That section you pointed to was a rather annoying one. One of the two hidden parts wasn't substed (they both came from his sandbox) so it was messing up the whole page, making it centered, making it look as if there were twenty or thirty-ish sections, and making it so that the page wouldn't archive. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 03:26, 22 July 2010 (UTC)
I ask for one link, and they bawk. (Talk:Main_Page#Addition_of_Signpost) —mono 02:04, 23 July 2010 (UTC)

Motto Shop

What do you think of starting a "Motto Shop?" You're thinking, this guy is nuts. Well, actually here's the inspiration. My first motto I submitted into MOTD was actually published, and it was special to me, so I made that my motto to live by on Wikipedia. Attracted some negative feedback, but hey, it works for me. So, I thought we could spread the joy of having a motto to live by on the wiki by creating a motto shop. Here's the cheese. We make a link on our userpages to a special page on MOTD. There they will get to see the two types of mottoes we can create: an original motto or an inspired (quoted) motto. Then they click on a link to where they will be prompted to fill out a template that says what kind of motto they want, and what they want it to say. Then we really have to get our creative juices flowing so we can come up with a motto. No prize for the one who finishes first. Finally we post the motto on the requester's talk page and viola! That person has a motto to live by on the wiki if they couldn't think of one on their own. We probably have the more experience than they do so that's why they would turn to us. Anyway, whaddaya think? Belugaboyhow's my driving? 11:43, 23 July 2010 (UTC)

It's an idea with heaps of potential, that's for sure. I think I'd enjoy doing something like that. What do others think? sonia♫♪ 11:46, 23 July 2010 (UTC)
Yes, how about we have to "claim" a request so that there isn't any problems with who saw the request first? I think its a great idea! Derild4921☼ 13:23, 23 July 2010 (UTC)
<edit conflict>Nice idea, if it can really work... though there's nothing wrong with being optimistic as long as it doesn't become this. BTW viola is a musical instrument; the correct spelling is voila. Sorry for correcting you but I feel I have to because this is the second time I've seen someone else make this mistake and I'm quite curious why people make it... I don't mean to be mean, wait, pun not intended. Kayau Voting IS evil 13:28, 23 July 2010 (UTC)
I think this sounds like a great idea! And the claim system would probably be a good thing too... If we are racing to finish first, the motto might not be as good. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 21:03, 23 July 2010 (UTC)
Kayau, it's alright. I'm clumsy with the keeboard. See? Belugaboyhow's my driving? 00:20, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
LOL, @Hi878: Sorry, but what exactly is a claim system? I'm not a native speaker. Kayau Voting IS evil 00:28, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

Its just like what I mentioned in my comment, make it so that people can "claim" requests and make it known that a request is taken so that there won't be conflict over which editor started on a request first. Derild4921☼ 00:39, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

Which should have been obvious, but whatever... :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 00:41, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
Also, I think we could be able to get this onto the sidebar of the Signpost if we decide to make a Motto Shop. So, should we decide now? Derild4921☼ 13:25, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
I could get that done. Just give me a few days. I write for the post, so it would be a good idea. Belugaboyhow's my driving? 15:22, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

Determine consensus here. Belugaboyhow's my driving? 15:21, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

  1. Support - Great idea that can help spread the word of MOTD although we will need to first write down the process and instructions. Derild4921☼ 16:04, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
  1. Support Yes, we just need to get it all figured out before we start inviting people to try it. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 17:56, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

I will consult User:Rock drum on how to make an order template, and then the person who is the best at templates will create it. Per Derlid's request, we will do a claim system, where you shall put a tick mark and Claimed by <nonwiki>Belugaboyhow's my driving?</nonwiki> under the order. The person who claimed the motto shall create it and edit it before posting it on the bottom of the order and the customer's talk page. This shall continue as long as this shall go on. Consensus: should we do a consensus every Christmas to determine who the "team captain" will be? Please put thoughts below the outdent. Back on track, once we get to full, speed, the go-karts will do a little bumping and we'll have to put the brake pedal to the metal and fix it (meaning we will run into a few conflicts from time to time and temporarily put all orders on hold). So go on ahead, any changes are welcome. LAST-MINUTE SUGGESTION: Should we make a section on the WP:MOTD page about it? Belugaboyhow's my driving? 22:54, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

Consensus on "team captain:" Somewhere between weak support and support—Would help with primary coordination of shop, but we would have to post a message on their usertalk to keep them from acting like kings. Belugaboyhow's my driving? 22:54, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

  • Oppose No need. I don't see what coordination would be needed. One thing, though: Should we create a whole separate prject page for this, or keep it part of MotD? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 23:03, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
  • Neutral - Depends on how many people are involved with the shop. I would say that 20 and above we could have one one but anything below we wouldn't. Based on the number of people currently active in MOTD I don't think we would need one. As for Hi878's question I would say just make it part of MOTD just as a subsection though you do not have to be part of MOTD to help make the mottos though I'm sure most of the motto makers will be in MOTD as well. Derild4921☼ 23:43, 24 July 2010 (UTC)
  • No need for either coordinator or separate project, especially not the separate project. I think it should work fine the way it is; a bit like AfC where you just reserve one and work on it, all self-contained. sonia♫♪ 02:24, 25 July 2010 (UTC)
    Yep, that's what I was thinking for how it would work. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 02:25, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

You can find all the links to the templates here. I'll get 'em set up on the page. Looks like it's gonna work out! Belugaboyhow's my driving? 15:00, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

Look at all the work I've done!

Alrighty, let's see here... I've created an icon for it, changed the navbox, created a page for participants, requests, and the templates that they can put their motto in, created all of those templates, based on most of the ones on the main page, tweaked the templates for requesting that Belugaboy already had, and... And that's about it. Did I miss anything? Oh yes, I added a link to the motto shop in my welcome template. Anyone want to give me a pat on the back? :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 23:51, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

I'll go figure out a claims thing now, too. Probably just a template to add to the bottom of the request. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 00:45, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Alright, I'm done with that. I've introduced an extremely simple reservation system, wrote out some instructions, created a page for closed requests, and added a link to said page to the navbox. I think that I'm actually done now! Now we just get to wait for the no doubt hundreds of requests we will be getting. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:12, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Wow, I guess I'll give you a pat on the back for all the work done! ;).Is it possible to now add an icon for the motto shop on the template used for MOTD that also has the schedule, nominations, FUI, guidelines etc.? Just another thing for you to do ;)Derild4921☼ 01:17, 26 July 2010 (UTC)Nevermind, I was only looking for one icon and actually skipped over that huge section for the shop! Derild4921☼ 01:22, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
:) You have no idea how annoying some of that was... And then the request button sent me to a page that didn't exists because of a typo... But I've finally put the finishing touches on it! It's all ready to go! :P ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:29, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Now let's put a request to get this on the Wikiproject sidebar. Belugaboy said he's part of the signpost so let's see if he can get us on the Signpost! Derild4921☼ 01:32, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
And, while we're at it, get the MotD put in the signpost (unless it's already there, I never read it...). :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:33, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
<edit conflict>It looks excellent. The only problem is that I don't understand it. Perhaps you could, um, make it easier to understand? Kayau Voting IS evil 01:35, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

It would help if you told me what part you didn't understand... ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:37, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Like, how does one handle a request? Kayau Voting IS evil 01:50, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Well, you could look at the requests page... Just an idea... ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:56, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
I made it more obvious where the instructions are. One more thing: Kayau, why did you put noincludes on the participants page? I think that it would be better not to transclude it, and just have it be there, like with the main MotD participants list. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 02:05, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
IMHO, it's better to put MS participants in the main participants page, because then you know which MOTD participants are also MS participants. So I went ahead to be bold. I didn't know you'd object to this. Kayau Voting IS evil 02:07, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Oh, where you put it was fine. I thought you were going to put it on the main Motto Shop page. :) I'm going to have Cluebot archive the requests page; I'll make it after two days. Does that seem like long enough? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 03:09, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Can you lengthen it for the time being, until we become more popular? Kayau Voting IS evil 03:28, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Well, what I was thinking was that we don't want to just leave them hanging around on that page; to keep it clean. So what I'm wanting to know is if we'll definitely have a request done within two days. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 03:31, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

By the way, what do you think of the motto that I came up with? It's the first one ever that I've made; I'm actually pretty surprised that I could do it. :) I'm going to have the archiving be four days; does that seem okay? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 03:35, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

It's not bad, but the question is whether HJ likes it, not other MOTD contributors. Kayau Voting IS evil 04:18, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
I know; I just wanted an opinion since he isn't there. :) But what I really wanted to know was about the archiving thing. I changed it to four days; would that be long enough? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:31, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
I think so. Kayau Voting IS evil 04:32, 26 July 2010 (UTC)
Alrighty then. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:34, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

My blog

I have posted a blogpost about the motto shop here. If you don't want me to mention you, please tell me at my talk page immediately and I will remove your name. Kayau Voting IS evil 06:35, 27 July 2010 (UTC)

There are two places where you forgot to inflate my ego, my dear Kayau. :) I set up the whole motto shop, and got HJ's request. My ego has recently become deflated, and as you can imagine, that is awful; I can actually fit through the door, which presents all sorts of problems such as actually having to interact with people. You must help to remedy this problem. :P ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:06, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
 Done the first part, but the second is  Not done, per WP:NOTE. Also, I stated that you are the most famous for coining the word, 'e-hesitate'. Kayau Voting IS evil 05:11, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
Thank you. I have now successfully failed to get out the door, so my life is back in order. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:17, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
... not that I understand what you mean. My dictionary does not show what 'get out the door' means idiomatically. But, I'm off to Wikibooks now. Kayau Voting IS evil 05:18, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
Inflated ego=inflated head. Should be obvious from there... :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:25, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
Not to me, because I'm not from the states, and (I think this is also related) I'm not a grown-up. I'm just here because... well, I clicked the wrong button and got to my WP watchlist. Kayau Voting IS evil 05:26, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I don't think that you need to be a "grown-up" to understand that; it's in quite a few comics that I have seen, and other places. As for not being from the states, you are probably right; the "Last Page" in Smithsonian magazine had something about that a while ago; it pretty much said that every country has it's own idioms, and pointed out how hard it was for this American to give a speech to a bunch of French people (That may be the first time ever that I've had two semicolons in one sentence). :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:33, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

'Inflated head' is a synonym for 'egotistical', so if your head is really inflated, you're extremely self-centred. If your head is inflated so much that it's too big to get through a door, that says something about your ego ;) --Smaug123 (talk) 09:17, 5 September 2010 (UTC)

Attribution

Should the motto be attributed to the person receiving it or the MS participant who made up the motto? Kayau Voting IS evil 03:58, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Attributed where? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:08, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
If A writes a motto for B, and B puts it on his his userpage, C thinks it's wicked, so C puts it on his userpage. Should C attribute it to A or B? Kayau Voting IS evil 04:39, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
How would it be attributed? We don't put something like that in the box, so where would this go, exactly? Once you answer that, then I can give you a complete answer. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:42, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
I mean WP:CC-BY-SA. The way if you copy someone's userpage's layout, you say, 'I stole this userpage from Joe Bloggs'. Kayau Voting IS evil 04:44, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
They should attribute it to "A, who created it for B". :) Or, if that won't work, they should attribute it to A. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 04:50, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
Hmm, let's get other's opinions, then modify all your templates so there's an additional parameter for attribution, and then put this up on the instructions. For now, we'll e-hesitate.. :P Kayau Voting IS evil 04:52, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

...That sounds like a good idea on all counts. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:05, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

This would not be necessary when we use a quote, I take it? ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:50, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

Um, probably not? Kayau Voting IS evil 10:39, 28 July 2010 (UTC)


Advertising message

I think we should have an advertising message. I could use one to tell some Wikipedians about it. Kayau Voting IS evil 14:34, 28 July 2010 (UTC)

I agree, an ad would be a great idea to get more people to notice this. And Kayau, instead of adding more sections to this page, shouldn't you be putting these on the Motto Shop talk page? Just a thought... :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 23:37, 28 July 2010 (UTC)
What! I was planning to transclude that page here! :) Now, we do need someone to write one up. What do you think about the message I told User:OlEnglish? (If there's any active admin, apart from HJ, that wants one, it's him.) Kayau Voting IS evil 00:20, 29 July 2010 (UTC)
First, definitely don't transclude that here; unless you are planning on transcluding the nominations talk page, too. Actually, then we'd be uniform; there would be a project page and a talk page that are one big mess that nobody cares about, and everyone goes to the various subpages of it. :) Second, the message was good. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 00:26, 29 July 2010 (UTC)
I put a request for the Motto Shop for the sidebar of the Signpost. If it gets accepted we might we more people to come. Derild4921☼ 13:07, 29 July 2010 (UTC)

 Done advertising message; {{subst:User:Kayau/MS}}; sig can be added at the end or as the first parameter. Kayau Voting IS evil 02:34, 31 July 2010 (UTC)

VPM

So, I've dropped a message at VPM, advertising our new changes and running discussions. Please expect a sudden growth of people coming to comment! :) (ok, ok.) Kayau Voting IS evil 02:09, 26 July 2010 (UTC)

Hey, so I added a little notice to the {{Motd nav}} template (which Hi878 rudely removed); I thought the project might be interested in the Fundraising Campaign this year. Unlike last year, where 'the pros' designed the WP forever campaign (and everyone hated it), WMF has decided to work with the community. There are plenty of ideas to review and it would be nice to think of some new ones. Everything's on Meta at meta:Fundraising 2010. Cheers!   ono  02:26, 3 September 2010 (UTC)

I'm going to remove that; I don't think that it is appropriate for our nav template. ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 00:19, 7 September 2010 (UTC)
Um... meta:2010 Fundraisingg doesn't exist! WVRMAD•Talk •Guestbook 18:45, 8 September 2010 (UTC)

Today's motto

Hi, can someone please explain to me how "Never be rude to an Arab" (today's motto) is clever/smart/funny/whatever because, from my point of view, it just seems stupid and a little bit racist. Jenks24 (talk) 16:36, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

It came form Monty Python. What more explanation is needed? :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 23:57, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

Who is responsible for the outrage that is today's motto?

Because I want to give them a barnstar! It's great! HJ Mitchell | Penny for your thoughts? 00:44, 29 November 2010 (UTC)

After doing a little bit of searching, the nominator of the idea was Mono (talk · contribs), and the links were chosen by Smaug123 (talk · contribs). ~NerdyScienceDude 01:01, 29 November 2010 (UTC)
And Pjoef (talk · contribs) added it to the schedule, which definitely took the most work I preferred "→ Click. Boom. Amazing!" but I suppose this one is good as well. :) ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 01:07, 29 November 2010 (UTC)

Template

Hi, i've just created User:Benzband/Motd, a new motto template. It's basically copied from User:Rcsprinter123/Header and Template:Motd. benzband (talk) 14:51, 2 January 2012 (UTC)

Live the life... (or how I learned to stop worrying and start a discussion on the future of this project)

On January 22nd, an issue emerged on the use of lyrics as well as quotes for mottoes. Relevant discussions can be found at User_talk:Benzband/Archives/January_2012#MotD_CSD, User_talk:Pjoef#Speedy_deletion_nomination_of_Wikipedia:Motto_of_the_day.2FJanuary_22.2C_2012, User talk:Simply south#Re:Viva la Vida and User_talk:Hi878/Archive_4#Speedy_deletion.

What should be done about this or is this a case of IAR? Simply south...... having large explosions for 5 years 16:54, 6 February 2012 (UTC)

According to this, IAR. However pjoef proposed an Arbcom to solve this once and for all. In the meantime i have added a potential copyvio to potentially problematic submissions just for information. benzband (talk) 18:13, 6 February 2012 (UTC)
The Wikimedia Foundation is probably a better route than Arbcom since it is an official WMF policy. Marcus Qwertyus 22:21, 7 February 2012 (UTC)
My POV: Has the particular phrase or lyric found its way into popular culture and ingrained itself there? If yes, then using them should not be a problem - although this line of thought opens up yet another gray area. ~AH1 (discuss!) 01:01, 8 February 2012 (UTC)
I think that gray area would be a bit more trouble than it would be worth... ~~ Hi878 (Come shout at me!) 05:16, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

As I stated before in other talk pages about this issue, I'm not going to approve mottoes with quotations —which are NOT in the public domain[a] from lyrics (but also books, articles, interviews, movies, TV, and etcetera) created after 1923-12-31! But, if someone will do it, then I will take and assume all the responsibility and I MUST BE BLOCKED FROM EDITING INSTEAD OF HIM/HER/THEM/WHOEVER!
I don't know if Arbcom is the right place to discuss this, but the Wikimedia Foundation isn't either. There are many Wiki sites that belong to the Wikimedia Foundation and each of them has its own rules depending on the language and legislation. For example, the copyright policies and guidelines for the English Wikipedia are different from those within the German or Italian versions. MotD works on the English Wikipedia, and in this place we must discuss and find a solution.
Anyway, I checked all the English Wikipedia policies and guidelines about non-free content, plagiarism, quotations and fair use (please, see this) I'm not a judge nor a lawyer or an attorney, but I have NOT found any violation of the above. In my humble opinion, the special point is stated in the last part of Quotations#Copyrighted material and fair use:

&#147;A special case is the use of quotations purely for interest or decorative purposes on user pages. By consensus such quotations are acceptable as long as they are limited in extent [...].

The motto of the day is shown on users' pages, consequently, and in my humble opinion, the use of small portions of copyrighted materials falls under this "special case" and qualifies as fair use.

  1. ^ except for WikiQuote that, according to Ironholds, is NOT in the public domain; please, see the English, Italian, and Portuguese Wikiquote— for "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay


Happy editing! –pjoef (talk • contribs) 10:28, 8 February 2012 (UTC)

Sorry about having a rather unexpected break. Anyway, what about inserting refs? Should I also put this to WP:3O or WP:RFC? Simply south...... having large explosions for 5 years 19:37, 15 February 2012 (UTC)
Why not? that may be a good idea. benzband (talk) 20:28, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

Live the life... (or how I learned to stop worrying and start a discussion on the future of this project) RFC

Should quotes and lyrics be used as mottoes in the project? Simply south...... having large explosions for 5 years 21:46, 15 February 2012 (UTC)

Comment: This shouldn't be a problem, as all mottos are attributed via the little arrow (→) that precedes each quote. benzband (talk) 16:54, 6 March 2012 (UTC)

No MOTD for 2 days

Just wondering why the past 2 MOTD pages haven't been created? I would dive in but don't want to mess anything planned up :) ·Add§hore· Talk To Me! 01:54, 6 March 2012 (UTC)

I'm sorry for that, but it's very simple: very few editors/contributors to MOTD take the time or have the time to review the nominations. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 07:47, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
Cheers for that, Lets see if we cant get some more action going on :) ·Add§hore· Talk To Me! 13:14, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
Ouch! I've been otherwise occupied for a few days and so i haven't been following this… also Hi878 hasn't been around lately and it feels rather silly for two people to vote/nominate by themselves :P I don't know what would encourage people to participate in the project (even if there is a pretty long list of participants and many transclusions of the various templates across Wikipedia). benzband (talk) 16:52, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
I sent out a little message to people that use the MOTDs so hopefully that will pull in a few people. Hopefully I will be able to participate now that I know about this project as well :) ·Add§hore· Talk To Me! 17:40, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
Happy to hear this… :D Let's see if we can get the project going again :) benzband (talk) 18:01, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
  • We shouldn't stress about this. The project has been running for years right? There must therefore be a huge archive of MotDs, right? All we need to do, then, is just recycle from this archive if our flow of new ideas has dried up. Myself, I haven't seen most of the past messages and so they would be good as new. And if they are wise and witty then they will be worth repeating. Andrew Davidson (talk) 23:43, 6 March 2012 (UTC)
  • I haven't read through most of the discussions, so I can't say how practical this is: Similar to what Andrew said above, why can't we simply have a little 'database' of all/subject-wise entries, and do a little coding for a bot to automatically and randomly fetch from the lot daily (when there are no new entries)?. If there happened to be something new added, we could instruct the bot to fetch that... Wouldn't that be possible? I personally think asking people to join this project will not be that successful, because IMHO people would prefer to do something more uh beneficial, than to work hard on a userpage template/content. No offense to anyone, just my honest opinion... Rehman 02:14, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
The bot sounds like a very feasible and goo idea. After further discussion I will propose to ass the task to User:Addbot. Other than that, dont join the project, just give the In Reviews page a look over once in a while :) ·Add§hore· Talk To Me! 08:42, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
Sure :) Rehman 09:38, 7 March 2012 (UTC)
A tweaking of the templates may be possible to implement this kind of thing. benzband (talk) 18:16, 7 March 2012 (UTC)

There was a discussion about reusing old mottos randomly just in case there is not a motto for a given day, but the proposal was rejected (or not implemented).
Here are the links to the archives: 2006; 2007; 2008; 2009; 2010; 2011. –pjoef (talk • contribs) 09:02, 11 March 2012 (UTC)

Do you have to check the archives for the MOTD before you put it in the schedule? ·Add§hore· Talk To Me! 13:39, 11 March 2012 (UTC)
No, this is done before during the review process and, sometimes, when there is consensus, mottos have been reused, possibly with a different set of links. (See: Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Nominations/Frequently used ideas). –pjoef (talk • contribs) 11:07, 13 March 2012 (UTC)
It is encouraged however. Simply south...... facing oncoming traffic for over 5 years 18:47, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

Also don't forget for emergency nmottos, see Wikipedia:Motto of the day/Nominations/Emergencies. Simply south...... facing oncoming traffic for over 5 years 18:47, 14 March 2012 (UTC)

Hi guys, sorry I've not been around. Life kinda getting in the way. Less money for more work these days! sigh... &#0149;martyx&#0149; tkctgy 14:19, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

Welcome back, anyhow :-) benzband (talk) 15:53, 26 March 2012 (UTC)

Unify the templates

How about unifying the MotD templates by replacing their core with a common template? Then the differences between each would be only through the formatting (and extra little bits) and also it would be easier to implement changes/fixes/emergency fallbacks (i noticed certain templates don't have a "fallback" capability of displaying the default Wikipedia: The free encyclopedia (or other) motto when the motd is a red link) :

Any ideas/comments/suggestions? benzband (talk) 11:40, 11 April 2012 (UTC)

 Done: added {{today's motto}} to the following daily motto templates:
 Done: added {{random motto}} to the following random motto templates:
 Done: created Wikipedia:Motto of the day/tracking for tracking transclusions of {{today's motto}} and {{random motto}}.
benzband (talk) 12:33, 3 August 2012 (UTC)
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