Talk:Lunar Society

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[edit] Linking dates

WP:MOSDATE#Date formatting says simple dates "should only be linked if there is a strong reason for doing so". So Noisy, if there's a good reason you keep linking these, pls mention it in the edit summary – or, better, here – so that User:Jclerman and the rest of us don't keep undoing your work. Cheers JackyR 14:11, 11 March 2006 (UTC)

They set the historical context for the people and events that are being discussed! Let me expand. Thoughtless removal of dates without an appreciation of the article as a whole, and the value that linked dates provide for putting articles in their historical contexts by comparison with other personages and events that were around at the time is tantamount to vandalism, in my book. Ruthlessly applying a guideline when it is known to stir up passions is reckless provocation, and I can't understand how Bobblewik has got away with it for so long. Noisy | Talk 15:38, 11 March 2006 (UTC)

I agree that historical context is important. What I've always done is link the first date in an article, and often the last. Then I link selected others, if there is a particular event of that year that is mentioned in the date article, like a war or invention. The MoS deprecates "low-value" date linking, and I agree. So I (usually!) make sure that the destination of my link will specifically add something – and on really competent days say what in the edit summary... JackyR 17:25, 11 March 2006 (UTC)

In this instance, Bobblewik removed the dates of formation and dissolution of the Lunar Society. That's plain disruption in my opinion. I remove subsequent linkings (unless widely separated, and adding value), as well. Noisy | Talk 17:36, 11 March 2006 (UTC)

Looking at the result, four out of five dates are now linked. I wouldn't do that much myself, and don't think you can reasonably accuse those who disagree with you on this of "vandalism", "reckless provocation" or "disruption". But it's not an issue I feel strongly about per se. I do feel strongly about avoiding pointless edit wars, so I hope that explaining your thinking will have given others at least the chance to understand and perhaps agree. Cheers, JackyR 20:48, 11 March 2006 (UTC)