Template talk:Db-histmerge

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Templates for deletion This template was considered for deletion on 2007 February 19. The result of the discussion was keep.

[edit] Please read Template talk:Db-reason before editing.

If you are contemplating editing this template, especially with regards to categorization or parameters, please read the discussion at Template talk:Db-reason.

{{db-reason}} is the meta-template from which all these templates derive, and is also used for CSD in its own right. Some of the other CSD templates are also used both as meta-templates, and as templates in their own right. Because of this, the relationship between these templates, their parameters, and the issue of categorization (so that candiate articles get categorized, but the templates temselves don't) is more complex that it appears at first glance. The discussion on Template talk:Db-reason should elucidate some of these issues. Jamie (talk/contribs) 04:27, 24 December 2005 (UTC)

[edit] Proposed redesign

I've drafted a proposal for a redesign of this template at User:Ilmari Karonen/sandbox/histmerge. Unlike the current version, the proposed version is not built upon Template:Db-meta. I think this is an improvement, since this template and the task it is used for are not really very similar to the more usual kinds of speedy deletion the metatemplate is designed for. Any comments would be welcome.

A secondary issue I started wondering about during the redesign was whether this template should really categorize pages into CAT:CSD as well as into the histmerge-specific subcategory. I realize that all the other speedy deletion templates do this, but as I just noted above, this template isn't really all that much like all the others. History merges are a pretty specialized task, and I'm not sure how many of the admins that routinely do normal speedy deletions would be willing to handle them. I think I'll drop a note at WT:CSD and see what they'll say. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 01:42, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

Ps. The proposed version looks like this:

Merge arrows
 It has been requested that the page history of Example should be merged with the history of this page. This requires an administrator to temporarily delete this page (CSD G6).

Administrators: Before merging the page histories, please read the instructions at Wikipedia:How to fix cut and paste moves carefully. Note that a mistaken history merge is almost impossible to undo. Please also check Wikipedia:Cut and paste move repair holding pen for possible explanation of complex cases.

Feel free to edit it if you have any corrections or improvements to make. It's a kind of a cross between deletion and merge templates, using the merge icon but with type=serious. I think this is appropriate, since it is a request for irreversible admin action. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 02:01, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

Much better. I agree that it makes sense only categorize for the history merge speedy; it looks like less than a dozen admins regularly merge histories, and these articles probably break the rhythm of speedy deletion jockies—but in truth I'm happy either way.
I often come across articles where people have reverted the tag with notes like "do not delete." It's not used like the other speedies, so should have a less threatening, more concise message. This is perfect. Cool Hand Luke 21:30, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

Since no-one has opposed the change so far, I've updated the design of the template to match the version above. For now, I've left the categorization unchanged; I'll remove CAT:CSD from the set of categories applied by this template shortly, unless the visible change in appearance (or the notices I've left elsewhere) happens to drag in someone who opposes it.

Another issue I'd like to hear opinions about is the canonical name of this template: should it be {{db-histmerge}} or just {{histmerge}}? Of course, both should continue to work as they have so far. —Ilmari Karonen (talk) 22:31, 19 September 2007 (UTC)