Talk:Thylacoleonidae

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Contents

[edit] Consistency

Why do "Marsupial Lion" and "Marsupial lion" refer to two different articles? If "Marsupial Lion" refers only to carnifex, presumably "Marsupial lion" should as well. Unless there is a Wikipedia policy contradicting, it seems like common sense to me. If there is a reason, I will respect it.— 96.225.22.67 (talk) 16:42, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

This is consistent with what the capitalization means. Capitalized (Marsupial Lion), it refers to just the one species. In lower case (marsupial lion), it refers to all of the members of the family (in this case). All of the species in Thylacoleonidae are marsupial lions, but only T. carnifex is the Marsupial Lion. - UtherSRG (talk) 16:52, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
That seems rather odd to me. Both of these ought to point to a single disambiguation if it's a difference as capitalization, as with any other articles sharing a name. The two articles sharing the same name need to have (species) and (family) as part of their titles. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 18:12, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
I do not know of any other species/family that uses a parenthetical disambiguation for this purpose. - UtherSRG (talk) 18:45, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
See Sepia (genus) and Sepia (subgenus). Ideally, typing "marsupial lion" and "Marsupial Lion" should take you to the same place. This technical difference is so minute and trivial that it makes sense to make a disambiguation page. An alternate fix (unfortunately impossible for Sepia) is to use the actual taxon name instead of the common name. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 21:09, 17 May 2008 (UTC)
Ah... but both Sepia articles are taxa, not common names. Apples and oranges. the family page acts as a disambiguation already, so there's no need for a separate page. - UtherSRG (talk) 21:21, 17 May 2008 (UTC)

No concensous has been reached here. Cazique (talk) 15:45, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

None to change it to what *you* want either. so leave it as it was when you found it. - UtherSRG (talk) 16:00, 28 May 2008 (UTC)
No not *me*, *Everyone*. What is your problem? Aren't you here to help? That's why I am here. So if you are, reply to me and stop ignoring my comments. I am not leaving it the way I found it, because the way I found it is incorrect and the logic for keeping it this way is also incorrect, which I have pointed out to you and asked you to reply but you do not and instead choose to edit war with everyone. I have just now noticed you are an administrator, so act like one and discuss. Cazique (talk) 04:15, 30 May 2008 (UTC)
I talked about this yesterday at lunch with a friend, and he agreed with both ways I tried to handle it. Just thought I'd share that. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 14:45, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

I agree that it should be left the way it is because creating a disambiguation page is pointless and is not any more productive or less confusing. The family page acts as the disambigution page already because it clearly explains the difference and provides a link. And all of Wikipedia is case sensitive, UtherSRG is right about which cases mean what. In the future though Uther, could you explain in your edit summary why you reverted edits instead of just using the generic revert tool. Because I know as an editor if my good faith edits are simply reverted without explanation I can get very angry. That seems to be what has happened here. Also, it's annoying if someone mentions "consensus" when there clearly there is none except one person's opinion. I agree that this page should stay redirected to the family page but I can see why this issue has annoyed a couple people. LonelyMarble (talk) 15:04, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

A new problem I noticed though, should "Marsupial Lions" be redirected to "Marsupial Lion"? I think it probably should. LonelyMarble (talk) 15:14, 30 May 2008 (UTC)
Well I looked at the history and decided to change it so that's done. LonelyMarble (talk) 15:18, 30 May 2008 (UTC)
No it shouldn't you have mixed things up LonelyMarble. marsupial lion should redirect to Marsupial Lion and marsupial lions should redirect to the family. Also why did you say you changed it? You didn't which was good, but why did you say you did? And I'm not arguing the disambiguation alternative bob offered. He just offered this to try and make uther happy, but this is not correct. When someone types in marsupial lion in the search bar, they are referring to the animal, the species Marsupial Lion. Just because they choose not to type with the capitals, does not mean they aren't looking for the animal "marsupial lion". I am changing it back and if uther has a problem he needs to act appropriately and reply to me instead of edit warring. Cazique (talk) 06:50, 1 June 2008 (UTC)
Nope. Here's my discussion. You're wrong. I've given the explanation already. I'm not going to continually repeat myself. I will continually make the right edit, as long as you continually make the wrong edit. - UtherSRG (talk) 12:11, 1 June 2008 (UTC)
No I am not wrong, you are wrong and your failure to discuss the issue and edit war has proven this. I already pointed out how your logic was wrong and you have not defended your logic because you are wrong. You need not repeat yourself, you need instead provide a correct logic for your preference and behave appropriately. I have already asked you to discuss and not edit war but you quite evidently have no interest in abiding by wikipedia policies and this is not my fault. So again, reply to my comments left on your talkpage. Cazique (talk) 13:31, 1 June 2008 (UTC)
No. It takes (at least) two to edit war. If there's one going on, you're in it as well. I have provided logic. You have refuted it, but that doesn't make my logic incorrect. The capitalized name referes to the species, the lower case refers to the family. See right whale. when there was believed to be only one species, it was capitalized. Now that we understand there are more than one species, it is lower case. However, in that case, each species was given a name more specific than just "Right Whale". However, the Marsupial Lion fails to have this distinction. The family page, though, calls out the difference between the family of marsupial lions, and the one species called the Marsupial Lion. - UtherSRG (talk) 17:04, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

No. You are the cause of the edit war and you adopt this attitude with everyone not just me! I have not refused your logic at all I have just highlighted it's underlying flaw and this is what makes it incorrect. And your comparison to the right whales cannot even be used as it is different altogether. I have already told you the one species is called "marsupial lion". Thalacoleo carnifex is the marsupial lion. Again, stop warring and reply to the comments left on your talkpage by me which clearly point out your argument is invalid. Accept this fact and do not edit war. Cazique (talk) 18:44, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

I have replied here. I don not need to reply on my talk page. Please do not revert again. The Marsupial Lion is the species T. carnifex. It beloongs to the marsupial lion family, Thylacoleonidae. - UtherSRG (talk) 20:31, 1 June 2008 (UTC)
Yes you do because you have ignored me pointing out the flaw with your logic. If you are convinved your logic is correct then refute the points I made stating your logic is incorrect on your talk page. The marsupial lion is the marsupial lion, so once again reply and do not revert. Cazique (talk) 11:24, 2 June 2008 (UTC)
I have refuted the logic here: the family page serves as a disambiguation page. *You* should stop changing it from where it was *before* the discussion. - UtherSRG (talk) 13:38, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

In reply to Cazique above, I changed it so "Marsupial Lions" redirects to "Marsupial Lion" and "Marsupial lions" redirects to Thylacoleonidae. Note the capitalization difference in lions/Lions, which is the crux of the problem here. In the same manner, "Marsupial lion" redirects to Thylacoleonidae and "Marsupial Lion" has its own page. UtherSRG has already explained this and her conclusions regarding capitalization are standard on Wikipedia as far as I have seen in my experience.

I think what would be helpful is if someone could provide a source on this article page to back the statement that any species of this family is often called a "marsupial lion". If that source can't be found then Cazique may have a good point in that when someone says "marsupial lion" it almost always refers to the one species. LonelyMarble (talk) 16:50, 2 June 2008 (UTC)

LonelyMarble, I already have made you aware of the fact that you did not do as you are saying and make "marsupial lions" redirect to "Marsupial Lion", so why are you continuing to say this? I wont repeat myself again and instead ask you to read my comment directed to you above. And my point is correct, the documentaries on the marsupial lion refer exclusively to the species "marsupial lion". Plural: Marsupial Lions/marsupial lions/Marsupial lions should redirect to the family, and singular: Marsupial Lion/marsupial lion/Marsupial lion should redirect to the species. Cazique (talk) 17:36, 2 June 2008 (UTC)
Here is hopefully a clear and complete explanation so please read it so this silly edit war can stop:
Wikipedia is case sensitive. The one exception to this rule is that Wikipedia articles start with a capital letter by default so if you type the first letter of an article lowercase the system just ignores it and it is effectively uppercase. This means searching for Marsupial lion and marsupial lion is identical (note when you hold your mouse over "marsupial lion" the javascript says "Marsupial lion"), but searching for Marsupial lion and Marsupial Lion is NOT identical and if there is a compelling reason, there is no reason they need to bring you to the same page. Wikipedia article titles are also always singular, and the plural forms redirect to the singular forms. This means Lions redirects to Lion while Marsupial Lions redirects to Marsupial Lion. This also means that Marsupial lions should redirect to Marsupial lion. Instead Marsupial lion redirects to Thylacoleonidae because another policy on Wikipedia is that article titles for animal family names in scientific classification are named after the scientific name and not the common name. "Marsupial lion" is the common name of the "Thylacoleonidae" family and the "Thylacoleonidae" article could just as easily be name "Marsupial lion". This is why "Marsupial lion" AND "Marsupial lions" both redirect to this family page. Here is a common example to understand: Feline redirects to Felinae because Felinae is the scientific name of the animal (sub)family that is commonly called felines. In the same way, Thylacoleonidae is the scientific name of the animal family commonly called marsupial lions. LonelyMarble (talk) 21:03, 2 June 2008 (UTC)
You did not need to explain this to me if it was directed at me because I already know this. "Marsupial lion" is not the common name of the "Thylacoleonidae" family and the "Thylacoleonidae" article could not be named "Marsupial lion". "Marsupial lion" refers only to the species "Thylacoleo carnifex". I do not even need to argue the point on marsupial lions as you have contradicted yourself in your comment (no offence). You said "Wikipedia article titles are also always singular, and the plural forms redirect to the singular forms. This means Lions redirects to Lion while Marsupial Lions redirects to Marsupial Lion. This also means that Marsupial lions should redirect to Marsupial lion." and then you say "In the same way, Thylacoleonidae is the scientific name of the animal family commonly called marsupial lions". Capitals don't change the words or their meaning. "Marsupial Lion" is the same as "Marsupial lion" or "marsupial lion", just as "Marsupial Lions" is the same as "Marsupial lions" or "marsupial lions". I have now noticed you did infact change "Marsupial Lions" which I thought you didn't because I like many users did not bother typing using capitals which lead me to a different page even though they are the exact same thing! So again Marsupial Lion/Marsupial lion/marsupial lion are all the same word just as Marsupial Lions/Marsupial lions/marsupial lions are all the same word. These same words should go to the same page, with the singular form going to the species and the plural form going to the family. Cazique (talk) 02:23, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
UtherSRG has already explained how capitalization matters in this instance at the beginning of this discussion but you either choose to ignore it or did not read it: "This is consistent with what the capitalization means. Capitalized (Marsupial Lion), it refers to just the one species. In lower case (marsupial lion), it refers to all of the members of the family (in this case). All of the species in Thylacoleonidae are marsupial lions, but only T. carnifex is the Marsupial Lion." I gave the lengthy case sensitive explanation above to you because you seem to not clearly grasp what capitalization means. I also suggest you stop changing this page until the dispute is resolved because you have already broken Wikipedia:Three-revert rule. LonelyMarble (talk) 04:48, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
Sigh, I said no offence so why have you taken offence. I can tell you have taken offence from the tone of your comment. I already have given you a lengthy explanation but you still do not understand. Again you contradicted yourself by using the plural form. Honestly just read my comment and understand, how can you not? You do not need to tell me of the policy as I am quite aware and did not wish to get in an edit war over this and took a number of measures to prevent this including asking him to discuss instead of edit warring, notififying third parties about this and continuing to ask for him to reply to the points I raise. So please don't get on my case especially since I have tried to do the right thing when he quite clearly hasn't. Cazique (talk) 07:42, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
I'm not taking offense I'm just getting annoyed because you continue to revert edits and it appears we are not understanding each other at all. You seem to feel capitalization does not matter but it definitely does, I've seen many other examples of this, such as Us and US off the top of my head. LonelyMarble (talk) 10:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
That's totally different to this. Look I have already said and now I will repeat myself.Singular: Marsupial Lion/Marsupial lion/marsupial lion are all the same thing, the same animal, the species Thylacoleo carnifex. And less comonly Plural:Marsupial Lions/Marsupial lions/marsupial lions all refer to the family Thylacoleonidae or could be used to as a plural form describing the animal (Thylacoleo carnifex). In any case, marsupial lion should redirect to Marsupial Lion as priority and plural form marsupial lions redirect to the family. Cazique (talk) 15:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
Here is a reputable source from the Australian Museum that uses the same capitalization as I and UtherSRG have explained. It is also a good explanation of the difference from the one species and the family as a whole and shows the reason behind the capitalization difference: http://www.austmus.gov.au/mammals/fossil/move_over_sabre.htm Note that the one species is capitalized while the whole family is not. This sentence should explain it all: "The pinnacle of marsupial 'lion' evolution was the most recent species, Thylacoleo carnifex, a widely distributed and common find in fossil deposits across the length and breadth of Australia." "marsupial lion" in that sentence is clearly referring to the whole family. LonelyMarble (talk) 05:19, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
And this reference does nothing for your argument. Throughout the whole article the family is referred to in plural form and the species is the "marsupial lion". The quote you provided only says it in singular form as it would not make sense to have it in plural form. Please take time to read and understand what I am saying. Cazique (talk) 07:42, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
Here's one more example before I go: There's no difference between marsupial lion and the feline example I gave. In both cases when you talk about the whole family you would either say "the feline family" or "the felines", just as you would say "marsupial lion family" or "the marsupial lions". An article about felines would use the plural form almost the whole time but the Wikipedia article title would be singular. The same is true for marsupial lion. Every time the article mentions the one species it capitalizes it to Marsupial Lion and when it talks about the family it uses the lowercase. So capitalization matters for this particular problem. The plurality really does not matter at all. I think the major point I'm trying to make is that as a basic rule Wikipedia article titles are never plural and should never be redirected to different articles based on plurality (plurals always should redirect to singles), but they can sometimes be redirected based on capitalization, which is the case here. LonelyMarble (talk) 10:11, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
Yes again you help me with your comment "the marsupial lions". Come on please just read what I have explained to you, you should understand. There is no animal called "feline" so it is very different from the "marsupial lion". How can you not understand? I don't get it. I have explained why, but you still don't understand and push the captilization as a basis for your argument. I also don't appreciate you sticking that warning on my talkpage as I have already stated that I have tried everything I can think of as prevention. And you sticking that on my talkpage is just seen as a personal attack as I already said I tried preventing this. Plus you reverted my edit, not the other way around. So please discuss and let's not act childish about this situation. Cazique (talk) 15:03, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Two things that seem not to be on anyone's radar: we should remember that consistency is not for everyone a virtue in itself, but only inasfar as it helps orient the Wikipedia reader. And, second, the criterion for article titles is, "How will the moderately well-prepared Wikipedia reader search for this information." All else is often personal vanity. --Wetman (talk) 20:15, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, thankyou. I am the second, and I was looking for the "Marsupial Lion" but I did not bother using capitals as most people probably don't, and instead I was taken to the family "Thylacoleonidae". I was not looking for the family, I was looking for the animal. Thylacoleo carnifex is the marsupial lion. Cazique (talk) 07:09, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Edit warring

Having examined [1] users UtherSRG and Cazique have engaged in an unacceptable revert war. Both of you have received warning on your talk pages, so I have made a formal report to WP:3RR. Before anyone contributes further to this dispute, a vote needs to be made to establish a consensus. Once this is established the other side must respect this.

As I have not been a contributor to these pages until today I will refrain from voting. Remember, revert warring is not acceptable on wikipedia. Mark t young (talk) 15:30, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Vote below (See above two topics)

  • Disambiguate (options must be discussed if consensus is reached)
    1. Bob the Wikipedian (talk • contribs) 23:34, 5 June 2008 (UTC) - Using a link at the beginning of each article, rather than a separate disambiguation page.
  • Repoint the redirects Marsupial lion and Marsupial lions to Marsupial Lion
  • Leave it be (marsupial lion and marsupial lions redirect to family page, Marsupial Lions redirects to Marsupial Lion, as per WP:MaM, which this article falls under.
    1. UtherSRG (talk) 20:30, 3 June 2008 (UTC) - also accept moving Thylacoleonidae to marsupial lion, with redirects as above.
    2. LonelyMarble (talk) 20:56, 3 June 2008 (UTC) - I think we should add a hatnote to the top of both articles navigating the user to the other page. Like at the top of the Thylacoleonidae article the hatnote would read something like:
      This page is about the family known as marsupial lions. For the species T. carnifex, see Marsupial Lion.
      And something similar on the Marsupial Lion page. This would effectively act as a disambiguation page without having to change anything as it is right now. I have added a redirect hatnote to this page to see how you guys like it. It can obviously be taken down depending on the decision here. LonelyMarble (talk) 21:05, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
    3. JoJan (talk) 05:08, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
    4. T.carnifex (talk) 10:11, 4 June 2008 (UTC) - I can't be bothered getting involved in the above argument, as it seems to be winding down, so I shall put in my two bob here: marsupial lions, a phrase that can be used in the singular, refers to a family of extinct carnivorous diprotodontid marsupials. Marsupial Lion is a common name referring to Thylacoleo carnifex. There is a difference in capitalisation, and the search should be case sensitive. A hatnote as suggested by LonelyMarble may be necessary, to aid the "moderately well-prepared Wikipedia reader." T.carnifex (talk) 10:11, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
    5. Secret Squïrrel 01:46, 6 June 2008 (UTC) - Like Mr Carnifex above, I have far better things to spend my time on than petty squabbles. Wikipedia articles should be accessible to the lay reader but should not be dumbed down, nor reinforce common misunderstandings. They should educate and inform rather than simply being a suppository of facts. Despite what some have said, capitalisation does alter the meaning of words (eg Common Seal v any seal which is not rare v common seal). Even if it didn't, there is nothing to stop it from having special meaning within Wikipedia (a bit like four tildes). If by searching for "marsupial lion" someone is directed to the family page and thence learns that there is a whole family of these critters and not just one species, that is a good thing. If LonelyMarble's very sensible suggestion is implemented, it is only one more click to T. carnifex. The Bird people sorted this long ago.
    6. Rlendog (talk) 02:10, 6 June 2008 (UTC)I don't think there is a perfect solution here. Capitalization can change the meaning but people typing in searches are not always going to be cautious about capitalization, nor are many going to be aware that Marsupial Lion and Marsupial lion are necessarily two different things. And there are probably other Marsupial lion species deserving of the common name "Marsupial Lion" except that they aren't as popular as the species that is commonly called Marsupial Lion. That said, in this case I think the best solution is the one suggested by LonelyMarble, which resolves any misunderstandings quickly at the top of each page.

As requested by Mark, I have set up a poll. Vote by signing using the following code: *#~~~~ (asterisk, pound, and four tildes) Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 19:47, 3 June 2008 (UTC)

I have notified all recent editors of Thylacoleonidae, Marsupial lion, and Marsupial Lion of the poll, so that an appropriate polling occurs. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 20:30, 3 June 2008 (UTC)
  • I am not voting in this as my side of the debate has not even been made an option. Plus I don't feel voting will fix this per Wikipedia:Polling is not a substitute for discussion, Wikipedia is not a democracy. Instead both sides should specifically reply to the specific points raised by the opposing party. I have done this but others have not, and continue to raise other points instead of directly addressing what I am saying and what is wrong with keeping it the way they want it. Cazique (talk) 07:03, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
I'm curious to know what your stance actually is, if it's neither of the two listed above. All I know is you didn't like the disambiguation methods nor the current method-- I have yet to learn what your suggestion is. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 12:31, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
By the way, see Wikipedia:DR#Conduct_a_survey. This is a legitimate way to gather popular opinions and better understand the situation so that a consensus is easier to reach. If you don't see your option you would like to vote for, please add it. Bob the Wikipedian (talk) 12:51, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
Why did you even make this straw poll without knowing what was going on then? Extreme care should be taken when making them and they should not be made prematurely. If you read, you would see my stance is that "marsupial lion" should redirect to "Marsupial Lion". Are you kidding me! Why have you even started this contentious poll if you did not even make your self aware of this fact. This has been the whole reason for the edit warrings. I'm sorry, I can't be any more nice about it and I know you will definately take offense to what I have said. But honestly I don't care any more because you did the wrong thing in even starting the poll based on your comment. Please read or re-read Wikipedia:Polling is not a substitute for discussion. Also I will not add my option as I don't agree with what you have done, and I do not need to read your link. How do you think I got into the more detailed guideline:Wikipedia:Polling is not a substitute for discussion? Cazique (talk) 16:27, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
I'll add this option, since Cazique hasn't. Cazique - it's always ok to add another option. Notice Bob did when he changed his vote. - UtherSRG (talk) 16:33, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
I did an edit in the Marsupial Lion redirect, but did not recognized this diskussion. Sorry. After thinking a while think that all links M(m)arsupial L(l)ion(s) should go to the Thylacoleonidae, as they are all marsupial lions. The article for the genus is Thylacoleo and for Thylacoleo carnifex, the most famous species, I would use the common name Pleistocene marsupial lion, as it is the only pleistocene species. I think a distinguishing between capitalized and non capitalized forms is not good, as it seems to me that here is still no consense how to handle that in general in the engl. wiki.--Altaileopard (talk) 13:49, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
I reverted your edit until we reach concensus here. And I disagree with you. By WP:MaM policy, species common names are capitalized, and all higher taxa common names are not. The common name for T. carnifex is therefore the Marsupial Lion, and the common name for the family is th emarsupial lion family, or the marsupial lions. - UtherSRG (talk) 16:33, 4 June 2008 (UTC)
Of course you disagree with him, you have been disagreeing with everyone over the whole history of your edit wars. I agree with your above comment. This comment is correct, and it does not go against my redirect or anyone else who has redirected the page to Marsupial Lion. Thanks Uther, you just closed the issue over the redirect yourself. Cazique (talk) 17:18, 4 June 2008 (UTC)

In order to help resolve this discussion, I'm trying to find a redirect similar to this one. So far, the only one I've found is BLEACH, which redirects to Bleach (manga) instead of Bleach. I was hoping to see the discussion about this disambiguation, but found none. However, note that if the user types "bleach", they can still navigate through disambiguation links to Bleach (manga). Does anyone know of an instance that has a discussion attached to it? Bob the Wikipedian (talk • contribs) 15:31, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

For two examples off the top of my head like you mentioned: SIRIUS redirects to Sirius Satellite Radio rather than Sirius the star. US redirects to United States rather than how Us redirects to US (disambiguation). I don't think either of those have a discussion though. Here is a list of page titles with multiple capitalizations that I got from Wikipedia:Naming conventions (capitalization)#Page names that only differ by capitalization. That list is pretty old I think but many of the articles are unchanged and it proves this is a common problem. There does not seem to be strict rules on what to do except that it recommends at the least creating hatnotes/dablinks at the top of both articles, which is what I am suggesting for this situation. Since the current capitalizations and redirects seem to adhere with conventions from Wikipedia:WikiProject Monotremes and Marsupials I don't think we need to change it at all. Maybe some other people that participate in that or related Wikiprojects should give their opinion. LonelyMarble (talk) 21:45, 5 June 2008 (UTC)
Makes sense. Unfortunately, those are acronyms (most people don't search in all caps unless they are looking for the acronym). However, in accordance with your latest comment, would anyone be opposed to leaving the redirects in an "as is" state and adding disambiguating links to the head of both articles? Bob the Wikipedian (talk • contribs) 23:34, 5 June 2008 (UTC)
Yes I would be. Even though hatnotes make an improvement, it is still an improvement on an incorrect redirect. I have also provided hatnotes for the case in which we correctly redirect it to "Marsupial Lion". This redirect should be used with the newly added hatnotes as a compromise. Cazique (talk) 05:58, 6 June 2008 (UTC)
Actually I dont care to much about the details, but I think the correct and most specific common name for T. carnifex is Pleistocene marsupial lion. (See for example: S. Wroe, T. J. Myers, R. T. Wells and A. Gillespie: Estimating the weight of the Pleistocene marsupial lion, Thylacoleo carnifex (Thylacoleonidae:Marsupialia): implications for the ecomorphology of a marsupial super-predator and hypotheses of impoverishment of Australian marsupial carnivore faunas. online)--Altaileopard (talk) 09:53, 6 June 2008 (UTC)
That is perhaps a more accurate common name, but changing the title of the Marsupial Lions page won't solve this debate. There would still be redirection issues, because people would still search Marsupial Lion/Marsupial Lions/marsupial lion/marsupial lions looking for T. carnifex as it's the name most often used in popular science on television and in magazines. It's rarely referred to specifically as the Pleistocene marsupial lion. That's the way I see it anyway, feel free to correct me. T.carnifex (talk) 14:45, 6 June 2008 (UTC)
I disagree that the redirect of marsupial lion to Thylacoleonidae is "incorrect". We are talking about common names here. There is no true "objective" measure of what a common name is, the way there (usually) is with Latin names. Common names are determined by common usage. And we do not have a poll of everyone who refers to Thylacoleonidae or T. carnifex to determine how everyone refers to them via common names. Sometimes we can resort to an accepted source, such as Groves. But that is no help here.
In any case, I think that the other species within Thylacoleonidae, and the family group itself, have a legitimate objective claim to the common name "marsupial lion". After all, they are all marsupials, and the genus names for all genera within Thylacoleonidae contain "leo". As does the family name istelf. So even within Latin naming conventions, I do not think we can say it is incorrect to use "marsupial lion" for species within Thylacoleonidae besides T. carnifex. I should point out that if it is incorrect to use "marsupial lion" for species other than T. carnifex then this is not just a dismabiguation issue. The text of the articles for Thylacoleonidae, Thylacoleo and Priscileo all make reference to use of the term "marsupial lion" to refer to animals other than T. carnifex, as do the articles for 2 Wakaleo species.
So we have a situation in which (ignoring caps for the moment), someone searching for "marsupial lion" may well be looking for either "Thylacoleonidae" or "T. carnifex". They may even be seaching for some other species, but these are the two most likely targets. As I stated above, I would oppose having the capitalization of the "L" in lion making a difference as to which page gets directed to. But here we have a case where the MaM policy (which I personally disagree with) is to capitalize species common names. And there is ambiguity as to whether a search for "marsupial lion" (ignoring capitalization) intends the family or the most popular species within the family. So given the MaM policy, I think the best solution is for the capital "L" to direct to the species and small "l" to direct to the family - along with LonelyMarble's suggestion for the hatnotes, so that if someone lands in the family when intending the species, or vice versa, they can get where they intended immediately.Rlendog (talk) 22:06, 6 June 2008 (UTC)
  • Sounds like to me, you are trying to change the facts becaue you don't agree with them. Because the fact is the "Marsupial Lion" is the species Thylacoleo carnifex. And marsupial lion should redirect to it as it is the same word just without capitals. I am from Australia and I know that anyone searching for "marsupial lion" is talking about the actual "marsupial lion". All the documentaries about the animal have been about T.carnifex, or have referred to them and shown images of them. I'm sorry to be blunt, but stop confusing the facts if you do not know them. If someone was searching for other marsupial lion species, they would search "marsupial lions". So please do not confuse the issue. Cazique (talk) 04:54, 7 June 2008 (UTC)
  • You state that "the fact is that the "Marsupial Lion is the species Thylacoleo carnifex." If this is the fact you should provide published references to the fact that "marsupial lion" refers to T. carnifex and only to T. carnifex, and to no other species of Thylacoleonidae. And then you should change the various other Wikipedia articles about Thylacoleonidae species to replace references to them being "marsupial lions" with the correct common names for those species. I am curious what the correct (singular) common names for Wakaleo oldfieldi, Wakaleo vandeuri, Thylacoleo hilli, etc. are if not "marsupial lion".Rlendog (talk) 17:11, 7 June 2008 (UTC)
  • Based on this reference (from the discussion you had on user T. carnifex's talk page before this exchange) [2], it is clear that the term "marsupial lion" is a legitimate common name for species other than T.carnifex. So I am satisfied that this is settled.Rlendog (talk) 18:35, 8 June 2008 (UTC)
  • You're kidding me right?! You still continue to confuse the issue over and over. Come on! Cazique (talk) 13:40, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
  • You've stated that it is a fact that "Marsipial Lion is the species Thylacoleo carnifex." That has been your primary stated reason for redirecting "marsupial lion" to "Marsupial Lion". Based on the reference linked by user T. carnifex it is clear that "marsupial lion" can refer to species other than T. carnifex. So your point has been refuted, and you have not produced any evidence to the contrary (other than stating your own personal experience). Nor have you provided any other valid reason for changing the redirect on "marsupial lion". And I notice that while you claim that I (and apparently others) "continue to confuse the issue over and over", you never bother to clarify the issue. So at this point, it is clear I am not confusing any issue, but rather that you are just being obstinate because no one else agrees with you.Rlendog (talk) 15:35, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
"Because the fact is the "Marsupial Lion" is the species Thylacoleo carnifex"......
In scientific literature, which is that kind of reference, we should follow, there is not an "actual marsupial lion". That is only true for unscientific oversimplificated books or perhaps for papers, books, publications ect., which are constricted to the pleistocene age. As we describe here many marsupial lion species, like Wakaleo oldfieldi and others, we should be more specific in the name of T. carnifex. I am not against linking M(m)arsupial (L)lion to the article about T. carnifex, but we should move the article Marsupial Lion (T. carnifex) to Pleitocene marsupial lion, as it would be more specific and less confusing. The first sentence in Thylacoloenidae article should contain something like this: The most famous of all marsupial lion species was the Pleistocene marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex), which is often reffered as the marsupial lion. But that is probably more relevant for the article T. carnifex, so I will post that also on that talk page--Altaileopard (talk) 11:15, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] Resolution?

It seems that a significant majority are in agreement: The plural links redirect to the singular links, the capitalization indicates species, and lower case indicates the family. Cazique and Bob are the only holdouts. Who's going to say we're resolved? - UtherSRG (talk) 05:36, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

I'll second that. I think both sides have been represented. I also think the poll has given an indication as to where the common consensus is. Where do we go after this, if everyone isn't happy to call it? Mediation? Arbitration? T.carnifex (talk) 17:13, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Actually Bob said he's fine with leaving it as is and disambiguating by adding hatnotes to the top of both articles, which I think everyone is in agreement with. So as far as I know everyone but Cazique is okay with the decision to keep the redirects and capitalizations as they are right now and add hatnotes to the top of both articles directing the user to the other article. We can agree what those hatnotes should say. Here are the ones that I wrote up:

Top of Thylacoleonidae:

"Marsupial lion" redirects here. For the species Thylacoleo carnifex, see Marsupial Lion.

Top of Marsupial Lion:

This page is about the species Thylacoleo carnifex. For the family known as marsupial lions, see Thylacoleonidae.

LonelyMarble (talk) 18:16, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Amen, LonelyMarble. Bob the Wikipedian (talk • contribs) 20:27, 7 June 2008 (UTC)
I agree. Per my comment above the only lingering question - whether marsupial lion may somehow actually be an inappropriate term for species other than T. carnifex - has been definitely satisfied.Rlendog (talk) 18:35, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Sorry ,but I am not fine with that. The "L" - "l" thing is very confusing in that way.

Top of Thylacoleonidae:

"Marsupial lion" redirects here. For the species Thylacoleo carnifex, see Pleistocene Marsupial Lion.

--Altaileopard (talk) 12:25, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

These unproductive discussion would be needless, if we call T. carnifex Pleistocene (M)marsupial (L)lion. So please note Talk:Marsupial Lion#Moving to Pleistocene marsupial lion--Altaileopard (talk) 13:11, 8 June 2008 (UTC)
Well, like I said on that discussion page, I'm pretty neutral about renaming it to Pleistocene Marsupial Lion. It would probably get rid of some ambiguity, the only problem is would you have the capitalized Marsupial Lion redirect to Pleistocene Marsupial Lion? If so the article title is somewhat just a superficial thing then, although I agree it would help clarity. If you would have the capitalized version redirect to Thylacoleonidae then that goes against capitalization conventions that have been agreed upon in various animal Wikiprojects so that's not such a good solution either. LonelyMarble (talk) 14:51, 8 June 2008 (UTC)
I would think that "Marsupial Lion" (capitalized) would have to redirect to "Pleistocene Marsupial Lion" in that case. But if someone is actually capitalizing the "L", there is a reasonably good chance that they are looking for a specific species, especially given the MaM naming convention, and so that should be appropriate.Rlendog (talk) 16:23, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Is it okay if I put the hatnotes back up on the two articles? Everyone seems to be in agreement here. The Pleistocene Marsupial Lion is another issue that can get resolved but I'd like to put the hatnotes back up in the meantime. LonelyMarble (talk) 16:39, 8 June 2008 (UTC)

Yes, go ahead and insert the headnotes (surely a better opposite for "footnotes"? ;-) The Pleistocene discussion can be dealt with separately (and should be discussed on Talk:Marsupial Lion). Secret Squïrrel, approx 04:25, 9 June 2008 (Earth Standard Time)

Let me repeat myself

  • "I am not voting in this as my side of the debate has not even been made an option. Plus I don't feel voting will fix this per Wikipedia:Polling is not a substitute for discussion, Wikipedia is not a democracy. Instead both sides should specifically reply to the specific points raised by the opposing party. I have done this but others have not, and continue to raise other points instead of directly addressing what I am saying and what is wrong with keeping it the way they want it."

No concensous has been reached here at all! The words that come to mind when I sum up this discussion are ignorance and stubborness. I am reverting any changes which have been made under the false pretense of "concensous". Cazique (talk) 13:51, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

You've already admitted that headnotes would make an improvement. That means all have agreed this is a positive move. Why wouldn't you leave them? T.carnifex (talk) 14:42, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
Because as I have already mentioned leaving these hatnotes provided by LonelyMarble are to strengthen keeping the redirect to Thylacoleonidae. We can add the hatnotes when a concensous is reached, and this can only be achieved if you actually reply to points I raise and do not choose to sidestep points. Cazique (talk) 14:52, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
But we've all agreed it strengthens the article? You're starting to sound more concerned about "winning" than "improving." T.carnifex (talk) 15:01, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
No one likes a smartass, and that comment does not even comply with what I said. If you are going to be a smartass at least be the first 5 letters of the word "smartass", because your reply shows you are not. Cazique (talk) 15:27, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

Time to let it go, Cazique. You're whining. You aren't making headway. You're being destructive and not constructive. Please cease being a nuisance before you get reported to an admin who isn't involved. Please stop reverting the headnotes, they belong. The decision has been reached that you are in the wrong. You have not proven that your edits are better than the edit the rest of us want to make. - UtherSRG (talk) 15:04, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

Don't make me laugh. Cazique (talk) 15:31, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
Was this intended as a constructive comment to help generate the consensus that you (and only you) seem to believe has not been reached yet?Rlendog (talk) 15:39, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
Go and answer the question I asked on your talkpage, why should I reply to puppets? Cazique (talk) 16:19, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
From WP policy:"The term meatpuppet is derogatory and should be used only with care." You clearly don't know what you are taking about and are just being disruptive.Rlendog (talk) 16:22, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

No, you clearly don't know what you are talking about. See this is what happens when you all decide to comment about me instead of addressing the points I raise, whenever I ask the hard question or raise the hard facts, you all go running. It's impossible to reach a concensous when I have to deal with users who are unwilling to answer. Cazique (talk) 16:34, 9 June 2008 (UTC)

From your comment when reverting me: "Tag-team ownership will not do yourself any favours. Also any third parties might want to take note that some editors have been acting as meatpuppets. Do the research you will see." Just because several people agree with each other and not with you does not imply meatpuppetry.Rlendog (talk) 16:54, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
Someone sounds scared. Cazique (talk) 17:00, 9 June 2008 (UTC)
No. Just insulted. See WP:Civility.Rlendog (talk)

I've reported Cazique for 3RR violation on this article and Marsupial Lion. I've also reported em on WP:ANI for eir behavior here. Some support from those of you who agree would be helpful, since i've been dismissed by one admin on WP:ANI because of my previous block on this subject. - UtherSRG (talk) 17:13, 9 June 2008 (UTC)