Editing Talk:Main Page

= Rules for editing the front page =
* Please discuss here if you have other ideas for the front page, or play on the [[Main_Page_Test | Main Page (Test)]] if you want to show your ideas. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 02:05, 4 October 2006 (CDT)


= Comments regarding the Main Page/Wiki-in-General =
==Business Headquarters==
As part of the Wiki Terms - if making a statement "headquartered in" reference to a business, please check the corporation comission's filing for that state.
Conducting business activity in a state requires a license and filing taxes. It is easy to check for official records.
Even Facebook has accepted the responsibility of removing fake or misleading business references. Wiki requires factual information as part of its requirements.

Any entity with unproven hearsay, possible misuse of copyrights, possible misuse of Registered Trademark or other information to misrepresent should remove statements until official proof or citing is provided.{{unsigned|67.177.193.175}}

: We use the "citations needed" tag ('''<nowiki>{{cn}}</nowiki>''') for issues such as this. As no ''one'' person is responsible for ensuring every edit is validated, the responsibility falls upon every user (editors and readers) alike. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 09:30, 23 April 2018 (EDT)

==Update==
A few months ago I was looking at what Mechs were manufactured in the FWL and found the Free Worlds League Mechs page very helpful.  However, as I was assembling the various Mechs, factories and worlds, I found a number of machines that are NOT on the FWL page.  They are the following- 
o   Locust, Venom, Stinger, Wasp, Wulfen, Blackjack II, Preta, Griffin, Ghost, Hunchback, Kyudo, Phoenix Hawk, Shadow Hawk, Vulcan, Wolverine, Archer, Grigori, Deva, Crusader, Mortis, Prefect, Rifleman, Scourge, Thunderbolt, Warhammer, Battlemaster, Goliath, Seraph, Longbow, Stalker, Emperor, Archangel, Tomahawk

I also located a number of Mechs that are listed as being FWL made, but no listed factories.  These are- 
o   Huron Warrior, Shadow Hawk, Sentinel, Raven, Firestarter, Jackalope, Merlin

I hope this in some way helps.  HyperionCormyr (who can't find his log in info)

==Add "Infantry Platoon" to Unit Categories==
since the infantry Platoon has been a designable unit for a while it would be a good idea to be able to reach them from off the main page--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] ([[User talk:PerkinsC|talk]]) 18:54, 23 August 2014 (PDT)
:I always though a link to Infantry units would be a good idea instead of having to follow multiple links([[User:Dark Jaguar|Dark Jaguar]] ([[User talk:Dark Jaguar|talk]]) 17:24, 19 February 2016 (PST))
::I kind of agree but I think we need to address an issue with unit types and fluff before we move it onto the front page. [[Heavy Jump Infantry (Royal Gurkha)]] for example should really be [[Heavy Jump Infantry]] with a link to the [[Royal Gurkha]] command as a notable example ofthe type. where as most of the articles are extremely heavily based upon their TRO:3085 entries.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 18:44, 19 February 2016 (PST)
::: Yes the entries need some work, but that could be said for a lot of other unit types. I agree there is some duplication and it's 3085 heavy, but those are some of the most detailed description available. Personally I don't think entries requiring a little editing should be a negative to placing an overall Infantry Category link on the main page with all the other unit types. ([[User:Dark Jaguar|Dark Jaguar]] ([[User talk:Dark Jaguar|talk]]) 02:59, 20 February 2016 (PST))
:::: Why not just use the [[Infantry]] page? It works out pretty great? [[User:Admiral Obvious|Admiral Obvious]] ([[User talk:Admiral Obvious|talk]]) 22:16, 20 December 2018 (EST)
:::::I think it is because we use category sections pretty extensively to organise the other units so linking to the Infantry page would be a marked deprture in handling method.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 02:42, 21 December 2018 (EST)
::::::Maybe a category for sub-types of units and then link them to the [[Infantry]] page, same as we do with DropsShips, Jumpships and Warships. Infantry is basically giving us the standard types: Foot, Mechanized, Motorized and Jump (not sure if the latest books added new ones, and then we can put subtypes- Heavy, Artilery, Field Guns, paratroopers...--[[User:Pserratv|Pserratv]] ([[User talk:Pserratv|talk]]) 02:53, 21 December 2018 (EST)
::::::That makes sense to me, and is pretty much what I was thinking back in Feb '16 when it was las raised. The main issue is sorting out the mess of units (as infantry sub types) and commands (fluffy stuff within universe).--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 03:11, 21 December 2018 (EST)
:::::::Overall, the way infantry needs to be sorted (in my opinion) isn't that hard to do. There's some superfluous categories, like Heavy (insert motive type here) Infantry, which can be rolled into their respective, generic class of infantry. Their primary difference is that they have a bigger armament for taking down 'Mechs, most of the time, but other than that, that's usually it. Subtypes can be their own subcategory. Most of the subtypes at the top down level don't much affect who they are. Paramedics for example do what they say on the tin, same as bridge builders, engineers (of their respective type) and minesweepers/layers. Subtypes should be explained on the top down level, and the specific infantry units (and their stories) should be added in under the category for the subtype where applicable, starting with unit type at the top, and then specific units grouped under the generic grouping. In this case, I think linked subcategories would work out well. If someone is looking for specific units, the search function can handle that pretty well too.[[User:Admiral Obvious|Admiral Obvious]] ([[User talk:Admiral Obvious|talk]]) 12:45, 21 December 2018 (EST)

==Add "Category" to the sidebar==
I was searching for a list of categories, and I simply don't know where to look.  Using the search engine here is useless - every individual page with a labeled category pops up.
I was wondering if you could place a link to a list of categories in the side bar under "Background".  I know there are category lists on the main page for various units, planets, etc., but I think a list of categories to navigate from would be helpful.  This would enable viewers to also sort by any category when searching for information.  Also while writing, I am getting tired of categorizing treaties as "events"; there has to be something more appropriate.--[[User:S.gage|S.gage]] 14:46 EDT 5 June 2009.
:Categories: Check out the "Special Pages" section in the toolbar on the left side (third item from the bottom). Among a lot of other interesting stuff, you can get a "Categories" page there listing all existing categories on this wiki.
:Creating categories: Just like normal articles. If unsure, just link an article to the (nonexistent) Category and a red category link will appear. Follow that red link to create the category page (insert some content) and voila, Category created. [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] 06:34, 6 June 2009 (PDT)
::Even quicker way of getting to '''Categories''' than that. Check out the sidebar at the very top, in the section under '''Classic BattleTech Wiki'''. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 09:44, 6 June 2009 (PDT)
:::Sorry, I was really dumb.  I asked for this link under background, but if I had looked up just a little bit, I would have seen the link, just waiting to be clicked.  Thanks, guys!  My bad.--[[User:S.gage|S.gage]] 23:12 EDT 7 June 2009.
::::Not a problem. If there is a way to make the site easier to use, we want it hear it. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 21:32, 7 June 2009 (PDT)

== "Deep Periphery" under "Factions" ==
* Currently, the profile for deep periphery realms is very low.  Though the deep periphery is (arguably) less important than other regions of space, the "deep periphery" is home to many unknowns and plot hooks.  major powers within the "deep periphery" are larger and more influential than some [[Periphery]] and [[Inner Sphere]] powers, including the [[St. Ives Compact]] and the (post-Clan Invasion) [[Free Rasalhague Republic]].  Before (temporary and inadequate) changes made yesterday, navigation to the [[Deep Periphery]] from the main page required navigating through [[The Periphery]], then finding the link at the bottom of the page below the section entitled "See Also".  There is some debate currently on "The Periphery" page as to whether or not to incorporate major "deep periphery" powers on "the periphery" page.  I incorporated them for the interim, but this is really a temporary measure.  The best solution would be to leave the pages separate, and place a link on the main page to the [[Deep Periphery]] under "factions".  Such a move would allow for higher profile and ease of navigation, while allowing these two pages to remain separate.--[[User:S.gage|S.gage]] 12:12 6 May 2009 (EDT)

:I think we should hold off on any action on the main page until a decision is made on [[Periphery]]. If it stays as is, I don't think it will be necessary, as you have put links to all the DP factions on Periphery. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 18:13, 6 May 2009 (PDT)

::Exactly why I waited on any revisions here.  Oh, I am sorry if I have been a little impatient in editing or authoring.--[[User:S.gage|S.gage]] 00:16 7 May 2009 (EDT)

== Posting canon files ==
* Here's a request that should breed discussion: can we post official files? It would seem that the official software programs, [[HeavyMetal]] would make creating a database of official and fan-based [['Mech]]s, [[ASF]]s, [[ProtoMech]]s, [[Battle Armor]], [[DropShip]]s, [[JumpShip]]s, [[WarShip]]s and combat/support vehicles really easy and the semi-official nature of Sarna, now in wiki-form, seems to make the idea obvious. At the very least, I'd like to have a special section for fan-created entries, broken into similar categories I've listed here. An official database would go well with the Background section and a fan database might fit either there or in the Official Game Systems --> Board Game subsection. [[User:Revanche|Revanche]] 11:04, 17 September 2006 (CDT)
** I was thinking about this yesterday as well -- I wonder if we can either 1) Convince Rick that a HeavyMetal wikitext export would be cool or 2) Convert other (html? xml?) output from one of the programs and import it. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 14:52, 17 September 2006 (CDT)
*** 1) Well, I think Rick's response would be along the lines that it would have limited function (for how many BT wikis will there be?). But, on the other hand, Rick sometimes surprises me and feels something is either easier than I expected or worth the challenge. In other words, it wouldn't hurt to ask. 2) I spent the day driving from Reno to Monterey and giving the wiki project some thought. As I was thinking about the help files I have to bone up for creating equipment templates, I started thinking longer-term, with what an entry for a 'mech might be. That's a discussion for another time, I guess, but it boils down to the idea that there is a multitude of information that can be included in an of those types of entries without having to copy/paste info directly provided in the TROs. IOW, even if we did port that info in via a conversion of html (I'd think that there must be something along those lines provided by some wiki programmer), there's plenty more that can be added from non-TRO sources. That is, even after that stuff was ported in, we'd like to add in various stats, histories and models that would fit best into an established template. If we converted existing files into wiki-language, could that data be shoehorned into a template? [[User:Revanche|Revanche]] 00:04, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
**** Definately a topic for further consideration.  Honestly, I do not know enough about the template system to use it adequately. I'll try to learn more soon. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 01:05, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
*** [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Tables#External_links HTML converters]

== Cooperation with Wikipedia ==
* Wikipedia has [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:BattleTech a Battletech section too] and we are both using GFDL licence. I would be happy if we could increase cooperation, to avoid writing the same articles and share other ideas (like category trees and such). I started a thread [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:BattleTech#Cooperation_with_BattleTechWiki at Wikipedia].--[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] 19:18, 9 November 2006 (CST)
* Greetings!  I would be very happy to work with those individuals contributing over at Wikipedia.  I will spend some time this week and examine what you are working on over there. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 02:20, 13 November 2006 (CST)
* I'm all for working with the BTers at Wikipedia, also. We do have two primary audiences, however, that are different. While BTers may read (and they definitely contribute) articles on BT there, the intended audience at Wikipedia is those seeking to be informed on a subject they may not know much about. BTW's audience is a bit different, in that BTW is intended to be a resource for players.  With that said, Wikipedia has been a great source to help us get BTW off the ground. I have seen some great writers who have deftly worked around copyright issues by writing original material detailing the history of the BT universe, etc. But, also, some of the stubs I've imported from Wikipedia, I think, have been equally useful, because they help 'start' articles over here, demanding to be filled in and corrected by the more, dare I say it, anal BT historians. I've been amazed and appreciative of how thorough the BT section at Wikipedia has become and welcome any collaboration. We don't have the writing staff (at all) here at BTW yet to be that influential at Wikipedia, but if the Wikipedians can help us out here, I think it has the potential to build our community and start seeing some crossdecking. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche (admin)]] 09:50, 13 November 2006 (CST)
* I have created [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:BattleTechWiki the template at Wikipedia]. If an article on BTWiki has the same name as on Wikipedia, slapping this template ()<nowiki>{{BattleTechWiki}}</nowiki> on a Wikipedia article and it will be linked to BTWiki; this template should be used in the External Links section (and is not a reference). If you like it, I'd expect BTWiki can copy it (hopefuly the syntax will need no change), so the linkage is both sided. PS. You may also want to create an article at about BTWiki at Wikipedia, if you think it's notable.--[[User:Piotrus|Piotrus]] 18:23, 18 November 2006 (CST)
** Okay, I'll follow the path and set up the appropriate pages over here. As for the BTW article at Wikipedia: I'll leave that for Nic. I'm not sure if BWT deserves an encyclopedic reference just yet. Thanks for the suggestion of teamwork, Piotrus. Oh, and congrats on your latest featured article (Katyn). --[[User:Revanche|Revanche (admin)]] 23:38, 18 November 2006 (CST)
*** Let's wait a bit to get established before we write an article about BTW on Wikipedia. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 20:55, 21 November 2006 (CST)
*** I've created {{tl|Wikipedia}} to facilitate our linking between the sites. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 21:41, 21 November 2006 (CST)
****Thanks for catching this, Nic. I had forgotten. I'll put it on the appropriate Help page. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche (admin)]] 00:20, 22 November 2006 (CST)

== Edit request ==

Could someone please update the exoskeletons line under the units section to get rid of the spelling error?
:Fixed. Thanks, Mystery Requestor. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 09:47, 6 June 2009 (PDT)
 
== User Count ==

Could we get more convenient links to our User Counts? [[User:ClanWolverine101|ClanWolverine101]] 20:54, 28 March 2010 (UTC)
:Have you tried [[Special:UserScore|this one]]? (Can also access some other neat stuff [[Special:SpecialPages|here]].) What I'd really like is to have a tool such as [http://toolserver.org/~soxred93/count/index.php?name=Jason+Quinn&lang=en&wiki=wikipedia this one] to use here. <nowiki>{{sigh}}</nowiki>--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 21:38, 28 March 2010 (UTC)

== Protomechs ==

hello, im new in here and english is not my mothertongue...
im searching at the main page the unit category protomechs. i always have to go over the search function. wich is disturbing cause exoscelletions have their own link and there is nothing behind the link...

thanks heinzbond...
ps i cannot find the link to create a new account...{{Unsigned|name}}

== Images of ==
Figuring that Images should be categorized seperately from the category that what they depict is in, i started to edit the file page for files i uploaded and categorize them under [[:Category:Images of "main category"]] so images of BattleMechs would be under [[:Category:Images of BattleMechs]].  Have not yet created the categories themselves so they mostly redlinked.  Leaving aside the Question of Whither or not we need more categories or subcategories, Should this be [[:Category:BattleMech Images]], [[:Category:Images of BattleMechs]], [[:Category:BattleMechs, Images of]] or some other style?  the Reason i ask is that currently the red linked categories are all grouped under "images of" and someone looking for the category for a unit type could go looking for the letter containing the unit rather than "I" for "images"--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 15:25, 27 December 2010 (UTC)
:Looks like the already existing category uses the "BattleMech Images" Style.--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 15:25, 27 December 2010 (UTC)

== The "New Look" of the left navbar ==

Maybe its just me, but... I don't like it? They text-links are on the smallish side, and it just looks like something is off. Can we change this back? [[User:ClanWolverine101|ClanWolverine101]] 14:29, 21 January 2011 (UTC)
: I may have missed the whole thing. Is it still bothering you, for I don't see anything different. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 11:31, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
::Same here, I don't see any change? [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] 12:18, 23 January 2011 (UTC)
:::Aha, now I do! At work, we have IE7 and the sidebar IS below the mainpage. Still on the left side, but below the rest of the page's content. Its just like it used to be on my mobile browser.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 21:19, 24 January 2011 (UTC)

==Additions to the "Other Items of Note" List==
*BattleMech & Vehicle Weapons: [[:Category:Weapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:WeaponsCustom|Custom]]
*Infantry Weapons: [[:Category:InfantryWeapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:InfantryWeaponsCustom|Custom]]
*Battle Armor Weapons: [[:Category:BattleArmorWeapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:BattleArmorWeaponsCustom|Custom]]
*Capitol Weapons: [[:Category:CapitolWeapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:CapitolWeaponsCustom|Custom]]

or

*BattleMech & Vehicle Weapons: [[:Category:Weapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:Weapons_Custom|Custom]]
*Infantry Weapons: [[:Category:Infantry_Weapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:Infantry_Weapons_Custom|Custom]]
*Battle Armor Weapons: [[:Category:Battle_Armor_Weapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:Battle_Armor_Weapons_Custom|Custom]]
*Capitol Weapons: [[:Category:Capitol_Weapons|Canon]] / [[:Category:Capitol_Weapons_Custom|Custom]]

These would be the top level categories for their type, Heavy Weapons would fall under the Weapons Category, Medium & Light Infantry Portable Weapons would be under the Infantry Weapons Category, and Medium Battle Armor Weapons would be under the BA Weapons Category.--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 21:05, 28 February 2011 (UTC)
:Limited space. Either need to remove something or have someone create a portal for all weapons and list only that on the main page (my preferred option).--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 12:33, 2 March 2011 (UTC)
::Current Weapons category geared rightly to the BattleMech, Combat Vehicle, AeroSpace Fighter, Conventional Fighter, Support Vehicle, and DropShip Level.  The Canon Trackes them seperate from Capitol Weapons, Infantry Weapons, and BattleArmor Weapons.  all of the Current Weapons Articles be moved to a new Weapons sub category specificly for BattleMech and Combat Vehicle Weapons, with the INF, BA, CV, CAPITOL being subcategories of Weapons.--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 23:18, 2 March 2011 (UTC)
::Another thing to consider is Linking to category for infantry platoons.  remember, the infantry platoon is the unit that BT focouses on for infantry--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 23:18, 2 March 2011 (UTC)
:::I'm not a fan of that. It treats weapons differently than everything else. While it seems someone could easily recognize that the weapons follow their intended platform, it doesn't fit within our precedence where you look for the category and then drill down to the specific article. I'd be willing to bend if consensus supported you, but leave it to you to build that consensus.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 01:22, 3 March 2011 (UTC)
::::What i ask follows the way that every thing else is treated - look at the existing unit categories on the main page demonstrates this, BattleMechs listed seperate from Utility Mechs and ProtoMechs, Conventional Fighters listed seperate from AeroSpace Fighters and Support Vehicles, WarShips listed seperate from Space Stations, Support Vehicles Seperate From Combat Vehicles and Conventional Fighters.--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 19:24, 11 March 2011 (UTC)
:::::I still don't agree, as weapons are not mobile platforms (such as BattleMechs, ASFs, or DropShips). Neither are they factions, so therefore they would naturally fall under "Other Items of Note". As stated before, though, if you can generate consensus, I'd be willing to make the change.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 22:41, 14 March 2011 (UTC)
::::::The point that I was making is that Utility Mechs and BattleMechs are Very Similar, Combat Vehicles and Support Vehicles are very similar, and that, as with the Weapons, the only thing seperating them are Matters of Scale, and the Game Rules... Capitol Weapons, Vehicle Weapons, Battle Armor Weapons, and Infantry Weapons are treated differently by the rules, and have seperate tables in Tech Manual.  In Fact, the only way that any of the three things are treated the same is that the BV of a BA weapon is the same as the BV as a Vehicle Weapon.  Weapons Are "Other Items of Note", i was not disputing that, what I was disputing is whither or not linking to the Category for the Vehicular/Battle Weapons alone was sufficient.--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 17:50, 15 March 2011 (UTC)
:::::::Ok, that is more clear. (One point of note: we tend to categorize less by rules than by in-character attributes.) We do have some horizontal real estate to play with. We can get rid of the 'Canon' designation and replace it with simple names, as long as it only takes up the one line. So, I'm thinking it could read:
:::::::*Weapons: Capital/Vehicle/Battle Armor/Infantry/Custom. Would that work?--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 11:29, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
::::::::2 lines... 1 line for the canon, 1 line for the  custom, custom weapons could exist at all scales. 

*(category with underscore)
*Canon Weapons: [[:Category:Capital_Weapons|Capital]]/[[:Category:Weapons|Vehicular]]/[[:Category:Battle_Armor_Weapons|Battle Armor]]/[[:Category:Infantry_Weapons|Infantry]]
*Custom Weapons: [[:Category:Capital_Weapons_Custom|Capital]]/[[:Category:Weapons_Custom|Vehicular]]/[[:Category:Battle_Armor_Weapons_Custom|Battle Armor]]/[[:Category:Infantry_Weapons_Custom|Infantry]]

or

*(category without underscore)
*Canon Weapons: [[:Category:CapitalWeapons|Capital]]/[[:Category:Weapons|Vehicular]]/[[:Category:BattleArmorWeapons|Battle Armor]]/[[:Category:InfantryWeapons|Infantry]]
*Custom Weapons: [[:Category:CapitalWeaponsCustom|Capital]]/[[:Category:WeaponsCustom|Vehicular]]/[[:Category:BattleArmorWeaponsCustom|Battle Armor]]/[[:Category:InfantryWeaponsCustom|Infantry]]

--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 12:30, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
:::::::I'm confused by this proposal. Don't the infantry weapons/battle armor weapons already get pulled into the Weapons category off the front page?--[[User:Mbear|Mbear]] 16:16, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
::::::::No they don't. Weird.--[[User:Mbear|Mbear]] 16:17, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
:::::::PerkinsC, we'll go with one line. No need to take up another line for custom weapons, when they don't warrant the same amount of categorization as canon. If you want details, contact me on my talk page. Please populate the redlinks soonest.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 19:34, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
::[[:Category:Capital_Weapons]] and [[:Category:Infantry_Weapons]] already exist, please add underscore or rename existing categories, will create the [[:Category:Battle Armor Weapons]] or [[:Category:BattleArmorWeapons]] depending on what happens.  right now i am flipping "edge".--[[User:PerkinsC|Cameron]] 20:55, 16 March 2011 (UTC)
:::[[:Category:Battle Armor Weapons]] will be fine.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 23:00, 16 March 2011 (UTC)

==Periphery Commands==
I would like to put the motion forward that we include a link to "Category:Periphery Commands" under the units sub-section of the main page. I think at the moment this category is a little under nurished but with the moratorium period on both [[Historical: Reunification War]] and [[Field Report: Periphery]] ending in a few days there is a wealth of new information to be put into the articles so possibly having the section in plain view might encourage people to help out --[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] 01:50, 26 September 2011 (UTC)
:I think I would rather just put the "military commands" category on the main page. There's a number of sub-categories now and I don't think it's a good idea to list them all. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 23:34, 26 September 2011 (UTC)
::I guess I could live with that. But I think the "Military commands" category could do with a little cleaning up and organizing.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] 00:14, 27 September 2011 (UTC)
:::Agreed. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 00:58, 28 September 2011 (UTC)
:::: I will see if I can spare a bit of time in the next couple of days to tidy it up a bit then. --[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] 05:44, 28 September 2011 (UTC)
Any more thoughts or progress on seeing this done? --[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] 23:49, 22 December 2011 (PST)
:Done. I greatly prefer linking to the parent category than to the eleven sub-categories. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 05:21, 23 December 2011 (PST)
::Thank you, I agree I think it is practical. I did a fair amount of tidying up in September but I am now thinking I could do a little more towards stream lining it a bit more anyway whilst I am off over Christmas. --[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] 14:33, 23 December 2011 (PST)

==Spam==

Seems to became rampant in the last few days? [[User:Panzerknacker|Panzerknacker]] 05:52, 30 June 2012 (PDT)

== Adding a link to the History Page on the front page? ==

I'd like to suggest adding a link to the [[History|History of the BattleTech universe]] on the main page.  Putting a link to an overview of the franchise's backstory and major events on the front page should help people new to BattleTech familiarize themselves with the setting. 
- [[User:AutumnThunder|AutumnThunder]] ([[User talk:AutumnThunder|talk]]) 08:40, 11 December 2016 (PST)
:I agree this could be a good idea.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 09:48, 11 December 2016 (PST)
::Interesting...would the top-page edit I just made work? --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 15:33, 3 August 2017 (EDT)

== Cleaning up the Sidebar==
I think the Sidebar could be made more concise. I'd like to suggest the following:
* move  Official Game Systems and Homebrew Game Systems to their own categories
* replace those two with Current Game Systems:
** A Time of War
** Alpha Strike (rules)
** BattleTech (board game)
** BattleTech (VG)
** MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
** MechWarrior Online
This would allow the Editor- and Admin-friendly Tools to be more up-Sidebar and make the mobile site more relevant. Comments?--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 15:33, 3 August 2017 (EDT)
:Go for it! A revamp or at least serious cleanup/decluttering has long been overdue. Such a project has been on my screen... peripherally... for many years without making any progress. [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] ([[User talk:Frabby|talk]]) 15:49, 3 August 2017 (EDT)
::I'm all for trimming down the list, but I think for those systems you're stripping out - particularly the video games - it'd be worth adding a catch all "other video games" link within the sidebar. [[User:BrokenMnemonic|BrokenMnemonic]] ([[User talk:BrokenMnemonic|talk]]) 15:55, 3 August 2017 (EDT)
::: Okay, I'll take this for action. Thanks, both. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 22:03, 4 August 2017 (EDT)
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 = Rules for editing the front page =
 * Please discuss here if you have other ideas for the front page, or play on the [[Main_Page_Test | Main Page (Test)]] if you want to show your ideas. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 02:05, 4 October 2006 (CDT)
 = Comments regarding the Main Page/Wiki-in-General =
-==Malicious Adverts==
-Could it be possible to somehow deal with the type of adverts on the wiki? Some have linked to actual spyware/viruses. With this being invaluable BT Wiki, it's getting a bit out of hand. Hard to support the site if leaving adverts on literally threatens peoples machines. [[User:deathbane]] ([[User talk:deathbane|talk]]) 23 March 2023 16:45 (GMT)
-:Have notified site bureaucrat. Can you be more specific about the ads you’re seeing? [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] ([[User talk:Frabby|talk]]) 16:51, 23 March 2023 (EDT)
-::@deathbane: There should be absolutely no dangerous or malicious ads on the site.  We use a top-tier advertising platform (Freestar), and anything remotely like that should have been screened and removed.  If you do see something malicious, take a screenshot and send me the link right away.  https://nicj.net/contact/.  For what it's worth, it's possible your machine has previously been infected by malware and is replacing our ads with its own malicious ones.  I'd encourage you to scan your system if possible.   Let me know if you find anything!  [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] ([[User talk:Nicjansma|talk]]) 08:43, 31 March 2023 (EDT)
-:::@Nicjansma|Nicjansma: The advert in question was the usual link to fake russian download this XYZ. My machine scanned with Defender, Malwarebytes etc and there is no issue on my machine. Those adverts have ONLY showed up on this wiki, not other sites I have been using to the point I've had to reenable adblock. I have also had other people in my discord who are battletech fans tell me the same to the point they are running adblock when visiting this site. I understand you are coming from a position of good faith, but I severely doubt its on my end. I'm not type to frequent russian warez sites etc. If I see anything suspect again or other user in our server does who tells me I'll post here and report it. PS: I also don't appreciate unskippable pop up ads even if legitimate (had a few etsy ones etc like this). [[User:deathbane]] ([[User talk:deathbane|talk]]) 14 April 2023 17:57 (GMT)
-::::I'm not saying you have any particular habits that are targeting these ads to you, and I empathize with you that I wouldn't want to see those ads either.  Please report any concerning ads here or to the web form above (screenshot + right-click to get the target URL).  You can also often click on the context menu for the ad to report it to the ad provider, or on the AdChoices button.  You can also change your Skin from SarnAdSense to Sarna and no ad-block will be needed.
-::::For what it's worth, I run the site without an ad-blocker and on the SarnaAdSense skin so I can always review what's being shown on the site.  I haven't come across any concerning ads in the past year or more.  It's possible there's some geo-location targeting for you (vs. me) that some provider is showing more concerning ads.  But as I said, please report those.
-::::Finally, there shouldn't be any un-skippable pop-up ads.  The only type of ad that may be considered a popup is a single "Page Transition" ad that will possibly happen once per session (after you click to go to a 2nd page), that you can always skip by clicking on the X in the upper-right.  If you're seeing any other ads that are un-skippable, please again report per above.  It again could be something else hijacking your ad session. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] ([[User talk:Nicjansma|talk]]) 12:20, 24 April 2023 (EDT)
-==Not sure if it is possible...==
-Would there be a way for the images at the top of the various unit pages to be randomized from one of the ones attached to the article, rather then being a static one? [[User:silvercyanide]] ([[User talk:SilverCyanide|talk]]) 21mar2023 15:36 (EST)
-==Recognition Guide timeframe==
-Do we have an idea of what the timeframe is for the Recognition Guides to be released from their hold and we can start adding the pictures and information from the more recent ones in the wiki? [[User:silvercyanide]] ([[User talk:SilverCyanide|talk]]) 14mar2023 10:20 (EST)
-: Two months per [[Policy:Moratorium]], after that it is all down to when somebody gets to it.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 10:23, 14 March 2023 (EDT)
-:: I own everyone of them and I am ready to put things down, I'm just waiting for the announcements on the front page. [[User:silvercyanide|silvercyanide]] ([[User talk:SilverCyanide|talk]]) 15mar2023 12:43 (EST)
-::: Sorry, that is on me. I often forget to update the main page whilst I am working on other parts of the wiki. Currently you are good to update from 29 and lower.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 17:29, 15 March 2023 (EDT)
 ==Business Headquarters==
 As part of the Wiki Terms - if making a statement "headquartered in" reference to a business, please check the corporation comission's filing for that state.
@@ Line 70: / Line 50: @@
 == Posting canon files ==
-* Here's a request that should breed discussion: can we post official files? It would seem that the official software programs, [[HeavyMetal]] would make creating a database of official and fan-based [['Mech]]s, [[ASF]]s, [[ProtoMech]]s, [[battle armor]], [[DropShip]]s, [[JumpShip]]s, [[WarShip]]s and combat/support vehicles really easy and the semi-official nature of Sarna, now in wiki-form, seems to make the idea obvious. At the very least, I'd like to have a special section for fan-created entries, broken into similar categories I've listed here. An official database would go well with the Background section and a fan database might fit either there or in the Official Game Systems --> Board Game subsection. [[User:Revanche|Revanche]] 11:04, 17 September 2006 (CDT)
+* Here's a request that should breed discussion: can we post official files? It would seem that the official software programs, [[HeavyMetal]] would make creating a database of official and fan-based [['Mech]]s, [[ASF]]s, [[ProtoMech]]s, [[Battle Armor]], [[DropShip]]s, [[JumpShip]]s, [[WarShip]]s and combat/support vehicles really easy and the semi-official nature of Sarna, now in wiki-form, seems to make the idea obvious. At the very least, I'd like to have a special section for fan-created entries, broken into similar categories I've listed here. An official database would go well with the Background section and a fan database might fit either there or in the Official Game Systems --> Board Game subsection. [[User:Revanche|Revanche]] 11:04, 17 September 2006 (CDT)
 ** I was thinking about this yesterday as well -- I wonder if we can either 1) Convince Rick that a HeavyMetal wikitext export would be cool or 2) Convert other (html? xml?) output from one of the programs and import it. [[User:Nicjansma|Nicjansma]] 14:52, 17 September 2006 (CDT)
 *** 1) Well, I think Rick's response would be along the lines that it would have limited function (for how many BT wikis will there be?). But, on the other hand, Rick sometimes surprises me and feels something is either easier than I expected or worth the challenge. In other words, it wouldn't hurt to ask. 2) I spent the day driving from Reno to Monterey and giving the wiki project some thought. As I was thinking about the help files I have to bone up for creating equipment templates, I started thinking longer-term, with what an entry for a 'mech might be. That's a discussion for another time, I guess, but it boils down to the idea that there is a multitude of information that can be included in an of those types of entries without having to copy/paste info directly provided in the TROs. IOW, even if we did port that info in via a conversion of html (I'd think that there must be something along those lines provided by some wiki programmer), there's plenty more that can be added from non-TRO sources. That is, even after that stuff was ported in, we'd like to add in various stats, histories and models that would fit best into an established template. If we converted existing files into wiki-language, could that data be shoehorned into a template? [[User:Revanche|Revanche]] 00:04, 18 September 2006 (CDT)
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 ::I'm all for trimming down the list, but I think for those systems you're stripping out - particularly the video games - it'd be worth adding a catch all "other video games" link within the sidebar. [[User:BrokenMnemonic|BrokenMnemonic]] ([[User talk:BrokenMnemonic|talk]]) 15:55, 3 August 2017 (EDT)
 ::: Okay, I'll take this for action. Thanks, both. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 22:03, 4 August 2017 (EDT)
-== AeroSpace fighters ==
-Might be time to clean up the main page a bit. [[User:Madness Divine|Madness Divine]] ([[User talk:Madness Divine|talk]]) 14:04, 3 August 2022 (EDT)
-: Concur! I noticed the same thing, but I don't have high enough authority to change "AeroSpace fighters" on the home page to "Aerospace fighters" [[Special:Contributions/75.23.228.139|75.23.228.139]] 15:28, 7 September 2022 (EDT)