Thread:CGT dk/@comment-258494-20161226182143/@comment-258494-20161229040502

CGT dk wrote: As I read from this link, MLA Style are to be used in citations: MLA Abbreviations So to use the 'MLA style' in tables on this wiki is a strange idea that are inconsistent to the three-letter abbreviations used. When the 'style' is applied to a page, messing up tables, I do my best to fix them again, despite the change uses more space.

But sometimes I have to turn to your "where possible" option.

Only on the "Chronological list"s, where it is more difficult to fit in your fourth letter in some of the columns, have I used the "where possible" option.

Otherwise I have to use even smaller fonts in those tables.

There is a more serious problem using this 'style' in tables; "the wiki software" only supports full or three-letter abbreviation month names. This means that dates containing "Sept" are not sorted correctly - whereas I think "June" and "July" are.

Well, then, we have two issues:

1. Technical issues

2. Style issues

Let's discuss (1) first. Regardless of whether we use "Sep" or "Sept", there seems to be issues with, for example, overformatted tables such as the recent problem with the "Oldest Validated People Ever" list, using some strange RNBDAC formatting that has nothing to do with a fourth letter in a table or not...indeed, the Eugenie Blanchard issue was that the entry was originally formatted with an accent mark, and once formatted with a formula, it's difficult to adjust. Personally, I would prefer that we minimize use of formulas that limit editing options. Note that this formula often messes up on leap days and minor issues such as that.

Regarding style issues, MLA style is the most widely-used English-language style. I prefer it, generally.

I have attempted to be reasonable on this issue, leaving the out "where possible". So, if putting in a 4th letter messes up the table, then don't do it. But in many cases, I see it fitting in well in tables.Ryoung122 (talk) 04:05, December 29, 2016 (UTC)