User:SOTO/Forum Archive/The Panopticon/@comment-24894325-20160528204037

Problem. Spelling of proper names in audio stories can be hard to figure out. While TV stories have subtitles, only limited number of audios have scripts published, and the scripts are only provided for limited number of listeners.

Current state. When an editor has no scripts available, the best strategy seems to be to create red links for some guessed spelling without creating pages. Sometimes, another editor could fix the spelling. Sometimes, promotional materials would feature the correct spelling later. But there is currently no way to warn other editors not to create pages out of these red links before the spelling is verified.

Proposal. A "Spelling" template adding a note Spelling uncertain, similar to the "Fact" template, would both put a request for additional spelling information and alert other editors not to create a page.

Proposal maximum. I don't know the mechanics of the Wiki enough, but perhaps, it is even possible to collect all such spelling requests on one page, preferably labeled with the name of the relevant story. Then an editor in possession of the script for a particular story could easily check if he/she can clarify some spellings.

Why I think it makes sense. I've been personally struggling with guessing spellings, so I can see how it would help me. When pages for new stories are created, scripts might not yet be accessible. So I imagine, it could also be helpful for those brave souls who create something out of nothing. Finally, if a page is created with a wrong spelling, links begin multiplying quite quickly. Fixing the situation after that requires an intervention by an admin. Wouldn't it be nice to streamline the process and avoid page moves?