Board Thread:Spelling debates/@comment-24894325-20151219214614/@comment-5918438-20151221192007

(I noticed the use of checkered on Eleventh Doctor too, but decided I'd only list valid sources; but yes, that is an example of use using that word, and in this case, using American spelling.)

The difference between 2) and 3) is that for 3 we make exceptions if American spelling is used for that source, right? I actually agree with you on this one: chequer should be the correct spelling, outside of titles and names of things.

If there's a character called the "Checkered Prince", we do not correct that. If there's an audio story with the word "Checkers" in it, we do not correct that. And obviously, if we're quoting we do not correct spelling there either. But if we're discussing the Doctor's chequered trousers, chequered is the correct British spelling, and thus, I think, (should be) the correct one. So we can acknowledge both spellings—chequers and checkers—in the lead of draughts, but then use the British spelling throughout the article, regardless of story.

Checkers should remain as a redirect (checkers, chinese checkers, because there is precedent for that spelling in the DWU. But it does not seem to even be the predominant spelling. (I wish I had my whole book collection with me, and wasn't limited to mostly novelisations for that list; I apologise.)

Especially, as you said, for those who could not possibly tell what spelling is officially used in a story—based on an audio story, or television story, without access to an official script—we need to decide on which to use. If we agreed on an option where it was entirely case-by-case, we'd constantly be arguing about each case of the word and asking for direct quotes to ensure we're using the right one.

This is my input. You seem to agree. Any further comments? Objections from anyone else?