Template talk:TechForum

Adding a Title Parameter

I'm unsure of how to do this in the wiki syntax, but would it be helpful to have another optional parameter that is the title of the post, thread, or forum, and then have that title included as part of the link that goes to the specific post, thread, or forum. For instance, the result could be "General Clerks Discussion Forum on Tech Forums" instead of a forum link without a title like "Forum on Tech Forums". -- Mike Murray 15:42, 12 April 2009 (UTC)

I have altered the template to include a solution that will insert the forum name based on the forum parameter. It does mean that your example above may no longer make sense. --Steve 22:09, 12 April 2009 (UTC)

This isn't exactly what I had in mind, but it certainly is a creative solution. However, it would only work for forums, and not for threads or posts. It may also be somewhat of a pain to maintain that enumeration. I was actually looking just for an optional parameter called Title or something, that would just put a string of text before all of the other stuff. I figured the user could choose if they wanted to take the time to put in the title of the forum, thread, or post themself, or just go with the default wording that Aebrown set up. -- Mike Murray 00:30, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

Oh, and yes you are right. My example above is no longer as I first typed it. I've now fixed the example. Thanks. -- Mike Murray 00:39, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

I have added in an optional title parameter that will name posts or threads. I do not think the solution for naming forums is too hard to maintain. --Steve 08:29, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

Just one comment about your change of the post link to showpost.php instead of showthread.php...I actually prefer the showthread.php method, because I like to see the post in context. My personal preference is to never use the showpost.php method of linking. I'm not necessarily asking you to change it back, but just wanted to get your comments and opinions on it.

Also, I just attempted to fix the template when you don't provide a title parameter, but was unsuccessful. It is pasting {{{title}}} into the link. I added an if statement that I thought would work, but I guess I still don't know what I'm doing. :) Can someone "in the know" fix the bug for me? Thanks. -- Mike Murray 15:53, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

I've fixed the #if statements for the title parameter so that if it is not used it will return nothing. I think you make a fair comment about showpost.php, but maybe sometimes just highlighting the specific post would be more appropriate. Maybe both ways of linking should be an option? --Steve 17:48, 13 April 2009 (UTC)

Thanks, I think that looks terrific. Great work! -- Mike Murray 17:23, 14 April 2009 (UTC)