Talk:lightning mapper
I am open to a discussion about the optimal length of the second definition. "DCDuring" states "5 line definition", the implication (I take it) being this is too many - but does not suggest a place for contributors to find guidance regarding optimal length. [Not friendly to newcomers, IMHO.] Certainly, I can condense the definition, in a variety of ways. However: before I started adding Wiktionary entries, I looked for guidelines. If there was a hard limit regarding number of lines, I missed it. I did see the following on Wiktionary's main page, which I took as my primary guide:
- We aim to include not only the definition of a word, but also enough information to really understand it.
If this (admittedly operational) definition is too detailed, is there an acceptable style whereby most of the details are placed in a separate section? Note I do not have sufficient resources to add a Wikipedia page for the term. -- Soargain 19:12, 15 June 2009 (UTC)
- The first sentence says what it is, the rest says how it works. The first sentence is sufficient as a definition. In general we aim to describe what a term means, and go into as little detail as possible with regards to ways and means. For those interested in the additional detail of how a thing works etc. an encyclopedia is the medium of choice. Is the second definition even different than the first? They both seem to be describing the same thing. - [The]DaveRoss 19:39, 15 June 2009 (UTC)
- One of the best things that an online dictionary can do is provide links to sources that provide greater depth and provide photos or diagrams. Also the contexts in which the word is typically used can help. {{context|meteorology}} is an example. (Soargain would know at least some of the right contexts.) If the context coincides with a category, a user would be able to find many words used in that context. DCDuring TALK 20:28, 15 June 2009 (UTC)
Revised based on feedback. Additional feedback welcome. -- Soargain 04:36, 16 June 2009 (UTC)
- It still looks long to me, but it's within reason. DCDuring TALK 01:11, 12 July 2009 (UTC)