User blog comment:Dopp/Communicate Easily with Message Wall/@comment-1788742-20110929140510

I agree with the people who say that I users should actually leave feedback about the Message Wall, as it's going to come out whether we want it or not. So here's my full opinion, condensed into one post. I've already stated that I don't agree with how Wikia keeps making Facebook-ish changes to their website, but I suppose it is their choice. However, I think in this case, this can be and needs to be optional, for these reasons.


 * For some wikis, this can be a very good thing. Another method of communication is certainly not a bad thing, but there needs to be a choice between this and user talk pages, which are a core part of MediaWiki and should remain untouched. In short: this should be an option for wikis who enjoy that type of experience, but some wikis should not have this forced upon them if they don't want it to be.
 * Another point: Why can't the Message Wall and talk pages remain available? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that you can certainly do this. Talk pages cost very little to maintain, right? I'm sure you have plenty of skilled tech people who can make this optional, or simply make it available and leave talk pages alone. And I'd like an answer to this question, so please respond.


 * Some wikis still prefer to simply edit. Without these changes. I can name plenty of good wikis who protest against this. On the other hand, some wikis prefer the "social" side of Wikia. Thus, this should certainly be an option for them. But it shouldn't be forced.


 * We have the blogs. The option of article comments and Chat. We certainly don't need yet another mandatory feature that helps us "communicate". Many wikis work just fine without blogs, chat, or article comments. I think this is something that should be addressed. Many wikis may benefit from this but not all of them.

socialization, there would be no editing, and this could be another good method of communication. But it has to be just that: another method of communication, not something that replaces talk pages. Which, contrary to what you seem to think, no one really minds.
 * Which brings me to my final point: I am not against socialization on Wikia. Without

In conclusion: This has to be optional. Or simply another means of communication, like the blogs. But it should not replace talk pages, in my opinion.