User blog comment:MisterWoodhouse/Fandom is upgrading to a modern version of MediaWiki/@comment-5785681-20190628202301

I truly hope you rethink your stand on subcategories. They're tremendously helpful in terms of wiki organization, as well as internal search purposes for users who, after all, come to wikis in search of information they should be able to find with ease. Dynamic Categories is woefully inadequate since it only targets the popular pages which isn't always what a fan wants to see highlighted. Search Engine Optimization is what advertisers want, not what editors want. This particular cart has been dragging the horse around since November and, imo, it's only been good for advertisers, not for editors/users.

On the other hand, if you're going to stick with multiple layouts, give editors/users their options via Preferences OBVIOUS UPON REGISTRATION BEFORE BEING USABLE. This can be done with visual aids and clear explanations. I'm sure new registrants would appreciate the instruction instead of having to ask CC or finding out by surprise or stumbling upon it. It should be their Preferences from the start.

Case in point: Dynamic Categories view is the present default layout for Categories because it's better for SEO. I personally prefer Classic Categories (as did Wikia once upon a time) because it's better for wiki organization and searching. I asked about this and was told the default could not be altered because every user must have the right to select the layout for themselves. This answer makes no sense because FANDOM has made the Dynamic Categories the de facto choice unless the user actively opts out. That's not playing fair, especially when you realize that the reason, once again, favors advertisers, not editors/users based on SEO instead of practical usage.

My sincere hope is that the new contract that promises editor-friendly tools and an interactive platform truly is democratic in how it presents options. I understand that some things will be hard-wired, but some things should be malleable by the user. If they are, they should be offered and explained up front and early on in a registered user's wiki life.

Those of us who stick around and have stuck around, do so because we believe in the platform upon which Wikia/FANDOM is built, though not necessarily the day-to-day decisions. We're here voluntarily, productively and protectively.

Angelle 20:23, June 28, 2019 (UTC)