User talk:(WT-en) Butwhatdoiknow

Your Wisconsin edit

You deleted my addition of a link to a pronunciation guide, saying "undo - see Wikivoyage:External links (we want to add content, not just link to it." Did you realize that the link contained audio of the pronunciation of hundreds of words associated with the state? While I agree that having content on the site is best, for every rule there is an exception. In this case, helpful information is not easily duplicated by text. Isn't it better to have access to the information by way of a link from the Wikivoyage site rather than having nothing whatsoever?(WT-en) Butwhatdoiknow 09:04, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

No, it isn't better. Empty space calls for knowledgeable people to fill it; filled space doesn't. Although we provide links to the official websites of hotels, restaurants, and tourist sights, we're really trying to create a guide that can be used without need for other websites - so travelers can print the Wikivoyage guide and use it off-line. In this case, the pronunciation of people from Wisconsin is not that strange to require an audio guide for outsiders to understand. The 'Talk' section should mention any second languages that are popular in Wisconsin and cover English slang from Wisconsin that's not used in other places. (Like the way we in Chicago might refer to a 'two-flat'.)

I hope you'll keep pushing the Wisconsin article forward, though. It'd be great to have more coverage of the cities and attractions there. Gorilla Jones 10:46, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

The reason I included the guide is that includes the audio of pronunciations of PLACES in Wisconsin (such as "Chequamegon" and "Lac Courte Oreilles") that would be helpful to a traveler. This is distinguishable from "two-flat," which can be easily pronounced whatever its meaning.

The "filled space" mantra is nice enough if people can find the filled space. Why wouldn't we want to help readers find that space if we cannot easily duplicate (or improve) it? My take-away lesson is that there are no exceptions to the "no link" rule whatever the benefit to the user. Pedantry prevails. (WT-en) Butwhatdoiknow 12:54, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

Wow, you're a real charmer. If that's your "take-away lesson", then I see no need to take it away from you. Feel free to raise the issue in the travellers' pub if you think policy should be changed to include audio guides. (WT-en) Gorilla Jones 13:03, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

I want to be sure that I understand this comment before I respond to it. Are we now going to a place where personal attacks are appropriate? (WT-en) Butwhatdoiknow 16:01, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

It was your comment that pedantry prevails. I'm not interested in going back and forth. You've been given two suggestions for places to state your case if you think links to external audio guides should be included in Wikivoyage. (WT-en) Gorilla Jones 16:18, 9 September 2007 (EDT)

I accept your apology. (WT-en) Butwhatdoiknow 17:32, 9 September 2007 (EDT)