Editing Template talk:InfoBoxMercUnit

==Other Time Frames==
The InfoBox only handles one time frame currently (the only data I have is for 3025). I would like to expand it so that it covers other time frames, but I'm not sure what other time frames are covered in the source books. 3050? 3056? 3125? If someone can let me know what other times are provided, I'll add those to the InfoBox. Obviously, some of the units don't exist in later frames (like my own 12th Star Guards), but others, like ELH, do, I believe. Any help would be most appreciated. Thanks! [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 11:35, 4 August 2007 (CDT)

:''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries]]'' covers 3058, while ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised]]'', ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental]]'', and ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]'' cover 3067. Some units have separate scenario packs that cover other periods, as the [[Black Thorns]] do. I would suggest making one box (since they all contain the same info anyway) and adding it in for any appropriate time. [[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 13:34, 13 August 2007 (CDT)

::What do you think of the idea of having multiple info boxes in a single entry? For instance, I could make it generic and set it up such that the article's author adds the date for that infobox instance? To use the 12th SG as a base, I would have one infobox with 3025 data and potentially another with 3050, but there would be two boxes. Just wondering if that kind of thing would be seen as acceptable or if I should find some way to generate a box on-the-fly. :) [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 14:34, 14 August 2007 (CDT)

:::I see no other way of doing it. If we're going to make use of the infobox, then we have to accept that there are going to be times when there could be several, especially for a unit like the ELH. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 15:59, 14 August 2007 (CDT)

== Extra spacing ==

Hi all. I think the infobox has come along nicely, but there is one aesthetic element that I need to fix, which is the extra spacing, especially when a unit has only one subunit. Once I get that sorted out, I think this will be looking good. [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 13:58, 18 September 2007 (CDT)
:This is excellent. I didn't expect you to incorporate all those suggestions I made, let alone so quickly! [[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 16:45, 18 September 2007 (CDT)
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 Hi all. I think the infobox has come along nicely, but there is one aesthetic element that I need to fix, which is the extra spacing, especially when a unit has only one subunit. Once I get that sorted out, I think this will be looking good. [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 13:58, 18 September 2007 (CDT)
 :This is excellent. I didn't expect you to incorporate all those suggestions I made, let alone so quickly! [[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 16:45, 18 September 2007 (CDT)
-::Well, I was avoiding work, so... :) The only concern I have is the size of the text and the wrapping. There are a couple of things left to do to make it look nice, but I think overall it seems to be coming along well. Thanks for the comments and I'm glad you're happy about it. :) [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 18:06, 18 September 2007 (CDT)
-== Adding #if Statements ==
-Would you mind if I added {{#if}} statements to the rows? Thanks. --[[User:Ebakunin|Ebakunin]] 16:56, 21 August 2008 (CDT)
-:The creator of this template hasn't been around for a while, but I would have no such problem. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 20:57, 21 August 2008 (CDT)
-::Nope, I haven't been around in a LONG time, but feel free to modify anything I've created. That's the whole point of Wikis, so go for it. :) [[User:Bdevoe|Bdevoe]] 15:28, 5 May 2009 (PDT)
-==Layout==
-I was thinking about the layout because the way it is now it fits to the info you can get from the housebooks. Wouldn't it be better to just get some basic stuff in and write the rest in the Composition passage? Also there isn't much room to write more about the composition then the size maybe, details like type of jumpship, name of jumpship, type of dropship, name of dropship, etc. have to be dropped anyway. For now I can only think of 2 points that can be covered there: 1. When was it formed, 2. What’s the status of the unit. In this way an update by a future sourcebook doesn't need another infobox just edit the one that is used. As setting up an infobox each time the unit is covered in a sourcebook, scenariobook, etc. just fills the article with a long line of boxes filled with Yes or No.--[[User:BigDuke66|BigDuke66]] 21:41, 24 August 2008 (CDT)
-:I have felt this infobox doesn't really match the sense of style that the other infoboxes have. I understand where the creator was going with it (a unit -such as the [[21st Centauri Lancers]]- can go thru so many changes that one era will have a completely different feel from another era). So, yeah, I'm up for a re-write, before the category gets too large. However, I wouldn't put a status inside the box itself. [[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] can remark better on it, but there's been an unofficial policy to write each article as if everything is past tense (due to the grand scope of BT's timeline). Even with the latest sourcebook out indicating Unit A is all but wiped out, a Dark Age novel can indicate the unit is larger than life itself.
-:So with that in mind, what parameters would you suggest for a new infobox? I like the image, the name, when formed. But what else? (It does need more than that, I think).--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 21:54, 24 August 2008 (CDT)
-::At the moment I can't think of anything else too. Regarding the status I'm not sure where the problem is, think of one of the units destroyed in the FedCom civil war, you would just put in info from the last sourcebook in this case "FedCom Civil War" and set the status to "Destroyed". That such units reappear is very seldom at the mind I can't remember any unit that was really destroyed & delete from the list of active units and came back after that. And even if so then you would just set the status to Reactivated.--[[User:BigDuke66|BigDuke66]] 20:40, 25 August 2008 (CDT)
-:::I think the purpose of incorporating "if statements" into the InfoBox was to allow editors to only use the ones that are appropriate, thus reducing the size of the IFBs, which will reduce the clutter and allow us to actually put useful info into them, rather than "Yes" or "No." On the subject of "status," what did you have in mind as a possible choice beyond "destroyed"? --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 21:44, 25 August 2008 (CDT)
-:::BigDuke, the issue with 'current status' is what defines 'current?' For most of us (I presume), we follow the CBT line, but there are definitely followers of Dark Age in here as well. Just as a bad example (not a true one), I would be concerned if the 'Current Status' of the [[Brotherhood of Randis]] stated 'destroyed,' when in our timeline, they are very much vibrant and at the strongest they have ever been. The article, when properly formatted, will include history from all eras, so as a CBT fan, I don't have to read ahead to the DA entry for information on the current (Jihad-era) status of the unit. In other words, for me, that DA status is not relevant, for BTW inhabits a past tense perspective that is removed even from the Dark Age. Geez, I don't feel like I'm being clear. I'm with you that the '''infobox''' should not state the status of issues that can fluctuate so much. For me, unit status is just as irrelevant to the infobox as jumpships, armor, CO, etc. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 22:08, 25 August 2008 (CDT)
-::::I think your right. We should only use those things in the infobox that are more or less written in stone. So we stay with image, name & formed? I'll take another look to see if if there is something else we should consider putting into it.--[[User:BigDuke66|BigDuke66]] 06:34, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-:::::Great. Thanks, BigDuke. I really hope we can add something to it, otherwise it'll be a small box. Maybe source of first appearance? (I'll keep thinking, too.) --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 08:18, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-::::::How about largest size? This way, the relative importance of a unit can be gauged, without needing several IFBs to detail that size through several eras. For instance, knowing that the Eridani Light Horse were five regiments at their peak helps compare them to the Broadstreet Bullies, who were only ever a company. Also, how about primary unit type? Most mercenary commands are 'Mechs, but some are not. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 18:43, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-:::::::Perhaps followed with that year?
-:::::::Currently, I see the following:
-:::::::*Image
-:::::::*Name
-:::::::*Founder
-:::::::*Origin
-:::::::*Formation (Year)
-:::::::*Largest Size (Year)
-:::::::*Primary Unit Type
-:::::::For unit type, we'll need to have an established list of acceptable: 'Mech, ASF, Armor, Infantry, Mixed, Clowns. Okay, maybe not that last one.--[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 19:09, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-::::::::What gives me a headache is the definition of size especially in conjunction with Mercenaries. We got lots of units that don’t follow the usual sizes. Just look at Wolf’s Dragoons Ok that is an extreme example but how can you count them together when they are so mixed? From the FM:U their Alpha Regiment consist of  a reinforced mixed company, reinforced mech regiment, reinforced armor regiment, infantry regiment and a regiment of ASFs not to speak of all the other regiments or their warships, dropships, jumships, space stations & planet I really don’t know how you can count all this together to get some numbers of any significance.
-::::::::Also primary type leads to a lot trouble, what defines primary type? Sheer numbers? Look at units like the Black Magic, the FM:U states it has a company of techs, 2 mech lances, 2 ASF lances and 2 companies of mixed vehicles & battle armor. Whether you go by sheer numbers or by BV I don’t think that any approach will lead to a clear statement.
-::::::::I thought of "Origins"(Tracing back to an old SLDF, house unit, etc.) & "Founder"(Who formed the unit)--[[User:BigDuke66|BigDuke66]] 19:57, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-As I said, most units are mercenaries. Battle Magic is specifically a technician-oriented unit that maintains combat units for specific jobs. The ELH, Wolf's Dragoons, and Group W are all 'Mechs. I thought it would be nice to delineate other variations, like VTOLs for Mick's Blue Skye Rangers, Assault DropShips for the Medusans, Aerospace Fighters for Hell's Black Aces, etc. I'll concede that size is difficult for some of the larger units, Wolf's Dragoons being the worst, but what's wrong with "Five 'Mech regiments with supporting assets and two independent battalions"? It's a mouthful, but the point isn't to be specific, either. --[[User:Scaletail|Scaletail]] 20:47, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-:I think that is too much a mouthful for an infobox. In extreme cases, like the Dragoons, simplify as much as possible; just give a generalization (such as a + symbol), and point to the sub-command articles (or intra-article descriptions). For examples: '''5+ regiments (see Description section)'''.
-:BigDuke, I think if a unit is clearly a combined forces unit (like WD is), then ''Combined'' or ''Mixed'' is appropriate.
-:For Origins, I'd think that could be an optional (i.e., hiding) line, unless we clearly delineate every variation: Star League, House, Clan, Independent, (others?).
-:Founder: another good call. Provides another instant link to a character article that way. I'm adding those two to my list above. I'm less keen on Largest Size (Year) now that we're populating the infobox with better data. --[[User:Revanche|Revanche]] <sup>([[User_talk:Revanche|talk]]|[[Special:Contributions/Revanche|contribs]])</sup> 21:39, 26 August 2008 (CDT)
-==Merge with InfoBoxStateUnit==
-:Proposal by [[User:Dmon]] copied over from [[Talk:Bad Dream#About contracts]]
-I have been thinking for a while that it might be worth doing away with the Merc units infobox and moving them over onto the standard unit box as it is less "time sensitive" than the merc one. The commanding officer tables I have slowly been rolling out are also a better way to note the commanding officer than the main infobox as the are more flexible in this regard aswell.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 09:00, 25 January 2019 (EST).
-:I like the idea. The Infoboxes for merc units and state units are so similar that they should be merged into a single, unified "InfoBoxMilitaryUnit". Editing from my smartphone is a pain, but I may start something tomorrow. [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] ([[User talk:Frabby|talk]]) 15:08, 25 January 2019 (EST)
-::Seems a good proposal. If done, please ping me as I'm always working with my open Mercenary unit topic and I would like to be aware. Maybe it would be a good time to also allow to show which unit are not 'Mech equipped.--[[User:Pserratv|Pserratv]] ([[User talk:Pserratv|talk]]) 05:14, 26 January 2019 (EST)
-:::The new unified InfoBox will likely only include perpetual information about the unit in question - things like crest, name, date of inception, date of disbanding. It will not, by contrast, include "time sensitive" information like unit composition, commanding officer, deployment, rating or the like. That is for the Unit History section in the article, but inherently unsuitable for an infobox. [[User:Frabby|Frabby]] ([[User talk:Frabby|talk]]) 06:31, 26 January 2019 (EST)
-::::The only real concession I would make to "time sensitive" information is to possibly could be to include a ''previous designations'' or something along those lines for when a unit changes its name. Reason being that we currently redirect old names to the current one, I can see this causing a little bit of confusion sometimes so it would allow users to confirm they are on the right unit article at a glance.
-::::Another one could be an ''affiliation'' section that works exactly the same as in character articles.
-::::So maybe something like this:
-*logo
-*unit designation
-*nickname (dropdown)
-*previous designation(s) (dropdown)
-*affiliation
-*parent formation
-*formed (dropdown)
-*disbanded (dropdown)
---[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 08:20, 26 January 2019 (EST)
-:::::we could attempt to do something like ''formation type'' and use generic stuff like [[Infantry Battallion]], [[Aerospace Wing]], combined arms regiment etc but it runs into trouble with stull like the Fedcom units upgrading to RCTs or Lindons Battalion that changed their size over the course of their career. So this would likely be more trouble than it is worth.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 08:27, 26 January 2019 (EST)
-Development so far, [[Template:InfoBoxMilitaryCommand]]. Further input is appreciated.--[[User:Dmon|Dmon]] ([[User talk:Dmon|talk]]) 06:02, 19 February 2019 (EST)