RecentChangesTimeOut

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I am floating this idea of less frequent RecentChanges for discussion. Aiming to reduce tension at a large site like WardsWiki, where RecentChanges is more like an instant messaging tool, and often contributes to "heated", instead of "enlightened", discussions. -- DavidLiu (thinking of moving / copying to Ctwo at an appropriate time).

In the art of communications, the person who listens better has the advantage over the one who talk more. And contributing to wiki pages is like talking, whereas reading material that is already there is the equivalent of listening.

So whilst I think RecentChanges is an invaluable tool for finding out community happenings, it has demonstrated its addictive side as well.

If recent changes is not instant changes, then I am hoping people would be more able to stay calm. Wiki:LetHotPagesCool and common sense can take over.

There are many ways to implement this. Some of these are listed.

Taming Recent Changes

publish a new recent change every tenth change, rest of time page change trigger an older version
activate recent changes during certain hours, (e.g. 3 one-hour periods separated by seven hours of "rest")

Discussions

I used to spend quite a bit of time reviewing Wiki:RecentChanges, especially when I was new to wikis. Now, I find it more efficient to simply use a combination of the changesInWeek..., Wiki:QuickChanges, and the Rss Feed. These tools seem make the frequency of the Recent Changes a matter of personal taste and control, rather than a site policy. -- HansWobbe.