Forum:(Mis)use of behind the scenes

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Behind the scenes (BTS) content is controversial because it is often speculative, even though speculation should be removed everywhere else. To avoid taking responsibility, we have started placing the BTS tag around the bad content, and now we have this weird situation where we don't allow speculation unless it's fenced off by a note basically saying "This might be utter bullshit".

In this forum I want to discuss the concrete problems this causes and find a solution.

Problems

The use of the BTS tag has given rise to two problems:

1. Low-quality, speculative content
2. Excessive use of the BTS tag

Speculative content

First of all, use of the BTS tag has severely lowered the expected quality of BTS sections, up to the point where only the worst speculation is removed. Everything else is left in, with the minimum standard apparently being "Yes I could imagine that the two are linked". That's not good enough. Content should be such that it is unlikely that it's untrue. We already apply the same criterium to all other content that is inferred from in-game information, such as Johnny being a nickname for John D.

On the following four pages, I would say that all notes inside of BTS tags are speculative:

• Drumlin Diner – Or maybe it isn't.
• Gone Fishin' – Or is it a reference to the 1997 movie?
• Piper Wright – Both are very speculative and have nothing else to back it up.
• Sentinel site – Short story is hardly related.

Excessive use

On the other hand, some BTS notes are perfectly fine and do not need a BTS tag, but are still given one. Examples of notes that do not need a BTS tag are those that are simple statements of fact (e.g. V.A.N.S.), link an in-game location to a real-world location that has the same architecture (e.g. Sentinel site) or even the same name (e.g. Faneuil Hall), or are obvious references to pop culture given the context (e.g. alien blaster pistol).

Solution

While these two problems are about the same subject, there is a deeper connection as well: If we remove all the unnecessary BTS tags, we will be left with only the BTS tags for speculative content. That is, if something needs a BTS tag, it's probably speculation, and it should therefore be removed. Two birds, one stone.

My suggestion is to start a project to weed out the speculation and (unnecessary) BTS tags. By starting a project, different editors with different background knowledge will be able to judge whether something is obvious. After all, some references are only obvious if you know what is being referenced.

- FDekker ^talk 18:03, September 17, 2018 (UTC)

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Comments

I support creating a project to address the issue. Jgrsoto (talk) 22:05, September 17, 2018 (UTC)

I also support a potential project. Some of these BTS notes are just utter nonsense. That's why no one will remember your name... 23:15, September 22, 2018 (UTC)

There are no loopholes, and wrapping a BtS tag across speculation is no exception.

Our policies crystal clearly rule against speculation, and as such, unverifiable information that does not constitute geek knowledge, needs to be removed on sight.

No discussion needed or warranted. ~GarouxBloodline

Thank you for your comments everyone! I'm currently drafting the project page; I expect it will be up in a day or two. I'll keep you up to date.
- FDekker ^talk 20:53, September 23, 2018 (UTC)