Forum:CT Archive/MOS amendment: Units of measurement

The situation
Our Manual of Style currently dictates the universal use of metric units of measurement in in-universe article writing. To quote: ''For consistency, all in-universe articles should use metric units of weight, mass, length, and other measurements. This follows the practice in most sources of official Star Wars canon. (See also List of measurement units.)''

This effectively forces us to make a measurement conversion based on the real-world metric conversion chart in the instance a source does not use the metric system, which is not all that rare. Note that many American measurement units are just as canon as the metric system. See: Inch, Foot, Yard.

The problem
I don't argue with the fact that the majority of Star Wars sources probably do use the metric system for measurement purposes, but certainly not all do. The reason I've started this CT is because I've noticed in the past few months users leaving objections for nominators requesting they make a real-world measurement conversion from the American system to the metric system based on this section of the MoS, even when the original source uses an American measurement unit.

For example, if something is stated in a source to be "four feet" in length, we're technically required by the MoS to convert that figure into meters, based on real-world standards. Is there even a true Star Wars metric conversion chart somewhere? I seriously doubt it. If someone can dig one up, then by all means. But until that happens, I believe that making this conversation is essentially Original Research based on real-world figures. Not to mention unnecessary, considering, as already stated, American measurement units are canonical.

It should perhaps also be noted that this portion of the MoS was evidently never approved through any formal process as we know it today. It was just sort of thrown in when the MoS was being developed way back in this wiki's infancy and until recently largely ignored.

The solution
I propose we amend this part of the MoS to do away with forced real-world conversions and allow the article to state whatever measurement unit is stated by the original source. It would read: Many official Star Wars'' sources use the metric system of measurement, while others use American measurement units. It is recommended that in-universe articles use the metric system, but users should avoid making measurement conversions based on real-world conversion standards. Articles may state measurements based on whichever system is used in a particular canon source.''

If anyone would like to suggest tweaks to this proposed wording, please do so in the "Discussion" section below. Thank you. Toprawa and Ralltiir 01:40, August 3, 2010 (UTC)

Support proposed change

 * 1) Toprawa and Ralltiir 01:40, August 3, 2010 (UTC)