Template talk:***

purpose

I see the result, but what is the purpose? Does this template attempt to define our handling of asterisks appearing in text. Cygnis insignis (talk) 14:11, 7 March 2010 (UTC)

An asterism often appears as {{⁂}}, and on the same line. I also find 3 or more asterisks beginning or ending a line of text, not just the centered line this template gives; the character is usually a full-width asterisk ＊ (Unicode: FFOA; UTF: EF BC 8A). This looks right, if you have it, unfortunately it doesn't appear in some systems. I wonder whether this template has a separate function if it only centers and spaces {{***}} characters. Cygnis insignis (talk) 15:11, 20 May 2010 (UTC)

We could set it up so that one option is that it didn't center, and became a span with spacing. Issue becomes whether you are better to have separate (simpler) templates for the different variations/functions, or ONE template that is more complex in structure and with more options. — billinghurst sDrewth 05:39, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

I think what you want can be done with {{letter spacing}} and a float center, or you get a regular new line like rule. If you want that in a bundle give it a new title. I don't think an asterism, or this templates output, was needed where I have seen it used in poems. Or I changed it where it wasn't working. The other example had three ＊ on the line, this was deprecated [here] in favour of * ... I'm not sure you need to do more than type *_*_* cygnis insignis 06:58, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

I am neither here nor there for the template with this name, I used to use {{*}} or {{***}} for reproducing an effect. If you think that the two should be disconnected, or moved to the previous versions that is okay with me. — billinghurst sDrewth 07:34, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

Issue based on {{center}}

This template may be better based on a <p> rather than on a <div> (which is how {{center}} is derived). This template is often used in poems, and having the div component can be problematic for spacing with subsequent lines. — billinghurst sDrewth 02:33, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

That may break other uses, the purpose and definition remain unclear; I saw it being used for two different things and noted the problem above and at WS:PD. I have seen a row of asters functioning like an ellipsis, and as section or subsection divider like {{rule}}. cygnis insignis 04:52, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

The contributor who designed it, also created a redirect from {{*}} at the later time and I have only ever seen it used as a divider. — billinghurst sDrewth 05:35, 16 August 2010 (UTC)

I like this template, and use it for Mrs. Coates' poems that utilize such dividers; but I would much prefer to have more control over the alignment of the template (instead of the default being centered), since most of Mrs. Coates' dividers are aligned-left. Using the template version I created in the sandbox, I can render it correctly (although there is still more space than desired between the divider and the following line of poetry...):

"I am Love,—thyself hast named me;
 Yet thou fearest! Lo! I leave thee
 Till as now thou come to find me."

 

........

 Once again the man, at sunrise,
 Journeyed forth,—his step less buoyant,—
 Passing over fields new-wakened,

...Much better than using a bunch of gaps and periods... Can a "no-center" template be created, or am I just being too picky?? Londonjackbooks (talk) 04:56, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

1. The example is a new line, or stanza, you can use {{letter spacing}}. The function of this template has stabilised as a centered block, like {{rule}} it is a 'divider' and it serves that purpose well enough. Note the emphasis here, one creates a new line or a block.
2. If you use a full stop (period) the line spacing will be uneven, you can use a dot ->· instead of ->. (which appears at the bottom of the line).

"I am Love,—thyself hast named me;
Yet thou fearest! Lo! I leave thee
Till as now thou come to find me."

········

Once again the man, at sunrise,
Journeyed forth,—his step less buoyant,—
Passing over fields new-wakened,

cygnis insignis 06:19, 2 February 2011 (UTC)

Beautiful! Thank you! :) Londonjackbooks (talk) 12:25, 2 February 2011 (UTC)