Editing Template talk:Authority control (section)

== Retire the pencil? ==

In articles such as [[Thomas A. Watson]], the edit pencil really stands out. Could this template adopt the same style for edit links as the Navbox? Rather than V•T•E, it could use I•E (for Item and Edit), which would also help to differentiate it. ~ [[User:Boro|Boro]] ([[User talk:Boro|talk]]) 15:11, 6 August 2025 (UTC)
:The difference is that V•T•E interacts with Wikipedia as usual, whereas the pencil is different and weird as a temporary measure to edit Wikidata. The editorial communities of Wikipedia and Wikidata continue to resist coordinating, with documentation in countless debates at [[Wikipedia:Village pump (policy)]].
:The pencil is status quo so challenging to change because of high tension and strong feelings. I am in support of discussion about style changes but doing so would require social planning. One good way to plan is to have a group of about 5 people come to agreement, then co-present a discussion for broader change. I do not anticipate that there is a simpler way to get consensus.
:Alternatively, I support anyone being bold and making changes, but if anyone protests, then we need to slow down. [[User:Bluerasberry|<span style="background:#cedff2;color:#11e">''' Bluerasberry '''</span>]][[User talk:Bluerasberry|<span style="background:#cedff2;color:#11e">(talk)</span>]] 15:18, 6 August 2025 (UTC)
:"really stands out"? It's a very small icon at the bottom of the article (and not even visible on mobile). And it's the same symbol used for Wikidata info in infoboxes as well. [[User:Fram|Fram]] ([[User talk:Fram|talk]]) 15:18, 6 August 2025 (UTC)
:It does stand out in the context of the bottom of the article for desktop users (who still account for 50% of views). I'll try to read up on the debates to better understand the tension here. After that, I'm here to contribute ideas and to be part of the discussion. ~ [[User:Boro|Boro]] ([[User talk:Boro|talk]]) 15:32, 6 August 2025 (UTC)
*'''Oppose''' E for edit doesn't make sense, because the items property is edited in Wikidata. The question is only pencil or I for item. The pencil is the better choice. '''<span style="text-shadow:#000 0em 0em 1em">[[User:Grimes2|<span style="color:black">Grimes</span>]][[User talk:Grimes2|<span style="color:blue">2</span>]]</span>''' 15:32, 6 August 2025 (UTC)