Parameters: majorDate = YYYY/MM/DD - date last major set of updates started (if there is still churn expected) or completed (if now stable) majorDesc = description of the changes majorForum = forum thread discussing the major changes majorChurn = YYYY/MM/DD - a later update related to the recent major change otherDate = YYYY/MM/DD - optional - last date of any significant change in content that is not considered major otherForum = forum thread discussing any less significant changes
Four levels of change:
- Major: Page is completely overhauled, or many policy changes, or even a single policy change that has community-wide, "must know" implications. Should add/update the majorDate/majorDesc/majorForum, and remove otherDate. When expired (6 months) should be downgraded.
- "Major churn:" There has been a recent major update, and the new change is smaller but corrects/clarifies the major update. Should only apply if the major update or subsequent similar "churn" was within the past two weeks. Change/add majorChurn but leave other parameters alone. Note that majorChurn should not be used for formatting, grammar, inconsequential updates, nor for any update not related to a recent major change.
Minor: Inconsequential. Formatting, grammar, clarification to an item that is unlikely to have any significant impact if missed. Do not update the banner.
Other: Any change to content that is important, but less critical, and does not alter the page as a whole. Update the otherDate and possibly otherForum, but nothing else. Note that if a change unrelated to a major overhaul occurs even the day after overhaul, then it is considered "other" not "churn."
Important note: "Major changes" semi-automatically "expire" after 6 months. If the page is not touched, it will continue to display the strong notification. However, the next time the page is saved after the 6 month mark, even if the UpdatedBanner template is not touched, it will automatically "sense" the expiration and change to a simpler, toned down message. The 6 month mark is set exclusively by majorDate, not majorChurn, so it is important to remove majorCHurn and update majorDate once the churn period ends.