Temperament naming: Difference between revisions

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Regular temperament names come in two types: common names and systematic names. Common names takes a diversity of sources. Systematic names are rigorously derived from an algorithm. This article focuses on common names.

There is, in general, not a hard rule of naming temperaments, but examples to follow. ~~Nonetheless, it is necessary to clarify about some~~ notable features of ~~the names, which~~ might be ~~otherwise~~ confusing to beginners of RTT. Specifically, a name can be ~~given for~~ a temperament as well as its [[extension]]s. For example, meantone is defined in the 5-, 7-, 11- and 13-limit. Typically, only the best and most obvious extension gets the original name; other extensions get different names. In addition, [[weak extension]]s never get the original name, either, since their structures are very different.

== Temperament and comma naming conventions ==

=== State of the art ===

There was, in general, not a hard rule of naming temperaments, but examples to follow. Some notable features of naming might be confusing to beginners of RTT. Specifically, a name can be shared by a temperament as well as its [[extension]]s. For example, meantone was defined in the 5-, 7-, 11- and 13-limit. Typically, only the best and most obvious extension gets the original name; other extensions get different names. In addition, [[weak extension]]s never get the original name, either, since their structures are very different.

[[Gene Ward Smith]] outlined a number of examples for reference: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning-math/topicId_10667.html ''Some naming examples'']. [[Ryan Avella]] abstracted a convention of naming temperaments: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning/topicId_105566.html ''Naming Convention Suggestion''].

In 2004, [[Gene Ward Smith]] outlined a number of examples for reference: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning-math/topicId_10667.html ''Some naming examples'']. In 2012, [[Ryan Avella]] abstracted a convention of naming temperaments: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning/topicId_105566.html ''Naming Convention Suggestion''].

== ~~Temperament/comma (re)naming conventions~~ ==

=== Contemporary rules ===

It has become evident over time that there is a need to formalize when it is or is not okay to propose and accept names or renames of temperaments and commas, especially as more users contribute and offer input and as those users inevitably become more out-of-sync in their preferences. Why? Because there is a repeated pattern of wasted energy and effort, that many may find demotivating, when conflict inevitably emerges out of a lack of clear ground rules. Therefore it is important to make clear a set of rules which wiki editors can defer to in cases of such conflicts that feel as though they have reached an impasse.

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* Stronger than the above, the name should ideally have a wealth of reasonings supporting its association (ideally ''uniquely'', within reason) with the comma/temperament in question.

* The name should not cause potential confusion/ambiguity with other names. Note that an important exception to this rule is that closely related temperaments may have highly similar names; this is not uncommon.

* If a comma is named the "~~Xisma~~", then the temperament which tempers out the ~~Xisma~~ in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "~~Xic~~" and the temperament which tempers out the ~~Xisma~~ in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "~~Xismic~~". A comma page's creation should ideally always include a mention of both of these temperaments. The temperaments and obvious and/or strong extensions may be discussed either there or on linked-to dedicated pages.

* If a comma is named the "''X''-isma", then the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ic" and the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "''X-''ismic". A comma page's creation should ideally always include a mention of both of these temperaments. The temperaments and obvious and/or strong extensions may be discussed either there or on linked-to dedicated pages.

* The name's complexity should loosely reflect the complexity of the comma/temperament, so that very simple names are not exhausted for very complex commas/temperaments, which would later cause issues if one of those names found a simpler and more elegant comma/temperament to be associated with (see also the section on conventions for renaming). Note that "simple" here does not mean low-accuracy, nor high-accuracy, but rather simple in the conceptual sense; roughly how easy would it be for someone to rediscover this comma/temperament, assuming the rediscoverer has no particular interest in the comma/temperament in question? "Elegant" is meant as similar in meaning to "simple" but more in the direction of a potential subjective appraisal of a comma/temperament for unique properties it has.

* The name must not be offensive, where "offensive" is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (~~Not Safe For Work~~).

* The name must not be offensive, where "offensive" is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (not-safe-for-work).

* The name has a fair amount of consensus (EG several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.

* The name has a fair amount of consensus (e.g. several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.

Most important of the above points are those on: not being NSFW/inappropriate, lack of ambiguity, compliance with existing naming conventions, and consensus.

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Strong reasons for renaming a comma and/or temperament are:

* The name causes significant confusion/ambiguity with other names. Note that an important exception to this rule is that closely related temperaments/commas/scales may have highly similar names; this is not uncommon.

* The name is inconsistent with naming standards which aim to clarify; the main one currently in effect is that if a comma is named the "~~Xisma~~", then the temperament which tempers out the ~~Xisma~~ in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "~~Xic~~" and the temperament which tempers out the ~~Xisma~~ in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "~~Xismic~~". If the ~~Xisma~~ is a [[PIFE comma]] then there is only one associated temperament and that temperament is called "~~Xismic~~".

* The name is inconsistent with naming standards which aim to clarify; the main one currently in effect is that if a comma is named the "''X''-isma", then the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ic" and the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ismic". If the ''X''-isma is a [[PIFE comma]] then there is only one associated temperament and that temperament is called "''X''-ismic".

* The name can be deemed to be offensive, where offensive is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (~~Not Safe For Work~~).

* The name can be deemed to be offensive, where offensive is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (not-safe-for-work).

* The name change proposal has a fair amount of consensus (EG several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.

* The name change proposal has a fair amount of consensus (e.g. several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.

Those are the most important. Weaker but still good and standard reasons for renaming a comma and/or temperament include:

* The name is simpler but not so simple as to be absurd and implicatory of many alternate candidates (an example of the latter is "[[commatic]]" temperament).

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* The previous name is fairly new (within the last year).

* The previous name has not received much usage (considering usage by people other than the inventor/proposer of the name as more significant).

Therefore, if one finds oneself at an impasse, refer to this work in progress section and see how many bullet points are in favour of a name or rename.

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 Regular temperament names come in two types: common names and systematic names. Common names takes a diversity of sources. Systematic names are rigorously derived from an algorithm. This article focuses on common names.
-There is, in general, not a hard rule of naming temperaments, but examples to follow. Nonetheless, it is necessary to clarify about some notable features of the names, which might be otherwise confusing to beginners of RTT. Specifically, a name can be given for a temperament as well as its [[extension]]s. For example, meantone is defined in the 5-, 7-, 11- and 13-limit. Typically, only the best and most obvious extension gets the original name; other extensions get different names. In addition, [[weak extension]]s never get the original name, either, since their structures are very different.
+== Temperament and comma naming conventions ==
+=== State of the art ===
+There was, in general, not a hard rule of naming temperaments, but examples to follow. Some notable features of naming might be confusing to beginners of RTT. Specifically, a name can be shared by a temperament as well as its [[extension]]s. For example, meantone was defined in the 5-, 7-, 11- and 13-limit. Typically, only the best and most obvious extension gets the original name; other extensions get different names. In addition, [[weak extension]]s never get the original name, either, since their structures are very different.
-[[Gene Ward Smith]] outlined a number of examples for reference: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning-math/topicId_10667.html ''Some naming examples'']. [[Ryan Avella]] abstracted a convention of naming temperaments: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning/topicId_105566.html ''Naming Convention Suggestion''].
+In 2004, [[Gene Ward Smith]] outlined a number of examples for reference: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning-math/topicId_10667.html ''Some naming examples'']. In 2012, [[Ryan Avella]] abstracted a convention of naming temperaments: [https://yahootuninggroupsultimatebackup.github.io/tuning/topicId_105566.html ''Naming Convention Suggestion''].
-== Temperament/comma (re)naming conventions ==
+=== Contemporary rules ===
 It has become evident over time that there is a need to formalize when it is or is not okay to propose and accept names or renames of temperaments and commas, especially as more users contribute and offer input and as those users inevitably become more out-of-sync in their preferences. Why? Because there is a repeated pattern of wasted energy and effort, that many may find demotivating, when conflict inevitably emerges out of a lack of clear ground rules. Therefore it is important to make clear a set of rules which wiki editors can defer to in cases of such conflicts that feel as though they have reached an impasse.
@@ Line 12: / Line 14: @@
 * Stronger than the above, the name should ideally have a wealth of reasonings supporting its association (ideally ''uniquely'', within reason) with the comma/temperament in question.
 * The name should not cause potential confusion/ambiguity with other names. Note that an important exception to this rule is that closely related temperaments may have highly similar names; this is not uncommon.
-* If a comma is named the "Xisma", then the temperament which tempers out the Xisma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "Xic" and the temperament which tempers out the Xisma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "Xismic". A comma page's creation should ideally always include a mention of both of these temperaments. The temperaments and obvious and/or strong extensions may be discussed either there or on linked-to dedicated pages.
+* If a comma is named the "''X''-isma", then the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ic" and the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "''X-''ismic". A comma page's creation should ideally always include a mention of both of these temperaments. The temperaments and obvious and/or strong extensions may be discussed either there or on linked-to dedicated pages.
 * The name's complexity should loosely reflect the complexity of the comma/temperament, so that very simple names are not exhausted for very complex commas/temperaments, which would later cause issues if one of those names found a simpler and more elegant comma/temperament to be associated with (see also the section on conventions for renaming). Note that "simple" here does not mean low-accuracy, nor high-accuracy, but rather simple in the conceptual sense; roughly how easy would it be for someone to rediscover this comma/temperament, assuming the rediscoverer has no particular interest in the comma/temperament in question? "Elegant" is meant as similar in meaning to "simple" but more in the direction of a potential subjective appraisal of a comma/temperament for unique properties it has.
-* The name must not be offensive, where "offensive" is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (Not Safe For Work).
+* The name must not be offensive, where "offensive" is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (not-safe-for-work).
-* The name has a fair amount of consensus (EG several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.
+* The name has a fair amount of consensus (e.g. several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.
 Most important of the above points are those on: not being NSFW/inappropriate, lack of ambiguity, compliance with existing naming conventions, and consensus.
@@ Line 22: / Line 25: @@
 Strong reasons for renaming a comma and/or temperament are:
 * The name causes significant confusion/ambiguity with other names. Note that an important exception to this rule is that closely related temperaments/commas/scales may have highly similar names; this is not uncommon.
-* The name is inconsistent with naming standards which aim to clarify; the main one currently in effect is that if a comma is named the "Xisma", then the temperament which tempers out the Xisma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "Xic" and the temperament which tempers out the Xisma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "Xismic". If the Xisma is a [[PIFE comma]] then there is only one associated temperament and that temperament is called "Xismic".
+* The name is inconsistent with naming standards which aim to clarify; the main one currently in effect is that if a comma is named the "''X''-isma", then the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal prime [[subgroup]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ic" and the temperament which tempers out the ''X''-isma in the minimal [[prime limit]] containing that comma should be named "''X''-ismic". If the ''X''-isma is a [[PIFE comma]] then there is only one associated temperament and that temperament is called "''X''-ismic".
-* The name can be deemed to be offensive, where offensive is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (Not Safe For Work).
+* The name can be deemed to be offensive, where offensive is defined as referring to topics that quite a few would deem controversial and/or where the name is NSFW (not-safe-for-work).
-* The name change proposal has a fair amount of consensus (EG several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.
+* The name change proposal has a fair amount of consensus (e.g. several people in favour versus 2 against). This is not to be interpreted as iron democratic rule but rather as a significant indicator of a good name, along with other reasons detailed.
 Those are the most important. Weaker but still good and standard reasons for renaming a comma and/or temperament include:
 * The name is simpler but not so simple as to be absurd and implicatory of many alternate candidates (an example of the latter is "[[commatic]]" temperament).
@@ Line 30: / Line 34: @@
 * The previous name is fairly new (within the last year).
 * The previous name has not received much usage (considering usage by people other than the inventor/proposer of the name as more significant).
 Therefore, if one finds oneself at an impasse, refer to this work in progress section and see how many bullet points are in favour of a name or rename.