User blog comment:Jester of chaos/Knight of Cerebus - Should it Stay or Go/@comment-366087-20160215175219

Here is a question. Why do we *need* the category?

Categories are meant to be Tools for both editors and visitors alike. They are meant to define a page so that users and visitors can call up a category and see like-type pages in search of a couple they want.

But it is not really an oft-used resource. Really, when was the last time y'all used categories on Wikipedia to find what you wanted?

So, exactly how many people do you think are *using* some of these categories in a practical and meaningful way? Who among you come here just call up Category:Knight of Cerebus to peruse and find a page you're looking for?

I'll wager, "none". And *if any*, I'm sure it is nowhere near the numbers to offset the PITA some of these categories have become.

Because wiki users generally already know who they are coming here to read up on. Or are following search engine links.

Now, Categories *do* have their uses. But like with everything, it is in moderation.

They are not meant to replace constructively built and informative articles. Visitors should find the information they need within the body of the article's page and *not* from a mass of buzzwords and phrases at the bottom which most will have to look up via links to determine what they are. Most of which should either be easily apparent and decipherable at a glance, or already read most of within the page above.