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From a small discussion on How do I solve this equation involving a logarithm? there came a question should there be a tag for Lambert W function or not.

My concern, which may not be valid, is that this is only a tool for solutions rather than a topic for questions. On the other hand the same thing could probably be said about other things in mathematics which do have their own tag.

It was suggested that this would be brought to meta for discussion.

$$\textbf{Should there be a tag for the Lambert W function?}$$

Option 1: We add tag
Option 2: We use the tag
Option 3: We do absolutely nothing (drinking beer counts as nothing)
Option 4: Anything else, which you may choose to add in the comments as a valid solution.

(P.S. Option 3 is available in conjuction with any other option)

Edit: Since it seems that this is going nowhere, I added three answers for the first three options. Please only upvote those, do not downvote. We'll give it a few days and decide.

Conclusion:

It seems that the users (Sep. 7th, 16:14 UTC. Vote count is 0 in favour, 12 against, 3 for beer), at large, disagree with the idea to have a special tag as [lambert-w]. Now comes to the other question (which may be addressed in a separate tag, at a different time) - whether or not the current tags of special functions (the but rather things like ) are needed, and how to decide what is the rule of thumb for starting such tag in the future.

Thanks to all the participants!

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    $\begingroup$ Well, if you disagree (that there should be a tag), then maybe you should start a meta discussion! $\endgroup$
    – The Chaz 2.0
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 15:53
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    $\begingroup$ Without backing this statement up, but rather only giving a short insight into my point of view, I do not think that there should be such a tag. $\endgroup$
    – davidlowryduda Mod
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 16:07
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    $\begingroup$ For the record: I don't really lean to either for or against the creation of the tag. $\endgroup$
    – J. M. ain't a mathematician
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 16:10
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    $\begingroup$ If we agree that the Lambert W function is a special function, we could use the existing [special-functions] tag. $\endgroup$
    – Américo Tavares
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 16:13
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    $\begingroup$ I'm inclined against it. For example, we don't have a tag (exponential-function) either. Those who know about Lambert $W$ will probably know what special functions are and use that tag (hopefully). It won't help those whose answers unexpectedly involve Lambert $W$, so I think (special-functions) would do as well. $\endgroup$
    – t.b.
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 17:17
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    $\begingroup$ Come to think of it: We have gamma-function, zeta-functions, riemann-zeta, so my previous argument seems to break down. Anyway, I don't have a strong opinion but still tend to be against [lambert-w]. $\endgroup$
    – t.b.
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 17:35
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    $\begingroup$ ...and elliptic-functions. Hmm... $\endgroup$
    – J. M. ain't a mathematician
    Commented Sep 4, 2011 at 17:49
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    $\begingroup$ Someone who knows that the answer involves Lambert $W$ would not need to ask the question. So the tag would only be applied retroactively. $\endgroup$
    – André Nicolas
    Commented Sep 5, 2011 at 7:56
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    $\begingroup$ Aw man, only Asaf and me were for the beer? I guess the new tag is a "no"... :D $\endgroup$
    – J. M. ain't a mathematician
    Commented Sep 6, 2011 at 1:06
  • $\begingroup$ Things have changed by now :) $\endgroup$
    – Bart Michels
    Commented Apr 8, 2015 at 10:34
  • $\begingroup$ @barto: For a while now. I think the topic was brought up like a year ago. meta.math.stackexchange.com/a/12683/622 $\endgroup$
    – Asaf Karagila Mod
    Commented Apr 8, 2015 at 10:46

3 Answers 3

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Please only upvote this answer, and the others, so we can see how many people are in favour of any of the first three options

No. We don't need another tag for this, I think we should use instead.

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Please only upvote this answer, and the others, so we can see how many people are in favour of any of the first three options

Yes, I think there should be a tag. I am going to upvote this answer.

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Please only upvote this answer, and the others, so we can see how many people are in favour of any of the first three options

I am completely neutral about this and really have no opinion one way or the other. In fact I am going to have a beer right now, just to get the vibe into this afternoon laze.

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    $\begingroup$ As I cannot upvote my own answers, I strongly support this one. Beer included. $\endgroup$
    – Asaf Karagila Mod
    Commented Sep 5, 2011 at 11:35
  • $\begingroup$ I'm still waiting for my "included" beer! $\endgroup$
    – The Chaz 2.0
    Commented Dec 9, 2011 at 18:37

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