User:Lorrainefurt/sandbox

Wikipedia maintains credibility by enforcing aspects of neutrality and accuracy, and a well-written Wikipedia article maintains high levels of both. The Wikipedia article on James Burrill Angell does both, along with maintaining a sense of notability, to make it a well-written and supported article. An important element of Wikipedia is its accuracy; without it. This article presents accurate data about Burrill’s life. For example, the article discusses Angell’s graduation from Brown University in 18491, which is in accordance with Encyclopedia Brittanica’s article on Angell2. Where there is a question about accuracy, the author addresses it, informing the reader of any uncertainty. The author writes, “Though scant, there is evidence […]”1 By informing the reader that this is not a well supported fact, but there is evidence, the author maintains its reputation as a reliable source. There is no attempt to “swindle” the reader; rather, the reader is given the choice to evaluate that scant data himself. Another incredibly important aspect of Wikipedia’s definition as an encyclopedia (and not journal or magazine) is its neutrality, and this article is a stellar example of that. When an article is neutral, it presents merely the facts, and does not work to interpret them to support an argument. The data must be more than presented accurately, but presented without taint. This article does an excellent job of presenting data about Angell’s life without using it to support an argument about him. Looking at the talk page of an article will give the reader an idea of how well the authors can come to a consensus on the data they are providing. The talk page on this article is blank; nonetheless, it still provides information regarding the quality of the article. It is an element of two WikiProjects: WikiProject Michigan and WikiProject Biography. Within both projects, it received a B-class rating, indicating that this article does not have any severe problems but could be more sophisticated. The styling of the article could be improved upon, but the article does the basics to qualify as a good Wikipedia article. The Wikipedia article James Burrill Angell can be characterized by the tenets of a good Wikipedia article due to its accuracy and ability to present the data without spin. An encyclopedia for the people and by the people must have articles with values chosen by the people, and the chosen tenets of accuracy and notability are upheld with dignity in this article.

1 "James Burrill Angell," Wikipedia,, accessed September 21, 2016, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Burrill_Angell.

2 "U-M Weblogin." U-M Weblogin. Accessed September 21, 2016. http://academic.eb.com.proxy.lib.umich.edu/levels/collegiate/article/2271.