User:Mango Masala/NMAC 5108 Journal

Dillbug (talk) 19:04, 25 March 2019 (UTC)This page in a nutshell. This journal is a requirement for course NMAC 5108.

March 10, 2019: First Post
For my first journal posting, I will admit to my immediate agitation with Wikipedia. Creating this sub page shouldn't have been frustrating, but each step was filled with doubt and anxiety. I hope my comfort level increases as this journal develops and as we progress with our Wikipedia assignments. Like most, I have used Wikipedia as a resource for general knowledge (to settle the occasional bet or row), but had not considered editing articles myself or that an open editing model existed (as described here).

I plan to reference "Writing Top Ten” by Gerald Lucas often and will incorporate point 4 - be precise - as my writing mantra; presenting information in a succinct, effective manner is my personal goal for this course. I’m looking forward to working with different creative platforms, and am encouraged by Lucas’s prompt to strive for diverse and inspired visual representations to words. To support creative, not clichéd writing, Carroll urges readers to resist laziness by avoiding clichés like those listed on (13) and others like heart of gold, free as a bird, frightened to death, bent out of shape, at wit’s end, heard it through the grape vine, kiss of death (exercise 1.5). Eliminate unnecessary clichés, metaphors, and similes allows for richer, more precise content (Carroll 12). The Editing Wikipedia brochure offers practical and detailed information for creating and editing content; I’ll reference it frequently alongside the Evaluating Wikipedia resource. Additionally, I look to learn from classmates and other Wikipedia contributors. Here’s to a successful course!

Notes:

Carroll, Brian (2014). Writing & Editing for Digital Media. New York: Routledge. pp. 3-56.

Lucas, Gerald (2019). "Writing Top Ten". Gerald Lucas. Retrieved 2019-3-10.

Wikipedia.org (2019). Editing Wikipedia. Retrieved 2019-3-7.

Wikipedia.org (2019). Evaluating Wikipedia. Retrieved 2019-3-7.


 * love the Mango Masala handle, Mariam! All I can say is I hope that it's ok that we don't always resist the laziness that Carroll urges us away from, at least not in our journals. I just read back over one of mine and I can see the metaphors and similes piling up. Here's to another productive term. Feel free to really call me out when you see me not following those rules Carroll laid out in our articles. I could really use a good swift kick in the right direction!

Josef JVbird (talk) 00:26, 11 March 2019 (UTC) JVbird (talk


 * Hi friend from last class. If you want to collaborate or have professional discourse, email me at dana.mcgonagill@mga.edu or dana.mcgonagill@gmail.com. I was frustrated at first too, but what Dr. Lucas said on my original post, post everyday, and I have tried (not everyday but trying multiple posts using multiple functions) it has gotten easier. My favorite new thing I've learned is adding emoticons [].Shade.png.(Dmcgonagill (talk) 20:22, 11 March 2019 (UTC))

March 17, 2019: Norris Church Mailer
I expected (and was hoping for) a lengthier entry for Norris Church Mailer, but the entry did provide a (very) brief overview of her life. The headers were clear and the copy succinct, but I wouldn't consider it a robust view of her life or achievements. I was disappointed by the lack of a full list of her published works. As there are only three works cited, perhaps Norris was rather private. Or, as we are learning from this course, potential contributors need to dig further into her works and legacy. I did a quick Google search of Norris -- what a stunning woman! I'm sure her memoir does not want for drama. From my brief readings about Norman Mailer, he seemed to have exuded an irresistible charm, intelligence, and wit. He couldn't have been a dull fella to have been married six times. Good...I think I'm citing correctly!


 * Mariam, perfect description of the entry. It was not at all robust and kinda left me feeling like, hmm, either this writer isn't that interested in Norris Church Mailer or she must not have had much going on in her life worth telling, but surely that isn't true. Looks like we're going to have to do some digging and fill in some blanks!

JVbird (talk) 01:18, 18 March 2019 (UTC)

March 22, 2019: Permission for Use of Essay
My search for permission to use the essay "Beyond a Theory of Literature: Intimations of Apocalypse?" took me to an online collection of Hassan's works at the Special Collections and Archives at Univ. California Irvine Libraries. I emailed the general Special Collections address last week and again this week (to the Head of Special Collections & Archives, UCI Libraries). I did receive a response today stating that UCI did not own the intellectual property -- that's disappointing. However, they did share the email for his estate, so hopefully I will be granted permission soon. Mango Masala 17:42, 22 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Keep persevering and hunting.I found researching to find the author of my chosen work to be very exciting. I kept digging and searching until I found mine and it would appear you are doing the same. Hopefully, you will hear something from his estate soon and can move forward. Wishing you all the best in your search. Dillbug (talk) 19:04, 25 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Thank you for your encouragement @Dillbug. I'm pleased that the Hassan estate has granted me permission. Mango Masala 18:15, 26 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Great! This is exactly what you need to do. (You should slo work on cleaning up your page a bit here. I did your 3/22 entry to get you started. 😁 ) (Sorry, I should have signed this when I posted it. —Grlucas (talk) 21:09, 28 March 2019 (UTC))
 * Thank you Dr. Lucas! I will work on it. Mango Masala 02:55, 30 March 2019 (UTC)


 * Mariam, I'm still struggling and folks don't want to return my phone calls or emails, so at least you got a response! I'm moving forward anyway, since I tried best I could to get permission. I do wonder, though, if we don't get permission, are we supposed to note that in the actual page devoted to the article itself? JVbird (talk) 23:41, 27 March 2019 (UTC)  (talk)
 * I hope you don't mean me! Yes, post it anyway, and we'll figure the permissions thing out later. —Grlucas (talk) 21:09, 28 March 2019 (UTC)
 * No! I meant the folks I emailed and called about permission. They just don't want to call back! JVbird (talk) 22:05, 28 March 2019 (UTC)
 * LOL! 👍🏼 —Grlucas (talk) 22:58, 28 March 2019 (UTC)
 * Good that you can move on. Fingers crossed you'll hear from them soon.Mango Masala 02:58, 30 March 2019 (UTC)

March 31, 2019
In chapter 5, Carroll posits that writers for web content carry “unique burdens” as the evolution of technology creates a different reading experience when digitized. Testing usability (as we learnt in Dr. Sandoval’s ITEC course) drives our understanding and learning of how to create accurate, reliable, and visually-pleasing content. Carroll continues that although web users read less content (and at a slower rate) because of the web, writing for digital media needs to be succinct in order to satisfy readers eager for fast, easily accessible information that will serve their inquiries or interests. (Otherwise reads will move swiftly to another resource.) As the Wiki Dashboard emphasizes, users need to create concise, yet neutral, unbiased content for the “gaps” in articles.

I’m including the permission from Dr. Hassan’s estate below (but have omitted his contact information): “Yes, you have my permission.” Geoffrey Hassan


 * This chapter explains why we had to repeat ideas and include a lot of seemingly redundant material in that long report we had to write for Chips's class, I suppose, Mariam. I so worry how this idea of web users not really "reading" anything is going to affect us all. Students already struggle with comprehending information (and now that I'm a student I see how and why!) and if they bring their web habits to other areas of life, that has definite implications. Don't I sound like the grumpy old man telling the kids to get off his lawn? JVbird (talk) 12:02, 2 April 2019 (UTC)
 * {reply to|JVbird}} It did seem redundant at the time, but you are correct that it's necessary in order to keep the reader on track.Mango Masala 02:43, 3 April 2019 (UTC)


 * Oh, and congratulations on securing permission! JVbird (talk) 12:03, 2 April 2019 (UTC)
 * {reply to|JVbird}} Thank you for getting everyone together tonight, Josef. Mango Masala 02:43, 3 April 2019 (UTC)

March 31, 2019: Project Mailer contribution
From the PM to-do list, I would like to incorporate items in the Misc directory from the shared drive if that's okay with everyone? Thank you.

April 2, 2019: Feeling Grateful
After speaking with my classmates tonight, I'm feeling more confident about adding Mailer's letters to PM. I will start on my allotted stack tomorrow. Thank you everyone for your time and collaboration. Mango Masala 02:43, 3 April 2019 (UTC) I agree! Thank you too!(Dmcgonagill (talk) 19:51, 3 April 2019 (UTC))

April 4, 2019: Chapter 6
In the introduction to chapter 6, Carroll emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience. After all, as communicators (whether digital or print), we need to not only delivery the information through concise, understandable language, but to realize that the appropriate tone and “sensory experience” are equally significant. The term “fitness”, as designated by researchers, refers to the quality of information that aligns with the material users are searching for. Once we’ve developed content, we must strive for “balance, contrast, unity, and symmetry” when considering the page design (p.159). In the case of Wikipedia, I think Carroll’s example of “Gestalt” and unity is apparent when interacting with Wiki pages – categories and subcategories group major topics together so that editors and users can easily reference and locate information through a recognizable layout. Mango Masala 02:34, 5 April 2019 (UTC)


 * Mariam, for years I have gritted my teeth every time my department chair or the Curriculum folks say things like "This has too many words" and "the students won't read it" (even when the material is on, say reading comprehension, talk about irony) but I suppose Carroll proves him right. Whether I like it or not, this is reality, isn't it, the fewest words possible and more sensory and visual information than words mentality! JVbird (talk) 00:02, 6 April 2019 (UTC)


 * Mariam, very good points made here. I thought the fitness explanation was a very good one and I can truly see why all of the communicating factors you listed are important to assist in effectively reaching your target audience. Ssimsjones (talk) 22:42, 6 April 2019 (UTC)
 * I agree with Carroll, writers must know their audience and format their writing so their audience will relate to the words being expressed. Developing content in tone and language encourages alignment with readers 'sensory experience'. Dillbug (talk) 16:31, 7 April 2019 (UTC)

April 10, 2019: Chapter 7
I think the section about blogging ethics is especially important and worth stressing in today’s world. With the growing skepticism toward news agencies/media and cries of fake news, Carroll’s inclusion of the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics and Rebecca Blood’s blogging guidelines are excellent reminders for readers to consider when searching for news or information (p. 185). I think readers should hold bloggers to the same standards that we expect from reputable journalists and should doubt information without credible, verifiable sources. I can’t speak to how easily readers can point out outdated or inaccurate information published by bloggers, but once notified, it remains the blogger’s responsibility to revise and present truthful information. What I’m learning to appreciate about Wikipedia is that users can edit and remove misinformation quickly, which, in turn, places accountability (and responsibility) upon more than one contributor.

I’ve been working on editing my NM essay (by Ihab Hassan), placing the citation templates, and adding the shortened footnotes. I could KICK myself for choosing such a lengthy essay (and one that contains large chucks of French quotes). I’m trying not to be so frustrated with it and I do hope to have it completed tomorrow. I copied and added my assigned letters from the shared drive. Mango Masala 03:17, 11 April 2019 (UTC)


 * Blogging has become a big trend that the new generation is using for side jobs, but you are right there needs to be a third party company that verifies information from Blog website from Word press, Go Daddy or any web hosting company. ````
 * Bloggers can earn some serious money from blogging as can YouTubers and vloggers! Not to mention influencers, as Josef speaks of in his journal. The increased opportunities for earnings requires proper and consistent oversight, and readers/believers/followers should be so careful about underestimating the motivations for certain postings/likes/tags. I worry for kids who don't properly research or understand that not everything on the net is reputable, accurate, or necessary! (It's not just kids...) Mango Masala 18:36, 12 April 2019 (UTC)

April 12, 2019: Hassan Article
My Hassan article is a true test of patience for me. As I've been working on the works cited section, I'll go to publish changes only to have been logged out (session ended?) and all work gone. I've just saved in Word instead, then pasted the code. I'm struggling to add notes as McKinley does in hers (with the lower case letters). I've copied her code, but the text isn't appearing. I'll keep at it.Mango Masala 15:16, 12 April 2019 (UTC)
 * Here's how I cited mine that was deemed acceptable . That's pasted right below the  code. Hope that helps! (Dmcgonagill (talk) 23:52, 12 April 2019 (UTC))
 * Thank you, Dana. This is very helpful! Mango Masala 16:46, 14 April 2019 (UTC)

April 14, 2019: Reflection & Peer Review
Once again, I'm grateful for the guidance and help my classmates and professor offer freely. Everyone is doing a fantastic job. Overall, my confidence level has improved, but I certainly need to be more focused and less intimidated by code; I'm aware it's my weakness. I do enjoy the editing and fact-checking nature of Wikipedia.As for my essay, I'm going to implement Dr. Lucas's suggestions. I've completed the 12 letters, which have been edited. I'm happy to continue with the letters if there are any left and will follow the example of Mr. Carrey, student editor. I'll also check the to-do list.

I submitted my two peer reviews this afternoon for Josef (https://projectmailer.net/pm/User_talk:JVbird) and Dana (https://projectmailer.net/pm/User_talk:Dmcgonagill). Thank you, all. Mango Masala 23:38, 14 April 2019 (UTC)

April 19, 2019: Chapter Nine
When Twitter first emerged, I thought it more a platform for celebrities or brand marketing/corporate PR offices to interact with the public or consumers. It’s an effective strategy for my university (most universities, I would think) to engage and share information with students. When on the internet, students aren’t usually checking student email, but are interacting and gathering information daily through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for politicians, news outlets, government agencies use it to for reporting. In chapter 9, Carroll discusses the benefits for journalists considering using Twitter. As with more traditional forms of reporting, journalists must present news truthfully and without misleading – all within 140 characters. Mango Masala 16:27, 19 April 2019 (UTC)
 * I appreciate the focus on brevity, but don't appreciate the lack of focus on professionalism in Twitter postings. (Dmcgonagill (talk) 01:53, 20 April 2019 (UTC))
 * I agree with Dmcgonagill, there is definitely a lack of professionalism in Twitter postings. Makes me wonder if the youth of today would take the time to read a formal twitter post. Hmmm....food for thought.Dillbug (talk) 22:33, 20 April 2019 (UTC)
 * I guess I'm so used to the more in-depth reporting of NPR and other more credible organizations, but I just am not ready to join the Twitter Universe just yet. You're right about the level of professionalism, even at the very top all the way up to the President, when it comes to Twitter. Then again, it's not the medium itself. It's the user that is at the heart of the problem. UGH. There's no doubt that it's here and is wildly influential, and that if you don't embrace it, you may get lost. The upcoming 2020 election campaign will no doubt show us exactly how far digital media in all its forms has come and what it can do and what its positives and negatives really can be. JVbird (talk) 13:40, 21 April 2019 (UTC)

April 24, 2019: Trotter sub page
A brief update that I have created the sub page for Trotter's letter. Many thanks to Josef and Sherita for helping me along. I'm going to attach to the gallery this morning. Thank you for moving the Trotter letter for me to the AAD Expanded page. Mango Masala 00:16, 25 April 2019 (UTC)

April 24, 2019: Reflective Essay
This class has really opened my eyes to the world of Wikipedia. Beyond basic searches to satisfy a bet or an inquiry from my seven-year old, I dismissed its worth as I didn’t understand fully the work and dedication of those who ensure information remains accurate and up-to-date.

I was so pleased to receive feedback from a user outside of our course. The fellow contributor’s simple thanks illustrates how those who value and appreciate Wikipedia remain faithful to checking and keeping up with the article’s contents. I chose to contribute to an article on a female character from Irish, Cornish, French and German medieval legends – Iseult. My husband and I named our daughter Isolde, which is a variation of Iseult, so I feel a natural affinity to the character and article. The article lacked mention of the Tristan and Isolde historical fiction trilogy by British author Rosalind Miles (I have the first novel in my personal library but have yet to read it. Maybe this summer.) Nor did it reference Wagner’s famous opera Tristan und Isolde. I added both to the section Modern Portrayals. I think I should rearrange the listing so it’s in chronological order. As Dr. Lucas exclaims, Be Bold!

I did not receive solid feedback from the Wiki editors (just a hello, I'm here to help), but my fellow classmates and instructor offered encouragement, enthusiasm, and guidance. I cannot thank my classmates enough for our Skype conversations, shared emails, and collaborations. I believe we all worked well with one another; the NCM article is a testament to that teamwork. I think my NCM contribution about the creative writing scholarship in her name is an important inclusion as it highlights her own artistic contribution to the world of literature, arts, and entertainment. It seems much of her identity and accomplishments were overshadowed by Mailer.

I did enjoy some of the PM work, which included copying the 12 letters, transcribing the 11 page Ibn Hassan article, as well as transcribing a rather faded letter from Trotter. For my Hassan article, I was successful in securing permission from his estate. That effort took several emails to the University of California Irvine before guided in the right direction. That article was a beast with some chunks written in French. Hassan’s works cited was not complete, so, at the suggestion of Dr. Lucas, I searched World Cat for missing information such as publishers and full book titles. (I was not able to locate info for all of the works cited, but quite a few.) I was frustrated with some aspects of Wiki: the coding worked in my sandbox but not elsewhere and keeping up with the different conversations on multiple pages was a bit of a muddle. Overall, this class helped me overcome some coding insecurities. On occasion, I might dabble in an article or two. I’ll definitely keep up on the Iseult article. Good luck to everyone as you progress through the certificate programme! Mango Masala 00:16, 25 April 2019 (UTC)


 * I've got to check out the Iseult article you contributed to, Mariam. It's been a long time since I read the story itself, way back in a Medieval Literature course I took in grad school, but I know your "dabble" there was great. As always, so wonderful to work with you. Hope you enjoy your break and that Isolde still has chocolate left over from the weekend! 14:33, 25 April 2019 (UTC)JVbird (talk)


 * It's quite a sad story, but one I've always liked. The film version isn't fantastic, but entertaining enough. Thank you, Josef, for being an incredible support in all our classes! I've enjoyed and learnt much from your experiences, contributions, and insight. Good luck with grading as you wind down your semester. I hope you have marvelous plans for the break. I bet your lad is bursting with spring fever and is ready for summer holidays! Chat with you soon, friend! Mango Masala 00:18, 26 April 2019 (UTC)