User:Jkoplin1/NMAC 3108 Journal

First Entry

Hello who ever ends up reading this. I'm Jessica Koplin. I'm a student at Middle Georgia State University majoring in New Media and Communications with a minor in Creative Writing. I'm currently taking a course in Writing for Digital Media this summer. I'm also taking Perspectives on Narrative and Graphic Imaging this summer. I have taken many classes where I learned to write in different styles but I'm looking forward to see how writing for digital media is different from other forms of creative writing. I don't even know if I'm formatting this journal correctly but I'll find out.

June 9, 2019,

For the last ten years I have been taught to never use wikipedia. Ever. I once had a teacher tell us if we ever used wikipedia as a source for the essays she assigned us, she would give us an F without reading the essay (that was back in 2008). So taking a class that only uses wikipedia feels really weird. But the internet is always changing and adapting so if I want to keep up, I have to learn to adapt as well. I'm trying to think ahead to what I will write my article about. I'm probably going to focus on something summer related like how to properly take care of a pool or how to maintain a garden in the Georgia summer. Personally, I am interested in learning how to properly trim and control my parents 20 year old blueberry bush that has turned in to an unmanageable behemoth.

June 14,2019

Well this has been an interesting week. We've had a hawk attack a plastic owl my dad got to keep critters from his garden, we've had folks stay at my parents house, and my sister in Atlanta was in a car accident. On top of that, trying to find an article to focus on for this class. "Here is access to an infinite database, pick something." I don't know what to write about!

@Jkoplin1: You should probably talk to me ASAP. Please email to set up an appointment. —Grlucas (talk) 20:46, 17 June 2019 (UTC)

@Jkoplin1: Your journal posts could improve if you revised them by adding section headings. Ideally, each post should have its own heading. Also, please consider using subheadings for your June 19 and June 22 journal posts in order to break them up into logical sections. This will make the overall reading experience much easier for your audience.—TSchiroMGA (talk) 13:46, 24 June 2019 (UTC)

June 19, Citing and Copyediting

I hope I am doing this correctly this time. I went through the cite tutorial and it was really easy to understand. I decided to write my article on Capricorn Records. There is already a wikipedia page for Capricorn Records but its missing a lot of information, mainly what is happening with it now. I've already done some research and have found several links that will be useful so knowing how this tool works will make it easy to cite that information. I looked up the article on Downtown Macon for the copyediting. I didn't make any changes but I found something odd in the intro. Calling the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church the most notable church in downtown sounds more like an opinion. I know it states it is the oldest Methodist church in Georgia, but calling it the most notable without mentioning any of the other churches feels like someone is giving an opinion rather than stating facts. And the last sentence doesn't even explain where the terminal station is or the importance of it. There is no mention the geography around Downtown Macon, like the river or interstate which have had an affect on the development of Downtown. It does give a list of the more recognized building located in Downtown Macon but this article could do with some more work.

Quick update. Talking about downtown with some family and friends, it looks like a new event might be starting downtown: a pub crawl of downtown done on bikes. With all the new breweries and restaurants , it looks like more folks have picked up on this idea. My sister saw this out in Denver and she said it was real fun. So fingers crossed that this event picks up.

@Jkoplin1: You may want to check out Wikipedia's linking guidelines. Right now, you are referencing Wikipedia articles in the style of external links when it is likely that internal links would be more appropriate for your use case. Also, I suggest you attempt to maintain your reference list at the very bottom of the page rather than within this section. This is because your Journal should grow and it could get lost as it does.—TSchiroMGA (talk) 13:26, 24 June 2019 (UTC)

@TSchiroMGA: Good point. Thanks. —Grlucas (talk) 15:30, 25 June 2019 (UTC)

@TSchiroMGA Got it, thanks. I'm still trying to get used to the setup and using Wikipedia outside the tutorials. I thought citing it the same way I did in the tutorial would make it go to the bottom like in did in Wikiedu. What do I need to do to fix that?

@Jkoplin1: You should fix them: links to Wikipedia pages are not done the same way as citing sources. Also be sure you're replying correctly. —Grlucas (talk) 15:30, 25 June 2019 (UTC)

June 22, Topic of choice and practicing links

I have decided to for my final project to edit the article for Capricorn Records. There is already some good information on that page but I think the introduction could have a bit more information. Looking over the information at the Georgia Encyclopedia, there is plenty of information about the founding of Capricorn that can be added in. And now Mercer University has purchased Capricorn Records and the studio space it occupied and has started reconstruction. I was hoping to take pictures to add to my article but my mom and I drove by there earlier this week and it looks like there is some heavy construction going on at the moment, so I may need permission to go in and take photos.

I'm trying to make sure I am using wikipedia correctly through all this and I think I need to treat this like when I learned to use Dreamweaver. Go slow, triple check your work, make sure you are coding correctly (I was told I couldn't code to save my life so here's hoping I'm using the links and citations correctly). But I'm learning, and that is what all of this is about.

@Jkoplin1: This seems like a good article to contribute to. Have you found any other sources as well? NVaden (talk) 03:25, 24 June 2019 (UTC)

@NVaden I've found lots of sources. But a lot of them seem to have most of the same information. I might just narrow it down to four main sources so I don't over lap any of the information.

June 27, Topic of choice and Starting my article

I have started writing my first draft of my article in my sandbox. I actually started writing it in a word document after I chose the topic but I can't decide on which is the best way to start! I'm also looking through all my sources trying to piece together what happened when they started the studio. Having family that was in Macon when everything was going on helps a bit. I'm going to be adding more to my draft through out the day.

But I need some feed back. The current article on Capricorn Records has a list of artists that recorded there. Part of what we read on editing existing articles says to copy and paste in small steps. Should I leave an empty space in my draft for the information under the first incarnation or just write around it?

Also should I just do away with the incarnation headings? The record label started in Macon. It was only in Tennessee for five years before Phil moved it to Atlanta. Now Mercer University has purchased Capricorn Records and the studio is currently under construction. So do I keep the information but just change the headings and add on? Or just leave it as it is?

Also I have picked enough blueberries this summer to fill 5 gallon size ziplock bags. With possibly another half gallon left to pick. My mom and I are currently making blueberry jam.

@Jkoplin1: I would start with the actual article: rather than trying to rewrite the whole thing, find out what it's missing and add to it. Is there a section your could add? "Current renovations"? What has your research uncovered? —Grlucas (talk) 14:05, 28 June 2019 (UTC)

@Grlucas I have new information to add about the founding of Capricorn. I am trying to dig through the information regarding what has happened in the last few years. A lot of information about the construction is tied to building the lofts around Capricorn Records. I am sifting through most of that today and compiling that information together. I don't think any information on the lofts will really contribute to the article about Capricorn itself, but if you think I should include that information please let me know.

Regarding the information on the article currently on Wikipedia, it reads like chunks are missing about how Capricorn started. Like how Capricorn got its name. It doesn't say it outright in any of my sources, but the people who helped Walden start Capricorn met him because of Otis Redding. Redding signed a contract with Atlantic and the people who helped Walden start Capricorn worked with Atlantic. I just can't find a source that justifies stating all of that so I can point out how important Redding was to the creation of Capricorn.

Also I can't access my journal on my talk page. What am I doing wrong?

Jkoplin1 (talk) (had to go copy the code, I think I got it)

@Jkoplin1: First off, that is not the correct way to reply. You should be doing this correctly by this point. Only include relevant information. You would know best as you are researching it. Only include information that you can source. I don't know what you mean in your last sentence. —Grlucas (talk) 14:06, 1 July 2019 (UTC)

June 30, Topic of choice- managing classes and explaining Wikipedia

One of the first things I was told when I started at MGA was to be careful when taking summer classes. "Two is fine. Three is pushing it. Five will make you frantic since all the classes are compressed. I am currently taking three classes, one of them is Graphic Imaging (Adobe Photoshop) and I intend to go into graphic design after graduating so I want to make sure I'm getting as much out of that class as I can. Surprisingly, that class is coming much easier to me then the writing for this class and my Perspectives on Narrative class which is odd since I know I have more experience writing than I do using Photoshop. It is interesting how different the writing styles are for this class versus my Perspectives on Narrative class.

One of the more interesting things I have run into with this class is explaining Wikipedia to some of my family. Many of them don't know much Wikipedia and look down on using it to gather unbiased information. My two older sisters both attended college in the early 2000s, so they don't see Wikipedia as a reliable source of information (I first went to college in 2008 and was told I would get an F in one of my classes if I used Wikipedia for my research papers). Sometimes explaining a subject to others help you to appreciate it more.

@Jkoplin1: That's interesting the Graphic Imaging class is easier; Photoshop seems pretty intimidating! What do you feel like has been your biggest writing accomplishment on Wikipedia so far? Trying to get the writing style? Best of luck with your article! --Sara Kathryn 03:25, 1 July 2019 (UTC)

@Jkoplin1: I recommend keeping the content in your journal posts exclusively about this class. HTML tags should not be used. I removed your HTML break tag in this section for you.—TSchiroMGA (talk) 10:55, 1 July 2019 (UTC)

@Jkoplin1: Correct: Wikipedia should never be used as a source for a college-level research paper. Why? (Hint: it has nothing to do with reliability of information or bias.) That fact, however, does not mean that it's not valuable in other ways. —Grlucas (talk) 14:10, 1 July 2019 (UTC)

July 3 Topic of choice and social media

Reading over the chapter in social media this week was familiar. As a New Media and Communications major we go over some of these things in our classes. I decided to look over the article on public relations and a lot of the information stated on Wikipedia lines up with what we have gone over in various classes.

Personally, I try to avoid to much social media these days. Considering my major I probably should post more often, but I have seen people's lives get ruined over Facebook posts. I wouldn't say I have a plan for social media but I have learned a few things.

• When you go to apply for a job, assume they will look over your social media profiles and everything you have posted in the past. Even if they say they don't care about your personal life, expect they will check from time to time. Welcome to the age of social media, where your personal life is available for all to see.
• NEVER post something negative about your job to social media. In fact once you get a job, before you post anything to social media, stop and ask your self "can what I am about to post on the internet for all to see possibly affect my job?"
• If you are managing a social media account for work, keep your personal opinions out of what ever content you post.
• Remember, once you post something to the internet, it is there to stay. Whether you change it later or not, what you originally post is filed away somewhere.
• Know your audience. Know what they find funny, what offends them, what social topics to avoid.

I knew all this before I chose my major but I think that is because I saw how social media affected people I knew. We are living in a time where we see how social media affects our world on a daily basis (I am attempting to avoid mentioning someone I can't stand who uses social media almost every day). We have to know how to use it wisely or it can be used to ruin us.

@Jkoplin1: Your post would be much more powerful if you referenced your claims with reliable sources. You may also want to check out the difference between "to" and "too".—TSchiroMGA (talk) 02:59, 4 July 2019 (UTC)

@Jkoplin1: I agree with TSchiroMGA about the sources. While I get what you are saying about the negatives of social media I would like to know what specifically makes you less inclined to use it. Also, if you just use social media for work (like if you are a writer, artist, etc.) you could benefit a lot from getting your work noticed. Of course, I am basically just restating what the reading said.— Sabub (talk) 06:49, 6 July 2019 (UTC)

@Jkoplin1 and TSchiroMGA: Let me add another vote for sources. Even if I agree with your points, you support your own credibility by supplying sources. This is so important. —Grlucas (talk) 14:12, 8 July 2019 (UTC)

July 5 Topic of choice and Whoops

I learned a valuable lesson this week: planning ahead doesn't always workout like you were hoping. I knew we were supposed to get photos for our articles next week so I decided to try and do that early. I found out who to talk to someone at Mercer University about possibly getting images for my article since Mercer has purchased the studio space that was used by Capricorn Records. Long story short, I have been asked not to write about the building or Mercer's involvement and the photos are not available due to copyright issues. I don't think I should go into more detail than that. Basically, I lost a good chunk of my article because I thought it would be a good idea to do some of my work early. This is not the first time planning ahead has blown up in my face but that doesn't make it any easier when my plans fall apart. I'll just redirect my focus to finding more information about the founding of the record label.

@Jkoplin1: It is definitely hard when plans fall through. I think you should look on the bright side, though. While it is frustrating that things didn't work out, at least you found out early. That way you didn't waste more time doing something that wouldn't be usable. I will say that is weird that they don't want you to mention their involvement when it should be public information. Also, for pictures, there may be some on the Wikimedia Commons already if you haven't checked. I wish you the best of luck as you continue working on your article.— Sabub (talk) 07:13, 6 July 2019 (UTC)

July 11 Images

I have looked through the Wikimedia Commons and I did find some photos related to my article but not many. I think I will take a trip downtown tomorrow and take a look at the old Capricorn Records office. I have also decided to add back in the part about what Mercer is planning to do with the studio. I was asked not to talk about the information that has not been made public yet and I won't, but don't believe I can get in trouble for posting information that Mercer has published to their own site.

I also know a lot of folks in our class do not live in Macon. If anyone needs help with directions to getting to the places they are writing about, please comment below. For those writing about locations in Downtown Macon, be careful around the I-75/I-16 interchange. It is a mess.

@Jkoplin1: You are correct about public information. You are not contributing original research, but adding what can be sourced. Go for it! —Grlucas (talk) 12:46, 15 July 2019 (UTC)

July 12, Field trip

I had already been downtown a few weeks ago when I decided to write about Capricorn. I wanted to see what was going on with the studio but it is currently under construction and there are dumpsters out front and most of the building is blocked off by a giant fence so its very hard to see the front of the building. I just got back from taking a look at the building that was once the offices for Capricorn. It was sad. Weeds were growing around the side walk out front, the outline of the letters on the building were barely there. It looked like a skeleton. Seeing that made me feel like I had to write about what Mercer is doing with the studios. The office space may have deteriorated but what is happening with the studio is keeping the legacy of Capricorn alive. I'll leave Mercer to post the article about the studio but after looking at that office building I want to have the article conclude with something positive.

@Jkoplin1: Gosh, that is sad. Mentioning that the office building has not yet been renovated would be interesting to include in your article. Maybe mentioning that Mercer is renovating the studio would be a positive (and objective) way of concluding? Best of luck with your article! --Sara Kathryn 00:53, 15 July 2019 (UTC)(talk)

@Jkoplin1: I understand the desire to try and stay positive. However, please try and maintain neutrality as much as possible.—TSchiroMGA (talk) 03:14, 15 July 2019 (UTC)

July 21, 2019 Reflective Essay and Final entry

I have learned quite a few things in this class. The main being I am still terrible at coding. I had taken a class in dreamweaver many years ago and that involved a lot of coding. My class mates said I could not code to save my life and I shouldn't look for a job that involved working with code. But I see this writing to be similar to writing for a newspaper. You have to remain unbiased and state only the facts. You also have to make sure you cite all your information correctly. With writing a regular college essay, you just copy and paste the cite information and be sure to reference your sources to support your statements. With this, you have to put more work in. You have to find dates, names, and double check your links. It's something new and I believe a key part of being in college is learning something you did not know before. I also am very hesitant about posting something I write on such a public site, so writing and publishing my article help me to step out of my writing comfort zone.

On a personal note, I learned that attempting to read code before I go to bed is a bad idea. The four times I did this, something odd happened. I closed my laptop and turned off my light and my left eye would not dilate. This only happened when I had been reading code until my left eye started to twitch. So thanks to this class, I have a better idea of what to tell my eye doctor at my next appointment.

Critiquing Articles

I didn't do this part correctly but I was also a little hesitant to try it. I prefer to give critiques in person rather than doing it behind a computer screen. I know our critique did not have to be extremely critical and my notes on the article for Downtown Macon were not too harsh. I would have just reworded a sentence to make it sound more like a fact and less like an opinion.

Contributions

I chose to contribute to the Capricorn Records article, not because I thought it needed serious work, but because I knew there was new information about it that could be added. Granted, most of what I wanted to add was limited after I was told the record label and the sound studio were no longer connected and asked not to write about it, but I knew there was more information about the founding of the record label that was not listed in the article. I did what I could with the information I had. I decided not to use a newspaper article I had found about the Capricorn office building as it did not contribute any new information to my article.

Peer Review

I think the major part of this I found useful was addressing the balance of an article. Many of the topics my class mates were writing about were things I had a close knowledge about. I have family buried in Rosehill Cemetery. I live five minutes away from the Coliseum Northside Hospital and have been there quite a few times. I grew up participating in events for the International Cherry Blossom Festival. While I could not contribute information from personal experience about these topics, I could point some of my class mates in the right direction to sources that could provide information to help balance out their articles. I hope the information I provided was useful in helping structure their final drafts. I did not receive a peer review on my article but I tried to look at what other students were saying to each other.

Feedback

I have not received any feedback from anyone not attached to this class. I expect there will be some in the future once the construction on the Capricorn sound studios is complete.

Wikipedia in General

This class did change my view on Wikipedia. I had viewed it as a site that could not be trusted to give accurate information since anyone could post to it. That may have been the case in the past, but things have changed. When people go to publish information, someone is checking it. I didn't think that was the case before. I thought anyone could post anything to a page and it would just be allowed. The fact is, this site is like an encyclopedia but it is so vast that it has to take contributions from as many people as it can.

The key is to remain unbiased. Simply state the facts while keeping who ever is reading engaged and interested in the content. And make sure it is easy to read. The structure of the article should be tidy, simple, and easy to follow. I was taught when building a website, follow the three click rule. This means when you go to a website seeking information, it should take you three clicks or less to get to the information you need. Wikipedia definitely follows this rule and makes it incredibly easy for anyone to find information they need.

To conclude, I feel I have learned something new from this class. I have learned so much about how Wikipedia operates and how useful it can be. Again, I do not like posting something I write for the whole world to see. But there is a difference between publishing a creative writing piece that anyone could critique and publishing facts that can be validated with the proper citations.