RTTP: Week 2 - Q&A

1) Wikipedians often talk about "content gaps." What do you think a content gap is, and what are some possible ways to identify them?

From my point of view, "content gaps" can be described as missing relevant information on a topic a writer chooses to talk/write about. Moreover, I believe "content gaps" can be defined as the omission of a certain viewpoint as a way of favoring a side the writer might agree more. A "content gap" could be identified by thoroughly analyzing a writer's article, checking for biased information and for the presence of credible and reliable citations. If such citations are not present, content gaps might be present in the article, once there is no way the public can check if the information being presented is truthful and neutral to the topic it addresses.

2) What are some reasons a content gap might arise? What are some ways to remedy them?

Content gaps might arise due to lack of research on the topic being presented and due to the writer's desire of getting his/her point across, presenting information that is only relevant to them. In addition to that, content gaps might arise if not enough information on the topic is available for the writer to research from. Ways to remedy such situations would be to consult as many reliable sources as possible, which in turn would expand the writer's knowledge on the topic, stay neutral to the topic being addressed, and go straight to the source to gather information in case not enough information is available to the writer.

3) Does it matter who writes Wikipedia?

No, it does not matter who writes Wikipedia as long as the writer follows the standards proposed by Wikipedia when posting an article. Therefore, as long as the writer always cites the sources used, gathers information from several reliable sources that addresses different points of view, stays neutral to the topic being presented, is open to suggestions made on his/her talk page, and is respectful to the other writers, the person should be more than welcome to write Wikipedia.

4) What does it mean to be "unbiased" on Wikipedia? How is that different, or similar, to your own definition of bias?

To be "unbiased" on Wikipedia means to stay neutral to the topic being addressed. In other words, to cite and interpret information from sources that present different points of view related to the topic, not favoring just one specific side and not including your personal opinion. Even though being unbiased on Wikipedia can be very similar to being unbiased outside of it - one should always try to address both sides of a problem, or situation - "bias" outside of Wikipedia is highly influenced by one's culture, experiences, background information, and personal opinion. Whereas "bias" on Wikipedia, or being unbiased on Wikipedia relies mainly on presenting and citing different sources with opposing viewpoints, not including one's personal opinion on the topic. Once again, staying as neutral as possible.

RTTP: Week 4 - Q&A

1) Blog posts and press releases are considered poor sources of reliable information. Why?

Unlike peer reviewed articles and books published by renowned publishers, blog posts and press releases can be written by people who do not have as much knowledge on the topic being analyzed, especially because anyone can contribute and add to such sources. Therefore, said types of sources are not as reliable and credible. If the author of a blog post or a press release is not a professional on the topic, the information being presented to the public might not be any better than common knowledge. In turn, if one uses such sources to draw information from, not a lot of value will be added to the essay or article being written.

2) What are some reasons you might not want to use a company's website as the main source of information about a company?

A company’s website should not be the main source of information about that company because the information being presented can be biased and not truthful. A company’s website can present information that puts the company in a better light as a way to make it seem more successful than it actually is. In turn, misleading the public by presenting erroneous unreliable data. Therefore, when researching about a company, one should always use different sources other than the company’s website. Comparing the data found through other sources to the one presented on the company’s website is of great importance if one wants to analyze how reliable such website is.

3) What is the difference between a copyright violation and plagiarism?

A copyright violation is the act of publishing or selling a piece of artistic, literary, musical, and other innovative work without the author’s authorization. On the other hand, plagiarism can be defined as the extensive use or imitation of someone else’s work without authorization and proper tribute or recognition of one’s work. Both copyright violation and plagiarism are illegal acts and can lead to several consequences to the ones infringing the law. However, the main difference between copyright violation and plagiarism is that something that might be seen as plagiarism might not be seen as copyright violation and vice-versa. Plagiarism is more of a broader infraction than copyright violation.

4) What are some good techniques to avoid close paraphrasing and plagiarism?

In order to avoid close paraphrasing and plagiarism the author of an article should always draw information from multiple sources. By gathering information from multiple sources, the more knowledgeable on the topic being discussed the author will be and the easier it is for one to write about it. When one becomes knowledgeable on a topic, writing about it comes naturally and smoothly, avoiding the need of copying information on the topic word by word. Moreover, if one writes a summary (in his/her own words) on every source one draws information from, the easier it will be to write about the topic without copying from the original sources way too much. When such technique is used, one’s perspective on the topic is added, at the same time the original ideas and essence of the sources are kept. Therefore, avoiding close paraphrasing and plagiarism.

RTTP: Week 4 - Choosing Possible Article Topics

1) Jean Sylvain Bailly: /info/en/?search=Jean_Sylvain_Bailly

The main reason why I chose the article presented above is because it is directly linked to my RTTP character. Moreover, the article page does not provide a lot of information on Bailly, which allows me to add to it. In addition to that, I have already found research on the topic, which works in my favor. I found different books, both in French and English, that provide relevant and reliable information on Bailly. Lastly, the article’s Talk Page is not very active: there has only been one post in it. I believe that if I add information to the page I would contribute to making it more active, which could consequently lead to more discussions and comments on the article’s Talk Page.

2) Tennis Court Oath: /info/en/?search=Tennis_Court_Oath

The reason why the Tennis Court Oath article page was my second option is not only due to the fact my RTTP character is directly related to it, having played a part in such event, but also because the page does not provide a lot information on the topic. The page gives me the opportunity to add information to it, but I still have not found/begun research on the topic. I believe the Tennis Court Oath was of great importance to the French Revolution, therefore adding information to it is very relevant in demonstrating how important it actually was. Furthermore, the article’s Talk Page was once active, but no longer is: the last posted comment was made in 2014. If information is added to this article, it could help make the Talk Page active again.  

3) Champ de Mars Massacre: /info/en/?search=Champ_de_Mars_Massacre

The reason why I chose the article page above is the same to why I chose the Tennis Court Oath page: it is related to my RTTP character and not a lot of information on the topic is provided. Even though the Champ de Mars Massacre article page provides a lot more information on the topic in comparison to the Tennis Court Oath article page, I believe I can still add to and expand on it. Most of the page’s information is on excerpts and manifesto texts that were published during the event, therefore I believe I would have the opportunity to expand on the massacre’s background, adding more value to the page. However, I still have not found/begun research on the topic. Unfortunately, the Talk Page for this article is completely inactive: no comments were ever added to it. Once again, I believe that if I add information to this article, it could lead to comments being added to the Talk Page and perhaps to elaborated constructive discussions, making the Talk Page active.

RTTP: Week 5 - Assigned Article Topic

After a couple of weeks of research, I have decided to add to the existing article of my RTTP character: Jean Sylvain Bailly. Some of the information I plan on adding to the page includes how Bailly governed revolutionary Paris. This would include how he dealt with the food crisis the city was having at the time, the sale of church property and how such act had an influence in the country’s economy, along with the administration and organization of the National Guard. Furthermore, I plan on adding some of Jean Sylvain Bailly’s insight on the French Revolution by utilizing some of his written memories. Consequently, I believe the article page will become more relatable for those researching about the character, in addition to making the page more attractive to the public. Lastly, information on how Bailly controlled the revolution – the relations he had with the political clubs and the rise of new democratic ideals in Paris – will also be added as a contribution to the article.

Nonetheless, I also plan on improving some of the information already provided on the page, for instance, information on the Massacre at Champ de Mars. I believe more details should be added on to how the massacre happened, as well as what led to the massacre’s occurrence, along with how this event had an impact in Bailly’s life.

In order to assure all the information added to the page is reliable, credible, and unbiased, info will be drawn from multiple sources. The sources used in the improvement of the article include:

• Brucker, Gene A. (1950). Jean-Sylvain Bailly: Revolutionary Mayor of Paris. Illinois: Urbana: University of Illinois Press.
• Arago, François. (1852). Biographie de Jean-Sylvain Bailly: astronome de l'ancienne Académie des sciences, membre de l'Académie française et de l'Académie des inscriptions et belles-lettres, premier Président de l'Assemblée constituante, premier Maire de Paris, etc. Paris: Typographie de Firmin Didot frères.
• Andress, David. (2000). Massacre at the Champ de Mars: popular dissent and political culture in the French Revolution. Rochester: Royal Historical Society: Boydell Press.
• Bailly, Jean Sylvain. (1821). Mémoires D’un Témoin de la Révolution, ou Journal. Paris: Baudouin frères.

RTTP: Week 6 - Elaborated Draft

Maintaining Order During the Revolution

Jean Sylvain Bailly sought to be in full control of his administration as the mayor of Paris. ^[1] He envisioned being in a position where all answered to him, and only his orders were to be followed. ^[2] Creating a centralized government within Paris was his plan, however Parisians were not keen with this vision. ^[3] His views are depicted in the following passage of his Mémoires:

"... in the executive assembly, the mayor who presides over it is a specific officer of the commune. This Assembly possesses the totality of power, but its chief is its agent, its executive authority, who should be charged with the execution of its orders and the maintenance of its regulations. Moreover, since he is at the head of the administration, he understands all of its branches and has all of its strings in his hands. He is in a better position to detect the difficulties and the dangers than the other members who do not have the same information. If the law does not demand it, reason dictates that no important step be taken and no important questions be decided in his absence, unless he be allowed at least to make observations..." ^{[4] [5]}

Food Crisis

During the early years of the French Revolution, Paris was going through a major food shortage. Bailly's actions to circumvent the situation were of great importance in keeping the revolution alive. Bailly had deputies gather grain that was being hoarded, made the sell of wheat mandatory by farmers, and helped the bakers by making them first in line in the village markets. ^[6] Convoys that transported grain obtained by deputies were often attacked. As a way to deter these attacks, Bailly signed a decree that imposed a fine of five hundred livres on anyone who attempted to get in the way of such convoys. ^[7] Not only did the mayor control the supply of grain in the city, but he also imported grain from Africa to increase the city's reserve. ^[8] A provisional regime was established in October, 1789, in order to stabilize the administration of the government. ^[9] Doing so, led to order being established within the different jurisdictions, allowing The Communal Assembly with the help of Bailly to control the food crisis. By February, 1790, the situation in Paris had improved. ^[10]

Arming and Delegating of the National Guard

The National Guard that was formed during the revolution by The Communal Assembly was weak and underfunded. ^[11] Lafayette, chief of the militia, could only do so much to strengthen this newly formed military. It took persuading to get funding from the Assembly to cover the cost and wages brought on by the troops. ^[12] Bailly saw the importance of having a military that was well-equipped. In the fall of 1789, Bailly was able to acquire ammunition for the troops. ^[13] In October of 1789, Bailly was involved in the establishment of the National Guard department, whose purpose was to arm the military. ^[14] The mayor not only played a role in strengthening the National Guard, but also issued orders to Lafayette when trying to maintain civility within the city. ^[15] Bailly's use of troops were to secure the prisons, certify the droits d'entrée would be collected, and to assure there would no longer be agglomeration of beggars in the city. ^[16]

Church Property

To fix the financial situation in France, the National Assembly took control over church property that individuals could later buy with bonds it had issued. ^[17] These non-negotiable bonds, known as assignats, did not sell very well. ^[18] Bailly along with the Municipal Bureau had come up with a proposition on March 10^th, 1790, asking the government to give the city of Paris 200,000,000 livres worth of church land for it to sell to private investors in a period of three years. ^[19] For their work in selling the land, Bailly and his administration would retain 50,000,000 livres. ^[20] The National Assembly agreed to this deal. ^[21] In August of the year 1790, Bailly allowed investors to begin the purchasing of church property. ^[22] A year had yet to pass before 28,000,000 livres worth of land had already been sold. ^[23] Bailly's proposal proved to be successful in making not only Paris revenue, but also the French state. ^[24]

Political Club Affiliation

Bailly was a member of the Club de 1789, one of the most well-known societies at the time. ^[25] His involvement in the group was scarce due to his lack of time as he presided as mayor of Paris. ^[26] Nevertheless, in May, 1790, Bailly was the presiding officer of the club. ^[27] Accusations made by the Révolutions de Paris of the mayor being an active member came soon after he attended a dinner later that year, in June. ^[28] In 1791, Jean Sylvain Bailly joined the Jacobin Club, but no active role was taken by him. ^[29]

Democratic Ideas in Paris

The ideals of democracy grew within the Parisian government in the later part of 1790. ^[30] Bailly along with Lafayette faced backlash from those who believed in moving forward with a democracy. ^[31] Regardless of the fact information presented about the mayor's attitudes and opinions were inaccurate and over exaggerated, public opinion towards Bailly began shifting as the attacks grew stronger. ^[32] The mayor of Paris was criticized by the Révolutions de Paris for not backing the revolution with enough vigor. ^[33]

RTTP: Week 7 - Revised Draft and Future Add-Ons

Revised Grammar Mistakes (in bold)

Maintaining Order During the Revolution

Jean Sylvain Bailly sought to be in full control of his administration as the mayor of Paris. ^[1] He envisioned being in a position where all answered to him, and only his orders were to be followed. ^[2] Creating a centralized government within Paris was his plan, however Parisians were not keen with this vision. ^[3] His views are depicted in the following passage of his Mémoires:

"... in the executive assembly, the mayor who presides over it is a specific officer of the commune. This Assembly possesses the totality of power, but its chief is its agent, its executive authority, who should be charged with the execution of its orders and the maintenance of its regulations. Moreover, since he is at the head of the administration, he understands all of its branches and has all of its strings in his hands. He is in a better position to detect the difficulties and the dangers than the other members who do not have the same information. If the law does not demand it, reason dictates that no important step be taken and no important questions be decided in his absence, unless he be allowed at least to make observations..." ^{[4] [5]}

Food Crisis

During the early years of the French Revolution, Paris was going through a major food shortage. Bailly's actions to circumvent the situation were of great importance in keeping the revolution alive. Bailly had deputies gather grain that was being hoarded, made the sale of wheat mandatory by farmers, and helped the bakers by making them first in line in the village markets. ^[6] Convoys that transported grain obtained by deputies were often attacked. As a way to deter these attacks, Bailly signed a decree that imposed a fine of five hundred livres on anyone who attempted to get in the way of such convoys. ^[7] Not only did the mayor control the supply of grain in the city, but he also imported grain from Africa to increase the city's reserve. ^[8] A provisional regime was established in October, 1789, in order to stabilize the administration of the government. ^[9] Doing so led to order being established within the different jurisdictions, allowing The Communal Assembly, with the help of Bailly, to gain control of the food crisis. By February, 1790, the situation in Paris had improved. ^[10]

Arming and Delegating of the National Guard

The National Guard, formed during the revolution by The Communal Assembly, was weak and underfunded. ^[11] Lafayette, chief of the militia, could only do so much to strengthen this newly formed military. It took persuading to get funding from the Assembly to cover the cost and wages brought on by the troops. ^[12] Bailly saw the importance of having a military that was well-equipped. In the fall of 1789, Bailly was able to acquire ammunition for the troops. ^[13] In October of 1789, Bailly was involved in the establishment of the National Guard department, whose purpose was to arm the military. ^[14] The mayor not only played a role in strengthening the National Guard, but also issued orders to Lafayette when trying to maintain civility within the city. ^[15] Bailly's use of troops were to secure the prisons, certify the droits d'entrée would be collected, and to assure there would no longer be agglomeration of beggars in the city. ^[16]

Church Property

To fix the financial situation in France, the National Assembly took control over church property that individuals could later buy with bonds it had issued. ^[17] These non-negotiable bonds, known as assignats, did not sell very well. ^[18] Bailly along with the Municipal Bureau had come up with a proposition on March 10^th, 1790, asking the government to give the city of Paris 200,000,000 livres worth of church land for it to sell to private investors in a period of three years. ^[19] For their work in selling the land, Bailly and his administration would retain 50,000,000 livres. ^[20] The National Assembly agreed to this deal. ^[21] In August of the year 1790, Bailly allowed investors to begin the purchasing of church property. ^[22] A year had yet to pass before 28,000,000 livres worth of land had already been sold. ^[23] Bailly's proposal proved to be successful in making not only Paris revenue, but also the French state. ^[24]

Political Club Affiliation

Bailly was a member of the Club de 1789, one of the most well-known societies at the time. ^[25] His involvement in the group was scarce due to his lack of time as he presided as mayor of Paris. ^[26] Nevertheless, in May, 1790, Bailly was the presiding officer of the Club de 1798. ^[27] Accusations made by the Révolutions de Paris of the mayor being an active member came soon after he attended a dinner later that year, in June. ^[28] In 1791, Jean Sylvain Bailly joined the Jacobin Club, but no active role was taken by him. ^[29]

Democratic Ideas in Paris

The ideals of democracy grew within the Parisian government in the later part of 1790. ^[30] Bailly along with Lafayette faced backlash from those who believed in moving forward with a democracy. ^[31] Regardless of the fact information presented about the mayor's attitudes and opinions were inaccurate and over exaggerated, public opinion towards Bailly began shifting as the attacks grew stronger. ^[32] The mayor of Paris was criticized by the Révolutions de Paris for not backing the revolution with enough vigor. ^[33]

Future Add-Ons

Massacre at the Champ de Mars

• 17 July 1791: the massacre and its consternations
• After the turmoil
  • Consequences and impacts
• Conclusion
  • Final popular proclamation
  • Exclusion of political parties
• Jean Sylvain Bailly after the massacre
  • Guillotine - November 1793

Works Cited:

• Andress, David. (2000). Massacre at the Champ de Mars: popular dissent and political culture in the French Revolution. Rochester: Royal Historical Society: Boydell Press.

RTTP: Week 10 - Improving the Article

Add-Ons

Massacre at the Champ de Mars

• Before the Massacre the police and National Guard interrogated and detained any individuals who made negative comments about their behavior.
• Detentions were high the morning of the massacre.
• Tensions were rising due to suspicion.
• The National Guard along with conservative French citizens were imposing fear in the rest of the republican crowd as a way to stop them from acting against the government.
• The scene was being set for massacre and repression.
• The National Guard was ordered to repress citizens signing petitions at Champ de Mars for the trial of the king.

Works Cited:

• Andress, David. (2000). Massacre at the Champ de Mars: popular dissent and political culture in the French Revolution. Rochester: Royal Historical Society: Boydell Press.

RTTP: Week 11 - Improving the Article (continued)

Add-Ons

Massacre at the Champ de Mars

• The Champ de Mars Massacre was insignificant when it first occurred but was far from being forgotten years later.
• Trials held after the massacre didn't result in anything significant after the amnesty of September 1791.
• It was the revival of this event after August 10th in 1793 along with the persecution of Marat that led to the death of Bailly.
• Bailly was guillotined in November 1793.
• The massacre served as a symbol for the revolutionaries for the misdeeds and oppression of the government.

Works Cited:

• Andress, David. (2000). Massacre at the Champ de Mars: popular dissent and political culture in the French Revolution. Rochester: Royal Historical Society: Boydell Press.

RTTP: Week 12 - Improving the Article (final draft)

Mayor of Paris (all add-ons in bold)

After a  failed attempt by the royal family to flee the country, Bailly tried to contain the growing republican crowds asking for the King to step down.  On 17 July 1791, he imposed martial law and ordered the  National Guard to disperse a large riotous assembly calling for the deposition of the King. On the morning of 17 July 1791, tensions were rising as suspicion of treason grew. ^[34] Citizens suspected of bad mouthing the government or National Guard were being interrogated and detained. ^[35] It was not long before Bailly found out of a gathering at the Champ de Mars where citizens were meeting to sign petitions for the deposition of the King. ^[36] Imposing martial law, he ordered the National Guard to disperse the large riotous assembly that had gathered. ^[37] Violence erupted as the French citizens weren't keen on losing their right to assemble. ^[38] Many lives were lost as a result, and thus, Bailly, along with  Lafayette, was held responsible for the  Champ de Mars Massacre. The massacre served as a symbol for the revolutionaries for the misdeeds and oppression of the government. ^[39] Having thereby become extremely unpopular, he resigned on 12 November and was replaced four days later by  Jerôme Pétion on 16 November. Bailly moved to  Nantes where he composed his Mémoires d'un Témoin (published in 3 vols. by MM. Berville and Barrière, 1821–1822), an incomplete narrative of the extraordinary events of his public life.

Execution (all add-ons in bold)

On 10 November 1793, he was brought before the  Revolutionary Tribunal in Paris, speedily tried, and sentenced to death the next day. On 12 November 1793, he was guillotined at  Champ de Mars, a site selected symbolically as the location of his betrayal of the democratic movement. Trials held after the massacre didn't result in anything significant after the amnesty of September 1791. ^[40] It was the revival of this event after 10 August in 1793 along with the persecution of Marat that led to the death of Bailly. ^[41] He was forced to endure the freezing rain and the insults of a howling mob.

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