Talk:Yoani Sánchez

GA Review

This review is transcluded from Talk:Yoani Sánchez/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.

Reviewer: Kaguya-chan (talk) 16:08, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

GA review (see here for criteria)

1. It is reasonably well written.

   a (prose): b (MoS):

   Paragraphs are very short, especially in the biography section; Some of the sections are very short and would possibly work better as a sub-section (for example, International attention); I also think the article might need a copy-edit (some slang "...turning off the lights on her blog" and odd punctuation "On the blog’s six month anniversary, Sánchez described why she blogs:[27] According to Sánchez, when she began blogging...")

2. It is factually accurate and verifiable.

   a (references): b (citations to reliable sources): c (OR):

   Many of the refs are lacking publishers, language (if not in English) and/or accessdates; Consistent date format (year-month-day or Month day, year or day Month year) should be used in the refs; Months (mar ---> March) should be capitalized; two paragraphs and one sentence in Blogging and digital publishing have no source; What makes News Busters, cubasource.org, P2Pnet.net and Poder360 reliable sources?

3. It is broad in its coverage.

   a (major aspects): b (focused):

   Not exactly sure why Father Jose Conrado's letter to Raul Castro needs an except of the letter.

4. It follows the neutral point of view policy.

   Fair representation without bias:

5. It is stable.

   No edit wars, etc.:

6. It is illustrated by images, where possible and appropriate.

   a (images are tagged and non-free images have fair use rationales): b (appropriate use with suitable captions):

   File:Jose conrado.jpg has no caption and writing (?) on the picture

7. Overall:

   Pass/Fail:

Overall, this is an interesting article, and I'm sorry it took almost two months before it got a review. I'm also sorry if the review came across as harsh. I'm not sure if it meets the GA criteria yet and so having only a little experience with biography articles, I'm going to ask for a second opinion. Kaguya-chan (talk) 17:32, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

Thanks so much Kaguya-chan, we really appreciate the great feedback! This week and next, I'll try to work on the items you mention above; some great pointeres in there! Dreadstar ☥ 14:18, 25 July 2010 (UTC)

Kaguya-chan's observations and recommendations appear appropriate. I would add that the lead needs attention per WP:lead. The lead should be able to stand by itself as a complete summary of the subject. Other people may add their own comments, though I feel Kaguya-chan's judgement is such that a formal second opinion is not really needed at this stage. I'd be happy to look it over again in more detail when all work has been done and Kaguya-chan feels ready to list as GA. SilkTork *^YES! 00:15, 2 August 2010 (UTC)

I think you're right the lead could be expanded to include more summarized aspects of the article. I could get to it in a few days unless someone else beats me to it which would be fine. Thanks very much for your input.(olive (talk) 03:10, 2 August 2010 (UTC))

Okay, thank you for the second opinion, SilkTork! I guess I'll put the review on hold and check back in a week, then. Kaguya-chan (talk) 18:38, 6 August 2010 (UTC)

GA progress

Not sure if this is right, but creating a section to track progress on above suggestions. Dreadstar ☥ 22:31, 7 August 2010 (UTC)

Reviewer: Kaguya-chan (talk) 16:08, 24 July 2010 (UTC)

GA review (see here for criteria)

1. It is reasonably well written.

   a (prose): b (MoS):

    paragraphs have either been lengthened or combined.Dreadstar ☥ 21:37, 13 August 2010 (UTC) - Paragraphs are very short, especially in the biography section;

    The lead has been considerably expanded and summarizes the entire article. May have actualy summarized too much, if so, let me know and will edit accordingly. Dreadstar ☥ 21:37, 13 August 2010 (UTC) - The lead needs attention per WP:lead. The lead should be able to stand by itself as a complete summary of the subject

    Sections reorganized. Dreadstar ☥ 00:27, 8 August 2010 (UTC) - Some of the sections are very short and would possibly work better as a sub-section (for example, International attention).

    The identified slang has been fixed and I've scanned the article for any other slang, look clear but let me know if there are any other concerns over slang that's not in a direct qutoe. Dreadstar ☥ 21:37, 13 August 2010 (UTC) - I also think the article might need a copy-edit (some slang "...turning off the lights on her blog".

    The identified punctuation has been addressed by adding more content. Article has been scannned for further puncutation problems, a few minor fixes were made and all appears to be corrected now. Dreadstar ☥ 21:37, 13 August 2010 (UTC) - and odd punctuation "On the blog’s six month anniversary, Sánchez described why she blogs:[27] According to Sánchez, when she began blogging...")

2. It is factually accurate and verifiable.

   a (references): b (citations to reliable sources): c (OR):

    all refs have publishers and if relevant, access dates for web links. Dreadstar ☥ 21:37, 13 August 2010 (UTC) - Many of the refs are lacking publishers, language (if not in English) and/or accessdates;

    All date formats made consistent. Dreadstar ☥ 22:43, 7 August 2010 (UTC) - Consistent date format (year-month-day or Month day, year or day Month year) should be used in the refs;

    Months spelled out and capitalized. Dreadstar ☥ 22:43, 7 August 2010 (UTC) -Months (mar ---> March) should be capitalized;

    The two paragraphs and one sentence are now sourced. Dreadstar ☥ 22:43, 7 August 2010 (UTC) - two paragraphs and one sentence in Blogging and digital publishing have no source;

    Checked the reliability of all sources, removed one due to lack of definitive proof it was an RS. Results are here: User:Dreadstar/YSsources Dreadstar ☥ 19:17, 8 August 2010 (UTC) - What makes News Busters, cubasource.org, P2Pnet.net and Poder360 reliable sources?

3. It is broad in its coverage.

   a (major aspects): b (focused):

    Letter moved to José Conrado article. Dreadstar ☥ 22:43, 7 August 2010 (UTC) - Not exactly sure why Father Jose Conrado's letter to Raul Castro needs an except of the letter.

4. It follows the neutral point of view policy.

   Fair representation without bias:

5. It is stable.

   No edit wars, etc.:

6. It is illustrated by images, where possible and appropriate.

   a (images are tagged and non-free images have fair use rationales): b (appropriate use with suitable captions):

    Caption added. Dreadstar ☥ 22:43, 7 August 2010 (UTC) - File:Jose conrado.jpg has no caption and writing (?) on the picture

Okay, I'm going through the article one more time for the prose. (As the page keeps expanding ^.^)

Lead:

• Lead is now too long and detailed. Refs are only needed here if the material was not already covered (and sourced) in the body of the article, if it is a quote or likely to be challenged. (As far as I know.)

Personally, I would shorten it this way: "Yoani Maria Sánchez Cordero (born September 4, 1975) is a Cuban philologist and blogger. [Moved sentence] Yoani Sanchez was born in Havana, Cuba and received her primary school education before the collapse of, and while the Soviet Union was still providing substantial aid to Cuba.[3] Her high school and university years coincided with the loss of financial aid to Cuba that came as a result of [the] collapse [of the Soviet Union]. Sanchez describes her high school years in which she attended a countryside school, as a time where she felt everything, even her body, was public property, leaving her with a strong need for privacy.[4] Sanchez graduated from university within five years with a degree in Hispanic philology, and following her transfer from the Instituto Pedagógico where she pursued a major in Spanish literature. Her university education left [her] with two understandings; first, that she had acquired a disgust for “high culture”, and second that she no longer had an interest in philology. In 1995 while a student she gave birth to her son.[4]

Sánchez, disillusioned with her home country, left Cuba for Switzerland in 2002, and it was during this time that her interest in computer science was established. When she finally returned to Cuba, Sanchez helped to established Contodos, a magazine that continues to act as a forum for Cuban free expression, and a vehicle for reporting news[.] that included for example, Father Jose Conrado’s, February 2009 letter to Raul Castro Ruz.[5] [6] Sánchez is best known for her blog, Generación Y (English: Generation Y) that she has described as a way to let off steam rather than coming out of more noble motives. Despite censorship in Cuba, she is able to publish Generación Y by e-mailing entries to friends outside the country who then post them online.[7] The blog is translated and available in 17 languages. In addition to blogging for the Huffington Post, Sanchez has appeared in media articles worldwide such as in Reuters and the New York Times.[8][9][10]

In 2009, she was labeled as a counter revolutionary, and according to Sanchez, was kidnapped and beaten by men working for the Cuban government; while Monthly Review a socialist publication challenged her claims.[11]

[She has achieved international fame and multiple international awards for her critical portrayal of life in Cuba under its current government.[1][2]] Time magazine listed her as one of the world's 100 most influential people in 2008, stating that "under the nose of a regime that has never tolerated dissent, Sánchez has practiced what paper-bound journalists in her country cannot; freedom of speech".[12] In November 2009, U.S. President Barack Obama, wrote that her blog "provides the world a unique window into the realities of daily life in Cuba" and applauded her efforts to "empower fellow Cubans to express themselves through the use of technology."[13][14][15]"

• Can't really decide if "to let off steam" is slang or not.

Biography:

• Did a minor copy-edit here

*And more later!* Kaguya-chan (talk) 19:50, 20 August 2010 (UTC) (continuing)

• Words under pressure. A study of the literature of dictatorship in Latin America. should be Words Under Pressure: A Study of the Literature of the Dictatorship in Latin America. according to her profile (Ref 6)
• "In 2004, she founded, together with a group of Cubans – all based on the island – a magazine, Consenso, based on reflection and debate. She also helped establish the web portal Desde Cuba (From Cuba), an on-line magazine and collection of individual blogs, of which Sánchez's was the first.[6] Sánchez began to sign her posts in 2008, abandoning anonymous blogging.[19]" this will be repeated in Blogging and digital publishing and seems to fit in that section better
• "That year, she requested permission to travel to Spain to receive the Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award but permission was denied.[20] Her request for permission to travel to an international documentary film festival in Prague, of which she was a member of the jury, was also denied.[21][22][23]" and "In October 2009, Sánchez was awarded Columbia University's "Maria Moors Cabot prize" and was invited to New York to accept the award. The Cuban government denied her permission to attend. Nicholas Lemann, dean of Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, criticized the decision, stating that "The Cuban government ought to value Ms. Sanchez's work as a sign that young Cubans are ready to take Cuba into a better future — one that will have the free press the Cuban people deserve."[24]" seem to fit better in the Awards section

Blogging and digital publishing

• "select list of guests began entering the “Che Guevara Room,” while our “group of impertinents” watched, from outside, as midnight arrived.[28]" slips into first-person plural...maybe it was part of the original quote?
• Same deal with "In the end the protesters left with the conviction that we can’t wait to be allowed inside the next debate."

Growing the Cuban blogosphere

• What year did Sánchez launch Voces Cubanas?

*More later!* Kaguya-chan (talk) 23:00, 20 August 2010 (UTC)

Thanks Kaguya-chan. Good points, and I agree with comments and recommended changes for the lead.(olive (talk) 02:50, 21 August 2010 (UTC))

I agree, all good changes and additions, if I had time, I'd make them now. I might over the weekend, but please feel free Olive or Kaguya-chan! Dreadstar ☥ 03:37, 21 August 2010 (UTC)

And I do like the minor changes Olive made here, has a slightly better flow and fits with WP:LEAD in establishing the notability of the article's subject in the very first sentence. Looking good. Dreadstar ☥ 17:44, 21 August 2010 (UTC)

What's the status of this GA review? It's been on hold for a while. Originally things were going really well between the reviewer and writer but there hasn't been communication for a few weeks. Is it near a pass/fail? Wizardman _{Operation Big Bear} 17:52, 13 September 2010 (UTC)

Oh, sorry about that. Before I can pass it,

1.  the refs have to be consistent and list the language used if not in English. All non-English sources marked with correct language. I think the refs are in a consistent format now, let me know if you see any I may have missed. Dreadstar ☥ 04:22, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

2.  Words under pressure. A study of the literature of dictatorship in Latin America needs to be Words Under Pressure: A Study of the Literature of the Dictatorship in Latin America.

4.  The first paragraph in Blogging Blind needs a source(olive (talk) 20:30, 13 September 2010 (UTC))

5.  Caption for Father José Conrado should be shortened.(olive (talk) 20:30, 13 September 2010 (UTC))

6.  "to let off steam" is slangy and should be changed.(olive (talk) 20:36, 13 September 2010 (UTC))

And that's it. Kaguya-chan (talk) 20:05, 13 September 2010 (UTC)

Looks like we're all done with the above items! Dreadstar ☥ 04:22, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

Not quite. Refs 6, 10, 22, 35, 37, 67, and 68 still need to be consistent date-wise. Ref 57 could also use a cite web. Also sometimes you call the Generation Y by its Spanish name (ref 7). Kaguya-chan (talk) 20:29, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

You have an excellent eye for detail, Kaguya-chan! I think I got all the ones you identified above, let me know if you see any more...thanks for such a detailed examination and response! Dreadstar ☥ 22:15, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

• Comment I'm concern about POV in the "Generation Y blocked" section. Why one passing mention of Fidel Castro's excerpt requires two long quotes from Sanchez and her husband? WP:QUOTEFARM recommends to "consider minimising the length of a quotation by paraphrasing, by working smaller portions of quotation into the article text, or both." --Jmundo (talk) 03:55, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

  I don't see the two quotes as being problematic from either an NPOV or QUOTEFARM persepctive. The two quotes from the subject of the article and her husband are pertinent and directly related to the article and to the section where they are presented. Each quote gives different information, the two are complimentary and build on one another. I don't see them as distracting, they compliment the accompanying original prose of the article and that section. That being said, I would bow to whatever the GA reviewers think on whether they should stay, go, or be reduced. But, all-in-all, I think they're fine as they are. Dreadstar ☥ 21:10, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

Its problematic because instead of paraphrasing we rely on partisan quotes to summarize Castro's text. I'm not in the business of defending Castro or inserting negative material in a BLP, but the husband quotes are excessive.Besides the blogs, did the quotes received coverage in reliable sources to justify inclusion? --Jmundo (talk) 22:19, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

The quotes are responses to Castro's statements, not a summary of them. The quotes are reliably sourced and notability isn't an issue. Yoani cleary refers to her husband in her quoted statement and says why she wanted him to respond instead of her. If you feel Castro's statements in regard to the subject of the article are not properly represented, then by all means find reliable sources and propose additional content, but don't just remove the actual response.

I'd like to hear what the GA reviewers think, that'll settle it in my mind. Dreadstar ☥ 23:13, 14 September 2010 (UTC)

Okay, I've looked at the section and reviewed Wikipedia:Quotations. I can really see both sides of the argument. It does seem a little excessive to have two good-sized quotes dedicated to her defense, even though this is her article. I suggest paraphrasing her quote and either keep or summarize her husband's reply. Kaguya-chan (talk) 20:39, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

Sounds good to me! I'll do a little work on it and see if we can't bring that into line. Thanks! Dreadstar ☥ 21:34, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

Alrighty, I paraphrased Yoani's quote and kept her husband's reply. It does shorten the section and adds to its readability. Thanks for the suggestion Jmundo, that led us to a better quality. Hopefully this will satisfy all concerns. If not, I can attempt to paraphrase the husband's quote as well...but hopefully it can stand as is. Dreadstar ☥ 22:15, 15 September 2010 (UTC)

I cut the sentence that start with "I clarify...". I think we get his main point that " receiving a prize is never comparable to that of bestowing one, and Yoani, at least, has never awarded a medal to a corrupt person, a traitor, a dictator or a murderer." We have the link to the source if someone needs "clarification". In general, I must acknowledge that the article has improved. --Jmundo (talk) 00:58, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

Looks good! I added a bit of prose with a link to the actual award Escobar was talking about and a few examples of the individuals who received the award to cap off the section and explain more about what was being talked about. Looks good to me, hopefully it's acceptable to everyone else and we can close out this issue! Dreadstar ☥ 02:20, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

I think we can. I'm now happy with the article and will pass it. Good work! Kaguya-chan (talk) 19:57, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

Thanks Kkaguya-Chan, and thanks very much for your final suggestions.(olive (talk) 21:00, 16 September 2010 (UTC))

This is incredible and an honor, thank you Kaguya-chan! Now for the next one...hmmm... :) Dreadstar ☥ 23:20, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

Who really is Yoani Sanchez?

For those wishing to explore a vision of Yoani Sanchez from leftist intellectuals:

1 - www.rebelion.org/noticia.php?id=104205

2 - www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2012/01/30/quien-es-yoani-sanchez/

3 - www.cubadebate.cu/noticias/2012/02/05/la-traduccion-como-fraude-de-como-se-fabrica-el-mito-de-yoani-sanchez/

4 - http://www.ecured.cu/index.php/Yoani_S%C3%A1nchez — Preceding unsigned comment added by 200.55.156.110 (talk) 23:39, 13 February 2012 (UTC)

Moved content

Moving this content here for now. It doesn't seem to have a place in the article right now. Possibly, it could be added later.(olive (talk) 01:30, 9 August 2010 (UTC))

Communist officials intervened when she planned to attend a cyber-workshop.

Reference

BBC challenge to veracity of claims

The BBC article states "No tiene hematomas, marcas o cicatrices a la vista pero afirmó que eso se debe a la habilidad de los captores para golpear, a los que describió como "gente entrenada en la violencia"" or "She has no visible bruises, marks or scars but she said that this is due to the skills of her captors in carrying out beatings. She described them as "people trained in violence"".

Later they ask the question "¿Le dejaron alguna marca en el cuerpo?" - "Are there any marks on your body?" to which she replies "Tengo varias marcas, en las nalgas sobre todo, lamentablemente no puedo mostrarlas. Durante todo el fin de semana tuve inflamado el pómulo y la ceja. Y sobre todo tengo mucho dolor en la zona lumbar. Perdí mucho pelo pero en esta abundante cabellera no se nota." or "I have several marks, on the buttocks mainly, which unfortunately I can't show you. For the whole weekend my eyebrow and cheek bone were swollen. Above all I have a lot of pain in the lumbar region. I lost a lot of hair but with this thick hair it is not noticeable."

One may draw the conclusion that this is not credible but this is not stated in the article, unless I've missed something in another passage (in which case set me straight). They ask questions about puzzling aspects of her account but there is no explicit challenge to the veracity of her account. By all means cite material but don't express an interpretation that, although arguably reasonable, is not drawn in the article. Mutt Lunker (talk) 18:09, 22 March 2011 (UTC)

Ok. But the article should make it clear that the bbc reporter expected, but didn't find any signs of violence. Also, there's an article by Frei Betto where, if I remember correctly, he more directly challenges her allegations. Would you be ok with mentioning this? This episode was not without controversies, and I believe the article should notice that. --Damiens.rf 18:46, 22 March 2011 (UTC)

Also, would one of you, with better writing skills than me, incorporate something about the following piece of investigative journalism made by Peruvian newspaper La Republica. They interviews the three doctors that helped Ms. Sánchez moments after the alleged attack:

• Nova, Guillermo (19 November 2009). "LA REPÚBLICA desmonta las mentiras de Yoani Sánchez: los médicos que la atendieron no encontraron lesiones en su cuerpo". La República.

As the title implies, the doctors testimony also cast doubts over Ms. Sánchez story. --Damiens.rf 19:07, 22 March 2011 (UTC)

Regarding "the article should make it clear that the bbc reporter expected, but didn't find any signs of violence". This may be a reasonable conclusion drawn from them asking the question "Are there any marks on your body?" but, as far as I can see, there is no explicit statement of this in the article. I'm too busy to re-read the article right now and my Spanish isn't bad but isn't fluent so please point out anything relevant I may have missed. Those reading the article can draw their own conclusion perfectly well and it detracts from the credibility of the passage if we misrepresent citations by "clarifying" them without basis. Mutt Lunker (talk) 12:58, 23 March 2011 (UTC)

...oh, and that La Republica isn't the Peruvian national daily but a Spanish web site. Mutt Lunker (talk) 13:18, 23 March 2011 (UTC)

Would you be ok with adding the Doctor's interview by La Republica? --Damiens.rf 15:41, 24 March 2011 (UTC)

I'm not sure if I'm missing seeing a link on the page but I see only a very short article and no interview. Is there more? The text is:

La bloguera cubana denuncia haber sufrido una agresión de la que no tiene evidencias

LA REPÚBLICA desmonta las mentiras de Yoani Sánchez: los médicos que la atendieron no encontraron lesiones en su cuerpo

El periódico La República quiso conocer la opinión profesional de los tres médicos que la atendieron, cuando acudió acompañada de sus familiares y apoyándose en una muleta, un día después de los supuestos hechos que ella denuncia, al policlínico universitario 19 de Abril, centro de referencia nacional.

or

The Cuban blogger claims to have suffered an attack, of which there is no evidence

La República dismantles the lies of Yoani Sanchez: the doctors who treated her found no injuries on her body

The newspaper La República wanted to know the professional opinion of the three doctors who treated her when she came, accompanied by her family and leaning on a crutch, one day after the alleged deeds which she denounced, to the university clinic on the 19th April, a national reference centre.

The rest is a forum for members of the public, thus not a WP:RS.

Do you have any information about this La Republica and it's notability or otherwise? Mutt Lunker (talk) 23:13, 24 March 2011 (UTC)

Leading section's tone

The overall tone of the leading section is problematic, because it states almost everything Ms. Sánchez says in her blog as facts. Her blog is obvious a reliable source, and a valid primary source, for mentioning her ideas. But the article should be written in a way that makes it always obvious that what is being said is just Ms. Sáchez account, and not verifiable facts.

For instance, I find problematic passages like:

• "Sanchez's university education left her with two understandings; first, ..." - These is not a verifiable fact. This is just how she rethinks her life.
• "Sánchez, disillusioned with her home country, left Cuba for Switzerland in 2002..." - How do we verify that this was her real motivation? The text should make it clear that this is just her current account of the facts.

Would someone here volunteer to modify that, or I should tag the passages to raise attention to readers? --Damiens.rf 19:28, 22 March 2011 (UTC)

The source clearly indicates whose account this is. That 's what the sources are for. So, I don't see an issue with any of text above, and there's no reason to in-line attribute. Attribution would be used if the content was an opinion or contentious. The section is for the most part simply biographical data. As well, these self published sources are appropriate per WP:SELFPUB. And Damien, this article was carefully scrutinized by an uninvolved editor and found to be of GA status so please take that into your considerations when looking at this article. Thanks.(olive (talk) 19:57, 22 March 2011 (UTC))

We can't state what she says as facts just because we're using proper references. The text should more clearly attribute the account to her. Some of the passages are self-serving. There are interests involved on this story. This lady has built a character that has already granted her more than half a million dollars. Wikipedia should not be part of her agenda. --Damiens.rf 15:45, 24 March 2011 (UTC)

I see you've reverted. I only revert once. There is no basis for your tag or its reversion. You might want to revert it yourself.(olive (talk) 20:00, 22 March 2011 (UTC))

Please, address my point above. --Damiens.rf 18:14, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

Which point do you mean? I did address your points, but let me know if I've missed something. I can add, we are citing content from a source. They are facts according to the sources. As editors we aren't in the business of deciding whether something is a fact or not but just factual per a source. Sanchez herself is the definitive source for what she thinks of her life, and what her motivations are. That's as accurate as we can get. Whether any of us questions her motivation is anohter story which has no place in an encyclopedia, merely a collecting place for sourced information, but not for opinions of its editors. I hope that helps. (olive (talk) 19:08, 5 April 2011 (UTC))

If Paul Mccartney states on his blog "I believe my musical talent comes from the fact that I was a trained Martian saxophonist in my previous life", an Wikipedia article about him should state "Paul Mccartney believes his musical talent comes from..." and not "Paul Mccartney is musically gifted due to his previous life experiences^[1].".

Yes, I'm taking my point to the limit, but that's just to make an understandable analogy. It's not enough that we source it. The text must make it clear that what's being said is someone's account. --Damiens.rf 19:32, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

Exactly. Your analogy is extreme and in that case possibly an inline citation might be appropriate. When stating the simple aspects of a life, a source is sufficient to inform the reader of where the text came from.(olive (talk) 15:55, 6 April 2011 (UTC))

POV tags

Damien you've tagged content as POV that is sourced and is relatively uncontentious. Why?(olive (talk) 20:12, 22 March 2011 (UTC))

Here's what I've tagged:

• "The magazine continues to be published today as a forum for free expression from the island"

  Calling the magazine "a forum for free expression" is marking language. The magazine, like any other, publishes only those things that the editors want to. And it's reading public is almost non-existent in Cuba. There are valid forums for free expression across Cuba, from public squares to universities. The problem is that U.S. and most of Europe media only considers valid free expression opinions against their international political adversaries.

• "Sánchez participated in the "Debate of the Intellectuals", a discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies..."

  It's clear to me that this description of the event they called "Debate of the Intellectuals" is unduly self-serving. Also, the description implies the existence of "repressive cultural policies" in Cuba.

olive, would you help me in rewording these passages in a more neutral and factual fasshion? Thanks, --Damiens.rf 15:56, 24 March 2011 (UTC)

I will look at this more closely, but would like more editor input before I agree to change anything. I'll get to this later today or tomorrow.(olive (talk) 17:18, 24 March 2011 (UTC))

Olive, per your request to look at sources:

If the source you wanted me to check was Penúltimos Días, it's a very long article so I may have missed something. I don't know anything about the publication and this may have a bearing, though there is a biog of the author in English at the foot of the article.

I couldn't see a description of Consenso as "a forum for free expression" but it is described as "la revista de reflexión y debate" or "the magazine/journal of reflection and debate".

The same source says:

"En enero-febrero de 2007 Sánchez participó en la llamada “polémica intelectual”, el primer debate a profundidad entre intelectuales y escritores cubanos sobre las políticas culturales represivas de los años 70 —el llamado “quinquenio gris”— que se desarrolló casi completamente por correo electrónico. Respondiendo al (in)fausto discurso Palabras a los intelectuales pronunciado por Fidel Castro en el año 1961, Reinaldo Escobar, pareja de Sánchez y también un participante en la polémica, la bautizó como “palabras de los intelectuales”"

or

"In January/February 2007 Sanchez participated in the so-called "intellectual debate", the first in depth debate between Cuban intellectuals and writers on the repressive cultural policies of the seventies - the so-called "five grey years" - which was carried out almost completely by e-mail. Responding to the (in)famous speech Words to the intellectuals made by Fidel Castro in 1961, Reinaldo Escobar, Sanchez' partner also a participant in the debate, christened it Words of the intellectuals". Mutt Lunker (talk) 00:17, 25 March 2011 (UTC)

Would you guys be ok with me removing the "forum for free expression" passage and adding "so called" to "intellectual debate" to properly reflect what's on the sources? --Damiens.rf 18:20, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

We need to be very careful about using "so-called" per WP:WTW. If the event called itself that, we'd need to follow thier description to start out with. If there are other reliable sources that also refer to it as an 'intellecutal debate", then we'd need to follow the sources and leave out "so-called". If the only source available does indeed say "so-called" then perhaps re-writing the entire sentence to reflect that the source says "so-called" would be justified. Bottom line: Is that what it was actually called or not? Dreadstar ☥ 18:43, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

But what is really a problem is how the article parrots a description of the event that is completely non-neutral: "a discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies". Could we substitute it for something more factual? --Damiens.rf 19:01, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

We need to follow the sources and what they say. "What do they say," is my question... Dreadstar ☥ 19:17, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

After looking at this closer, I think we can comfortably change it to: 'In January–February 2007, Sánchez participated in the "Debate of the Intellectuals", an event described as a "discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies."' Dreadstar ☥ 19:34, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

I believe that the phrase "el llamado" is most accurately translated as "the so-called". Whether the intention is "commonly named, falsely named, or contentiously named" is another matter but the source says it. Mutt Lunker (talk) 20:04, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

What about this, in an effort to not use a direct quote, and per this source [1]. "In January–February 2007, Sánchez participated in an event referred to as the "debate of the intellectuals", described as a "discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies." The source references the content I added to Dreadstar's version of course, not the second quote. (olive (talk) 20:16, 4 April 2011 (UTC))

I would only add ".. described by its creators as a "discussion among...", to let it clear who describes it that way (it would be weasel wording other wise: "...described as a...").

Also, let's make sure to use capital letters on "Debate of the Intellectuals", to let it clear it's a name, not a description of what it really was. --Damiens.rf 21:46, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

I support the changes, but have a bit of a problem with "by its creators," I'm not sure we can say that since others have called it that too. Do we have sources for how its detractors and critics described it? Dreadstar ☥ 22:01, 4 April 2011 (UTC)

I'm not sure I can support the changes Damiens is suggesting. Using caps is a grammatical issue. We don't capitalize unless the thing we are naming is a proper name/noun, which 'debate of the intellectuals' is not at least according to the sources we have. The term does seem to be used as a descriptor describing the event rather than a formal name for the event. I could go either way on that though, caps or no caps is fine, I guess. Multiple sources use the term, "debate of the intellectuals" and discuss what it means so we can say, "a discussion among intellectuals..." rather than my too wordy "described as a discussion among intellectuals...", and that solves the weasel wording problem too. "By its creator" is a given, and who those creators are is evidnet from the multiple sources. So I'd see the sentence looking like this:(olive (talk) 18:39, 5 April 2011 (UTC))

"In January–February 2007, Sánchez participated in an event referred to as the "debate of the intellectuals", a "discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies."

Makes sense. It's clearly in quotes, so I think it covers all the neutrality concerns as well as any grammatical and presentation issues. Good compromise. Dreadstar ☥ 19:07, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

When I suggested the capitalization, I was under the impression that "Debate of the Intellectuals" was a proper name. I'll have to re-check the references. I fully agree with you that we shouldn't capitalize it unless it has been consistently done by others before.

About the phrasing you suggest, I love the "...participated in an event referred to as the "debate of the intellectuals..."", but I do have a problem with the passage "a "discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies."", since, besides the quotation and italization, seems to imitate without thought or understanding the non-neutral characterization of it's participants as "intellectuals".

Yes, I do understand that "intellectual" is an inherently non-neutral adjective to assign someone with. And maybe it's the source of all evil here.--Damiens.rf 19:17, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

A very articulate comment... but "Intellectual" is repeatedly sourced. We are simply referencing the sources with out expressing opinion.(olive (talk) 19:28, 5 April 2011 (UTC))

It's not news that sources may be non-neutral. It's our duty as editors to avoid parroting their opinions. Many reliable sources will use adjectives as influent politician, hollywood-star or super-model. But still, we, as Wikipedian editors, will stick to the facts. --Damiens.rf 19:37, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

Yes, and the fact is that reliable sources have referred to the event as a "debate of the intellectuals," describing it as a "discussion among intellectuals and writers on Cuba’s repressive cultural policies." or an "in depth debate between Cuban intellectuals and writers on the repressive cultural policies of the seventies", so we must follow the sources. Do you have any sources that say otherwise? Dreadstar ☥ 20:06, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

Let me add that there are no neturality issues with the use of Intellectual in this case, it's not a value judgment, but instead the name or designation of a group of people. Dreadstar ☥ 21:57, 5 April 2011 (UTC)

Again, I don't have a problem with the name of the event including "Intellectuals". I just object using Wikipedia to call its participants intellectuals. --Damiens.rf 16:18, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

We're using Wikipedia to cite sources that call the participants intellectuals. And that term is used in multiple sources. Our job is to cite the sources, and that's all.(olive (talk) 16:33, 6 April 2011 (UTC))

Again, reliable sources call the participants Intellectuals and Writers. We need to follow that. Do you have sources that call them something else? Dreadstar ☥ 18:11, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

My whole point is that we shouldn't repeat inherently non-neutral adjectives from sources. --Damiens.rf 18:25, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

We're not, they're actually called Intellectuals and Writers. They're not adjectives, they're nouns. Dreadstar ☥ 18:38, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

Edit conflict "Intellectual" isn't an adjective, and it is repeated in multiple sources. Some, maybe all, sources are opinion based. If Wikipedia were a collection of research papers we could argue for or against certain opinions, terms, adjectives. Wikipedia as an encyclopedia is by definition a compilation of topics/subjects either, depending on your view point, that are supported by sources or based on sources, and that means we cite content per what's in the source even if it is "adjectives". We have to get the sense of the source, and that definitely means noting the slant or opinion the source has or takes. There is no suggestion that the source is "right ". Its just a piece of information reported faithfully per the source by the editors.(olive (talk) 18:48, 6 April 2011 (UTC))

Too much trust on her words

Sometimes this article seems to just get the subject's word as truth.

As a simple example taken from the lead, what reliable source is supposed to support a sentence like:

"Sánchez, disillusioned with her home country, left Cuba for Switzerland in 2002"

How in the word are we entitle to state the reasons that lead this woman to leave her country?

Yes, I do understand that this is attributed to her blog, but is that enough? Considering the international politics of Cuba (and its influence on Cuban Visa grantings), isn't this excessively-self-serving information to we depend upon? --damiens.rf 03:53, 28 July 2011 (UTC)

The Lead section is a summary of the article, and under the biography section it goes into more detail about why she left including the phrase "In 2002, claiming disillusionment with her home country, Sánchez decided to leave Cuba and emigrated to Switzerland", (emphasis is mine). I'm fine with the lead giving just a short summary of that section without it having to contain unnecessary qualifiers such as "claimed" or "according to Sanchez" or "Sanchez says". Those just clutter up the lead and add nothing. Same goes for all the other tags you inappropriately added, all per WP:LEAD including its length. Dreadstar ☥ 05:23, 28 July 2011 (UTC)

You just admitted the lead contains text that would not be acceptable in the article's text. This article is a shame and I don't have the guts to fight it anymore. Have it your way. --damiens.rf 23:16, 30 July 2011 (UTC)

Actually, I don't think the qualifer is needed in the body either. Dreadstar ☥ 00:45, 31 July 2011 (UTC)

Sources for Havanna Real

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. There are some very good sources (below) which describe the book so I'll add a paragraph on the book within a few days.(olive (talk) 17:37, 5 April 2012 (UTC))

Bloomsburg Business Week [2]

New York Times [3]

Washington Post [4]

Publisher's Weekly[5]

Library Journal[6]

Obama letter

Shouldn't the article mention that Wikileaks revealed that Obama never wrote that latter, and that it was just a propaganda operation by the U.S. interests in Havana? --damiens.rf 16:40, 16 April 2012 (UTC)

Let's take a look at the sources? Maybe post a link here so all editors interested can assess them.(olive (talk) 17:35, 16 April 2012 (UTC))

I looked but don't see that Wikileaks has published anything that says Obama didn't write the letter. I'd be grateful if you could post the link here. Thanks.(olive (talk) 20:26, 16 April 2012 (UTC))

They leaked the very letter from an officer from Havana's U.S. interests where he penned down much of the Obama's answers. The kind of thing that, if done by Cuba's government, would put Ms. Sánchez supporters as "Look, more lies from the the Castro's bloody dynasty...". But since it was something from the U.S., it's acceptable. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Damiens.rf (talk • contribs) 12:36, 18 April 2012 UTC (UTC)

I spent a fair amount of time looking for the alleged Wikileaks information you're talking about. Unless you can show editors here the reliable source for your claim such content cannot be added to an article and especially a BLP. (olive (talk) 16:29, 17 April 2012 (UTC))

You're either a liar or just plainly incompetent. You just have to search for the only Cuban cable mentioning "Yoani" and ta-da: 09HAVANA527, QUESTIONS FROM YOANI SANCHEZ TO POTUS. --damiens.rf 17:07, 18 April 2012 (UTC)

A quick note since I'm rushing. I'll look at this more in depth later. Thanks. And you might consider being civil.(olive (talk) 20:38, 18 April 2012 (UTC))

What I see on the Wikileaks site is a draft version of answers to Sanchez, an introduction to the answers written by Obama and nothing that says any of it is fake. We'd need a source that says the "letter " was fake and I don't see that. A draft version as far as I can tell simply means something was drafted for the president to look at and use if he thought it was appropriate , but I'm guessing on that too. Its all WP:OR.(olive (talk) 02:55, 19 April 2012 (UTC))

The draft is pretty much exactly what was published as being Obama's word.

Also, the leaked cable makes it clear she confessed to have never really sent any questions to President Raul Castro, but our article, again just take her lies as facts and states "The day after she received the unexpected answers from President Obama, Sanchez drafted seven questions for President Castro that she left with the council of state, supreme governing body for Cuba.--damiens.rf 15:38, 19 April 2012 (UTC)

Our article is based on sources. I'm afraid I don't understand your comment. She drafted questions for Castro. She never confessed to any thing and the cable doesn't say that, as far as I can see. Maybe I'm missing something. Could you point out where she says she confessed to something.(olive (talk) 16:17, 19 April 2012 (UTC))

• Damiens, I don't see anything in your source that shows the letter was a fake, and the source you provide is a Primary Source to boot. Find some reliable secondary sources to back your proposed content. Dreadstar ☥ 05:20, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

• Damiens, you do not own section headings per WP:TPO, your inflammatory section heading will not stand. Prove your point through reliable sources and not edit warring. Dreadstar ☥ 02:53, 23 April 2012 (UTC)

Removal of sourced content

Damiens. Everything I added to the section on Sanchez's books is in the sources on those books, and which I downplayed by the way, to make sure I was in the most neutral way, presenting those sources. I do have more to add. I am concerned about your removal of such content. Maybe reread the sources. For example, the five sources I've cited are very positive about the book Hanvana Real, while she as a writer was praised buy a Nobel Laureate. If you have concerns I suggest you discuss here rather than remove RS content.(olive (talk) 16:41, 17 April 2012 (UTC))

"...the five sources I've cited are very positive about the book" - That is the problem. --damiens.rf 15:47, 19 April 2012 (UTC)

Actually, I took the most notable of the sources with no sense of whether they would be positive or negative. None of the sources I looked at and I looked at more than I cited had negative comments. Until you can bring sources that are reliable and not positive to the books you have no reason to complain about what's here in the article now. They represent the mainstream view on these books. Your intent to remove or disparage the sources based on nothing but opinion is a distinct POV problem which I beginning to concern me. (olive (talk) 16:10, 19 April 2012 (UTC))

Headings may be edited by anyone, and should be especially when they can mislead those who may come to the discussion. We have no sources so far that show anything is fake.(olive (talk) 21:53, 22 April 2012 (UTC))

Tag

Damiens, You tagged this article and yet made zero effort to present Reliable Sources that present any other viewpoint. Nor have I seen any. Unless you or someone else does with in a few days, the tag should be removed (olive (talk) 16:29, 19 April 2012 (UTC))

This is not how tagging works and you know that. The tag will stay to warn readers and to encourage editors to do a better research job than the one you did. Stop action as if you own the article. --damiens.rf 16:54, 19 April 2012 (UTC)

Damiens. I am concerned about your incivility, accusations, and POV pushing. Tagging is a legitimate request for content and sources, however you are complaining about the lack of negative sources but have done nothing about it. And you have made your POV obvious. I don't own this article but as an editor I have a responsibility to keep it neutral as best I can. So far you have lobbed complaints and insults but done nothing to correct anything. If you have content based on reliable sources please post them per their weight in the mainstream. (olive (talk) 17:04, 19 April 2012 (UTC))

• "Cherry picking" implies "ignoring a significant portion of related cases or data that may contradict that position", which I don't see. Damiens, please provide some 'negative reviews' to show any NPOV issues. Right now, your tag just looks like a WP:POVPUSH. Dreadstar ☥ 05:09, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

Wikileaks

As discussed in the above section, the content proposed by this edit is problematic for several reasons. First, the source is an attack opinion piece and does not meet the threshold of Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons policy, and even if it did, it presents WP:UNDUE weight. Since this is a BLP, please discuss this on the talk page instead of trying to revert war it into place. Dreadstar ☥ 21:57, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

An "attack opinion" is your subjective opinion. What it is objectively is an analysis of easily verifiable statements appearing on the wikileaked embassy cable, an analysis by a widely published journalist and professor at a major research institution. The edit may require further editing but not total deletion.--Huysmanii (talk) 22:07, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

Thanks for discussing this. I've read the Wikileak embassy cable and it does not seem to say what the added content claims. The source being used for this content is an obvious opinion piece no matter who wrote it, and it attacks the veracity of Sanchez; and I cannot agree that it is an objective analysis - the source makes a number of subjective statements that seem to speculate beyond the actual facts. WP:BLP's require very high quality sources, and I'm usure if this source meets that threshold. Dreadstar ☥ 22:20, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

I have major concerns with this source and content as well. Does a leaked document have oversight qualifying it as a RS or is it a primary source? And the content must directly reflect what the source is saying which isn't the case here. Until editors reach agreement on whether this is appropriate BLP content and sourcing, it should be removed.(olive (talk) 22:35, 6 January 2013 (UTC))

My reading of the wikileaks cables coincides with Lamrani's, especially as regards the similarities between draft and final response, and also as regards the very clearly worded comment in said cable indicating that Sanchez never sent President Castro her questions. In any case, you have been unable to provide post-wikileak citable material indicating that Prof. Lamrani's analysis, an analysis published widely in serious international publications, is preponderantly invalid. Therefore I remain unpersuaded by your opposition.--Huysmanii (talk) 22:39, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

Well first, there are very reliable sources, including in The Wall Street Journal that back Sanchez's version of events. Secondly, I don't have to provide "post-wikileak citable material", the Burden of proof is with the editor wishing to add the material, which in this case is you. Do you have any high quality, reliable secondary sources that are not obvious attack-opinion pieces? Dreadstar ☥ 22:44, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

In addition, the leaked cables are not being used as a citable source, a published analysis of said cables is, one published in the French equivalent of the National Review or New Republic. You've provided no postwikileak document contradicting Lamrani's analysis.--Huysmanii (talk) 22:46, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

I didn't say it was, I'm saying that I don't see in there where it says Sanchez didn't send questions to the "council of state, supreme governing body for Cuba". And as I said, I don't need to provide a postwikileak document contradicting Lamrani's 'analysis'. I'm saying that the so-called analysis is a thinly veiled attack opinion piece that does not meet the WP:RS threshold for inclusion in a WP:BLP...and the piece is full of inaccuracies, e.g. that she can't send twitter via SMS, that's false. I have concerns about the source you're using; can you find other high-quality, reliable sources that would meet WP:BLP requirements? If so, please present them here and do not continue edit warring. Dreadstar ☥ 22:58, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

In other words cite another source that discusses Sanchez, her interview of President Obama, within the context of her mention in the leaked cables, in a way that contradicts Lamrani's analyses, it could serve as a counterweight to his claims or even make this edit invalid.--Huysmanii (talk) 22:53, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

I've addressed this twice above, the onus is on you to provide a reliable, high-quality source and I do not believe the one you've presented meets that bar. And, attempts to find contrary sources as you indicate may well violate yet another policy, Wikipedia:Original research. Dreadstar ☥ 22:58, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

I obviously dispute the claim that the source is not high quality, indeed Prof. Lamrani has personally interviewed Sanchez in Havana, in other words he was received by her and is clearly expert in the topic (http://www.rebelion.org/noticia.php?id=104205), the onus remains with you to legitimately undo a well sourced good faith edit. He also has many scholarly books on Latin America and has been published by such mainstream American sources as the Huffingtonpost [[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/salim-lamrani/france-chooses-the-path-o_b_2410373.html--Huysmanii (talk) 23:06, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

I cited concerns with the leaked documents, not Dreadstar.

An article that may or may not have good oversight, based on leaked documents that also, may or may not have oversight, may or may not be accurate on multiple levels. That's a concern. Huysmanii, Wikipedia articles aren't debates. You must add content that is directly supported by an impeccable, reliable source, impeccable because this is a BLP. No one has to provide counter arguments or content to prove anything. Just simplify and use content that is R Sourced. If Lamrani 's position is not a singular one and fringe to the mainstream position on this incident, there will be other articles on this topic. Lastly: First, two of three editors question the source you are citing. Second, if this is a mainstream view cite a better source. If you can't find another source its probably not a mainstream view, but a fringe view and likely doesn't belong anyway, Either way we need a better source, per consensus, or, per mainstream view (olive (talk) 23:30, 6 January 2013 (UTC))

I again obviously disagree, Le Monde Diplomatique is in no way a fringe source and a doctorate from the Sorbonne imposes certain professional, academic standards of scholarly comportment, these two factors alone give sufficient authoritative weight to the source, the fact that he has personally interviewed Sanchez and been published by the Huffington Post of course only add to his authoritative standing.--Huysmanii (talk) 23:46, 6 January 2013 (UTC)

Sorry, but an obvious opinion piece that attacks the subject of the article does not meet WP:BLP. Please find a sutiable source per WP:BLP, [{WP:V]] and WP:RS; if this is such a significant and widespread point of view, then finding a high-quality suitable resource should present no problem. Dreadstar ☥ 00:12, 7 January 2013 (UTC)

Put another way: Yoani Sanchez is mentioned in the leaked cables, her interview of Obama is mentioned, her questions for Raul Castro are mentioned. An expert, with a Ph.d in Latin American politics from the Sorbonne, analyzes the cables; his analysis is published in one of the most prestigious left-of-center publications in the world, Le Monde Diplomatique; in addition, said scholar has also personally interviewed Sanchez and dialogued with her in a serious, substantive and respectful manner; he has also been published in at least one mainstream, mass audience US publication; Antony Loewenstein, as well as other writers, have cited him, with the latter describing Lamrani as a "leading writer on US-Cuba relations;" also Salim Lamrani is used as an authoritative source in various other wikipedia articles pertaining to Cuba, including the article Cuba. Conclusion: source is neither fringe nor an attack piece, but a studied analysis of documents that shed light on Sanchez's interactions with the US Havana Interests Section (something clearly of encyclopedic interest) INDEED THE BARE FACT THAT SHE WAS INTERACTING WITH US INTERESTS SECTION IS OF ENCYCLOPEDIC INTEREST.--Huysmanii (talk) 00:36, 7 January 2013 (UTC)

The credentials of the author do not determine whether a source or content is fringe in nature. What is being suggested here is that Lamrani's view on the Sanchez/Obama questions is the only view of that nature as far as I can tell. This means the view is fringe to the main stream published views on this incident. Per WP:Fringe if mentioned at all a fringe view must not be equal in weight to mainstream views. Lamrani is a lecturer at a prestigious university and has published several books.[7][8] This does give gives him some credibility. So despite the fact that he his writing is clearly an anti US point of view, [9] I think it would be fine with the right source to include a sentence or two on his view while in line attributing the view to him. Any thoughts or comments?(olive (talk) 04:14, 8 January 2013 (UTC))

I can agree with that, Olive. I've also been reviewing Lamrani's work and I agree that while he has an anti-US stance and does not seem to represent the mainstream view, with his credentials and publications, we can perhaps add a sentence or two (at most) describing his analysis and opinions. Why don't we start working on a draft here on the talk page? Dreadstar ☥ 04:57, 8 January 2013 (UTC)

Draft for Lamrani analysis

I've moved this content here pending the ongoing discussion. Maybe we could look at it together given this is contentious (olive (talk) 20:00, 8 January 2013 (UTC))

• Draft A

As has been noted by Professor Salim Lamrani of Paris-Sorbonne University, Yoani Sánchez is mentioned in several leaked US embassy cables, including cable 09HAVANA527 (QUESTIONS FROM YOANI SANCHEZ TO POTUS) and 09HAVANA695 (BLOGGER THRILLED WITH POTUS RESPONSE TO HER Q&AS). The cables indicate that Sánchez was in direct and coordinated contact with the United States Interests Section in Havana, and had given personnel of that section not only her questions for President Obama, but the corresponding set of questions for President Raúl Castro as well. Professor Lamrani points out that, according to cable 09HAVANA695, Sánchez did not expect a reply from President Castro because she had not sent him his corresponding set of questions.

Lamrani's thesis of the existence of close collaboration between Yoani Sánchez and U.S. governmental interests is seconded by Professor Umberto Mazzei, Director of the Institute of International Economic Relations in Geneva, who notes that Sánchez was originally hired to write articles for BBG-funded media by Daniel Gabriel, a former CIA agent and media expert, through his company Applied Memetics; Mazzei notes that Sánchez's blogging is an outgrowth of this original collaboration.

sure, what's contentious?--Huysmanii (talk) 20:25, 8 January 2013 (UTC)