Talk:MasterClass

Contested deletion

This page should not be speedily deleted because... I have since added sources to the article that prove its notabliity. The information is presented in a neutral way. --Coin945 (talk) 08:46, 27 December 2017 (UTC)

Infobox Update

Hi, I am head of communications at MasterClass and would like to update and expand the MasterClass infobox. I have prepared the below infobox that I would like to propose as a replacement to the current infobox (keeping the current logo file.)

Masterclass.com

Company type	Private
Industry	Education
Genre	Online tutorials
Founded	2014
Founders	David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen
Headquarters	San Francisco, California
Key people	David Rogier, CEO
Website	masterclass.com

BethMasterClass (talk) 23:52, 14 March 2019 (UTC)

Reply 14-MAR-2019

  Edit request implemented  

• Infobox company was implemented as requested, as this was the type that was already being used. There is also infobox website which might be the more appropriate choice.
• The claim of CEO was unreferenced and tagged as such.

Regards,  Spintendo  00:53, 15 March 2019 (UTC)

Requested Production and Content Revisions

The current Production and Content sections are only 1 and 2 sentences respectively. I would like to propose this draft content as a replacement for those sections that fills out the page a bit more with cited content. As I have a conflict of interest, I wanted to share it here and see if any disinterested editors have feedback. Pinging @Coin945:, who created the article, to see if they have a minute to take a look. BethMasterClass (talk) 22:12, 5 April 2019 (UTC)

MasterClass Revisions

Hi, I'm Beth, the new Director of Communications of MasterClass.

I'm proposing edits to the current reception section to better balance out the coverage. Thank you.

Here is the draft [1]

I'm hoping an independent editor can review and consider implementing the proposed draft and/or provide feedback.

Pinging @ElKevbo: as he made some of the previous edits BethMasterClass (talk) 20:20, 23 May 2019 (UTC)

Thanks for clearing that up @Drmies:. My edit summary wasn't deceptive. It was just a plain description of a house-keeping edit to address the citation needed tag in the infobox.

The current "Reception" section is not balanced at all (it's 100% negative). While I'm not the best person to write it, I think I can make it at least more neutral than it is now. I took a stab here but nobody has taken an interest in reviewing. Maybe you have a minute to check it out? BethMasterClass (talk) 21:11, 12 June 2019 (UTC)

@BethMasterClass, ElKevbo, and Drmies: The current "Reception" section is two sentences, the first of which I would say is mixed (some positive, some negative) and the second is neutral/negative. That's disappointingly little information for a section with seven separate citations.

It's very problematical for a company employee to rewrite this section; it's hard enough to write a paragraph or two that does a good job of summarizing that many sources, let alone do that when one has a massive conflict of interest. But there isn't anything wrong with at least offering a rewrite.

Unfortunately, the rewrite, while adding two sources (Rubin, Lagaze) deletes three existing sources (Kaufman, Osburn, Golembewski). There may be a good reason why those three are problematical, but it's not obvious to me. And the rewrite is essentially extracting tiny bits from lengthy articles; that doesn't give the reader a good, wider view (summary) of the classes.

What I'd really like to see is three or four themes extracted from the nine (I think) good sources (the seven now in the article, plus the two new sources in the rewrite). What positive aspects are mentioned in two or more sources? What caveats? What negatives? [The first sentence of the rewrite is actually a good example of what the entire section should be, I think.]

And further complicating this is that none of the existing sources in the section are from 2018 and 2019 (the two new sources in the rewrite - Rubin and Lagaze - are from 2019). Are there really no reviews by a reliable source in all of 2018? -- John Broughton (♫♫) 01:22, 2 July 2019 (UTC)

Request to update logo

Hello! My name is Alyssa and I work for MasterClass (as disclosed above and on my profile page). I've created an account to suggest corrections and updates to the company's page. Given my COI, I'll be submitting suggestions here on the Talk page for other editors to review, instead of updating the article on my own.

This week MasterClass launched a rebrand, which includes a new logo. Our website and social media accounts demonstrate current use of the new logo:

• Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/MasterClassOfficial/
• Twitter — https://twitter.com/MasterClass

I am new to Wikipedia and unsure about the exact process to follow for updating the logo. I am hoping someone can review this request and update the logo on behalf of me and MasterClass, in order to bring the page more up to date. Thanks for your consideration, MC Alyssa (talk) 16:40, 5 October 2020 (UTC)

Hello, MC Alyssa. Since the logo is by assumption copyrighted, the only way to upload it is under a fair use rationale. Please read Wikipedia:Non-free content and Wikipedia:Logos for how to fill out a non-free use rationale. Then, go Wikipedia:Files for upload to request an upload of the logo. Once a Wikipedia editor has uploaded the logo, file a new edit request on this page and I can add the logo to the article for you. Best, Altamel (talk) 20:38, 8 October 2020 (UTC)

Closing this edit request as stale. If you end up uploading the logo, please feel free to file another edit request on this page. Best, Altamel (talk) 04:39, 24 October 2020 (UTC)

User:Altamel, thanks for your replies. I will try to upload the logo soon, if no else does! MC Alyssa (talk) 23:36, 16 November 2020 (UTC)

@Altamel: Sorry to bother again, but I've uploaded the logo at File:MasterClass Logo.jpg, hopefully correctly. Do you mind updating the article's infobox? MC Alyssa (talk) 21:50, 7 January 2021 (UTC)

 Done Altamel (talk) 01:46, 11 January 2021 (UTC)

Request to update Wikipedia and transfer logo to Wikimedia Commons

Hello! I noticed our Google Knowledge Graph still displays the old logo. I understand Knowledge Graphs are not derived from Wikimedia content but there's some connection. I'm hoping the company's Wikidata entry can be updated to display the current logo, but I'm not sure if this requires the logo be hosted at Wikimedia Commons. @Kingofthedead: I've been looking at other logo files and saw one which you transferred from here to Wikimedia Commons. Would you be willing to move File:MasterClass Logo.jpg to Wikimedia Commons and update our Wikidata entry appropriately? Thanks for any help here! MC Alyssa (talk) 15:50, 20 April 2021 (UTC)

Hello! It appears that your Google Knowledge Graph does have your new logo ([2]). In addition, fair use non-free copyrighted works are not allowed on Commons (see c:COM:Fair use). Tol | Talk | Contribs 18:34, 24 April 2021 (UTC)

Notable instructors

Hi, Alyssa here again! I'd like to start a discussion about individual instructors. Many notable people have served as MasterClass instructors, but right now the only one mentioned by name is Kevin Spacey, and his class is not even available on the platform. I'm not sure I follow why Wikipedia would mention what's not available without providing an overview of what is available. Would an appropriately-sourced bulleted list of notable instructors help? If so, I'm happy to share one for editors to review. I would be sure to only include people with their own Wikipedia articles who are verified as instructors in quality sources. I could also share an overview in prose form, grouping notable people by field such as music, food, sports, etc., if editors prefer. I figured I'd ask for feedback before getting started.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, MC Alyssa (talk) 23:36, 16 November 2020 (UTC)

• Hi @MC Alyssa: Yes, I think that would be useful. Feel free to send us a list! Kokopelli7309 (talk) 14:30, 5 March 2021 (UTC)
  • @Kokopelli7309: Sure! I could see editors expanding this list over time, or separating instructors by field, but for now here's a partial list of notable instructors based using Wikipedia-appropriate sources. I propose adding the following to the Class section:

Notable instructors include:

• Christina Aguilera
• Dominique Ansel
• Judd Apatow
• Margaret Atwood
• David Axelrod
• Sara Blakely
• Massimo Bottura
• Bobbi Brown
• Ken Burns
• Misty Copeland
• Deadmau5
• Sheila E.
• Ron Finley
• Jodie Foster
• Tan France
• Diane von Fürstenberg
• Frank Gehry
• Malcolm Gladwell
• Jane Goodall
• Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Herbie Hancock
• Tony Hawk
• Werner Herzog
• Ron Howard
• Bob Iger
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Gary Kasparov
• Thomas Keller
• Spike Lee
• Annie Leibovitz
• David Lynch
• Lynnette Marrero
• Steve Martin
• Brandon McMillan
• Helen Mirren
• Daniel Negreanu
• Joyce Carol Oates
• Yotam Ottolenghi
• Penn & Teller
• Natalie Portman
• Gordon Ramsay
• Shonda Rhimes
• Karl Rove
• RuPaul
• Martin Scorsese
• Aaron Sorkin
• St. Vincent
• James Suckling
• Timbaland
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Usher
• Christopher Voss
• Alice Waters
• Kelly Wearstler
• Serena Williams
• Anna Wintour

References

I hope this helps, and thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 23:02, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

 Done Kokopelli7309 (talk) 23:17, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

Request to correct and update History section

Hello, Alyssa here again. In an effort to correct and update the current History section, I have drafted replacement text clarifying the roles of David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen in the company's founding, provide some additional background information about MasterClass' conception, add mention of Series E funding, and update the total amount of funding received to date. I propose replacing the current History section with the following:

MasterClass was conceived by David Rogier as a student at Stanford University. After graduating and a year working for his business school professor Michael Dearing at the venture capital firm Harrison Metal, Rogier founded the holding company Yanka Industries. Named after his grandmother, the company was inspired by her story and value of education and focused on learning. Rogier, who continues to serve as chief executive officer (CEO), asked Aaron Rasmussen to join the company as a co-founder and chief technology officer; Rasmussen would also serve as creative director, before leaving in January 2017. Dearing was the angel investor who provided the initial funding. MasterClass was launched in May 2015, and had 30,000 sign-ups within a few months of release.

MasterClass was started with $4.5 million in initial funding and two seed-funding rounds totalling $1.9 million. This was followed by $15 million in funding announced in 2016, $35 million in 2017, and $80 million in 2018. In May 2020, MasterClass raised $100 million in a Series E funding round led by Fidelity Investments, bringing total funding to approximately $240 million.

References

My goals here are to improve the article's accuracy and bring the page more up to date, and I believe all of the provided sources are appropriate for Wikipedia. I am hoping User:Altamel or another editor can review this request and update the article on my behalf. Thanks, MC Alyssa (talk) 17:39, 7 December 2020 (UTC)

MC Alyssa, thank you for using the request edit process. I want to try to get a couple of things clear:

• we are not here to advertise your company, this is an encyclopaedia. Neutrality is one of the Five Pillars of this project, so stuff like "the company was inspired by her story and value of education" is not even remotely appropriate. That kind of promotional pap may (regrettably) find a place in the publicity materials of a company, but not here.
• we can't publish materials – even if not overtly promotional – written by company employees, as to do so might be construed as native advertising, which is illegal in the United States where our servers are housed.

If there are substantive errors or omissions of fact in the page, you are free to point them out here, citing reliabe sources of course; an independent editor will then decide whether/how to include them in the page. Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 10:54, 8 December 2020 (UTC)

Second request to correct and update History section

Thanks for your feedback, Justlettersandnumbers. However, the request I submitted above was an attempt to fix inaccurate information about the company's founding, clarify the roles of David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen, and update the total amount of funding received, not to advertise. Based on your feedback, I've removed "the company was inspired by her story and value of education and focused on learning", even though this is confirmed by many reputable sources. None of the sources I've used for the draft text are written by employees, so I'm not sure how native advertising applies.

Please allow me to clarify how the current text is incorrect:

• The first paragraph reads: MasterClass was formed by David Rogier and Aaron Rasmussen in 2014 under the name Yanka Industries. The website was published publicly under the MasterClass name on May 12, 2015. It had 30,000 sign-ups within a few months of release. The two men did not just launch Yanka Industries in 2014; Rogier conceived the concept at Stanford and founded Yanka, then invited Rasmussen to join as a co-founder. Rasmussen served as CTO and creative director before leaving in 2017, and Rogier continues to serve as CEO. The text I've drafted below clarifies these roles, provides readers with some additional background about the company's conception, and confirms which of the two co-founders remain with the company.
• The second paragraph reads: MasterClass was started with $4.5 million in initial funding and two seed-funding rounds totaling $1.9 million. This was followed by $15 million in funding announced in 2016, $35 million in 2017, and $80 million in 2018. As of 2018, MasterClass' total funding was about $130 million. The text is not controversial and covers funding received, but is not up to date. The text I've proposed simply adds mention of Series E funding and updates total funding.

Based on above feedback, I'm resubmitting a slightly altered version for editor review. I've removed mention of Rogier's grandmother being an inspiration (despite being confirmed by many sources), but kept mention of Yanka being named after her because I think explaining to readers the origin of "Yanka" is helpful, especially since people may not associate MasterClass with "Yanka" in any way. Again, here is proposed replacement text for editors to consider:

History

MasterClass was conceived by David Rogier as a student at Stanford University. After graduating and a year working for his business school professor Michael Dearing at the venture capital firm Harrison Metal, Rogier founded the learning-focused holding company Yanka Industries, named after his grandmother. Rogier, who continues to serve as chief executive officer (CEO), asked Aaron Rasmussen to join the company as a co-founder and chief technology officer; Rasmussen would also serve as creative director, before leaving in January 2017. Dearing was the angel investor who provided the initial funding. MasterClass was launched in May 2015, and had 30,000 sign-ups within a few months of release.

Funding

MasterClass was started with $4.5 million in initial funding and two seed-funding rounds totalling $1.9 million. This was followed by $15 million in funding announced in 2016, $35 million in 2017, and $80 million in 2018. In May 2020, MasterClass raised $100 million in a Series E funding round led by Fidelity Investments, bringing total funding to approximately $240 million.

References

I'm hoping editors find the revised text more compliant and an improvement of the existing text, which is inaccurate and outdated. If there are other problems with specific text or sourcing, please let me know so I can adjust appropriately. Thanks again, MC Alyssa (talk) 01:45, 9 December 2020 (UTC)

I have implemented a slightly modified version of your text. Let me know if there are any issues. I removed mention of the angel investor since he does not himself seem to be famous or very relevant. AdmiralEek (talk) 21:13, 18 February 2021 (UTC)

Request for Reception section

Hello again! I have a request for the Reception section, specifically the first sentence, which reads:

• Some journalists have written that while the classes do not teach technical skills to improve proficiency in the craft, they do provide insight into the grueling nature of artistic pursuits and the strive for perfection while inspiring a love of the craft.

References

I propose removing per Synthesis of published material at No original research: "Do not combine material from multiple sources to reach or imply a conclusion not explicitly stated by any of the sources. Similarly, do not combine different parts of one source to reach or imply a conclusion not explicitly stated by the source. If one reliable source says A, and another reliable source says B, do not join A and B together to imply a conclusion C that is not mentioned by either of the sources."

Having reviewed the sources, I think that the article's current text implies a conclusion not explicitly stated by any of the sources:

1. The Hollywood Reporter source is specifically about the Christina Aguilera course. The author said the program "is geared more towards, you know, actual singers — those who have six weeks to dedicate to the course, rather, than say, a reporter attempting to speed through it in four days" and wrote, "Aguilera mostly aims to teach singers and performers to hone their unique, personal sound as well as how to sing with emotion, presence and to command the attention of the audience." I'll spare sharing too many quotes, but I'd say the overall tone of this article is positive but does not confirm the claim.
2. The Los Angeles Times does mention two acting coaches who dislike MasterClass' format, but that's not an opinion expressed by the journalist who wrote the piece. Also, this article says Steve Martin's course offers "plenty of practical techniques" and mentions a MasterClass customer who had a positive experience. Again, I would argue that this source does not explicitly verify the claim being made.
3. The AskMen source is specifically about Gordon Ramsay's course. The article is very detailed and shows Ramsay covered many topics. The end says, "This masterclass is for someone who loves food. Just being a foodie is important, but being able to learn how to put food on a plate is crucial", but I don't see anything here speaking to MasterClass in general. Same as above, the Wikipedia claim is not explicitly verified here.
4. The Refinery29 piece is quite detailed but specific to the Dustin Hoffman course. There's nothing here speaking to the claim being made about MasterClass in general. The end has the author ask, "So, Is MasterClass Worth It?", but the response goes back to the Hoffman class.
5. The Observer focuses on the James Patterson class. The text most specific to the claim being made is "Mr. Patterson possesses an abundance of good, solid common sense and some genuinely valuable wisdom. Not necessarily about the art of writing, mind you. But about storytelling." The piece speaks highly of the class and gives a detailed overview of the various topics covered. I don't see how this source verifies the claim being made.
6. The Vulture article is about Usher's course and does not discuss the general MasterClass format or offerings as far as I can tell.

I'm not sure how and when the 6 citations were grouped together, but User:Coin945 made this edit to add the sentence "The general consensus along critics is that while the classes do not teach technical skills to improve proficiency in the craft, they provide insight into the grueling nature of artistic pursuits, the striving for perfection, and the love of the craft" using a single source back in December 2017. I want to make them aware of this request as well.

In short, these sources are about individual classes, not the MasterClass format overall. None of these sources explicitly verify the claim being made, which is why I'm seeking to have the sentence removed. If editors would prefer to rewrite the content to focus on specific classes, I would not be opposed, but that goes back to the question I raised above, should this article mention individual instructors? Thanks again, MC Alyssa (talk) 16:05, 18 December 2020 (UTC)

@Altamel: Happy New Year! I am going to attempt uploading the logo ASAP, but in the meantime might you be able to review this request and/or the one directly above. I am struggling to get feedback from editors. Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 01:11, 5 January 2021 (UTC)

I can't guarantee that I'll be able to look these requests – the edit request backlog has reached its highest level in nearly five years, and as patrollers work through the backlog, it's likely that edit requests will have to wait longer than usual for feedback. I have, however, added the logo as you requested above. Altamel (talk) 01:49, 11 January 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa: Would you be content with adding "certain classes", or specifying which classes folks have issues with? I don't see it as synthesis, perhaps just vagueness. AdmiralEek (talk) 20:58, 18 February 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa: Done I read all the sources and provided a more fair and balanced interpretation of the overall message. I also noted the shift from per class charges to an annual subscription, which was likely in response to the repeat revenue challenge pointed out by the Verge. TimTempleton ^{(talk) (cont)} 23:23, 18 February 2021 (UTC)

@Timtempleton: Thank you for updating the article to reflect sourcing. I've shared another request for the same section below, and I'm also wondering if you'd be willing to review and take live Draft:David Rogier now that this article's History section has been corrected by User:AdmiralEek. Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 02:02, 23 February 2021 (UTC)

Additions to Reception section

I am back with another request related to the Reception section. MasterClass has received a couple other awards, in addition to the already mentioned Webby Awards. Below I've drafted a couple sentences (with sources) for editors to consider adding to the page:

In 2019, chef Dominique Ansel's MasterClass on French pastries received a James Beard Foundation Broadcast Media Award in the Online Video, Fixed Location and/or Instructional category. In 2020, MasterClass was named one of the "hottest brands" in the U.S. by Ad Age and ranked number 32 in LinkedIn's list of top startup companies.

References

For the James Beard Award, I've provided the James Beard Foundation and Eater as sources, but the claim could also be sourced by Food & Wine or Chowhound. Also, the Business Insider source is paywalled but this link provides a copy and verifies the claim. To keep text in chronological order, I propose placing the text immediately in front of the existing sentence: "MasterClass won two Webby Awards in 2020. One for Education & Reference in the category Apps, Mobile & Voice, and the other for Media Streaming in the category Web." Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 02:02, 23 February 2021 (UTC)

I've added the "request edit" template. I'm hoping User:AdmiralEek or User:Timtempleton may be able to assist here or with taking Draft:David Rogier live since the History section has been corrected. Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 21:56, 2 March 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa: We’re close. I think he needs to be identified as a co-founder of MasterClass, but it would also be great if we could find another profile that focuses on something besides MasterClass, such as his investing, rather than just passing mentions of his non-company activity. Otherwise the article might be merged and redirected back into MastetClass. TimTempleton ^{(talk) (cont)} 14:44, 3 March 2021 (UTC)

@Timtempleton: Confirming "Founder" can be changed to "Co-founder" on at Draft:David Rogier. Are you willing to make the change since I'm trying to avoid direct editing? I'm also submitting a request to add mention of MasterClass' chief financial officer below, if you're willing to review. Thanks again! MC Alyssa (talk) 23:04, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa: I edited and moved David's article, but am going to leave this edit request open. I'm not sure that the awards aren't making this too promotional; someone else can take a look. TimTempleton ^{(talk) (cont)} 17:11, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

 Partly done. I have only added the information about the James Beard Foundation Broadcast Media Award since it's the only notable award in your request. JBchrch talk 19:51, 29 June 2021 (UTC)

CFO appointment

Since C-suite executives are often included in company articles, so I propose adding the following to the History section:

• Vanna Krantz was named MasterClass' first chief financial officer in January 2021.

References

Related, I propose adding "Vanna Krantz (CFO)" to the infobox, after "David Rogier (CEO)".

Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 23:04, 15 March 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa:  Done I added Vanna to the infobox. Typically I only include CEO, Chairman and President in the infobox, but the Variety coverage let me make an exception. I also moved David's draft article to mainspace - the sourcing looks good enough to meet WP:GNG. TimTempleton ^{(talk) (cont)} 17:02, 16 March 2021 (UTC)

Request for Classes section

"

Hello! I'm back with another request for the Classes section. Currently the information in this section is generally helpful but not quite accurate or up to date. I've worked to expand the section by updating class format, range of topics, and the total number of courses, based on reputable sources.

Below I've drafted a new section for editor consideration:

Classes

MasterClass produces online classes with "the world's best across a wide range of subjects". Classes typically include between 10 and 25 videos, an instructor guide with interactive exercises and study materials, and access to "office hours", which are question and answer style discussions where members provide feedback on each other's work and sometimes receive direct feedback from the instructor. MasterClass offers classes through an annual subscription that gives members access to the full catalog.

MasterClass launched in 2015 with three classes. The topics were tennis, writing, and acting. As of January 2021, MasterClass had more than 100 courses in eleven categories. Topics have expanded to include: entertainment, sports, dance, photography, politics, culinary arts, filmmaking, game design, chess, poker, film scoring, music production, design and architecture, wine appreciation, space exploration, business strategy and leadership, self-expression and authenticity, and songwriting. Instructors range from known personalities, such as Martin Scorsese, to former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss. According to Vox, "Serena Williams reportedly invited one of her students to play tennis. James Patterson published a novel with one of his pupils."

Initially, MasterClass classes could only be accessed via desktop browsers. In 2018, the company added mobile support. As of November 2020, MasterClass was available on a variety of streaming devices and apps. Once purchased, access to class materials is unlimited.

References

@Kokopelli7309: I'm putting this request on your radar since you helped with the Notable instructors section. @Timtempleton: I'm putting this on your radar as well since you've assisted with previous requests. Also, I was very disappointed to see the David Rogier draft has already disappeared because "there doesn't seem to be any other reason to have this paid-editor article". If none of the text is promotional or otherwise problematic, can this be restored please?

Thank you both for your continued assistance. MC Alyssa (talk) 21:50, 17 March 2021 (UTC)

Hi JBchrch. One more thing I was hoping you could look at, as you've been so helpful on the MasterClass talk page in other requests. The current content in the Classes section on the MasterClass page doesn't tell the complete story, and isn't up to date. I'm proposing that the classes section be changed to the following. If this is implemented, the second paragraph in the History section could be removed, as it's covered here (and belongs in the Classes section):

• MasterClass produces online classes with well-known instructors in their field of expertise. Classes typically include between 10 and 25 videos, an instructor guide with interactive exercises and study materials, and access to "office hours", which are question and answer style discussions where members provide feedback on each other's work and sometimes receive direct feedback from the instructor. MasterClass offers classes through an annual subscription that gives members access to the full catalog. MasterClass launched in 2015 with three classes: tennis, writing, and acting. As of January 2021, MasterClass had more than 100 courses in eleven categories. Initially, MasterClass classes could only be accessed via desktop browsers. In 2018, the company added mobile support. As of November 2020, MasterClass was available on a variety of streaming devices and apps. Once purchased, access to class materials is unlimited.

References

Thank you for your consideration, MC Alyssa (talk) 15:45, 12 July 2021 (UTC)

@JBchrch: Have you accessed the additional request above? Z1720 (talk) 19:21, 24 August 2021 (UTC)

@Z1720: Not yet but I have said to MC Alyssa on my talk page that I will take a look this week. JBchrch talk 19:53, 24 August 2021 (UTC)

MC Alyssa, thank you for using the edit request process. I've declined this one. Wikipedia does not tolerate WP:PROMOTION of any kind, and that obviously includes promotional material supplied (however correctly) by WP:COI/WP:PAID editors. We can't publish text written by such editors because it could be considered WP:deceptive advertising. The edit request process is for the correction of blatant errors or omissions of verifiable fact, not for massaging the article text to make it read more and more like a corporate hand-out and less and less like an encyclopaedia article. If there are any such errors in the article please let us know, but please don't come here with trivial matters. These requests suck up volunteer time that would be much better spent on improving other articles. Justlettersandnumbers (talk) 20:12, 24 August 2021 (UTC)

Request for introduction

Hello again! I'm still hoping for a couple requests above to be reviewed, but I'd like to go ahead and share my proposed language for the introduction, which is currently incorrect in a couple of ways. As clarified in the History section, thanks to User:AdmiralEek's help above, David Rogier founded MasterClass and later asked Aaron Rasmussen to join the company as a co-founder. Also, there's detail about a specific course which I'd argue is not representative of class structure in general. Instead, based on the above request, I suggest summarizing the various fields of study available. I propose the following replacement text:

MasterClass is an online streaming platform on which members can access classes taught by experts in various fields. The concept for MasterClass was conceived by David Rogier. The classes cover a wide range of subjects, including arts and entertainment, business, design and style, food, home and lifestyle, music, science and technology, sports and gaming, and writing.

Additionally, in the infobox, I wonder if "online learning" and/or "streaming" might be more specific than "education"?

My goal here's to correct the current language and make it more reflective of the article body. I would invite User:Kokopelli7309 and User:Timtempleton to consider as well, based on previous discussions. Thank you! MC Alyssa (talk) 15:52, 25 March 2021 (UTC)

 Partly done: I kept the lead as-is for the most part for the interests of neutrality, but did specify the difference between Rasmussen joining later on. Infobox term of "online education" seems most appropriate for the interest of language. Sennecaster (What now?) 20:02, 24 April 2021 (UTC)

CMO appointment

Hello again! Since C-suite executives are often included in company articles, I propose adding the following to the History section:

• MasterClass hired David Schriber as chief marketing officer in June 2019.

References

Related, since Template:Infobox company says up to 4 key people can be displayed in the infobox, I propose adding "David Schriber (CMO)" to the infobox, after "Vanna Krantz (CFO)". Thank you! MC Alyssa (talk) 17:34, 14 April 2021 (UTC)

MC Alyssa I will decline the first request since it's BusinessInsider is not a reliable source (see WP:RSP). Happy to take a look at the second part of your request if you are able to provide a reliable source. Please ping me when you respond. JBchrch talk 19:54, 29 June 2021 (UTC)

Closing from lack of response Nosebagbear (talk) 13:20, 12 July 2021 (UTC)

JBchrch Thanks for your assistance with the various edit requests I've created for MasterClass. I am replying to your suggestions for these two requests.

• I've found a New York Times reference that explains that David Schriber was hired in the summer of 2019 so the sentence in the history section would read: "MasterClass hired David Schriber as chief marketing officer in the summer of 2019."
• Given this New York Times reference, my second request was: I propose adding "David Schriber (CMO)" to the infobox, after "Vanna Krantz (CFO)".

References

Thank you for your consideration. MC Alyssa (talk) 15:43, 12 July 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa:  Done. Sorry for the delay. JBchrch talk 09:58, 20 August 2021 (UTC)

JBchrch Thanks so much for getting back to this! MC Alyssa (talk) 18:13, 23 August 2021 (UTC)

Advertisement banner

Hello again. I am disappointed to see User:Ddokhanian has added an "advertisement" banner to the article, given my recent efforts to make the entry more accurate, neutral and up to date. Ddokhanian, can you please identify which content is problematic? As you can see, I've submitted a series of "edit requests" above, several of which still require editor review. I would also invite User:Kokopelli7309 and User:Timtempleton for feedback as previous reviewers. If editors can say what's wrong, I can try to address problems, and of course I hope the unreviewed requests above will help. Thanks, MC Alyssa (talk) 21:46, 22 April 2021 (UTC)

@MC Alyssa: Every editor has different ideas about what constitutes advertising. I culled some info that might be problematic, and removed the tag, but if Ddokhanian disagrees, the tag may go back. Ddokhanian - feel free to remove any advertising verbiage you think I missed. We don't want to punish MC Alyssa for making the proper disclosures. TimTempleton ^{(talk) (cont)} 23:01, 22 April 2021 (UTC)

Much improved, thank you! Ddokhanian (talk) 07:15, 23 April 2021 (UTC)

Series F funding

Hello! I'd like to submit a request to add mention of Series F funding, per CNBC. I'm open to editors' preferred wording, but here's my first stab at a brief and neutral update for the end of the History section: The company received $225 million in a Series F round in May 2021. The $2.75 billion valuation may also be worth mentioning. @AdmiralEek: I'm putting this request on radar as well, since you assisted with the funding section back in February.

References

Thanks! MC Alyssa (talk) 20:08, 18 May 2021 (UTC)

 Already done, apparently. JBchrch talk 20:05, 29 June 2021 (UTC)

2021 Webby Awards

Hello! I'd like to submit a request to add mention of 2021 Webby Awards received by MasterClass:

• In 2021, MasterClass received the Webby Award and Webby People's Voice Award for Media Streaming, General Websites and Mobile Sites (Websites and Mobile Sites), as well as the Webby Award for Best Streaming Service, Mobile and OTT App Features (Apps and Software).

References

Variety verifies the claim too, as does the Webby Awards' official website.

Can someone please update the article on my behalf? Thanks again! MC Alyssa (talk) 20:46, 25 May 2021 (UTC)

MC Alyssa. This looks like quite a mouthful. Could you propose a simpler wording, such as In 2020 and 2021, MasterClass received two Webby Awards? JBchrch talk 20:02, 29 June 2021 (UTC)

Infobox update request

Hello. I have two small requests to the Infobox:

1. There is a new CFO, Valen Tong. Can you please add her name to the list of "Key people" in place of Vanna Krantz? https://theorg.com/insights/masterclass-recruits-a-new-cfo
2. The Wikilink on David Rogier's name in the Infobox goes to a redirect that comes back to the MasterClass article. Please remove that Wikilink.

Thanks again, MC Alyssa (talk) 00:41, 11 January 2022 (UTC)

 Done Signed, IAmChaos 03:09, 11 January 2022 (UTC)

Small error:

according to the New Yorker and Atlantic articles, Rogier started the company after graduating, not while a student

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/09/what-is-masterclass-actually-selling/614200/

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/25/can-masterclass-teach-you-everything 2603:8001:A101:FBA0:83A7:92FB:65FA:F6BE (talk) 09:17, 26 June 2022 (UTC)

Requested move 1 September 2022

The following is a closed discussion of a requested move. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made in a new section on the talk page. Editors desiring to contest the closing decision should consider a move review after discussing it on the closer's talk page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.

---

result:
No consensus. See no agreement below after more than a month to change these titles. As is usual with a no-consensus outcome, editors can discover new arguments, strengthen old ones and try again in a few months to make these changes. Thanks and kudos to editors for your input; everyone stay healthy! P.I. Ellsworth , ed. ^put'r there 09:39, 2 October 2022 (UTC)

---

• Master class (disambiguation) → Master class
• Master class → Master class (education)
• Master Class → Master Class (play)

– The disambiguation page should be at the base name "Master class" per WP:NOPRIMARY. (See here for pageviews analysis.) Alternate spellings where the searcher's intent is similarly unclear, such as "Masterclass" and "Master Class," should redirect to the disambiguation page. However, the variant with the unique spelling and capitalization "MasterClass" should remain as is, since writing it in this specific way reflects the searcher's intent to read about the online platform MasterClass. MC Alyssa (talk) 17:23, 1 September 2022 (UTC) — Relisting. – robertsky (talk) 15:34, 11 September 2022 (UTC)

• Oppose per WP:SMALLDETAILS. MasterClass gets the most views and agree that should stay where it is for reasons mentioned in nom. The WP:PRIMARYTOPIC for master class is the current article's topic. The WP:PRIMARYTOPIC for Master Class is the play; I don't think that is unclear, but there are properly hatnotes on each article for the minority of readers who might be on the wrong article. As to masterclass, I'm neutral; an argument can be made that readers might want the TV series or the platform; on the other hand, the current redirect to master class gives readers a hatnote there, and if masterclass is redirected to the dab page, there are almost 100 incoming wikilinks that will need updating. Station1 (talk) 20:19, 1 September 2022 (UTC)
• Oppose – what Station1 said. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 00:36, 2 September 2022 (UTC)
• Weak support the education platform uses a less common naming namely being 1 word and its quite possible readers will use the more common form of 2 words. Crouch, Swale (talk) 09:02, 2 September 2022 (UTC)

I don't understand. The educational platform, this article (MasterClass), is not under discussion. -- Michael Bednarek (talk) 13:29, 2 September 2022 (UTC)

People looking for it may type "Master Class" instead of "MasterClass". Crouch, Swale (talk) 14:22, 2 September 2022 (UTC)

• Support Master class (disambiguation) → Master class and Master class → Master class (education). There are five entries listed upon the Master class (disambiguation) page, with the putative WP:PRIMARYTOPIC being "Master class is a specialized class taught by an expert", although page views confirm that such class' notability does not overshadow the combined renown of the remaining four entries. The popular play Master Class by Terrence McNally should remain without a parenthetical qualifier and even Masterclass (TV series)|Masterclass (TV series), an HBO documentary series, has no need of a qualifier and its header can be simply "Masterclass", since no other entry is styled in this exact form. Hatnotes atop each entry would resolve any confusion. Also, as already pointed out by Michael Bednarek, "The educational platform, this article (MasterClass), is not under discussion", thus this RM should have been posted either at Talk:Master class, at Talk:Master class (disambiguation) or even at Talk:Master Class, since the play's main title header has also been nominated, but not on this talk page. —Roman Spinner (talk • contribs) 21:22, 2 September 2022 (UTC)

• Comment from nom: Station1 makes a fair WP:SMALLDETAILS case above, though I think a space is too small a detail in this case, and I strongly suspect that most people searching for either "master class" or "masterclass" really want to end up at MasterClass (as Crouch, Swale noted). But in any case, my main sticking point is that the primary topic for "Masterclass" should not be Master class - or Masterclass (TV series), as has also been proposed - based on both pageviews and WP:SMALLDETAILS considerations. And I'm sure the concern of the incoming wikilinks can be overcome, for the sake of proper disambiguation. MC Alyssa (talk) 16:06, 6 September 2022 (UTC)
• Oppose Per WP:DIFFCAPS. ᴢxᴄᴠʙɴᴍ (ᴛ) 09:06, 12 September 2022 (UTC)
• Oppose 1st and 2nd, Support 3rd. Clear primary topic. -- Necrothesp (talk) 12:41, 14 September 2022 (UTC)
• Support per WP:SMALLDETAILS, which notes that "Ambiguity may arise when typographically near-identical expressions have distinct meanings", and says we sometimes tolarate separating them by small details, but does not really encourage it. Disambiguation is better in cases like this with no clear primary topic. But this RM discussion is mal-placed, as camel-case MasterClass is OK where it is, and not under discussion. Dicklyon (talk) 16:36, 24 September 2022 (UTC)

The discussion above is closed. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page. No further edits should be made to this discussion.