Talk:Macon, Georgia

Reliable sources

there're probably better news sources to link to rather than "WMCC News" - someone's blog "Scouring the News for the Ridiculous and Upsetting in Macon, Georgia"

Major hub?

Is Macon really a major hub of inland trade of shipping? The Ocmulgee River is too shallow, narrow, and has too much sediment-buildup for such activities, and there are no shipping ports that i know of, nor have i seen any ships. --Matrixboy84 14:54, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

The term "inland port" refers to a distribution center linked to a port by rail or highways Eggmusic (talk) 01:18, 1 August 2011 (UTC)

Modern History

Has Macon had any? Could someone add it?

What about old history. Where is the mention of the city name derived from the French city? Migdejong 01:08, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Actually, the name of the city comes from Senator Nathaniel Macon, as the article explains. Several other cities and counties in the US are also named for Macon, who was quite a big deal in the early republic. The name of the French city Mâcon is coincidence. Hope this helps! --SuperNova |T|C| 08:27, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

Demographics

N.B. Macon's population made the "incredible/unbelieveable" jump from 91000 to 121000 BECAUSE THERE WAS AN ANNEXATION INTO THE CITY LIMITS OF POPULATED AREAS OF BIBB COUNTY. That took place in the 1970's.

As a comment on the reference to the MERCER VILLAGE as being one of Macon's Malls - MERCER VILLAGE CERTAINLY IS NOT A MALL, NOR A SHOPPING/COMMERCIAL AREA OF MUCH SIGNIFICANCE. There are just some restaurants there, mostly frequented by Mercer university students, and the university's book store - nothing else of commercial significance, CERTAINLY NOT A MALL! Gitensha (talk) 18:06, 5 September 2013 (UTC)

We can upgrade this article by inserting references/citations for new info. This may be particularly important for phrases using the words "black" or "white" which may be potentially inflammatory. I don't doubt the truth of the phrase regarding migration, but we need solid evidence, outside our own observations, to support this.Student7 18:25, 9 January 2007 (UTC)

I removed all that. It was poorly written, and just not really accurate. I appreciate your effort in asking for a citation, but it sounded to me like someone wanted to make a "Here's how I see it..." post using Wikipedia, so I wouldn't hold my breath on a reference. I'm sure one could find reliable sources to attest to some form of white flight, but until said source is produced -- as part of an encyclopedia-style piece of writing -- that block of text should just stay out. --SuperNova |T|C| 09:08, 10 January 2007 (UTC)

How did Macon's population jump from 91,000 to 121,000 overnight? And how did the two-thirds African American majority drop to 61% so suddenly? I had to edit this nonsense so that it was at least consistent with the rest of wikipedia, not to mention the actual census itself. Folks, I don't care how badly you want to see the African American population magically disappear. Don't make up lies about the census. Those census guys worked really hard. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 97.81.86.154 (talk) 21:25, 23 July 2012 (UTC)

Surrounding Cities and Towns

We currently have articles on various cities and towns. Also on counties. If this new list is either for "metropolitan area" or "cities abutting Macon", I don't understand it's purpose. Let those cities/towns describe themselves. I agree that usually MSP articles start taking credit for outlying suburbs, but maybe then, the section should be renamed. Student7 02:24, 23 March 2007 (UTC)

All metropolitan articles have the same deficiency - hard to tell where the city leaves off and where the MSP begins. With the listing of "Fort Valley CC" as a Macon college, it kind of drives that home. Shouldn't the distinction be made more clear, either through sectioning or maybe a separate article? Student7 19:28, 24 April 2007 (UTC)

RE: Worst City in 2006

In the Google Earth snapshot of Macon it is mentioned that the city was voted the "Worst City in 2006." I could not find any detailed information on what list this came from. Can you please supply that information?

Thanks! —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Luvbasbal (talk • contribs) 16:20, 26 March 2007 (UTC).

Wow! Talk about asking a key question! I just entered a stub on economy. The study was a real one, not a blog or anything. That really surprised me. Also a potential resource for those of us working on other cities. Thanks for the question! Student7 21:01, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

External links

I've removed the 'cleanup spam' tag and added a message to editors in the external links section regarding adding links to it. The only links that should be in the external links section of the city article are only those that relate directly to the city itself (e.g. city government, chamber of commerce, convention & visitors' bureau, etc). Links to schools, businesses, real estate offices, and other entities within the city are not appropriate for that section. Instead, consider adding a link to that to a wikipedia article about the school or business, if it is notable, then add content to the article itself and link to the article. But keep in mind that articles on schools and businesses must meet certain standards of notability. If the only reason you're adding the link is to promote your website, this violates Wikipedia's External Link Policy. Dr. Cash 22:07, 10 April 2007 (UTC)

Does Macon have a flag?

Does Macon have a flag? If so, could someone put it on here? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Soglad2005 (talk • contribs) 02:24, 21 April 2007 (UTC).

Yes, it is red with a blue diagonal bar and I think a shield or something. I cannot find it online, unfortunately, but when I am in town later this week, I'll see if I can find a version or make one. Good idea! --SuperNova |T|C| 05:36, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Sports

Neither the Knights nor the Whoopee are active anymore; the Whoopee folded years ago and were replaced by the Trax, which have also folded, so that section should be cleaned up. Does Macon have any minor-league basketball? (GLG, 5/8/07)

One site claims Macon will add a team this year. [1] Student7 19:04, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

Gwizzlies???

What in the hell are the Gwizzlies? No one is gonna take this city seriously when we have a basketball team name sounding like its being pronounced by a 5 y/o. We should petition. At least let it be "The Grizzlies". —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Soglad2005 (talk • contribs) 02:58, 12 May 2007 (UTC).

Airport

"Middle Georgia Regional Airport provides air service between Macon and many national and international destinations." ??? Only in Mayor Ellis's most delusional dreams. The only air service to MCN is from ATL on ASA. Bravenav 06:54, 19 May 2007 (UTC)

Notable people

I think we need a standard for who qualifies for inclusion as "famous/notable people from Macon". In other articles with similar sections, a rule of thumb that I've used in the past is that only people notable enough to have a Wikipedia article should be listed under notable people. Thoughts? --SuperNova |T|C| 20:15, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

I like your idea, particularly when extended to the metro area. The problem I find is getting a standard for all that is trustworthy.

I've been trying to edit a tiny state. Everybody who ever played pro ball is in there even if they only played for a year. Should that be the case? I guess if they have an article they ought to be prominent someplace! For a state, they could always be bumped down to a region, county or town. In Macon, it could be at the the school level but otherwise there's no place for them to go.

Also, editors have dumped articles into Wikipedia from 19th century compendiums (maybe paid!) of local bios. The bios read well, the people seem nice enough, but they never really DID anything noteworthy - they were a physician or schoolteacher or somesuch and did their job. So even having an article may not be a sufficient criterion. So discussing it is a great idea! Student7 21:32, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

More thoughts: The people need to be either recognizable outside of Macon or, after reading about them, we can appreciate why they are on the list. IMO the following people shouldn't make it: Mayors (every city has one, Macon has had dozens), Councilmen, representatives to the state assembly from Macon only (not unique), techically county commisioners could but kind of ridiculous at the metro level. People with local impact only excluded: local clergymen, local doctors, local teachers, they have to have had some impact outside Macon, not inside. It's relatively easy to come up with a standard for politicians, but harder for other people.Student7 22:15, 16 June 2007 (UTC)

You are in the middle of moving notable people, a great idea! Suggest moving the section name to the bottom of the article - supposed to be about the city not about people. Keeping Lanier and maybe the CNO and a few really super prominent people that no one can argue with.

The new list will be ignored after awhile unfortunately, but at least it won't clutter up the Macon article any longer.Student7 14:33, 17 June 2007 (UTC)

Should there not be some mention of specific people in the city article? There is only a list to the notable people. There should be some mention of the highlights. I think some of the musicians should be mentioned, such as Otis Redding, Little Richard and Allman Brothers. I realize this discussion is old. I hope someone will see this and give some input. I guess I may make some subtle changes if I don't hear any response. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Brinkley32 (talk • contribs) 21:06, 30 April 2009 (UTC) Pm

Sorry, forgot to sign. Brinkley32 (talk) 22:14, 30 April 2009 (UTC)

One person who seems to lost from the list of famous people from the area of Macon Georga would be MMA Great Ken Shamrock.

Purple-ish

I recently heard "The Color Purple" movie was shot in Macon. I was wondering if this was true and if so it really needs to be put on the page. Ronnie Hammond, lead singer for the Atlanta Rhythm Section is from Macon. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.142.43.202 (talk) 18:19, 20 May 2011 (UTC)

Great pics, keep 'em comin'.

Great pics, keep 'em comin'.

Neighborhoods and Downtown.

I think we should list and make articles about the different neighborhoods in Macon and surrounding area. I also think we should make an article about downtown, list the notable buildings (or what little there is). There are great pictures of the buildings in downtown Macon at www.emporis.com.

The Macon Seal or Symbol...

Does Macon have one and if so can someone find it and put it on here? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Soglad2005 (talk • contribs) 11:37, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

Two Airports

Doesn't Macon have two airports? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Macondude (talk • contribs) 15:49, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

Yes, Macon has two airports. One is for commercial aircraft (Middle Ga. Regional) on the other is for private aircraft (Herbert Smart). Dawg1279 (talk) 06:39, 14 January 2008 (UTC)

Metropolitan area

Doesn't Macon actually have a metro area smaller than the one presented? You can see it for yourself that Metro Macon's population is only about 230,000 at Table of United States Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Maybe you can make a distinction between this one and the CSA that you have in the article. naw, thats wrong. its about 400,000...surprisingly. lol —Preceding unsigned comment added by Macondude (talk • contribs) 19:15, 3 November 2007 (UTC)

The analysis of population says that Macon is the "sixth," "fifth" and "third" largest, but only gives two cities that are larger. The sentences are confusing. I agree with mentioning only two cities. But maybe the other claims should be restructured in some way. I wasn't really sure what the paragraph was getting at or I would have tried to rewrite them myself! I'm pretty sure now that all the sentences meant "in Georgia," but mentioning only two cities larger gives the reader pause. Student7 (talk) 10:59, 3 April 2008 (UTC)

Fair use rationale for Image:The Telegraph (Macon) front page.jpg

Image:The Telegraph (Macon) front page.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 02:46, 25 October 2007 (UTC)

Attractions

We need to get rid (disperse) this section. It is not part of WikiProject Cities/Guideline for good reason. It attracts spam-like items. Need to put under economy/industry where appropriate or cultural/museums or maybe just get rid of it. Student7 (talk) 16:43, 21 February 2008 (UTC)

Tubman African American Museum

An editor rm comment that was unreferenced that said that museum attendance had dropped and was only kept alive through public funding. That is fine as far as it goes.

However, it is nearly impossible to find a budget for Tubman online. The Tubman site is quite up front about everything except their annual budget. They are or have just raised $12 million for a new building from corporate sponsors, earmarks, and the usual. No online budget for that either.

There is a line item in a 2002 online budget for Bibb County of $352,000, sounding suspiciously like a good portion of annual funding. http://www.co.bibb.ga.us/finance/budget.asp. I suppose, like most museums, they are visited mainly by schoolchildren for free. No real report of attendance either. Probably doesn't need to be in this article, but should be in Tubman's if one is ever created. Student7 (talk) 23:47, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

Origin of the name

The article doesn’t make it clear whether the name of the town is from the French city of Mâcon or not. — Chameleon 09:19, 16 January 2010 (UTC)

This is discussed in the Macon article (see under subheading "History").Mason.Jones (talk) 18:42, 3 December 2010 (UTC)

Hot dog stand

Will we now be featuring "famous" bowling alleys? Convenience stores? The list could be long. How much do you want to bore a reader? How much will a reader put up with in the way of WP:SPAM? Nowdays, I suspect: "not much!" Student7 (talk) 21:30, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Festival

Really need to establish claim to notability of festival - the number of people attending (with footnote) would be extremely useful. Reader has no idea whether "festival" is important or attended by so few it shouldn't be here. BTW, I have the same problem. Student7 (talk) 21:01, 28 October 2010 (UTC)

Police

These articles usually have a section on the police, giving the size, the chief, etc. This one doesn't any mention of the police. Just throwing that out there. Fenros (talk) 19:12, 4 August 2011 (UTC)

Skyline photo

I took this photo File:MaconSkyline.JPG of the Macon skyline. It shows a few more buildings, is a little sharper, and doesn't have the clutter in the foreground that the current photo has. I think this one is a little better. What do you think about changing to this one? Bubba73 ^{You talkin' to me?} 05:49, 5 May 2012 (UTC)

More interesting. More realistic. But not a public relations type pic. The one there now is a bit banal, but doesn't evoke negative interest either. You can see older buildings in the photo above. Photo is not "smooth" somehow. I vote no. Student7 (talk) 12:06, 11 May 2012 (UTC)

To me the one that is in the article evokes negative interest - all of the clutter in the foreground. I'm not sure what you mean by "smooth" - this one is probably sharper than the one in the article. Bubba73 ^{You talkin' to me?} 17:19, 11 May 2012 (UTC)

I think its a really good photo of the skyline and should be used. I vote yes. --Mjrmtg (talk) 20:23, 11 May 2012 (UTC)

In regards to "the Walking Dead video game" Section

Is this Section really needed ? there are a lot of pop culture references associated with the city of Macon why should this get its own section, i say we remove it — Preceding unsigned comment added by Stateschz (talk • contribs) 18:49, 2 August 2013 (UTC)

Removed. Mr.Atoz (talk) 00:57, 4 August 2013 (UTC)

Images

Someone needs to fix the Image listed as Macon Collage where the image will show in the infobox. ACase0000 (talk) 05:48, 29 August 2013 (UTC)

Article cleanup

Under the Government heading, the subsection Suburban Flight and Urban Decay has a few sentences regarding the heading, no citations, and seemingly little bearing on the article as a whole. The Economy section is rather bare-bones, the map for the county-city is incorrect, and the rest of the article is hit and miss with citations as well.Calador109 (talk) 06:48, 20 November 2014 (UTC)

Macon - Bibb County Consolidation

There was a major shift in political boundaries during 2014 regarding Macon. They deannexed all other cities in Bibb county and parts of Macon in neighboring Jones county. Macon is now a consolidate city-county entity. This seems to successfully make it's way into the Bibb county page, but not the Macon, Georgia page. This probably warrants a more serious discussion on whether or not the city and county should be kept separate, but in the interim much of the population and demographic totals is incorrect as Macon does not exist, but Macon-Bibb Co. does as the political entity. This is why several users keep changing the population. Either way this section will need an overhaul as it is a major change for the city's borders. The census now shows a 2014 population estimate of 153,691 for Macon-Bibb under Georgia cities, as Macon alone ceases to exist. Cwkimbro (talk) 19:56, 1 September 2015 (UTC)

Yes, the article "Macon, Georgia" should be listed with a population over 150,000. When any U.S. city annexes territory or consolidates territory with its incorporated county, most sources give the larger population once the new boundaries are approved by local referendum. But ALL sources will give the larger population once the new government has been created. Also, the new city-county entity retains the city name (consolidated Nashville-Davidson is considered to be "Nashville" and Jacksonville-Duval became "Jacksonville"). For all intents and purposes, Macon-Bibb County is "Macon." Still, it would be better if the WP article list US Census population estimates from 2014 forward -- to avoid having to explain older populations/estimates before the official merger of Macon-Bibb on January 1, 2014. "Corrections" by anonymous editors to pre-2014 US Census populations (88,000, 91,000) or to previous rankings in Georgia (8th largest city) should be changed/reverted.Mason.Jones (talk) 16:10, 7 September 2015 (UTC)

Incorrect population

How did Macon's population jump from 91000 to 153000 between 2010 and 2014? I clicked the link next to the stat and the site it took me to claimed the current population is 89000. Anyone wanna fix this? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 108.208.70.47 (talk) 16:12, 25 November 2015 (UTC)

Please read the section just above this on the city-county consolidation. The source did show the population to be correct. The issue is they city/county is now merged into being a single city. The census now sees the city as being the consolidated city-county. This caused the number to spike. Any source from the census prior to 2014 that doesn't reflect the new boundaries will show the population of Columbus before annexation, any source after shows a much larger population after annexation. This means some data pre-2014 needs to be judged carefully if it is labeled as "Macon City, Georgia" or "Macon-Bibb County, Georgia." Post 2014 the census does not have data for "Macon City, Georgia," because it ceased to exist. This will likely cause some confusion for a few years, but it is correct. This is a common problem/trend for mid-sized cities in the south in states where the counties are small in area. It saves them money by operating one layer of government. --Cwkimbro (talk) 20:21, 18 September 2016 (UTC)

New FIPS Code

New FIPS Code for Macon-Bibb County is 49008
"5/28/2014 - Macon city governmentally consolidated with Bibb County to form Macon-Bibb County (49008)." — Preceding unsigned comment added by 2601:645:8080:C0:502D:ECA0:3A30:8F6C (talk) 14:26, 13 December 2015 (UTC)