Democratize knowledge. Share your expertise. Write a Wikipedia article.
Wikipedia is a free, online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. It is the largest and most comprehensive encyclopedia ever created, with over 55 million articles in over 300 languages. Writing a Wikipedia article is a great way to share your knowledge with the world. However, it is important to follow Wikipedia’s guidelines in order to create a high-quality article that will be accepted by the Wikipedia community.
Navigating Notability: Understanding Wikipedia’s Criteria
Navigating the world of Wikipedia editing can feel like approaching a grand library – full of information, yet bound by specific rules. One of the most fundamental concepts to grasp is “notability,” a cornerstone of what makes a subject worthy of its own Wikipedia article. This principle, however, is often misunderstood, leading to confusion among new editors. To demystify this crucial aspect, it’s essential to understand that Wikipedia defines notability not as inherent worth, but rather as a measure of significant attention from reliable, independent sources.
In essence, a subject’s notability hinges on whether it has been “noted” in the wider world. This “noting” takes the form of coverage in sources like books, newspapers, magazines, academic journals, and reputable websites. These sources must be independent, meaning they are not affiliated with the subject itself, and they must provide substantial coverage, going beyond mere mentions or passing references. For instance, a local musician who has only been featured in their hometown newspaper might not meet the threshold, while a musician with national awards and coverage in major music publications likely would.
The rationale behind this rigorous standard lies in Wikipedia’s commitment to verifiability. Notability, as evidenced by independent sources, ensures that information can be cross-checked and corroborated. It safeguards against the proliferation of vanity pages, original research, and unverifiable claims. Essentially, notability serves as a filter, ensuring that Wikipedia remains a reliable and trustworthy encyclopedia.
However, navigating notability can be nuanced. Different subject areas often have specific notability guidelines to provide further clarity. For example, academics, musical works, and businesses each have their own set of criteria based on the typical forms of coverage within those fields. Therefore, it’s crucial for editors to consult these subject-specific guidelines in addition to the general notability guidelines.
Ultimately, understanding notability is not simply about adhering to rules; it’s about contributing to Wikipedia’s mission of providing free access to reliable information. By focusing on subjects with significant coverage in independent sources, editors ensure that Wikipedia remains a valuable resource for years to come. So, as you embark on your Wikipedia editing journey, remember that notability, while complex, is a fundamental principle that underpins the encyclopedia’s integrity and value.
Sourcing Your Expertise: Research and Citation Essentials for Wikipedia
Wikipedia stands apart from other encyclopedias in a crucial way: it is collaboratively written and edited by a global community of volunteers. While this open model allows for a vast and constantly evolving knowledge base, it also necessitates a rigorous approach to sourcing information. Every fact, every claim, and every interpretation presented on Wikipedia must be grounded in credible sources and meticulously cited. This commitment to verifiability is paramount, ensuring that the information provided is accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
The process of sourcing your expertise begins long before you add a citation to an article. It starts with thorough research, drawing upon reputable sources such as academic journals, books by established authors, government reports, and respected news organizations. These sources form the bedrock of your contributions, providing the evidence and context necessary to support your edits. When selecting sources, it is essential to prioritize quality and neutrality. Look for sources that are objective in their presentation, avoiding those that display a clear bias or promote a particular agenda.
Furthermore, cross-referencing information across multiple sources is crucial. If you find the same information corroborated by several independent and reliable sources, it significantly strengthens the credibility of that information. However, simply stating a fact or presenting an argument is not enough on Wikipedia. You must directly connect your contributions to the sources that support them through clear and accurate citations.
Citations serve as a transparent link between your edits and the broader world of knowledge. They allow readers to verify the information presented, delve deeper into the subject matter, and assess the credibility of the sources themselves. There are several citation styles accepted on Wikipedia, but the most important aspect is consistency and completeness. A complete citation typically includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication date, and specific page numbers when referring to print sources. For online sources, include the URL and the date you accessed the information.
Remember, contributing to Wikipedia is an act of sharing knowledge and enriching the public domain. By adhering to these principles of research and citation, you contribute to the creation of a valuable and trustworthy resource for millions of readers worldwide. Your commitment to accuracy and verifiability ensures that Wikipedia remains a beacon of reliable information in the digital age.
Crafting Credibility: Writing a Neutral and Verifiable Wikipedia Article
Writing a Wikipedia article requires adhering to the platform’s strict guidelines, particularly concerning neutrality and verifiability. These principles are paramount to maintaining Wikipedia’s integrity as a reliable source of information. Therefore, understanding how to craft an article that embodies these principles is essential for any aspiring Wikipedia contributor.
Neutrality in a Wikipedia article signifies presenting information from a balanced viewpoint, avoiding any bias or subjective interpretation. This means representing all significant perspectives on a topic, even those that may be controversial, without giving undue weight to any particular view. Essentially, the article should not advocate for a specific stance but rather present the information objectively, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
Achieving neutrality requires careful language choices. Avoid using overly positive or negative adjectives and adverbs that could inject personal opinions into the text. Instead, opt for neutral language and present facts without embellishment. Furthermore, when including different perspectives, ensure they are properly attributed to their sources. This not only strengthens the article’s neutrality but also contributes to its verifiability.
Verifiability is another cornerstone of Wikipedia’s principles. Every piece of information presented in an article must be traceable back to a reliable source. This means relying on established sources such as academic journals, reputable news organizations, books by recognized authors, and official websites. Avoid using personal blogs, forums, or any source with questionable credibility. When incorporating information from sources, use inline citations to allow readers to easily verify the information presented. These citations should directly link to the specific page or section within the source that supports the claim.
Moreover, direct quotations should be used sparingly and only when necessary to convey a point that would be lost or altered through paraphrasing. When quotations are used, they must be accurate and properly attributed. Excessive use of quotations can give the impression of a poorly synthesized article and may even raise plagiarism concerns.
In conclusion, writing a Wikipedia article is not merely about presenting information; it’s about building a credible resource based on neutrality and verifiability. By adhering to these principles, aspiring contributors can help ensure that Wikipedia remains a trustworthy and valuable platform for knowledge sharing.
Q&A
1. **Question:** What is the primary goal of writing a Wikipedia article?
**Answer:** To provide neutral, well-sourced, and comprehensive information on a notable topic.
2. **Question:** What are two things to avoid when writing a Wikipedia article?
**Answer:** Original research and plagiarism.
3. **Question:** Where can I find reliable sources for my Wikipedia article?
**Answer:** Books, academic journals, reputable news organizations, and official websites.Wikipedia articles provide free, accessible information to a global audience, but require adherence to strict guidelines ensuring neutrality, verifiability, and encyclopedic writing.
