How to create a wikipedia page – Creating a Wikipedia page requires a combination of knowledge and adherence to specific guidelines. This comprehensive guide will lead you through the process, from understanding eligibility criteria to crafting well-structured and informative content. Whether you’re a seasoned Wikipedian or a newcomer, this guide will empower you to create Wikipedia pages that meet the encyclopedia’s high standards.

Delving into the intricacies of Wikipedia’s notability criteria, article structure, writing style, and collaborative editing process, this guide will provide you with a roadmap to navigate the world of Wikipedia. You’ll learn how to select appropriate topics, format articles effectively, engage in constructive collaboration, and maintain the accuracy and currency of your contributions.

Eligibility and Account Requirements

Creating a Wikipedia page is a privilege extended to eligible individuals. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria and possess a stable Wikipedia account.

Eligibility Criteria

• Have a genuine interest in contributing to Wikipedia’s knowledge base.
• Understand and adhere to Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines.
• Be able to write in a clear, concise, and neutral style.
• Have a basic understanding of HTML markup language.

Creating a Wikipedia Account

To create a Wikipedia account, visit the Wikipedia website and click on the “Create account” link. You will be prompted to provide a username, password, and email address. Once you have entered this information, click on the “Create account” button.

After you have created an account, you will need to confirm your email address. To do this, check your email inbox for a message from Wikipedia. Click on the link in the email to confirm your account.

Importance of a Stable Account

It is important to use a stable Wikipedia account when creating a page. This is because your account will be linked to the page, and any changes you make to the page will be attributed to you. If you use an unstable account, your changes may be reverted or deleted.

Topic Selection and Notability

Wikipedia maintains a set of notability guidelines to ensure that only topics of sufficient importance and interest are included in the encyclopedia. Notability is not a subjective measure but rather an objective assessment based on established criteria.

To determine if a topic meets the notability criteria, consider the following factors:

Significant Coverage in Reliable Sources

The topic should have been covered in multiple independent, reliable sources that are not self-published or promotional in nature. These sources should provide significant detail about the topic, demonstrating its importance and relevance.

Sustained Interest over Time

The topic should have generated sustained interest over a period of time, as evidenced by ongoing coverage in reliable sources. This indicates that the topic is not merely a passing fad but has enduring significance.

Impact on Society or Culture, How to create a wikipedia page

The topic should have had a significant impact on society or culture, as demonstrated by its influence on other areas of knowledge, its role in shaping public discourse, or its cultural significance.

Examples of Notable and Non-Notable Topics

-*Notable Topics:

• Historical events and figures
• Scientific discoveries and inventions
• Major political and cultural movements
• Influential works of literature, art, and music

-*Non-Notable Topics:

• Personal blogs and websites
• Local businesses and events
• Minor historical figures or events
• Short-lived trends or fads

Article Structure and Formatting

Creating a well-structured and formatted Wikipedia article is crucial for presenting information in a clear and accessible manner. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Sections and Headings

Wikipedia articles are typically organized into sections and subsections using headings. The main sections include an introduction, body, and references. Headings should be descriptive and hierarchical, using the Heading tags (

,

, etc.) in descending order of importance.

Formatting Text

Text should be formatted using the standard Wikipedia markup language. This includes using bold, italics, and superscripts for emphasis, and blockquotes for citations. The font size and style should be consistent throughout the article, and the text should be easy to read and visually appealing.

References and Citations

All information in a Wikipedia article must be supported by reliable sources. References should be cited using the appropriate citation style, and they should be placed in a dedicated references section at the end of the article. This helps ensure the article’s credibility and allows readers to verify the information presented.

Writing Style and Content: How To Create A Wikipedia Page

When writing for Wikipedia, it’s essential to maintain a neutral, objective, and formal tone. Neutrality means presenting all sides of an issue fairly, without bias or preference. Objectivity requires relying on facts and evidence, avoiding personal opinions or speculations. Formality dictates using proper grammar, avoiding slang or colloquialisms, and maintaining a professional tone.

Clear and Concise Writing

Clarity and conciseness are crucial. Use simple language, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to all readers. Write in an active voice, using strong verbs to convey actions. Keep sentences and paragraphs brief, avoiding unnecessary details or redundancies.

Use headings and subheadings to organize content, making it easier for readers to navigate the article.

Avoiding Bias and Personal Opinions

Wikipedia articles should be free from bias and personal opinions. Present facts and information without judgment or evaluation. Avoid using language that suggests a particular viewpoint or agenda. Instead, rely on credible sources to support claims and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content.

Collaboration and Editing

Wikipedia is a collaborative encyclopedia, meaning that anyone can edit and contribute to its articles. This open and decentralized approach allows for a vast amount of knowledge to be shared and disseminated freely.Editors play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and accuracy of Wikipedia articles.

They review and edit content, ensuring that it adheres to Wikipedia’s guidelines and policies. Editors also work together to resolve disputes and improve the overall quality of the encyclopedia.

How to Edit and Contribute

To edit or contribute to an existing article, simply click on the “Edit” tab at the top of the page. You will be presented with a text editor where you can make changes to the article.Before making any changes, it is important to read and understand Wikipedia’s editing guidelines and policies.

These guidelines ensure that all edits are made in a consistent and constructive manner.

Importance of Following Wikipedia’s Guidelines and Policies

Following Wikipedia’s guidelines and policies is essential for maintaining the integrity and reliability of the encyclopedia. These guidelines help to ensure that:

• Articles are accurate and up-to-date.
• Content is neutral and unbiased.
• Articles are well-written and well-sourced.
• Editors work collaboratively to improve the encyclopedia.

By following these guidelines, editors can help to create a Wikipedia that is a valuable and trusted source of information for everyone.

Image and Media Inclusion

Images and other media can enhance Wikipedia articles by making them more visually appealing and informative. However, it is important to follow the guidelines to ensure that the media used is appropriate and does not violate any copyright laws.

When selecting images, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Relevance:The image should be directly related to the topic of the article.
• Quality:The image should be of high quality and visually appealing.
• Licensing:The image should be licensed for use on Wikipedia, either under a free license or with permission from the copyright holder.

There are a number of resources available for finding appropriate images for Wikipedia articles, including:

• Wikimedia Commons:A repository of freely licensed images that can be used on Wikipedia.
• Google Images:A search engine that can be used to find images, but it is important to check the licensing of any images found through Google.
• Flickr:A photo-sharing website that allows users to search for images that are licensed for use on Wikipedia.

Once an image has been selected, it is important to obtain permission from the copyright holder if the image is not licensed for use on Wikipedia. This can be done by contacting the copyright holder directly or by using a service such as the Creative Commons License Deed Search.

Submitting and Reviewing Articles

Once you have drafted your article, it’s time to submit it for review. To do this, click on the “Submit for Review” button at the top of the article editing page. You will then be asked to provide a brief summary of your article and to select a few categories that it belongs to.

Once you have done this, click on the “Submit” button and your article will be sent to the review queue.

The review process typically takes a few days, and during this time, your article will be assessed by a team of volunteer editors. These editors will check your article for accuracy, completeness, and neutrality. They will also make sure that your article meets Wikipedia’s notability guidelines.

Common Reasons for Article Rejection

• The article is not about a notable topic.
• The article is too short or incomplete.
• The article is not written in a neutral point of view.
• The article contains inaccurate or unverifiable information.
• The article is promotional in nature.

If your article is rejected, you will receive a message from the review team explaining the reason for the rejection. You can then revise your article and resubmit it for review.

Maintaining and Updating Articles

Maintaining and updating Wikipedia articles is crucial to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. As the world evolves and new knowledge emerges, articles need to be revised and refreshed to reflect the latest developments.

To track changes and make necessary updates, editors can use the “Recent Changes” page, which provides a real-time feed of all edits made to the site. Additionally, editors can subscribe to “Watchlists” for specific articles or topics, which will notify them of any changes made.

Role of Editors

Editors play a vital role in ensuring article accuracy and currency. They review and verify information, correct errors, and incorporate new knowledge. Editors also maintain the article’s neutrality and objectivity, ensuring that it presents a balanced and unbiased perspective.

Outcome Summary

Mastering the art of creating Wikipedia pages not only contributes to the vast repository of knowledge that Wikipedia represents but also hones your research, writing, and critical thinking skills. By embracing the principles Artikeld in this guide, you’ll become an active participant in shaping the world’s largest encyclopedia, ensuring its continued relevance and reliability as a source of information for generations to come.

Essential FAQs

Is there a minimum word count requirement for Wikipedia articles?

No, there is no specific word count requirement. However, articles should be comprehensive enough to cover the topic adequately.

Can I use copyrighted images in my Wikipedia article?

Yes, but only if you have obtained permission from the copyright holder or if the image is in the public domain.

How can I ensure that my article is neutral and objective?

Present all sides of the topic fairly and avoid stating opinions as facts. Use reliable sources to support your claims and avoid using biased language.