How to make a wikipedia page – Creating a Wikipedia page can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance, it’s a rewarding one. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing a topic to submitting your page for review.
Whether you’re a seasoned Wikipedia editor or a complete novice, this guide has something for you. So dive in and let’s get started!
Understanding the Wikipedia Page Creation Process
Creating a Wikipedia page is a multi-step process that requires careful consideration of the topic and adherence to established criteria and guidelines. Before embarking on this endeavor, it is essential to understand the steps involved and the expectations for creating a high-quality page.
Steps Involved in Creating a Wikipedia Page
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-*Topic Selection
Choose a topic that is notable, verifiable, and meets Wikipedia’s notability guidelines.
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-*Research
Gather reliable and verifiable information from credible sources to support the content of the page.
-*Account Creation
Create a Wikipedia account to become an editor and contribute to the page.
-*Page Creation
Draft the page using Wikipedia’s markup language, following the established formatting and style guidelines.
-*Submission
Submit the page for review and approval by Wikipedia’s editors.
Criteria and Guidelines for Page Creation
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-*Verifiability
All information presented on the page must be supported by reliable and verifiable sources.
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-*Objectivity
The page should present a neutral and unbiased perspective, avoiding personal opinions or biased language.
-*Comprehensiveness
The page should provide a comprehensive overview of the topic, covering its significant aspects and perspectives.
-*Style and Formatting
The page should adhere to Wikipedia’s style and formatting guidelines, ensuring readability and accessibility.
Tips for Choosing a Suitable Topic and Researching the Subject
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-*Choose a topic that interests you
This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable.
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-*Check Wikipedia’s notability guidelines
Ensure that the topic meets the established criteria for inclusion on Wikipedia.
-*Use reliable sources
Consult reputable books, academic journals, and websites to gather accurate and verifiable information.
-*Take notes and organize your research
Keep track of your sources and the key points you want to include on the page.
Writing and Formatting the Page Content
Crafting clear and concise content is paramount for a well-written Wikipedia page. Use precise language, avoiding jargon or technical terms that may alienate readers. Structure your content logically, employing headings and subheadings to organize information and enhance readability.
Headings and Subheadings
Headings provide a hierarchical structure to your page, helping readers navigate the content effortlessly. Use headings to divide your page into distinct sections, with subheadings further organizing information within each section. Keep headings concise and descriptive, accurately reflecting the content below.
Bullet Points
Bullet points are a valuable tool for presenting lists or key points in a structured and visually appealing manner. Introduce each bullet point list with a brief paragraph explaining its context or significance. Use bullet points to highlight important information, enumerate steps in a process, or compare and contrast different aspects of a topic.
Neutral Language and Citations, How to make a wikipedia page
Maintain a neutral and unbiased tone throughout your writing, avoiding personal opinions or subjective statements. When presenting controversial or disputed information, provide balanced perspectives and cite reliable sources to support your claims. Proper citation not only adds credibility to your page but also allows readers to verify the accuracy of your content.
Adding Citations and References
When creating a Wikipedia page, it is crucial to ensure that the content is accurate, verifiable, and supported by credible sources. This involves adding citations and references to the page.
Citations are brief references to the sources used to support a particular statement or claim in the page’s content. They are typically placed in parentheses within the text, and they include information such as the author’s name, the title of the work, and the date of publication.
Formatting Citations and References
The specific format of citations and references varies depending on the style guide used by Wikipedia. However, some general guidelines include:
- Citations should be placed in parentheses within the text, immediately after the statement or claim being supported.
- Citations should include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number (if applicable).
- References should be listed at the end of the page in a separate section called “References”.
- References should be listed in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- References should include complete bibliographic information, such as the title of the work, the publisher, and the date of publication.
Using Inline Citations and Reference Lists
Inline citations are used to indicate the source of a particular statement or claim in the page’s content. They are placed in parentheses within the text, and they typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication.
Reference lists are used to provide complete bibliographic information for the sources cited in the page’s content. They are placed at the end of the page in a separate section called “References”.
By using both inline citations and reference lists, you can ensure that your Wikipedia page is accurate, verifiable, and supported by credible sources.
Submitting and Reviewing the Page
Once you have finished writing and formatting your Wikipedia page, you can submit it for review. To do this, click on the “Publish page” button at the top of the page. This will open a new window where you can enter a summary of your changes and select the appropriate review queue.Wikipedia
editors will then review your page to ensure that it meets the site’s guidelines. If they have any questions or concerns, they may leave comments on your talk page. You can respond to these comments and make revisions to your page as needed.Once
your page has been approved, it will be published live on Wikipedia.
Tips for Responding to Feedback and Making Revisions
When responding to feedback from Wikipedia editors, it is important to be polite and respectful. Even if you disagree with their suggestions, try to understand their point of view and be willing to compromise.Be sure to address all of the feedback that you receive.
If you do not understand a comment, ask for clarification.When making revisions to your page, be sure to use clear and concise language. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to all readers.Once you have made your revisions, resubmit your page for review.
The editors will then review your changes and decide whether to approve your page.
Maintaining and Updating the Page: How To Make A Wikipedia Page
Maintaining and updating Wikipedia pages is crucial to ensure the accuracy, relevance, and comprehensiveness of the information they provide. As the world evolves and new knowledge emerges, Wikipedia pages need to be regularly updated to reflect these changes.Regular updates ensure that Wikipedia remains a reliable source of information for readers.
It allows for the correction of errors, the addition of new information, and the incorporation of different perspectives. This helps maintain the neutrality and objectivity of the platform.
Adding New Information and Correcting Errors
Adding new information to Wikipedia pages is essential to keep them up-to-date. This can include adding new research findings, current events, or relevant updates. When adding new information, it is important to ensure that it is accurate, verifiable, and relevant to the topic.Correcting
errors is equally important. If you encounter an error on a Wikipedia page, you can make the necessary changes directly. However, it is important to follow the established guidelines and ensure that your edits are well-informed and supported by reliable sources.
Collaborating with Other Editors
Wikipedia is a collaborative platform, and it encourages users to work together to improve the quality of its content. If you have any questions or need assistance with editing a page, you can reach out to other editors through the talk page or the relevant Wikipedia discussion forums.Collaborating
with other editors can help you gain insights, learn from experienced users, and ensure that the changes you make are consistent with the overall tone and style of the Wikipedia page.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Encountering issues while creating a Wikipedia page is common. Understanding these challenges and their solutions will ensure a smooth process.
To begin with, familiarize yourself with Wikipedia’s guidelines and policies. These serve as a framework for creating and maintaining pages, helping avoid common pitfalls.
Common Issues and Resolutions
- Page Deletion:Your page may be deleted if it doesn’t meet Wikipedia’s notability criteria or if it contains inaccurate or biased information. Ensure your page is well-researched and meets the standards set by Wikipedia.
- Editing Conflicts:Multiple users editing the same page simultaneously can lead to conflicts. Use the “Show Changes” feature to view edits made by others and resolve any discrepancies.
- Vandalism and Spam:Wikipedia is susceptible to vandalism and spam. Report any such instances to the administrators. Use the “Recent Changes” page to monitor edits and revert any malicious changes.
- Copyright Violations:Avoid using copyrighted material without proper attribution. Always cite your sources and ensure that the content you add is original or falls under a valid copyright license.
- Dispute Resolution:If you encounter disputes or disagreements during the page creation process, seek guidance from experienced Wikipedia editors. Engage in respectful and constructive discussions, and refer to Wikipedia’s dispute resolution guidelines for assistance.
Summary
Creating a Wikipedia page is a great way to share your knowledge with the world. By following the steps Artikeld in this guide, you can create a page that is informative, well-written, and engaging.
So what are you waiting for? Start writing today!
General Inquiries
How long does it take to create a Wikipedia page?
The time it takes to create a Wikipedia page varies depending on the complexity of the topic and your writing skills. However, you can expect to spend several hours researching, writing, and formatting your page.
Can I create a Wikipedia page about myself?
Wikipedia has strict rules about biographies of living people. In general, you should only create a page about yourself if you are a notable figure. For more information, please see Wikipedia’s guidelines on biographies of living people.
What if my Wikipedia page is rejected?
If your Wikipedia page is rejected, don’t be discouraged. Wikipedia editors are volunteers, and they have high standards for the pages they approve. Take some time to review the feedback you received and make the necessary changes to your page.
Then, resubmit your page for review.