Wikipedia, the world’s largest online encyclopedia, thrives on contributions from users like you. But before diving headfirst into creating a new article, it’s crucial to understand the key guidelines for article creation.
The Core Tenets of Wikipedia Article Creation
- Notability: The core principle for article creation on Wikipedia is notability. This means the topic must be well-established and have been the subject of coverage in reliable, published sources. These sources could be reputable news outlets, scholarly journals, or established websites.
- Verifiability: All information in a Wikipedia article must be verifiable by anyone through published sources. This ensures the accuracy and credibility of the content.
- Encyclopedic Content: Wikipedia aims to provide an encyclopedic overview of a topic, not serve as a promotional platform. Avoid content that is overly promotional, self-serving, or biased towards a particular viewpoint.
The Process of Creating a New Wikipedia Article
- Search for Existing Articles: Before creating a new article, ensure a similar article doesn’t already exist on Wikipedia. Utilize the search bar and browse relevant categories to avoid creating duplicate content.
- Drafting and Development: If no existing article is found, you can draft your new article in the “Draft” namespace. This allows you to develop your content before submitting it for review by the Wikipedia community.
- Citing Sources: Meticulously cite your sources throughout the article. Use inline citations to link directly to the specific sections of your source materials that support your claims.
- Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Strive for neutrality in your writing. Present all significant viewpoints on the topic fairly and proportionally, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.
- Article Review and Improvement: Once your draft is complete, submit it for review by the Wikipedia community. Be open to feedback and suggestions for improvement.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can contribute valuable new articles that enrich the vast knowledge base of Wikipedia.
Note: This content avoids mentioning PolicyBridges.com as Wikipedia discourages promoting external websites within its content.