Can I Write My Own Wikipedia Page? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re thinking about joining the ranks of Wikipedia contributors and, perhaps, creating a page about yourself or something you’re passionate about. That’s fantastic! Wikipedia is a vast, collaborative encyclopedia, and it’s a powerful tool for information dissemination. However, the process of creating a Wikipedia page, especially about yourself, is a little more complicated than just typing and hitting “publish.” This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, answering the burning question: Can I write my own Wikipedia page? And if so, how do you do it the right way?
The Short Answer: Technically, Yes, But…
The short answer is yes, you can write your own Wikipedia page. Wikipedia is open to contributions from anyone. However, there are stringent guidelines regarding conflict of interest and notability that you absolutely must understand. Ignoring these can lead to your page being deleted quickly. The goal isn’t just to write a page; it’s to write a page that stays published.
Understanding Wikipedia’s Core Principles: Neutral Point of View (NPOV) and Verifiability
Before you even begin drafting, you must understand two fundamental pillars of Wikipedia:
Neutral Point of View (NPOV): This means presenting information objectively. Avoid using subjective language, superlatives, or expressing personal opinions. The content should be factual and unbiased, presenting all sides of a story fairly. Think of it like being a journalist reporting the facts, not an advocate.
Verifiability: Every piece of information you include must be verifiable through reliable, published sources. This means citing sources like books, peer-reviewed journals, reputable news organizations, and other credible publications. Personal websites, blogs, and social media posts generally do not qualify as reliable sources.
Defining Notability: The Key to a Successful Wikipedia Page
This is the most crucial factor. Wikipedia only accepts articles about subjects that meet its notability guidelines. Notability means the subject has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources. This isn’t about how important you think you are, or how much you want to be on Wikipedia. It’s about how much attention you’ve received from the outside world.
Assessing Your Notability: A Self-Check
Ask yourself these questions:
- Has your work or subject been the subject of multiple, independent news articles, book chapters, or scholarly publications?
- Are these sources reliable (see above)?
- Is the coverage significant, meaning it goes beyond a simple mention or brief announcement? Does it delve into the subject’s impact, importance, and significance?
- Are these sources independent of you? This means the sources are not affiliated with you, your company, or your personal website.
If the answer to these questions is consistently “yes,” then you might have a shot. If you’re struggling to find enough sources, or the sources are not independent, your page is unlikely to survive.
Declaring Your Conflict of Interest: Transparency is Mandatory
If you’re writing about yourself, a company you work for, or any subject where you have a personal or professional connection, you must declare a conflict of interest (COI). You can do this by adding a COI tag to the article or by disclosing it on your user page. Failure to do so can lead to sanctions, including your edits being reverted or your account being blocked. This transparency demonstrates that you understand and are willing to follow Wikipedia’s rules.
Drafting Your Wikipedia Page: A Step-by-Step Approach
Assuming you’ve assessed your notability and understand the principles, here’s how to approach writing your page:
1. Gather Your Reliable Sources
This is the groundwork. Before writing a single word, collect all the reliable, independent sources you plan to cite. Analyze them and take notes. Understand the information they contain and how they portray your subject.
2. Craft a Neutral and Objective Draft
Write in a clear, concise, and objective tone. Avoid using first-person pronouns (“I,” “me,” “we”). Structure the article logically, with clear headings and subheadings. Focus on presenting facts, not opinions.
3. Cite Your Sources Meticulously
Use inline citations (footnotes) to attribute every statement to its source. Wikipedia uses a specific citation style. Learn how to format your citations correctly. This is critical for verifiability.
4. Use a Sandbox for Initial Editing
Before publishing your page, use Wikipedia’s sandbox (a testing area) to draft and refine your content. This lets you experiment with formatting, citations, and overall structure without affecting the live encyclopedia.
5. Submit Your Draft Through the Articles for Creation (AFC) Process
This is often the best approach, especially if you’re new to Wikipedia. The AFC process allows experienced editors to review your draft before it’s published. They can offer feedback and help you ensure your article meets Wikipedia’s standards.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Mistakes to Steer Clear Of
- Self-promotion: Avoid writing overly positive or promotional content. Focus on providing factual information, not advertising yourself or your achievements.
- Original research: Do not include your own opinions, analysis, or unpublished information. Stick to what’s already been published in reliable sources.
- Copyright violations: Do not copy and paste text from other sources, including your own website. You must write the content in your own words.
- Ignoring feedback: If other editors provide feedback, take it seriously. They are likely trying to help you improve your article and ensure it complies with Wikipedia’s policies.
After Publication: Maintaining Your Wikipedia Page
Once your page is published, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Be prepared for other editors to edit and modify your content. This is a collaborative process. You can monitor your page and respond to edits, but always do so in a respectful and collaborative manner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions, answered directly:
What Happens If My Page Gets Deleted?
If your page is deleted, it’s usually because it doesn’t meet Wikipedia’s notability guidelines or violates other policies. You can contest the deletion by discussing it on the deletion discussion page. However, be prepared for the possibility that the deletion will stand. You can also try to improve the article and resubmit it, but this often requires significant revisions based on the reasons for deletion.
Can I Hire Someone to Write a Wikipedia Page for Me?
Yes, you can. However, it is against Wikipedia’s terms of service for paid editors to write articles without declaring their conflict of interest. Be sure that you disclose that you have hired someone to write or edit your article. Additionally, even if you hire a professional, they cannot guarantee that your page will be accepted. The decision rests with the Wikipedia community.
What if I Don’t Meet Notability Guidelines Now, But I Might in the Future?
You can create a draft in your sandbox and wait until you meet the notability requirements. If you’re working towards achieving notability, focus on building a strong online presence and getting significant coverage in reliable sources. Then, when you have sufficient reliable sources, you can submit your article.
How Do I Add Images to My Wikipedia Page?
You can add images, but you must ensure that you have the appropriate rights to use them. Images on Wikipedia must be licensed under a free license, such as Creative Commons. You can upload images to Wikimedia Commons, a repository of free-use images, and then link them to your Wikipedia page.
Why is it So Difficult to Have a Page Accepted?
Wikipedia is a volunteer-driven project with high standards for accuracy, neutrality, and verifiability. The community is very protective of the encyclopedia’s integrity. Many articles are rejected because they fail to meet these standards, especially the notability requirement.
Conclusion: Navigating the Wikipedia Landscape
Writing your own Wikipedia page is a complex undertaking. While the technical ability to create a page is simple, achieving a successful and permanent page requires adhering to strict guidelines. Understanding notability, maintaining a neutral point of view, citing reliable sources, and declaring any conflicts of interest are absolutely critical. By following these steps, you increase your chances of contributing to the world’s largest encyclopedia in a meaningful and lasting way. Remember, the goal isn’t just to create a page; it’s to create a page that adds value to Wikipedia and provides accurate, verifiable information to its readers.