Can You Write Your Own Wikipedia Page? A Comprehensive Guide
The internet thrives on information, and Wikipedia stands as a monumental source of it. You’ve probably relied on this online encyclopedia for everything from historical facts to scientific explanations. But have you ever considered contributing? More specifically, have you wondered, “Can you write your own Wikipedia page?” The answer is a qualified yes, but it’s a complex process. This guide will walk you through the intricacies, helping you navigate the challenges and understand the rules.
Understanding the Core Principles: Wikipedia’s Pillars
Before you even think about writing a Wikipedia page, you need to grasp the platform’s fundamental principles. These aren’t just guidelines; they’re the very foundation upon which Wikipedia is built. Ignoring them is a surefire way to get your page deleted.
The Neutral Point of View (NPOV)
This is arguably the most critical principle. Wikipedia strives for objectivity. Your page cannot be promotional, biased, or present a one-sided view. Everything must be presented neutrally, drawing on verifiable sources to support claims. Think of it like a news report – it presents the facts, not your personal opinions.
Verifiability, Not Truth
Wikipedia focuses on verifiability, not necessarily absolute truth. Every statement must be supported by reliable, published sources. This means citing books, reputable websites, academic journals, and other credible publications. If you can’t cite it, it doesn’t belong on Wikipedia. The burden of proof lies with the editor.
No Original Research (NOR)
Wikipedia is not the place to publish your own theories, analysis, or unpublished findings. You can only summarize information that has already been published in reliable sources. This prevents Wikipedia from becoming a platform for untested ideas or personal opinions.
Free and Open Content
Wikipedia allows anyone to edit most articles. Content is licensed under a Creative Commons license, meaning it can be reused and redistributed, even commercially, as long as the original authors are attributed. This open environment fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Be Civil
Wikipedia thrives on collaboration. Editors are expected to treat each other with respect, even when disagreeing. Avoid personal attacks, edit warring, and disruptive behavior. Constructive dialogue and consensus-building are key to a positive editing experience.
Assessing Notability: Is Your Subject Wikipedia-Worthy?
This is the crucial first step. Wikipedia only accepts articles about subjects that meet its notability guidelines. Notability isn’t simply about being “interesting” or “important” to you; it’s about demonstrating significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.
General Notability Guideline (GNG)
The GNG is the overarching guideline. It states that a subject is notable if it has received “significant coverage” in “reliable sources” that are “independent of the subject.”
- Significant Coverage: This means more than just a brief mention. The source must dedicate a substantial amount of space to the subject.
- Reliable Sources: These are sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy. Think established newspapers, academic journals, reputable books, and credible news websites.
- Independent of the Subject: The source should not be affiliated with the subject. Press releases, company websites, and self-published materials generally aren’t considered independent.
Subject-Specific Notability Guidelines
In addition to the GNG, there are subject-specific guidelines for topics like people, businesses, organizations, and academic subjects. These guidelines provide more specific criteria to determine notability in those fields. For example, a musician might need to have released multiple albums that have charted, while a company might need to demonstrate significant revenue or market share.
Researching Existing Coverage
Before you start writing, thoroughly research your subject. Search for articles, books, and other publications that discuss your subject. If you can’t find enough independent, reliable sources, it’s unlikely your page will survive. This pre-writing research is the single most important step.
Crafting Your Page: A Step-by-Step Approach
Assuming your subject meets the notability criteria, the actual writing process begins. This requires careful planning and adherence to Wikipedia’s editorial standards.
Gathering Your Sources
Compile a list of all the reliable sources you plan to use. This is essential for both writing the content and citing your sources properly. Organize your sources meticulously.
Writing the Content
- Start with a clear and concise introduction. The introduction should summarize the subject and its significance.
- Organize the content logically. Use headings and subheadings to structure your page.
- Write in a neutral tone. Avoid promotional language or personal opinions.
- Focus on facts and verifiable information. Support every statement with a citation.
- Avoid overly technical jargon. Write for a general audience.
Citing Your Sources
Proper citation is critical. Wikipedia uses inline citations, meaning you link each statement to the source that supports it. Use Wikipedia’s citation templates to format your citations correctly. Accurate and complete citations are non-negotiable.
Formatting and Structure
Follow Wikipedia’s formatting guidelines. This includes using correct headings, lists, and other formatting elements. Consistency is key for a professional look.
The Editing Process: Navigating the Community
Once you’ve written your page, you’re not done. Wikipedia is a collaborative environment, and your page will likely be edited by other users.
Submitting Your Page
You can submit your page for review, but it’s often better to create it in your user space (your personal sandbox) first. This allows you to work on the page without it being immediately visible to the public. Once you’re satisfied, you can move it to the main article space.
Dealing with Feedback
Be prepared for feedback from other editors. They may suggest changes, add information, or even challenge your content. Engage in constructive dialogue, address their concerns, and be open to making revisions. The editing process is a collaborative effort.
Responding to Challenges
If your page is challenged, don’t panic. Carefully review the objections and address them. Provide additional sources, clarify your wording, or make other necessary changes. Be patient and persistent.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Several mistakes can lead to your page being deleted. Be aware of these common pitfalls.
Promotional Content
Wikipedia is not a platform for advertising. Avoid using promotional language, exaggerating accomplishments, or focusing on self-promotion.
Conflict of Interest
Writing about yourself, your company, or a close friend or family member can create a conflict of interest. If you have a close connection to the subject, it’s often best to avoid writing the page yourself.
Lack of Notability
The most common reason for page deletion is a lack of notability. Ensure your subject meets the notability guidelines before you start writing.
Poorly Sourced Content
Every statement must be supported by a reliable source. Failing to provide adequate citations will result in deletion.
Original Research
Do not include your own analysis, opinions, or unpublished findings. Stick to summarizing information from reliable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing a Wikipedia Page
Here are a few common questions people have about writing a Wikipedia page:
What happens if my page is deleted?
If your page is deleted, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end. You can often revise and resubmit it, addressing the concerns raised by other editors. You can also appeal the deletion. However, if your subject truly doesn’t meet the notability guidelines, it’s unlikely to be accepted.
What are the potential benefits of having a Wikipedia page?
A Wikipedia page can increase visibility, establish credibility, and provide a centralized source of information about your subject. It can also improve your search engine rankings.
Can I hire someone to write a Wikipedia page for me?
Yes, you can, but be cautious. Wikipedia has strict rules against paid editing. If you hire someone, they must disclose their relationship with you and follow all the same guidelines as any other editor. Often, these pages are flagged for scrutiny.
How long does it take to create a Wikipedia page?
The time it takes to create a Wikipedia page varies depending on the subject, the availability of sources, and the amount of content you need to write. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several weeks or months.
How can I ensure my page stays on Wikipedia?
The best way to ensure your page stays on Wikipedia is to adhere to all the guidelines, provide reliable sources, and engage in constructive dialogue with other editors.
Conclusion: A Path to Contribution
Writing your own Wikipedia page is a challenging but potentially rewarding endeavor. It requires a deep understanding of Wikipedia’s principles, a commitment to neutrality and verifiability, and a willingness to collaborate with other editors. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of success and contribute valuable information to the world’s largest online encyclopedia. Remember, building a successful Wikipedia page is a journey that demands patience, research, and a dedication to accuracy.