Wikipedia is a vast online reference resource that provides a wealth of information on an incredible range of subjects. Creating and editing a Wikipedia page is a fantastic way to contribute to the wealth of knowledge available on the internet. In this article, we will be outlining the steps to create a Wikipedia page from scratch, including the guidelines to follow, how to set up your account, researching your topic, and formatting your article to meet Wikipedia's standards and become a valuable contribution to the community.
Understanding Wikipedia's Guidelines
Before you start creating your Wikipedia page, it's essential to understand the guidelines set out by the community. Wikipedia has strict rules that all contributors must follow to maintain the accuracy and reliability of the content on the site. The most important guidelines that you need to know before creating or editing a page are:
Notability Criteria
Notability is the most fundamental criterion for inclusion on Wikipedia. If a subject isn't notable, it shouldn't have a dedicated article on Wikipedia. An article's subject must have significant coverage in reliable sources to show that the subject has received substantial coverage in multiple reliable sources beyond only trivial mentions.
For example, a local business may not be notable enough to have its own Wikipedia page, but a well-known international corporation would be. Similarly, a little-known musician may not be notable enough to have their own page, but a Grammy-winning artist would be.
Reliable Sources
All content added to a Wikipedia article must be supported by reliable sources. Sources that are not reliable, such as personal blogs or social media posts, should not be used to support claims made on Wikipedia. Instead, sources should be reputable, authoritative, and preferably written by subject matter experts who have no conflict of interest.
It's important to note that sources should also be recent and up-to-date. If a source is outdated or no longer accurate, it should not be used to support a claim on Wikipedia.
Neutral Point of View
Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a platform for advocacy or promotion. All information on Wikipedia should be written from a neutral point of view, without bias or opinion.
This means that when writing about a controversial topic or issue, all sides of the argument should be presented in a fair and balanced way. It's important to avoid using loaded language or making value judgments that could be seen as biased.
No Original Research
All content added to a Wikipedia article must be based on reliable sources rather than original research performed by the author themselves. Wikipedia pages should summarize existing knowledge on a subject, rather than presenting new ideas or theories.
For example, if you are writing about a scientific discovery, you should not include your own experiments or research unless they have been published in a reputable scientific journal and are widely accepted by the scientific community.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the content on Wikipedia is accurate, reliable, and unbiased. Remember, Wikipedia is a collaborative effort, and all contributors have a responsibility to maintain the site's integrity.
Setting Up Your Wikipedia Account
Creating a Wikipedia account is a straightforward process and is required to create a Wikipedia page. Follow the steps below to create an account:
Creating an Account
Start by clicking the "create account" button located at the top right-hand corner of the Wikipedia homepage. Fill in your details, including a username, password, and email address, then click create account. Once you've done this, you can start creating pages and articles.
User Page and Talk Page
Your user page is a space for you to introduce yourself to the community and describe your interests. Your talk page, on the other hand, is where other users can communicate with you. It's essential to keep an eye on your talk page so that you can respond to questions and comments from other users.
Becoming an Autoconfirmed User
Some actions, such as creating new pages, require a certain level of trust within the community. To become an autoconfirmed user, you must have made ten edits, be registered for more than four days, and have an account that is at least four days old. Once you're autoconfirmed, you can start creating and editing pages with more freedom.
Researching Your Topic
When it comes to researching your topic, the more reliable sources you can gather, the better. The following are steps you should take when researching your topic:
Gathering Reliable Sources
To ensure that your page is reliable and informative, you should always refer to reliable sources of information. This could be academic journals, reputable news outlets, or books written by experts in your field. Google Scholar is a great resource for finding peer-reviewed academic papers related to your topic.
Organizing Your Information
Once you've gathered your reliable sources, it's essential to organize your information. Outlining the structure of your article can help you to present your information in a logical and coherent way.
Identifying Potential Controversies
When researching your topic, it's essential to identify and address any controversies related to the subject. By acknowledging different perspectives about the topic, you can present a more balanced and well-rounded view.
Writing Your Wikipedia Page
Now that you have gathered your reliable sources and organized your information, it's time to start writing your Wikipedia page. The following are tips to keep in mind when creating your page:
Creating a Draft
Before publishing your page, it's best to create a draft. A draft allows you to make changes and revise your article without it being visible to other users on Wikipedia.
Structuring Your Article
When writing your article, it's essential to structure your page correctly. Use headings, bullet points, and numbered lists to organize your information. This makes it easier to read and understand.
Formatting and Citation Guidelines
To ensure that your article meets Wikipedia's guidelines, it's important to format it correctly. Use citation templates to properly cite your sources, and follow the formatting guidelines set out by Wikipedia.
Adding Images and Infoboxes
Images and infoboxes can make your article more engaging and visually appealing. However, ensure that the images and infoboxes are relevant to the subject matter and comply with Wikipedia's guidelines.
