How To Create A New Wikipedia Article: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you want to add your knowledge to the vast expanse that is Wikipedia? That's awesome! Creating a new article can seem daunting, but don't worry, guys, I'm here to break it down into manageable steps. Whether you're passionate about a niche topic, a historical figure, or a groundbreaking invention, getting it onto Wikipedia is a great way to share information with the world. This guide will walk you through everything from ensuring your topic is notable to crafting a well-written, unbiased article.
1. Is Your Topic Notable Enough for Wikipedia?
Before you dive headfirst into writing, it's crucial to determine if your topic meets Wikipedia's notability guidelines. This is probably the most important step. Wikipedia isn't just a place for any information; it's an encyclopedia, which means it focuses on subjects that have already garnered significant attention.
Think of it this way: has your topic been covered extensively in reliable, independent sources? We're talking about things like news articles, academic papers, books, and documentaries – sources where the information isn't just coming from the subject itself. If your topic only exists in a few blog posts or on the subject's own website, it likely won't pass the notability test. Remember, Wikipedia is about summarizing existing knowledge, not creating new knowledge.
So, what exactly constitutes "significant coverage"? Generally, it means that the topic has been addressed in detail by multiple sources, providing in-depth analysis, historical context, and different perspectives. A brief mention in a news article isn't enough; you need sources that dedicate substantial attention to your subject. For instance, if you're writing about a local musician, they should ideally have been featured in multiple music reviews, interviews, or articles in reputable publications. If you're focusing on a scientific concept, it should be discussed in academic journals and textbooks.
It's also important to consider the independence of your sources. Sources directly affiliated with the subject, such as their own website or press releases, don't count towards establishing notability. Wikipedia wants to ensure that articles are based on objective information, not just promotional material. So, gather your sources, critically evaluate them, and make sure they demonstrate that your topic has received widespread, independent attention. If you can confidently say "yes" to that, you're ready to move on to the next step. If not, it might be worth exploring other platforms for sharing your knowledge.
2. Research, Research, Research!
Okay, so you've determined that your topic is notable. Awesome! Now comes the fun part: research. You can't write a good Wikipedia article without a solid foundation of information. Gather as much material as you can from those reliable, independent sources we talked about earlier. Dig deep into news archives, academic databases, libraries, and anywhere else you can find relevant information. The more sources you have, the better equipped you'll be to write a comprehensive and well-referenced article.
As you research, pay close attention to different perspectives and viewpoints on your topic. Wikipedia strives for neutrality, so it's important to present a balanced picture, even if you personally have a strong opinion on the subject. If there are controversies or debates surrounding your topic, be sure to acknowledge them and present all sides fairly. This might involve delving into the history of the topic, examining its impact on society, or exploring different interpretations and analyses.
Organization is key during the research process. Create a system for organizing your sources, whether it's using a citation management tool like Zotero or Mendeley, or simply creating a detailed outline with links to your sources. This will save you a ton of time when you start writing, as you'll be able to easily find the information you need and cite it properly. Consider categorizing your sources by topic or theme, and take detailed notes on the key points and arguments presented in each source.
Don't just focus on the positive aspects of your topic. Be sure to research any criticisms, controversies, or limitations. A well-rounded Wikipedia article acknowledges all sides of the story. The goal is to provide readers with a comprehensive and unbiased understanding of the subject, allowing them to form their own opinions based on the available evidence. Remember, Wikipedia is a collaborative effort, and your contribution should add value to the existing body of knowledge.
3. Check for Existing Articles
Before you invest too much time, make absolutely sure there isn't already an article on your topic. Wikipedia has millions of articles, and it's possible that your subject is already covered, even if it's under a slightly different name. Use the search bar to explore various keywords and related terms. If you find an existing article, don't despair! You might be able to improve it by adding new information, correcting errors, or expanding on existing sections. This is often a more efficient way to contribute to Wikipedia than starting from scratch.
Even if there isn't a dedicated article on your exact topic, there might be relevant information within other articles. For example, if you're writing about a specific type of butterfly, there might be a section about it in an article about butterflies in general. In this case, you could consider expanding that section or creating a separate article and linking it to the main butterfly article. The key is to avoid duplicating information and to ensure that all content is properly organized and accessible.
If you find a stub article (a very short article that needs expansion), that's a great opportunity to contribute! You can add your research to the existing article, flesh it out with more details, and improve its overall quality. Be sure to cite your sources and maintain a neutral point of view, just as you would when creating a new article. Remember, collaboration is a core principle of Wikipedia, so don't be afraid to build upon the work of others.
Sometimes, different articles might cover overlapping topics. In such cases, it's important to ensure that the information is consistent and that there are clear links between the articles. You might need to merge articles or create redirects to avoid confusion. The goal is to provide readers with a seamless and informative experience, regardless of how they navigate the encyclopedia. So, take the time to explore existing articles and identify opportunities to contribute, expand, or improve the existing content.
4. Create an Account and Practice Editing
Alright, time to get your hands dirty! First, create a Wikipedia account. It's free and easy, and it allows you to track your contributions, communicate with other editors, and gain credibility within the community. Second, don't jump straight into creating a new article. Instead, get familiar with Wikipedia's editing interface by making small edits to existing articles. This will help you learn the syntax, understand the formatting guidelines, and get a feel for how Wikipedia works.
Use the sandbox feature to experiment with different formatting options and practice writing. The sandbox is a personal workspace where you can create and edit pages without affecting the live encyclopedia. This is a great way to test out your ideas, refine your writing style, and get comfortable with the editing process. Try adding headings, lists, images, and citations to see how they appear on the page. You can also practice linking to other Wikipedia articles and creating templates.
As you practice editing, pay close attention to Wikipedia's style guide and formatting guidelines. These guidelines cover everything from capitalization and punctuation to the use of images and tables. Adhering to these guidelines will ensure that your contributions are consistent with the rest of the encyclopedia and that they are easy to read and understand. You can find the style guide on Wikipedia's help pages, along with other useful resources for new editors.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're stuck. Wikipedia has a large and active community of editors who are always willing to assist newcomers. You can ask questions on the help desk, participate in discussion forums, or reach out to experienced editors for guidance. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and the Wikipedia community is generally very supportive of new contributors. So, take the time to learn the ropes, practice your editing skills, and don't hesitate to seek help when you need it.
5. Draft Your Article
Now for the main event: drafting your article! Start by creating a well-structured outline. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your article flows logically. Divide your topic into sections and subsections, and plan out what information you'll include in each section. A typical Wikipedia article includes an introduction, a history section, a description of the key features or characteristics, and a discussion of the topic's significance or impact.
Write in a clear, concise, and neutral style. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language, and define any terms that might be unfamiliar to the average reader. Remember, Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a scientific journal, so aim for accessibility and clarity. Use short sentences and paragraphs, and break up long blocks of text with headings, lists, and images. Visual aids can make your article more engaging and easier to understand.
Cite your sources meticulously. Every statement of fact should be supported by a reliable, independent source. Use inline citations to link your statements to the corresponding sources, and include a complete list of references at the end of the article. Follow Wikipedia's citation style guidelines, which specify the format for different types of sources. Plagiarism is a serious offense on Wikipedia, so be sure to give credit where credit is due.
Maintain a neutral point of view. Present all sides of the story fairly and objectively, and avoid expressing your own opinions or biases. If there are controversies or debates surrounding your topic, acknowledge them and present all perspectives accurately. Use neutral language and avoid loaded terms that could be interpreted as biased. Remember, Wikipedia is about summarizing existing knowledge, not advocating for a particular point of view.
6. Submit Your Article for Review
Once you're happy with your draft, it's time to submit it for review. However, don't just create the article directly in the main Wikipedia namespace. Instead, use the Articles for Creation process. This allows experienced editors to review your article and provide feedback before it goes live. They'll check for notability, neutrality, sourcing, and overall quality. This process helps ensure that new articles meet Wikipedia's standards and that they are a valuable addition to the encyclopedia.
To submit your article, create a page in your user namespace (e.g., User:YourUsername/YourArticleTitle) and then submit it through the Articles for Creation process. Be patient! It can take several weeks or even months for your article to be reviewed. In the meantime, you can continue to improve your article based on the feedback you receive from reviewers. Don't be discouraged if your article is initially rejected. Use the feedback to make improvements and resubmit it for review.
If your article is accepted, congratulations! It will be moved to the main Wikipedia namespace and will be visible to the world. However, your work isn't done yet. Be prepared to address any further comments or edits from other editors. Wikipedia is a collaborative project, and your article will likely evolve over time as new information becomes available or as different perspectives are added.
Even after your article is published, it's important to monitor it for vandalism or inaccuracies. If you see any problems, correct them or report them to the appropriate authorities. You can also use the article's talk page to discuss potential improvements with other editors. By staying engaged and actively participating in the Wikipedia community, you can help ensure that your article remains accurate, informative, and valuable for years to come.
