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5 Ways to Get a Wikipedia Page

Wikipedia can be difficult, let's hope this makes it easier.

By Peter SmithPublished 3 years ago • 3 min read

Getting a Wikipedia article published can be challenging due to the platform's stringent guidelines and the community-driven nature of the encyclopedia. Wikipedia requires that subjects have significant coverage in reliable, independent sources to establish their notability. This means that individuals, organizations, or topics must have received sufficient attention or recognition from the broader public or experts in the field. Without substantial coverage, it becomes difficult to meet Wikipedia's notability criteria.

Wikipedia demands that information included in articles must be verifiable from reliable sources. This requirement ensures that the content remains accurate, unbiased, and well-documented. If reliable sources do not extensively cover a topic or provide sufficient information, it becomes challenging to create a well-sourced article.

Wikipedia discourages individuals with a conflict of interest from creating or editing articles related to themselves, their organizations, or their interests. The platform aims for neutral, unbiased content, and contributors with a conflict of interest may introduce a biased perspective. This guideline adds an additional layer of complexity for individuals seeking to create articles about themselves or their businesses. Volunteers review new articles and may reject or delete them if they do not meet Wikipedia's standards. The community's collective judgment and interpretation of guidelines can make it challenging to navigate the approval process, especially for newcomers or those unfamiliar with the platform's policies.

Below are a few ways to get Wikipedia articles.

1. Scholarly articles

These are academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Scholarly articles undergo a rigorous peer-review process, where experts in the field evaluate the quality, accuracy, and methodology of the research. By relying on scholarly articles, Wikipedia aims to ensure that the information presented is backed by expert knowledge and has been thoroughly vetted.

2. Books

Books written by recognized experts or published by reputable publishing houses can be used as references. Books often provide comprehensive and in-depth coverage of a subject. They can offer a more thorough analysis and exploration of a topic compared to other sources with limited space or depth, such as news articles or online sources. Books allow Wikipedia editors to access a broader range of information and provide a more detailed understanding of a subject.

3. News sources

Articles from reputable news organizations are commonly used as references. These can include newspapers, magazines, and online news websites. Ensure that the news source is reliable and has a reputation for accuracy and fact-checking. Major international and national news outlets with a reputation for accuracy and editorial integrity are generally accepted. Examples include The New York Times, BBC News, The Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press (AP), and The Washington Post.

News outlets operated by public broadcasters, such as BBC, PBS, CBC, or NPR, are often considered reliable due to their editorial standards, impartiality, and public accountability.

It's important to note that not all news sources are automatically considered reliable, and Wikipedia's community of editors evaluates sources on a case-by-case basis. The editorial policies and guidelines aim to ensure that the sources used meet certain standards of editorial integrity, fact-checking, and independence.

4. Government publications

Reports, white papers, and other publications from government agencies can provide authoritative information and can be used as references.

Government agencies and departments are responsible for generating authoritative and expert knowledge within their respective areas of jurisdiction. Their publications are often produced by subject-matter experts, researchers, and policymakers who have in-depth knowledge and access to relevant data and resources.

5. Websites

Some websites can be considered reliable sources, especially those maintained by reputable organizations, universities, government agencies, or experts in the field. However, it's important to critically evaluate the credibility and reliability of the website before using it as a reference.

Alternatively, if you are struggling to understand the complexities of Wikipedia, you can hire a Wikipedia writer.

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Written by Peter Smith