In 1597, Sir Francis Bacon penned the Meditationes Sacrae, giving rise to the timeless adage, "knowledge is power." Over four centuries later, this maxim still rings true as access to information shapes our actions and influences global perceptions.
In the face of conflict, individuals seek information to make informed decisions while minimizing personal risk. Contemporary society may not face the same hazards as in the past, but knowledge continues to pave the way for success and equips us to evade potential pitfalls. Today, people search for insights about other individuals and companies rather than the world-conquering knowledge of yore. Furthermore, our methods for acquiring information have evolved significantly.
The internet has revolutionized the way we share and access information by consolidating the world's knowledge into an easily navigable network. Instead of poring over ancient volumes, we now have the convenience of typing on a keyboard. Certain information platforms enjoy more popularity than others, making them useful tools for promoting personal or industry-specific content.
Wikipedia, a widely recognized digital encyclopedia, offers easily accessible summaries on people, places, and organizations. Initially launched as Nupedia by founders James Wales and Larry Sanger, the platform has evolved into the global resource we know today. With multilingual editions available, Wikipedia extends its wealth of information to a worldwide audience. Boasting over 6 million unique articles in English alone, the website is among the planet's largest repositories of general information.
As an open platform, Wikipedia allows registered users to create new pages or modify existing content. This collaborative approach has facilitated the rapid creation and editing of countless pages. Many individuals and organizations leverage the platform to present a comprehensive picture of their identities. However, crafting a new Wikipedia article is no simple task; it demands time, effort, neutrality, and adherence to specific guidelines.
If you're considering creating a Wikipedia page, be prepared to follow a set of steps and rules to ensure your article's success.
Article Guidelines
Wikipedia may seem like a straightforward platform, but it maintains stringent standards for its content. These guidelines aim to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and exploitation of material. Wikipedia's editorial team vigilantly enforces these rules by monitoring content and evaluating new articles for compliance. To have your article published on Wikipedia, adherence to these guidelines is essential.
When creating a Wikipedia article, ensure that the subject is noteworthy and covered by credible sources. An article about an ordinary individual with no significant public presence, such as your next-door neighbor, is unlikely to be approved. However, articles about companies or celebrities with public notoriety and coverage from major sources have better chances of approval. Reliable sources for your article can include:
These sources serve to validate the information in your Wikipedia article and are used as reference material. They must support any factual claims made about the subject. Typically, Wikipedia lists the sources at the bottom of an article, numbered sequentially. A corresponding number and hyperlink to the source's position in the list appear at the end of the sentence where the source applies. This referencing process utilizes a code string (<ref></ref>) embedded in the article, with the source's URL placed between the two code brackets to complete the reference.
While sources are essential, Wikipedia enforces specific guidelines on how they are used. When crafting an article, it is imperative to create original content rather than copying and pasting from referenced sources. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and the only exception for copying text from another source is for direct quotes. To maintain compliance, paraphrase the source material in your own words.
When writing a page about a company, neutrality is crucial. Wikipedia prohibits the use of its platform for advertising or promotional purposes. To avoid rejection, refrain from promoting your services and write the article as though you have no affiliation with the subject.
These regulations contribute to the integrity of Wikipedia articles, although other factors might affect your page.
Draft Creation
The initial step in crafting a new Wikipedia article is to develop a draft outlining the content and structure you plan to use. A draft helps maintain organization, whether you are writing about an individual or an organization. Most Wikipedia articles consist of sections addressing various aspects of the subject. Typically, the first section provides a summary of the subject's general information, followed by sections detailing specific background information.
Regardless of whether the subject is an individual or a group, a history section is usually included in Wikipedia pages. The remaining sections diverge to cover the subject's background and accomplishments. Another common element found in both types of articles is a section on controversies, criticisms, or criminal activities, as this information can significantly impact the subject's reputation.
After creating a Wikipedia article, your role doesn't end. You must stay vigilant against common editing issues that could affect your reputation.
Wikipedia's openness has its drawbacks. Dishonest users may purposely misinform readers or make articles into jokes. Moderators try to address these issues, but their unpaid status and the sheer number of articles make this challenging.
Regularly monitor your article to prevent misinformation. Quickly correct any edits that make false claims or reveal personal information. Maintain a content copy in case of mass deletion.
Monitoring your Wikipedia page helps avoid major reputational damage from false edits. If constant monitoring isn't feasible, consider a reputation management service like Reputation. They offer various services, including Wikipedia page maintenance, to protect and enhance your reputation. Visit their website to learn how they can help you regain control of your reputation.
In the face of conflict, individuals seek information to make informed decisions while minimizing personal risk. Contemporary society may not face the same hazards as in the past, but knowledge continues to pave the way for success and equips us to evade potential pitfalls. Today, people search for insights about other individuals and companies rather than the world-conquering knowledge of yore. Furthermore, our methods for acquiring information have evolved significantly.
The internet has revolutionized the way we share and access information by consolidating the world's knowledge into an easily navigable network. Instead of poring over ancient volumes, we now have the convenience of typing on a keyboard. Certain information platforms enjoy more popularity than others, making them useful tools for promoting personal or industry-specific content.
Wikipedia, a widely recognized digital encyclopedia, offers easily accessible summaries on people, places, and organizations. Initially launched as Nupedia by founders James Wales and Larry Sanger, the platform has evolved into the global resource we know today. With multilingual editions available, Wikipedia extends its wealth of information to a worldwide audience. Boasting over 6 million unique articles in English alone, the website is among the planet's largest repositories of general information.
As an open platform, Wikipedia allows registered users to create new pages or modify existing content. This collaborative approach has facilitated the rapid creation and editing of countless pages. Many individuals and organizations leverage the platform to present a comprehensive picture of their identities. However, crafting a new Wikipedia article is no simple task; it demands time, effort, neutrality, and adherence to specific guidelines.
If you're considering creating a Wikipedia page, be prepared to follow a set of steps and rules to ensure your article's success.
Article Guidelines
Wikipedia may seem like a straightforward platform, but it maintains stringent standards for its content. These guidelines aim to prevent the dissemination of misinformation and exploitation of material. Wikipedia's editorial team vigilantly enforces these rules by monitoring content and evaluating new articles for compliance. To have your article published on Wikipedia, adherence to these guidelines is essential.
When creating a Wikipedia article, ensure that the subject is noteworthy and covered by credible sources. An article about an ordinary individual with no significant public presence, such as your next-door neighbor, is unlikely to be approved. However, articles about companies or celebrities with public notoriety and coverage from major sources have better chances of approval. Reliable sources for your article can include:
- Academic journals
- Books
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Fact-checking websites
- Wikipedia does not accept the following sources:
- Tabloid journalism
- Blog posts
- Social media posts
These sources serve to validate the information in your Wikipedia article and are used as reference material. They must support any factual claims made about the subject. Typically, Wikipedia lists the sources at the bottom of an article, numbered sequentially. A corresponding number and hyperlink to the source's position in the list appear at the end of the sentence where the source applies. This referencing process utilizes a code string (<ref></ref>) embedded in the article, with the source's URL placed between the two code brackets to complete the reference.
While sources are essential, Wikipedia enforces specific guidelines on how they are used. When crafting an article, it is imperative to create original content rather than copying and pasting from referenced sources. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and the only exception for copying text from another source is for direct quotes. To maintain compliance, paraphrase the source material in your own words.
When writing a page about a company, neutrality is crucial. Wikipedia prohibits the use of its platform for advertising or promotional purposes. To avoid rejection, refrain from promoting your services and write the article as though you have no affiliation with the subject.
These regulations contribute to the integrity of Wikipedia articles, although other factors might affect your page.
Draft Creation
The initial step in crafting a new Wikipedia article is to develop a draft outlining the content and structure you plan to use. A draft helps maintain organization, whether you are writing about an individual or an organization. Most Wikipedia articles consist of sections addressing various aspects of the subject. Typically, the first section provides a summary of the subject's general information, followed by sections detailing specific background information.
Regardless of whether the subject is an individual or a group, a history section is usually included in Wikipedia pages. The remaining sections diverge to cover the subject's background and accomplishments. Another common element found in both types of articles is a section on controversies, criticisms, or criminal activities, as this information can significantly impact the subject's reputation.
After creating a Wikipedia article, your role doesn't end. You must stay vigilant against common editing issues that could affect your reputation.
Wikipedia's openness has its drawbacks. Dishonest users may purposely misinform readers or make articles into jokes. Moderators try to address these issues, but their unpaid status and the sheer number of articles make this challenging.
Regularly monitor your article to prevent misinformation. Quickly correct any edits that make false claims or reveal personal information. Maintain a content copy in case of mass deletion.
Monitoring your Wikipedia page helps avoid major reputational damage from false edits. If constant monitoring isn't feasible, consider a reputation management service like Reputation. They offer various services, including Wikipedia page maintenance, to protect and enhance your reputation. Visit their website to learn how they can help you regain control of your reputation.