How to Create a Wikipedia Page for Someone: A Step-by-Step Guide

Wikipedia is one of the most popular and widely used online encyclopedias, containing a vast amount of information on various topics. Creating a Wikipedia page for someone can be a great way to establish their online presence, highlight their achievements, and provide accurate information to the public. However, the process of creating a Wikipedia page can be complex and requires adherence to certain guidelines. In this article, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a Wikipedia page for someone.

Understand Wikipedia's Notability Guidelines:

Before creating a Wikipedia page for someone, it's crucial to understand Wikipedia's notability guidelines. Wikipedia requires that the person you want to create a page for should meet certain criteria to ensure the page's relevance and credibility. These guidelines typically include significant coverage in reliable sources, evidence of their impact or influence in their field, and a demonstrated level of notability.

Gather Reliable Sources:

To support the notability of the person you're creating a Wikipedia page for, you'll need to gather reliable sources that have published significant information about them. These sources could include news articles, books, academic journals, interviews, or other reputable publications. Make sure the sources are reliable, verifiable, and independent of the person's own self-promotion.

Create a Wikipedia Account:

To create and edit a Wikipedia page, you'll need to create a Wikipedia account. Visit Wikipedia's official website and click on the "Create account" link. Follow the registration process, provide accurate information, and choose a username that adheres to Wikipedia's guidelines.

Conduct Preparatory Research:

Before diving into creating the Wikipedia page, it's essential to conduct preparatory research. Look for existing articles or pages related to the person's field of expertise, gather information about their background, accomplishments, and any controversies or criticisms associated with them. This research will help you create a comprehensive and unbiased Wikipedia page.

Start with a Draft:

Instead of directly creating a Wikipedia page, it's recommended to start with a draft in your user space. This allows you to work on the page without it being publicly visible until you are ready to publish. Click on your username in the top right corner of Wikipedia and select "User page" or "User sandbox" to create a draft.

Write the Article:

When writing the Wikipedia page, adhere to Wikipedia's neutral point of view (NPOV) policy. Write in a formal tone and avoid any promotional language or bias. Structure the article with appropriate sections such as "Early Life," "Career," "Achievements," and "Legacy." Include citations for each statement or claim you make using inline citations.

Format and Style:

Follow Wikipedia's formatting and style guidelines while creating the page. Use headings, bullet points, and subheadings to enhance readability. Pay attention to grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Use the Wikipedia markup language (wikitext) or the visual editor for formatting purposes.

Add Reliable Citations:

To ensure the credibility of the Wikipedia page, include reliable citations for all information provided. Each statement or claim should be supported by a reputable source. Use inline citations within the text and include a list of references at the end of the page following Wikipedia's citation guidelines.

Submit for Review:

Once you have completed writing and formatting the Wikipedia page, review it thoroughly for accuracy, clarity, and adherence to guidelines. Click on the "Submit your draft for review" or "Submit your article for review" button to initiate the review process. This will notify Wikipedia editors who will assess the page for compliance and make necessary edits if required.

Maintain the Page:

After the page is published, it's essential to monitor and maintain it regularly. Wikipedia encourages collaboration and improvements from multiple editors. Keep an eye on any changes or updates, respond to comments or suggestions, and ensure the page remains up to date and accurate.

Conclusion:

Creating a Wikipedia page for someone can be a powerful way to showcase their achievements and provide accurate information to a wide audience. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can navigate the complexities of Wikipedia's guidelines and create a well-structured and reliable page. Remember to maintain the page's integrity by adhering to Wikipedia's policies and guidelines and engaging in collaborative efforts with other editors.