Wikipedia is a collaborative online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Creating a Wikipedia article requires careful planning, research, and adherence to the platform's guidelines. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own article:
1. Determine Notability:
- Research: Before creating an article, ensure the subject meets Wikipedia's notability guidelines. This means the subject must have been significantly covered by reliable sources.
- Sources: Gather reputable sources like news articles, books, academic journals, and official websites to support the article's content.
2. Create a Draft:
- Structure: Follow Wikipedia's standard article structure, which typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
- Neutral Tone: Maintain a neutral tone throughout the article, avoiding promotional or biased language.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Write clearly and concisely, using simple language that is easy to understand.
3. Cite Your Sources:
- Referencing: Use inline citations to link specific information to its corresponding source. Wikipedia uses the Harvard referencing style.
- Accuracy: Ensure all information is verifiable and backed by reliable sources.
4. Submit Your Draft:
- Create an Account: If you don't already have one, create a Wikipedia account.
- Submit Article: Submit your draft to the appropriate Wikipedia namespace (e.g., "Main Space" for general topics).
5. Review and Improve:
- Feedback: Be prepared to receive feedback from other Wikipedia editors. They may suggest improvements to the article's content, structure, or citations.
- Revisions: Carefully consider the feedback and make necessary revisions to your article.
6. Seek Approval:
- Review Process: Once you've addressed the feedback, your article will be reviewed by other editors.
- Approval: If your article meets Wikipedia's standards, it will be approved and published.
Additional Tips:
- Use Wikipedia's Tools: Familiarize yourself with Wikipedia's editing tools and templates to streamline the process.
- Be Patient: Creating a Wikipedia article can take time. Be patient and persistent throughout the process.
- Collaborate: If you're unsure about a particular aspect of your article, don't hesitate to ask for help from other Wikipedia editors.
By following these steps and adhering to Wikipedia's guidelines, you can create a high-quality article that contributes to the platform's vast knowledge base.