getting started in Wikipedia
Create an Account
Creating an account is necessary responsibly edit in Wikipedia. Luckily, creating an account is straightforward. Here is a quick video tutorial covering how to create the account.
Enable the Visual Editor
You can edit Wikipedia with source code or with the Visual Editor. The Visual Editor is easier to learn and use. Here is an introduction. Tip: Set your Preferences to "Show me both editor tabs." (See minute 3:25.)
Adding References
1. Use reliable, published sources
More on the Reliability of Sources
Context, the circumstances surrounding the usage or incorporation of any relevant literature, is what determines its reliability in terms of supporting a given statement. All sources should directly support the statement being made in order to be considered reliable.
Age of the source is also another determinate for reliability. Older sources may contain disproven theories, be steeped in outdated ideological fallacies, or even invoke descriptive language that is no longer considered appropriate to address individual populations, issues, or as references to specific events. Again, depending on the topic, it also may not be appropriate to cite breaking news articles. The breaking news qualifier needs a bit of time to receive factual verification or general acceptance within the respective field
2. Create a references section
Once you've reviewed a reliable source and started drafting a summary, how do you let other editors know where to look to verify your information?
First, check to see if the page has a References section. If there isn't one, click on the "Edit" option, and scroll down to the bottom of the page. Type the word References on a new line.
On the Visual Editor's toolbar, you'll see the word Paragraph, with a down arrow next to it. Clicking on it produces a drop-down menu. Select "Heading". This should make the word References larger and underline it.
Hit the enter key to create a new line. Then go up to the toolbar again and click Insert. Then select Template from the drop-down menu that appears. When the "Add a template" interface appears, type Reflist in the box. Click the "Add template" button next to the box, and then click on the blue Insert button in the top right corner.
Then click Publish changes. Don't forget to leave an edit summary, something like "Added a reference section".
3. Use the Visual Editor to Add a Citation
Adding an Image
Wikipedia images are found in Wikimedia Commons. Any image in Commons can be used in Wikipedia. If you want to add an image that is not yet in Commons, you can upload one to Commons, if:
- You are the photographer
- or the image is already under a free license (see: What's a Free License?)
- or the image is published by the U.S. government
- or the image is at least 96 years old
Using the Visual Editor to Add an Image
Defining a "Good Article" for Wikipedia:
Many of you have read Wikipedia articles before. You may have noticed that there are some consistent elements regarding how the articles on Wikipedia are all written. These articles are generally able to be maintained on the website for public consumption because they adhere to six pivotal points as defined by the Wikipedia organization. These points or criteria are as follows:
The main point is that Wikipedia articles require for you to be able to identify reliable sources that explicitly support any points that you may raise in your article. Thus, while you may be able to go to an individual author's website as a starting point, you will wont make sure that you verify and substantiate any details found there by exploring mentioned awards and awarding bodies, national organizations, and other media mentions (i.e. online magazine articles, newspapers, audio or visual interviews, etc.).
Practical Wiki Article Writing Tips:
How should we translate the six pointed criteria given above into useful writing advice? From various Wikipedia pages related to article writing, I have synthesize the information provided and developed the chart below as a sort guide for double checking and implementing the previously mentioned article criteria. Just reminder, your job as a writing for a Wikipedia article is merely to inform. There is no argument or attempt to persuade to action. As clinically and detached as possible, the job of the writer is to gather the information, and then to provide an insightful overview and introduction to the individual and their accomplishments.
Relevance Continuum
When writing our summaries, there may arise a question as to which bits of information are worth including. Keeping in mind that we want to try to write in as direct a manner as possible, it is important that we are mindful that we are including all information which is directly related to the scope that we established from the outset of the article. E.g. it would make sense to include factual information such as major dates and events, as well as brief information related to the key impact from those events. Depending on the person and or issue being written about, there may other biographical information (for example organizational membership) which may or may not be as relevant to note. Generally, relevance is a judgement call made by the authors. However, there are some guidelines that Wikipedia has put out to assist in making that determination.
What does "notability" mean?
Wikipedia entries should meet the requirements for “notability” as defined by Wikipedia policies. Notability criteria vary depending on the subject. Compare, for example, the criteria for an entry about a book with the criteria for an entry about an author. In general, a topic can be considered “notable” when it is supported by “significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject” (Wikipedia:Notability).
General Requirements for "Notability"
- Significant coverage: Two or more sources cover the topic at some length.
- Reliable sources: Secondary sources from reputable publishers (academic books, scholarly articles, established news venues, etc.).
- Independent: Sources are not self-published, autobiographical, or promotional.