Creating a Wikipedia Page Guide

How to Create a Wikipedia Page: A Step-by-Step Guide for Online Collaborative Workshops

Creating a Wikipedia page can be an exciting and enriching endeavor, particularly for organizations, communities, or individuals wanting to establish a presence on one of the world’s most visited websites. Wikipedia serves as a comprehensive repository of knowledge, with millions of entries across various subjects, making it an essential platform for sharing information. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to create a Wikipedia page, tailored specifically for online collaborative workshops. It addresses the necessary preparations, guidelines for submission, and strategies for ensuring a successful outcome.

Understanding Wikipedia’s Guidelines

Before diving into the process of creating a Wikipedia page, it is essential to familiarize yourself with Wikipedia’s policies and guidelines. This knowledge will not only streamline the process but also ensure compliance with Wikipedia’s community standards.

1. Notability: To qualify for a Wikipedia page, the subject must be notable. This means it has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources. The content should not be self-promotional and must adhere to Wikipedia’s neutral point of view.

2. Verifiability: Information presented on Wikipedia must be verifiable and supported by reliable sources. This includes news articles, books, academic journals, or any other credible references.

3. No Original Research: Wikipedia is not a platform for publishing original research or theories. Instead, it compiles existing knowledge and insights.

4. Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Articles must be written from a neutral perspective, avoiding promotional language or bias.

5. Citing Sources: All statements that require verification must be accompanied by citations from reliable sources.

Preparing to Create a Wikipedia Page

Step 1: Research and Collect Information

Begin by conducting thorough research on the subject you wish to write about. Gather information from reputable sources, ensuring you cover the essential aspects that meet Wikipedia’s notability criteria. Create a list of potential references to use as citations.

Step 2: Create an Account

Although it is possible to edit Wikipedia without an account, creating one is highly recommended. An account allows you to create new articles, gain credibility within the Wikipedia community, and track your contributions. To create an account, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Wikipedia homepage.
2. Click on “Create account” at the top right corner.
3. Fill in the required information, including a username, password, and email address.

Step 3: Draft the Article

Before publishing, it is prudent to draft the article in your personal sandbox (a personal space for draft articles) on Wikipedia. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your Wikipedia account.
2. Click on your username at the top right corner, then select “Sandbox” from the drop-down menu.
3. Begin drafting the article, adhering to Wikipedia’s writing style, which includes a clear structure, proper headings, and citation formatting.

Step 4: Collaborate with Others

For collaborative workshops, involving multiple participants in the drafting process can enhance the quality and breadth of the content. Use the following methods to facilitate collaboration:

• Online Document Sharing: Utilize platforms like Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive to create a shared document where all participants can contribute. This allows for real-time editing and feedback.

• Discussion Platforms: Employ discussion forums, such as Slack or Discord, to facilitate communication among participants. These platforms allow team members to discuss ideas, share resources, and provide input on the article.

• Assign Roles: Consider assigning specific roles to participants based on their expertise or interests. For instance, one person could focus on research, another on writing, and a third on citation formatting.

Submitting the Wikipedia Page

Step 5: Create the Page

Once the article is drafted, you can proceed to create the Wikipedia page. Here’s how:

1. Ensure you are logged into your Wikipedia account.
2. Type the desired title of the page in the search bar. If the title does not already exist, a red link will appear, indicating you can create the page.
3. Click on the red link to start a new page.

Step 6: Format and Edit

Upon entering the new page, copy your drafted content from the sandbox or collaborative document into the new page. Use Wikipedia’s markup language to format headings, bullet points, and citations properly. This ensures the page meets Wikipedia’s formatting standards.

Step 7: Review and Revise

Before publishing, carefully review the article for grammar, clarity, and adherence to Wikipedia’s guidelines. Check that all sources are correctly cited and that the article maintains a neutral tone. It is beneficial to have another team member review the article to provide feedback.

Publishing the Page

Step 8: Publish the Article

Once the article is finalized, click the “Publish changes” button. A dialogue box will appear, prompting you to provide a brief edit summary. Clearly state what changes you made and why the page is necessary.

Monitoring and Responding to Feedback

After publication, it is crucial to monitor the page for any changes made by other editors. Wikipedia is a collaborative platform, and edits can be made by anyone. You may receive feedback or requests for additional sources or modifications.

• Respond to Feedback: If changes are made, engage with other editors constructively. Utilize the “Talk” page associated with the article to discuss any disagreements or questions.

• Update the Page: As new information becomes available or the subject evolves, regularly update the page to maintain its relevance and accuracy.

Promoting the Wikipedia Page

After successfully creating and publishing a Wikipedia page, promoting it can help raise awareness and drive traffic to the entry.

1. Share on Social Media: Promote the page across various social media platforms to increase visibility. Encourage followers to read and share the article.

2. Engage in Community Discussions: Participate in relevant Wikipedia projects and discussions, contributing to related topics to build credibility and interest in the article.

3. Encourage Feedback: Invite readers to provide feedback or suggest improvements, fostering a community around the subject matter.

Conclusion

Creating a Wikipedia page through an online collaborative workshop is a rewarding process that fosters teamwork, enhances writing skills, and contributes to the collective knowledge of the internet. By understanding Wikipedia’s guidelines, gathering reliable sources, and promoting collaborative efforts, individuals and organizations can successfully establish their presence on this influential platform. As participants engage in the drafting and publishing process, they not only learn valuable skills but also contribute to the wider community by sharing information that enriches the collective understanding of various topics.