How to Add a New Entry to Wikipedia: A Comprehensive Guide
Adding a new entry to Wikipedia can seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and steps, anyone can contribute to one of the largest and most reliable sources of information available online. This guide will walk you through the process of adding a new entry to Wikipedia, including creating an account, researching your topic, drafting and submitting your article, and responding to feedback.
1. Create an Account
If you haven't already, create an account on Wikipedia. While it is not mandatory, this step is recommended to make the editing process smoother and to access additional features. Having a Wikipedia account allows you to save your edits, track revisions, and comment on discussions related to your contributions.
2. Check for Notability
Before you begin writing, ensure that the topic you want to add meets Wikipediarsquo;s notability guidelines. Notability means that the subject has received significant coverage in reliable and independent sources. This step is crucial to ensure that your contribution is a valuable and worthwhile addition to the encyclopedia.
3. Research Reliability and Verifiability
Gather reliable sources that provide verifiable information about your topic. These sources can include books, articles from reputable journals, and reputable websites. Reliability is key, as your contributions must be based on verifiable and neutral information.
4. Draft Your Article Using the Article Wizard
Once you have your research in place, start drafting your article using Wikipediarsquo;s Article Wizard. This tool helps you structure your article correctly and adheres to Wikipediarsquo;s style guidelines. Remember to follow the citation guidelines to ensure your article is well-supported by reliable sources.
5. Submit Your Draft for Review
After completing your draft, submit it for review. Experienced editors will evaluate your article and may publish it as is, request edits, or ask for additional information. Be open to feedback and make necessary revisions to improve the quality of your entry.
6. Respond to Feedback and Monitor Your Entry
Engage constructively with the community by responding to feedback and revisions suggested by other editors. Keep an eye on your entry for any changes made by other users. This ongoing support ensures that your article remains accurate and up-to-date.
Additional Tips
Familiarize yourself with Wikipediarsquo;s policies on neutrality and verifiability. These guidelines are fundamental to maintaining the credibility and quality of Wikipedia. Be patient, as the review process can take time. Consider starting with smaller edits or contributions to existing articles to gain experience and understanding of how the community operates before creating a new entry.
Remember, the wiki spirit is about collaboration and building a comprehensive resource. By following these steps, you can successfully add a new entry to Wikipedia and contribute to this vast repository of knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Wikipedia is not a journal. If you have specific academic or professional work that you wish to publish, consider submitting it to a peer-reviewed publication instead. However, if you are passionate about contributing to a free and open encyclopedia, the steps outlined here should help you get started on your journey as a Wikipedia editor.
Further Reading and Resources
If you're interested in learning more about the Wikipedia community and how to navigate its policies and guidelines, you can visit the following pages:
Wikipedia:WikiProject Teahouse - A welcoming community for new editors to ask questions and get help. Wikipedia:The core - In-depth guides to Wikipediarsquo;s policies and guidelines. Wikipedia:First steps - A guide for new users to get started contributing to Wikipedia.One golden wiki rule is: ldquo;One more word about creating pages: Be bold, but be carefulrdquo;. This rule encourages new contributors to make substantial changes to existing articles or create new ones, but with a keen eye for accuracy and adherence to Wikipedia's policies.
By following these guidelines and stepping into the Wikipedia community, you can make a valuable contribution to one of the most trusted sources of information on the internet.