Guidelines for Creating a New Page on Wikipedia

Wikipedia, the world's largest and most populous online encyclopedia, thrives on the collaborative efforts of its millions of contributors. If you are interested in adding to this vast repository of knowledge, this article will guide you through the process of creating a new page on Wikipedia. Whether you are an experienced editor or a newcomer, there are fundamental steps that you need to follow to ensure that your contributions are in compliance with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines.

Step 1: User Authentication

The first and arguably the most important step in creating a new page on Wikipedia is to become a registered user. Visiting the Wikipedia homepage, , will prompt you to sign in or sign up if you are a newcomer. Signing up is simple and only requires a username and email address. Once you have created an account, you will have access to more features and tools that will assist you in your editing journey.

Step 2: Receiving a Welcome Message

After signing up, you will typically receive a welcome message on your user talk page. Experiential users often leave welcoming words and instructions for newcomers, providing a gentle introduction to the community and essential guidelines. However, if you do not receive this message, it is advisable to check the community portal or ask for assistance on the project help desk. This is your first touchpoint with the wider Wikipedia community, so it is important to engage and familiarize yourself with the guidelines and expectations.

Step 3: Gathering Information and Navigating Policies

Before you start creating a new article, it is crucial to gather all the necessary information. Wikipedia has an extensive set of policies and guidelines that dictate how content should be structured and verified. Some key guidelines include:

Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Articles should present differing viewpoints impartially. Verifiability: All information must be supported by reliable, published sources. No Original Research (NOR): Wikipedia does not publish original research or opinions. Bold subsections: For major sections, bold the first few words to make them stand out. Skeletons: When creating a proposed new article, use a Skeleton Article template to guide the structure. Image Guidelines: Images must be relevant, clear, and properly licensed. Protected Namespaces: Articles with titles including certain namespaces are protected and cannot be created or edited without permission.

It is essential to take the time to review these policies thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the article creation process and understand the responsibilities of a Wikipedia editor. If you are unsure about something, do not hesitate to ask for help on the talk page or in the community forums.

Step 4: Writing and Submitting Your Article

With your user account, welcome message, and understanding of the guidelines, you are now ready to begin writing your article. Start by thinking about the topic of your article. Ensure that it meets the criteria for inclusion, such as being notable and verifiable. Once you have a topic in mind, proceed as follows:

Initial Draft: Create a headline and an outline with your initial thoughts and potential section headings. Research: Use reliable sources to verify facts and information. Cite these sources within the article using the appropriate citation template. Edit and Revise: Make sure your language is clear and concise. Revise and refine your content to meet the quality standards of Wikipedia. Category Assignment: Assign the appropriate categories to your article. Ensure that they are relevant to the content and do not overlap. Submitting Your Draft: Save your article in draft form or submit it for review. For new articles, use the New Article or Skeleton Article templates to ensure that the article is properly formatted and meets the initial standards.

After submitting your draft, an experienced editor or community member may review it to ensure that it meets Wikipedia's standards. This review process is crucial for the credibility and accuracy of the information.

Step 5: Community Engagement and Improvement

Once your article is reviewed and approved, do not stop there. Engage with the community and continue to improve your article. Respond to feedback and updates on the talk page. The community is constantly working to refine and expand Wikipedia, and your contributions are a valuable part of that effort. Regular updates and improvements will ensure that your article remains relevant and accurate.

Conclusion

Creating a new page on Wikipedia is a rewarding process that requires a commitment to accuracy, neutrality, and community engagement. By following these guidelines and continuously improving your work, you can contribute to one of the most extensive and comprehensive sources of knowledge available online. Remember, every new article is a step toward making Wikipedia a better and more inclusive reference for all users.

Additional Resources

To learn more about contributing to Wikipedia, consider visiting the following resources:

Wikipedia: About Page Your First Article Manual of Style How to Edit a Page