Introduction
Public curiosity around what is Wikipedia often focuses on reading articles, not producing them. Yet the encyclopedia’s defining feature lies in how new pages come into existence. Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia and an online encyclopedia built by volunteers, guided by rules that shape what may appear, how it is written, and whether it remains published. Creating a Wikipedia page is not a publishing shortcut, a branding exercise, or a résumé enhancer. It is a procedural act inside a tightly regulated knowledge system.
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Wikipedia’s own description frames the project clearly: it is “a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit” (en.wikipedia.org). That phrase describes openness, not permissiveness. Page creation follows stricter standards than routine editing. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step Wikipedia introduction to page creation, grounded in policy text, usage data, and long-standing editorial practice. It explains not only how a page is created, but how it survives scrutiny.
The Conceptual Ground Rules
Any Wikipedia overview of page creation begins with the encyclopedia’s purpose. Wikipedia exists to summarize what reliable, independent sources have already published. It does not exist to announce, promote, or legitimize subjects.
Wikipedia states its scope directly:
“Wikipedia is an encyclopedia, not a directory, not a newspaper, not a blog, and not a place for original thought.”
en.wikipedia.org
This framing shapes every decision around new articles. A page may be well written and still removed if it fails to meet scope, sourcing, or neutrality requirements. Understanding this logic is part of Wikipedia explained.
Step 1: Confirming Notability Before Writing
Notability determines eligibility for an article. It does not mean importance in a moral or cultural sense. It means documented coverage.
Wikipedia’s notability policy defines the threshold precisely:
“Notability requires significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject.”
en.wikipedia.org
“Significant coverage” means more than passing mentions. “Independent” excludes self-authored material, press releases, personal websites, and affiliated marketing. A subject with awards, followers, or commercial success may still fail notability if coverage lacks depth or independence.
This step occurs before writing a single sentence. Many drafts fail at this stage.
Step 2: Gathering Acceptable Sources
Sources shape the article more than the writer does. Wikipedia prioritizes secondary sources with editorial oversight.
The reliable sources policy states:
“Articles should be based on reliable, published secondary sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy.”
en.wikipedia.org
Commonly accepted sources include:
- Peer-reviewed academic journals
- Books from established publishers
- Major newspapers and broadcasters
- Government or institutional reports
Material excluded in most cases includes blogs, interviews hosted by the subject, promotional profiles, and self-published platforms. This sourcing model explains why many well-known individuals lack Wikipedia pages.
This sourcing discipline defines about Wikipedia as a project built on verification rather than visibility.
Step 3: Creating an Account and Gaining Autoconfirmed Status
Page creation is restricted. New accounts cannot publish articles immediately.
On the English Wikipedia, an account must meet these conditions:
- At least 4 days old
- At least 10 edits
This status is called “autoconfirmed.” It reduces spam and promotional activity.
Wikipedia documents this requirement clearly (en.wikipedia.org).
Accounts exist to establish editing continuity. They do not signal authority.
Step 4: Drafting in Articles for Creation
Direct article publication is discouraged for new creators. Wikipedia offers a review system known as Articles for Creation.
Articles for Creation allows drafts to be written in a separate space and reviewed by experienced editors. Wikipedia describes the process as follows:
“Articles for Creation is a process designed to help new contributors create new articles.”
en.wikipedia.org
Drafts submitted through this process may be accepted, declined, or returned with feedback. Decline notices explain policy gaps, not personal judgment.
This review layer is central to wiki basics. It reflects the encyclopedia’s preference for caution over speed.
Step 5: Writing in Encyclopedic Style
Wikipedia articles follow a recognizable structure. Tone matters as much as content.
Key stylistic principles include:
- Neutral point of view
- Third-person narration
- No promotional language
- No first-person claims
The neutral point of view policy states:
“Articles must be written from a neutral point of view, representing views fairly and without bias.”
en.wikipedia.org
Typical article sections include a lead summary, background or history, activity overview, reception or impact, and references. The lead summarizes the article rather than introducing the subject.
This stylistic restraint forms part of a working Wikipedia definition.
Step 6: Declaring Conflicts of Interest
Wikipedia discourages writing about oneself or affiliated subjects.
The conflict of interest guideline states:
“Editors should avoid writing articles about themselves, their family, their employer, or their organization.”
en.wikipedia.org
Disclosure is permitted. Undisclosed advocacy is not. Articles written with promotional intent face deletion, even when sourced.
This policy exists to protect credibility rather than exclude contributors.
Step 7: Submitting the Draft for Review
Once drafted, the article is submitted for review. Reviewers check notability, source quality, tone, structure, and policy compliance.
Response times vary since Wikipedia is volunteer-run.
Acceptance does not guarantee permanence. Articles remain subject to community review after publication.
Wikipedia statistics show that thousands of new pages are created each month across language editions (en.wikipedia.org).
Step 8: Post-Publication Monitoring
After publication, the article enters the live encyclopedia. Other editors may add sources, adjust wording, challenge claims, or nominate the page for deletion.
Deletion discussions follow formal processes. Decisions rely on policy arguments rather than popularity.
This environment explains why page creation is an ongoing responsibility rather than a single act.
Why Pages Are Deleted
Deletion is common and procedural. It is not punitive.
Common reasons include insufficient independent sources, promotional tone, original research, or failure to meet notability standards.
Wikipedia documents deletion criteria openly (en.wikipedia.org).
Understanding deletion is central to Wikipedia explained. Articles remain provisional until consensus stabilizes.
Statistical Context: Scale and Selectivity
As of 2024, the English Wikipedia hosts over 6.7 million articles, maintained by roughly 40,000 active editors (en.wikipedia.org).
This imbalance explains strict gatekeeping. Page creation is selective by design.
Wikipedia favors fewer well-sourced articles over many weak ones.
Ethical Boundaries and Editorial Culture
Wikipedia’s culture values restraint. Editors gain trust through policy-aligned behavior rather than credentials.
The civility guideline states:
“Editors are expected to interact respectfully and avoid personal attacks.”
en.wikipedia.org
Page creators enter a collaborative environment shaped by consensus, revision, and transparency.
Final Considerations
A complete answer to what is Wikipedia includes its creation filters. Wikipedia is open to contribution, not open to self-publication. Page creation demands sourcing discipline, stylistic restraint, and patience.
This guide shows that creating a Wikipedia page involves more preparation than writing. The decisive work occurs before drafting begins. Sources, independence, and notability determine outcomes more than prose quality.
A realistic Wikipedia overview recognizes that the encyclopedia grows through selection rather than accumulation. Pages endure through evidence, not enthusiasm.
For contributors prepared to work within these boundaries, page creation offers participation in a durable public record. Each accepted article reflects not a single author’s voice, but a negotiated summary of documented knowledge inside a shared wiki site.
