What is the notability guideline for people on Wikipedia?
On Wikipedia, notability for people is determined by the coverage they receive in multiple reliable, published secondary sources independent of the subject. A person is considered notable if they have received significant attention in such sources. Fame, popularity or merit is not synonymous with notability.
What types of sources are considered valid for establishing notability for people?
Sources deemed reliable and valid for establishing notability for people include independent secondary sources such as newspapers, magazines, books, and academic publications. Primary sources may be used to support content but do not contribute to proving notability.
Can people who don’t meet the general notability guideline still be included in Wikipedia?
A person who does not meet the general notability guideline may still be included within Wikipedia if they meet any of the additional criteria, such as having a significant role in a historic event or being a prominent figure within a specialized field. In such cases, related information may be merged into a broader article providing context.
Are there specific notability guidelines for different categories of people?
Yes, there are specific notability guidelines for different categories of people, such as academics, creative professionals, crime victims and perpetrators, entertainers, politicians and judges, and sports personalities. Each category has its own set of criteria to determine notability.
What are some common challenges in establishing notability for people?
Common challenges in establishing notability for people include finding reliable and independent sources, differentiating between significant coverage and trivial information, and determining whether someone meets additional criteria for specific categories, such as academics or entertainers.
How does the notability policy for people impact content contributions on Wikipedia?
The notability policy for people impacts user contributions by ensuring that articles about individuals meet a certain threshold of significance, helping maintain the overall quality and credibility of Wikipedia. Editors must verify that an individual meets the notability criteria using appropriate sources before creating or expanding on their article.
What are some examples of notability considerations for people in Wikipedia contributions?
Examples of notability considerations for people include the individual’s role in significant events, their achievements or awards, their contribution to a particular field, and their coverage in reputable independent sources.
What steps can I take to avoid violating the notability policy for people on Wikipedia?
To avoid violating the notability policy for people on Wikipedia, follow these steps:
1. Research the subject extensively using reliable and independent secondary sources
2. Ensure the individual meets the general or category-specific notability guidelines
3. Provide adequate citations to support the information
4. Focus on creating a balanced article that reflects the person’s notability.
What are the notability guidelines for academics on Wikipedia?
For academics, including scientists, researchers, philosophers, and other scholars, notability is often determined by their influence and contributions in their respective fields, even if their biographies are not subject to significant secondary sources. An academic’s notability is also influenced by their major accomplishments, discoveries, or publications.
What are the notability guidelines for creative professionals on Wikipedia?
Creative professionals, such as authors, journalists, filmmakers, artists, architects, and photographers, are considered notable if they are widely cited or regarded as important figures in their fields, have originated a significant new concept or technique, or created a major work or body of work that has received considerable attention in independent sources such as reviews, exhibitions, or literary recognition.
What are the notability guidelines for politicians and judges on Wikipedia?
Politicians and judges are presumed to be notable if they have held international, national, or state/province-wide office, or if they have been members of legislative bodies at those levels. Major local political figures who have received significant press coverage are also considered notable.
What are the notability guidelines for entertainers on Wikipedia?
Entertainers, including actors, comedians, models, voice actors, and celebrities, are considered notable if they have had significant roles in multiple notable productions or if they have made unique, prolific, or innovative contributions to a field of entertainment.
What are the notability guidelines for sports personalities on Wikipedia?
Sports personalities are presumed to be notable if they have won a significant honor and have received significant coverage in reliable, independent secondary sources. The sports biography must include at least one reference to a source providing significant coverage of the subject.
What are the notability guidelines for crime victims and perpetrators on Wikipedia?
Crime victims and perpetrators are generally covered within an article about the criminal event or trial, rather than having separate articles, unless their involvement in the event is significant or the event itself is historically significant. A separate article may be appropriate for notable victims with a large role in a well-documented historic event, or for perpetrators whose crime or motivation is unusual and well-documented.
What are the notability guidelines for people known only for one event on Wikipedia?
For individuals significant for their role in a single event, it is generally advised to cover the event rather than the person. However, if the event is highly significant and the individual’s role within it is substantial, a separate article might be appropriate. In cases where the individuals are only known for one event, they should generally be covered in an article about the event and their name should redirect to that article.
What are the notability guidelines for family members of notable people on Wikipedia?
Being related to a notable person does not confer notability upon that family member. Articles about notable people may mention their family members, but a separate article for the family member is not warranted unless they themselves meet the notability guidelines through their own accomplishments or coverage in reliable sources.
