Crucial Wikipedia Guidelines to Abide by

Wikipedia is an easy-to-use, open-source platform. While accessing this platform is simple and informative, using this platform is equally challenging. The reason behind this is not what you are expecting; the platform has a whole lot of guidelines and policies for its users, which is what makes navigating this platform tricky.

From page creation or article writing to Wikipedia editing to behavioral guidelines, the list is quite extensive.

However, before you panic about using Wikipedia, we have got your back.

In this blog, we’ve compiled some of the most critical guidelines users have to follow.

1.    Content Guidelines

Since Wikipedia has a comprehensive list of guidelines for all types of actions on the platform, it has quite a few for content creation too. Here are some key principles:

·        External Links

When creating a page or writing a Wiki article, external links are a must. As per the guidelines, the links need to be minimal, authentic, and relevant to the subject.

·        Autobiography

Wikipedia does not permit any promotional content, which is why users can’t write or edit an article about themselves unless they are doing that to correct some errors regarding the facts.

·        Fringe Theories

When writing content on fringe theories, individuals have to be very particular. These theories must only be covered when their effect is recognized by credible sources. Otherwise, it should not be used and must be removed.

·        Non-Free Content

Non-free content, as well as copyrwritten information, can just be utilized in certain conditions and need to be used carefully. Its usage needs to conform with the non-free content criteria policy.

·        Plagiarism

Copying or duplicating someone else’s work without giving them credit for their work is considered unethical on Wikipedia. As a result, the platform does not tolerate such instances and demands credit be given where it is due.

·        Images

All images included must be relevant to the Wiki page or article they are added to. In addition, they have to be referenced properly and be of the perfect size.

·        Citing Guidelines

There are different citation styles for writing any content on Wikipedia and for formatting reference. Make sure you use the right ones.

·        No Disclaimers in Articles

Wikipedia often has some spoilers, objectionable material, etc., but there is no need to warn or inform readers about that. As a result, don’t add any disclaimers to the articles you write.

·        Avoid Creating Hoaxes and Detailed Primary Sources

Stay clear of adding hoaxes and irrelevant or incorrect information to the articles or pages intentionally. The platform only supports factual and relevant info. Moreover, avoid adding full text of detailed primary sources.

So, quotes from any credible sources need to be of appropriate length to include in the content.

·        Non-US Copyrights

Sometimes works that are in the public domain in their place of origin are protected by copyright in the US; as a result, they cannot be used on Wikipedia, which is governed by US law.

2.    Behavioral Guidelines

Here is a list of behavior guidelines that all individuals using Wikipedia have to follow:

·        Conflict of Interest

Wikipedia has strict policies against promotional content. As a result, avoid using this platform to promote yourself, your business, your website, etc.

·        Do Not Disturb the Platform to Prove a Point

Since Wikipedia is for individuals all across the world, you can use this platform to state your point. However, do not engage in inappropriate behavior on the platform, such as nominating pages for deletion, breaking the rules, or creating content just for the purpose of making a point.

·        Etiquette

Wikipedia editors exist in every part of the world, which means they will have different opinions, standpoints, and backgrounds. As a result, it is essential to treat others with respect when using this platform, especially if you are a contributor.

·        Talk Page Guidelines

Talk pages exist to spark polite discussion, which works as boosting the encyclopedia’s credibility and popularity, and should not be abused by expressing personal opinions or biases on a subject.

3.    Editing Guidelines

·        Be Critical

Wikipedia exists to offer authentic information, and it also develops faster when Wiki editors ensure that by correcting grammar, fixing errors, etc. So, when editing Wiki pages and articles, you need to be critical and do just that.

·        Be Helpful

When you edit a Wikipedia article or page, the more controversial the change is, the more important it is to explain it. So, make sure you drop a comment regarding the change, keeping the comment as helpful and relevant as possible.

For significant changes, the space given for the edit summary may not be sufficient to explain it. In such circumstances, you can leave a note on the talk page of the respective article or page.

Are you stressed about following all the guidelines and policies? Are you scared you might make a mistake and mess everything up? Well, we can put you at ease; just hire Wiki Proficiency.

Wiki Proficiency is a prominent Wiki agency that has been providing Wikipedia services all across the United States for the past couple of years. We offer a comprehensive range of Wikipedia services that strictly abide by the guidelines and policies outlined by the platform.

Our services include Wikipedia page creation, Wikipedia page editing, page management, translation, and much more, with amazing pricing plans and exciting discounts.

Get in touch with us to schedule a quick call to hire us.