The Dilemma of Self-Writing a Wikipedia Article
You’ve built a reputation in your field, accomplished great things, and now you’re considering taking the next step: writing a Wikipedia article about yourself. But then you wonder, “Can I write a Wikipedia article about myself?” If you’re grappling with this question, you’re not alone. Many individuals face the same dilemma, balancing the desire for recognition with the fear of violating Wikipedia’s strict guidelines.
The main challenge? Wikipedia enforces policies that prioritize objectivity and neutrality, and they view self-promotion skeptically. You might also be asking, “What if I get rejected or, worse, my article gets removed after it’s been published?” This is a legitimate concern, as navigating Wikipedia’s complex rules on self-writing can feel overwhelming.
This blog is here to help. We’ll address your concerns head-on and provide a thorough exploration of the dos and don’ts when it comes to contributing to your own Wikipedia page. So, if you’re ready to learn how to make a Wikipedia article about yourself and do it correctly, keep reading. Let’s unlock the process to help you get your article accepted without violating any guidelines.
1. Wikipedia’s Policy on Self-Promotion
Understanding the Conflict of Interest (COI) Guideline
The most significant obstacle standing between you and your Wikipedia article is the Conflict of Interest (COI) guideline. Wikipedia strives to be a neutral and unbiased platform, and as a result, it strongly discourages individuals from writing articles about themselves. The reason? Self-written content is often seen as inherently promotional and biased, which conflicts with the neutral point of view that Wikipedia upholds.
You might think, “I know my achievements better than anyone else, so why shouldn’t I write a Wikipedia article about myself?” While this is understandable, the crux of the issue lies in neutrality. Wikipedia’s editors are trained to spot bias, and anything that reads as self-serving can be flagged or removed.
Solution: To navigate this, consider collaborating with a neutral third party. Wikipedia’s large community of editors can help you ensure the article is written in a neutral, fact-based manner. If someone else writes about you, they’re less likely to introduce bias, which reduces the risk of your article being flagged.
2. What Counts as Notable Enough for a Wikipedia Article?
Before you go any further in trying to figure out how to make a Wikipedia article about yourself, you must determine whether you meet the notability standards. Not every individual or achievement qualifies for a Wikipedia entry. Wikipedia prioritizes subjects that have received significant attention from independent, credible sources.
Assessing Your Notability
Notability on Wikipedia is defined by the existence of reliable, secondary sources that document your achievements. These sources must be independent and unaffiliated with you, providing objective coverage that helps establish your relevance.
Here’s how to determine if you’re notable enough:
- Have credible news outlets or publications written about you?
- Do independent sources provide in-depth biographies or profiles about your career or achievements?
- Have you received significant awards or public recognition in your field?
If your answers to these questions are mostly yes, then you are likely considered notable by Wikipedia’s standards. Without third-party verification, it’s unlikely that a Wikipedia article about you will meet the platform’s criteria.
Solution: If you’re not sure whether you meet the notability criteria, spend some time building up media coverage and other sources that document your achievements. The more high-quality, reliable sources you have, the better your chances are of being accepted.
3. Crafting a Neutral and Encyclopedic Article
If you’ve determined that you’re notable enough, the next step is understanding how to make a Wikipedia article about yourself without falling into the trap of self-promotion. Wikipedia has strict guidelines regarding the tone and style of articles. All articles must be written in a neutral, encyclopedic tone, meaning they should focus on facts, not opinions or subjective statements.
Writing with an Encyclopedic Tone
One of the most challenging parts of writing or contributing to a Wikipedia article about yourself is maintaining objectivity. Instead of using language that praises or highlights your success in an overtly positive light, the article should simply state the facts.
For example:
- Avoid saying, “I’m an internationally renowned author known for my groundbreaking work.”
- Instead, say, “[Your Name] is an author whose work has been recognized internationally, with features in [credible source].”
The Importance of Verifiability
Everything in the article must be verifiable, which means that it can be backed up by citations from credible, independent sources. Wikipedia editors will review the sources you provide and verify that they meet the platform’s standards. Avoid citing sources like your own blog, press releases, or personal website, as these will be viewed as biased.
Solution: When writing your article or contributing to an existing one, carefully match every claim or statement with a corresponding, reliable citation. This ensures that your article adheres to Wikipedia’s strict standards for verifiability and reliability.
4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid in a Wikipedia Article About Yourself
Even if you manage to maintain a neutral tone, there are several other pitfalls to avoid when crafting a Wikipedia article about yourself. These mistakes can lead to your article being flagged, edited heavily, or even deleted.
a. Overloading the Article with Minor Details
It’s tempting to include every project or mention of your name in the article. However, Wikipedia prioritizes significance over quantity. Articles that include too many trivial details can come across as promotional.
b. Citing Unreliable Sources
Wikipedia has strict rules about what counts as a reliable source. Anything affiliated with you, like press releases, your personal blog, or even self-published books, will not be considered reliable. Stick to citations from reputable, independent publications.
c. Using Promotional Language
Avoid using language that could be seen as promotional. Describing yourself in glowing terms will likely get flagged by Wikipedia editors. For example, don’t say, “I’m a top expert in my field.” Instead, let third-party sources describe your achievements through facts.
d. Creating Multiple Accounts
Wikipedia frowns upon creating multiple accounts (known as “sockpuppets”) to edit or support your article. If Wikipedia finds out that you’re manipulating the article through multiple accounts, the article will likely be deleted, and your accounts could be banned.
Solution: Stick closely to Wikipedia’s guidelines, cite only reliable sources, and avoid promotional language. If you’re unsure, consulting with a Wikipedia editor can help ensure that you’re following the rules correctly.
5. The Process of Writing and Publishing a Wikipedia Article About Yourself
If you’re ready to move forward with creating a Wikipedia article about yourself, here are the key steps involved in writing and publishing the article successfully.
a. Create a Wikipedia Account
Before you can write or edit articles on Wikipedia, you’ll need to create an account. While you can edit Wikipedia without an account, having one allows you to track your contributions and build a reputation within the community.
b. Draft Your Article in a Sandbox
Wikipedia offers a sandbox feature, where you can draft your article privately. Use this space to fine-tune the content before submitting it for review. The sandbox allows you to make revisions without the risk of your article being flagged immediately.
c. Submit the Article for Review
Once your draft is ready, you’ll need to submit it for review. Wikipedia’s volunteer editors will check your article for neutrality, verifiability, and adherence to its guidelines. This process can take some time, and you may receive feedback or requests for revisions.
d. Respond to Feedback and Make Revisions
It’s common for new articles to receive feedback from editors. Be open to making changes based on their recommendations, as this can help your article gain approval.
Solution: Be patient with the process. Respond constructively to feedback from Wikipedia editors, and be prepared to revise your article as needed.
6. Alternatives to Writing a Wikipedia Article About Yourself
While it’s technically possible to write a Wikipedia article about yourself, it’s not always the best route. There are other ways to ensure that you’re documented on Wikipedia without risking the conflicts associated with self-promotion.
a. Hire a Wikipedia Consultant
One option is to hire a professional Wikipedia consultant who can help write the article for you. These experts understand Wikipedia’s guidelines and can help ensure the article is neutral, factual, and verifiable. However, be cautious, hiring someone to create a purely promotional article could result in the article being removed.
b. Ask a Neutral Third Party
Another approach is to ask a neutral third party, such as a colleague or peer, to write the article for you. This helps maintain an objective tone and avoids the pitfalls associated with self-writing.
c. Let Your Publicity Drive the Article
If you are notable enough, someone else in the Wikipedia community may eventually create an article about you. By increasing your public visibility, you can naturally attract the attention of Wikipedia editors who will create or edit your article based on reliable, independent sources.
7. How to Ensure Your Wikipedia Article Stays Up
Once your Wikipedia article is published, the final hurdle is ensuring it stays up and isn’t flagged for deletion. Here are a few strategies to keep your page in good standing:
a. Keep the Article Updated
Wikipedia articles should reflect the most up-to-date information. If you achieve new milestones, make sure they’re documented in reliable, independent sources. However, avoid over-editing your article to ensure it doesn’t appear promotional.
b. Engage with Wikipedia Editors
Wikipedia is community-driven, so constructive engagement with editors is crucial. Respond to any feedback, and make improvements as necessary. A positive relationship with the community can help keep your article live.
c. Maintain Objectivity
Finally, stay neutral and factual in any future edits to the article. Avoid embellishing details or adding unnecessary information.
Helpful Blog: How to Find the Author of a Wikipedia Article—Quick and Easy Guide
How to Enhance the Value of Your Wikipedia Article
Creating a Wikipedia article about yourself isn’t just about getting it published; it’s about making sure the content is valuable, well-structured, and beneficial for readers. Here are some strategies to enhance the quality and relevance of your article:
1. Add Comprehensive Background Information
Ensure your Wikipedia article isn’t just a list of achievements. Provide readers with a well-rounded understanding of who you are. Include information about your early life, education, career progression, and major turning points in your journey. The more detailed and fact-based the article is, the more valuable it will be for readers who want to learn about you.
2. Use High-Quality Citations
The credibility of your Wikipedia article is only as strong as the sources you cite. To improve the article’s value, use reliable, third-party sources such as major news publications, academic journals, and industry-recognized websites. Avoid self-published or promotional content. This not only helps you stay within Wikipedia’s guidelines but also boosts the reliability of your article for readers.
3. Add Context to Your Achievements
Instead of just listing your accolades, explain the significance of these achievements within your field. For example, if you’ve won an award, provide context about why the award is important, who awards it, and what it means for your career. This additional context helps readers better understand your contributions.
4. Keep the Article Updated
One of the common mistakes in personal Wikipedia pages is the lack of updates. As your career progresses and you accomplish new things, ensure your Wikipedia article reflects the latest information. Regularly adding new citations from credible sources not only improves the article’s relevance but also its search engine ranking.
5. Engage with the Wikipedia Community
One of the unique aspects of Wikipedia is its collaborative nature. Engaging with the editor community can help improve the quality of your article. If editors make changes, respond constructively and take their feedback seriously. This engagement helps keep your article balanced and aligns it with Wikipedia’s standards, which in turn increases its credibility and long-term viability.
Conclusion: Is Writing a Wikipedia Article About Yourself Worth It?
To sum up, can I write a Wikipedia article about myself? Yes, but it comes with risks and challenges. While it’s technically allowed, writing about yourself on Wikipedia opens you up to scrutiny, and if not done carefully, your article could be flagged or removed. If you’re determined to have a Wikipedia presence, the best approach is to ensure you meet the notability criteria, adhere strictly to neutrality, and seek outside help if necessary.
Now that you know how to make a Wikipedia article about yourself, you can make informed decisions that will improve your chances of successfully publishing your own page.