What is the notability criteria for Wikipedia articles?
Notability criteria for Wikipedia articles serve to ensure that the content maintained on the site is significant and worthy of encyclopedic attention. Generally speaking, notable subjects must have received significant coverage in reliable, independent secondary sources. This highlights the importance of the sources used in establishing notability. There are different guidelines depending on the type of subject in question, such as people, organizations, events, or topics.
For individuals, evidence of notability might include achieving widespread recognition in their field, such as winning awards, being featured prominently in reputable publications, or having a significant impact on their profession. In the case of organizations or companies, notability may be demonstrated through independent news articles detailing their impact, history, or milestones.
For events, such as festivals or significant occurrences, coverage by multiple reliable sources can solidify notability, particularly if they have affected large populations or represent notable trends. Topics, such as cultural phenomena or academic theories, should have substantial coverage by independent publications to warrant an article.
It is crucial to note that merely having a social media presence or appearing in minor publications does not qualify a subject for notability. Wikipedia emphasizes that it does not serve as a platform for self-promotion or as a directory of every notable individual or organization. If one wishes to learn more about the specifics, visiting the relevant sections on the Wikipedia page about notability or the general guidelines for inclusion can provide detailed insights.
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