Guidelines for Uploading a Biography of Your Father to Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a powerful resource for individuals and families to share important information about notable figures. If you are considering uploading a biography of your father to Wikipedia, here are the essential guidelines to ensure your contribution meets the platform's standards for notability and verifiability.

Checking Notability

The first and most crucial step is to determine whether your father meets Wikipedia's notability criteria. Wikipedia requires that the subject of the biography has received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources. This can include:

If your father's life and achievements do not meet these criteria, his biography is likely to be deleted or rejected by Wikipedia editors. It is essential to thoroughly research and gather evidence before proceeding.

Gathering Reliable Sources

Collect references from independent and reliable sources that discuss your father's life and achievements. It is crucial to ensure that these sources are secondary in nature, meaning they are written by individuals other than your father and provide analysis or commentary on his life. This will help establish the credibility and verifiability of the information you are providing.

Creating a Wikipedia Account

If you do not already have a Wikipedia account, it is recommended to create one. An account allows you to create new articles and gives you more credibility within the community. Even without an account, you can still make edits, but having an account enables you to make more substantial contributions and collaborate more effectively.

Drafting the Biography

Write a neutral and factual biography that focuses on significant achievements and contributions, avoiding promotional language. Use the third person perspective and keep the tone encyclopedic. The primary goal is to provide an accurate and objective account of your father's life.

Using Wikipedia's Article Wizard

The Wikipedia Article Wizard can be a helpful tool for creating a new article. This tool guides you through the process step-by-step, helping to ensure that your submission meets Wikipedia's guidelines. Utilizing the wizard can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.

Submitting the Article

Once your draft is ready, submit it for review. Wikipedia editors will evaluate it based on several criteria, including notability, the reliability of sources, and adherence to Wikipedia's guidelines. Be prepared for the possibility that your submission may be edited or questioned by other editors.

Be Prepared for Feedback

Wikipedia is a collaborative platform, and your submission may undergo multiple rounds of edits and revisions. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes to improve the article. Constructive dialogue and collaboration with other editors will help ensure the accuracy and quality of the content.

Monitoring the Article

After the article is published, keep an eye on it for any changes or edits. Other editors may make improvements or corrections. It is important to ensure that the information remains accurate and well-sourced, reflecting the true achievements and contributions of your father.

Important Considerations

Conflict of Interest

When creating a biography for a close relative, it is crucial to disclose any conflicts of interest. Ensure that you address this on the article's talk page. Editors may question the neutrality and independence of the biography, so it is essential to maintain transparency and objectivity.

Copyright

Ensure that you do not use copyrighted material without permission. All content should be original or properly attributed. Violations of copyright policies can result in the deletion of your article and potential bans from editing Wikipedia.

Conclusion

If your father meets the notability criteria and you follow these steps, you can successfully create a biography on Wikipedia. Remember, the key to a successful article is accuracy, verifiability, and adherence to Wikipedia's guidelines. By carefully following these steps, you can contribute valuable and lasting information to the world's largest encyclopedia.