In a recent article titled "Wikipedia's Struggle with Creators," the issue of notability and the criteria for inclusion on the platform is explored. As a Wikipedia contributor, the author acknowledges the controversial nature of this topic. Notability, they argue, is inherently subjective and determining the border of a "reliable" secondary source can be challenging. The credibility of publications, they note, may also vary depending on the country.
Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki
Aug 05, 2023
3 min read
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In a recent article titled "Wikipedia's Struggle with Creators," the issue of notability and the criteria for inclusion on the platform is explored. As a Wikipedia contributor, the author acknowledges the controversial nature of this topic. Notability, they argue, is inherently subjective and determining the border of a "reliable" secondary source can be challenging. The credibility of publications, they note, may also vary depending on the country.
One striking statistic mentioned is that out of the 1.7 million biographies on Wikipedia, only 20% feature women. This raises questions about the criteria used to evaluate notability and whether there is a bias against certain groups. Wikipedia attempts to address this issue by setting detailed guidelines for satisfying notability. The more reputable and widely recognized the secondary media coverage of a biographical subject, the more likely the biography will be approved.
However, the author questions whether these guidelines are sufficient. They point out that if the third-most followed creator on an app with around 700 million global users is not considered notable enough for Wikipedia, who is? This ambiguity in the criteria for notability leads to subjectivity in the decision-making process. Each reviewer may have their own interpretation of what constitutes a reliable source or notable achievement.
The article also highlights the importance of secondary sources on Wikipedia. Mainstream publications like The Wall Street Journal rarely cover what goes on in Twitch and creator circles. As a result, the publications that reported on Kkatamina's record-breaking achievement consisted of gaming or esports news publications that Wikipedia did not deem reputable enough. This raises the question of whether Wikipedia's reliance on traditional media as a measure of notability is outdated.
Content creators, the article argues, establish their own notability through their impact and audience. In fact, a survey shows that 92% of consumers trust an influencer's product recommendation more than a celebrity endorsement. This suggests that creators have a significant influence and should be considered for inclusion on platforms like Wikipedia.
However, the author points out that the current system of information sharing on Wikipedia is gatekept by a small group of editors, of whom 90% are male. This lack of diversity in the editing community may contribute to biases and limitations in the content that is considered notable. As one editor stated, "We cover what reliable sources cover." This highlights the reciprocal relationship between Wikipedia and the media, as the platform influences the media just as much as the media influences Wikipedia.
As the Creator Revolution continues to gain momentum, the struggle to define a creator's notability on platforms like Wikipedia will only intensify. The article calls for a reevaluation of the system and a consideration of how creators fit into the future of documentation and history. It is essential to ensure that the criteria for notability are fair, inclusive, and reflective of the changing landscape of media and information sharing.
In conclusion, the article sheds light on the complexities of determining notability on Wikipedia. The subjective nature of the criteria and the reliance on traditional media sources present challenges in recognizing the achievements and impact of content creators. To address this, here are three actionable pieces of advice:
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Expand the definition of reliable sources: Consider including publications that cater specifically to niche communities or emerging platforms to capture a more accurate representation of notable achievements.
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Diversify the editing community: Encourage broader participation from individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to prevent biases and limitations in content selection and notability evaluation.
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Recognize the influence of creators: Acknowledge the significant impact that content creators have on society and consider their contributions when determining notability.
By taking these steps, we can work towards a more inclusive and comprehensive representation of notable individuals and their achievements on platforms like Wikipedia.
Sources
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