I offer many posts that contain advice on how you can get help creating a Wikipedia page. However, looking through some of my old posts, I realized that I never really offered much encouragement. If you are having issues with editing or creating a page, this article is for you.
First, I want to apologize as I have taken for granted the fact that some people have difficulty with Wikipedia. Although I have been able to come to grips with the issues of Wikipedia, many of you reading these posts have not. I do it for a living which is why it comes easy to me. For others, this is something that you are not doing on a full-time basis. This makes it frustrating at times to do a simple edit which can often become overwhelming.
With that in mind, here are a few are a few words of encouragement to help when creating a Wikipedia page.
Creating a Wikipedia Page Can be Like Quitting Smoking
If you are a smoker (or former smoker like myself), you understand how difficult it can be to stop. There are people telling you that it is easy (like my posts have been) while at the same time you are trying everything you can to no avail.
I can tell you as a former smoker and an experienced Wikipedia editor that you will find a method that will work. Help creating a Wikipedia page can come in many forms and it simply takes you finding the right combination of writing in order to succeed at your goal.
So, it is not that easy to simply create an account on Wikipedia and post an article. But, with persistence and educating yourself on the various guidelines you will eventually succeed.
Don’t Let Wiki-Idiots Discourage You
Wiki-idiots are the editors who have been editing the website for years and have formed their own little bureaucracy that dictates what guidelines are enforced and which ones aren’t. Many people who make edits for the first time come across these idiots who may leave a welcome message on the user’s talk page (actually, a template that says welcome, nothing too personal that actually makes someone feel welcome) but may follow it up with a stern warning about an edit they made.
There are some edits on Wikipedia that are obvious vandalism, but many times edits that look like vandalism are done in good faith by editors.
New editors who run into Wiki-idiots are often so discouraged that they fail to try any further with the process. Instead, they seek help creating a Wikipedia page from professionals such as myself. These Wiki-idiots have created a profitable business for me, but it shouldn’t have to be that way.
If you truly want to create a Wikipedia page without hiring a professional, do not let a simple run-in with other editors discourage you from continuing in your goal. Continue to educate yourself on the process of creating a Wikipedia page.
Take Baby Steps and Never Look Back
No one is an expert at anything without practice and determination. The same goes for Wikipedia. Don’t expect to be a Wikipedia expert until you first learn the rules of the site. It has become a difficult site to edit and without knowing these rules, you will be lost.
Wikipedia is nothing like it was a decade ago where “anyone could edit” freely without worrying about getting bit by experienced editors.
Now you risk running into others who disagree with other people’s point of view and interpretation of Wikipedia guidelines. In turn, they try to ram their interpretation of the rules down your throat until you give up and quit.
So, continue to read up on how to perform various edits. Learn about adding citations, information boxes, categories, etc. Familiarize yourself with all the guidelines you can including notability, conflict of interest, reliable sources, etc.. Once you learn what you’re doing, go forward with your project and never look back.