Extra credit: Summary notes on what creating a wiki does and how to edit a wiki page - CAI XIAOHUA

Wikipedia is a free, multilingual online encyclopedia overseen by the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation. The platform consists of millions of entries, written and maintained by a community of volunteers through an open collaborative model. Pages are linked to each other to create a network of accessible and current information on a variety of topics.

Wikipedia states and emphasizes that it is not a medium of propaganda, and that all articles are written from a neutral perspective, which is usually achieved through continuous updating. Editors, known as Wikipedians, anonymously contribute material to the platform, much like open source encyclopedia entries. With a single click of Edit, editors can perform tasks ranging from correcting typos to eliminating vandalism, resolving disputes, and continually updating and refining content.

Three Steps to Realizing Existence on Wikipedia

A Wikipedia page can help your brand achieve online visibility, increase credibility and communicate important brand messages to your target audience. Due to its open-edit nature, the path to a Wikipedia page is not always a straight line. In other words, to have a place on the world's largest encyclopedia website, the following three steps are required:

1. Create your Wikipedia page. Wikipedia states that while anyone can create a Wikipedia page, different guidelines must be met in order for the page to be approved:

u "Significant reporting" means that there is content that directly addresses your topic in detail, so no original research is required. Important reporting is more than a mention, but it doesn't have to be the main theme of the source material.

u "Reliable" means that the source cited has "editorial integrity allowing a verifiable assessment of the nobility". Sources can include works published in all forms and media and in any language, allowing for a wide range of possible sources which must be reinforced by other sources. The availability of secondary sources supporting the topic is a common test of "notability".

u "Subject-independent" means that the source must have been produced by an individual or group unrelated to, or associated with, the topic of the article. For example, advertisements, press releases, autobiographies, and subject websites are not considered independent.

u "Assume" means that extensive coverage of reliable sources creates a hypothesis, rather than guaranteeing that a topic deserves its own article.

2. Maintain your Wikipedia page. Once a page is created, maintenance is key. Wikipedia editing is not thorough and consistent. In fact, Wikipedia is growing at a rate of over 1.9 edits per second. Think about what you intend to achieve with your company or personal Wikipedia profile. Remember, neutrality is required and promotion is prohibited. An effective Wikipedia presence provides the most important information on a topic. It directs readers to expanded definitions or more information channels without bias.

3. Locate relevant backlinks in other articles. Although Wikipedia backlinks are nofollowed, meaning they don't contribute to SEO, they are still important Internet assets due to the high traffic to Wikipedia articles. Wikipedia backlinks position content as an important resource for readers. Don't just submit any articles. Find articles that are relevant to your expertise and need to be updated or expanded. Seek to provide only high-quality content that meets Wikipedia standards as a reliable source. Otherwise, your link may be blacklisted.

Wikipedia has a different set of rules than other content mediums such as social media, blogs or B2B publications. However, placing oneself in the network of its widely accepted information can gain popularity and credibility among different audiences. While not every Wikipedia user is likely to reach your target market, the exposure and reinforcement of this collaborative encyclopedia speaks to your thought leadership in a neutral and knowledge-focused environment.