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Wikipedia:Minimum coverage

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A subject is appropriate for a stand-alone article if it is based on significant coverage in reliable sources that are independent of the subject. The notability of the subject can only be verified in reliable and independent sources that explain the subject's significance and provide enough coverage to verify a substantial article. This coverage needs to be significant in quantity and quality, providing enough verifiable material to write a substantial article, and giving the reader a clear understanding of why the subject is significant to human knowledge.

Quantity and quality

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Significant coverage is measured in both quantity and quality. There is a strong relationship between quantity and quality: a subject that is significant to human knowledge will usually receive more coverage, and more coverage will eventually describe how the subject is significant to human knowledge.

Is there enough coverage for a stand-alone article?

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It is impossible to maintain a neutral and verifiable encyclopedia unless each article is based on significant coverage in reliable sources. The general notability guideline explains that significant coverage must be more than a trivial mention, and this applies to both the quality and quantity of coverage. A high quality mention, such as an award, still might lack enough quantity of coverage to write a separate and substantial article. Vice versa, a lengthy quote may be trivial if it is repetitive and/or lacking any analysis, evaluation, or interpretation.

It is easier to evaluate the significance of coverage after summarizing any quality coverage, and removing any unverifiable or original ideas. If this would result in an article that is either short, or heavily reliant on primary or non-independent research, the subject might not be suitable for a stand-alone article. However, any quality coverage may be appropriately summarized at a related article, if there is a consensus to do so.

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