MyWiki:Biography dos and don'ts

This is an information page.

It is neither an encyclopedia article nor one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines; rather, its purpose is to explain certain aspects of Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Biographies. It may reflect differing levels of consensus and vetting.

Biography articles follow particular rules for consistency and ease of use.

When editing biographies:

DO:
File:Green check.png Use the subject's common name as the article title.
File:Green check.png State vital years in the lead, after the subject's name.
File:Green check.png Identify key information in the first paragraph.
File:Green check.png Use full name in the first sentence, and surname after.
File:Green check.png Follow the guidance for living persons as needed.
File:Green check.png Write in the appropriate tense.
File:Green check.png Put {{authority control}} at the foot; add IDs in Wikidata.

DON'T:
File:Red x.svg Don't create pages for people who are not notable.
File:Red x.svg Don't promote the subject.
File:Red x.svg Don't rely on unreliable sources.
File:Red x.svg Don't make statements that will become out of date.
File:Red x.svg Don't give undue weight to traits unrelated to notability.
File:Red x.svg Don't use titles or honorifics with the subject's name.
File:Red x.svg Don't add the page to inappropriate categories.

Also:

Do consider joining WikiProject Biography.

v t e Wikipedia dos and don'ts
Encyclopedia content	Accessibility Biographies Living Categorization Disambiguation Long dabs Images Leads Links Lists References Tables Titles of articles
Collaboration	Consensus Talk
Simple rule set - Simple style manual - Style tips - Wikitext cheatsheet

See also