Ever stared at a Wikipedia page that feels like it shouldn't exist? Maybe it's a minor local business with no press coverage, or a fictional character from an obscure indie game. You might think, "This needs to go." But on Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia operated by the Wikimedia Foundation, relying on volunteer editors to maintain neutrality and verifiability., deleting an article isn't as simple as hitting a red button. If you do it wrong, you risk getting blocked, losing credibility, or having the article restored instantly. The proper way to handle this is through a specific community process known as Articles for Deletion (AfD).
Understanding the Deletion Landscape
Before you jump into nominating anything, you need to understand the different paths an article can take to vanish from the site. Not all deletions are created equal. There are several distinct mechanisms, each suited for different situations. Using the wrong one is the most common mistake new editors make.
- Speedy Deletion (CSD): This is for obvious cases. Think of articles that are clearly blank, contain only spam, or have zero references after multiple warnings. It happens fast, often within days.
- Deletion Discussion (G7): Used when there is significant consensus but no formal vote is needed, often for duplicates or redirects.
- Articles for Deletion (AfD): This is the standard route for contentious cases where editors disagree about whether an article meets the notability guidelines is the set of rules determining if a subject has enough independent, reliable sources to warrant its own entry.. This is what we are focusing on today.
- Proposed Deletion (PD): A tag placed on articles that seem non-notable but aren't obvious speedy candidates. It gives the community time to discuss before a full nomination.
If you are unsure which path to take, start with a quick check. Is the article a blatant copy-paste from a blog? That's CSD territory. Is it a biography of a person who has never been in the news? That's likely AfD. Knowing the difference saves everyone time and prevents unnecessary drama.
Preparation: Do Your Homework First
Nominating an article without preparation is like going to court without evidence. You need to be ready to defend your position. Here is what you must do before you even touch the nomination form:
- Check Talk Page History: Look at the article's talk page. Has someone already discussed deletion? If there was a previous AfD that failed, you generally cannot re-nominate immediately unless something drastic changed. Check the archive to see why it survived last time.
- Verify Sources: Read the citations. Are they reliable? Wikipedia prefers major newspapers, academic journals, and established books over blogs, self-published works, or social media posts. If the only source is the subject's own website, that's a huge red flag.
- Search for Independent Coverage: Do a quick search outside Wikipedia. Can you find any credible third-party coverage? If you can't, your case for deletion gets stronger. If you find lots of good sources, maybe the article just needs editing, not deletion.
This step takes ten minutes but can save you hours of arguing later. It also shows other editors that you are serious and respectful of the process.
The Step-by-Step Nomination Process
Once you are confident the article doesn't meet the criteria, here is how you actually file the nomination. Follow these steps exactly to avoid technical errors.
- Go to the Article: Open the Wikipedia page you want to nominate. Make sure you are logged in. You need an account to participate in deletion discussions.
- Add the Tag: In the edit box, add the template {{subst:afd}} at the very top of the article body. Do not put it inside a heading. Just place it as the first line of text.
- Save the Edit: Save the change with a clear summary like "Nominating for deletion due to lack of notability."
- Start the Discussion: Go to the article's talk page. Create a new section titled "Deletion discussion" or similar. Copy the pre-filled text that appears when you use the Afd template. It usually includes a link to the main AfD list.
- State Your Reason Clearly: Write your argument. Be concise. Say something like: "This article lacks sufficient independent, reliable sources to demonstrate notability under G4 (general notability). Please see talk page for details." Avoid emotional language. Stick to the facts.
That’s it. The ball is now in the court of the community. You don’t need to do anything else immediately, but keep an eye on the discussion for the next few days.
Writing a Winning Argument
Your reason for deletion matters more than the tag itself. A weak argument will get overturned. A strong one will lead to a quick consensus. Here is what makes a good vs. bad argument:
| Aspect | Ineffective Argument | Effective Argument |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | "This is trash and nobody cares." | "Lacks independent coverage per WP:N." |
| Evidence | No examples given. | Lists specific missing sources or cites unreliable ones. |
| Scope | Attacks the editor who wrote it. | Focuses solely on the content quality. |
| Clarity | Vague complaints about "quality." | Specific reference to notability or verifiability policies. |
Remember, you are judging the article, not the person who wrote it. Ad hominem attacks kill credibility instantly. Also, avoid saying "it's too short." Short articles are fine if they are notable. Length is not a criterion for deletion; relevance and sourcing are.
What Happens After You Nominate?
Once you hit save, the clock starts ticking. The standard timeframe for an AfD discussion is seven days. During this week, other editors will weigh in. Some will agree with you. Others will fight back. Here is what to expect:
- Day 1-2: Initial comments appear. You might see support or opposition. Stay calm. Respond to points logically.
- Day 3-5: The debate intensifies. New sources might be added by defenders. If they add good sources, consider withdrawing your nomination. It’s okay to admit you were wrong.
- Day 6-7: Consensus forms. An administrator will review the discussion and close it. They will either delete the article, keep it, merge it, or turn it into a redirect.
You do not need to watch every second. Set a reminder for day six to check the status. If the discussion stalls, you can politely ask for a closer to intervene.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced editors slip up sometimes. Here are the pitfalls that trip up beginners:
- Double Nominating: Trying to nominate the same article twice in a short period without new evidence. This frustrates the community.
- Ignoring the Talk Page: Failing to read existing discussions leads to redundant arguments.
- Being Aggressive: Starting wars over minor topics. Save your energy for articles that truly clutter the encyclopedia.
- Assuming Victory: Thinking that because you nominated it, it will disappear. Deletion is a consensus decision, not a personal right.
Avoiding these mistakes helps you maintain a good reputation among fellow editors. Wikipedia thrives on collaboration, even in disagreement.
When to Withdraw Your Nomination
Sometimes, the best move is to retreat. If the community strongly supports keeping the article, or if new high-quality sources appear, withdraw your nomination. How? Simply edit the talk page and write "Withdrawn - consensus to keep" or similar. Then remove the tag from the article body. This shows grace and keeps the environment friendly. It’s better to let an article stay with a small improvement than to burn bridges with a stubborn battle.
FAQs About Wikipedia Deletions
Can I delete a Wikipedia article myself?
Only administrators can directly delete pages. Regular users must use processes like AfD or CSD tags to request deletion. If you are not an admin, you rely on the community to reach a consensus.
How long does an AfD discussion last?
The standard duration is seven days. However, it can be closed earlier if there is overwhelming consensus or extended if the discussion is particularly complex. Administrators decide the final timing based on activity levels.
What if the article is restored after deletion?
If an article is deleted via AfD, it can only be restored if there is a new consensus that the previous decision was wrong. This requires a new discussion, often called a Reversion Dispute. It is rare and difficult to achieve without significant new evidence.
Do I need to be an expert to nominate an article?
No. Any registered user can nominate an article. You don't need deep knowledge of the topic, but you should understand basic Wikipedia policies like notability and verifiability. Common sense and careful reading are usually enough.
Is it rude to nominate an article written by a friend?
It can be awkward, but it is allowed. Just ensure your argument is objective and based on policy, not personal feelings. Many editors prefer friends to fix their articles rather than nominate them, so consider asking for improvements first if possible.
