 | Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the corresponding page Flying Spaghetti Monster. They address concerns, questions, and misconceptions which have repeatedly arisen on the talk page. Please update this material when needed. |
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Flying Spaghetti Monster FAQ
Q1: Why is this described as a parody religion? Who determines whether or not a religion is a parody?
A1: Reliable sources. There is unanimity among reliable, third-party sources that the Flying Spaghetti Monster is a satire. Moreover, founder Bobby Henderson is implied to have said it was in an interview with USA Today. "I don't know if (the FSM parody) makes a difference," Henderson says. "People who really need to get it aren't probably listening. But if anything, it might bring some awareness to undecided people out there." [1] In any case, Wikipedia's standard for inclusion is verifiability, not truth. The bottom line is that we report what reliable sources have said.
Q2: This offends me, a true Pastafarian, or could offend others. Should Wikipedia really be deliberately offending others?
A2: Putting aside whether a "true Pastafarian" exists, Wikipedia is not censored for one group or another, even if that means offending some people.
Q3: Why does such an "insignificant" topic deserve such a long article?
A3: Simply put, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is notable. It has been mentioned in detail by news sources throughout the world. In the US, the New York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and many others wrote about it. In the UK, The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, BBC and others wrote about it. In Germany, Der Spiegel wrote about it. In Canada, the Toronto Star wrote about it. In Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation wrote about it. Even the Council of Europe mentioned the Flying Spaghetti Monster in a report about Creationism in science standards, and this is not to mention its ubiquity among online technology sites and notable blogs. Like it or not, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is famous. A comprehensive presentation requires a certain length.