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 | This page in a nutshell: It is somewhat open to debate whether very short articles can become Featured Articles, but consensus tends to be against a set minimum length for FAC. |
There has often been discussion about whether very short articles can attain Featured article (FA) status.
Some editors are opposed to short articles at Featured article candidates (FAC). Many bring up fair arguments, such as potential overflow of FACs, lack of reviewers, and loss of quality main page TFAs. Other FAC reviewers argue that any article which meets Wikipedia's notability requirements can become featured. So, should a 500-word (or less) article be able to make FA?
Featured articles under 400 words have been proposed. WP:GA was initially designed for such articles, but Wikipedia has appeared to have moved beyond that concept.
Examples
editSome examples of current very short featured articles:
- Miss Meyers, FA, 9,417 bytes
- Nico Ditch, FA, 10,568 bytes
- How Brown Saw the Baseball Game, FA, 11,275 bytes
- Hurricane Irene (2005), FA, 11,006 bytes
- Tropical Storm Brenda (1960), FA, 11,516 bytes
- Si Ronda, FA, 11,422 bytes
For a complete list, see Featured articles by size.
Criteria
editFrom the featured article criteria:
A featured article exemplifies our very best work and ... It is—
- (b) comprehensive: it neglects no major facts or details;
The length of an article doesn't determine its quality; it's the thoroughness, accuracy, and relevance of its content that matters most. Wikipedia's Featured Article status reflects this emphasis on quality over quantity. While achieving this status relies on comprehensive coverage and adherence to strict editorial guidelines, simply adding material to lengthen an article isn't advisable. Instead, the focus should be on presenting clear and concise information that effectively communicates the subject matter. Collaborative efforts by knowledgeable editors can ensure that articles attain Featured status by accurately representing all relevant facts and details without unnecessary padding. Ultimately, whether short or long, an article's value lies in its ability to inform and engage readers effectively.
See also
editFurther reading
edit- Sutherland, Joe (13 May 2016) The "world's first gif", a horse, and a ditch: The English Wikipedia's ten shortest featured articles. Wikimedia Diff.