User:JennKR/Baking a cake doesn't make you a baker



A common trend amongst biographies of living persons (especially celebrities) is the inclusion of superfluous job titles in the lead's first sentence. Often, said celebrity may donate some money to charity and is suddenly considered a "philanthropist" or make a cameo appearance in some Hollywood film and is now an "actor". Editors should take caution when asserting that a person is most prominent for a certain venture, and remember that baking a cake doesn't make you a baker.

Mariah Carey
An example of which could be the Mariah Carey, of which the lead reads: (as of 12 April, 2013)

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1970) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and philanthropist.

can be expanded to read:

Mariah Carey (born March 27, 1970) is an American, singer, songwriter, lyricist, record producer, recording artist, actress, American Idol judge, weight loss ambassador, philanthropist, wife and mother.

What's notable?
Although the above is extreme, the message I am trying to get across is made much clearer by it.

Perhaps ask yourself this:


 * What is that person famous for?
 * What ventures does the article explore in the most depth?
 * What is/isn't notable?
 * If the person in question has done the venture once (or very few times), does it deserve to be in the lead sentence?

...and start a talk-page if unsure and to gather consensus for any new "job titles".