User talk:Mike Cline/Articles Under Contemplation/Article Rescue Checklist

Article Rescue checklist
Here's a quick checklist of 10 steps anyone can take for an article that needs rescue:
 * 1) - Add WikiProjects - Look at the article's talk page to see if anyone has added appropriate WikiProject banners to the article.  WikiProject banners help drew attention to articles from editors who are interested in the subject.  You don't need anyone's permission to add a relevant WikiProject banner to an article talk page.
 * 2) - Solicit WikiProject support - Many articles needing rescue merely need attention from an expert on the subject.  A short note on a WikiProject talk page seeking expert attention can bring remarkable results fast.
 * 3) - Take the time to Strengthen the Lead - The Lead sets the tone for the rest of the article.  Take the time to rewrite the lead so that the article title and the contents of the article are in sync.  Nothing detracts from an otherwise notable subject, than a lead that doesn't do a good job conveying what the article is about.
 * 4) - Find and add sources - It is most important that sources demonstrating the notability of a subject are added when they are found.  Do it properly, using the correct citation templates.
 * 5) - Wikify the article - If an otherwise notable subject is just a bunch of unorganized content on the page, it is our job to clean it up when we find it and bring into line with our MOS.  Turn poorly formatted references into proper citation templates.  Add relevant sections.
 * 6) - Positively engage the new editor - When you find that the article has been created by a new editor (maybe their first one) or by inexperienced editors, engage them in a positive, mentoring way.  Help them learn how to create and contribute better content.  Engage them on their talk pages, encourage and challenge them, and most importantly make them fell welcome. If there are policy or guideline issues on the table, don't just refer them to a policy link, engage them in a discussion to ensure they understand what they need to understand.  Even if the article is ultimately lost, this positive engagement will help us all turn new contributors into productive editors.
 * 7) - Add Infoboxes and Nav Templates - If appropriate and they are not there, add and complete as much as possible the appropriate infobox.  Add relevant navigation templates.
 * 8) - Eliminate orphans - Link and cross-reference the article with other articles, lists and categories.  Make sure the article appears in the appropriate See also sections of related stuff.
 * 9) - Eliminate the junk - If there is unsourced or irrelevant content, copyvios, OR or other junk in the article, eliminate it ruthlessly.  If there is a question about the validity of content, start a discussion on the talk page and tag questionable content as necessary.  Just don't ignore the junk if its there.
 * 10) - Treat the article as if it was your best achievement - Make changes to the article that will turn it into an article that you would be proud of personally.  We know how to do it, we just need to do it.