Wikipedia:Tip of the day/September 11

Article deletion process

The Wikipedia article deletion process can be accomplished several ways, after validating the reason for deletion and trying alternatives to deletion. Deletion of articles from Wikipedia occurs through one of four processes.


 * 1) So-called speedy deletion involves the scrutiny of only a few people before an article is deleted. The allowable criteria for speedy-deletion are deliberately very narrow. The list of candidates for speedy deletion can be viewed at Category:Candidates for speedy deletion.
 * 2) Another quick method is the use of proposed deletion: simply add reason goes here to the top of the article. This is meant for articles where the deletion is believed to be uncontroversial, yet does not meet the criteria for speedy deletion. A proposed deletion can be contested by any user by removing the tag within seven days, and if anyone still wants the article deleted the full Articles for deletion process is required.
 * 3) For unsourced articles about living persons created after 18 March 2010, adding  will propose the BLP for deletion.  If sources are not added within 10 days, the article may be deleted.
 * 4) Articles which do not meet the narrow criteria for speedy deletion and whose deletion is (or might be) contested are discussed by the community through the Articles for deletion (AfD) process.