Wikipedia:The answer to life, the universe, and everything

Articles generally require significant coverage
in reliable sources
that are independent of the topic.

Significant coverage

We need significant coverage. We need multiple sources that discuss the topic directly and in detail. Not: passing mentions, directory listings, government records, or any old thing that happens to have the topic's name in it.

Reliable sources

We need sources that are reliable. Usually this means that the publisher has a reputation for fact checking and the text must be approved by an editor before it is printed. For example: books from reputable publishing houses, mainstream newspapers, or other periodicals. Not: tabloids, discussion boards, fansites, social media, or most blogs.

Independent sources

We need sources that are independent from the subject of the article. Not: books or articles written by the subject (including interviews), articles paid for by the subject, press releases, a Q&A interview where virtually all of the information is just the subject or a spokesperson speaking for themselves.

References

Readers should be able to rely on what they read and be able to verify claims they read in Wikipedia articles. So, add footnotes to your article citing reliable sources as described.

Notes

This is not a policy or guideline; please defer to such in cases of inconsistency with this page.
For an explanation of the title of this page, see The answer to life, the universe, and everything, and in particular, the repeating attempts of adding "mostly harmless" at Talk:Earth

Significant coverage

Reliable sources

Independent sources

References

Notes

See also