Wikipedia:Wikipedia is an encyclopedia - Wikipedia


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This is an information page.

It is not an encyclopedic article, nor one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines; rather, its purpose is to explain certain aspects of Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not. It may reflect differing levels of consensus and vetting.

Wikipedia is an encyclopedia.
An encyclopedia is a written compendium of knowledge.
Wikipedia is freely available, and combines many features
of general and specialized encyclopedias and other reference works.
Wikipedia is not a dumping ground for random information.
Wikipedia is not a place to publish unverifiable material.
Wikipedia is not a place to publish your own ideas.
Wikipedia is not a place to publish your opinions.
Wikipedia is not a free advertising space.
Wikipedia is not a social networking site.
Wikipedia is not an advocacy platform.
Wikipedia is not an internet directory.
Wikipedia is not for medical advice.
Wikipedia is not for legal advice.
Wikipedia is not a bureaucracy.
Wikipedia is not a democracy.
Wikipedia is not an anarchy.
Wikipedia is not censored.
Wikipedia is not nearly this in-your-face most of the time.

See also

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Five pillars
Statement of our principles

Jimbo's statement
Historic principles

Simplified ruleset
Synopsis of our conventions

Wikimedia principles
Common to all projects
(in Meta-Wiki)

Principles
Other essays on Wikipedia's principles