How to Request a New Article Topic on wikiHow: A Comprehensive Guide

wikiHow is a collaborative online encyclopedia dedicated to providing step-by-step instructions on a vast array of topics. From practical life skills to complex technical processes, wikiHow aims to be a go-to resource for ‘how to’ knowledge. However, with the vastness of human experience, there are always new topics that could be covered. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, ‘wikiHow should have an article about this!’ you’re in luck. wikiHow welcomes contributions from its community, including suggestions for new articles. This article will guide you through the process of requesting a new article topic on wikiHow, ensuring your suggestion has the best chance of being created.

Why Request a New Article Topic on wikiHow?

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s explore the ‘why.’ Requesting a new article topic on wikiHow serves several important purposes:

• Filling Gaps in Knowledge: You may have discovered a niche skill, a specific problem with a unique solution, or an emerging trend that isn’t yet covered on the platform. Your suggestion can help fill these gaps, making wikiHow a more comprehensive resource for everyone.
• Sharing Your Expertise: While you might not be the person to write the entire article yourself, your knowledge about the topic can bring it to the attention of others who do have the time and expertise to contribute.
• Improving wikiHow: Every new article on wikiHow adds to the overall value of the platform. By suggesting topics, you’re actively participating in the growth and improvement of this invaluable online resource.
• Finding the Information You Need: Sometimes, you have a specific need that isn’t addressed. By suggesting the article, you are also increasing the likelihood of it being written, thus helping you and others who might need the information.

Understanding the wikiHow Community and Its Process

wikiHow is not just a website; it’s a community of contributors who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Before you request a new article, it’s essential to understand some key aspects of how the site operates:

• Volunteer-Driven: The articles on wikiHow are created and maintained by volunteers. This means there’s no guarantee that your suggested topic will be immediately written, as it depends on the interest and availability of other contributors.
• Collaborative Effort: wikiHow encourages collaboration. If an article is created based on your suggestion, other users will likely contribute to it, adding their insights and making it a richer and more comprehensive resource.
• Focus on ‘How To’: wikiHow is primarily focused on practical, step-by-step guides. When suggesting a topic, consider if it can be explained in a clear, actionable way.
• Quality Control: The content on wikiHow undergoes editorial review to ensure accuracy and quality. Be prepared for the possibility that an article based on your suggestion might be edited or improved by others.

Steps to Request a New Article Topic on wikiHow

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of requesting a new article topic. wikiHow has a dedicated system for this, making it easy and straightforward.

Step 1: Visit the wikiHow Website

The first step is to go to the wikiHow website. Open your web browser and navigate to www.wikihow.com. Make sure you are using a computer or a device with a working internet connection. If you do not have an account or are not logged in, you will be prompted to do so later.

Step 2: Locate the “New Article Suggestion” Feature

wikiHow’s interface may slightly change over time but the function to suggest a new article typically resides in one of the following areas:

• The Main Navigation Menu: Look for a menu, often in the top-left or top-right corner of the page. This menu might be represented by three horizontal lines (a ‘hamburger’ menu). Once clicked, look for the option usually labeled as something along the lines of ‘Suggest a New Article’, ‘Request an Article’ or ‘Article Requests’.
• The Footer Section: Scroll to the very bottom of the webpage. You may find helpful links in the footer, including one to request new articles.
• The ‘Community’ Section: There might be a specific ‘Community’ section on the site. Clicking it may reveal options like ‘Article Requests’ or ‘Help Wanted’ where you can submit your topic.
• The Search Bar (Indirectly): If you search for an article that doesn’t exist, you’ll often see a link or button that suggests that you can request the creation of the article. While this isn’t the most direct path, it is another way to arrive at the suggestion area.

If you are having difficulty locating this area on the wikiHow website, using a combination of search terms on the wikiHow website (e.g., searching ‘request article’, or ‘suggest new article’) will often provide the result you are looking for. Alternatively, look for the wikiHow support or help section which will contain a link to the new article suggestion area.

Once you have found the appropriate link or button, click on it. This will take you to a page or pop-up form designed to collect your suggestion.

Step 3: Logging in or Creating an Account (If Required)

If you are not logged into a wikiHow account, you may be prompted to log in or create one at this point. While it is possible to suggest articles without an account, having one is beneficial as it allows you to keep track of your suggestions. If you already have an account, log in using your email and password. If you don’t have an account, click on the signup option and follow the instructions, which usually involves providing a username, email and password.

Step 4: Providing Details of Your New Article Topic

This is the most crucial step. The more specific and detailed you are, the better. The system will typically ask you for the following information:

• Proposed Article Title: Write a clear and concise title for the article you’d like to see. Make sure your title follows the pattern “How to [action]”, e.g., “How to Bake a Cake,” or “How to Change a Car Tire.” It should be easily understood and accurately reflect the topic. Choose a title that someone would be searching for directly when they need this information.
• Detailed Description: This is where you explain what the article should cover. Be as specific as possible. Instead of just saying “an article about gardening,” write, “an article that explains how to start a basic vegetable garden in a small urban backyard, covering topics such as choosing plants, preparing the soil, and basic maintenance.” Think about the main questions that a reader would have when they arrive at this article and include these in the description.
• Why This Topic is Important: briefly explain why this topic is valuable or necessary. This can help other users understand the importance of the article and may encourage them to write it. If there is a specific gap in knowledge, mention it here.
• Keywords or Related Topics: If there are any related terms or phrases that someone might use to search for your topic, include them. This helps with search engine optimization and makes it easier for people to find your request.
• Your Personal Experience (Optional): If you have personal experience related to the topic, mention it briefly. This can provide context and demonstrate the need for the article. For example, you could say, ‘I have struggled to find clear guides about this topic and think it would help a lot of other people.’

Here’s an example of how to fill out the request form:

Proposed Article Title: How to Tie a Windsor Knot

Detailed Description: This article should explain, in a step-by-step manner, how to tie a Windsor knot, a popular knot for neckties. The article should include clear instructions and illustrations or photos of each step. It should also include information about when and where a Windsor knot is typically appropriate to wear. The reader should be able to follow this guide and successfully tie a Windsor knot even if they have not done so before.

Why This Topic is Important: Many people need to wear a tie for formal occasions but do not know how to tie a Windsor knot. A detailed guide on how to do this will assist people who are preparing for formal events such as weddings, conferences, or job interviews.

Keywords or Related Topics: Necktie knot, formal wear, tie a tie, four in hand, half windsor

Your Personal Experience (Optional): I have had difficulty finding clear instructions on how to tie a windsor knot and think a step-by-step guide with accompanying photos or illustrations would be very helpful to others who struggle with the same problem.

It is important to note that the exact prompts may differ slightly depending on any revisions to the wikiHow website.

Step 5: Review and Submit Your Request

Before submitting, carefully review all the information you’ve provided. Make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors and that your description is clear and understandable. Once you are satisfied, click the “Submit” button. Your request will then be added to wikiHow’s list of suggested articles.

Step 6: Wait for Contributors (And Potentially Contribute Yourself)

After you submit your suggestion, all you can do is wait. Keep in mind that wikiHow is a volunteer-driven platform, so there’s no guarantee that your topic will be immediately taken up. However, if your suggestion is clear, well-defined, and in demand, it has a higher chance of being created. It is worth checking back periodically to see if your suggestion has been acted upon.

While waiting, you can take an active role in contributing to wikiHow. If you have any expertise on the topic you suggested, consider writing the article yourself. Or, if someone else has started an article on your suggestion, you can contribute by adding your own content, images, or improvements. This collaborative approach is what makes wikiHow such a valuable resource. Alternatively, you can find other article suggestions that align with your own knowledge and start an article that meets the criteria you know you can meet.

Tips for a Successful Article Suggestion

Here are some additional tips to make your article suggestion more likely to be considered:

• Check if the Article Already Exists: Before suggesting a new article, use wikiHow’s search function to see if a similar article already exists. If it does, perhaps you can suggest improvements to the existing article instead of proposing an entirely new one. Also, consider if there is an existing article that has a similar name that would be more effective with a different article name or if it should be merged with an existing article.
• Be Specific: The more specific you are, the better. A broad topic like ‘how to cook’ will likely get overlooked, whereas a specific one like ‘how to bake a vegan chocolate cake’ is more likely to garner attention.
• Choose Practical Topics: wikiHow focuses on practical topics. Avoid suggesting articles that are overly theoretical or subjective. Focus on skills or procedures that people can learn by following clear instructions.
• Be Clear and Concise: Use clear and simple language when describing your proposed article. Avoid jargon or technical terms that might not be understood by a general audience.
• Consider a Unique Angle: If the general topic is already covered, think of a unique angle that might be worth exploring. For example, instead of ‘how to exercise,’ you could suggest ‘how to exercise with limited mobility’ or ‘how to exercise with no equipment’.
• Focus on Step-by-Step Instructions: wikiHow articles are characterized by their step-by-step format. When proposing a topic, consider if it can be broken down into clearly defined steps that are easy to follow.
• Promote Your Suggestion: If you’ve made a suggestion and it’s not being taken up quickly, you can mention your suggestion on the relevant wikiHow talk pages or forums to draw attention to it.
• Engage With the Community: Become an active member of the wikiHow community. The more involved you are, the more likely your suggestions will be seen and acted upon. Respond to questions and comments, be polite, and demonstrate a willingness to contribute.

Conclusion

Requesting a new article topic on wikiHow is a great way to share your knowledge, improve the site, and contribute to a valuable community resource. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your suggestion is clear, compelling, and has a higher chance of being created. Remember to be specific, provide detailed information, and stay engaged with the community. Your contribution can help millions of people learn new skills and improve their lives. Start suggesting new article topics and be a part of wikiHow’s ongoing journey of knowledge sharing.