(proposed)
Like any encyclopedia, Wikipedia includes biographies of important historical figures and people involved in current events. Even though wikipedia is not paper, there are some criteria for inclusion
Deceased Persons
People who have been deceased for some time pose the simplest question, because history is usually clear about the nature and extent of their importance. With historical perspective, there is less controversy about the facts of their contribution. The basic test in this case is--
- Has the person made a widely recognized contribution that is part of the enduring historical record?
Other tests that have been proposed include:
- The 1000 person test
- The professor test -- If the individual is more well known and more published than an average college professor, they can and should be included
Persons still alive
- Political figures holding statewide or nationwide elected office
- Major local political figures who receive significant press coverage
- Widely recognized entertainment personalities and opinion makers
- Well known entertainment figures, such as TV/movie producers, directors, writers, and actors who have starring roles, or a series of minor roles, in commercially distributed work screened by a total audience of 10,000 or more
- Published authors, editors, and photographers who have written books with an audience of 10,000 or more or periodicals with a circulation of 10,000 or more
- Recording musicians who have sold more than 10,000 albums, CDs, or similar recordings
- Painters, sculptors, architects, engineers, and other professionals whose work is recognized as exceptional and likely to become a part of the enduring historical record by their peers
- Celebrety figures achieving renown or notoriety for their involvement in newsworthy events