Merkittävyyskriteerin

Merkittävyyskriteeri is a Finnish term that translates to "criterion of significance" or "notability criterion." It is primarily used in the context of Wikipedia and other collaborative knowledge bases to determine whether a topic is worthy of inclusion. The core idea behind a merkittävyyskriteeri is that a topic should be notable enough to warrant an article. This means it must have received significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.

Simply existing is not enough. A topic must have been discussed, analyzed, or reported on in depth by multiple sources that are not directly affiliated with the subject itself. For example, a person might be considered notable if they have achieved widespread recognition in their field, a company if it has a significant market presence and has been extensively covered by business news, or an event if it has had a substantial impact and has been documented by historical accounts.

The absence of significant coverage in reliable sources is the primary reason for excluding a topic. This criterion helps to maintain the quality and focus of a knowledge base, preventing it from becoming a directory of every conceivable subject. The application of the merkittävyyskriteeri is often a subject of discussion and debate within the community of editors, as determining what constitutes "significant coverage" can be subjective. However, the overarching goal is to ensure that articles are about subjects that have already achieved a degree of recognized importance.