Wikipedia:WikiProject Introductions

The lead section should be capable of standing alone as a concise overview of the article, summarizing the most important points, explaining why the subject is interesting or notable and briefly describing its notable controversies if there are any. The emphasis given to material in the lead section should roughly reflect its importance to the topic.

Unfortunately, there are many articles with introductions that don't even come close to these guidelines. They may have one line intros or intros that tease the reader, forcing him/her to read on. Some articles don't even have a lead section.

The goal of WikiProject Introductions is to bring these articles up to the standard of the lead section guidelines.

A good introduction should introduce the topic, telling readers unfamiliar with the topic exactly what it is. Write a line or two about who or what the subject is (State the obvious). A good intro should also contain a concise overview of the article, summarizing the most important points. That means writing a bit about each of the sections in the article, expanding slightly on the more important points. For longer intros an "Overview" section separated from the lead may be appropriate. The emphasis given to material in the lead section should roughly reflect its importance. Don't write two paragraphs on what a famous actor's first car looked like.

See this sample introduction.

You can find intros that need work in Category:Wikipedia introduction cleanup . If you see an intro needing work you can tag it with one of these (or you could be bold and do it yourself). You can also become "casually active", Improving lead sections you come across in the course of your other work

If you find an article with an exceptional intro, you may place {{IntroTalk}} on the talk page to mark it as outstanding and keep it that way.

Promote the project

• Join this project! Add yourself to the list, and add the userbox to your page, to advertise the project to people who happen to pass by.
• Invite people to the project – drop a note or invite template {{Wikipedia:WikiProject Introductions/Inv}} on the user talk page of editors working on Introductions and Leads topics who aren't project members.
• Consider promoting the project via the Wikipedia Signpost WikiProject desk.

Improve the project

• Update the project pages, archive clutter, and make use of the latest automation available
• Consult the WikiProject Guide for ideas
• Come up with new ones

Use the project

• Create a new article.
• Translate or expand articles from English Wikipedia.
• Expand some of the articles (check out [[:Category:]] or some of its subcategories), always respecting Wikipedia's Neutral Point of View Policy. Also, check the Wikipedia: Manual of Style.
• Add references to articles which need referencing improving. Biographies of living persons are a particular priority.
• Assess some of the [[:Category:|]], using the criteria at [[Wikipedia talk: WikiProject Introductions]]. Update the project banner on the relevant talk page.

• Check the talk page for requests for help.

To invite new members, place the template {{Wikipedia:WikiProject Introductions/Inv}} on a user's talk page. Remember to sign your post with four tildes.

If you want to join, add your username to this list;

• Wechselstrom (talk · contribs)
• Skelta (talk · contribs)
• Tek022 (talk · contribs), formerly Bgs022 (talk · contribs)
• KingSkyLord (talk · contribs)

You can then add {{Wikipedia:WikiProject Introductions/Box}} to your userpage.

This user is a member of WikiProject Introductions. Are you?

• Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles
• Wikipedia:Lead section
• WP:CREATELEAD - an essay with suggestions for creating and managing a good lead