Wikipedia:Citing IMDb: Difference between revisions
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* [[Wikipedia:External links/Perennial websites]] – further info on when to use IMDb (e.g. as an [[WP:External link|External link]], not as a source) |
* [[Wikipedia:External links/Perennial websites]] ([[WP:ELP]]) – further info on ''when'' to use IMDb (e.g., as an [[WP:External link|External link]], not as a source) |
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* {{section link|Wikipedia:WikiProject Film/Resources#Questionable resources}} ([[WP:RS/IMDB]]) – specific guideline regarding the inappropriateness of using IMDb as a reference source at film- and television-related articles |
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Revision as of 11:20, 30 December 2019
 | This is an essay. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Anecdotes, trivia, and unreleased film information from IMDb do not meet the reliable sources guideline. The IMDb should be used only as a tertiary source for hard data on released films. |
Citing the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) on Wikipedia raises questions with regard to adherence to Wikipedia:Identifying reliable sources, as much of its database content is user contributed with minimal and unstated editorial oversight by IMDb staff. The following essay addresses the usage of IMDb as a reference source, where its weaknesses and strengths lie with regard to content and policy, and the consequent role that it can play in Wikipedia's articles.
Appropriate uses
IMDb content which is acceptable to reference on Wikipedia include:
- The writing credits marked with "WGA" that are supplied directly by the Writers Guild of America (where applicable).
- The MPAA ratings reasons, where they appear, that are supplied directly by the Motion Picture Association of America.
For both of these uses, no citations are necessary because the film itself is implied to be the primary source.
Disputed uses
IMDb content which is in dispute about whether it is appropriate to reference on Wikipedia:
- Released films only: Sections such as the cast list, character names, the crew lists, release dates, company credits, awards, soundtrack listing, filming locations, technical specs, alternate titles, running times, and rating certifications.
Inappropriate uses
IMDb content inappropriate to reference on Wikipedia:
- Any potentially contentious material about living persons (BLPs).
- Cast lists, etc. for films and television programming that are still in development or production, and have yet to premiere. (These could change at any time.)
- The user comments for each title (this includes user reviews and ratings), which are pure user-generated content.
- Sections written in wiki-style with minimal editorial control. Those would be the FAQs for particular titles (not the database FAQ), the parental guides, and the plot synopses (not to be confused with the plot outlines or plot summaries, which are subject to editorial control).
- Newsgroup reviews, which are archived Usenet postings.
- The trivia and goofs sections that are based on user submissions.
- The recommendations.
See also
- Wikipedia:External links/Perennial websites (WP:ELP) – further info on when to use IMDb (e.g., as an External link, not as a source)
- Wikipedia:WikiProject Film/Resources § Questionable resources (WP:RS/IMDB) – specific guideline regarding the inappropriateness of using IMDb as a reference source at film- and television-related articles