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 | This page in a nutshell: criticism should generally be included in an article if it defines the subject or leads to real world effects on the person being criticized |
Many wikipedia articles, especially those that deal with living people, include criticism of the subject. The purpose of this essay is to give some direction on when including criticism is reasonable and WP:NPOV, in particular WP:WEIGHT, are the ultimate arbiters of what is appropriate for inclusion. For the purposes of this essay, criticism is limited to the common use of negative criticism, including constructive criticism, not to the broader definition that includes all reviews and observations (e.g. the work of a film critic).
Criticism that defines
editIf the subject is primarily known for an activity that they have been criticized for, then covering that criticism is an important part of the article. There are some
Criticism that ends
editAnything that is the "last word" on a subject is important criticism. For people, this could be criticism that permanently ends their career. For an organization, this could include boycotts and other actions which lead to financial collapse. For an idea or concept, this criticism could include experiments which prove the concept does not work.
Criticism that begins
editThe second category is the converse of the first, and often includes constructive criticism. Scathing reviews of an artist's early work that lead them to a different path are an important piece of the article. It also includes actions against a group that lead to a notable splinter group or criticism of a concept that brings it into the public eye and made it notable in the first place.
Criticism that results in substantial real world effects
editThe second broad category of important criticism is that which accompanies other actions, and should be covered in the context of the other action.
Legal action
editIf the criticism is accompanied by a lawsuit, the value of the criticism is tied to the suit. If the suit goes to trial and is successful, it is likely to be worth including in the article. If the suit is settled out of court or is unsuccessful, it is unlikely to be worth including. Broad coverage, particularly international coverage, of the case may make it worth including even if it is not successful.
Legislative action
editIf the criticism results in a proposed change in national or regional laws then it is likely to be worth including.