Tolkien Gateway:Notability policy

Tolkien Gateway's notability policy describes the test and guidelines used by editors to decide whether an individual subject deserves its own article or inclusion on this wiki. In general, there is no hard and fast rule governing which topics should be included but this page seeks to highlight where specific policies do exist.

In-universe concepts

All characters, locations, events, objects, races, and concepts specific to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien can - and should - be included on this encyclopaedia.

Individuals

Each individual needs to be judged on a case by case basis. In general, authors, artists, actors, and others who have made a significant impact are included, but there is no need to include every actor, for example (especially if they've performed in a more minor role). In terms of authors and scholars, the number, length and impact of their contributions should be taken into account when judging whether they are notable enough to be included on Tolkien Gateway.

Publications

All publications containing a contribution by J.R.R. Tolkien should be included on Tolkien Gateway without exception. With regards to Tolkien's works, major textual variants/editions can be included (for example, The Hobbit (50th Anniversary Edition)), but each individual printing does not require its own article. Articles listing editions and translations are also noteworthy.

All publications exclusively about J.R.R. Tolkien (and his works) should also be included on this wiki. Similarly, information about individual journals and fanzines should be included, but only individual issues when the journal is of especial significance to Tolkien scholarship and fandom (such as Vinyar Tengwar and Mallorn). Books based on adaptations as well as works containing a significant portion about Tolkien can also have their own article.

Toys, games and collectibles

Toys and games should not receive individual articles but be covered in one article for the entire set (see Lego, for example). Individual video games and board games are also regarded as being notable.

Currently Tolkien Gateway does not cover collectibles, but it has done in the past and may do so again in the future.