1) The information presented is verifiable.
2) The author(s) has a professional responsibility to be truthful and unbiased.
3) The source goes through an editorial process that checks for errors and double-checks facts.
1) Must be timely. The information presented must be the most up-to-date information.
2) Cannot be original research. Analysis of information that hasn't been published elsewhere is not allowed. In other words, you cannot add your own assumptions, conclusions, insights, or opinions, unless they are already published by a third party.
3) Must strive to present the majority point of view and significant minority views. Sources must not mislead the reader into believing that there is only one point of view, when there are others. Similarly, sources must not mislead the reader by giving undue weight to points of view that are held by a very small group.
For the purposes of editing Wikipedia, these sources are reliable:
News Articles by sources with a reputation for fact-checking. These can be national and international sources, such as the New York Times or the BBC. They can also be local newspapers such as the Orange County Register or LA Times.
Scholarly Journals that are written by academics in the applicable field and peer reviewed.
Books that are published by reputable publishing houses and written by professionals in the field. Examples of reputable publishers are Pearson, Random House, and McGraw Hill. Avoid books that are self-published as they have not gone through an editorial process.
For the purposes of editing Wikipedia, these sources can be questionable. Posts supported by questionable sources may have another editor edit or delete them.
Blog posts or self-published books by anybody, even professionals in their field. These self-published works are not reviewed for facts or errors.
Marketing or PR material, articles, blogs, or press releases. These items are most often created to promote an idea, company, or person and do not give due weight to differing opinions. They are also very unlikely to be reviewed for facts or errors.
Wikipedia articles should be based on reliable, third-party, published sources with a reputation for fact-checking and accuracy. All Wikipedia articles should make sure that all majority and significant minority views that have appeared in those sources are covered.
