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. |
The general utility or usefulness of an article for use as reference information should be a criterion to keep a Wikipedia article or section. Utility should be a criteria that can be used, regardless of the article's perceived notability. This rule appears to already be used, although it is not explicitly stated. Articles must still be encyclopedic, and not contradict WP:NOT.
For example, individual mobile phones models are rarely notable, but the usefulness of the individual articles to consumers, developers, and people in the telecommunications should be adequate reason to keep the articles in Wikipedia.
Likewise, individual suburbs, train cars, or movies are all rarely notable, and would unlikely warrant space in a paper encyclopedia. In Wikipedia, however, it is utility and not the notability of these articles which decides their inclusion.
Articles on topics which are neither notable—nor generally useful—should be considered for deletion.