Wikipedia:Significance is not a formula

{{notability essay|WP:NOT100WORDS}}

{{nutshell|Significant coverage cannot be measured by word count.}}

{{for|a contrary view|Wikipedia:One hundred words}}

The general notability guideline defines significant coverage as discussion of a topic in reliable sources that "addresses the topic directly and in detail". Coverage that is direct and in detail must cover an aspect of a topic through a description, discussion, or analysis that has enough depth to allow editors to write an article from a neutral point of view with enough context for a reader to understand the topic.

Significance cannot be based on a count of words in a single source. Even several paragraphs about a source might be trivial in context. For example, a gossip column about a celebrity may contain unimportant information or a run-of-the-mill news story might discuss a routine local event, such as a high school band concert.