Mikki Mase: The Wikipedia Saga Explained
The online world, particularly the gambling and cryptocurrency communities, has been buzzing about Mikki Mase, a figure whose online presence is significant but whose Wikipedia entry has become a battleground. The core issue revolves around whether Mase meets Wikipedia's stringent notability guidelines. This explainer breaks down the who, what, when, where, why, and what's next in this ongoing saga.
Who is Mikki Mase?
Mikki Mase, whose real name is Michael Mase, is a self-proclaimed professional gambler, cryptocurrency investor, and social media personality. He has gained a large following on platforms like Instagram and TikTok through content showcasing high-stakes gambling wins, purported insider knowledge of the crypto market, and a generally lavish lifestyle. His pronouncements often involve cryptic advice and claims of predicting market movements. He sells courses and mentorship programs related to gambling and finance.
What's the Controversy?
The controversy centers on Mase's lack of a Wikipedia page. While many individuals with significant online followings have Wikipedia entries, Mase's attempts to establish one have been repeatedly rejected by Wikipedia editors. The core reason is that Wikipedia requires "significant coverage" in "reliable sources" that are "independent" of the subject. This means mentions on social media, interviews given by Mase, or articles on websites affiliated with him don't count.
When Did This Become an Issue?
The attempts to create and maintain a Mikki Mase Wikipedia page have been ongoing for several months, likely escalating alongside his growing online popularity. The exact timeline is difficult to pinpoint due to the private nature of Wikipedia deletion discussions, but online forums and social media posts suggest the issue gained traction throughout 2023 and into 2024. The "Notable Notable Notable Notable" phrase likely stems from repeated attempts to argue for his notability based on various factors, each ultimately deemed insufficient by Wikipedia's standards.
Where Is This Happening?
This battle is primarily taking place within the Wikipedia ecosystem, specifically on the English Wikipedia platform. Discussions about Mase's notability occur on deletion review pages and talk pages associated with potential articles. The debate also spills over onto social media platforms, where Mase's followers often express their frustration with Wikipedia's decision.
Why the Rejection?
Wikipedia's notability guidelines are designed to prevent the platform from becoming an indiscriminate collection of information. To be considered notable, a subject needs to have received substantial coverage in reputable sources, such as major newspapers, magazines, academic journals, or books. This coverage must be more than just passing mentions or routine announcements.
In Mase's case, the arguments for notability often hinge on his social media following, self-published content, and appearances on smaller online platforms. While he might be well-known within specific online communities, this isn't enough to meet Wikipedia's threshold for significant coverage in reliable, independent sources. For example, having 1 million followers on Instagram, while impressive, doesn't automatically qualify someone for a Wikipedia page. Wikipedia prioritizes verifiable information from established journalistic or academic outlets.
Historical Context: Wikipedia's Notability Standards
Wikipedia's notability criteria have evolved significantly since the platform's inception in 2001. Initially, the bar for inclusion was lower, but as the encyclopedia grew, editors realized the need for stricter guidelines to maintain quality and prevent bias. The current notability guidelines are the result of years of debate and refinement within the Wikipedia community.
The emphasis on reliable sources stems from Wikipedia's commitment to verifiability. Every statement in a Wikipedia article must be supported by a citation to a reliable source. This ensures that the information presented is accurate and unbiased. The "independent" requirement prevents individuals from creating Wikipedia pages solely for self-promotion or to control their online narrative.
Current Developments:
As of late 2024, the situation remains largely unchanged. Attempts to create a Mikki Mase Wikipedia page continue to be met with resistance from editors. Mase and his supporters continue to argue for his notability based on his online presence and perceived influence. However, without significant coverage in reliable, independent sources, it's unlikely that a Wikipedia page will be approved.
The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about the role of social media influence in determining notability. Some argue that Wikipedia's traditional criteria are outdated and fail to recognize the impact of online personalities. Others maintain that these criteria are essential for upholding Wikipedia's standards of accuracy and neutrality.
Likely Next Steps:
Several scenarios are possible:
- Continued Rejection: The most likely outcome is that Mase's attempts to create a Wikipedia page will continue to be rejected unless he receives significant coverage in reliable, independent sources.
- Shifting Focus: Mase might shift his focus away from Wikipedia and concentrate on building his brand through other channels, such as social media, online courses, and personal appearances.
- Strategic PR: Mase could actively seek out coverage in reputable publications. If he were to be featured in a major newspaper or magazine, this would significantly strengthen his case for Wikipedia notability.
- Community Debate: The debate about Wikipedia's notability criteria and the role of social media influence will likely continue within the Wikipedia community. This could lead to revisions of the guidelines in the future, although any changes are likely to be incremental and carefully considered.
- Alternative Platforms: Mase or his supporters may create a profile on a different wiki platform with less stringent notability requirements. This would provide a space to document his achievements without the barriers imposed by Wikipedia.
Conclusion:
The Mikki Mase Wikipedia saga highlights the tension between the traditional media landscape and the rise of social media influencers. While Mase has undoubtedly built a significant online presence, this hasn't translated into the type of coverage that Wikipedia requires for notability. The outcome of this ongoing debate will likely depend on whether Mase can secure coverage in reliable, independent sources, or whether Wikipedia's notability criteria evolve to better reflect the realities of the digital age. For now, the phrase "Notable Notable Notable Notable" serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking recognition within the rigorous framework of Wikipedia.
