Talk:Karl and the Marx Brothers

Latest comment: 10 years ago by AndyTheGrump in topic Notability

Notability

edit

I see that the proposed deletion template I added to the article has been removed - with an edit summary stating that "external references exist to this band in reputable published media". I have to say that this looks questionable. Certainly their are citations of two local newspaper websites. One however is focused on the lyrics of a particular song concerning the local MP, and actually says next to nothing about the band beyond the fact that they are responsible for the song, and that they plan to release an album. [1] The second article gives a little more detail about the band, focusing as it does on a gig to introduce the album. [2] Good 'local colour' stories for local papers, but not the sort of detail required to meet the relevant notability guideline, Wikipedia:Notability (music)#Criteria for musicians and ensembles. For a start, neither article actually expresses any opinion of the merits of the band - or even gives any real indication that the journalist responsible has seen them performing. In summary, we have sketchy coverage in two local papers (both part of the same publishing group) on a local band, and nothing to indicate that the band has ever received significant critical commentary as a band elsewhere. Local papers promote local businesses and local causes as a matter of course - so it is unsurprising that they do the same for local bands. There is little reason why Wikipedia should follow suit - we aren't here to promote new bands, but rather to provide information on bands that have already gained notability elsewhere - by performing, and by attracting sufficient meaningful commentary concerning their talents to indicate that they merit the attention. While I wish the band well, I'm afraid that I'm entirely unconvinced by the references cited, and will, unless better evidence is forthcoming in the next week or so, be submitting a proposal to delete the article through the Wikipedia:Articles for deletion process - which will of course allow others familiar with Wikipedia notability guidelines to express their opinions too. AndyTheGrump (talk) 00:29, 30 May 2014 (UTC)Reply