Wikipedia:Articles for deletion/Harken, Inc.

The following discussion is an archived debate of the proposed deletion of the article below. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review). No further edits should be made to this page.

The result was no consensus to delete. W.marsh 16:13, 8 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Harken, Inc.

This appears to be a simple company advertisement (spam). I'm not sure whether it should be deleted or not - so I thought the best way forward was to put it up for discussion at AfD MidgleyDJ 11:19, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Hmmm. I beg to differ, because any business that isn't of Microsoft proportions that has a page here then is arguably spam. This company is very well known internationally among racing sailors, and I was surprised to see it didn't have an article. Anyway, I can see removing the "dominant" part (even though that is factual...definitely for AC boats, and I'm 99% sure for Olympic non-1D classes), or taking out the logo's slogan (not sure if part of original logo--from site), but outright deletion seems...odd. Anyway, if there's any specific promotional bent to it, definitely feel free to correct it. Antije 11:37, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Comment: It's worth looking over the guidelines for WP:Corp and WP:Notability. I'm unsure whether Harken, Inc. meets the criteria for listing in WP:Corp, but this isnt my area of experience. MidgleyDJ 11:45, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Comment: Thanks for taking the time to point that out to me, I was actually just trying to find more on the policy. Anyway, I am fairly certain it meets the first of the criteria. I remember seeing at least product reviews in Sailing World magazine or something of that ilk, and I've heard or read the story before (got most of the included details from the web though). Just looking at their site though briefly, looks like they've won the WI Governor's business awards a couple times, as well as the "Company of the Decade" award 01 for the marine industry. Either way, as I said, it's a highly recognizable name in racing sailors and probably the majority of crusiers as well. Of course I'm biased since I just spent a bunch of time putting together the article, but it seems pretty clear-cut all the same. Antije 12:06, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Comment: Harken may not be a household name, but it is globally recognized in the sailing community. Young sailors just starting out will notice their boats are most likely Harken equipped and for older, more experienced racers it is often the brand of choice when they seek to equip their boats. That being said, please note that I am not employed in any way by Harken or the maritime industry. Although I'm not 100% sure I also strongly suspect that Harken sponsors regattas and other sailing events in communities around the world. I think it deserves an article on Wikipedia. Quintana 11:00, 1 October 2006 (Eastern Time)

Comment:Taking cues from above--I should note that I have been employed in the marine industry, but it was the retail end and over 10 years ago. I am not an employee of this company. Anyway, I will leave the rest of the discussion to you guys, unless clarification is needed. I will however, include some links of "multiple [published] independent sources." Some mentions could probably be classified as trivial, some not. (For example, it is consistently listed in boat reviews as the selected hardware. Individual articles are probably trivial, but it's clear they are a major player and noteworthy brand.)

"Harken brothers-Sailing World Hall of Fame"

"AC Cup mention (SW)"

"AC Cup mention (SW)"

"~57 mentions in Sailing Mag articles"

"One of many Sail Mag mentions" Also see Blue Water Sailing Mag and 48 deg North.

"'"The Harken" regatta - International Youth Match Racing Championship" (Also, yes, I can confirm they are major and regular regatta sponsors)

"Harken Observatory, non-sailing philanthropy"

"Harken's Innovation Created International Market for Sailing Gear"

"One of several Practical Sailor/BoatUS publication gear reviews" Antije 19:25, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

• Comment Please note that the official stance on acceptance criteria for corporate articles has recently hardened. See "Corporate vanity policy enforcement" by Brad Patrick, General Counsel and Interim Executive Director of the Wikimedia Foundation. I'm remaining neutral on this particular vote at this time. Bwithh 15:27, 1 October 2006 (UTC)

Comment: After reviewing Brad's memo on Corporate Vanity I feel that the argument for keeping the Harken article is strengthened. The article does not seek to deface, insult or slander Harken, and at the same time it is not a marketing ploy to promote any of Harken's products. I feel that the article is more informative and educational on how Harken was founded, company history, and where Harken products are used. If the article needs to be edited further to remove any apparent marketing pitches please proceed, but I do not think it should be deleted if we are to follow Brad's guidelines and the Wikipedian spirit. User:Quintana 11:44, 1 October 2006 (Eastern Time)

• Delete. The article reads too much like an advertisement, and I believe it won't have much general appeal. Sailing is interesting, but specific makers of sailing equipment don't seem very interesting. This company appears to make good stuff, but you don't expect to get product advice from Wikipedia. EdJohnston 15:20, 8 October 2006 (UTC)
• Keep, this doesn't read significantly like an advert to me and they appear to be notable in their field. I would like to see a few more third party references though. Thryduulf 15:40, 8 October 2006 (UTC)

The above discussion is preserved as an archive of the debate. Please do not modify it. Subsequent comments should be made on the appropriate discussion page (such as the article's talk page or in a deletion review). No further edits should be made to this page.