User:Seraphimblade/sandbox2/temp

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There are many different disputes or conflicts that may arise on Wikipedia, fittingly there are a number of possiblitites to help resolve these conflicts and get everyone back to editing the encyclopedia as soon as possible. This page is to help users who have found themselves involved in a dispute determine what to do based on what the situation is.

[edit] Dealing with disputes

  • Situation: Another editor has expressed disagreement with an edit you've made, or reverted it.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Carefully consider the objections that were raised. It's possible that the other editor is correct, or that you could suggest another edit that might satisfy those concerns.
    • Talk with the other editor, and find out exactly what (s)he objects to. Try to find a solution that might address everyone's concerns and wishes. - Where to talk? Article talk page or editor's talk page?
    • Request a third opinion to get someone that's not involved in the debate to come along and take a look.
  • Situation: You're involved in discussion or debate, and it's getting heated or going in circles.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Step back from the discussion for a while. If other editors are involved, politely encourage them to do the same. Often, coming back with a cool head and a fresh perspective will help.
  • Situation: You're involved in discussion or debate, but while it has mainly remained civil, it seems to be getting nowhere.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Take a step back from the debate for a while. Coming back with a fresh perspective may help, and other editors may have noticed the debate and weighed in while you were away.
    • See if those participating in the debate would agree to mediation of the dispute. If so, request a mediator's help from the Mediation Cabal if informal help is desired, or the Mediation Committee for formal mediation.
    • File a request for comment on the article, asking other editors to come and weigh in.
  • Situation: You wanted to undergo mediation, but other editors involved in the dispute do not wish to do so.
  • Possible steps to take:
  • Situation: Mediation was tried, but failed to establish consensus.
  • Possible steps to take:

[edit] Dealing with disruptive editors

  • Situation: An editor is being rude or uncivil.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Ignore it. In many cases the editor may just be having a bad day and will settle down.
    • Lead by example. Keep your own conduct civil and courteous. Often, this will cause an uncivil editor to come around, and realize that he's making a fool of himself.
    • Step back from the dispute to let a heated incident cool off.
  • Situation: An editor is persistently disruptive or uncivil.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Examine your own behavior. While it may not be your intent, look for things that seem to inflame the situation or aggravate the other editor's behavior. If you can stay away from doing those things, do so.
    • Talk to the other editor, calmly letting him or her know that the behavior is disruptive. In many cases, someone may not realize that their behavior is offensive, even if it's perfectly obvious to you.
    • See if the editor is willing to undergo mediation. A mediator can help to point out and curb uncivil or disruptive behavior.
  • Situation: An editor has been asked repeatedly by several editors to stop disruptive behavior, but refuses to do so.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Again, mediation may be helpful if the editor is willing to participate.
    • If the editor's conduct is extremely, persistently disruptive, filing a request for comment on the user may be considered, for other members of the community to give feedback on the situation. However, this is considered a serious step, and should be given careful consideration before filing. Also, remember that the behavior of all editors involved will come under scrutiny during this process, including those who file the RfC.
  • Situation: An RfC on a disruptive user came to a clear conclusion that his or her behavior is disruptive and needs to change, but the editor continues the behavior.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • At this point, you may wish to consider asking for binding arbitration. Again, consider carefully. The behavior of all editors involved in the situation will be examined by the Arbitrators, and any editors who have caused problems may face sanctions. This is a very serious step, and should only be considered after all other possible means of solving the problem have been exhausted.

[edit] Asking for help

Generally, you can ask for help in these ways during any stage of dispute resolution, or in most cases even if you just need some help or advice.

  • Situation: You have a question or two about editing, policies, or processes here.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Ask at the help desk, where experienced users will answer you.
    • Place the {{helpme}} template on your talk page along with your question, and someone will be along to answer.
  • Situation: You have a lot of questions regarding something, or will need extended assistance with an issue or dispute you're involved in.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • Editor assistance will find an editor skilled in the area you need help in to provide one-on-one advice and feedback as the issue progresses.
    • The Association of Members' Advocates will provide you with an advocate to help in problems or dispute resolution.
  • Situation: You're new to Wikipedia, and would like a more experienced editor to show you around.
  • Possible steps to take:
    • A mentorship program for new editors by experienced ones is available. New editors who need someone to guide them through the process of editing here can ask to be "adopted" by a more experienced editor as they learn how to edit collaboratively.