Powerbase:Dispute Resolution
Try to avoid arguments. When this is not possible, politely discuss the disagreement with the other editor(s) involved, or take a deep breath and sleep on it.
Contents
Avoidance
Be respectful to others and their points of view
When contributing to an article, be sensitive to the work that previous contributors have already put into it and remember that other contributions are likely to follow. Powerbase is a collaborative project which means that we must work together to build this encyclopedia. Working together is our strength and whilst no one person owns an article, we can all be active contributors to the success of the project. The involvement of multiple editors contributing to a page can be complex and people may be (quite rightly) proud of the work they have put into it. So be sensitive and respectful to your fellow contributor's feelings and their point of view.
Etiquette
Read, understand and follow Powerbase guidelines on etiquette for advice and tips on how to avoid disputes, as well as ways of dealing with issues should they arise.
Try to avoid deleting or reverting
Try to avoid deleting or reverting things as a matter of principle. If an article has been written in a way you consider as inappropriate or inaccurate, then improve the article if you can without changing the fundamental nature of it (rather than reverting it or making sweeping changes to it). If you do not feel that this as possible, then discuss your reasoning on the talk page.
Remember to use the edit summary box (when saving a page) to explain any amendments/changes you have made to an article.
Exceptions to the avoid deleting rule
Powerbase works fundamentally through the building of consensus which is set within the framework of Powerbase established policy and practice. There are thus exceptions that supersede consensus decisions on a page: For example, through Powerbase policy to delete material which may be libelous.
Declarations from the personnel/editors in charge of Powerbase and established Powerbase policy will always supersede consensus decisions on an article/page.
If you come across anything on Powerbase which you know to be libelous then it should be removed immediately. Powerbase sysops should be informed by email to sysop AT powerbase.info
If you suspect that something may be libelous but aren't sure, contact sysop AT powerbase.info for advice. Better safe than sorry.
Steps to resolving a dispute
Step One: Talk to the other parties involved
The first step in resolving almost any conflict is to discuss the issue on a talk page (you can also post the content of the article in dispute on the talk page to aid discussion if appropriate). Either contact the other party on their user's talk page, or use the talk page associated with the article in question. Never carry on a dispute on the article page itself. When discussing an issue stay cool, be polite and remain civil. Take the other person's perspective into account and try to reach a compromise. Assume that the other person is acting in good faith unless you have clear evidence to the contrary.
Discussion and negotiation between disagreeing parties in a polite and civilised manner (even if it is not immediately successful) shows that you are committed to finding a solution to the disagreement. This fits with Powerbase policy of always aiming to resolve any disputes that arise.
Step Two: Time out
If a disagreement cannot be resolved through initial discussion, or if the discussion becomes heated, then it may be wise to leave it alone for a while and work on something else while tempers cool. Sometimes the very act of 'sleeping on it' can bring with it a fresh persepective and the ability to resolve a disagreement that was previously unachievable.
Remember to keep things in perspective and take a long-term view. We all have different preferences and styles, but in the end it is what is best for a Powerbase article that counts, with quality and accuracy our top priorities. Stepping away from an article to cool off does not mean that you will never come back to it. The editor you were in disagreement with may have cooled off too and/or perhaps some other editors have added their opinions. One way or another the disputed article will evolve beyond its dispute and you will probably be able to return and carry on contributing to it.
If you were not able to resolve your disagreement through your initial discussion, you may be able to do so now. Continuing to escalate the conflict with heated discussion or competing edits is not likely to bring about resolution. So if some time out has not helped to resolve the matter, mediation is needed.
Mediation
If things are getting a bit tricky, it might be useful to ask some cool heads to look in and help out.
Mediation is a process in which a person works with the parties towards resolving a dispute. The mediator helps guide the parties into reaching an agreement that can be acceptable to everyone. When requesting mediation, be prepared to show that you tried to resolve the dispute using the steps listed above and that all parties to the dispute are in agreement to mediate. Mediation cannot take place if all parties are not willing to take part.
Mediation in Powerbase takes the form of editor assistance where the Managing Editor will allocate an experienced editor to provide you with one-to-one advice and feedback. This is designed to help you understand how to clearly and civilly express your views and work toward a consensus/agreement. You may request an editor's help to assist you at any time, whether this is to resolve a dispute or for any other advice/support you may require.
Powerbase' managing editor can be contacted by emailing management AT powerbase.info
Harassment
The harassment of anyone involved with Powerbase will not be tolerated. Aim to resolve any disputes in a calm and polite manner. Any instances of harassment should be reported to the Managing Editor by email to management AT powerbase.info
