Difference between revisions of "Powerbase:Dispute Resolution"

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Try to avoid arguments. When this is not possible, try talking privately to those involved, or take a deep breath and sleep on it.
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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.
  
 
== Avoidance ==
 
== Avoidance ==
''The best way to resolve a dispute is to avoid it in the first place.''  
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<center><i>'''The best way to resolve a dispute is to avoid it in the first place.'''</i></center>
  
Be respectful to others and their points of view. This means primarily: Try not to simply revert changes in a dispute. When someone makes an edit you consider biased or inaccurate, improve the edit if you can, rather than reverting it, or if you do not see it as improvable, discuss it on the talk page. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:EDITWAR ''Do not edit war'']. Provide a good [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Edit_summary edit summary] when making significant changes that other users might object to. The revision you would prefer will not be established by reverting, and [[SpinProfiles:Three Revert Rule|repeated reverting]] is forbidden; discuss disputed changes on the talk page. If you encounter rude or inappropriate behavior, resist the temptation to respond unkindly, and [[SpinProfiles:No Personal Attacks|do not make personal attacks]].  
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===Be respectful to others and their points of view===
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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. SpinProfiles is a collaborative project which means that we must work together to build this encyclopedia. Working together is our strength and whilst [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Ownership|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.
  
Following the [[SpinProfiles:Neutral Point of View|NPOV]] policy can  help you write "defensively", and limit your own bias in your writing. For some guidelines, see [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette]]. Wikipedia guide [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:The_perfect_article ''writing the perfect article''] may also provide useful information.
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===Try to avoid deleting or reverting===
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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 [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Using Talk Pages|talk page]].  
  
== First step: Talk to the other parties involved ==
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Remember to use the edit summary box (when saving a page) to explain any amendments/changes you have made to an article.  
The first resort in resolving almost any conflict is to discuss the issue on a [[SpinProfiles:Talk Page|talk page]], you may even post the proposed content on the talk page. Either contact the other party on that 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 and [[SpinProfiles:No Personal Attacks|do not mount personal attacks]]. Take the other person's perspective into account and try to reach a compromise. Assume that the other person is acting in [[SpinProfiles:Assume Good Faith|good faith]] unless you have clear evidence to the contrary.
 
  
Both at this stage and throughout the dispute resolution process, talking to other parties is not simply a formality to be satisfied before moving on to the next forum. Failure to pursue discussion in good faith shows that you are trying to escalate the dispute instead of resolving it. This will make people less sympathetic to your position and may prevent you from effectively using later stages in dispute resolution. In contrast, sustained discussion and serious negotiation between the parties, even if not immediately successful, shows that you are interested in finding a solution that fits within SpinProfiles policies.
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===Etiquette===
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Read, understand and follow SpinProfiles [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette|guidelines on etiquette]] for advice and tips on how to avoid disputes, as well as ways of dealing with issues should they arise.  
  
== Second step: Disengage for a while ==
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==Steps to resolving a dispute==
A simple solution to a dispute is to '''stop''' having it — by leaving the article and/or bringing in an outside editor. This is particularly helpful when disputing with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_do_not_bite_the_newcomers new users] as it gives them a chance to familiarize themselves with SpinProfiles's policy and culture. Focus your contributions on another article where you can make constructive progress. Avoid going back to the page of dispute. Respond to questions about it on your user talk page and direct the questioner to take their issues to the article talk page to keep all relevant discussion in one place.
 
  
Take a long term view. In due course you will probably be able to return and carry on editing it, when the previous problems no longer exist and the editor you were in dispute with might themselves move on. In the meantime the disputed article will evolve, other editors may become interested and they will have different perspectives if the issue comes up again.
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=== Step One: Talk to the other parties involved===
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The first step in resolving almost any conflict is to discuss the issue on a [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Using Talk Pages|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 [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Don't Make it Personal|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 [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Assume Good Faith|good faith]] unless you have clear evidence to the contrary.
  
== Further dispute resolution ==
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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: which fits with SpinProfiles policy of always aiming to resolve a dispute should one arise.
If talking to the other parties involved and taking a break fails, you should try one of the following methods to resolve the dispute. Which ones you choose and in what order will depend on the nature of the dispute, and the preferences of people involved.
 
  
=== Discuss with third parties ===
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===Step Two: Time out===
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If a disagreement cannot be resolved through initial [[SpinProfiles:Etiquette#Using Talk Pages|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.
  
SpinProfiles works by building [[SpinProfiles:Consensus|consensus]]. To develop a consensus on a disputed topic, you may need to expose the issue to a larger audience. Options for doing this include:
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Remember to keep things in persepctive and take a long term view. We all have different preferences and styles, but in the end it is what is best for a SpinProfiles article that counts: with quality and accuracy as our top priority. 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.
  
*[[SpinProfiles:Requests for Comment|requests for comment]], the main avenue for general disputes
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If you had not managed to resolve your disagreement through your initial discussion, then you should hopefully be able to do so now. Continuing to escalate the conflict with heated discussion or competing edits is likely to aggravate the dispute, so if some time out has not helped to resolve the matter it then becomes time for some mediation.
*Asking at subject-specific policies and guidelines pages relevant to the issue.
 
*[[SpinProfiles:Etiquette Alerts|Etiquette alerts]], for problems with [[SpinProfiles:Civility|uncivil]] editors
 
  
If you have not agreed to a truce before this point, you should do so now. Continuing to escalate the conflict with competing edits is likely to aggravate the dispute. This is also important if you intend to solicit outside opinions because it allows others to consider the issue fairly without the confusion of ongoing edits. If an edit war persists and parties refuse to stop, you may [[SpinProfiles:Requests for Page Protection|request that the page be protected]] to allow the process to move forward.
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=== Mediation ===
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If things are getting a bit tricky, it might be useful to ask some cool heads to look in and help out.  
  
:''See also [[SpinProfiles:Protection Policy|Protection policy]]. The following Wikipedia guides also provide useful informations relating to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NPOV_dispute NPOV disputes] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Accuracy_dispute Accuracy disputes].''
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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.
  
===Informal mediation===
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Mediation in SpinProfiles 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 editors help to assist you at any time, whether this is to resolve a dispute or for any other advice/support you may require.  
If things are getting a bit tricky, it might be useful to ask some cool heads to look in and help out. Sometimes editors who provide third opinions or respond to requests for comments may be willing to help mediate a dispute, if it is requested.  
 
  
=== Conduct a survey ===
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SpinProfiles Managing Editor can be contacted by emailing management AT spinprofiles.org
If consensus is difficult to gauge from discussion alone, consider conducting a survey of opinion to clarify the issues in the discussion. Note that a survey cannot ''generate'' consensus, but is helpful for understanding it.  Similarly, if you believe that users are ignoring a consensus, a survey cannot force those users to accept your proposed consensus -- although a survey ''might'' assist users in understanding the balance of opinions and reasons for those opinions on a given dispute, it can also easily degenerate into an argument over whether a particular survey is fairly constructed or representative.  See wikipedia's guide [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Polling_is_not_a_substitute_for_discussion Polling is not a substitute for discussion] for reasons why discussion is necessary and superior to voting.
 
  
=== Formal mediation ===
 
[[SpinProfiles:Requests for Mediation|Request mediation]] of the dispute. Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral person works with the parties to a dispute. The mediator helps guide the parties into reaching an agreement that can be acceptable to everyone. When requesting formal 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.
 
 
== Last resort: Arbitration==
 
If you have taken all other reasonable steps to resolve the dispute, and the dispute is not over the content of the article, [[SpinProfiles:Requests for Arbitration|request Arbitration]]. Be prepared to show that you tried to resolve the dispute by other means. Arbitration differs from Mediation in that the [[SpinProfiles:Arbitration Committee|Arbitration Committee]] will consider the case and issue a decision, instead of merely assisting the parties in reaching an agreement. If the issue is decided by Arbitration, you will be expected to abide by the result. If the case involves serious user misconduct, Arbitration may result in a number of serious consequences up to totally banning someone from editing, as laid out in the [[SpinProfiles:Arbitration|Arbitration policy]].
 
 
==Editor assistance==
 
Editor assistance helps editors find someone experienced to provide you one-on-one advice and feedback. While not a required part of dispute resolution, it is designed to help you understand how to clearly and civilly express your views and work toward consensus. You may request an assistant's help at any time, whether you're involved in dispute resolution or not. Assistants can also help you find the best way to resolve your dispute or issue. Contact the SpinProfiles managing editor at <mailto:management@spinprofiles.org>
 
 
== Use Version Summary ==
 
If you don't have enough time and energy to settle disputes, you can always mark your version using the 'Edit Summary' in such a way that you and others can find your point of view quickly among all the versions in the history column. 
 
 
==External Links==
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WP:EDITWAR] Wikipedia guidelines on 'Edit wars'.
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Edit_summary] Wikipedia guidelines for 'Edit summary'
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:The_perfect_article] Wikipedia guide to writing the perfect article.
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Please_do_not_bite_the_newcomers] Wikipedia guideline 'Please do not bite the newcomers'.
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:NPOV_dispute] Wikipedia guide to 'NPOV disputes'
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Accuracy_dispute] Wikipedia guide to 'Accuracy disputes'.
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Polling_is_not_a_substitute_for_discussion] Wikipedia guide to why Polling is not a substitute for discussion.
 
  
 
[[Category:SpinProfiles Help]]
 
[[Category:SpinProfiles Help]]
 
[[Category:SpinProfiles policy and guideline pages|Policy]]
 
[[Category:SpinProfiles policy and guideline pages|Policy]]

Revision as of 13:03, 26 November 2008

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.

Avoidance

The best way to resolve a dispute is to avoid it in the first place.

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. SpinProfiles 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.

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.

Etiquette

Read, understand and follow SpinProfiles guidelines on etiquette for advice and tips on how to avoid disputes, as well as ways of dealing with issues should they arise.

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: which fits with SpinProfiles policy of always aiming to resolve a dispute should one 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 persepctive and take a long term view. We all have different preferences and styles, but in the end it is what is best for a SpinProfiles article that counts: with quality and accuracy as our top priority. 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 had not managed to resolve your disagreement through your initial discussion, then you should hopefully be able to do so now. Continuing to escalate the conflict with heated discussion or competing edits is likely to aggravate the dispute, so if some time out has not helped to resolve the matter it then becomes time for some mediation.

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 SpinProfiles 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 editors help to assist you at any time, whether this is to resolve a dispute or for any other advice/support you may require.

SpinProfiles Managing Editor can be contacted by emailing management AT spinprofiles.org