Step 4 of: Wikipedia:Conflict resolution
Welcome! Thank you for coming. Sit down and have a cup of tea. We'll be with you momentarily. Have a deep breath or three.
...
There, that's better.
In short, what is mediation ?
- The whole point of mediation is to get people to talk, listen, try to think things through logically and reasonable (emphasis on reason) so that some compromises can be reached to everyone's satisfaction. Alex756.
Mediation is the activity in which a neutral third party (the mediator) assists two or more parties (the editors in conflict) in order to help resolve their conflict, with concrete effects, on a matter of common interest.
During mediation, each party can have a break, sit down with the mediator and the other party, have the opportunity to explain his/her situation, listen to each other, work together to achieve an agreement and make a consensual decision over the issue at stake.
What types of conflict may be solved by mediation ?
Who are the mediators ?
Mediators are people who are volunteering to get involved in mediating user Wikipedia:disputes.
They are regular trusted editors, approved by Jimbo and the other members of the commitee, here to help you.
But they are
- without any actual power over the final decision, and
- without any power to vote for or recommend a ban or any other punitive action.
See Wikipedia:Mediation Committee.
What happen doing mediation ?
You may ask for mediation here (see below), or on the mailing list. You may suggest a name, or the commitee will appoint a mediator to help you. In every case, both parties must agree with the mediator chosen.
This may be done through various means, like email, irc, phone... What is said during mediation sessions is private, and won't be disclosed without agreement of all parties. In particular it won't be used in any further conflict resolution proceedings (arbitration). You will be able to speak freely and fully.
Mediation is voluntary. Any settlement reached must be agreeable to both parties.
From time to time, progress bulletins (if warranted) might be issued.
What happens if mediation fails ?
You may (or the other party may) ask for arbitration, which is the next step in Wikipedia:Conflict resolution.
Keep in mind that mediation is an alternative to having an Wikipedia:arbitrator decides your case in the name of the community. I.e., another than you will decide which title is more NPOV, when content must be kept or deleted, when to ban you etc..., and you won't have the choice !
It is of your best interest to solve a dispute through mediation rather arbitration, because it is you (the disputants) who agree together of a solution.
For more information
You may wish to consult the following introductary link before formally asking for mediation : Wikipedia:Mediation (what is mediation)
Requests for mediation
It is always preferable for both parties to the dispute to request mediation. If possible please agree between you to request mediation before adding a request to this page. However, if you feel unable to approach the other party or feel that a mediator is needed to get an agreement to mediation then please ask.
It's important that this page should not become a second version of Wikipedia:Conflicts between users.
For a second time I place a complaint about User:Lord Kenneth.
Progress Bulletins
Uncle Ed has agreed to facilitate initial discussions between Danny & User:RK on unspecified issues.
see also Wikipedia talk:Mediation and Arbitration (proposal) for info