Help:Resolving Disputes

Resolving disputes can seem difficult, at first. Following are suggestions for resolving an editing dispute with another user.

Step One

 * Focus on content: WikiFirstEditions is dedicated to representing views fairly, proportionately, and without bias.  We welcome both expert and novice interested in collecting. If you find an article biased or inaccurate, improve it if you can but think twice before simply deleting it. Rather, balance it with your point of view. Make sure you provide reliable sources. Unreferenced text may be tagged or deleted.
 * Explain your changes: For minor changes that can be summarized easily, you can use the 'edit summary' dialog box; for longer explanations, use the "discussion" page.
 * Stay cool: Most situations are not urgent. If you find yourself in a dispute over content, give yourself and the other party some time.
 * Come back later: Return and carry on editing when the previous problem fades.  Perhaps the other editor has moved on.
 * Don't discourage newcomers: We want to encourage collaboration and welcome new arrivals.
 * Discuss: Post a message on the article's discussion page or the other user's User Page. Some back-and-forth may resolve issues. Don't dispute on the article page itself.
 * Rude behavior: If you encounter rude or inappropriate behavior, resist the temptation to respond in kind. Take the other person's perspective into account and try to reach a compromise. Assume that the other person is acting in good faith.

Step Two

 * Truce: Consider a truce. 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.
 * Solicit help from other users: Find someone experienced for feedback. This may help work toward consensus.
 * Third Opinion: If only two editors are involved in a dispute, seek a third opinion.
 * Policies & Guidelines: Point to a policy or guidelines if it is relevant to the issue.
 * Request a comment: Seek out a neutral third-party to comment on the article "discussion" page.
 * Informal Mediation: Sometimes other editors may be willing to mediate a dispute, if it is requested. Contact a user on his User Page and discuss.

Step Three

 * Formal 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. Again, note that Mediation is normally for disputes about Article content.