[WikiEN-l] RE: How many Arbitrators should we have?

Thu Oct 6 20:33:25 UTC 2005

>Thats all true, but there are measurable affects, and I think I'm far
>from alone in wishing that more benefits were reaped. I donno about
>arbiters, but we could use acouple hundred more mediators. The
>mediation commitee selection process is an error which should not be
>perpetuated.

>Jack (Sam Spade)

Sam Spade, what do you think is wrong with the mediation selection process? 
We can't exactly hold elections, because there's a variable amount of us. Do 
you have any reforms/opinions?

Regarding the effectiveness of mediation: it is true that Requests for 
mediation (RfM) was backlogged a few weeks ago. However, there's been a wave 
of new mediators/ applicants, and the MedCom is up and running again. The 
reason, in my opinion, why there's no immediate effect by the functioning of 
the MedCom is the nature of the work itself - unlike the ArbCom, we don't 
determine who's "right" and who's "wrong", we can't dole out punishments, 
and our word isn't binding. On the contrary, we strive to resolve the 
disputes before they reach the ArbCom. This is often difficult to 
accomplish, because disputes that have reached the stage of mediation are 
already very demanding, and even with the best mediator, it is doubtful that 
the dispute can be resolved completely. It is human nature that once you 
have a bad experience with another user, even after mediation, your views 
will not be altered significantly. Mediation is also a extremely long and 
time-consuming process; unlike the ArbCom, there is no definitive "end" to 
mediation. While the job is tough, I consider it worthwhile if the two 
disputees gain even an inch more respect and understanding for each other. 
Thus, I beleive in that sense, mediation has been working.

In another sense, though, the MedCom has failed. If I am correct, the 
original intentions of the WikiQuette Committee (the predecessor to the 
MedCom) was to lighten the load from the ArbCom. This has not happened; a 
cursorary glance at the current cases facing the ArbCom show that almost 
none attempted mediation. In fact, the vast majority of ArbCom cases over 
the past year have not gone through the MedCom.

Thus, I am going to make a suggestion: re-introduce and emphasize the role 
of the MedCom in the dispute resolution process. While the MedCom should by 
no means be doling out punishment or determining findings of facts, if even 
one-fourth of the current cases went through MedCom first, I believe the 
mutual respect between the involved parties would often increase - if only 
somewhat. Though it is doubtful that the MedCom would prevent any of these 
cases from going to the ArbCom, by having attempted mediation, not only 
would the mutual respect increase (hopefully), but also show the ArbCom that 
both sides have made good-faith efforts at resolving the conflict.

A second suggestion: hand the MedCom more power. In other words, make the 
MedCom serve as the "lower court" that has been proposed, except that 
instead of deciding cases, the MedCom could attempt to mediate, reject the 
case, or refer to the ArbCom. Thus, the MedCom would serve as a "filter" 
before the ArbCom, only referring to the ArbCom cases which they believe 
warrant arbitration, thus filtering out cases where mediation could possibly 
work and cases that are too ridiculous to reach the ArbCom. Of course, if 
mediation does not resolve the dispute, the MedCom can always refer the 
dispute to the ArbCom.

It is my opinion, as demonstrated above, that the MedCom should be more 
involved in the dispute resolution process than it currently is. While it 
may not be the solution that we are searching for regarding the ArbCom 
reforms, I certainly think that placing a greater emphasis on attempting 
mediation first is worthwhile.

Also, let me take this opportunity, in the spirit of Esperanza, to thank 
each and every one of you for your wonderful work on Wikipedia. Without you, 
this great project would not be possible. I know that it is easy to feel 
underappreciated, but know that many of us all admire and appreciate your 
work. Also, let me wish all the ArbCom candidates best of luck at this time, 
and to prepare - and warn- you of the long road ahead of you.

As always, I am seeking input on my views and value your opinions.

Regards,

Flcelloguy
>From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.

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