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| text = '''This is an informal guide.''' It is not a Misplaced Pages policy, and it is not binding in any way. | text = '''This is an informal guide.''' It is not a Misplaced Pages policy, and it is not binding in any way.
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{{dispute-resolution}} {{dispute-resolution}}
Hello, and thank you for showing an interest at the ], an informal step in the ] of the English Misplaced Pages. It's main purpose is to mediate small content disputes between a handful of editors. Resolutions here are not formally binding, but may be referred back to in later discussions.


Hello, and thank you for showing an interest at the ]. This is a guide for people who are thinking of volunteering to help resolve disputes as neutral third parties. While there are no formal requirements for helping and you should feel free to participate right away, by listing your name as a volunteer you become an important part of the Dispute Resolution process. It is often better in disputes to have many different opinions and your input is greatly encouraged. This is a guide for people who are thinking of volunteering to help resolve disputes as neutral third parties, and for existing volunteers to refer back to. By reading over it, you will become more familiar with the procedures and processes of the noticeboard. There are no formal requirements for helping and you should feel free to participate right away; any editor may comment on any discussion. You do not have to be a listed volunteer to help on a dispute, but by adding your name to the ], it will help the bot distinguish you as a volunteer in regards to the opening and closing of disputes, and willaid the smooth running of the noticeboard. As mediators, if you open a case, you should be willing to follow the case and add advice and suggestions towards moving to an agreement. Volunteers strive to be neutral and fair, but can form an opinion and agree with the weight of an argument in a dispute.
*You do not have to be a listed volunteer to help on a dispute. Any editor may add their input. Don't be afraid if there is already another comment on a dispute; go ahead and give your two cents.
*Anyone can volunteer with a DRN case: you don't need to pass a test or have any experience in dispute resolution. To find a case, you should review the cases listed at the ]. Locate a case that you are willing to help with. If the case is already open, you can simply post a comment in the "Discussion" section of the case.
:*''About experience:'' While experience ''in dispute resolution'' is not a prerequisite, ''general'' experience at Misplaced Pages and a good working knowledge of Misplaced Pages policies and guidelines are needed because disputes must ordinarily be resolved in accordance with those standards and also because many editors involved in disputes will already be experienced and knowledgeable. Newcomers and inexperienced editors may be encouraged by more experienced volunteers to obtain more general experience before volunteering here.


Volunteers should review ], and ] as well as ] and ].
==First steps ==
==Full case status information==
{{main|Misplaced Pages:Dispute resolution noticeboard/Volunteer guide}}
{{cot|bg=#cae1ff|Full DR/N status details}}
* To go beyond just adding a comment or two now and then, and to become a regular volunteer, add your name to the ] below. This important first step allows the bot to recognize you as a volunteer. This separates you from participants in the dispute so that the first comment by an editor on the list will activate the bots function and automatically open the filing. This will help the bot keep track of discussions. Feel free to state if any sort of dispute interests you more than others.
::Add ] to your watchlist so you can keep track of the disputes. This page keeps a listing of all cases currently at DRN, and is updated by a robot every half-hour. It sorts cases by age, and lists the amount of time since a volunteer edited a thread, and the current status of a dispute. It's best to look at the older disputes first where possible, but feel free to start with a thread that interests you or doesn't look too complex.
* Review the techniques that can be used to resolve disputes in a variety of different situations. They're listed ].
{{Userboxtop|}}
{{User DRN}} Consider adding this to your User page
{{Userboxbottom}}
:: Consider putting the {{tl|User DRN}} userbox on your user page
::Consider adding yourself to the DRN category by placing ] on your user page.
{{-}}

=== Helping with a particular case ===

*'''OPENING A CASE FILING''' - If you are the first ''volunteer'' to post a comment in the Discussion section, that will cause the case filing to open.

===Case status===
The state of each case is indicated by a rectangular status box at the top of the case. The bot will maintain the status on all but three, which require a volunteer to manually do so (see "Closing a dispute filing" below). The status boxes include the following: The state of each case is indicated by a rectangular status box at the top of the case. The bot will maintain the status on all but three, which require a volunteer to manually do so (see "Closing a dispute filing" below). The status boxes include the following:


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| style="background-color:#ffd8d8; border:1px solid lightgrey;"| '''This marks a discussion that has been opened, but needs assistance from a volunteer.'''Sometimes a thread gets forgotten, and the participants will continue discussion without the assistance of a volunteer. If the bot notices such a situation, it will flag the thread for attention. It's advisable to ask the participants to hold off discussing the issue any further until you've had time to review the thread and given suggestions based on the situation. | style="background-color:#ffd8d8; border:1px solid lightgrey;"| '''This marks a discussion that has been opened, but needs assistance from a volunteer.'''Sometimes a thread gets forgotten, and the participants will continue discussion without the assistance of a volunteer. If the bot notices such a situation, it will flag the thread for attention. It's advisable to ask the participants to hold off discussing the issue any further until you've had time to review the thread and given suggestions based on the situation.
|} |}
{{cob}}

==How to start==
Picking a dispute to help mediate is up to you. As long as you are not involved or have any strong conflicts of interest in the case or the involved parties you can pick any case to help with. If you don't feel comfortable with mediating immediatly you can help by just commenting. Another way to help is with simple house cleaning tasks or procedural closings.
By adding ] to your watchlist, you can keep track of the disputes listed on DRN. This page keeps a listing of all cases currently at DRN, and is updated by a robot every half-hour. It sorts cases by age, and lists the amount of time since a volunteer edited a thread, and the current status of a dispute. It's best to look at the older disputes first where possible, but feel free to start with a thread that interests you or doesn't look too complex.

*An unassessed dispute:
<span style="display: block; width: 350px; border:darkgrey solid 1px; padding:4px;">] – This request is unassessed.</span>

To have a case reviewed at the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard, the dispute most have been discussed extensively.

This is an unassessed filing. Check the request to make sure everything is there. Filings must be filled out completely. If there is a way to fix an issue, such a an incorrect (redlinked) article redirect, please fix these errors. Check to see if each participant listed has been notified. If anyone has not been automatically notified by the bot already, you may do so manually with '''<code><nowiki>{{subst:Template:DRN-notice}}</nowiki></code>'''.

===Procedural closing===
Volunteers should check all new filings and disputes. A procedural closing should always be clear violations of procedure, such as no extensive discussion or another venue is currently being used.

Reasons for a procedural "quick closing" of a filing include:
#No extensive discussion on a talkpage. Check the talkpage of the article where the dispute is located. If there is little or no discussion check the talkpages of the listed participants. If there is also no extensive discussion there the filing should be closed.
#All parties are blocked, uninvolved or decline. If the talkpages of the article or users indicate that all parties are either uninvolved, declining to participate or blocked, the case may be quick declined.
#Conduct disputes. Disputes that are only/mostly conduct disputes should be closed.
#Another noticeboard already has a filing. If AN, AN/I, RS/N, BLP/N or any of the dispute steps is already in progress and has not closed, a case at DR/N should be declined.
#No current dispute or stale dispute. There may be no actual dispute and the filing could be a good faith mistake or misinterpretation.
#If a discussion is older than one month with no current postings, it has gone stale and may be closed.
#If a dispute has already been resolved by a consensus of editors and the requesting editor is merely refusing to acknowledge the existence of the consensus or canvassing to break the consensus.

====Closing a dispute filing====
When closing for procedural reason mark the case simply as closed:

<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:lightgrey; border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] – This request has been closed and will be archived.</span>

Other than a quick decline the only other procedural closings are a failed or resolved.

:''Light grey'' colored status as "unsuitable" = <code><nowiki>{{DR case status|closed}}</nowiki></code>

::To close the filing, edit the DR/N case section by replacing the current status with the one above. You will also need to collapse the case by using the "]" template (along with the bottom template added to the very bottom of the discussion). To do this you must replace the ''archiving date'' under the status (you will see this next to a hidden text <nowiki><!-- Hidden message --></nowiki> pointing it out to be replaced). Use <nowiki>{{DRN archive top|reason=Put your closing comments here. ~~~~}}</nowiki> in place of the archiving date and add you comments where shown in the template. Add <nowiki>{{DRN archive bottom}}</nowiki> at the very bottom and click "Show Preview" to be sure no mistakes were made. If everything looks good click "Save page".

===Helping a current dispute===
*A dispute is automatically flagged as needing attention after a small period of time active:
<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:#ffd8d8;border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] – This request requires a volunteer's attention.</span>

This means that it has gone long enough without being resolved and needs the attention of a volunteer. Some times the parties may be stuck and need another opinion and sometimes the case was marked as resolved but was given 24 hrs for comment. Any volunteer may close a dispute that is non controversial such as those that all parties have agreed to a resolution but the filing has yet to be closed, volunteers may close a resolved case that has not had further posting for 24 rs. Follow the instructions for a resolved case closing. If it is shaded pink and there is an active unresolved dispute, you may want to read through the case and ask questions and make suggestions if you think it will help another volunteer.
*A dispute may have been opened but no discussion has occurred:

<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:#fffff0;border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] – This request has been inactive for some time.</span>

The dispute may have been resolved or the parties have lost interest. Any volunteer may close a stale dispute, as long as a warning has been given that the case will be closing in 24 if no further comments are made. If a case is controversial, it is best practice to manually ping each participant with:

;<code>{<nowiki />{]:]}}</code>:This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current ] case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties, please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Resolved". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. ] (]) {{CURRENTTIME}}, {{CURRENTDAY}} {{CURRENTMONTH}} {{CURRENTYEAR}} (UTC)
;<code>{<nowiki />{]:]|failed}}</code>:This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current ] case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties and no further comment is made at the opened filing, it may be failed and suggested that the next logical course of action be formal mediation. Please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Failed". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. ] (]) {{CURRENTTIME}}, {{CURRENTDAY}} {{CURRENTMONTH}} {{CURRENTYEAR}} (UTC)
;<code>{<nowiki />{]:]|failed|request for comment}}</code>:This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current ] case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties and no further comment is made at the opened filing, it may be failed and suggested that the next logical course of action be request for comment. Please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Failed". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. ] (]) {{CURRENTTIME}}, {{CURRENTDAY}} {{CURRENTMONTH}} {{CURRENTYEAR}} (UTC)

==Opening a case==
===Mediating===
As a volunteer or even an unlisted, uninvolved participant, the point of mediating is to resolve the content dispute. This means we are not trying to fix the issue or make decisions on the value of the material. In a dispute the content is secondary to resolving the conflict. The main issue here are the editors. For whatever reason, they are not able to form a consensus. While the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard itself is an informal process, the project has guidelines about conduct and when cases should be opened.
===Taking the lead===
It is not a good idea to open or make remarks in a dispute unless you intend to, and have the time to, pursue the case to its end ''unless'' you make it clear, or it is clear from what you do, that you are joining in only for a limited time or limited purpose. On the other hand, no volunteer either owns or is solely responsible for handling a particular dispute. Do not hold back simply because some other volunteer has already opened or made remarks in a case: add your assistance if you believe it will be helpful. If you do join in a case that is already in progress with another volunteer, however, be careful, cautious, and respectful for what is being done by that volunteer. If you have taken the lead in a case but cannot continue for some reason, please say so in the dispute thread and put a note on the DRN talk page as well.
===First, do no harm===
Always remember that settling disputes is always secondary to our goal of improving the encyclopedia. Discourage and, if necessary, oppose dispute settlements which violate Misplaced Pages's content policies or guidelines. While that is ''especially'' true with "legal" matters such as libel/biographies of living persons, legal threats, and copyright, it is also true with everyday policies such as verifiability and original research.
=== What to remember, and what helps ===
{{main|Misplaced Pages:Dispute Resolution Noticeboard/suggestions}}

* Your presence and participation alone brings something to a discussion.
* In contentious disputes, creating ground rules that all parties must agree to may help structure the discussion.
:'''Ground rules''':
# Please keep all comments focused on the mediation. Proper editing decorum must be maintained, and as such, incivility and personal attacks must not occur, and volunteers reserve the ability to archive, refactor or remove comments of such nature.
# Try to keep an open mind in the case, and realise that sometimes, ]. Mediation is not possible without compromise as well as keeping an open mind.
# When there are multiple issues that need to be addressed in a dispute, only one particular issue or dispute is to be discussed at a time. Discussion that veers off course of the current topic may be archived at the volunteer's discretion.
# DR/N is not a formal part of the dispute resolution process, and cannot provide binding sanctions. Nevertheless, everyone involved should agree to abide by the outcome of the case.

* Ask questions. How a question is phrased can help frame a debate, and they're useful for cutting through conduct issues.
* Clearly define the dispute that instigated the request. Make sure that everyone agrees to the details of the dispute. Often, a simple misunderstanding is the heart of the problem.
* We can crib some notes from the ] used by the ]. It is ''highly'' recommended that you check out ].
* You'll make mistakes: a mediator learns to turn mistakes into triumphs. Experiment.
* Do not feel the need to constantly participate if the parties are doing well without your assistance. Sometimes you only need to "take the helm" when the discussion is going in circles or there are civility issues.
* But for large disputes, structure is practically essential, even when it appears that editors are getting along and don't need it. There's a good chance for some future brouhaha, and if you've been sitting back and letting things "take their course", you won't have the capital to act. You do not want to be seen as aloof.
* It can be easy to assume that there is such a thing as a truly ] version. Remember that neutrality is an ''ideal'', not a reality: Misplaced Pages is made up of opinionated people and what makes up a neutral article is itself an opinion. ''Remember that you too are opinionated.'' Don't allow your opinions to cloud your open-mindedness. This is important, because it is possible to become hard in your views about neutrality, and at that point it can probably be said that you are no longer mediating.

If all procedural issues are clear and the filing has all opening comments by participant it may be opened. Before you open a case, be sure and review the dispute itself and discussion. Remember when engaging editors to be civil at all times and as friendly and helpful as you can.

All parties should have been notified and the participant openings should all have been made within 2000 characters. If a party has opened with more than 2000 characters we should only ask them to trim their openings if it excessive (100 to 200 characters or more).


If no other volunteer has posted and you are the first listed DR/N volunteer to comment anywhere on the filing, the posting itself will trigger the case as "open".
*'''CLOSING A DISPUTE FILING''' - Once a case has been determined to have ended by a volunteer it requires a manual close. Of the three current options, please determine closing as one of the following:


<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:#ADD8E6;border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] – This request is receiving the attention of a volunteer.</span>
:''Pale green'' colored status as "resolved"= <nowiki>{{DR case status|resolved}}</nowiki>


If you, or any other volunteer has made no procedural comments, it is best practice to introduce yourself as a volutneer on the DR/N and ask if anyone has a suggestion to resolve the dispute or compromise towards a solution. Step back and wait for some discussion. It is best to not address the first question immediately unless it is pressing. Especially when the dispute involves a larger group of editors and give a chance for the participants to all weigh in. See if a discussion without you does well first before diving in to much.
:''Coral'' colored status as "failed" = <nowiki>{{DR case status|failed}}</nowiki>


==Closing==
:''Light grey'' colored status as "unsuitable" = <nowiki>{{DR case status|closed}}</nowiki>
Aside from the above procedural closings, volunteers can close cases they mediate when it becomes clear that they have either been resolved or clearly no consensus can be reached at this venue. This is done that same as a procedural closing except that you use the following status updates:
===Resolved===
<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:#d0f0c0;border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] - This request will be archived because it is resolved.</span>


Pale green colored status as "resolved"= '''<code><nowiki>{{DR case status|resolved}}</nowiki></code>'''
::To close the filing, edit the DR/N case section by replacing the current status with the one selected. You will also need to collapse the case by using the "]" template (along with the bottom template added to the very bottom of the discussion). To do this you must replace the ''archiving date'' under the status (you will see this next to a hidden text <nowiki><!-- Hidden message --></nowiki> pointing it out to be replaced). Use <nowiki>{{DRN archive top|reason=Put your closing comments here. ~~~~}}</nowiki> in place of the archiving date and add you comments where shown in the template. Add <nowiki>{{DRN archive bottom}}</nowiki> at the very bottom and click "Show Preview" to be sure no mistakes were made. If everything looks good click "Save page".


When all involved parties have agreed on a resolution clearly, in an unambiguous manner, the case filing may be closed. Sometimes a volunteer will not close the filing immediately. If they have not stated a 24 hr close, but the case is resolved and there have been no further postings, any volunteer may close them and mark the case resolved. If you have mediated a resolved dispute it is generally best to close the case as soon as possible. Always expect that a participant may wish to comment on your talkpage if they came to late to post after a closing you made. Be patient and try to help them.
== Advice and encouragement ==


===No Resolution===
Here are some things to bear in mind when commenting on a DRN case:
<span style="display: block; width: 350px;background-color:#FA8072; border:darkgrey solid 1px;padding:4px">] – This request has been closed and no resolution has been reached.</span>


Coral colored status as "failed" = '''<code><nowiki>{{DR case status|failed}}</nowiki></code>'''
* Your mere participation in a dispute can help calm the situation
* Questions are one of your greatest tools. They refocus the discussion away from conduct and back towards content.
* Summarize the situation back to the participants in your own words, and ask any follow-up questions if you need clarification.
* Editors who discuss disputes at this board may be distressed and frustrated. Try to use language that calms down disputes, rather than language that escalates them.
* Pay attention to disputant's comments: the core of the dispute may hide between the lines or behind the language and implications.
* Try to break down a dispute into smaller chunks, and reach a consensus the issues one by one, starting with the least contentious issues first, and moving onto the more difficult ones later. Parties will sometimes be more open to compromise on larger issues if they've worked together on the little ones.
* Keep your answers focused on Misplaced Pages policy and how it affects the dispute. Disputes can often be solved by gently clarifying policies to editors who haven't yet fully grasped their intricacies.
* Address the content issues that editors are disputing before addressing conduct. When editors realize that their content issues are being dealt with thoughtfully and respectfully, conduct issues often disappear.
* This noticeboard is a gateway into Misplaced Pages's ] system; we don't have to solve every dispute here. If there is a better venue for a dispute, then suggest it.
* There needs to be discussion on a talk page about a dispute before it can be brought here. If there hasn't been any discussion, point this out politely to the participants, and close the thread.
* If there's an improperly filed thread, don't just close it: try to fix it and help the editor because they may not be familiar with the dispute resolution noticeboard.
* You'll make mistakes, and that's OK: we learn to turn mistakes into triumphs. Any mistake you make can be remedied.
* Avoid posting comments in the Discussion section until all parties have submitted opening statements. There are situations were such comments are appropriate, such as welcoming statements and procedural notes; or after it becomes apparent that a party will not respond; or comments from editors familiar with the case who won't have another opportunity to provide input.


Commonly referred to as "Failed", no resolution means that the volunteer is likely to recommend the next logical direction. This could be anything from more talkpage discussion to arbitration. All volunteer recommendations are non binding.
For additional guidance, see below and post an inquiry at the ]. Also, some additional ideas ].


== List of the DRN volunteers == == List of the DRN volunteers ==

Revision as of 10:34, 15 March 2013

This is an informal guide. It is not a Misplaced Pages policy, and it is not binding in any way.Shortcut
Dispute resolution
(Requests)
Tips
Content disputes
Conduct disputes

Hello, and thank you for showing an interest at the dispute resolution noticeboard, an informal step in the dispute resolution processes of the English Misplaced Pages. It's main purpose is to mediate small content disputes between a handful of editors. Resolutions here are not formally binding, but may be referred back to in later discussions.

This is a guide for people who are thinking of volunteering to help resolve disputes as neutral third parties, and for existing volunteers to refer back to. By reading over it, you will become more familiar with the procedures and processes of the noticeboard. There are no formal requirements for helping and you should feel free to participate right away; any editor may comment on any discussion. You do not have to be a listed volunteer to help on a dispute, but by adding your name to the list of volunteers, it will help the bot distinguish you as a volunteer in regards to the opening and closing of disputes, and willaid the smooth running of the noticeboard. As mediators, if you open a case, you should be willing to follow the case and add advice and suggestions towards moving to an agreement. Volunteers strive to be neutral and fair, but can form an opinion and agree with the weight of an argument in a dispute.

Volunteers should review Misplaced Pages:Dispute resolution, and Misplaced Pages:Policies and guidelines as well as Misplaced Pages:Identifying reliable sources and Misplaced Pages:Biographies of living persons.

Full case status information

Full DR/N status details

The state of each case is indicated by a rectangular status box at the top of the case. The bot will maintain the status on all but three, which require a volunteer to manually do so (see "Closing a dispute filing" below). The status boxes include the following:

– This request is unassessed. This marks a new case that needs a volunteer. You do not normally need to manually set this case status (the form wizard will do that automatically when the filing is posted. However, a volunteer can add or re-add this status manually if needed). Before opening a case, read over the parties' opening comments and the article talk page. Assess the situation. Make recommendations on how to resolve the dispute based on the suggestions below.
– This request is receiving the attention of a volunteer. This marks a discussion that has been opened by a volunteer. DRN works best when multiple editors provide input, so feel free to add a comment even though another volunteer has already commented.
- This request will be archived because it is resolved. This marks a discussion that was resolved successfully and has been closed. If you feel a case has been resolved, ask the parties if they agree with the resolution. You can also ask for guidance on the DRN talk page. To mark a case "resolved", change the status at the top of the case to {{DR case status|resolved}} and post an explanation at the bottom of the discussion. Any volunteer can mark a case resolved (it does not have to be the same editor that opened the case).
– This request has been closed and no resolution has been reached. This marks a discussion that was not resolved successfully and has been closed because of inactivity. This may be that the participants couldn't come to a consensus on the issues that were being discussed. The participating editors may have requested that the case should be closed. Dispute resolution was attempted, but the process was not successful. To mark a case as "failed", change the status at the top of the case to {{DR case status|failed}} and post an explanation at the bottom of the discussion.
– This request has been closed and will be archived. This marks a discussion that has been closed, because the discussion is unsuitable for DRN. This may be that the issues are too complex, that prior discussion has yet to occur, or that another forum like WP:MEDCOM is more appropriate. If you think that any of these are the case, ask a few questions on the thread to see if others agree. Feel free to ask on the DRN talk page too. To close the discussion, change the status at the top of the thread to {{DR case status|closed}} and leave a comment at the bottom of the discussion.
– This request has been inactive for some time. This marks a discussion that has been opened, but hasn't been commented on by anyone in a day. The noticeboard can clog up with cases if inactive threads are left open. If you see a dispute that's marked as stale, read over the discussion: the dispute may be resolved but hasn't been closed. Otherwise, leave a comment on the thread asking if it still needs assistance.
– This request requires a volunteer's attention. This marks a discussion that has been opened, but needs assistance from a volunteer.Sometimes a thread gets forgotten, and the participants will continue discussion without the assistance of a volunteer. If the bot notices such a situation, it will flag the thread for attention. It's advisable to ask the participants to hold off discussing the issue any further until you've had time to review the thread and given suggestions based on the situation.

How to start

Picking a dispute to help mediate is up to you. As long as you are not involved or have any strong conflicts of interest in the case or the involved parties you can pick any case to help with. If you don't feel comfortable with mediating immediatly you can help by just commenting. Another way to help is with simple house cleaning tasks or procedural closings. By adding Template:DRN case status to your watchlist, you can keep track of the disputes listed on DRN. This page keeps a listing of all cases currently at DRN, and is updated by a robot every half-hour. It sorts cases by age, and lists the amount of time since a volunteer edited a thread, and the current status of a dispute. It's best to look at the older disputes first where possible, but feel free to start with a thread that interests you or doesn't look too complex.

  • An unassessed dispute:

– This request is unassessed.

To have a case reviewed at the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard, the dispute most have been discussed extensively.

This is an unassessed filing. Check the request to make sure everything is there. Filings must be filled out completely. If there is a way to fix an issue, such a an incorrect (redlinked) article redirect, please fix these errors. Check to see if each participant listed has been notified. If anyone has not been automatically notified by the bot already, you may do so manually with {{subst:Template:DRN-notice}}.

Procedural closing

Volunteers should check all new filings and disputes. A procedural closing should always be clear violations of procedure, such as no extensive discussion or another venue is currently being used.

Reasons for a procedural "quick closing" of a filing include:

  1. No extensive discussion on a talkpage. Check the talkpage of the article where the dispute is located. If there is little or no discussion check the talkpages of the listed participants. If there is also no extensive discussion there the filing should be closed.
  2. All parties are blocked, uninvolved or decline. If the talkpages of the article or users indicate that all parties are either uninvolved, declining to participate or blocked, the case may be quick declined.
  3. Conduct disputes. Disputes that are only/mostly conduct disputes should be closed.
  4. Another noticeboard already has a filing. If AN, AN/I, RS/N, BLP/N or any of the dispute steps is already in progress and has not closed, a case at DR/N should be declined.
  5. No current dispute or stale dispute. There may be no actual dispute and the filing could be a good faith mistake or misinterpretation.
  6. If a discussion is older than one month with no current postings, it has gone stale and may be closed.
  7. If a dispute has already been resolved by a consensus of editors and the requesting editor is merely refusing to acknowledge the existence of the consensus or canvassing to break the consensus.

Closing a dispute filing

When closing for procedural reason mark the case simply as closed:

– This request has been closed and will be archived.

Other than a quick decline the only other procedural closings are a failed or resolved.

Light grey colored status as "unsuitable" = {{DR case status|closed}}
To close the filing, edit the DR/N case section by replacing the current status with the one above. You will also need to collapse the case by using the "DR/N archive top" template (along with the bottom template added to the very bottom of the discussion). To do this you must replace the archiving date under the status (you will see this next to a hidden text <!-- Hidden message --> pointing it out to be replaced). Use {{DRN archive top|reason=Put your closing comments here. ~~~~}} in place of the archiving date and add you comments where shown in the template. Add {{DRN archive bottom}} at the very bottom and click "Show Preview" to be sure no mistakes were made. If everything looks good click "Save page".

Helping a current dispute

  • A dispute is automatically flagged as needing attention after a small period of time active:

– This request requires a volunteer's attention.

This means that it has gone long enough without being resolved and needs the attention of a volunteer. Some times the parties may be stuck and need another opinion and sometimes the case was marked as resolved but was given 24 hrs for comment. Any volunteer may close a dispute that is non controversial such as those that all parties have agreed to a resolution but the filing has yet to be closed, volunteers may close a resolved case that has not had further posting for 24 rs. Follow the instructions for a resolved case closing. If it is shaded pink and there is an active unresolved dispute, you may want to read through the case and ask questions and make suggestions if you think it will help another volunteer.

  • A dispute may have been opened but no discussion has occurred:

– This request has been inactive for some time.

The dispute may have been resolved or the parties have lost interest. Any volunteer may close a stale dispute, as long as a warning has been given that the case will be closing in 24 if no further comments are made. If a case is controversial, it is best practice to manually ping each participant with:

{{subst:DRN participation ping}}
This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current Dispute Resolution Noticeboard case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties, please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Resolved". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. Example (talk) 11:44, 27 12 2024 (UTC)
{{subst:DRN participation ping|failed}}
This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current Dispute Resolution Noticeboard case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties and no further comment is made at the opened filing, it may be failed and suggested that the next logical course of action be formal mediation. Please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Failed". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. Example (talk) 11:44, 27 12 2024 (UTC)
{{subst:DRN participation ping|failed|request for comment}}
This is a friendly reminder to involved parties that there is a current Dispute Resolution Noticeboard case still awaiting comments and replies. If this dispute has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the filing editor and all involved parties and no further comment is made at the opened filing, it may be failed and suggested that the next logical course of action be request for comment. Please take a moment to add a note about this at the discussion so that a volunteer may close the case as "Failed". If the dispute is still ongoing, please add your input. Example (talk) 11:44, 27 12 2024 (UTC)

Opening a case

Mediating

As a volunteer or even an unlisted, uninvolved participant, the point of mediating is to resolve the content dispute. This means we are not trying to fix the issue or make decisions on the value of the material. In a dispute the content is secondary to resolving the conflict. The main issue here are the editors. For whatever reason, they are not able to form a consensus. While the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard itself is an informal process, the project has guidelines about conduct and when cases should be opened.

Taking the lead

It is not a good idea to open or make remarks in a dispute unless you intend to, and have the time to, pursue the case to its end unless you make it clear, or it is clear from what you do, that you are joining in only for a limited time or limited purpose. On the other hand, no volunteer either owns or is solely responsible for handling a particular dispute. Do not hold back simply because some other volunteer has already opened or made remarks in a case: add your assistance if you believe it will be helpful. If you do join in a case that is already in progress with another volunteer, however, be careful, cautious, and respectful for what is being done by that volunteer. If you have taken the lead in a case but cannot continue for some reason, please say so in the dispute thread and put a note on the DRN talk page as well.

First, do no harm

Always remember that settling disputes is always secondary to our goal of improving the encyclopedia. Discourage and, if necessary, oppose dispute settlements which violate Misplaced Pages's content policies or guidelines. While that is especially true with "legal" matters such as libel/biographies of living persons, legal threats, and copyright, it is also true with everyday policies such as verifiability and original research.

What to remember, and what helps

Main page: Misplaced Pages:Dispute Resolution Noticeboard/suggestions
  • Your presence and participation alone brings something to a discussion.
  • In contentious disputes, creating ground rules that all parties must agree to may help structure the discussion.
Ground rules:
  1. Please keep all comments focused on the mediation. Proper editing decorum must be maintained, and as such, incivility and personal attacks must not occur, and volunteers reserve the ability to archive, refactor or remove comments of such nature.
  2. Try to keep an open mind in the case, and realise that sometimes, you need to give a little to get a little. Mediation is not possible without compromise as well as keeping an open mind.
  3. When there are multiple issues that need to be addressed in a dispute, only one particular issue or dispute is to be discussed at a time. Discussion that veers off course of the current topic may be archived at the volunteer's discretion.
  4. DR/N is not a formal part of the dispute resolution process, and cannot provide binding sanctions. Nevertheless, everyone involved should agree to abide by the outcome of the case.
  • Ask questions. How a question is phrased can help frame a debate, and they're useful for cutting through conduct issues.
  • Clearly define the dispute that instigated the request. Make sure that everyone agrees to the details of the dispute. Often, a simple misunderstanding is the heart of the problem.
  • We can crib some notes from the official mediation process used by the mediation committee. It is highly recommended that you check out MeatBall wiki.
  • You'll make mistakes: a mediator learns to turn mistakes into triumphs. Experiment.
  • Do not feel the need to constantly participate if the parties are doing well without your assistance. Sometimes you only need to "take the helm" when the discussion is going in circles or there are civility issues.
  • But for large disputes, structure is practically essential, even when it appears that editors are getting along and don't need it. There's a good chance for some future brouhaha, and if you've been sitting back and letting things "take their course", you won't have the capital to act. You do not want to be seen as aloof.
  • It can be easy to assume that there is such a thing as a truly neutral version. Remember that neutrality is an ideal, not a reality: Misplaced Pages is made up of opinionated people and what makes up a neutral article is itself an opinion. Remember that you too are opinionated. Don't allow your opinions to cloud your open-mindedness. This is important, because it is possible to become hard in your views about neutrality, and at that point it can probably be said that you are no longer mediating.

If all procedural issues are clear and the filing has all opening comments by participant it may be opened. Before you open a case, be sure and review the dispute itself and discussion. Remember when engaging editors to be civil at all times and as friendly and helpful as you can.

All parties should have been notified and the participant openings should all have been made within 2000 characters. If a party has opened with more than 2000 characters we should only ask them to trim their openings if it excessive (100 to 200 characters or more).

If no other volunteer has posted and you are the first listed DR/N volunteer to comment anywhere on the filing, the posting itself will trigger the case as "open".

– This request is receiving the attention of a volunteer.

If you, or any other volunteer has made no procedural comments, it is best practice to introduce yourself as a volutneer on the DR/N and ask if anyone has a suggestion to resolve the dispute or compromise towards a solution. Step back and wait for some discussion. It is best to not address the first question immediately unless it is pressing. Especially when the dispute involves a larger group of editors and give a chance for the participants to all weigh in. See if a discussion without you does well first before diving in to much.

Closing

Aside from the above procedural closings, volunteers can close cases they mediate when it becomes clear that they have either been resolved or clearly no consensus can be reached at this venue. This is done that same as a procedural closing except that you use the following status updates:

Resolved

- This request will be archived because it is resolved.

Pale green colored status as "resolved"= {{DR case status|resolved}}

When all involved parties have agreed on a resolution clearly, in an unambiguous manner, the case filing may be closed. Sometimes a volunteer will not close the filing immediately. If they have not stated a 24 hr close, but the case is resolved and there have been no further postings, any volunteer may close them and mark the case resolved. If you have mediated a resolved dispute it is generally best to close the case as soon as possible. Always expect that a participant may wish to comment on your talkpage if they came to late to post after a closing you made. Be patient and try to help them.

No Resolution

– This request has been closed and no resolution has been reached.

Coral colored status as "failed" = {{DR case status|failed}}

Commonly referred to as "Failed", no resolution means that the volunteer is likely to recommend the next logical direction. This could be anything from more talkpage discussion to arbitration. All volunteer recommendations are non binding.

List of the DRN volunteers

Shortcut

If you volunteer at the noticeboard, even if only for a short period of time, add yourself to the list of volunteers below (it will help the bot who maintains DRN). You can also add the {{User DRN}} userbox to your user page, or alternatively add Category:Wikipedians who assist at the dispute resolution noticeboard to your user page if userboxes aren't your thing. If you list yourself here, but find yourself involved in a dispute being filed at DR/N and wish to participate as one of the disputants, you may still comment and reply but must NOT comment until the case is opened by another volunteer. Alternatively, you may simply choose to remove yourself from the list temporarily so that your "opening comment" does not set the bot into motion to open the case as "Receiving the attention of a volunteer". Your support is very much appreciated. The list may also be used to find someone willing to help with a DRN case.

  1. Acronin3 (talk · contribs)
  2. Alpha Quadrant (talk · contribs)
  3. Amadscientist (talk · contribs)
  4. Atethnekos (talk · contribs)
  5. BaSH PR0MPT (talk · contribs)
  6. Bobzchemist (talk · contribs)
  7. Buster7 (talk · contribs)
  8. Byzantine95 (talk · contribs)
  9. Cabe6403 (talk · contribs)
  10. CarrieVS (talk · contribs)
  11. ChrisGualtieri (talk · contribs)
  12. Coastside (talk · contribs)
  13. Curb Chain (talk · contribs)
  14. Czarkoff (talk · contribs)
  15. David_Ross19 (talk · contribs)
  16. Ebe123 (talk · contribs)
  17. Figureskatingfan (talk · contribs)
  18. Flexdream (talk · contribs)
  19. FreeRangeFrog (talk · contribs)
  20. GimliDotNet (talk · contribs)
  21. Go Phightins! (talk · contribs)
  22. Guðsþegn (talk · contribs)
  23. Guy Macon (talk · contribs)
  24. Gwickwire (talk · contribs)
  25. Hasteur (talk · contribs)
  26. ItsZippy (talk · contribs)
  27. Joe Gazz84 (talk · contribs)
  28. John Carter (talk · contribs)
  29. Jorgath (talk · contribs)
  30. Kevin12xd (talk · contribs)
  31. Lord Roem (talk · contribs)
  32. MGray98 (talk · contribs)
  33. Mr. Stradivarius (talk · contribs)
  34. Nathan2055 (talk · contribs)
  35. NBruschi (talk · contribs)
  36. Noleander (talk · contribs)
  37. Righteousskills (talk · contribs)
  38. Riley Huntley (talk · contribs)
  39. Nerdfighter (talk · contribs)
  40. Shiny Bauble (talk · contribs)
  41. Sleddog116 (talk · contribs)
  42. Steven Zhang (talk · contribs)
  43. thehistorian10 (talk · contribs)
  44. Theopolisme (talk · contribs)
  45. Thine Antique Pen (talk · contribs)
  46. Topher385 (talk · contribs)
  47. TransporterMan (talk · contribs)
  48. Universal Life (talk · contribs)
  49. UseTheCommandLine (talk · contribs)
  50. Wikishagnik (talk · contribs)
  51. Wateresque (talk · contribs)
  52. Writ Keeper (talk · contribs)
  53. Xanchester (talk · contribs)
  54. Xavexgoem (talk · contribs)
  55. Zaldax (talk · contribs)
  56. 24.0.133.234 (talk · contribs)
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