Misplaced Pages

:Mediation Cabal: Difference between revisions - Misplaced Pages

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 14:15, 15 June 2006 editDavidBailey (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users3,165 editsm →Some Current cabalists (mediators)← Previous edit Latest revision as of 20:16, 8 December 2024 edit undo2600:8802:1800:41:1120:e0c8:d396:e69 (talk) ambulance 
(431 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|historical document}}
<!-- NOTOC because intro text becomes fragmented at low resolution otherwise -->
{{historical|comment=<br/><hr>'''<span style="color:red;">Disputes should now be directed to</span> the ] or the ].'''}}
__NOTOC__
{{Ombox
<!-- Placing cats here, since new requests must be placed at the bottom -->
| image = ]
]
| style = text-align:center;
<!-- Header message and shortcuts -->
| text = This page '''contains material that is kept because it is considered humorous'''. Please do not take it seriously. Yes, really, do ''not'' take it seriously. It would be a ''bad'' mistake to take it seriously. There's ''nothing'' real here. Nothing ''at all. Nothing.'']}}
<table>
{{tinc}}
<tr><td>
{{redirect-confused|WP:MEDCAB|ambulances}}
{| style="background-color: transparent;"
| class="boilerplate" class="metadata" id="protected" style="width: 95%; background: #ffffdd; border: 1px solid #aaaa88; margin: 0 auto; padding: 0 10px 0 10px; text-align: left;" align="left" |'''This page will never be ].''' It is, by design, entirely informal.


The ], which never existed, now does not exist even more than it did not exist before, as ''it would have chosen to no longer not do informal mediation if it did exist'', but instead has not chosen to go on to not do ''other'' <small>(heh, heh, heh)</small> things which are not more important than those which we didn't do before.<ref>The '''Mediation Cabal''' was an informal, and lighthearted, process where Wikipedians provided informal mediation for disputes on Misplaced Pages: see ]. Over time, the processes were used less, and superseded by alternative processes such as the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard. Therefore, the project was closed..... or was it? The alleged final coordinators of the cabal<sup></sup> are listed ].</ref>
The ''Mediation Cabal'' is a real initiative, set up to provide informal mediation for disputes on Misplaced Pages. The Mediation Cabal has a somewhat odd form of organisation, and a quirky way of dealing with things. But problems are much easier to solve when you can laugh about them. :-) The "Cabalists" of the Mediation Cabal actually do wish to help you and this page is meant to be informational, as well as somewhat funny and (hopefully) reassuring.


'''''There is no cabal!''''' (Long live the cabal! ''Expect us.'')<br><br>
| id="shortcut" class="noprint" style="border: 1px solid #999; background: #fff; margin: .5em .5em .5em 1em; padding: 5px; float: right; text-align: center" align="center" valign="top" | <small>]:<br />''']<br />]<br />]'''</small>
|}
</td></tr>
<tr><td>{{Medcab-infobox}}</td></tr>
</table>
<!-- Infoboxes -->
{{dispute-resolution}}
<!-- ## Main page body ## -->


<hr>
<center>''']'''</center>


{{reflist}}
We are the '''] ]''', or maybe we're not, you never know, perhaps there ''is'' no such thing. You never know with cabals now, do you? (Well, actually, chances are that we ''do'' exist; The Mediation Cabal is intended to be the ] of the ] informal mediation proposal). The Mediation Cabal provides unofficial, informal mediation for disputes on Misplaced Pages, and is composed of volunteers who wish to assist people in resolving conflicts.
:<small>2. '''^''' At least the final ''public'' ones.</small>


{{mbox
== So, what's this thing all about? ==
|type=notice
|small=
|image=]
|imageright=]
|smallimage=none
|smallimageright=none
|textstyle=text-align:center;
|text='''Search Mediation Cabal ''case archives''''' <small>''(Shhhhhhhh ...)''</small>
<inputbox>
type=fulltext
prefix=Misplaced Pages:Mediation Cabal/Cases/
width=30
searchbuttonlabel=Search
</inputbox>
}}


]
Well, we're glad you asked :-) Whereas the ] provides "formal" mediation (officially done as per ]), and the ] produces official resolutions and sanctions, we aren't at all official and are just normal Wikipedians. The job of the Mediation Cabal is basically to provide a friendly hand in resolving disputes without taking it through a formal channel.
]

]
Because we are unofficial, we don't impose sanctions on anyone or judge anyone's actions; we are just here to help people cool down, provide a third-person view on the matter, be nice to people and advise on how best to bring the problem to an end. And since we don't order anyone to do anything, there is nothing to lose by bringing an argument to us, and everything to gain. We're nice and laid back (otherwise please ]) - no one has to argue their case or prove anything to us.

Whereas the Mediation Committee and the Arbitration Committee "accept" or "reject" requests, we will help anyone who would like us to, so we can nip arguments in the bud before they get to a point where official intervention is necessary (unless the matter has got to the point where we can't deal with it, when we will pass it through the appropriate channels).

Basically, if you (or someone else) is engaged in a bit of a conflict with someone, things are starting to get heated (but not yet a complete nuclear meltdown), or anything else which you think a gentle hand might help with - follow the instructions below to place a request, and a friendly cabalist will be sent to your rescue.

If all you need is a third opinion please consider ] instead.

== Making a request for assistance ==
You will need to be logged in to complete the procedure following the three steps below:

{|width=100% cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4
|-
! width="20%" bgcolor=#EEEEEE |Step|| bgcolor=#EEEEEE width = "80%" | What to do
|-
|bgcolor=#ffff99| <font face=arial,helvetica,verdana>'''1. Make a link under <br>"Send for the Cabal! Requests for cabal mediation"'''</font>
|bgcolor=#f6f6f6| Copy the following:
: '''<nowiki>{{subst:medcab1|casename}}</nowiki>'''
'''''', and paste this text at the bottom of the list. Change "casename" to a descriptive name for the case - for example, if the matter was regarding the article on ], you might use '''<nowiki>{{subst:medcab1|United States of America}}</nowiki>'''. Click the "Save" button.
|-
|bgcolor=#ffcc00| <font face=arial,helvetica,verdana>'''2. Make the request page'''</font>
|bgcolor=#f6f6f6| Copy the following:
: '''<nowiki>{{subst:medcab2}}</nowiki>
and follow the new link that you've just created (it will be red, and be named the title you gave in the last step). You should get an edit screen. Paste this text into the edit window and click Save.
|-
|bgcolor=orange| <font face=arial,helvetica,verdana>'''3. Fill out the request'''</font>
|bgcolor=#f6f6f6| Fill out the questions by editing the newly-created request page, so that we can help you with your problem. This isn't a writing contest and book submissions are not necessary! :-) You can also write other things that aren't on the template if you like; however, '''please try to keep your request as concise as possible''' since, alas, we don't really have time to read huge essays. Click '''Save Page''' when you are finished.
|}

One of our fine cabalists will contact you via the method that you specified in order to find out more information about the dispute and agree with you what to do about it. Please note that we all have day jobs, and consequently it might take a little time before we get around to speaking to you :-) The cabalist assigned to your request will contact the other parties involved and mediate as appropriate and according to what you requested, working with all people concerned in order to resolve the dispute.

If you are not satisfied with the estimated response time given by our status board there is a quick way to get a mediator if you answered "Yes" to the question whether you are willing to mediate yourself: You can look for another case where the submitter is willing to mediate and assign the other mediator to your case and pick his or her case yourself. Please read the ] before picking a mediation case.

=== If you cannot edit Misplaced Pages ===

If you are currently blocked from editing Misplaced Pages, or you are having difficulty in using Misplaced Pages, you are equally welcome to request our help in resolving a dispute you're involved in. Just use one of the methods listed below under "Private contact methods" and the cabal member who processes your request will create the mediation page here on your behalf. If you are using a different method to request mediation, please answer the following questions in your communication:
* Where is the issue taking place?
* Who's involved?
* What's going on?
* What would you like to change about that?
* How can we contact you?
We will respond to your request via your indicated contact method, copying our responses to the mediation page here unless you have asked us not to.

===Private contact methods===

If you would prefer to communicate with someone from the Mediation Cabal in private for any reason, you can contact us via the following methods:

* By the "e-mail this user" link in the "toolbox" sidebar to the right of a cabalist's userpage. If this link does not exist, the person does not have an e-mail address set for their account.
* Find us on the ] channel on Freenode.

== Cabalists ==

Below is a list of the cabalists involved in maintaining this wiki page; please note some cabalists don't post here, but will magically rise to the call of mediation simply by having this page on their watchlists. :-)

'''Note to aspiring cabalists:''' Simply put on your watchlist, and help out with anything that interests you. You can also include ] in your user page. Before you pick your first case you might want to read the ]. From time to time, you might be ] to a particular mediation case by someone - if you don't want to take the case on, just say so at the bottom of the request and delegate it to someone else. You can use {{tl|user medcab}} to show on your user page that you are a mediator.

=== Coordinators ===
* ] - Coordinator - ]
* ] - Deputy Coordinator

=== Some Current cabalists (mediators) ===
<!-- You can simply place your name by adding the line *~~~ in the proper spot, placing your signature without the timestamp. -->
{| border="0" cellspacing="5"
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist) some experience of facilitation
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] taking the occasional case, mostly inactive here
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] Taking my first case. :)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] trainee :P
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]<sup><font color="DarkGreen">]</font></sup> <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] Taking cases. Just leave a comment on ] if you want me to take it.
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist) <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (]) (aspiring cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] ](aspiring cabalist}
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist}
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]<sup></sup> (trainee)
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] (])
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (]) (will take any case assigned,just leave note on my talk page.)
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] <sup>(])</sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]<sup><font color="DarkGreen">]</font></sup> <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist) <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] <sup></sup> (contact my ]) (note: I consider myself only semi-active here, so I apologize in advance if I can't speedily respond)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] <sup> ]</sup> Always willing to try and help out.
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] -- alert me on my ] and I'll respond faster
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|]/<FONT SIZE="-2" COLOR="#00FF00">] </FONT> (Aspiring Cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]<sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (Cabalist n00b)
|----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist) <sup></sup>
|----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist, taking first real case)
|----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist) <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] (areas: mathematics, comic strips, fifties science fiction)
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] <small>(])</small>, <s>per Robchurch (but may have change of heart)</s> back, but be gentle!
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] (aspiring cabalist)
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|] <sup></sup>
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] <sup>{])</sup> (Aspiring Cabalist) I'll happily use my magic powers to mediate any case.
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|<font color="darkgreen>&nbsp;]<sup><font colour="DarkBlue">&nbsp;&nbsp;]</font></sup></font> (aspiring cabalist) I will take most cases just ask
|-----
|<font color="red">Inactive</font>
|]
|-----
|<font color="green">Active</font>
|] - trainee/aspiring cabalist :D
|-----
| colspan="2" | Status: <font color="green">Active</font>, <font color="orange">Away</font>, <font color="red">Inactive</font>
|}


: <sup></sup> prefers prior consultation to assignments.
: <sup></sup> does not currently accept new cases.
: <sup></sup> does not accept assignments but will volunteer to mediate specific open cases.

=== Ye Olde Cabalists ===
*] '''Cabalist Emeritus''' ''retired''
*] '''Cabalist Emeritus''' ''open for requests, although may take a little time to answer''
*] '''Cabalist Emerita''' ''on leave while serving on the ]''
*] '''Cabalist Emeritus''' ''retired''
*] ''handled a couple of cases, was met with vitriol in one and decided he couldn't be bothered to deal with any more petty fights over insignificant issues''

== Assignments ==

=== How do I get a mediator assigned to my case? ===

By and large mediators volunteer for cases they find interesting. There is no reliable assignment of mediators. You will have to wait until somebody else takes your case or is assigned to your case. If you submit a case and you are willing to mediate just pick another case from ] where the submitter is willing to mediate and write your signature next to the case. Before you pick your first case you might want to read the ]. If others act the same way you will get a mediator for your case. You can also update the table of assignments below to inform others and you can update ] and ], if necessary.

Once you have handled a mediation case you can also assign cases to other submitters who are willing to mediate or to mediators accepting cases. The latter should be an emergency measure when the backlog is unacceptable, as the cabalists probably prefer to pick their own cases. You can also remove cases from the assignment table when they are marked as closed in the ] or you can move closed cases to the archive after a while. If you are not a regular contributor please make sure to explain all changes in the edit summary.

=== What to avoid ===

Please don't assign submitter of case A as mediator to case B and submitter of case B as mediator to case A. This creates a situation where both submitters meet each other as mediators. Even if a mediator does not have any authority this may hurt his or her credibility. Another drawback is that a third case may get stuck without another case to exchange submitter and mediator with. It is much preferrable to assign cases in a ] (first in first out) order or to make circular exchanges with more than two cases, covering all cases waiting for mediation (where submitters are willing to mediate, other cases can obviously not participate in such an exchange).

==Send for the Cabal! Requests for cabal mediation ==

''Here are the ]:''
{{{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}/Cases}}

<!-- DO NOT ADD CASES HERE, YOU ARE ON THE WRONG PAGE! -->
<!-- THE RIGHT PAGE IS Misplaced Pages:Mediation_Cabal/Cases -->

== Opentasks ==

This list is included on ]. Please when necessary.

{{Misplaced Pages:Mediation_Cabal/Opentask}}

Latest revision as of 20:16, 8 December 2024

historical document
This page is currently inactive and is retained for historical reference.
Either the page is no longer relevant or consensus on its purpose has become unclear. To revive discussion, seek broader input via a forum such as the village pump.
Disputes should now be directed to the Third Opinion Project or the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard.
This page contains material that is kept because it is considered humorous. Please do not take it seriously. Yes, really, do not take it seriously. It would be a bad mistake to take it seriously. There's nothing real here. Nothing at all. Nothing.
There is no Cabal
"WP:MEDCAB" redirects here. Not to be confused with ambulances.

The cabal, which never existed, now does not exist even more than it did not exist before, as it would have chosen to no longer not do informal mediation if it did exist, but instead has not chosen to go on to not do other (heh, heh, heh) things which are not more important than those which we didn't do before.

There is no cabal! (Long live the cabal! Expect us.)

  1. The Mediation Cabal was an informal, and lighthearted, process where Wikipedians provided informal mediation for disputes on Misplaced Pages: see the archives for closed cases. Over time, the processes were used less, and superseded by alternative processes such as the Dispute Resolution Noticeboard. Therefore, the project was closed..... or was it? The alleged final coordinators of the cabal are listed here.
2. ^ At least the final public ones.
SearchSearch Mediation Cabal case archives (Shhhhhhhh ...)

Search
Categories: