To address a few questions that were brought up on my talk page:
- This is mediation, not arbitration, and I believe that the sole purpose of mediation is to get article progress moving in a forward direction, which means getting editors to work side-by-side in a constructive and peaceable manner. That is to say, I am aware of the conduct of all users involved, but I'm not in a position to do anything about what's already done. If user conduct becomes a problem, then we will deal with it in the correct manner, but commenting on other users' past behavior is not constructive. That does not mean I am not aware of the circumstances of this issue.
- I insist that all participants both act with and offer good faith. Because mediation is a voluntary process, it cannot progress properly without a level playing field. This is not negotiable. Again, if a user begins displaying signs of good faith, it will be approached appropriately, but a lack of good faith from the get-go will result in a resounding failure.
- I'm a member of MedCab (or am I? ...), not of MedCom. I'm also not an administrator. I put these out on the table because they were brought up on my talk page, and I believe in complete transparency. However, I maintain that these facts have no bearing on my ability to effectively mediate a dispute, and I ask that you all please consider nothing but the issue at hand during this process.
- It is an undeniable fact that all human beings have inherent biases and prejudices which they bring with them to any situation. These are inescapable and part of the human condition; while they can sometimes be altered, they are very deeply ingrained. However, it is possible and indeed expected that everyone recognize their own biases as regard this dispute and the other users involved, and make a good faith, complete effort to not let these biases interfere with this process.
- I believe that Wikipedia policy is good, but not perfect. I believe in ignoring all rules when it is in the spirit of the betterment of the 'pedia and when it does not conflict with basic idea of Wikipedia. I attempt to apply Wikipedia policy in the most sensible way possible.
Before we get started, I would like everyone to tell me as neutrally and succinctly as possible exactly what they thing the crux of the disagreement here is.
I have of course looked over the relevant pages, but I find it helps to have everyone say what's on their minds at the very beginning.
At this point I would like to request that you not respond to each others' comments, simply give your own view; later we will get to actual discussion, but this is how I'd like to start.
Thanks for your cooperation, everyone. - Che Nuevara 06:39, 6 December 2006 (UTC)[reply]