Wikipedia:Requests for comment/Dispute resolution

This page is currently inactive and is retained for historical reference. The discussion may be redundant to Wikipedia:WikiProject Dispute Resolution and that project's subsidiary projects. It was last substantively updated May 2011.

The English Wikipedia is 10 years old, but our dispute-resolution (DR) system has changed little in that time. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the DR system, to determine how it can be improved.

Would ideas like the Comment Request Service, to increase input at requests for comment (RFCs) work?
How can we improve our current system of noticeboards (including specific ones like WP:3RR, general venues like WP:ANI, WP:AN, requests for input on content, like Third Opinion and Requests for Comment, and user conduct fora like Requests for Comment on User Conduct, Arbitration, and Arbitration Enforcement)?

This discussion is, as of 23 May 2011, in its first phase, so the structure at present is a general exploration of any relevant issues. The next phase will be to focus on the most relevant issues for further discussion, to discuss the merits of initial proposals, and to form some early consensus on what the problems are—and what the respective solutions might be.

In order to retain a sensible structure, the discussion is divided into rough categories. Subpages might also be created later in this phase, to explore issues in more depth. If your point relates to an existing section, please add it there; if it does not, please feel welcome to start a new section.

Phase 0: Preliminary discussion. January–April 2011. Now archived: 1 • 2
Phase 1: General exploration of issues.
Phase 2: Focus on specific issues, establish initial proposals (on subpages), and reach an initial consensus on proposals and issues.
Phase 3: Formalise proposals for changing the current system.
Phase 4: Take proposals to the full community for voting.