The following discussion is preserved as an archive of a successful nomination to join the Mediation Committee. Please do not modify it.

Xavexgoem (talk · contribs) Most of my activity on WP has been related to informal mediation. I am a coordinator for MedCab, which is where I started out. I consider mediation one of the highest priorities on Wikipedia, and I consider those with the skill to be some of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I never believed in having a "life calling", but mediation has certainly come the closest.

Nomination

In short Xavexgoem is a calm and talented mediator. He has a broad and extensive understanding of the way that dispute resolution works especially mediation. He has consistently impressed me with skills and idea as a mediator, and I expect that the skill and dedication to mediation that he has shown whilst at MEDCAB will fit in well on the committee and will bring an increased skill set to the DR process as a whole.

Seddσn ^talk

Questions from Committee members:

• What are the core principles of Mediation Committee mediation?
  • Impartiality and respect for the subject and the parties involved, and intuitive knowledge of Wikipedia policy. Respecting the privileged nature of mediation, as well: that confidentiality is important, and that discussion can't be used as a divisive tool.
• Discussions during formal mediation are privileged; they cannot be used against the parties in later proceedings (e.g. RfArb/RfC). Why is that important?
  • The point of mediated discussion is to arrive at a consensus. Arriving at that consensus can be tough: incivility and personal attacks are common, as is equivocation and flat dishonesty. Mediation involves getting participants beyond that point. To use discussion during the mediation process as ammunition later inherently voids the contract that all participants sign when they participate in mediation. We're building consensus, and using that process as fuel for the fire calls into question the process at all. Finally, because discussion can't be used as ammunition, editors are free to speak their mind without fear of later reprisal.
• What prior experience do you have in resolving disputes on Wikipedia? Please provide links, and how will these experiences help you to be an effective Committee member?
  • I have learned everything I know at MedCab - a project I help coordinate - and a brief stint at Editor's Assistance. My first case was an I/P dispute that ultimately failed; it was primarily a one-word-dispute. My second case I co-mediated with Seddon, and involved a huge number of editors over a very contentious subject (9/11), and it later hit arbitration. I've done a few nationalist cases (like List of Turkic states and empires), some user conduct cases (like Harley Davidson), and helped a bit in the creation of the FA Harvey Milk (casepage), although it's hard to tell how much credit to take for that one.

Mediation Committee:

• Support as Nominator Seddσn ^talk 03:37, 9 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• Support. WJBscribe (talk) 21:14, 9 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• Support. AGK 08:55, 10 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• Support, looks nice. Shyam ^(T/C) 12:01, 10 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• Support. His involvement with MedCab has undoubtedly given him a good perspective on dispute resolution. I like what I've seen of his skills too. Sunray (talk) 22:28, 15 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Community opinions:

• I support Xavex. He is doing good work with mediation, and is thoughtful when it comes to disputes. He doesn't rush, and I think he would benefit as a committee member even more. --Kanonkas :  Talk  06:17, 9 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• His experience and demeanor are top notch. Support. Wizardman 15:44, 10 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]
• Xavex has the level head needed for Committee work. MBisanz ^talk 17:28, 12 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Discussion and comments:

Decision of the Mediation Committee:

• Successful. Daniel (talk) 05:00, 23 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The above nomination to join the Mediation Committee is preserved as a discussion archive. Please do not modify it.