How to Resolve a Content Dispute on Wikipedia

Allowing collaboration among the entire community of Internet users is what makes Wikipedia so phenomenal. However, with so many contributors, the possibility of disagreements over content is ever-present. Fortunately, Wikipedia has specific guidelines for dealing with content disputes, as detailed below.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet connection
• Wikipedia account

Avoid Causing a Dispute

1. Call up the Wikipedia home page (see the Resources section below).
2. Read Wikipedia's etiquette and content-posting guidelines to avoid causing disputes among the community. Make sure that the content you post is always within Wikipedia guidelines.
3. Do not make personal attacks on other users of Wikipedia. If other users deal with you in a rude or inappropriate manner, do not respond in kind.
4. Request an advocate to assist you in the dispute process. You can find an advocate by entering 'Association of Members' Advocates' in the search field and hitting the search button.

Discuss the Dispute With the Parties Involved

5. Use the talk page associated with the content in question by clicking on the 'Discussion' tab. You may add comments by clicking on the 'Edit' link.
6. Visit the talk page of the individual involved in the dispute. You may find this person's page by querying his or her username on Wikipedia. Remember that it is never appropriate to attack another user personally.
7. Reach consensus over the content in question by conducting a survey of Wikipedia members. See the 'Wikipedia: Discuss, Don't Vote' article to understand why discussion is ultimately the most favored resolution technique.

Use a Mediator to Resolve the Dispute

8. Request a mediator to help resolve a long, ongoing dispute where resolution seems improbable.
9. See the 'Wikipedia:Requests For Mediation' article for guidelines on when and how to request a mediator.
10. Request arbitration as a last resort. The Abitration Committee of Wikipedia will review the facts of the case and issue a decision. See the 'Wikipedia:Requests For Arbitration' article for more information.

Tips & Warnings

• Like any community, Wikipedia has developed its own set of conventions and rules of etiquette. Conduct yourself appropriately by reviewing and abiding by the principles of etiquette or 'Wikiquette' created by this community.
• Do not deal with disputes over content on Wikipedia outside of the Internet. Utilize the discussion forums and mediation process to resolve disputes, and do not exchange personal contact information with other users (unless you want them to show up on your doorstep).