Wikipedia:Diffusing conflict

Diffusing conflict
Now and then someone undertakes to "diffuse" a conflict budding somewhere in the project. Probably they really mean they want to defuse the problem, as in "remove its fuse" – like from a bomb – to avoid blow-ups. Diffusing a conflict would be to spread it over a wide area, which is presumably not the intention.

Sometimes people write lengthy posts at WP:ANI, or propose Arbcom cases, in hopes of defusing a situation; however, the ensuing drama often means the conflict is diffused instead.

Casting dispersions, inciteful comments, and so on
Closely related concepts include:

(With proper care and feeding this ass-Persians gag can be milked for years.)

Applying solutions
Conflict is inevitable when dealing with other editors, so knowing how to apply the proper solution is key. When discussion looks like it's about to explode, it's important to diffuse the balm, before things get out of hand.

Significant coverage
"I have now also added sauces to the page"

Guide to unappealing or appalling blocks

 * Stalkers are invited to contribute appalling or unappealing blocks to this collection (perhaps later to be broken out as its own page)
 * Admins note! Important! It is unethical (and time-consuming) to go out and make an appalling block just to get something on the list!


 * Wikipedia Signpost/2006-04-24/Office actions
 * "hands-down the worst block I've seen in my time on Wikipedia, and I've seen some whoppers"
 * Intent to unblock