Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2007-01-25 History of IBM

Mediation Case: 2007-01-25 History of IBM
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Request Information

 * Request made by: Trevor Hanson 23:34, 25 January 2007 (UTC)


 * Where is the issue taking place?
 * History of IBM; also Edwin Black


 * Who's involved?
 * Anonymous editors, User:Lpgeffen, User:Spinality. Unfortunately, many editors of this troubled article seem to have dropped out, leaving few voices for addressing this issue.


 * What's going on?
 * Increasingly acrimonious exchanges have developed over article edits, particularly related to IBM's role in the Holocaust. The article has well-known problems, which is one cause of the conflict. Recently, edit wars have been occurring, with little or no willingness to discuss the edits in advance. Recent comments on the discussion page should clarify the situation.


 * ''What would you like to change about that?
 * Attempts are being made to rein in the vitriol, but this situation might escalate. I thought someone from The Cabal might like to watch this situation, and possibly to throw an oar in if things get more heated. One issue seems to be a lack of experience with Wikipedia, and perhaps some contempt for the Wikipedia process.


 * Would you prefer we work discreetly? If so, how can we reach you?
 * At present, I don't think any direct action is needed; but I see the possibility of broader ramifications, e.g. if a journalist were to take interest in the exchanges. By all means, feel free to contact me via my user page or via email; or go ahead and take part in the discussion if that seems helpful.

Compromise offers
This section is for listing and discussing compromise offers.


 * Recent edits and discussion seem to have reduced the volatility of the situation, making the blowup I feared less likely. However, these anonymous contributors apparently remain strident anti-Wikipedians with no interest in collaborative contribution. They pledge immediate "fixing" of any factual errors without discussion, particularly those related to the Holocaust. It would be wonderful if they could be drawn into a more constructive role, since they obviously have significant information resources at hand. However, given their perception of Wikipedia, this seems unlikely. Perhaps contact from some active Wikipedia editor or administrator with credentials in this particular field could help sway their opinion. Trevor Hanson 21:47, 26 January 2007 (UTC)

Discussion

 * As of 11 February 2007, no further hostile exchanges have occurred. (The antagonists fell silent, rather than reaching reconciliation through discussion; but at any rate, the dreaded flame war did not materialize.) I thus believe that this matter can be dropped. Thanks for whatever observation was done. Trevor Hanson 04:50, 12 February 2007 (UTC)