Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2009-03-29/Americas

Note: Geoff Plourde opened the case, however has recused following a user request.

Where's the dispute?
The dispute arises from variations in terminology. Therefore, wording in the entire article could be under question. The areas most often causing conflict are the introduction, the Terminology section, and even the title of the page. Editors and readers have differed regarding terminology used in the article since when the page was a stub in 2002. The following list provides links to different sections related to the dispute:
 * 1. Talk pages Archive 1, Archive 2 and the latest discussion.
 * 2. Proposed change to the current introduction.
 * 3. Sources I have listed referencing common usage in English of the disputed variation. More here.

What's the dispute?
There are two common forms of English terminology used when referring to the American landmass: America or The Americas. At present, the latter is the main form in use in the article. Changes by many editors to give precedence to neither variation have been reverted. Sources relating to common usage of the first form have been largely ignored.

The introduction is perceived to be perhaps in favour of one variation over the other—the singular form is attached to the end of the paragraph, with an adjoing statement about why it might be less correct or more confusing than the other—a justified claim perhaps, but one that many feel belongs in the section of the article that was created for such claims.

I have proposed changes to both the Terminology section and the introduction. These changes removed what I perceived to be undue weight on terminology within the introduction. They also, within the allocated section, gave further information or reasons why variations to the name have arisen. The proposed changes have reached a partial consensus, but most of those possibly opposed have not responded to the proposal.

Although it has not received much support, some editors have proposed moving the /Americas page to /America, which is currently a disambiguation page. This would be similar to other Wikipedia pages on geographic variations:
 * /Micronesia – This article is about the greater region. For the independent state, see Federated States of Micronesia.
 * /China – This article is about Chinese civilization. For the modern political state using "China" in its formal name and comprising Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, see People's Republic of China. For the modern political state using "China" in its formal name and comprising Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, see Republic of China. For other uses, see China (disambiguation).

This would require the creation of a /America_(disambiguation) page. However, I think don’t think we’ve reached the stage in resolution where that proposal should be examined.

I realise the conflict is over four letters in a name and I apologise for being lengthy, but seeing as there are almost three full archives of disputing editors, I think it’s time this page received attention. Your assistance will be very much appreciated. Thank you.