Wikipedia:Requests for mediation/Sathya Sai Baba

Sathya_Sai_Baba
Very long and contentious dispute between and two editors  and. The former is a ex-follower and critic of the subject of the article, and the latter are current followers/proponents. Hundreds of discussions, numerous RfCs, page protection, and informal mediation have not produced any results that the sides can agree with. I request mediation on their behalf after guaranteeing their willingness to accept mediation (see Talk:Sathya_Sai_Baba. The request of one of the side is  that the first order of business after a mediators comes forward,  would be to set the level of expectations and get a sense from the parties about their willingness to compromise and agree to a desired outcome.  Request is for OnWiki mediation, with an initial email exchange to assess expectations. &asymp; jossi  &asymp; t &bull; @ 21:35, 21 January 2006 (UTC)
 * This request has not been responded to and it is ten days old. Should we understand that there is no mediator willing to assist these editors with their dispute? If that is the case, what recourses are available to them? Any assistance will surely be welcome by these editors. &asymp; jossi  &asymp; t &bull; @ 00:35, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
 * What are the requirements for acting as a mediator? --BostonMA 02:25, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Someone with patience and ability to seed some good-will amongst two opposing sides, and that can find a way forward. It does not require any specific knowledge, IMO, as this is mostly an interpersonal dispute and one related to the application of WP policy, rather than a content dispute.&asymp; jossi &asymp; t &bull; @ 17:40, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
 * I am in no sense an official moderator. However, from your comments, I gather that official recognition is not seen as a requirement.  If that is the case, then a request at the mediation cabal might have been in order.  Be that as it may, no-one else seems to have stepped forward, so if it is agreeable to the parties, I will offer to moderate.  I will contact the editors mentioned, and if they are willing to have me as a moderator, we can go forward.  --BostonMA 01:20, 2 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Hope they all accept your kind offer. Good luck, and if you need any help at any point, please let me know. &asymp; jossi &asymp; t &bull; @ 16:53, 2 February 2006 (UTC)


 * Assigned to as of 08:27, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Assign to BostonMA; as he has offered to mediate, I am deputizing him as an unofficial mediator and assigning the case. All the parties must agree to the assignment, and must be made aware that BostonMA is not a member of the Mediation Committee. Any issues will result in the appointment of a new mediator from within the Committee. As to the lack of response; the committee chairman had been on break; a new chairman (me) was just elected. Essjay  Talk •  Contact 08:27, 11 February 2006 (UTC)
 * Editors involved have accepted the informal mediation of BostonMA, and progress is being made. See User:BostonMA/Mediation &asymp; jossi &asymp; t &bull; @ 16:25, 11 February 2006 (UTC)