[Resolve] how we're going to use this list

[Jay]

Hi resolve list,

I see this list has just opened and things are already heating up!  Before
we dive into the issues that have already arisen, I really think we should
figure out what this list is, and what it can do.  I really don't think
this should be a place, at least yet, if ever, for a bunch of arbitrary
list subscribers to try to solve problems like those presented.  Rather, I
think we should work -- quickly, with purpose and practical intent -- on
developing a real procedure for working out issues like these.  

What kind of conflict resolution mechanism should we try here?  What ideas
do we have about how to use the limited means of communication we have at
our disposal (web, IRC, e-mail) to get to the bottom of different issues?
Should we develop some kind of group of conflict resolvers from around the
network?  How do we develop that?  How will we convince people to abide by
the promises they make during resolution?  

Of course these questions are ones that we could discuss forever.  Rather
than be purely theoretical, I'd like to see people suggest practical ideas
for a conflict resolution system.  Rather than discuss them ad infitum we
can throw a few ideas out, pick the one that sounds best and give it a
trial run.  

Some ideas raised in the #resolve channel at the May 19 global IRC meeting
included using a web board for public discussion during conflict
resolution, and also using IRC rather than e-mail when possible.  In a
sense, if we can get "opposing parties" in the same virtual place at the
same virtual time, maybe we could facilitate dialogue.  To me, the most
important thing is to create a space for healthy, honest discussion and
compromise.  From that starting point there are lots of possibilities.

Thoughts?

Jay