Wikipedia:Arbitration Committee Elections December 2017/Candidates/Sir Joseph/Statement

Sir Joseph

I wish to throw my hat into the ring. I've been interested in this for quite some time and now is as good as any. For me, one of the major issues impacting Wikipedia at this time is civility. I remember the "early days" when editing was more fun than it is now. I remember going from topic to topic learning new things as I edit and made the encyclopedia better. Today, it's a far different world. Editors are now oftentimes editing on eggshells, and they oftentimes face harassment, bullying, etc. I have noticed that of the past few Arbcom cases, I would have to say most were purely conduct issues and not necessarily issues arising from content disputes.

I am not an admin and I will never be one, but I do think that's not a net-negative for Arbcom. Arbcom needs diversity of opinion.

Besides civility, I would strive to help out with transparency. Arbcom, for better or worse, has a reputation of being secretive or not responding to emails, etc. I would try to start (I do think they might have done this years ago, but I'm not sure) a monthly report showing full stats of Arbcom (as best as possible), so people know that Arbcom is doing their job.

I see the role of Arbcom as a mix between courtroom and arbitration room. We oftentimes need to balance the law and fairness and I will strive to do that. I do some mediation in real life and I think I would be able to do that here. I intend to fully comply with all WMF criteria.

Arbitration Committee Election 2017 candidate: Sir Joseph