Due to time constraints off-wiki, I am withdrawing from the election, effective immediately. More details may be found here. Hersfold (t/a/c) 04:25, 25 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]
- I have been an active user on Wikipedia for almost two years, and an administrator for the past 8 months. During this time, I've been very involved on the site, not as much with content editing (somewhat regrettably) but mainly working in policy enforcement and working to resolve disputes on the site. I will openly say up front that unlike many of the other candidates, I have never been a part of the Mediation Committee or Cabal, nor a clerk for the Arbitration Committee. However, I do believe I has other qualifications for this position. Outside of Wikipedia, I work as a Resident Assistant at my University, and so I have formal training in resolving disputes, particularly ones that have "no correct answer." Oddly enough, that position draws many parallels to my work as an administrator. Anyway, back to Wikipedia....
- My previous work here as an administrator will undoubtedly show that I am not afraid to take strong action when it is necessary. I believe this is an important consideration for an arbitrator - the recent ArbCom has done a good job of ruling fairly on cases, but I think everyone will agree that they've taken a really ridiculously long time deciding on some things. When a case reaches ArbCom, and the case is accepted, it has obviously reached the point where all other methods have failed, and a strong and quick resolution is needed. I do not mean to imply that I would support an "iron fist" sort of ArbCom - that would be completely contradictory towards the collaborative spirit of Wikipedia. However, if elected, I would work to push towards faster solutions of cases, with remedies that are carefully aimed to prevent further disruption to the project. Remedies such as "Users are reminded to follow policy X" are unhelpful, as users are expected to follow policies as a matter of course. More directed sanctions, where users may be held accountable for violations more readily than they would otherwise, will do far more to resolve situations than a simple wagging of the finger.
- In an effort to stay under 400 words, I'll stop talking now, however I would recommend that voters take a look at User:MBisanz/ACE2008/Guide/Hersfold, my responses to a series of questions set by User:MBisanz to aid ArbCom candidates to prepare for this election. Thank you for your consideration in this election, and I look forward to answering any and all questions relating to the candidacy.