User:Geoff Plourde/Policy proposals

''This page will be a random assortment of policy proposals. Please do not attempt to interpret them as policy as they are not.''

Wikiversity is an project that focuses on designing learning content that can be used free of charge. Because there are people in close contact with each other, policies are needed to provide the fabric of our community.

Assume Good Faith
The vast majority of people do things with the best of intentions. While they may be mistaken in the validity of their action, we must remember that it was done in good faith. Unless there is clear evidence to contrary, assume good faith. Educate them on the proper way to do something, but remember and respect their intentions.

Authority
There are some things that cannot be handed out freely. People are entrusted with tolls and authority to carry out specific tasks. These individuals generally have experience in the areas they have been given authority over. Please give due deference to their opinions and remember that they are just like you. If you feel they may not understand your perspective, feel free to engage them in discussion. When necessary, engage the wider community with rational discussion.

Blocking
Blocking should never be used except in cases of lack of consideration for the rights of others where there is no other option. When blocking is necessary, it should encompass as little as possible and be for the least amount of time necessary.

Copyright
Many years ago, the law set forth copyright to allow authors to earn a living from their work. This encouraged the development of content and led to the diversity we enjoy today. Copyright laws must be followed by everyone. When you infringe a copyright, remember that you are harming an individual. For every copyrighted work, at least one individual spent time creating it. Please do not violate another persons copyright. We understand that in many cases copyright can be vague. When the copyright of content is vague, please seek assistance from another with relevant experience. Feel free to solicit wider input on whether or not it might be fair use.

Deletion
Wikiversity is devoted to the creation of learning content. Whenever possible, we encourage improvement of existing content. In some cases, this isn't possible because deletion is the only means by which to remediate a policy violation. In most cases though, it is preferred that content be moved into userspace until it is ready to be in mainspace.

Disputes
Whenever you have more than one person editing, it is inevitable that disputes will arise. This diversity of thought is what makes humanity great. However, we also need to be mindful that there is not just me and him, there is also the rest of the community. When you and another editor are involved in a dispute, please try to resolve it and not let it stray into areas where it may cause others problems. We encourage you to submit the problem for greater community discussion and to work towards resolving the problem.

Respect
We are all one family. No matter what our differences are, we are related by the commonality and community of our species. No family can run without respect, as respect is the foundation of society. Please respect others, even if they don't respect you. By showing consideration for other members of the family, you improve our learning environment and make it just a little bit better.

Verifiability
People expect that content is verifiable. When you contribute, please make that it can be verified by linking to reliable sources where appropriate. Verifiability only means that content can be verified, and is not a reflection of accuracy.