Online Dispute Resolution

Online Dispute Resolution can refer to two different things. 

The first type are real world disputes mediated through web-based channels.

The second relate to issues in property rights[1] arising in the scripted environments of Multiplayer Massive Online Role Play Gaming (MMORPG) and the unscripted environment of Virtual Worlds.  MMORPG disputes are sometime violently dealt with by role players within games, although mostly players are governed by the End User License Agreements. Virtual world disputes are mediated through role play arbitrators appointed by the game developers or “wizards” of the world in question, using messaging tools.

In either form, online dispute resolution or online mediation specifically for the present refers to the channel by which mediation can occur ie through online or web-based platforms. Whether it would develop or metamorphous into its own distinct industry remains to be seen.

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[1] Barker, K., MMORPGing – The Legalities of Game Play. European Journal for Law and Technology Vol 3, No 1, 2012

Benefits of online mediation

Why online mediation?

1) Fast: It can be scheduled very quickly since participants do not have to travel to meet in one spot.

2) Cheap: It is cost effective as there is no need to rent space, travel or incur any logistical costs.

3) Convenient and Safe: It allows participants to communicate from the privacy of their own space and for participants who may need to smoke for example, or for those that has special needs such as handicapped persons access, they will have the freedom and ease to do as they wish.

How to Choose a Good Mediator

If you have never undergone a mediation session, how would you go about choosing a mediator that will give you the best experience and ensure that you have explored all the possible outcomes there are? Here are a few characteristics you might look out for:

1. Did you sense that the mediator can establish rapport? This is very important because a sense of rapport will encourage parties to communicate with each other. Communication is the foundation for a productive mediation experience.

2. Will the mediator be creative and operate from an interest-based perspective? A trained facilitative mediator will gently guide parties to identify their interests, and from there help you to generate options for meeting those interests. Ask the mediator about his approach to conflict resolution and see if she mentions the term "interests".

3. Does the mediator seem to be able to listen? Good mediators are highly skilled at active-listening: acknowledging, paraphrasing and asking questions to tease out the best communication between parties.

4. Is the mediator patient and tenacious? How would you know this until you get into a relationship with somebody? There are a few indicators. If the person takes his time to explain and answer all your questions well, if he or she speaks to you respectfully and not condescendingly, there is a high likelihood that the person will be patient as a mediator.

5. Must the mediator have some sort of industry knowledge or background in the type of dispute you're facing? Well, a good mediator does not need to have domain expertise although it would be useful. However, some mediators are particularly good in certain areas such as marital mediation or community mediation, so it may be worthwhile to enquire about their experience.

Contact us at mediate2resolveonline.com if you need a good mediator.

Online Mediation

www.mediate2resolveonline.com

In both mediation and online mediation a neutral mediator who is trained assists the parties to open up the channels of communication to negotiate a mutually acceptable and satisfactory agreement. During a face-to-face mediation meeting the mediator and the parties will meet at a pre-agreed venue.. In online mediation, all communications between you, the other party  and the mediator take place through online mechanisms via the Internet, video-conferencing  and telephone conferencing via a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone or Android phone.

Contact Mediate2ResolveOnline.com if you would like one of our online mediators to facilitate your discussions.