Archive of Our Own ^beta

Just finished drinking my morning coffee and accomplished my duty. So, yeah, I voted

Best of luck to all the candidates!

Voted 🫡

Yay

Dear OTW
Thank you for much of what you have been done,
All in all AO3 is a wonderful resource and a valuable cultural archive. It has incredibly important and personal value for so many. No matter what the issue is, very few want the the archive to be lost.
In truth, in whatever way that is, All those involved want to enjoy the archive and the best for all involved with it.
I have a few considerations for all those with influence that may affect the current conflicts.
This what this message is: a call for careful consideration of our influence and ability to change what needs to be changed to improve the situation.
(I am sure there are many other important considerations that I have not addressed here. Here is my perspective on the matter at hand.)
What are the sources and factors contributing to the current conflicts?
What can OTW do as an organisation to resolve these conflicts?

What practices exactly are necessary for resolving complex cultural conflicts?
Which of these basic, necessary practices are AO3 missing?
Is careful examination of these things a priority?
For resolving persistent systemic conflict, Is it a necessary practice that a culture of careful and clear and considerate communication must be established?

Is the current structure of the OTW a contributing factor for persistent conflict?
Is it a priority to shift elements of the structure of OTW?

Is the context of the mission of OTW a contributing factor for persistent conflict?
If this is true, and the context and mission of OTW is a highly influential factor for persistent conflict, what decisions can be made to mitigate future conflict?

In the light that the conflict involves highly emotive, highly difficult, highly serious and important issues such as discussion or accusations of discriminatory attitudes/behaviour, or systemic discrimination, how should OTW respond to this?
Is this by its nature an indication that some kind of systemic change is necessary?

What can OTW do to satisfactorally answer these questions, at least internally?
Should OTW's answer to them be subject to public scrutiny?

Thank you for your time. I do not mean to imply or demand that these questions should be answered for me. While personally it would be interesting, I am not pursuing a response.
I am also not demanding that the company should deal with these questions specifically. They are only a series of concerns that if answered satisfactorily may contribute to clarity of the situation.
I have my own personal opinions, starting with my bias towards open and clear and patient and considerate communication. I believe more open forum for debate, as well as more clear information on what exactly the debate centers around, (potentially available from the main page, and therefore separate from the archive comments may be a good start.
If of course it is executed incredibly carefully and methodically. I am aware this may not be feasible, as I stated this is my own personal opinion and bias, I truly cannot say if this is genuinely a worthwhile priority, it is not my prerogative. That is for the leadership of OTW)
In the end of the day we all want the best and we want to avoid the worst. Currently conflict resides and people are leaving the conflict hurt. Is this acceptable?
What can we do to improve this?

Best wishes
Wolfblade0009