Recurring "moves" that bypass early conflict resolution stages
Stage 1 (Hardening) → Stage 2 (Debate) → [resolution possible] → Stage 3 (Actions)
↓ ↓ ↓
Positions Verbal confrontation Talk → Action
crystallize but rational empathy drops
← De-escalation possible at each stage →
Stage 1 → Stage 2 → [SKIP] → Stages 4-6
│
└── Use escalation "moves" to jump stages:
• Identity Reframing
• Policy Injection
• Ally Recruitment
• Mechanism Weaponization
• Forced Public Escalation
• etc.
Each pattern below shows a specific stage jump: the badge indicates which stages are bypassed. For example, "Stage 2 → 4-5" means the pattern skips Stage 3 (and potentially Stage 4) entirely, jumping from debate directly to coalition-building or character attacks.
Stage Jump: Bypasses Stage 3 (actions not words) by transforming debate directly into identity-based coalition warfare.
The Move: Transform a substantive disagreement into an identity-based accusation (sexism, racism, ableism), making the conflict about the opponent's character rather than the original issue.
Original conflict (Stage 2): Technical disagreement about cutting carbon fiber in the space.
Elle's reframe (Stage 4-5): "There's some blatant sexism protruding here and it's not a good look for Noisebridge."
| Before Reframe | After Reframe |
|---|---|
| Debate about materials and ventilation | Defense against sexism accusation |
| Technical resolution possible | Character now at stake |
| Disagreement is about facts | Disagreement is about identity |
| Can be resolved through dialogue | Requires public vindication |
Stage Jump: Bypasses dialogue by creating fake procedural requirements that force public escalation.
The Move: Fabricate a rule that doesn't exist and cite it as established community policy to gain procedural advantage.
Original conflict (Stage 2): Disagreement with Justin Morrison about fundraising letter.
Elle's policy injection (Stage 3-4): "Bravespace is where Noisebridgers work out differences, not private texts. I have not responded to your private text. I ignored it."
Reality: No such rule exists. This policy was fabricated.
Stage Jump: Bypasses two-party resolution by bringing in third parties with reframed narrative.
The Move: Recruit third parties to apply pressure on the opponent, often by providing a reframed narrative of the conflict.
WE/Z's actual request: Take a break from Tuesday meetings for a month.
Elle's recharacterization to LX: Described it as being "ATLd."
LX's response (after talking to Elle): "Elle just told me someone ATLd her I'm assuming its WEZ, and this is honestly a NB sabotaging move of all time"
Stage Jump: Bypasses Stages 4-5 entirely by jumping straight from actions to threats/ultimatums.
The Move: Use community safety mechanisms (ATL, disengagement) as weapons for punishment or advantage rather than their intended purpose.
Intended purpose of ATL: Emergency safety response when de-escalation fails.
Elle's use: Punishment during active mediation.
Elle's own words (per zoda): "There had to be consequences. Otherwise, she may have done the same thing, again…"
| Proper Use | Weaponized Use |
|---|---|
| Response to immediate threat | Punishment for past behavior |
| De-escalation tool | Escalation tool |
| Last resort when dialogue fails | Used instead of dialogue |
| Temporary and proportionate | Escalating demands |
Stage Jump: Bypasses private resolution and face-saving by forcing conflicts into permanent public record.
The Move: Force a conflict into public channels where there is a permanent record, the opponent cannot save face, and coalition dynamics favor Elle.
Justin's private DM: Conciliatory message attempting de-escalation.
Elle's response: Public post in Bravespace citing fabricated rule.
Justin's objection: "Also @Elle I did not consent for you to respond to my DM with a post here"
When public accountability works against Elle: "I am getting tired of being dragged into Bravespace for the same thing over and over again."
When Elle is overruled publicly: "Would this private convo work better in DMs?" (sewing channel)
Stage Maintenance: Prevents de-escalation by dismissing attempts to return to dialogue.
The Move: When someone pushes back on Elle's framing, dismiss their input with a label that prevents engagement with the substance.
Cloud's pushback (as a woman in the space): "I would like to promote safe environment for women in the space, but this is not the way to go about it. Some of us do not want to see someone we know attacked on here."
Elle's dismissal: "You are tone policing and I have no idea what tone you want from me."
Justin forwarded: Bravespace channel guidelines (written by nthmost).
Elle's dismissal: "Disengage means leave me alone. It is not a request for you to mansplain Noisebridge to me."
Stage Maintenance: Prevents accountability-based de-escalation by reframing it as victimization.
The Move: Reframe accountability or pushback as victimization, recruiting sympathy and allies.
Context: Elle is being held accountable for ATL during mediation.
Elle's framing: "I am getting tired of being dragged into Bravespace for the same thing over and over again."
Context: Cloud discussed the conflict with others.
Elle's framing: "Learning that she is going behind my back to gossip and complain makes me feel a) hurt by her slander, b) that backbiting and dragging 3rd parties into a negative whisper campaign is detrimental for the community"
Stage Jump: Bypasses all dialogue, coalition-building, and face-saving by declaring unilateral authority.
The Move: Claim authority to make unilateral decisions that should require dialogue or consensus.
Elle's claim: "If I say something is unsafe, then it's unsafe."
EigenVexer's response: "I replied that this isn't how things work here."
Elle's claim: "Again, Tuesdays are bad nights to have events at sewing. All Tuesdays."
Reality: Ms. Judy (actual authority) said it was fine with the door closed.
| Collaborative Decision | Unilateral Authority Claim |
|---|---|
| Discussion of concerns | Pronouncement of rules |
| Others can contribute | Others must comply |
| Resolution is negotiated | Resolution is imposed |
| Authority is earned | Authority is claimed |
Each pattern demonstrates a specific way Elle bypasses resolution-possible stages. The "Stage Jump" column shows which stages are skipped.
| Pattern | Stage Jump | What Gets Skipped | Resulting Escalation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Identity Reframing | 2 → 4-5 | Bypasses debate (Stage 2-3) | Conflict becomes about character/identity, not substance |
| 2. Policy Injection | 2 → 3-4 | Bypasses dialogue by creating fake rules | Opposition becomes rule-breaking instead of valid disagreement |
| 3. Ally Recruitment | 2-3 → 4 | Bypasses two-party resolution | Individual conflict becomes group pressure dynamic |
| 4. Mechanism Weaponization | 3 → 6 | Bypasses all dialogue stages | Safety tools become punishment weapons |
| 5. Forced Public Escalation | 2 → 5 | Bypasses private resolution | Creates permanent record, eliminates face-saving |
| 6. Dismissive Reframing | Maintains 4-5 | Prevents de-escalation to Stages 1-3 | Blocks return to dialogue; keeps conflict high |
| 7. Victim Repositioning | Maintains 4-5 | Prevents accountability-based de-escalation | Accountability attempts become "attacks" |
| 8. Unilateral Authority | 2 → 6 | Bypasses all dialogue and negotiation | Discussion becomes command; normalizes autocratic decisions |
Patterns 1-5 are escalation mechanisms that skip early stages and jump to high stages.
Patterns 6-7 are maintenance mechanisms that prevent de-escalation and keep conflicts at high stages.
Pattern 8 is an override mechanism that bypasses all stages entirely, jumping straight to unilateral punishment.
These patterns are not used in isolation. They often combine and reinforce each other:
Romy's comment about trans women → framed as "sexist dismissive comments about other women"
Moved to Bravespace, creating permanent public record
"I am going to demand you come offf NB discord for 24 hours"
Elan agreed comment was "needlessly antagonistic"; no one challenged Elle's authority
Romy went silent for 4 months