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User:Evkl/Blocking Policy: Difference between revisions
Okay, finally got around to updating this. Refreshed the Warnings section significantly, minor edits in ban/block.
(Starting the merge of other policies into a 'discipline' policy; needs wordsmithing / cleaning up throughout) |
(Okay, finally got around to updating this. Refreshed the Warnings section significantly, minor edits in ban/block.) |
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This page outlines the processes that Bulbapedia staff follow to address vandalism, inappropriate usernames, bots, and disruptive behavior by technically preventing a user from editing. It moves through three phases: '''warnings''', '''bans''', and '''blocks.''' | |||
==Warning== | ==Warning== | ||
Typically, it is standard procedure to '''warn''' users that they are at risk of being banned or blocked. The purpose of the '''Warning policy''' is to lay out guidelines for issuing warnings. In some cases, it is accepted that users may send warnings to other users. In other cases, staff should manage warnings. Guidelines for both scenarios are discussed below. | |||
===Unofficial warnings=== | ===Unofficial warnings=== | ||
Unofficial warnings are messages posted in editing summaries shown in the recent changes. While edit summaries typically tell what kind of edit the user has made, they can also be used to relay a | Unofficial warnings are messages posted in editing summaries shown in the recent changes. While edit summaries typically tell what kind of edit the user has made, they can also be used to relay a brief message to the user without posting a message on their talk page. | ||
<br/><br/> | <br/><br/> | ||
Example:<br/> | Example:<br/> | ||
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(diff | hist) . . Article; 02:28 . . (+500) . . User1 (Talk | contribs)<br/><br/> | (diff | hist) . . Article; 02:28 . . (+500) . . User1 (Talk | contribs)<br/><br/> | ||
Unofficial warnings are acceptable in most cases | Unofficial warnings are acceptable in most cases, but must follow the {{bp|code of conduct}}, so while you may tell a user to stop an activity or ask them to explain themselves, you may not lash out or attack them via an unofficial warning. Also note that unofficial warnings do not notify a user, so there is a chance they may not see it if they do not check recent changes. | ||
===User warnings=== | ===User warnings=== | ||
Certain warnings are acceptable for experienced users to give to newer users without needing to address a member of staff. Examples of these would be: Telling a user to use the preview button, warning a user that they've exceeded the userspace limit, correcting a user on their grammar and etiquette, and reminding users not to remove messages that comply with the {{bp|Talk page policy}}. Any other circumstance should | Certain warnings are acceptable for experienced users to give to newer users without needing to address a member of staff. Examples of these would be: Telling a user to use the preview button, warning a user that they've exceeded the userspace limit, correcting a user on their grammar and etiquette, and reminding users not to remove messages that comply with the {{bp|Talk page policy}}. Any other circumstance should be reported to an active {{bp|Staff|staff member}} to address. | ||
===Staff warnings=== | ===Staff warnings=== | ||
Staff are | Staff are empowered to warn users for minor or major offenses. Warnings for major offenses (including but not limited to trolling, harassment, code of conduct violations, or edit warring/reversion) should be the product of staff discussion, and therefore the staff seek to settle major issues as a group while having one staffer relay the warnings to the user in question. If need be, other staff members may assist in providing warnings. In instances of excessive insubordination, a staff member may temporarily block a user so they're able to effectively post a warning on said user's talk page without interference. | ||
Non-staff should not give out warnings for major offenses. This is referred to as overstating one's authority, or in layman's terms, mini-modding | Non-staff should not give out warnings for major offenses. This is referred to as overstating one's authority, or in layman's terms, mini-modding. Users giving warnings to other users for highly serious issues will be warned for taking matters into their own hands and interfering. The warnings they left may also be removed and possibly replaced with a proper warning from a member of staff. If the matter turns into a dispute, users may be blocked. | ||
===Walkthrough to warnings=== | ===Walkthrough to warnings=== | ||
For most offenses, users are typically given three warnings before action is taken against them. | For most offenses, users are typically given three warnings before action is taken against them. | ||
:On the first warning, users are to be politely informed that something they're doing is incorrect, and provided instructions on how to correct their mistake. If possible, link to one of Bulbapedia's policies that goes into detail on the correct performance. | :On the first warning, users are to be politely informed that something they're doing is incorrect, and provided instructions on how to correct their mistake. If possible, link to one of Bulbapedia's policies that goes into detail on the correct performance. | ||
:The second warning is used to serve as a reminder of the first message | :The second warning is used to serve as a reminder of the first message and reinforce the rule being violated. | ||
:The third warning is left to staff members as it typically informs the user that | :The third warning is left to staff members as it typically informs the user that a block or ban will be issued upon their next offense. | ||
Subsequent to the third warning, appropriate actions will be taken against the offending user to follow the rules—if possible—by the user who gave them their final warning. | Subsequent to the third warning, appropriate actions will be taken against the offending user to follow the rules—if possible—by the user who gave them their final warning. Users with particularly severe rule violations may receive fewer than three warnings, and are not required to receive any warning if the violation is egregious. | ||
: | :Staff members should leave a message on a user's their talk page after an incident explaining that action has been taken and what the user must do to overcome these actions. | ||
===Warning templates=== | ===Warning templates=== | ||
While it is permitted of users and staff to type up unique messages, we also provide [[:Category:Warning templates|templates that provide default warnings.]] To use them, simply place a <code><nowiki>{{subst:____}}</nowiki></code> on their talk page, with <code>___</code> being whatever the name of the template is. For example, preview warnings use <code><nowiki>{{subst:Preview button}}</nowiki></code>. Warnings come with section headers, so you | While it is permitted of users and staff to type up unique messages, we also provide [[:Category:Warning templates|templates that provide default warnings.]] To use them, simply place a <code><nowiki>{{subst:____}}</nowiki></code> on their talk page, with <code>___</code> being whatever the name of the template is. For example, preview warnings use <code><nowiki>{{subst:Preview button}}</nowiki></code>. Warnings come with section headers, so you do not need to include those into the message. Warning templates are convenient but not always comprehensive; it may in some circumstances be better to type a message specifically for that user as opposed to using a generated message. | ||
==Banning== | ==Banning== | ||
'''Banning''' is a way of dealing with disputes and disruptions on Bulbapedia. A ban is | '''Banning''' is a way of dealing with disputes and disruptions on Bulbapedia. A ban is an instruction to a user to refrain from editing specific articles or classes of articles. Bans only carry weight if issued by an administrator or [[Bulbapedia:Dispute resolution|other authorised body]]. | ||
A ban may be issued in order to solve a dispute, for example, as a [[Bulbapedia:Dispute resolution|moderation panel]] recommendation. | A ban may be issued in order to solve a dispute, for example, as a [[Bulbapedia:Dispute resolution|moderation panel]] recommendation. | ||
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Blocks can also be applied partially at a page, namespace, or wiki-wide level. A blocked user may continue to access Bulbapedia, but will not have the ability to edit any of its pages because of the block. | Blocks can also be applied partially at a page, namespace, or wiki-wide level. A blocked user may continue to access Bulbapedia, but will not have the ability to edit any of its pages because of the block. | ||
==Blocking Procedure== | ===Blocking Procedure=== | ||
If a user fails to follow the policies and guidelines of Bulbapedia, '''warnings''' should be issued by a member of staff, guiding them away from inappropriate behavior. A user who does not adhere to warnings and persists in rule breaking behavior, or substantially violates Bulbapedia's rules, may be blocked. | If a user fails to follow the policies and guidelines of Bulbapedia, '''warnings''' should be issued by a member of staff, guiding them away from inappropriate behavior. A user who does not adhere to warnings and persists in rule breaking behavior, or substantially violates Bulbapedia's rules, may be blocked. | ||
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Blocks less than one week in length cannot be appealed, as the appeal review duration would equal or exceed the length of the block. | Blocks less than one week in length cannot be appealed, as the appeal review duration would equal or exceed the length of the block. | ||
== | ==Rule categories enforced by warnings, bans, and blocks== | ||
Rules which, if violated, may lead to action including a warning, ban, or block include: | |||
===Ignoring bans=== | |||
If a user deliberately ignores a {{bp|Banning policy|ban}}, the ban may be forcibly enforced using a block. When possible, staff will apply the use of bans as a way to settle disputes without having to intervene through more severe measures. In addition, it is considered ignoring a ban if a user asks others to make edits on the Bulbagarden forums, Discord, or other methods; this also includes social media and platforms not controlled by Bulbagarden. | If a user deliberately ignores a {{bp|Banning policy|ban}}, the ban may be forcibly enforced using a block. When possible, staff will apply the use of bans as a way to settle disputes without having to intervene through more severe measures. In addition, it is considered ignoring a ban if a user asks others to make edits on the Bulbagarden forums, Discord, or other methods; this also includes social media and platforms not controlled by Bulbagarden. | ||
===Vandalism=== | |||
Users who engage in '''vandalism''', or the deliberate destruction of pages and/or information on pages, will be blocked for an amount of time based on the severity of the incident. Blocks for vandalism may range anywhere from 24 hours to an indefinite or permanent amount of time; serious vandalism will automatically lead to permanent blocks from editing Bulbapedia. | Users who engage in '''vandalism''', or the deliberate destruction of pages and/or information on pages, will be blocked for an amount of time based on the severity of the incident. Blocks for vandalism may range anywhere from 24 hours to an indefinite or permanent amount of time; serious vandalism will automatically lead to permanent blocks from editing Bulbapedia. | ||
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While the instances above can all be considered vandalism, unless clear evidence of malice exists, '''assume good faith''' and do not quickly label fellow users as “vandals” for what simply could have been a mistake and should instead receive warnings where applicable. | While the instances above can all be considered vandalism, unless clear evidence of malice exists, '''assume good faith''' and do not quickly label fellow users as “vandals” for what simply could have been a mistake and should instead receive warnings where applicable. | ||
===Inappropriate usernames=== | |||
Inappropriate usernames that are in violation of Bulbapedia's {{bp|username policy}} will be blocked immediately by Bulbapedia staff. Usernames that are inflammatory, profane, lewd, deliberately confusing, or spammy will be blocked indefinitely without the opportunity to create a new account. Usernames that impersonate famous figures (i.e., Barack Obama) or members of Bulbapedia staff are also considered inappropriate and will be blocked immediately, though the user will generally be allowed to create a new account with an appropriate username. | Inappropriate usernames that are in violation of Bulbapedia's {{bp|username policy}} will be blocked immediately by Bulbapedia staff. Usernames that are inflammatory, profane, lewd, deliberately confusing, or spammy will be blocked indefinitely without the opportunity to create a new account. Usernames that impersonate famous figures (i.e., Barack Obama) or members of Bulbapedia staff are also considered inappropriate and will be blocked immediately, though the user will generally be allowed to create a new account with an appropriate username. | ||
===Edit flooding=== | |||
If a user is judged as having made many edits in a short timespan that do not make constructive improvements to Bulbapedia, staffers may take action to reduce the pace of change. Users may be given a preview warning, where they are instructed to preview their changes before making an edit to the page. If this warning is ignored and edit flooding continues, the user may be forced to preview their changes before making updates. | If a user is judged as having made many edits in a short timespan that do not make constructive improvements to Bulbapedia, staffers may take action to reduce the pace of change. Users may be given a preview warning, where they are instructed to preview their changes before making an edit to the page. If this warning is ignored and edit flooding continues, the user may be forced to preview their changes before making updates. | ||
In some cases, a "cooldown" block may be issued. The length of the block is to be judged by the blocking staff member, but should not exceed 1 day unless the situation is exceptionally severe. During that time, the edits will be reviewed and any unacceptable ones will be reverted. As with other short-term blocks, this cannot be appealed. | In some cases, a "cooldown" block may be issued. The length of the block is to be judged by the blocking staff member, but should not exceed 1 day unless the situation is exceptionally severe. During that time, the edits will be reviewed and any unacceptable ones will be reverted. As with other short-term blocks, this cannot be appealed. | ||
===Advertising/link spam=== | |||
Adding links to external or personal websites as a means of advertisement in articles is considered spam and may result in a user being blocked. A user is free to use their userpage to advertise, or link to appropriate personal websites and/or blogs. | Adding links to external or personal websites as a means of advertisement in articles is considered spam and may result in a user being warned; repeated offenses or egregious advertising could lead to the user being blocked. A user is free to use their userpage to advertise, or link to appropriate personal websites and/or blogs. | ||
===Edit/revert wars=== | |||
An '''edit war''' occurs when users who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other's contributions. Bulbapedia generally treats three reverts/back-and-forth edits to determine if an edit war is taking place, although this guidance is not absolute and in some cases fewer edits may still be an edit war. For example, fewer than three edits may qualify if there is a pattern of conduct occurring across multiple pages (discussed in detail below) or if edits are targeted at a specific user. | An '''edit war''' occurs when users who disagree about the content of a page repeatedly override each other's contributions. Bulbapedia generally treats three reverts/back-and-forth edits to determine if an edit war is taking place, although this guidance is not absolute and in some cases fewer edits may still be an edit war. For example, fewer than three edits may qualify if there is a pattern of conduct occurring across multiple pages (discussed in detail below) or if edits are targeted at a specific user. | ||
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The staff are expected to maintain Bulbapedia's style and as such can revert without a warning or discussion on a talk page if they feel it is in keeping with Bulbapedia's interests. Discussions about staff edits/reverts is welcome on talk pages. | The staff are expected to maintain Bulbapedia's style and as such can revert without a warning or discussion on a talk page if they feel it is in keeping with Bulbapedia's interests. Discussions about staff edits/reverts is welcome on talk pages. | ||
===Harassment, threats, and violent conduct=== | |||
'''Harassment''' in talk pages or editing wars is grounds for a block. While active, vibrant discussion is necessary and encouraged, harassing other users in talk/discussion pages is a violation of the {{bp|code of conduct}} and can result in a block depending on severity. Violent threats and comments which create an unsafe environment may lead to a block without a warning, and depending on the severity of the threat the block can be indefinite. | '''Harassment''' in talk pages or editing wars is grounds for a block. While active, vibrant discussion is necessary and encouraged, harassing other users in talk/discussion pages is a violation of the {{bp|code of conduct}} and can result in a block depending on severity. Violent threats and comments which create an unsafe environment may lead to a block without a warning, and depending on the severity of the threat the block can be indefinite. | ||
===Additional accounts=== | |||
Unauthorized additional accounts for the purpose of hiding one's identity, or '''sockpuppets''', are not permitted on Bulbapedia. Additional accounts created to '''evade bans''' are blocked indefinitely, and may result in an extension or institution of a block on the primary account. | Unauthorized additional accounts for the purpose of hiding one's identity, or '''sockpuppets''', are not permitted on Bulbapedia. Additional accounts created to '''evade bans''' are blocked indefinitely, and may result in an extension or institution of a block on the primary account. | ||
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Please contact a member of the {{bp|Editorial Board}} to obtain permission to create additional accounts. | Please contact a member of the {{bp|Editorial Board}} to obtain permission to create additional accounts. | ||
===Uncivil behavior=== | |||
A user who '''does not behave civilly''' to fellow contributors who are acting in {{wp|good faith}} may be blocked to enforce a [[wp:Wikipedia:Wikibreak|Wikibreak]]. Such behavior includes and is not limited to: | A user who '''does not behave civilly''' to fellow contributors who are acting in {{wp|good faith}} may be blocked to enforce a [[wp:Wikipedia:Wikibreak|Wikibreak]]. Such behavior includes and is not limited to: | ||
* Always or frequently assuming {{wp|bad faith}}. | * Always or frequently assuming {{wp|bad faith}}. | ||
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Such behavior is detrimental in a collaborative project such as this and should be avoided. A contributor that fails to change their behavior after being warned several times may be blocked temporarily, or even permanently if need be. | Such behavior is detrimental in a collaborative project such as this and should be avoided. A contributor that fails to change their behavior after being warned several times may be blocked temporarily, or even permanently if need be. | ||
===Mini-modding=== | |||
Users who take it upon themselves to enforce the rules of Bulbapedia can be mini-modding. This typically occurs if users attempt to enforce or interpret rules, or otherwise take away from the community experience through their application of rules to other users. For example, a user warning another user about a violation of the revert policy "if you keep reverting you will get in trouble!" would be a violation of this policy. | Users who take it upon themselves to enforce the rules of Bulbapedia can be mini-modding. This typically occurs if users attempt to enforce or interpret rules, or otherwise take away from the community experience through their application of rules to other users. For example, a user warning another user about a violation of the revert policy "if you keep reverting you will get in trouble!" would be a violation of this policy. | ||
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==Staff guidance== | ==Staff guidance== | ||
Staff are expected to follow the following guidance when | Staff are expected to follow the following guidance when enforcing the above policies; this is being presented publicly in the interests of transparency. | ||
===Impartiality=== | ===Impartiality=== | ||
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===Staff expectations=== | ===Staff expectations=== | ||
Staff are expected to include a comment in the block that provides an explanation | Staff are expected to include a comment in the block message that provides an explanation of the offending behavior. Staff should be courteous to individuals who are blocked and not mock or belittle them in the comments. Staff are expected to interact in a responsible manner when using their authority to warn, ban, and block users. | ||
In the event of an unusual issue, Staff should interpret these policies with the goal of maintaining a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community in line with Bulbagarden's [[Bulbapedia:Values|values]]. | |||