User:Evkl/Blocking Policy: Difference between revisions

Starting the merge of other policies into a 'discipline' policy; needs wordsmithing / cleaning up throughout
m (Reverted edits by Force Fire (talk) to last revision by Pokemaster97)
Tag: Rollback
(Starting the merge of other policies into a 'discipline' policy; needs wordsmithing / cleaning up throughout)
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'''Discipline''' is the processes that Bulbapedia staff follows 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.


'''Blocking''' is a method that allows staff members to address vandalism, inappropriate usernames, bots, and disruptive behavior by technically preventing a user from editing.  
 
==Warning==
ypically it is standard procedure to '''warn''' users that they are at risk of being blocked. The purpose of the '''Warning policy''' is to lay out some guidelines when it comes to handing out, and/or receiving warnings. In some cases, it's alright for experienced users to send warnings to other users. In other cases, it's best that users not interfere and let the staff take care of it.
 
===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 quick message to the immediate user without posting a message on their talk page.
<br/><br/>
Example:<br/>
(diff | hist) . . Article; 02:28 . . (-500) . . ‎User2 (Talk | contribs)‎ (Undo revision 0000000 by User1 (talk) That edit was against policy. Please do not make this kind of edit again.)<br/>
(diff | hist) . . Article; 02:28 . . (+500)‎ . . ‎User1 (Talk | contribs)‎<br/><br/>
 
Unofficial warnings are acceptable in most cases. They're unacceptable when they break the {{bp|code of conduct}}, so while you may tell a user to stop what they're doing, or ask them to explain themselves, you may not lash out or attack them.
 
===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 best be left to, or reported to an active {{bp|Staff|staff member}}.
 
===Staff warnings===
Staff are capable of giving any warnings they deem necessary, whether they're for minor, or major offenses. Warnings for major offenses are always the product of staff discussion, and therefore the staff seek to settle major issues as a group while having one user relay the warnings to the user in question. If need be, other staff members may aide 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. It is viewed as disrespectful towards those who officially hold authority here, and in most cases is considered a form of {{bp|Code of conduct|harassment}}. Users caught 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===
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.
:The second warning is used to serve as a reminder of the first message, and to inform the user that they're continuing their disarray.
:The third warning is left to staff members as it typically informs the user that action will be taken against them 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.
 
:Once action has been taken to get the troublesome user on track, a staff member will leave a message on their talk page explaining that action has been taken, and what the user must do to overcome these actions.
 
===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 don't need to include those into the message. While warning templates are convenient, they don't get every point across, so it's sometimes better to type a message specifically for that user as opposed to using a generated message.
 
 
==Banning==
'''Banning''' is a way of dealing with disputes and disruptions on Bulbapedia. A ban is simply asking 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.
 
===Notification===
A user must be properly notified of a ban. Administrators must write on the user talk page; they may also issue the notice via email, instant messaging or other means. The notice must clearly indicate:
* The '''duration''' of the ban
* The '''scope''' of the ban
* The '''reason''' for the ban
 
==Blocking==
Blocks can be temporary or indefinite in time and may be applied to:
Blocks can be temporary or indefinite in time and may be applied to:
* User accounts
* User accounts
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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.  


==Procedure==
==Blocking Procedure==
If a user fails to follow the policies and guidelines of Bulbapedia, {{bp|Warning policy|official 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.   


Depending on the type of offense, staff may use page or namespace (such as User: or Appendix:) blocks.  These may be used either a first resort - for example, preventing a user from editing the userspace, or from editing a specific anime episode article.  Alternatively, staff may use blocks maintain order after a wiki-wide block expires, for example preventing a user from editing a page they were previously edit warring on.  In either case the principles behind the Blocking Policy apply to the Block; it should be proportionate with the issue at hand and well-explained to the user.
Depending on the type of offense, staff may use page or namespace (such as User: or Appendix:) blocks.  These may be used either a first resort - for example, preventing a user from editing the userspace, or from editing a specific anime episode article.  Alternatively, staff may use blocks maintain order after a wiki-wide block expires, for example preventing a user from editing a page they were previously edit warring on.  In either case the principles behind the Blocking Policy apply to the Block; it should be proportionate with the issue at hand and well-explained to the user.
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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.


==Blockable offenses==
===Blockable offenses===
There are several circumstances that may prompt a member of staff to enforce a block:
There are several circumstances that may prompt a member of staff to enforce a block:


===Ignoring bans===
====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===
====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====
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===
====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===
====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 blocked. A user is free to use their userpage to advertise, or link to appropriate personal websites and/or blogs.  


===Edit/revert wars===
====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, 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===
====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===
====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===
====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.


This does not apply to users operating in good faith to inform others of the rules; for example, an edit correction adding an "é" to Pokémon (correcting from "Pokemon") with an edit summary informing the user of Bulbapedia's style is '''not''' mini-modding. Making the same edit with an edit summary informing the user that if they continue to omit the "é" they could be warned or banned is mini-modding.
This does not apply to users operating in good faith to inform others of the rules; for example, an edit correction adding an "é" to Pokémon (correcting from "Pokemon") with an edit summary informing the user of Bulbapedia's style is '''not''' mini-modding. Making the same edit with an edit summary informing the user that if they continue to omit the "é" they could be warned or banned is mini-modding.


==Global blocks==
===Global blocks===
Some users who are known to be particularly disruptive or counterproductive may have their Bulbagarden Archives, Bulbanews, Bulbagarden forums, and related accounts hosted on Bulbagarden blocked as well. This is done on a case-by-case basis, but users should be warned that if these accounts are left unblocked, they should not use them to get around the block that has been enforced.
Some users who are known to be particularly disruptive or counterproductive may have their Bulbagarden Archives, Bulbanews, Bulbagarden forums, and related accounts hosted on Bulbagarden blocked as well. This is done on a case-by-case basis, but users should be warned that if these accounts are left unblocked, they should not use them to get around the block that has been enforced.


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==Staff guidance==
==Staff guidance==
Staff are expected to follow the following guidance when using the blocking policy; this is being presented publicly in the interests of transparency.
Staff are expected to follow the following guidance when using the discipline policy; this is being presented publicly in the interests of transparency.


===Impartiality===
===Impartiality===