WushuWiki
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Blocking is the method by which administrators technically prevent users from editing the WushuWiki. Blocks may be applied to user accounts, to IP addresses, and to ranges of IP addresses, for either a definite or an indefinite time. Blocked users can continue to access the WushuWiki, but cannot edit any page.

Blocks are used to prevent damage or disruption to the WushuWiki, not to punish users (see Purpose and goals further). Any user may report disruption and ask administrators to consider blocking a disruptive account or IP address (see Requesting blocks).

Block duration varies (usually 24 hours at present), and a block may be lifted if the editor agrees to stop the damaging behavior. If you disagree with a block, start by discussing it with the blocking administrator.

Purpose and goals

Blocks serve to protect the project from harm, and reduce likely future problems. Blocks may escalate in duration if problems recur. They are meted out not as retribution but to protect the project and other users from disruption and inappropriate conduct, and to deter any future possible repetitions of inappropriate conduct. Administrators should be familiar with the circumstances prior to intervening.

In general once a matter has become "cold" and the risk of present disruption has clearly ended, reopening it by blocking retrospectively is usually not seen as appropriate. Where an ongoing or serious concern persists, a number of processes exist to allow discussion and possible sanction of a user due to serious or persistent misconduct.

Blocks can be appealed. Requests to be unblocked are also decided in light of prevention and deterrence. A user who agrees to desist and appears to have learned from the matter, or where the situation was temporary and has now ended, may be unblocked early. Equally, a user who has previously returned to inappropriate conduct after other unblocks may find their unblock request declined for deterrence reasons, to underline the importance of change and unacceptability of the conduct.

Blocks should not be punitive

Blocks should not be used:

  1. in retaliation against users;
  2. to disparage other users;
  3. as punishment against users;
  4. or where there is no current conduct issue of concern.

Blocks should be preventative

Blocks should be used to:

  1. prevent imminent or continuing damage and disruption to WushuWiki;
  2. deter the continuation of present, disruptive behavior;
  3. and encourage a more productive, congenial editing style within community norms.

Deterrence is based upon the likelihood of repetition. For example, though it might have been justifiable to block an editor a short time ago, such a block may no longer be justifiable right now, particularly if the actions have since ceased or the conduct issues have been resolved.

Common rationales for blocks

These are the most common reasons for a block. As blocks are for protecting WushuWiki and its editors from harm, this list is not complete, and a block reason not being on this list is not automatic reason for unblocking. If blocking for a reason not listed, be sure to note it on administrators' noticeboard for peer review.

Administrators should take special care when dealing with new users. Beginning editors are often unfamiliar with the WushuWiki's policy and convention, and so their behavior may initially appear to be disruptive. Responding to these new users with excessive force can discourage them from editing in the future.

Protection

A user may be blocked when necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of the WushuWiki, its users, or the public. A block for protection may be necessary in response to:

  • Persistent personal attacks;
  • Personal, professional, or legal threats (including outside the WushuWiki site);
  • Actions placing users in danger;
  • Personal information disclosures (whether or not the information is accurate);
  • Persistent copyright violations

Disruption

A user may be blocked when his or her conduct severely disrupts the project; that is, when his or her conduct is inconsistent with a civil, collegial atmosphere and interferes with the process of editors working together harmoniously to create an encyclopedia. A block for disruption may be necessary in response to:

See also

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