User:Knife/Policy

Warning templates have been around since the creation of the Super Mario Wiki and are used to keep track of a user's disciplinary history as well as provide justification for blocks/bans. Once a warning has been issued, it cannot be removed without going through an appeal. Removing a warning template without going through an appeal is grounds for another warning. Moving warning templates to an archive is acceptable as long as they are present on your userspace at all times (i.e. not in your editing history).

The following templates are considered warning templates:



The above templates are collectively referred to as "warnings" for simplicity.

Procedure
If you feel like another user has violated a rule, you may issue a warning. Before doing so, contemplate whether the user really deserves the warning. Since warnings are serious accusations, use them responsibly. Abuse of warning privileges is grounds for a warning of your own or block. Follow these steps:


 * 1) Identify the problem. If the problem is something that can be resolved through discussion (such as edit conflicts), try contacting the user.
 * 2) Determine the right template for the situation. See the section below to determine the appropriate template for the situation.
 * 3) Place the template on the user's talk page and clarify the reason for the warning. It is extremely important that you make it clear what the warning was for.

Alternatively, you may contact a Sysop or Patroller and ask them to deal with the problem. If you don't feel comfortable asking them in public, you may also PM an administrator on the forums.

Warnable Offenses
Here are some common reasons for warnings on the Super Mario Wiki. Offenses are ranked by level and are given a fitting warning template for the initial offense. For each repeated offense, the offense goes up one level. Once a problem escalates to the fourth level, the user is eligible for a block or ban. Additionally, if a user has accumulated several high level offenses, there is justification for that user to be blocked or banned. An asterisk (*) marks offenses that can only be issued by administrators:

Level One Offenses
Level one offenses are low level offenses and are given through the and  templates. Infractions that deserve a Reminder template include:


 * Not marking minor edits as "minor"
 * Not marking a flood of edits as "minor"
 * Consistently writing with bad grammar/spelling
 * Not entering coding correctly
 * Entering speculation into articles
 * Making too many consecutive edits to one page
 * Having too many personal images (can also be given through )
 * Violating signature guidelines (can also be given through )
 * Using mainspace talk pages for unconstructive purposes
 * Failure to follow Writing Guidelines

Infractions that deserve a Userspace template include:


 * Editing user page too much
 * Having a large ratio of user space contributions compared to mainspace contributions
 * Creating user pages that are not for constructive purposes
 * Violating the user space policy

Level Two Offenses
Level two offenses are mid level offenses and are given through the template. Infractions that deserve a Warning template include:


 * Making major changes without approval
 * Enforcing a proposal before it has been passed
 * Entering false information into articles
 * Removing/altering other users' content (votes, comments, etc.)
 * Participating in an edit war
 * Abusing warning privileges*
 * Removing a warning without an appeal
 * Editing an archive without good reason
 * Failure to follow most policies

Level Three Offenses
Level three offenses are high level offenses and given through the template. Infractions that deserve a Lastwarn template include:


 * Minor vandalism
 * Impersonating another user
 * Falsely claiming to be an admin
 * Creating sockpuppets*
 * Undermining admin authority*
 * Flaming and making disruptive comments

Level Four Offenses
Level four offenses are offenses which warrant an automatic infinite ban. Infractions which are considered level four offenses include:


 * Major vandalism
 * Being a sockpuppet of an existing user
 * Possessing an inappropriate username
 * Creating an account for advertising purposes
 * Creating an account just to make inflammatory comments

If you see a user committing a level three or level four offense, notify an administrator immediately.

Reasons other than the ones listed above may be used depending on the situation. Depending on the severity of the offense, repeated offenses may be escalated more than one level.

FAQ
Q. Does my warning ever expire? A. No, warnings are permanent records.

Q. Can anyone give out warnings? A. Yes, all users have the right to warn other users.

'''Q. I don't think I deserve my warning. What should I do?''' A. If you feel you don't deserve the warning, you have the option to appeal it as long as the warning in question was not given by an administrator. When appealing warnings, it is best to do so as soon as possible.

Q. Can I still be promoted even if I have warnings? A. Absolutely. Warnings are meant to keep track of your past activities, not to evaluate your current performance.

Q. Can I still be blocked without any warnings? A. If the offense is severe enough, it is possible to be blocked without any kind of warning.