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.

The following templates are considered warning templates:



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) Determine the right template for the situation.
 * 2) *If the problem is something that be resolved through discussion (such as edit conflicts), try that first.
 * 3) *If it's the user's first time creating that particular problem, give them a Reminder.
 * 4) *If they have already received a Reminder for that offense, give them a Warning.
 * 5) *If they have already received a Warning, give them a Last Warning and contact an admin to that they can keep an eye on the user and block them if the problem persists.
 * 6) *If the user has not caused that particular problem before, but has accumulated numerous Reminders for various other offenses, they can be issued a Warning this time: they obviously need stronger incentive to follow the rules.
 * 7) *Similarly, a Last Warning can be used for a new offense if the user has accumulated multiple Warnings for causing other problems recently.
 * 8) *If you go to warn someone, and find they have already been given a Last Warning for any issue, contact an admin, as that user most likely needs to be blocked for their latest misdemeanor.
 * 9) *Serious infractions deserve Warnings rather than Reminders, regardless of the user's record. Certain offenses will only be warned against once before a block is issued (the Warning template is still used, rather than Last Warning, but there should be a comment under the template explaining that it is the only warning that the user will get). See below for a list of offenses that merit instant and one-chance-only Warnings.
 * 10) Determine the right template for the situation. If the offense is minor, consider giving a as opposed to a
 * 11) 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. A * marks offenses that only need one warning before leading to a block for the same infraction:


 * Vandalizing pages*
 * Impersonating another user*
 * Editing userspace too much
 * Creating sockpuppets
 * Making major changes without approval
 * Not marking minor edits as "minor"
 * Not marking a flood of edits as "minor"
 * Using mainspace talk pages for unconstructive purposes
 * Entering speculation or false information into articles*
 * Enforcing a proposal before it has been passed
 * Participating in an edit war*
 * Making too many consecutive edits to one page
 * Using the site to advertise a product
 * Removing/altering other users' content (votes, comments, etc.)*
 * Undermining admin authority*
 * Falsely claiming to be an admin*
 * Removing a warning without an appeal*
 * Editing an archive without good reason
 * Flaming and making disruptive comments*
 * Abusing warning privileges*
 * Repeating the same offense (usually escalates the warning to to a higher level)
 * Failure to follow policy

Reasons other than the ones listed above may be used depending on the situation.

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.