Help:Blocking

Administrators can block users and individual IP addresses. It's also possible to block IP ranges; see the "Should we block ranges?" section on the blocking FAQ page for more on this. Blocked users or those with blocked IP addresses will still be able to read the wiki, but will not be able to edit, upload files, add comments or chat. They may also not be able to use their message wall.

Step-by-step
To block a user, admins can use the special page at Special:Block.
 * 1) Enter the username or IP address of the user or IP address you want to block.
 * 2) Select an expiry time for the block. Remember that usually (not always, though) blocks are best kept as short as possible. If the timespan you want isn't in the dropdown list, you can type it in the box.
 * 3) Enter a reason for the block. If a suitable reason isn't in the dropdown, then type it into the box below. Remember that the person blocked (as well as other users) will see this reason, so it helps to make it clear, informative and polite.
 * 4) An IP block will block all users with that IP, whether they are logged in or not. Because IPs can be shared, you can leave logged in users unaffected by the ban by leaving the box "Prevent logged-in users from editing from this IP address" unchecked (bottom selection).
 * 5) A side effect of this, is that an anonymous user could create a new account to bypass the ban. So you can counter this by checking the box marked "Prevent account creation".
 * 6) If a logged in user is banned, then they could evade the ban by logging out and editing anonymously. To prevent this, you can set the block to include the IP address that the logged in user is using. Check the box marked "Automatically block the last IP address used by this user, and any subsequent IPs they try to edit from".
 * 7) When you have finished filling in the form, click "Block this user" to complete the block.
 * 8) The form also gives useful links, to allow you to edit the block reasons template, go to the unblock page, and view blocks that are already active.

Why people are blocked
Users can be blocked for many reasons. Each community may have slightly different blocking policies, but in general, blocks are generally given for:
 * Vandalism, especially repeated vandalism.
 * Breaking policies.
 * Abuse of user rights.
 * Adding pages that are Copyright violations.
 * Offensive or misleading usernames.
 * Spam.

Common block summaries
The drop-down reasons for blocking are editable at MediaWiki:Ipbreason-dropdown. By default these include:
 * Inserting false information
 * Abusing multiple accounts
 * Spamming links to external sites
 * Intimidating behaviour/harassment
 * Removing content from pages
 * Inserting nonsense/gibberish into pages
 * Unacceptable username

Common block protocol

 * Admins are advised to give a warning to people before banning them.
 * Most blocks should be for short periods, especially if IP-based.

Appealing a block
If you feel you have been unfairly blocked, please contact the person who blocked you. Show them the entire message you get when you attempt to edit a page, so that they can make appropriate unblocks if they see fit. A list of admins on each community can be found by going to the Special:ListAdmins page on that wiki. If you are unable to edit at all on the wikia, leaving a message on Community Central is advised. Note that harassing admins by messaging more than once, or leaving more than a single message - will probably result in them getting annoyed - and therefore keeping the block.

As a final resource, you can contact Wikia support for advice, Wikia staff do not normally interfere with local community issues by unblocking users directly.

Related blog posts

 * How to Get Unblocked
 * Why We Don't Unblock You


 * Why staff don't remove bad admins
 * How to Deal With a Bad Bureaucrat

Further help and feedback
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