Changes: Help:Blocking

Revision as of 04:23, 1 March 2021

Administrators can block registered and anonymous users (by blocking accounts and individual IP addresses, respectively) to prevent them from editing a wiki. Blocked users can only browse articles. Administrators may choose to restrict a registered user's ability to use their message wall or talk page.

Why block?

Every community needs to have their own rules set up and block according to them fairly.

Since the rules can vary depending on the community, users can be blocked for many reasons, though blocks are usually given for:

Vandalism, such as inserting false information.
Spamming.
Repeatedly adding pages that violate copyright.
Abusing user rights.
Harassing or insulting other users.
Offensive or misleading usernames/avatars and refusing to change them.
Impersonating another person.
Breaking other policies.

While each community needs to have its own blocking policies, blocking should not be considered a standard disciplinary measure. Admins are advised to discuss the matter with the user first, warning them about the consequences of their behavior, and only block if the warning does no effect. Blocks are used to prevent damage or disruption, not to punish users.

In most cases, a short block should be enough to resolve the matter. IP addresses should never be blocked for longer periods of time, with an absolute maximum of three months, to avoid situations where a dynamic IP is used by a completely different user and they find themselves unable to edit.

How to block?

Users can be blocked through the Special:Block:

Enter the username or IP address of the user or IP you want to block.
Select an expiry time for the block. Blocks are usually best kept as short as possible. You can customize the block duration by typing it in the box. Infinite blocks can be made this way by typing infinite or indefinite in the box.
Enter a reason for the block. If a suitable reason isn't in the drop-down, then type it into the box below. Remember that the reason will be public, so keep it clear, informative, and polite.
An IP block will block all users with that IP, whether they are logged in or not. Since IPs can be shared, you can leave logged in users unaffected by the block by leaving the box "Prevent logged-in users from editing from this IP address" in the bottom section of the block page unchecked.
If a logged-in user is blocked, they can try to evade the block 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".
The blocked user can be prevented from editing their Message Wall by selecting the "Prevent this user from posting on their Message Wall while blocked" option.

Click "Block this user" to complete the block.

Note that the form also includes useful links that allow you to edit the block reasons template, access the unblock page, or review active blocks.

Blocking the right user

When selecting which user to block, keep in mind:

Usernames are exact and case sensitive. The easiest way to ensure you're blocking the right user is to copy and paste the username from elsewhere on the wiki into the Block box.
IP addresses can be blocked using either the IPv4 or IPv6 format. As with usernames, you should only block the exact IP address used by the offending user, or else the block won't work.
For vandalism or spam coming from very similar IP addresses, a "range block" may be appropriate. However, this should be done sparingly. See the "Should we block ranges?" section on the blocking FAQ page for details.
You may also request to check user IPs if a range block may be appropriate for your situation or not. See "How can I request an IP check?".

How to appeal a block?

If you feel you have been unfairly blocked and wish to appeal, first contact the person who blocked you. Show them the entire message you get when you attempt to edit a page so that they can investigate the matter and unblock you if they believe the block was made in error.

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 wiki, you can leave a message on Community Central to the admin of the wiki you're blocked from.

If the block is upheld, the best course of action is to simply wait out the block, perhaps contributing to a different wiki. Repeatedly asking admins for unblocking or leaving multiple messages to that same end may be considered harassment and have the exact opposite effect.

In some circumstances, such as when the block reason violates Fandom's Terms of Use or when the issued block was not firmly tied to rules of that wiki, you may contact Fandom support for advice. While Fandom staff intervention will happen when there is an ongoing problem of blocks unrelated to the rules of the community, they will generally not interfere with local communities and their admins by unblocking users without prior consultation.

Common block summaries

The drop-down reasons for blocking are editable at MediaWiki:Ipbreason-dropdown. By default, these include:

Inserting false information
Removing content from pages
Spamming links to external sites
Inserting nonsense/gibberish into pages
Intimidating behavior/harassment
Abusing multiple accounts
Unacceptable username

Further help and feedback

Browse and search other help pages at Help:Contents
Check Fandom Community Central for sources of further help and support
Check Contacting Fandom for how to report any errors or unclear steps in this article

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-[[Help:User rights#Administrators|Administrators]] can '''block''' users and individual IP addresses, or anonymous users, from a wiki. 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 to articles and [[Help:Discussions|Discussions]], nor enter [[Help:Chat|chat]]. They may also not be able to use their [[Help:Message Wall|message wall]]/[[Help:Talk pages|talk page]] if the blocking admin chooses this option.
+[[Help:User rights#Administrators|Administrators]] can '''block''' registered and anonymous users (by blocking accounts and individual IP addresses, respectively) to prevent them from editing a wiki. Blocked users can only browse articles. Administrators may choose to restrict a registered user's ability to use their [[Help:Message Wall|message wall]] or [[Help:Talk pages|talk page]].
-== Step-by-step ==
+== Why block? ==
+Every community needs to have [[Help:Wiki Rules and Blocking Policy|their own rules set up and block according to them]] fairly.
-[[File:Blockip.png|thumb|450px|A Special:Block page]]
+Since the rules can vary depending on the community, users can be blocked for many reasons, though blocks are usually given for:
-To block a user, admins can use [[Special:Block]].
+* [[Help:Vandalism|Vandalism]], such as inserting false information.
-* Enter the '''username or IP address''' of the user or IP you want to block.
+* [[Help:Spam|Spamming]].
-** Usernames are exact and case sensitive. Please make sure you have capitalization correct and add no incorrect characters. You can always copy and paste the username from elsewhere on the wiki into the Block box to make sure you have this correct.
+* Repeatedly adding pages that [[Help:Licensing|violate copyright]].
-** IP addresses can be blocked using either the [[wikipedia:IPv4#Addressing|IPv4]] or [[wikipedia:IPv6#Addressing|IPv6]] format. Much like usernames, you must block the exact IP address used by the offending user or else the block won't work.
+* Abusing [[Help:User rights|user rights]].
-** For vandalism or spam coming from very similar IP addresses, a "range block" may be appropriate. See [[Help:Blocking FAQ#Should we block ranges?|"Should we block ranges?"]] section on the [[Help:Blocking FAQ|blocking FAQ page]] for more on this. You may also request to check user IPs if a range block may be appropriate for your situation or not. See [[Help:CheckUser#How_can_I_request_an_IP_check.3F|"How can I request an IP check?"]].
+* Harassing or insulting other users.
-* Select an '''expiry time''' for the block. Remember that usually (although not always) 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. To block a user for infinite amount of time, type "infinite" or "indefinite" in the box.
+* Offensive or misleading usernames/avatars and refusing to change them.
-* 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.
-* 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 block by leaving the box "'''Prevent logged-in users from editing from this IP address'''" in the bottom section of the block page unchecked.
-* If a logged-in user is blocked, they could evade the block 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'''".
-* If you think that the user shouldn't edit at all, or the block is too obvious to be discussed, then check the box "'''Prevent this user from posting on their own Message Wall while blocked'''".
-* When you have finished filling in the form, click "'''Block this user'''" to complete the block.
-* 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 [[Help:Policies|policies]], but in general, blocks are generally given for:
-* [[Help:Vandalism|Vandalism]], especially repeated vandalism
-* Breaking policies
-* Abuse of [[Help:User rights|user rights]]
-* Being unkind to/harassing other users
-* Adding pages that are [[Help:Licensing|copyright violations]]
-* Offensive or misleading usernames/avatars
-* [[Help:Spam|Spam]]
-* Inserting false information
 * Impersonating another person.
+* Breaking other policies.
+While each community needs to have its own blocking [[Help:Policies|policies]], blocking should not be considered a standard disciplinary measure. Admins are advised to discuss the matter with the user first, warning them about the consequences of their behavior, and only block if the warning does no effect. Blocks are used to prevent damage or disruption, not to punish users.
-== 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
+In most cases, a short block should be enough to resolve the matter. IP addresses should never be blocked for longer periods of time, with an absolute maximum of three months, to avoid situations where a dynamic IP is used by a completely different user and they find themselves unable to edit.
-== Common block protocol ==
-* Admins are advised to give a warning to people before blocking them.
-* Most blocks should be for short periods, especially if IP-based.
-== Appealing a block ==
+== How to block? ==
+[[File:Admin block.png|thumb|450px|The Special:Block page.]]
-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 wiki, leaving a message on [[:w:|Community Central]] to an admin of the wiki where you are blocked is advised. If they think you still deserve to be blocked, please wait for your block to end or contribute to a different wiki, instead. Note that harassing admins by messaging more than once, or leaving more than a single message will probably result in them getting annoyed, and so keeping the block.
+Users can be blocked through the [[Special:Block]]:
-As a final resort, you can [[Special:Contact|contact Fandom support]] for advice, but Fandom staff generally do not interfere with local community issues by unblocking users directly - unless the block reason violates [//fandom.com/terms-of-use ToU].
+# Enter the '''username or IP address''' of the user or IP you want to block.
+# Select an '''expiry time''' for the block. Blocks are usually best kept as short as possible. You can customize the block duration by typing it in the box. Infinite blocks can be made this way by typing ''infinite'' or ''indefinite'' in the box.
+# Enter a '''reason''' for the block. If a suitable reason isn't in the drop-down, then type it into the box below. Remember that the reason will be public, so keep it clear, informative, and polite.
+# An IP block will block all users with that IP, whether they are logged in or not. Since IPs can be shared, you can leave logged in users unaffected by the block by leaving the box "'''Prevent logged-in users from editing from this IP address'''" in the bottom section of the block page unchecked.
+# If a logged-in user is blocked, they can try to evade the block 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'''".
+# The blocked user can be prevented from editing their Message Wall by selecting the "'''Prevent this user from posting on their Message Wall while blocked'''" option.
+* Click "'''Block this user'''" to complete the block.
+Note that the form also includes useful links that allow you to edit the block reasons template, access the unblock page, or review active blocks.
+=== Blocking the right user ===
-==Global blocks==
+When selecting which user to block, keep in mind:
+# Usernames are exact and case sensitive. The easiest way to ensure you're blocking the right user is to copy and paste the username from elsewhere on the wiki into the Block box.
+# IP addresses can be blocked using either the [[wikipedia:IPv4#Addressing|IPv4]] or [[wikipedia:IPv6#Addressing|IPv6]] format. As with usernames, you should only block the exact IP address used by the offending user, or else the block won't work.
+# For vandalism or spam coming from very similar IP addresses, a "range block" may be appropriate. However, this should be done sparingly. See the [[Help:Blocking FAQ#Should we block ranges?|"''Should we block ranges?''"]] section on the [[Help:Blocking FAQ|blocking FAQ page]] for details.
+# You may also request to check user IPs if a range block may be appropriate for your situation or not. See [[Help:CheckUser#How_can_I_request_an_IP_check.3F|''"How can I request an IP check?"'']].
+== How to appeal a block? ==
-Global blocks are blocks on all wikis of Wikia. A globally blocked user will have in their contributions page "This user is currently blocked across the Wikia network." It will not show any further details than that, because global block details are private on Wikia, and are only shown to the blockee and Wikia staff. This should only be done if the user violates multiple wikis. It can only be done by Wikia staff and VSTF.
+If you feel you have been unfairly blocked and wish to [[Help:Wiki Rules and Blocking Policy#How blocks should be appealed|appeal]], first contact the person who blocked you. Show them the entire message you get when you attempt to edit a page so that they can investigate the matter and unblock you if they believe the block was made in error.
+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 wiki, you can leave a message on [[w:|Community Central]] to the admin of the wiki you're blocked from.
+If the block is upheld, the best course of action is to simply wait out the block, perhaps contributing to a different wiki. Repeatedly asking admins for unblocking or leaving multiple messages to that same end may be considered harassment and have the exact opposite effect.
+In some circumstances, such as when the block reason violates Fandom's [[homepage:terms-of-use|Terms of Use]] or when the [[Help:Wiki Rules and Blocking Policy|issued block was not firmly tied to rules of that wiki]], you may [[Special:Contact|contact Fandom support]] for advice. While Fandom staff intervention will happen when there is an ongoing problem of blocks unrelated to the rules of the community, they will generally not interfere with local communities and their admins by unblocking users ''without'' prior consultation.
+=== Common block summaries ===
+The drop-down reasons for blocking are editable at [[MediaWiki:Ipbreason-dropdown]]. By default, these include:
+* Inserting false information
+* Removing content from pages
+* Spamming links to external sites
+* Inserting nonsense/gibberish into pages
+* Intimidating behavior/harassment
+* Abusing multiple accounts
+* Unacceptable username
 == Related blog posts ==
 * [[w:User blog:Sannse/How to Get Unblocked|How to get unblocked]]
-* [[w:User blog:Ducksoup/Why We Don't Unblock You|Why we don't unblock you]]
 == See also ==
+* [[Help:Wiki Rules and Blocking Policy]]: global blocking policy
-* [[Special:BlockList]] - lists currently blocked addresses and usernames.
+* [[Help:Blocking FAQ|Blocking FAQ]]: Frequently asked questions about blocking.
-* [[Special:Log/block]] - shows all blocks and unblocks.
-* [[Special:Block]] - use this to block a user.
+* [[Special:Block]]: Special page for blocking users.
-* [[Special:Unblock]] - use this to unblock a user.
+* [[Special:Unblock]]: Special page for unblocking users.
+* [[Special:BlockList]]: Lists currently blocked addresses and usernames.
-* [[Help:Blocking FAQ|Blocking FAQ]] - frequently asked questions about blocking.
+* [[Special:Log/block]]: Shows all blocks and unblocks.
-* [[mw:Help:Range blocks/IPv6|Range blocks/IPv6]] - mediawiki.org help page about blocking IPv6 ranges.
+* [[mw:Help:Range blocks/IPv6|Range blocks/IPv6]]: Mediawiki.org help page about blocking IPv6 ranges.
 == Further help and feedback ==
-{{Help and feedback section}}[[ca:Ajuda:Bloquejant]]
+{{Help and feedback section}}
+[[ca:Ajuda:Bloquejant]]
 [[de:Hilfe:Benutzersperre]]
 [[es:Ayuda:Bloqueando]]