Star Trek Timelines:Block policy

Blocking is the method by which administrators may prevent a user account or IP address from editing, uploading images to, and moving pages on the Star Trek Timelines Wiki for a fixed period of time. Blocked users and IP addresses may still read articles, but they cannot edit any pages other than his or her own talk page. However, the blocking administrator may revoke a user's ability to do so if the ability to edit the talk page is abused.

Blocks are used to prevent further disruption to the wiki. A user may be blocked when his or her conduct causes disruption. Examples of conduct that may result in a block include but are not limited to:

• Vandalism/spam
• Excessive harassment
• Continued disruption
• Inappropriate or offensive usernames

However, blocking may not be used:

• to gain an advantage in a content dispute.
• in the case where a block is unnecessary and a warning would suffice.
• as a precautionary measure, unless obvious evidence is given.

When a user account is blocked, his or her IP is "autoblocked" so that the user may not make the same edit anonymously or under a different username. Administrators may lift the autoblock on a user's IP address by unblocking the block number associated with the user (this is to protect the user's privacy). The AbuseFilter is an automated edit filter which runs edits through a preset list of conditions to determine if an edit may be harmful or not.

Appealing a block

Blocked editors who wish to appeal their block may post on an admin's talk page to determine why they were blocked, and what the next steps are.

Indefinite bans

A user may be permanently banned from editing the wiki, in part or in whole. Administrators may ban advertising/disruption-only and accounts with inappropriate usernames without community consensus. However, community consensus should be obtained when banning established editors. Users who attempt to evade their bans will be blocked from editing the wiki.

Instructions for administrators

How to block

Administrators should give a "reason" when blocking a user as this will be displayed to the blocked user when he or she attempts to edit. Additionally, this reason will appear in the block log (all blocks are recorded here) and the block list (currently blocked accounts are recorded here). The reason is used give an idea to users viewing the block list why the account in question was blocked. Administrators may also wish to notify the user of his or her block on his or her talk page.

Guide to blocking times

The block time must be either selected from the drop-down menu or typed in manually. Listed below are some guidelines to help admins in blocking users.

• Vandalism - If an account is clearly vandalizing pages, indefinitely block the account.
• Personal attacks - Blocks should not normally be used against general incivility or isolated incidents of personal attacks. If an IP has done a personal attack, then he or she may be blocked for less than a day. If he or she continues, then slowly raise the time until it reaches six months. User accounts that have done more than five personal attacks may be blocked indefinitely.
• Inappropriate usernames - If a username is inappropriate, then it may be blocked indefinitely. An example would be a username with offensive language in it. Be certain that the box that disallows new account creations is unchecked so they can make an account with a proper name, and that the autoblock is disabled, so they can still edit with the other username.
• Advertising in any form (aside from websites listed under "External Links"). However, fleet advertising through userpages and usernames are allowed. Additionally, advertising mobile apps on designated pages is allowed.

Indefinite blocks

An indefinite block is one where the block's length of term has been set to 'infinite' or 'indefinite' by the admin placing the block. Indefinite blocks are used to prevent a specific account from editing permanently or until further notice.

Range blocks

Sometimes users with dynamic IP addresses may attack the wiki. In such cases, it is best to range block their IP address so even when changing their IP they still can't edit. For more information, see mw:Help:Range blocks or the table below.

Unblocking

Special:Blocklist contains a list of all currently blocked users. Admins will see a link to unblock next to each user. After clicking this, admins should type in the reason that they are unblocking the user and then click the Unblock this address button.