User blog:Obi the LEGO Fan/Regarding bans and blocks

Recently, there has been a lot of conflict about bans, blocks and who deserves them. There are some guidelines and points that we all need to be aware of, and I will enumerate them here.

1. No trash-talking banned or blocked users behind their backs. Just because someone broke the rules doesn't mean they should gossiped about. Always be respectful and kind, even if the person is a troll. Even trolls must be treated as we want to be treated.

2. If you think a user needs to be banned, report the user privately to a moderator or administrator. Include what policy they violated and how they violated it. Under no circumstances start a public discussion on this subject; those invariably lead to disruption of chat.

3. If you think a user needs to be blocked, report the user privately to a administrator. Include what policy they violated and how they violated it. Under no circumstances start a public discussion on this subject; those invariably lead to disruption of chat.

4. Chat bans are only for violations of chat policy not general policy. Only chat policy may be enforced by chat moderators, and bans may only be issued for violation of chat policy. If chat moderators think a user needs to be blocked, they must follow the same guidelines as anyone else. Bans are not allowed to be used in lieu of a block.

5. Blocks are for violations of the general policy and are determined by administrators. Excessive chat policy violations may lead to a block as well. Any offenses not on chat are punishable by a block and not by a ban.

6. Do not ask moderators to ban someone for violating general policy. Germane reiteration of point 4. Bans cannot be executed for general policy violation, and moderators may not ban without a clear chat policy violation.

7. Chat moderators cannot veto decisions made by administrators. If you have a problem with a decision made by an administrator, politely bring up the issue and your problem with it on their message wall or in private messages on chat.

8. Administrators have the authority to choose what length of block is necessary for any given offense. Permanent blocks should be reserved for those who are not capable or interested in being constructive members of the community and have violated policy numerous times.

9. Even if you disagree with a decision to unban soneome, do not provoke that user. You may politely bring up your concerns with an administrator. Being unkind to users who were recently unbanned because of your disagreement with that unban (or unblock) is absolutely unacceptable.

10. Do not say you want someone banned or blocked in main chat.* This goes along with point 9 + germane reiteration of 2&3. Clamoring for bans or blocks for someone in main chat invariably leads to disruption and possible flame wars. *= an exception would be if that person has just violated chat policy in a ban worthy way, you may ask the moderators to ban the user.