HHW:BLOCK
This page discusses the user block policy on Hypothetical Hurricanes Wiki and how it functions. It's recommended that all users, whether blocked or not, read this in order to familiarize themselves with the process.
Differences between blocked and banished users[]
Blocked users[]
A blocked user is a user who has been blocked for the wiki for a specific amount of time (e.g. 3 months) and will not be able to edit on the wiki during this time. The user generally retains access to their message wall, but that access will be removed if that ability is misused by the user. Usually this happens to users who break rules like editing articles without permission and persist after being warned. Blocked users can appeal their ban once every six months. If the ban is shorter than 6 months, it can be appealed only once.
Banished users[]
A banished user is a user who is essentially barred from editing the wiki until further notice. Banished users have their bans set as indefinite or infinite. This is usually only done when the user has been a long-time abuser of multiple accounts (sockpuppets). The user will not be un-banished until at least 6 months have passed and the user requests it to be reconsidered.
Infinite/indefinite blocks[]
Infinite and indefinite blocks are ones 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 until further notice or until a fixed ban date is set, while infinite blocks are used to prevent a specific account from editing permanently. Infinite bans are rarely given, and most bans of this kind are indefinite bans.
Appeals[]
Any user who has been blocked has the right to appeal their current ban. They can do so by contacting a member of the administration using a social media platform like Discord or a Fandom wiki. If the user's appeal is successful, their block will be reduced or lifted entirely, depending on the administration's decision. If the appeal is denied, the user's block remains in effect, and they will be allowed to re-appeal their ban six months following their failed appeal.
- Users can choose whether their blocks should be shortened or ended. If the user does not specify, the administration will vote by default to lift the ban.
- While some people are banned in chat but not on the wiki, the opposite is not true here. Keep in mind while appealing: you cannot request a chat unban while being banned on the wiki.
- You should ideally express why you wish to return, why you believe you've changed, and so on in your appeal. Non-serious appeals will also be voted on, but their chances of success will be reduced, independent of the user's conduct.
Appealing chat bans[]
If there is contention about a particular chat ban, banned users may reply directly to the ban notice they receive upon being removed from chat. If the issue cannot be fully addressed there, the banned user may post on the administrators' noticeboard explaining the situation and why they feel the ban was unjust.
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.
Unblocking[]
Special:Blocklist contains a list of all currently blocked users and IPs. 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.
Blacklisted users[]
Blacklisted users, while not blocked from viewing or editing the wiki, are users who are prevented from obtaining any sort of user rights, hence blacklisted. Blacklists are usually indefinite (that is, until further notice) but some blacklists maybe have a set expiry date. Blacklists can only be ended by the administration, and only if they agree that the user's behavior has improved and/or that a blacklist would be unnecessary.
Generally, blacklisted users are users who've have repeatedly asked or discussed user rights, promotions, and demotions, ignoring moderator's orders to tone down or not mention these topics as frequently.
If the user who is blacklisted already has some user rights, they will not be able to progress the user rights ladder further. For example, an autopatrolled user who's blacklisted will be unable to become a moderator or higher. If they hold no user rights, they will not be able to obtain any. This also applies to users who aren't blacklisted but share the requirements listed above, especially if their activity is low and/or inconsistent and they've only shown themselves to be interested in user rights and not the wiki's wellbeing.