Wikipedia:New admin school/Blocking

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The admins' T-shirt.

Blocks exist to protect the project from harm, and reduce likely future problems. Appropriate use of a block can help prevent imminent problematic conduct and disruption to Wikipedia.

When to block

One critical point to remember is that we block users in order to protect the encyclopedia from harm; blocks should not be punitive. Blocks can be used for;

• persistent vandalism;
• 3RR violations;
• persistent gross incivility;
• persistent harassment;
• persistent spamming;
• edit warring or revert warring;
• breaching the sock puppetry policy;
• persistently violating other policies or guidelines;
• persistently making personal attacks;
• making personal, professional or legal threats (including outside the Wikipedia site);
• persistently posting material contrary to the biographies of living persons policy;
• accounts that appear to have been compromised, as an emergency measure.

Note Blocking may be used in other situations (not just the above), where particular situations are addressed by more specific policies dealing with particular issues.

Blocks sometimes are used to allow discussions (such as AfD discussions) to proceed without interruption. The block length usually is based on how long you think the block needs to be in place to protect the encyclopedia. 3RR violations usually have a period between 24 hours and 48 hours (some administrators prefer 31 hours). Registered sockpuppet accounts receive indefinite blocks, however, IP sockpuppet accounts only receive temporary blocks. Discussion blocks might last long enough to conclude the discussion.

Blocks are most often used after a user continues to vandalize despite repeated warnings. Such blocks generally are imposed when a user continues to vandalize after a final warning (corresponding to a level 4 warning template) but this is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Template warnings are often used but are not required. Single purpose accounts or vandalism-only accounts may warrant blocking with fewer warnings. In cases of gross or extreme vandalism a warning is not needed at all, such as in the case of promotion of hate and racism, or uploading shock images. Other users will deserve only one warning, others more warnings. Decide on the severity of the behavior and the likelihood of salvaging a good user. No hard and fast rule will do; use your good judgment.

The actual block procedure is not too difficult. Open the blocking template, select a block time, pick a listed reason or write one yourself, and press block. Blocking etiquette is simple, too. Administrators should not unblock users blocked in good faith by another administrator. If you plan on undoing another admin's block, ask them to consider unblocking first. If that is not possible and there is good reason to unblock, notify the original blocking admin and consider posting a note at WP:AN to let other administrators review your intended actions. This will prevent wheel warring which would otherwise escalate into a dispute.

Note: The relevant policy can be found at the block policy page.

How to block

Blocking a user is accomplished by filling out the blocking form. The blocking form can seem complicated at first with all of its check boxes and options, however, once you understand what these options do, it is easy to determine which are needed and which aren't. Below is a step by step guide on how to make blocks to different groups of users.

Follow the instructions through and then block the users as the guide says.

yes, it's fine for you to block User:ThisIsaTest, User:192.0.2.16 and User:Keegaṇ !!

Note: Please make sure to unblock the users/IP's that you have test-blocked when you're done so that these steps may be repeated by the next Admin.

User blocks/unblocks

Note: User:ThisIsaTest is a test account and is available for testing purposes. User:ThisIsaTest will NOT be editing the encyclopedia.

User:ThisIsaTest has been causing massive disruption since he created his account 5 minutes ago. He has sequentially received the four warnings {{uw-test1}}, {{uw-test2}}, {{uw-test3}}, and {{uw-test4}} (which is more than adequate warning), yet he still continues his rampage. With his continued rampage after adequate warning, he needs to be blocked to stop any further disruption.

Typical Admin blocking form

1. View ThisIsaTest's Talk Page, verify that he/she has been adequately warned and that the warnings are recent.
2. Click on ThisIsaTest's contributions.
3. Verify that ThisIsaTest has continued to vandalize after being adequately warned.
4. Directly under the title you should see "" - click on block. This will bring you to ThisIsaTest's blocking form. (See diagram on the right )

1. Scroll to the bottom of the blocking form page, you will see the blocking form that is to be filled in. The username of the user to be blocked should already be there.
2. Click on the expiry drop down menu - as ThisIsaTest is a vandalism only account select indefinite. ( A )
   • directly underneath this drop down menu ( C ), you can specifiy your own length of block. You can type in just about anything here e.g. 1 week, 2 months, 71 hours e.t.c., or enter a specific end date (useful if modifying an existing block) - use either the drop down menu, or type your own length in, not both.
3. Click on the reason drop down menu ( B ) - select Vandalism only account (you may use the other reasons in different situations).
4. You then come to three check boxes: ( D)
   • Prevent account creation stops the user from creating a new account for 24 hours after the block is made - this should be left ticked.
   • Block this user's last IP address, and any subsequent addresses he/she attempts to edit from blocks all IP's the editor uses in the future whilst blocked - this should be left ticked.
   • Prevent user from sending e-mail prevents the user emailing - unless the user begins abusing the email system, this should be left un-ticked.
5. Now click block.
6. Leave {{Subst:uw-block3}} on ThisIsaTest's talk page to explain that he has been indefinitely blocked.

User:ThisIsaTest now says he is sorry - no, he says he is real sorry - and you wish to unblock him:

1. Click on ThisIsaTest's contributions.
2. Directly underneath the title you should see "" - click on block. This will bring you to ThisIsaTest's blocking form.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the blocking form page and click unblock _____ ( E ). An Unblock user page should appear.
4. Under the reason field, give the reason you are unblocking User:ThisIsaTest.
5. Click unblock this address The "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page will appear and you will see at the top ""

For the purpose of these practice steps, please reset the user page for the next admin.

1. From the "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page, click ThisIsaTest.
2. Go to ThisIsaTest's talk page.
3. Remove the {{Subst:uw-block3}} post

IP blocks/unblocks

Note: User:192.0.2.16 is a test account and is available for testing purposes. User:192.0.2.16 will NOT be editing the encyclopedia. Note that it is also possible to block a range of IP addresses. This should be avoided at all times, as this will cause collateral damage. It is suggested you discuss range blocks before making them, and if you aren't familiar with CIDR ranges, you shouldn't be making them.

User:192.0.2.16 has been causing massive disruption today and has received warnings from {{uw-test1}} to {{uw-test4}}, yet she still continues her rampage. The IP needs to be blocked to stop any further disruption.

1. Click on 192.0.2.16's contributions.
2. Directly underneath the title you should see 192.0.2.16 (Talk | block | Block log | Logs) - click on block. This will bring you to 192.0.2.16's blocking form.
   

   

   If you block any IP in the ranges listed under "Sensitive IP addresses", you must notify the Wikimedia Foundation Communications Committee immediately (see contact instructions there or use the notifications page).
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, you will see the blocking form that is to be filled in. The IP of the user to be blocked should already be there.
4. Click on the expiry drop down menu - as 192.0.2.16 has received no previous blocks, select a short amount of time: 24-48 hours.
   • directly underneath this drop down menu, you can specifiy your own length of block. You can type in just about anything here e.g. 1 week, 2 months, 71 hours e.t.c. - use either the drop down menu, or type your own length in, not both.
5. Click on the reason drop down menu - select Vandalism (you may use the other reasons in different situations).
6. You then come to two check boxes:
   • Block anonymous users only blocks unregistered users from editing from the IP address, but still allows registered users to edit - this prevents collateral damage so should be left ticked.
   • Prevent account creation stops users from this IP creating an account- this should be left ticked.
7. Now click block user.
8. Leave {{Subst:uw-block1}} on the IP's talk page to explain that it has been blocked for a short period of time.

User:192.0.2.16 now says she is sorry and you wish to unblock her:

1. Click on 192.0.2.16's contributions.
2. Directly underneath the title you should see 192.0.2.16 (Talk | block | Block log | Logs) - click on block. This will bring you to 192.0.2.16's blocking form.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the blocking form page and click unblock _____. An Unblock user page should appear.
4. Under the reason field, give the reason you are unblocking 192.0.2.16.
5. Click unblock this address The "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page will appear and you will see at the top "192.0.2.16 has been unblocked (re-block)."

For the purpose of these practice steps, please reset the user page for the next admin.

1. From the "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page, click 192.0.2.16.
2. Go to 192.0.2.16's talk page.
3. Remove the {{Subst:uw-block1}} post

Username blocks/unblocks

Note: User:Keegaṇ is a test account and is available for testing purposes. User:Keegaṇ will NOT be editing the encyclopedia.

Additionally, this account name is technically restricted to creation by administrators. Accounts in the log will not be this similar.

User:Keegaṇ is an inappropriate username due to it being too similar to an existing user. Assume that this is a clearly inappropriate username of the kind that can be blocked on sight by any administrator. To block,

1. Click on Keegaṇ's contributions.
2. Directly underneath the title you should see Keegaṇ (Talk | block | Block log | Logs) - click on block. This will bring you to Keegaṇ's blocking form.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page, you will see the blocking form that is to be filled in. The username of the user to be blocked should already be there.
4. Click on the expiry drop down menu - as Keegaṇ's username is innapropriate, select indefinite.
   • directly underneath this drop down menu, you can specifiy your own length of block. You can type in just about anything here e.g. 1 week, 2 months, 71 hours e.t.c. - use either the drop down menu, or type your own length in, not both.
5. Click on the reason drop down menu - select {{usernameblock}} (you may use the other reasons in different situations).
6. You then come to three check boxes:
   • Prevent account creation stops the user from creating a new account for 24 hours after the block is made - the tick should be changed to unticked.
   • Block this user's last IP address, and any subsequent addresses he/she attempts to edit from blocks all IP's the editor uses in the future whilst blocked - the tick should be changed to unticked.
   • Prevent user from sending e-mail prevents the user emailing - this should be left un-ticked.
7. Now click block user.
8. Leave {{Subst:UsernameBlocked}} on Keegaṇ's talk page to explain that he has been indefinately blocked.

User:Keegaṇ now says Keegan is a family name and you wish to unblock him:

Typical Admin Un-block form

1. Click on Keegaṇ's contributions.
2. Directly underneath the title you should see Keegaṇ (Talk | block | Block log | Logs) - click on block. This will bring you to Keegaṇ's blocking form.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the blocking form page and click unblock _____. An Unblock user page should appear.
4. Under the reason field, give the reason you are unblocking Keegaṇ.
5. Click unblock this address The "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page will appear and you will see at the top "Keegaṇ has been unblocked (re-block)."

For the purpose of these practice steps, please reset the user page for the next admin.

1. From the "Blocked IP addresses and usernames" page, click Keegaṇ.
2. Go to Keegaṇ's talk page.
3. Remove the {{Subst:UsernameBlocked}} post

Other links

If you want to take a look at other references, such as further detail into the blocking check boxes, go to here. It is the help page copy from the Meta Wiki.