I noticed recently that the {{blocked}} template was being used for things like spamming in the forums, excessive chatting. However, at the bottom where the other text is, there is the explanation on “one of your recent edits has not been in the best interests of wikiHow. . .”. If a person was blocked for chatting, they might feel awfully confused, because they didn’t do any editing other than chat. I was wondering if someone could make a template that fits the criteria of different blocking states. The reason I’m asking is because this concerns blocking, and I want some opinions. Thanks!
system
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The blocked template has a parameter where the blocking admin can specify the reason for the block, which is a lot easier than having a separate template for each reason. Also, in many cases the block might be a result of a combination of behaviors (vandalism and trolling from a malicious sockpuppet, for example). In these cases, it is easier for the admin to write out the circumstances of the block, than it would be to have to pick “one” template that may or may not exactly fit the case.
Editors don’t get blocked often for excessive chatting, although I have seen it happen, but in those cases, the admin always specifies in the blocked template that the excessive chatting was the reason for the block.
Finally, I haven’t seen or heard of anyone being too confused by the blocked template. If so, they can appeal their block by writing to the email address listed on the template to ask for more information… but I don’t think a change in the template is warranted. As an admin, I don’t think we’d be gaining anything by doing this.
In addition to the above points, admins may also manually type out a personalized block message for chatters rather than using the standard template. I usually do this - something along the lines of “I’ve placed a temporary block on your account for 5 hours as a cool-down period to reduce site disruption from your excessive chatting.”
It’s unwarranted and un-needed. One is sufficient, as parameters can be modified and added for it by the blocking admin.
Ok. . . I think I get it now. Should this be closed?
