User:Appledash/Vandalism policy

Vandalism is defined as an addition, deletion, or change in content made out of bad faith in an attempt to deliberately harm Warriors Wiki. The vandalism that is often seen are creating nonsensical articles, replacing content with purposeful false information or obscenities, or adding gibberish.

Any good faith edit made to the Wiki, however misguided or incorrect it is, is not vandalism.

Vandalizing pages violates Warriors Wiki's policies. If a user continues to vandalize a Wiki, they will receive three warnings. After that, they will receive a temporary block. If they return and continue to show that their purpose is to only make bad faith edits, they will be blocked permanently.

If the context of the edits prove to be worthy, three warnings can be waived to possibly two or even one. Blocks can also be permanent the first time around if edit conduct proves it should be.

What does not constitute as vandalism
It is important to note that some edits, as silly as they may be, do not constitute as vandalism. Many new users join, but are not familiar with the ways of editing, or may be misinformed with information that older users are aware of. They may not know they are doing anything wrong or see it as a joke, or they may simply believe that what they are putting in is correct and that whoever is undoing their edits is false.

Attacking new users is not appropriate for one or two edits not done in good faith. Doing so creates an unwelcoming environment - nothing scares away potentially valuable contributors than hostility. We must treat every new user with kindness and patience. It is impossible for a new user to instantly become familiar with the ways of Warriors Wiki and its policies, guidelines, and community standards.

How to fix vandalism
When you see a page has been vandalized, first evaluate the edit and see if it is considered as vandalism. If you think it is, undo the edit to the previous version. It helps to protect the Wiki and sends a message to the vandal that their efforts have been wasted.

If it is a genuine bad faith edit, and the bad faith edits are repeated, talk to the user as stated above. If attempts are made and no consensus has been reached, contact an administrator.

Blocks
If the user refuses to stop, an administrator may have to step in and ban them for a period of time if it is the only way to stop disruption. The first ban will not be permanent, unless the context of their edits determines otherwise.

How to communicate with users
New users' perspectives of how things are handled at Warriors Wiki mostly comes from an outsider's point of view. It will definitely take some time for new users to become accustomed to how they are expected to behave. Attempt to communicate properly with a user committing bad faith edits.


 * 1) Try not to use the word "vandal." In particular, this word should not be used for edits that can arguably be considered good faith. If the edits in question are made in good faith, it is not vandalism. Instead of calling perhaps misguided edits vandalism, try and communicate with the user and talk about their specific edits. Comment on the content of their edits or arguments, rather than their person.
 * 2) Avoid intense statements. Refrain from using words such as, "terrible, awful, dumb, stupid," and so on.
 * 3) Moderate your approach and wording.
 * 4) Avoid sarcasm in edit summaries and talk page messages.
 * 5) Strive to respond in a measured, patient manner.
 * 6) If the case is so, accept that a user made a genuine mistake.
 * 7) Acknowledge different opinions and ideas and be willing to reach a consensus.
 * 8) Open yourself towards taking responsibility for actions on your part or a resolution of a conflict.
 * 9) Reciprocate where necessary.
 * 10) Listen actively.
 * 11) Do not use blocks as a first resort.

Always choose the steadfast ground. Strive to be a kind, caring, responsible editor. By fostering good intentions, one will not provoke or be provoked easily, therefore allowing new editors to willingly devote their time and resources towards building a site that is encouraged to improve.