Warning system

[Hersfold]

If a member of the forum breaks forum rules, which include Invisionfree ToS and possibly other guidelines as the mods agree on them, they may be given an Official Warning depending on the severity of the breach and the number of times they have broken the rules since their last warning. Official Warnings are administered through the built-in Warning System, which allows moderators to increase warning levels in increments of 20%, and enforce moderation as required.

To ensure fair moderation across the board, these guidelines will be placed in effect for all moderation actions:

20% warning - 5 hour mod preview
40% - 1 day mod preview
60% - 5 hour post suspension, 3 day mod preview
80% - 3 day post suspension, 1 week mod preview
100% - 1 week post suspension, indefinite mod preview

And should, after 100%, the member's posts obviously are not improving, or if they're carrying on through PM's, they get kicked out the door via IP ban.

Definitions:

Mod Preview: A mod must review posts before they are publically viewable
Post Suspension: The member cannot post, but can still use other forum services and read topics.
IP Ban: Prevents a single computer or internet connection from accessing the forum. Other ban methods may be used if a single IP proves ineffective.

In the (hopefully unlikely) event of an extremely severe breach, it is possible that a more severe penalty may be enacted for that offence. However, deviations from this procedure will not be enacted without a general consent of all moderators.

Edit by flemingovia

In July 2014 the warning policy was amended. Here is the new policy to replace Appendix 1 of the Board Rules (clicky)

Appendix 1: Warning System

What sort of things will cause my warning level to be raised?

Warnings are given for behaviour that breaches ZetaBoards' Terms of Use and Terms of Service, or is egregiously below the standards expected in our community. If in doubt ask – before you post.

What is the process for receiving a warning?

Any administrator or moderator with the appropriate masking may increase a warning level. The warning will be discussed by the whole moderation team, either before or after a warning is given. Normally, the person warned can expect to be told the reason for the warning so as to avoid further increases in warning level.

Warnings are not negotiable, and there is no formal appeal process. If you feel you have been unduly harshly warned, please speak to an admin and they will make sure your concerns are raised with the whole moderation team.

What do warning levels mean?

Each increase in warning level is accompanied by a penalty, designed to punish, increase oversight through post moderator preview, or give a time out to allow for tempers to cool. Please note that occasionally, severe offenses may warrant raising a warning level by more than one level, or even imposing an outright and immediate ban (for example, for posting pornspam).

The penalties associated with each warning level are as follows:

20% warning – 1 day mod preview
40% - 1 day post suspension plus 3 day mod preview
60% - 3 day post suspension plus 1 week mod preview
80% - 1 week post suspension plus 1 month mod preview
100% - immediate ban, followed by discussion of the moderation team regarding making the ban permanent or levying some other level of punishment below the permaban

How do I reduce my warning level?

When a player has received an increase in warning level, this will not automatically be reduced at any time. After the warning level has been in place six months, a player may appeal to the moderation team for that warning level increase to be removed. This is not automatic, but will be considered in the light of behaviour since the warning was imposed. Should an appeal be unsuccessful no further appeal will be considered for three months.

Definitions:

Mod Preview: A mod must review posts before they are publically viewable Post Suspension: The member cannot post, but can still use other forum services and read topics.

IP Ban: Prevents a single computer or internet connection from accessing the forum. Other ban methods may be used if a single IP proves ineffective.