RuneScape:Block policy

Blocking is how administrators prevent a user account or IP address from editing the RuneScape Wiki. Blocked users and IP addresses can read all the articles, but cannot edit any pages other than their own talk page. Blocked users are also prevented from moving pages or uploading files.

Blocks are used to prevent disruption to the wiki. A user may be blocked when his or her conduct blatantly disrupts the wiki. Administrators may block IP addresses or usernames that disrupt the wiki or pose a threat to it. Examples include:
 * Vandalism
 * Inappropriate usernames
 * Offensive edit summaries

Blocking may not be used:
 * To gain an advantage in a content dispute.
 * In the case where a block is unnecessary, and a warning would suffice, use that instead.
 * As a precautionary measure, unless obvious evidence is given.

When a blocked user attempts to edit, his or her IP is "autoblocked", so that the user may not make the same edit anonymously or under a different username. Autoblocks expire after 24 hours &mdash; when a username is blocked indefinitely, its IP will be automatically unblocked 24 hours after the last attempted edit.

Appealing a block
Blocked editors who wish to appeal their block can add the Unblock template to their talk page. This will add them to Category:Requests for unblock. The template will display the following:

Bans
A user may be permanently banned from editing the wiki, in part or in whole. Administrators may ban advertising/disruption-only and accounts with inappropriate usernames without community consensus. However, community consensus/Wikia staff approval should be obtained when banning established editors. Users who attempt to evade their ban are blocked from editing the wiki.

How to block
The "reason" that the administrator fills in will be displayed to the blocked user when he or she attempts to edit, as well as appearing in the block log (all blocks are recorded here) and the block list (currently blocked accounts are recorded here). Administrators may wish to notify the user of his or her block on his or her talk page.

Options for IP blocks
Block anonymous users only prevents the IP address from editing, but allows registered users to edit. Prevent account creation prevents new accounts from being registered from the IP address.

Guide to blocking times
The block time can be selected from a menu or typed in manually. Listed below are some guidelines to help admins in blocking users.


 * Vandalism - If an IP has done much vandalism, then give him or her a three to six month ban. If he or she did minor vandalism, such as less than five incidents, then limit the block to less than a week. IPs should not be blocked for more than six months. Even if they did a huge amount of vandalism, they still should only be blocked for six months. User accounts may be blocked indefinitely if they do a large amount of damage.
 * Personal attacks - Blocks should not normally be used against general incivility or isolated incidents of personal attacks. If an IP has done a personal attack, then he or she may be blocked for less than a day. If he or she continues, then slowly raise the time until it reaches six months. User accounts that have done more than five personal attacks may be blocked indefinitely.
 * Inappropriate usernames - If a username is inappropriate, then it may be blocked indefinitely. An example would be a username with offensive language in it.


 * Content which advocates breaking any of the Rules of RuneScape.
 * Advertising in any form (aside from websites listed under "External Links"). However, clan advertising through userpages and usernames are allowed.

Overall, don't be too hard on the IP addresses. If user accounts continually do harm, they can be blocked indefinitely, though not if they only did a few incidents.

Indefinite blocks
An indefinite block is one 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 permanently.

Unblocking
Special:IPBlocklist 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.