Wikipedia:Standard offer
This is an essay on the banning policy and the blocking policy. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one of Wikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not been thoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
This page in a nutshell: Usually, a user may request appeal of block or ban after a period (usually six months) without sockpuppetry. The purpose of the period is to demonstrate that they can follow simple, clear instructions, so that they may be more likely to abide by community rules. |
When an editor gets hit with a site ban or an indefinite block, one of the things they usually wonder is where things go from there. Is there any way to return to good standing? Or are they on the outs forever?
The standard offer is not binding, but it is usually the first step before the community will consider an unblock.
The standard offer
It's simple:
- Wait at least six months, without block evasion; i.e. having made no edit, using any account or anonymously, on the English Wikipedia.
- Promise to avoid the behavior that led to the ban.
- Don't give people reasons to object to your return.
How does it work?
- After you have waited six months, contact a willing WP:UTRS) (list of administrators).
- If they agree a review is appropriate, they'll open a thread at an administrative noticeboard (ideally Wikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard).
- Discussion usually takes a few days.
Apologies and other expressions of remorse aren't necessary, but basic courtesy and a willingness to move forward productively are.
This is not a
Community bans and prior blocks
Per the
Eligibility
The standard offer applies to community-based indefinite blocks and bans in situations where things just didn't work out: normal people, short fuses, etc. It doesn't extend to extremes, and it is ultimately up to the administrative community (on a case-by-case basis) whether the blocked or banned editor is eligible at all. Generally speaking, if the police could have become involved, then this offer doesn't apply. In addition, bans placed by the Arbitration Committee and/or the Wikimedia Foundation, are not eligible for the standard offer.
Variations
The six-month threshold can be adjustable under special circumstances. If an editor shows an unusually good insight into the circumstances that led to the block, and sets out a credible proposal for how they will deal with those issues in future, then a return might be considered sooner.
On the other hand, if the indefinitely blocked/banned user continues to be especially disruptive, or has engaged in particularly serious misconduct, then some administrators may become unwilling to consider a return for a much longer time or, quite possibly, ever.
Banned users seeking a return are well-advised to make significant and useful contributions to other WMF projects prior to requesting a return to English Wikipedia per this 'offer'. Many unban requests have been declined due to the banned user simply waiting the six months out, without making any contributions to other projects.
See also
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