 | This is anessay on thebanning policy and theblocking policy. It contains the advice or opinions of one or more Wikipedia contributors. This page is not an encyclopedia article, nor is it one ofWikipedia's policies or guidelines, as it has not beenthoroughly vetted by the community. Some essays represent widespread norms; others only represent minority viewpoints. |
 | This page in a nutshell: A user may appeal a 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 they may be more likely to abide by community rules. |
When an editor gets hit with a site ban or an indefinite block, they may wonder where things go from that point. Is there any way to return to good standing? Or are they on the outs forever?
The standard offer is not binding; however, it is usually the first step before the community will consider an unblock.
It's simple:
Apologies and other expressions of remorse aren't necessary, but basic courtesy and a willingness to move forward productively are.
This is not aget-out-of-jail-free card, and administrators are not forced to unblock you, especially if you have not provided any reason why you should be unblocked other than your avoidance of Wikipedia for six months. You should still provide aclear reason why you should be unblocked. Banned users may request that they go through the{{2nd chance}} procedure, to show their ability to edit and improve articles according to Wikipedia's policies.
Per thebanning policy, "Editors who are or remain indefinitely blocked after due consideration by the community are considered 'banned by the Wikipedia community'". For a banned user, this makes no difference as they were already subject to a ban. But to a user who is already blocked but was not banned, receiving a community ban converts a block – which can be appealed to any individual administrator – into a ban which canonly be appealed to the community atWikipedia:Administrators' noticeboard.
The standard offer applies to community-based indefinite blocks and bans in situations where things 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. Bans placed bythe Arbitration Committee orthe Wikimedia Foundation are ineligible for the standard offer.
The six-month threshold can be adjustable under special circumstances. If an editor shows 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 ever.
Banned users seeking a return are advised to make significant and useful contributions to otherWMF projects prior to requesting a return to theEnglish Wikipedia per this offer. Many unban requests have been declined due to the banned user simply waiting six months without making any contributions to other projects.