Wikipedia:WikiProject User warnings/Design guidelines: Difference between revisions

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{{Wikipedia:WikiProject User warnings/Tabs|This=3}}

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{{notice|''Before designing a new template, please check that it, or one like it, does not already exist. If you are unsure, discuss the matter on the [[Wikipedia talk:Template messages/User talk namespace|centralized talk page]].''}}

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{{policy in a nutshell|All standardized user talk namespace templates should meet the guidelines set out on this page.|alignshortcut1=centerWP:UWDG}}

|[[User:Pol430/Sandbox/WikiProject user warnings|Main page]]

|[[User:Pol430/Sandbox/User talk namespace/Usage and layout|Usage and layout]]

|Design guidelines

|[[User:Pol430/Sandbox/User talk namespace/Table of templates|Table of templates]]

|[[Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace/Multi-level templates|View all multi-level templates]]

|[[Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace/Single-level templates|View all single-level templates]]

|[[Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace/Blocks|View all block templates]]

|[[Wikipedia:Template messages/User talk namespace/Meta-templates|View all meta-templates]]

|[[User:Pol430/Sandbox/User talk namespace/Related policies|Related policies]]

|This={}

}}

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{{policy in a nutshell|All standardized user talk namespace templates should meet the guidelines set out on this page.|align=center}}

==Naming convention, basic format and maintenance==

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* Templates will not include <nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>

* All templates made obsolete are to have the relevant redirects added.

* All templates should include a comment containing the template name in the format <code><nowiki><!-- Template:templatename --></nowiki></code>. For example, the {{t|uw-vandalism1}} template contains the comment <code><nowiki><!-- Template:uw-vandalism1 --></nowiki></code>. This is to assist counter-vandalism tools and bots in detecting and identifying user warning templates, and to be transparent to recipients.

==Severity levels==

There are different severity levels for templates. All multi-level templates include several levels of increasing severity. The tone of these varies, from kindly, to very stern. These templates don't necessarily have to be followed in chronological order; a user may use any level of their choice; based on the severity desired. For example, the test series is test1, test2, test3, test4. The number of levels for any given template depends, on the editing actions in question.

====Multi-level templates for vandalism====

There are 4 levels of template for editing actions that can be considered [[WP:VANDAL|vandalism]]. For editing actions that can include severe, or gross examples of vandalism, a '''level 4im''' template is also included in the template series.

* '''Level 1''' – A notice – [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|Assumes good faith]]. Generally includesstarts with "Welcome to Wikipedia" or some variant.

* '''Level 2''' – Caution – No faith assumption; just a note. Often starts with "Please do not..." or "Please refrain from...".

* '''Level 3''' – Warning – Assumes bad faith; cease and desist. GenerallyStarts includeswith "Please stop".

* '''Level 4''' – Final Warning – Assumes bad faith; strong cease and desist, last warning. Starts with something like "You may be blocked from editing the next time you..." in bold.

* '''Level 4im''' – Only Warning – Assumes bad faith; very strong cease and desist, first and only warning. Generally used in the case of excessive or continuous disruption from a user or specific IP.

====Multi-level templates for Disruptivedisruptive editing====

It is important to remember that [[WP:DISRUPT|disruptive editing]] is not [[WP:VANDAL|vandalism]]. Although it may be appropriate to warn disruptive editors, it is not appropriate to report them as vandals at [[WP:AIV|Administrator intervention against vandalism]]. Instead, you should consider the nature of the disruptive editing. If the edits relate to obvious disruption that is not properly defined as vandalism, it may be appropriate to report them to [[WP:ANI|Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents]]. If the nature of the disruptive editing appears to be a content dispute, and an editor continues to engage in such edits, after a level 3 warning; consideration can be given to reporting the matter at a [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution#Ask for help at a relevant noticeboard|relevant noticeboard]].

* '''Level 1''' – A notice – [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|Assumes good faith]]. Generally includes "Welcome to Wikipedia" or some variant.

* '''Level 2''' – Caution – No faith assumption; just a note.

* '''Level 3''' – Warning – Assumes bad faith; cease and desist. Generally includesStarts with "Please stop" or "Stop".

* '''Level 4''' – Final warning – Starts with "You may be blocked from editing the next time...".

====Single issue notices====

Aside from theThe multi-level templates, which range from a polite pointer to the sandbox, to a stern warning that theythe editor desist immediately or face consequences. There are also single issue notices that serve to remind other editors about minor mistakes. These generally cover common editing errors, such as not leaving an edit summary. These notices are not classed as warnings and the actions they advise against almost never result in a block.

====Single issue warnings====

There are also single issue warnings. Single issue warnings generally serve to advise editors of policy breaches that; if repeated, are likely to result in a block. An example of such an act would be [[WP:Edit war|edit warring]].

==Civility and language==

===Civility===

{{see also|Wikipedia:Please do not bite the newcomers|Wikipedia:Civility|Wikipedia:Etiquette}}

Regardless of the severity level of the template, any user warning should be a model of civility (even for the most destructive vandal). Remember thanthat when you use a warning template, you may be seen to do so in Wikipedia's name.

===Language===

With few exceptions user warnings should be written in [[English language|English]], but there are a few warning templates written in other languages. It is important that templates use language that is easily understood. Bear in mind that English Wikipedia attracts editors from all over the world; not everyone on English Wikipedia will speak English as a first language. When considering the wording of a template the following points should be observed:

* Keep the message of the template 'on-track', avoid [[digression]].

* Try to keep sentences as concise as possible, see [[WP:MOS|Wikipedia's manual of style]] for advice on writing style.

* '''Level 1''' and '''Level 2''' templates, and single issue notices should [[WP:AGF|assume good faith]]. Beginning the message with "Welcome to Wikipedia" or "Hello" and ending with "Thank you" is considered appropriate.

* [[Colloquialism]]s should be avoided in all templates.

* The message should identify specific behavior. If possible, avoid "or" statements and other language that would not be used had the message been written out by a human.

====Block advisories====

* Generally speaking, block advisories should appear at the end of the template text.

* It is appropriate to make reference to [[WP:Blocking policy|blocking]] in Level 3, Level 4 and Level 4im templates as well as in single issue warnings. Level 2 templates often include reference to the blocking policy but the wording is much less strong; for example, Level 2 templates often include text similar to "Continuing to edit disruptively could result in loss of editing privileges." Level 1 and single issue notices should not include reference to the blocking policy.

** Level 3 templates often include a more direct reference to blocking, although, they should ''not'' include a '''bolded''' block warning. Typically Level 3 templates include: "Continuing to edit disruptively may result in you being [[WP:BLOCK|blocked from editing]]." Or a variant thereof.

** Level 4, Level 4im, and single issue warnings typically include text similar to: "If you continue to... '''you may be [[WP:BLOCK|blocked]] from editing without further notice"'''.

* All references to blocking should include the use of the word "may" rather than "will" (be blocked from editing). This allows administrators to exercise discretion when dealing with complex cases of abuse.

==Derivatives==

No derivative template (a non-standard variant of a template under a new name) should be included in the list of standardized templates or mentioned in the documentation. Although users are free to create and use non-standard templates, these should not be recognized in the standardized sets listed in these pages and should not be named using the uw- prefix.

==Severity levels==

There are different severity levels for templates. All multi-level templates include several levels of increasing severity. The tone of these varies, from kindly, to very stern. These templates don't necessarily have to be followed in chronological order; a user may use any level of their choice; based on the severity desired. For example, the test series is test1, test2, test3, test4. The number of levels for any given template depends, on the editing actions in question.

====Multi-level templates for vandalism====

There are 4 levels of template for editing actions that can be considered [[WP:VANDAL|vandalism]]. For editing actions that can include severe, or gross examples of vandalism, a '''level 4im''' template is also included in the template series.

*'''Level 1''' – A notice – [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|Assumes good faith]]. Generally includes "Welcome to Wikipedia" or some variant.

*'''Level 2''' – Caution – No faith assumption; just a note.

*'''Level 3''' – Warning – Assumes bad faith; cease and desist. Generally includes "Please stop".

*'''Level 4''' – Final Warning – Assumes bad faith; strong cease and desist, last warning.

*'''Level 4im''' – Only Warning – Assumes bad faith; very strong cease and desist, first and only warning. Generally used in the case of excessive or continuous disruption from a user or specific IP.

====Multi-level templates for Disruptive editing====

It is important to remember that [[WP:DISRUPT|disruptive editing]] is not [[WP:VANDAL|vandalism]]. Although it may be appropriate to warn disruptive editors, it is not appropriate to report them as vandals at [[WP:AIV|Administrator intervention against vandalism]]. Instead, you should consider the nature of the disruptive editing. If the edits relate to obvious disruption that is not properly defined as vandalism, it may be appropriate to report them to [[WP:ANI|Administrators' noticeboard/Incidents]]. If the nature of the disruptive editing appears to be a content dispute, and an editor continues to engage in such edits, after a level 3 warning; consideration can be given to reporting the matter at a [[Wikipedia:Dispute resolution#Ask for help at a relevant noticeboard|relevant noticeboard]].

*'''Level 1''' – A notice – [[Wikipedia:Assume good faith|Assumes good faith]]. Generally includes "Welcome to Wikipedia" or some variant.

*'''Level 2''' – Caution – No faith assumption; just a note.

*'''Level 3''' – Warning – Assumes bad faith; cease and desist. Generally includes "Please stop" or "Stop".

====Single issue notices====

Aside from the multi-level templates, which range from a polite pointer to the sandbox, to a stern warning that they desist immediately or face consequences. There are also single issue notices that serve to remind other editors about minor mistakes. These generally cover common editing errors, such as not leaving an edit summary. These notices are not classed as warnings and the actions they advise against almost never result in a block.

====Single issue warnings====

There are also single issue warnings. Single issue warnings generally serve to advise editors of policy breaches that; if repeated, are likely to result in a block. An example of such an act would be [[WP:Edit war|edit warring]].

==Template coding guidelines==

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<pre>

<noinclude>

[[Category:User warning templates]]

[[Category:User block templates|Indefinite]]

</noinclude>

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===Parameters===

====Default values====

Nearly every parameter should have a default value, such that misuse does not break the template. You can set the default value of a parameter by using piped syntax (<code><nowiki>{{{1|default value}}}</nowiki></code>). For example, the template below takes a parameter; whichit expects the user to supply the propera [[pronounnoun]], but if they don't, it uses a default noun ("This").

<pre>{{{1|He or sheThis}}} is cool.</pre>

Supplied with the pronoun withnoun <code><nowiki>{{template|HeWikipedia}}</nowiki></code>, the template will expand to "HeWikipedia is cool". Ignoring<code><nowiki>{{template|This thehelp parameterpage}}</nowiki></code> will expand to "This help page is cool". If the with <code><nowiki>{{template}}</nowiki></code>, the template will defaultuse the default value, and expand to "He or sheThis is cool".

====Named syntax====

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<pre>

[[{{{link|{{{1|{{{<default value>}}}}}}]]

</pre>

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===Block template CSS===

Wikipedia allows registered users to maintain a [[Help:User style|personal stylesheet]] located at [[Special:Mypage/monobook.css|user:username/skin.css]], where 'username' is the username and 'skin' is the name of the skin in use (usually monobook). To help users take full advantage of this feature, block templates should be enclosed in a CSS container with the "user-block" class.

<presyntaxhighlight lang=html><div class="user-block">template message</div></presyntaxhighlight>

Should the user wish to, they can customize the appearance of all block templates by adding CSS to their user stylesheet. For example, the following code adds a dark red background with white text.

<pre>*syntaxhighlight lang=css>.user-block { background:#C00 !important; color:#FFF; }</presyntaxhighlight>

===Compatibility with lists===

All user warning and block templates should be natively compatible with lists. For optimal intervention efficiency, talk pages with numerous warnings are sometimes organized into formatted lists sectioned by date (see the [[WP:UW#Guidelines|guidelines]]). Due to the way Wikipedia parses wiki syntax into HTML, list items are closed at any newline.

Templates with newlines will break any list they are placed in: the first paragraph will be in the list, the others out, and any subsequent templates in the list will begin a new list. By using HTML paragraph syntax directly, Wikipedia's paragraph parsing is circumvented and multiple-paragraph templates can then be added to organized warning lists without problem.

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--><p>Paragraph 3.</p>

</pre>

[[Category:WikiProject User warnings|Design guidelines]]