Wikipedia talk:Template index/User talk namespace/Archive 12: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:53, 22 August 2013

Revision as of 06:59, 26 August 2013

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:::See [[Wikipedia:Templates for discussion/Log/2013 July 22]]. And David, this is the second time in a few days I have seen you do something aimed at "evil," the other being your attempt to ban all usernames that even theoretically contain a reference to Satan. You might want to rethink your approach to such issues. [[User:Beeblebrox|Beeblebrox]] ([[User talk:Beeblebrox|talk]]) 18:11, 22 July 2013 (UTC)

== Guidance on correct use of templates? ==

I have only come to read more about templates because of a user who left a threatening message on my Talk page last week.

First, shouldn't there be a progression from a 1st warning, 2nd warning...last warning, block/ban? I've looked at dozens of other users' Talk pages and frequently, there is only a "final warning" given (often with no explanation) and this seems unfair and drastic. It's also not unusual to see these warnings given by another user in an editing dispute. Are these templates really meant to be used at weapons to post on the pages of people we disagree with?

Also, I don't think that severe warnings ("do X again and you WILL be banned/blocked") should be posted by anyone other than an Admin. I mean, I'm just a user...what right do I have to tell another editor that if do another particular act, it will lead to a block or a ban? That's an idle threat and could be construed as intimidation or harassment. But I've seen some trigger-happy, template posters who lay on these ultimatums with the slightest provocation.

Shouldn't there be guidelines on who is allowed to post the highest level of warning and also that an earlier warning must be given (and explained) before a fellow editor is threatened with a ban? If this exists already, please point me in the right direction because I see more instances where template messages are used incorrectly (as blunt instruments) than where they are used appropriately. [[Special:Contributions/69.125.134.86|69.125.134.86]] ([[User talk:69.125.134.86|talk]]) 13:15, 23 July 2013 (UTC)

:Generally the progression is 1-2-3-4, yes. But experienced editors may choose to skip a level or two (or give an only warning) based on the situation - Wikipedia is not some rigid bureaucracy. And don't forget earlier warnings could have been deleted. If an editor is abusing templates the best thing is to bring it up with them and then go to [[WP:ANI]] if the behaviour doesn't change. As to your other point, I looked at a few templates and they all say "may be blocked". What template says "will be blocked"? --[[User:NeilN|'''<font color="#003F87">Neil<font color="#CD0000">N</font></font>''']] ^{<font face="Calibri">''[[User talk:NeilN|<font color="#003F87">talk to me</font>]]''</font>} 13:59, 23 July 2013 (UTC)