User:JodyB/blockpolicy

From User:FT2
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 * Deterrence

Blocks are not punitive in the sense that they aren't retribution for past behavior. They are sometimes used to deter future repetition, and to encourage future conduct to differ from past conduct, when it is felt a warning would be unlikely to do the job.

Deterrence differs from protection in that deterrence emphasizes behavior change in the user, and protection emphasizes separation of the project from the user. Deterrence examples:


 * To deter future repetition of the present conduct.
 * To encourage an understanding that the present behavior cannot continue.
 * To encourage a congenial editing environment within communal norms.

As deterrence is based upon the likelihood of repetition, an action which has happened even a short time ago and has not repeated, may not justify a deterrent block, even if one might have been justified at the time.
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Possible change:
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Purpose and goal
One goal of blocking is to protect the project. While blocking is not intended to be punitive, it builds upon prior warnings and discussions to emphasize that disruptive conduct is not acceptable.

A second goal of blocking is to encourage disruptive users to become valuable contributors to Wikipedia. For example, blocking can accomplish four important objectives:


 * 1) Blocking prevents imminent or continuing damage and disruption to Wikipedia.
 * 2) Blocking deters the continuation of disruptive behavior by making it more difficult to edit.
 * 3) Blocking encourages a rapid understanding that the present behavior cannot continue and will not be tolerated.
 * 4) Blocking encourages a productive, congenial editing style within community norms.

Through the twin goals of protection and encouragement, blocks may escalate in duration to protect the Wikipedia while allowing for the cessation of disruptive editing and the return to respected editing.
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