Wikipedia:Cite Before Blocking
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Note: It's possible the relevant information is already contained in the blocking policy and Don't bite the newcomers
A proposal to ensure Administrators have identified a policy violation prior to blocking a user
[edit]Principles
A. Wikipedia is an open community that permits editors of all levels of expertise and intentions to participate. A number of editors are awarded Administrative authority to mentor, shape, and discipline other editors.
B. However, when an editor acts contrary to an individual Administrator's expectations, they may be blocked or subjected to other administrative action that is not based on Wikipedia policy or is questionable as to wheter it would meet with community consensus.
Cite Before Blocking Idea
- Admins should identify the policy violation prior to taking Administrative action.
- Admins should notify the editor on their talk page of the policy violation and cite what action (in the form of diffs) prior to taking Administrative action.
- Admins unable to identify the policy violation or cite the offending action should either reconsider or refrain from taking Administrative action, or ask another Admin to review prior to blocking or other Administrative action.
- Admins should respond to inquiries regarding the Administrative action and explain the basis for the action taken.
- Blocking Admins should invite another editor to review comment if the blocked editor adequately counters the Admins actions.
- Blocking Admins should not protect the talk page of a user they blocked who contests the block, another Admin should be asked to review to avoid one Admin from acting in a hostile manner and discouraging the positive shaping of an editor.
In summary: In an effort to promote Wikipedia as a place to actually encourage participation from its editors, Admins should refrain from taking aggressive action hastily.