Austar Union
27-08-2005, 10:13
How to CORRECTLY Appeal a Moderator's Decision
I'm quite aware that both Euroslavia and Frisbeeteria have been working on formulating some guide on how to correctly appeal a Moderator's decision, but alas; the last time I heard about it happening was some time ago. Whether they have since forgotten / not worked on one / still working on it, et cetera is beyond me -- but for the time being, I havent exactly seen much of a decrease of anti-Moderator stigma while we are waiting for the guide. Hence, I have taken it upon myself to write a guide on how to appeal -- using the correct channels, and without finding yourself at odds with them.
Please do not consider these the official rules, but rather my own player advice.
I have recieved a warning, what is it concerning?
Before posting on the Moderation forum, you should always do your own homework first. Since the Nationstates Moderation team are quite busy even outside of the game, I believe it to be more considerate if we try to sort such problems ourselves, and then as a last resort go query the Moderators. Therefore, before posting -- please visit the One Stop Rules Shop (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023) , by Frisbeeteria. If you can find anything within that list which you believe to have done yourself, then it is likely to be related in some form to the warning you have recieved. But if you cannot, feel free to post a polite query asking the exact nature of the warning you have recieved. Remember however, making demands for answers will not help your cause, and neither will a bad case of rudeness. Be fair -- its in your own interest also.
What if I disagree with a Moderator's decision?
Trust me when I say this -- Ive seen it plenty of times, do try to avoid arguement situations with the Moderators. Now, one might try to claim that this is because the Nationstates Moderation team are biased and what-not, but besides the truth, this isnt the case. Moderators are genuine people who only volunteer their time and efforts -- to do the best job possible. Often, when one is arguing their case against the Moderators, people tend to become bitter / aggressive in their tone and language, and resort to such things as flamebaiting, or even flaming in certain cases. And ultimately, if you want them to understand your points, you need to argue your case with reasonability -- enough so that they will listen and consider the points you bring up. Of course, if you argue with them, taunt them et cetera, it will only cause them to shut down -- as it would be with anyone on Planet Earth.
Forum-Related Issues
If the nature of the issue is forum-related, then please file Requests of Review in the Moderation Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=1231). The exception for this, will be for issues concerning a forum-ban, which you should then file a appeal on the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help). When you do post your Request, please make sure to be clear on both the mood and tone of your post -- so to avoid confusion as to the intentional meaning of your post. Afterall, what stops you from sounding like the guy who just doesnt accept a Moderator's desision, and handles the situation incorrectly. I recommend that you make use of any of the templates I have provided (See Next Post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9525912&postcount=2)), however not doing so will not warrent a penalty from the Moderators. These are simply provided for your own use, if you wish to use them.
In the meantime, if you recieve a ruling (on your Request for Appeal) from two or more Moderators, or if your topic is locked, then you can consider that your answer to your request, for Stage One of the Appeal Process. Of course, if you are still unsatisfied with the Moderator's decision, then you should move onto stage two of the Appeal Process (See Point 3).
In-Game Related Issues
If your concern is In-Game Related in nature, then you ought to use a different method of appealing your Moderator's decision. In this case, the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help) is your friend. I have also included templates for you to use, in lodging a Getting Help appeal if you so wish to use it (See Below (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9525912&postcount=2)). In the meantime, if there are forum issues - include links to any related threads; for deletions - include either an alternative Nation Name, or an email address that the Mods might be able to contact you on. Include any information you think might be helpful -- remember, help them and they'll be more likely to help you.
Game-Rulings are Logged by the Nationstates-System. When you file an appeal to the Moderators, your request will be passed onto another, and the decision whether or not to repeal the original ruling will not be made by the same Moderator who made it.
What happens if I disagree with the Moderator's response, again?
If you recieve the answer to your Appeal, and you still feel unsatisfied with the ruling which has been given -- then you may make one final appeal. In this case, it must be done via the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help) -- regardless of its nature in question. When you file this request, be sure to note within its description that it is your "final request". Just think, it wouldnt look so favorable if they saw one user continiously posting for Appeal. Also if you do post excessive amounts of Appeals, you might even recieve a warning for "spamming". Please, do follow the rules here.
In the meantime, your appeal will be logged in a place for all Moderators and Administrators to see. It will be judged by a panel of four (or more) Moderators, including at least one Senior Game Moderator, or Administrator. The original ruling Moderator however, will not participate in the deciding of your appeal for the purposes of fair decision-making - although they might be the one you recieve your answer from. Do note however, that an Administrator reserves the right to over-rule that ruling at any time, and an Administrator's word is final. And do be patient, your request might take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. If you do not recieve a response within a month, file another request via the Getting Help Page -- only, and to only ask the status of your Final Appeal's application. Any less amount of time may be considered spam, and will be frowned upon -- hence not furthering your own position.
I have done all that, what now?
Unfortunately, once your Final Appeal Request is turned down, there is little you can do. Fortunately in the meantime, by using these appropriate channels - and by following the guidlines I have set out above, you wouldnt have gained for yourself any extra warnings. I suggest that at least for now, you just accept the Moderator's decision as it is, whether you agree with it or not. Afterall, by flaming / arguing / flamebaiting the Moderators -- or even the Administration which I have seen in one case; you will only harshen your punishment. Fair or not, thats the way it is. Its been time and time again said by appealers; "But this is a democracy!". Unfortunately for you, such political systems dont exist on the World Wide Web, and thus; this website isnt. And please, dont email [violet], SalusaSecondus, or Max Barry -- they have much important things to do than to continuously monitor Nationstates.net for Moderation issues.
If there is anything that the Moderators want to adjust, edit, or even add / remove, then they are free to do so. If you wouldnt mind however, just create a small log at the bottom of this post, so that my own opinions arent misrepresented. Thankyou. In the meantime, below is a list of links you might find necessary - for easy navigating.
Nationstates Home (http://www.nationstates.net) ~ Nationstates.net
Jolt Forums (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/) ~ Property of Jolt.Co.Uk
Terms of Service (TOS) - Nationstates (http://www.nationstates.net/pages/legal.html) ~ Legal Documentation for Nationstates.net
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=faq) ~ Nationstates.net FAQ
The One-Stop Rules Shop (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023) ~ Compiled List of Rules, by Frisbeeteria, Others
Official Appeals Process Guide (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9530191&postcount=9) ~ Written by SalusaSecondus - Nationstates Administrator
[Moderator Edit - Cogitation] "manner" should be "matter". "moniter" should be "monitor". [/modedit]
[Moderator Edit - Euroslavia] "desision" should be "decision". "nessasary" should be "necessary". [/modedit]
[Player Edit - Austar Union] Added the link for SalusaSecondus' official guide to Moderator Appeals. Updated to better reflect the Official Guide. Added Extra Formatting. Adapted Template Guide to Suit.[/Player Edit]
I'm quite aware that both Euroslavia and Frisbeeteria have been working on formulating some guide on how to correctly appeal a Moderator's decision, but alas; the last time I heard about it happening was some time ago. Whether they have since forgotten / not worked on one / still working on it, et cetera is beyond me -- but for the time being, I havent exactly seen much of a decrease of anti-Moderator stigma while we are waiting for the guide. Hence, I have taken it upon myself to write a guide on how to appeal -- using the correct channels, and without finding yourself at odds with them.
Please do not consider these the official rules, but rather my own player advice.
I have recieved a warning, what is it concerning?
Before posting on the Moderation forum, you should always do your own homework first. Since the Nationstates Moderation team are quite busy even outside of the game, I believe it to be more considerate if we try to sort such problems ourselves, and then as a last resort go query the Moderators. Therefore, before posting -- please visit the One Stop Rules Shop (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023) , by Frisbeeteria. If you can find anything within that list which you believe to have done yourself, then it is likely to be related in some form to the warning you have recieved. But if you cannot, feel free to post a polite query asking the exact nature of the warning you have recieved. Remember however, making demands for answers will not help your cause, and neither will a bad case of rudeness. Be fair -- its in your own interest also.
What if I disagree with a Moderator's decision?
Trust me when I say this -- Ive seen it plenty of times, do try to avoid arguement situations with the Moderators. Now, one might try to claim that this is because the Nationstates Moderation team are biased and what-not, but besides the truth, this isnt the case. Moderators are genuine people who only volunteer their time and efforts -- to do the best job possible. Often, when one is arguing their case against the Moderators, people tend to become bitter / aggressive in their tone and language, and resort to such things as flamebaiting, or even flaming in certain cases. And ultimately, if you want them to understand your points, you need to argue your case with reasonability -- enough so that they will listen and consider the points you bring up. Of course, if you argue with them, taunt them et cetera, it will only cause them to shut down -- as it would be with anyone on Planet Earth.
Forum-Related Issues
If the nature of the issue is forum-related, then please file Requests of Review in the Moderation Forum (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=1231). The exception for this, will be for issues concerning a forum-ban, which you should then file a appeal on the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help). When you do post your Request, please make sure to be clear on both the mood and tone of your post -- so to avoid confusion as to the intentional meaning of your post. Afterall, what stops you from sounding like the guy who just doesnt accept a Moderator's desision, and handles the situation incorrectly. I recommend that you make use of any of the templates I have provided (See Next Post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9525912&postcount=2)), however not doing so will not warrent a penalty from the Moderators. These are simply provided for your own use, if you wish to use them.
In the meantime, if you recieve a ruling (on your Request for Appeal) from two or more Moderators, or if your topic is locked, then you can consider that your answer to your request, for Stage One of the Appeal Process. Of course, if you are still unsatisfied with the Moderator's decision, then you should move onto stage two of the Appeal Process (See Point 3).
In-Game Related Issues
If your concern is In-Game Related in nature, then you ought to use a different method of appealing your Moderator's decision. In this case, the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help) is your friend. I have also included templates for you to use, in lodging a Getting Help appeal if you so wish to use it (See Below (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9525912&postcount=2)). In the meantime, if there are forum issues - include links to any related threads; for deletions - include either an alternative Nation Name, or an email address that the Mods might be able to contact you on. Include any information you think might be helpful -- remember, help them and they'll be more likely to help you.
Game-Rulings are Logged by the Nationstates-System. When you file an appeal to the Moderators, your request will be passed onto another, and the decision whether or not to repeal the original ruling will not be made by the same Moderator who made it.
What happens if I disagree with the Moderator's response, again?
If you recieve the answer to your Appeal, and you still feel unsatisfied with the ruling which has been given -- then you may make one final appeal. In this case, it must be done via the Getting Help Page (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/target=help) -- regardless of its nature in question. When you file this request, be sure to note within its description that it is your "final request". Just think, it wouldnt look so favorable if they saw one user continiously posting for Appeal. Also if you do post excessive amounts of Appeals, you might even recieve a warning for "spamming". Please, do follow the rules here.
In the meantime, your appeal will be logged in a place for all Moderators and Administrators to see. It will be judged by a panel of four (or more) Moderators, including at least one Senior Game Moderator, or Administrator. The original ruling Moderator however, will not participate in the deciding of your appeal for the purposes of fair decision-making - although they might be the one you recieve your answer from. Do note however, that an Administrator reserves the right to over-rule that ruling at any time, and an Administrator's word is final. And do be patient, your request might take anywhere from a few days to a week or two. If you do not recieve a response within a month, file another request via the Getting Help Page -- only, and to only ask the status of your Final Appeal's application. Any less amount of time may be considered spam, and will be frowned upon -- hence not furthering your own position.
I have done all that, what now?
Unfortunately, once your Final Appeal Request is turned down, there is little you can do. Fortunately in the meantime, by using these appropriate channels - and by following the guidlines I have set out above, you wouldnt have gained for yourself any extra warnings. I suggest that at least for now, you just accept the Moderator's decision as it is, whether you agree with it or not. Afterall, by flaming / arguing / flamebaiting the Moderators -- or even the Administration which I have seen in one case; you will only harshen your punishment. Fair or not, thats the way it is. Its been time and time again said by appealers; "But this is a democracy!". Unfortunately for you, such political systems dont exist on the World Wide Web, and thus; this website isnt. And please, dont email [violet], SalusaSecondus, or Max Barry -- they have much important things to do than to continuously monitor Nationstates.net for Moderation issues.
If there is anything that the Moderators want to adjust, edit, or even add / remove, then they are free to do so. If you wouldnt mind however, just create a small log at the bottom of this post, so that my own opinions arent misrepresented. Thankyou. In the meantime, below is a list of links you might find necessary - for easy navigating.
Nationstates Home (http://www.nationstates.net) ~ Nationstates.net
Jolt Forums (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/) ~ Property of Jolt.Co.Uk
Terms of Service (TOS) - Nationstates (http://www.nationstates.net/pages/legal.html) ~ Legal Documentation for Nationstates.net
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) (http://www.nationstates.net/cgi-bin/index.cgi/page=faq) ~ Nationstates.net FAQ
The One-Stop Rules Shop (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416023) ~ Compiled List of Rules, by Frisbeeteria, Others
Official Appeals Process Guide (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9530191&postcount=9) ~ Written by SalusaSecondus - Nationstates Administrator
[Moderator Edit - Cogitation] "manner" should be "matter". "moniter" should be "monitor". [/modedit]
[Moderator Edit - Euroslavia] "desision" should be "decision". "nessasary" should be "necessary". [/modedit]
[Player Edit - Austar Union] Added the link for SalusaSecondus' official guide to Moderator Appeals. Updated to better reflect the Official Guide. Added Extra Formatting. Adapted Template Guide to Suit.[/Player Edit]