Wikidata:Guide to appealing blocks

Administrators will sometimes block certain users or IP addresses from editing WIkidata. This is done in order to protect the project from disruption. In rare circumstances, a block may apply only to certain pages or namespaces. Blocks may be of limited duration, or they may be indefinite. If you are blocked, you will probably still be able to edit your own talk page and send email to other users, but these privileges may also be withdrawn if they are abused.

If you are trying to edit while not logged in, then you may be affected by a block aimed at a different user with the same or a similar IP address. If this is the case, you may be able to bypass the block simply by logging in.

Why was I blocked?

You should see a brief reason for your block when you attempt to edit pages. The blocking administrator may also have left an additional explanation on your talk page. They are also likely to have taken previous discussions on your talk page into account, so refer to them for context.

Some common reasons for blocks are:

• Editing pages in a way that is perceived as clear vandalism or spam.
• Repeatedly making mistakes and not improving despite feedback.
• Operating an unapproved bot.
• Harassing other editors or invading their privacy.
• Your IP address has been detected as an open proxy.

Approaches to appealing a block

Blocks are imposed because an administrator believes it is necessary to avoid future disruption to the project. They will removed as soon as an administrator is convinced that it is no longer necessary. There are two main approaches to appealing a block:

1. I'm innocent: You may be able to provide additional context for the problematic edits that explains why they were actually good faith mistakes or not as disruptive as they appear. This approach is commonly tried, but rarely successful.
2. I won't do it again.: You will need to demonstrate an understanding of why your edits were disruptive, and undertake to improve.

It is never a requirement, but you may like to offer apologies for the disruption you caused.

Disruption is often associated with an excessive focus on one topic or a narrow range of topics. One way you can provide reassurance that you will avoid future disruption is to outline some other ways in which you plan to contribute to the project if unblocked.

You might also like to offer an explanation for why you caused disruption. This is fine so far as it demonstrates your understanding of what went wrong. If it comes across as minimising or justifying the disruption, however, then this may be interpreted as evidence that you may cause more disruption in the future and that the block is therefore still necessary.

Common mistakes

Common reasons that unblock requests are unsuccessful are that they:

• Request unblocking without addressing the reason for the block.
• Are written in anger and hence are uncivil or rude.
• Don’t provide enough information to convince an administrator that the block is unnecessary
• Attempt both approaches (I’m innocent, and I won’t do it again) at the same time.
• Indicate an intention to cause further disruption.
• Make accusations against other editors or the blocking administrator.
• Make threats, including threats of legal action.
• Show no interest in conforming to project policies and guidelines.

Do not create a new account (or edit logged out) while you are blocked, not even "just to appeal the block". This is known as "block evasion", is taken very seriously, and typically results in all accounts being blocked indefinitely.

Appealing a block

Once you have composed your unblock request, there are a number of ways to actually make it:

• Add {{Unblock|1=add your reasons here}} to your user talk page. This will add it to a special category that is frequently reviewed by many administrators. This is the recommended approach.
• Talk to the blocking administrator or any other administrator on your talk page. The best way to do this is by using {{Ping|username}}. This technique can also be used if you need clarification on why you have been blocked in order to formulate your unblock request.
• If there are privacy concerns, you can also email an administrator directly, but be cautious about doing this; many editors are slower to respond to email, and many have a strong preference for on-wiki communication.
• If you cannot get a satisfactory resolution using the means above, or if you are blocked from using your talk page and email, try sending email to infowikidata.org. Remember to explain the context, and don't assume the responding volunteer will be familiar with your case.
• Some blocks are marked as CheckUser blocks. The process for appealing them is the same as described here, but CheckUser approval is required for lifting a CheckUser block, so reviews for these blocks may take longer than for other blocks.

Further reading

• Wikidata:Blocking policy
• Paid contributions without disclosure

Although not directly relevant to Wikidata, you may gain some insight into the unblock process by reading relevant articles on sister projects:

• en:Help:I have been blocked
• en:Wikipedia:Guide to appealing blocks
• en:Wikipedia:Appealing a block
• meta:Standard offer