Community Rules & Warnings - Vanilla Success
<main> <article class="userContent"> <p>In any online community, civil and courteous behavior is desired to foster an environment where users feel comfortable to participate; in reality, however, this is not always the case. </p><p>To help foster such an environment, <strong>Higher Logic Vanilla (Vanilla)</strong> offers a comprehensive rules and warning system that enables admins and moderators to easily "referee" undesirable behavior, and even ban users who don't follow your community guidelines.</p><h2 data-id="required-permissions">Required permissions</h2><p>Users must belong to Roles with the following permissions in order to perform actions related to managing warnings and notes.</p><ul><li><strong>Warn user </strong>- <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Garden</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Manage</code> or <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Warnings</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Add</code></li><li><strong>View warning </strong>- <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Garden</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Manage</code> or <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">UserNotes</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">View</code></li><li><strong>Add note </strong>- <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Garden</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Manage</code> or<code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0"> Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">UserNotes</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Add</code></li><li><strong>View note </strong>- <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Garden</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Manage</code> or <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">UserNotes</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">View</code></li><li><strong>Edit/Delete note </strong>- <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Garden</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Manage</code> or <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Moderation</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">UserNotes</code> > <code class="code codeInline" spellcheck="false" tabindex="0">Add</code></li></ul><h2 data-id="warning-levels-and-expiry">Warning Levels and Expiry</h2><p>When an Admin or Moderator warns a user, the severity of the warning determines how many points are added to the user’s <em>warning level </em>and when the warning expires. Admins can see a user’s warning level from the user profile via a banner at the top; Moderators can see the details of warning and expiry from the Notes tab.</p><p>Each warning has an associated expiration, such as 5 days or 2 weeks. As these expirations are reached, the points associated to the warning are removed from the user's warning level. If a user reaches certain warning level thresholds, they will be punished.</p><h3 data-id="warning-level-3%3A-jailed">Warning Level 3: Jailed</h3><p>Users that reach Warning Level 3 are considered jailed. Being jailed means:</p><ul><li>A jail icon is overlaid over the user’s avatar.</li><li>The user can’t start new discussions.</li><li>The user is flood-controlled so they can only post once every 150 seconds.</li><li>The user’s signature is hidden.</li></ul><p>The idea behind being jailed is to slap the user on the wrist so they understand there are consequences to inappropriate behavior, but to let them continue to be a part of the community and give them an opportunity to correct their behavior.</p><h3 data-id="warning-level-5%3A-banned">Warning Level 5: Banned</h3><p>Users that reach Warning Level 5 are banned from the community.</p><h2 data-id="warnings-notes-feature-overview">Warnings & Notes feature overview</h2><p>This system can be enabled via the <strong>Warnings & Notes</strong> addon, which provides the following functionality:</p><ul><li>The <strong>Rules </strong>page is added to your <strong>Dashboard > Settings</strong>. Here, you can create Rules that define how you expect community users to behave.</li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/03IR38NO07OM/rules-section-dashboard.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/03IR38NO07OM/rules-section-dashboard.png" alt="rules_section-dashboard.png" height="445" width="905" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <ul><li>You can create <strong>Warning Types</strong> (e.g., Minor, Major, etc.) and assign a point value to each. When your rules are broken, you can then use the <strong>Warn </strong>feature to give an offending user one of these warning types and its associated point value. If a user reaches the five-point threshold, they'll be banned from the community</li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/G811DIUYVNKL/warning-types-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/G811DIUYVNKL/warning-types-example.png" alt="warning_types_example.png" height="444" width="876" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <ul><li>Admins and moderators can also add private notes to user records. These notes are only visible to admins and moderators, and are for internal record-keeping purposes.</li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/3GZSNDT2YLIG/note-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/3GZSNDT2YLIG/note-example.png" alt="note_example.png" height="562" width="735" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Each of these features is discussed in more detail in their associated sections below.</p><h2 data-id="enable-the-warnings-notes-addon">Enable the Warnings & Notes addon</h2><ol><li>Access the Dashboard.</li><li>Navigate to <strong>Settings > Addons > Addons</strong>.</li><li>Click to slide the <strong>Warnings & Notes </strong>toggle to the right.</li></ol><p>When enabled, all of the features highlighted in the <strong>Warnings & Notes feature overview</strong> section above are available.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/9I4QK4V561A2/enable-w-26n-addon.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/9I4QK4V561A2/enable-w-26n-addon.png" alt="enable_w&n_addon.png" height="664" width="1385" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="create-warnings-types">Create Warnings Types</h2><p>When warning a user, you'll be able to select a Warning Type that best matches the offense.</p><p><strong>✔️ TIP</strong>: In addition to Warning Types that are punitive (i.e., they assign points), consider creating a "Notice" type that doesn't assign points but rather serves as a first-time offense "warning." Remember, some users may break a rule out of ignorance, not malice.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/OWOY3Z3JYI34/warn-user-warningtypes-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/OWOY3Z3JYI34/warn-user-warningtypes-example.png" alt="warn_user_warningtypes_example.png" height="329" width="613" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>To create a Warning Type:</p><p>1. Navigate to the <strong>Dashboard > Settings > Addons > Addons</strong> page.</p><p>2. Click the Warnings & Notes <strong>settings icon</strong>.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/S6Y0K7Y9ER79/create-warning-types-1.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/S6Y0K7Y9ER79/create-warning-types-1.png" alt="create_warning_types-1.png" height="304" width="1104" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>3. In the resulting dialog, any existing Warning Types are listed, which can be edited or deleted. To create one, click <strong>Add warning type</strong>.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/PO1Y3Q5MVY09/warning-types-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/PO1Y3Q5MVY09/warning-types-example.png" alt="warning_types_example.png" height="444" width="876" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>4. Configure the Warning Type by giving it a <strong>name </strong>and <strong>description</strong>, followed by the number of <strong>points </strong>and their <strong>expiration </strong>(how long those points will remain attached to a user's record).</p><p>5. Click <strong>Save </strong>to create the Warning Type. </p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/D9EHW6XJAO1K/create-warning-types-2.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/D9EHW6XJAO1K/create-warning-types-2.png" alt="create_warning_types-2.png" height="550" width="735" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="create-rules">Create Rules</h2><p>When warning a user, you'll be able to select a Rule that clearly outlines the offense.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/Y777DCBAFFYK/warn-user-rule-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/Y777DCBAFFYK/warn-user-rule-example.png" alt="warn_user_rule_example.png" height="291" width="454" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>To create Rules:</p><p>1. Navigate to the <strong>Dashboard > Settings > Discussions > Rules </strong>page.</p><p>2. On the resulting page, any existing Rules are listed, which can be edited or deleted. To create one, click the <strong>Add rule </strong>button.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/VSLP3PT57G80/create-rule-1.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/VSLP3PT57G80/create-rule-1.png" alt="create_rule-1.png" height="494" width="1065" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>3. Configure the Rule by giving it a <strong>name </strong>and <strong>description</strong>.</p><p>4. Click <strong>Save </strong>to create the Rule.</p><p>When an offending user receives a warning message, a section called <strong>Infringed rule </strong>indicates what rule was broken, and even displays the description text you provided. This helps the user understand what exactly they did wrong.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991119-150ea800-1515-11ea-92a5-94619bda156e.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991119-150ea800-1515-11ea-92a5-94619bda156e.png" alt="Screen Shot 2019-12-02 at 3 04 09 PM" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="warn-users-add-notes">Warn users / add notes</h2><p>As long as the Warnings & Notes addon is enabled, you can <strong>warn </strong>users and add <strong>notes</strong> to their profile at any time. </p><p><strong>📝 NOTE</strong>: Create your <em>Rules</em> and <em>Warning Types</em> before issuing a warning. Refer to their associated sections above for help. </p><p>To issue a warning or note:</p><ol><li>Navigate to the user's profile.</li><li>Click the "actions" dropdown and select <strong>Warn </strong>or <strong>Add Note</strong>.</li></ol><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/O7OR3BVMT3VA/user-profile-warnandnote.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/O7OR3BVMT3VA/user-profile-warnandnote.png" alt="user_profile_warnAndnote.png" height="458" width="1017" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h3 data-id="warn-user">Warn user</h3><p>Select <strong>Warn</strong> to display a dialog where you can select the <strong>Severity </strong>(these are your <em>Warning Types</em>), the <strong>Infringed Rule</strong> (these are your <em>Rules</em>), write a message to the user explaining what they did wrong, and an optional private note only visible to admins and moderators.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/NA230ZBUM1SJ/create-warning.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/NA230ZBUM1SJ/create-warning.png" alt="create_warning.png" height="752" width="735" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Here's an example warning message from the viewpoint of a user:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991119-150ea800-1515-11ea-92a5-94619bda156e.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991119-150ea800-1515-11ea-92a5-94619bda156e.png" alt="User: "Screen Shot 2019-12-02 at 3 04 09 PM"" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h3 data-id="add-note">Add note</h3><p>Select <strong>Add Note</strong> to display a dialog where you can type a private note that is added to the user's profile. </p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/BYVX2B4WDAZ5/note-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/BYVX2B4WDAZ5/note-example.png" alt="note_example.png" height="562" width="735" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="warnings-and-notes-on-user-profiles">Warnings and notes on user profiles</h2><p>All warnings and notes issued to a user are stored on their profile, in the <strong>Notes </strong>section. To access them, navigate to the user's profile and click <strong>Moderation</strong>.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/08GLA8GLID72/user-profile-access-notes.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/08GLA8GLID72/user-profile-access-notes.png" alt="user_profile_access_notes.png" height="588" width="550" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>From here, you can also manage these warnings and notes via the options shown below.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/EP1PNPLUN3C1/user-profile-warning-note-example.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/EP1PNPLUN3C1/user-profile-warning-note-example.png" alt="user_profile_warning_note_example.png" height="626" width="990" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Reversing a warning removes its points from the user’s warning level, but doesn’t remove the warnings from the user’s profile. Reversed warnings are noted with a "reversed" tag.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/MVS1KSOCRNIN/reverse-a-warning.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6030677/uploads/MVS1KSOCRNIN/reverse-a-warning.png" alt="reverse_a_warning.png" height="716" width="1919" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="apiv2-endpoints-for-rules">APIv2 Endpoints for Rules</h2><p>You can use the following APIv2 endpoints to manage rules.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991201-425b5600-1515-11ea-8aea-b4d076832b79.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/5429361/69991201-425b5600-1515-11ea-8aea-b4d076832b79.png" alt="Screen Shot 2019-12-02 at 3 05 56 PM" height="180" width="320" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><br></p> </article> </main>