ESB:Policy

Below is a version that has been modified via this on going discussion. Please consider putting in your input! These rules are not final and are subject to change!

There are very few policies which apply across all Wikia. These can be found on the Central Wikia at Wikia:Category:Policy.

Other policies for this Wiki are found below. These rules must be obeyed. If you have a problem with any of the rules, please bring it up on the talk page. Thank you.

The Rules

I. General Policies

This chapter outlines our general rules.

• 1. No personal attacks - do not be rude, don't criticize people or else you will be blocked for 6 months. If you continue this behavior after your banishment, you will be blocked forever.
• 2. No vandalism - do not vandalize, or in other words, do not make nonsense edits or remove good quality content from articles, or else you will be blocked for forever.
• 3. No spam - no spamming or else you will be blocked forever.
• 4. No fanon - do not add your fan-made episodes or any other fan-made content. Fanon includes any SpongeBob SquarePants in-universe or merchandise-related content not officially released by Viacom via a press conference or the Nickelodeon TV channel, and information that can be derived from that. The SpongeBob Fanon Wiki was specifially created for such content. The insertion of false dates and ages will result in an infinite block.
• 5. No speculation - Facts are facts and nothing else matters. Only add if you know it is true. Speculation is forbidden.
• 6. Forums are for the Wiki - When using the forums make sure that the topic presented has something relevant to the topic of the Wiki, not doing so will result in warnings or in severe cases blocks or bans. A special forum is set aside to discuss the show.
• 7. Communication is key - If a sysops or another editor requests you speak to them it is best to do so, if you do not you will be blocked for no longer than 3 months and no less then 2 days, however your talk page will be open unless specified why it shouldn't. You are given two weeks to respond for a minor issue and only two days for a major. If you edit more than twenty times during that wait time you will be considered ignoring and given (depending on what you did during that time) a block of two days to three months
• 8. Don't add logic to humor - Never add logic to the humor (I.E. How can fire be under water?)
• 9. Don't ask for tools - Never ask for the Sysops, B'crat, Rollbacker or any other similar tool directly. Ask here and make sure you qualify.
• 10. It's not our problem - It's not our problem what religion, sexual preference or whatever else you are, this is a wiki and our only goal is to build up a knowledge base and what you are offline doesn't matter. You are exactly like everyone else as an editor and a user. Discrimination is strongly forbidden and there is no such thing as a minor offense, you will be blocked forever for discrimination of any form. Also, we strongly advise that you not mention your religion, sexual preference or anything else. A minor bio is all that is needed, however we will never stop you unless we feel that a problem will arise from comments made.
• 11. You don't have a userspace - You do not own your userspace, it's given to you to help people know you better, if we feel something isn't appropriate, it's gone. You also cannot forbid anyone from leaving you a message on your talk page
• 12. Age - If you are under the age of 13, you should not reveal your age, if you do so you could be blocked for an extended amount of time or you could be banned. In addition the offending posts or whatever will be deleted either by the administration or the Wikia staff.
• 13. Watch your tongue - Keep it PG. No profanity, no adding content that is inappropriate for younger readers/contributors. The definition of a "younger reader/contributor" is someone that is under 8 years old. You can say "damn" as it was used in the movie, possibly "hell" if in the context. This also means no use of the word "f**k", even when used as an expletive. Anyone using this word will be blocked for 6 months, and people who use it sexually, as well as more than one use, will be given an infinite block.

  

• 14. We're not Myspace or Facebook - Don't treat this like a place to make friends, it's not. You edit and be productive or you get it. You are allowed to make friends, however extended conversations must be held via email. The forum is reserved for occasional talk. This also includes creating, clubs, teams or cabals as they can cause major friction and a form of competition. (You are allowed to create teams as long as they focus on improving the Wiki like the anti-vandal team at Wikipedia). Keep discussions of SpongeBob stuff only.
• 15. Teams, Clubs and Cabals - if the club, team or cabal has a goal of improving the wiki like fighting vandalism it can be allowed. However that does not grant you any extra powers or privilege. In addition you may hold competitions only if they are to encourage improving the wiki (Like see who can make the most notable and good articles) with the prize being that you have helped the wiki improve (Barnstars are allowed ((Basically awards))).
• 16. Ignore it if it gets in the way - Most importantly, all rules (Not personal attack related) can be ignored if they impede with the progress of the Wiki.
• 17. This is not Wikipedia - please do not create links to articles that do not exist and do not pertain to SpongeBob. Also, please do not create articles that have nothing to do with SpongeBob.
• 18. Follow the guidelines - follow all guidelines in regards to layouts.
• 19. Multiple Accounts - You are allowed ONE account. If you are caught using more than one account you can be blocked for up to 6 months up to forever. However you are allowed to have up to 3 other accounts if you need one for public use. But you MUST identify yourself as the owner of the accounts on the account talk pages and your main account.
• 20. Use Third Person - Do not use the words "We and I." This creates confusion between users and the articles, so do not add them.
• 21. Only the admin - The admin are the only ones allowed to inform a user that they have been blocked or banned. So you know, a ban lasts forever, a block is temporary. You are NOT BANNED if you have been blocked for three days, you ARE BANNED if you have been blocked forever.
• 22. Use American English - Do not use "colour", "centre" or any other British English spellings. Such info is not punishable, but is not recommended.

II. Episode transcripts

This chapter outlines episode transcript policies.

• A. Definitions

• 1. SpongeBob SquarePants fansite - any website that contains SpongeBob SquarePants-related information.
• 2. Sandbox - a page for testing.

• B. Policies

• 1. All episode transcript articles, present and future, will be protected by the administration.
• 2. Only administrators will be allowed to change the content of the episode transcripts.
• 3. Contributors outside the administration will have to use the review process to submit and/or make changes to the episode transcripts.
• 4. All users may use sandboxes to work on transcripts.
• 5. From the date of the passage of these policies, all future transcripts, in part or in full, that are copied from another SpongeBob SquarePants fansite, is strictly prohibited.
• 6. Any attempts by any member of the administration to return (including reverting) episode transcript(s) that contain copied material from another SpongeBob SquarePants fansite is strictly prohibited.
• 7. Any administrator that violates clauses #5 and #6 (see above) will have their powers suspended for thirty (30) days, pending discussion for permanent removal.

• C. Review Process

• 1. From the date of the passage of these policies, all episode transcripts must go through a review process before publication.
• 2. A transcript submission page will be set up for users to submit transcripts (and suggest corrections) to be published here at the wiki.
• 3. Administrators may submit changes to the transcript articles without the submission process, as long as they do not violate the policies outlined in section B (see above).

III. Discussions

This chapter outlines how we handle discussions.

• A. Definitions

• 1. Consensus – when 75% or more of the participants of a discussion are in favor of the proposal after seven (7) days or more of discussion.

• B. General

• 1. All major issues must be resolved from with discussions in the format outlined in this chapter.
• 2. Discussions outside of the regular discussion thread (such as message walls) are not valid places to make decisions and/or policy changes. They can be used to bring up important issues that can be put up for official discussion, as long as they follow the rules.

• C. Participants

• 1. Discussions are completely open to all contributors, except if it involves certain contributors (see clause 2).
• 2. Any discussion that involves certain contributors, they are excluded from voicing their support or opposition, as they are bias and their opinion is obvious. They are, however, allowed to comment, ask, and answer questions.
• 3. The person who begins the discussion must make note of those excluded from participating in the decision process (see clause 2).

• D. Opening discussions

• 1. Only bureaucrats are permitted to open discussions.
• 2. Anyone who is not a bureaucrat can draft a proposal, and must receive an endorsement from at least one (1) bureaucrat before the discussion is open. As soon as they receive an endorsement, they or the endorsing bureaucrat can create the discussion.
• 3. If a non-bureaucrat creates a bureaucrat-endorsed discussion, they must link to the endorsement to show the discussion is valid.
• 4. After the discussion is created, the endorser must make note of their endorsement on that discussion page for clarification, if the proposal was created by a non-bureaucrat.

• E. Discussions

• 1. The discussions must last at least seven (7) days from the date of the creation of the discussion.

• F. Closing discussions

• 1. At the end of the seven-day period, in order for a proposal to pass, there must be at least a three-fourths (75%) majority on one side.
• 2. If there is not a 75% or more majority in favor of the proposal, the discussion continues until it reaches the fourteen (14) day mark. At the point if there is no consensus, the discussion will be closed.
• 3. In the event that a discussion is closed and an agreement is not reached, another discussion must be created that takes into account compromises discussed in the closed discussion.
• 4. Any bureaucrat or administrator can close the discussion, as long as the above policies are followed.

• G. Post-discussion

• 1. When a proposal passes, the decision is final.
• 2. Unless otherwise stated, the policy change takes effect immediately.

• H. Exceptions

• 1. If a discussion requires more input, or contains a series of discussions, the discussion may be open for a longer period of time and close a different way.

IV. Administration

• A. Definitions

• 1. Administrator - any user of the wiki with sysop privileges.
• 2. Bureaucrat - any administrator of the wiki with bureaucratic privileges.
• 3. Active Administrator - any administrator of the wiki that has made contributions within the three (3) months preceding the present date.
• 4. Inactive Administrator - any administrator of the wiki that has not made contributions within the three (3) month preceding the present date, but within nine (9) months preceding the present date.
• 5. Suspension - the temporary removal of an administrator's privileges.

• B. Adminship Requirements

In order for a contributor to qualify for the administration, they must meet the following.

• 1. User must have at least 500 edits of which at least 250 (50%) are non-social discussion related.
• 2. User must have been active for at least 60 days from the date of their earliest edit prior to making the request.
• 3. User must be able to demonstrate that they are willing to help and show good judgment.
• 4. User must have a reason that is at least five sentences long, demonstrates their understanding of the position, and uses proper spelling and grammar.

• C. Bureaucrat Requirements

In order for a contributor to qualify for bureaucrat, they must meet the following.

• 1. User must be a current member of the administration who has been an administrator for at least two (2) years.
• 2. User must have at least 2,000 edits.
• 3. User must demonstrate that all their edits are positive, and further the goal of improving the wiki.
• 4. User must demonstrate use of proper spelling and grammar.
• 5. User must demonstrate good reasons for any questionable edits.
• 6. User must have full support of all other active bureaucrats.
• 7. User must have support from a majority of active administrators.

• D. Application Process

• A user seeking to be an administrator or bureaucrat must follow these procedures:

• 1. They must follow the requirements, or their application will be deleted by an administrator.
• 2. Any contributor can participate in the discussion of the applicant's request.
• 3. The applicant is promoted under the following circumstances:

• a. If they have at least three (3) supports and no opposition one (1) week after the date and time of their application, they can be promoted.
• b. If they have at least three (3) supports and any amount of opposition, the concerns of the opposition must be discussed until either the opposition changes to a support or neutral vote, or until the amount of supports account for 3/4 (75%) of those in the discussion.
• c. If more than 50% of the active administration opposes the user's application, the request is unsuccessful and may be closed.

• 4. Only bureaucrats can close the discussion, as they have the ability to promote those that are successful in their application.

• E. Administrator Duties

• 1. When a user is promoted to the administration, they have more privileges than the average user. They are expected to use these powers with good judgment and follow all the rules.
• 2. In the event that an administrator is not following the rules and/or are abusing their powers, a bureaucrat must inform them of their wrongdoing, in case of any misinterpretations.
• 3. If after #2 above, the administrator does not stand down or admit to wrongdoing and thus the bureaucrat fails to resolve the issue, they may demote the administrator for a suspension of one (1) week.
• 4. After the suspension (clause 3, above), the said bureaucrat must then create a discussion for the community to discuss the situation, and decide whether or not the user should be demoted permanently, temporarily, or reinstated.

• F. Demoting Administrators

• 1. All administrators keep their administrative powers as long as they want, with the exceptions outlined in this section.
• 2. A bureaucrat may temporarily demote an administrator if they break a rule (see section E).
• 3. If an administrator resigns or quits, they must notify a bureaucrat so their powers can be removed. The bureaucrat, when demoting them, must refer to the thread in which they quit or resign to show they were responding to that resignation or quitting.
• 4. If an administrator is inactive for at least three (3) months, they are given "inactive" status and their administrative powers are removed.
• 5. If an inactive administrator returns after their period of inactivity, their administrative powers may be returned. However, this is limited, per clause 6, below.
• 6. If an administrator is inactive for at least nine (9) months, their powers are permanently removed, and they obtain "former administrator" status.

• G. Returning administrators

• 1. If a former administrator wishes to return, they must request to be an administrator once again.
• 2. If a user resigns or quits, they have up to one (1) week from the date and time of their announcement revoke their resignation or quitting. After that seven (7) day period, if they wish to return to the administration, they must make another administration request.

Blocking Policy

The following comes from the article entitled "SpongeBob SquarePants:Blocking Policy," but is now consolidated with the main policy list.

Blocking is the means which administrators prevent a user account or IP address from editing the SpongeBob SquarePants wiki. Blocks are preventative rather than punitive measures that are used to deal with vandalism. It has the measures of expirations of definite or infinite times.

Grounds for Blocking

• Vandalism: Also known as the illegal edit. This type of policy is designed to lower the quality of pages, users who vandalize pages may to the block.
• Spam: Users who make spam links may result the infinite block.
• Removing Contents: Users who remove content may result the block.
• Writing Fanons: Fanons are prohibited on this wiki, users who create Fanons may result the infinite block.
• Fake ages/births: The inappropriate policy may result the users to infinite blocks.
• Sockpuppetry: Sockpuppets are alternative usernames created the registered user, the usernames are used to evade bans and blocks, this may result the user to the infinite block.

Infinite Blocks'

Indefinite blocks or infinite blocks are blocks that do not have the expiration time, it is not a punishment, it only prevents further disruptions to the SpongeBob SquarePants wiki.