HOW APPEALS ARE HANDLED
Although there are different types of appeals, all appeals are handled in a way that aligns with our core values.
In all cases, before you appeal, you must consider if you have a genuine reason to do so. Please do not appeal just because you can.
Generally, there are four main reasons why you may wish to consider appealing:
These are:
In all cases, we will:
APPEALING CONTENT MODERATION
When content is moderated, as part of our Accountable core value, a log of this is made in the "Forum Moderation" board. The log will contain the content itself (unless it is too extreme or illegal) and the forum staffs comments on why the content was moderated. All members can see this board. The content is hidden from guests and search engines.
Any member can appeal, even when the content isn't yours. To appeal, reply directly to the thread, making it clear that it is a moderation appeal, and providing your reasons why you feel the content should be reinstated. Once forum staff have reviewed your appeal, they will either accept your appeal and reinstate the content, or decline your appeal and explain why.
Please review the boards sticky thread for further information.
APPEALING A WARNING
When a warning is given, whether against content or a members profile, an automatic log is made in the "Forum Moderation" board, just like content moderation.
Again, any member can appeal a warning, in the same way. Please see the content moderation section for more details.
APPEALING A BAN
If you are temporarily banned, you should be able to post in the Forum Help board.
If you cannot use the Forum Help board, please use the form that is accessible on the menu.
Although there are different types of appeals, all appeals are handled in a way that aligns with our core values.
In all cases, before you appeal, you must consider if you have a genuine reason to do so. Please do not appeal just because you can.
Generally, there are four main reasons why you may wish to consider appealing:
These are:
- Biased enforcement (someone else who did something similar received different treatment)
- Disproportionate (the discipline doesn't fit the offence, such as a permanent ban for one swear)
- Misunderstanding (something was read in a different way than you intended)
- Policy unclear (you followed the guidance but you accidentally broke it because it wasn't clear enough)
In all cases, we will:
- Ensure that your appeal is reviewed by someone previously uninvolved (where possible)
- Never automatically side with our forum staff, and we will discipline them where required
- Give you a full reply as to what we have reviewed, and how we have reached our outcome
- Not rush, but equally not take any longer to handle your appeal as absolutely required
APPEALING CONTENT MODERATION
When content is moderated, as part of our Accountable core value, a log of this is made in the "Forum Moderation" board. The log will contain the content itself (unless it is too extreme or illegal) and the forum staffs comments on why the content was moderated. All members can see this board. The content is hidden from guests and search engines.
Any member can appeal, even when the content isn't yours. To appeal, reply directly to the thread, making it clear that it is a moderation appeal, and providing your reasons why you feel the content should be reinstated. Once forum staff have reviewed your appeal, they will either accept your appeal and reinstate the content, or decline your appeal and explain why.
Please review the boards sticky thread for further information.
APPEALING A WARNING
When a warning is given, whether against content or a members profile, an automatic log is made in the "Forum Moderation" board, just like content moderation.
Again, any member can appeal a warning, in the same way. Please see the content moderation section for more details.
APPEALING A BAN
If you are temporarily banned, you should be able to post in the Forum Help board.
If you cannot use the Forum Help board, please use the form that is accessible on the menu.
