Policies

From Wikimapia
(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
(Ban Moderation)
m (Comments deletion policies: added "comments written in the wrong language page")
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
== Guidelines ==
+
== Wikimapia Guidelines ==
 
+
The [http://wikimapia.org/user/tools/guidelines/ Wikimapia Guidelines] is the '''official legislation''' for Wikimapia and should be adhered to and regarded as the official regulations enactment in addition to the Terms of Reference.
[http://wikimapia.org/special_pages/guidelines/ Guidelines]
+
  
 
== Terms of Reference ==
 
== Terms of Reference ==
 +
The [http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Terms of Reference] is an agreement notice which one must accept to abide by in order to use Wikimapia and its services. It also covers the Terms of Use, Copyright Notice and Privacy Notice in greater detail.
  
[http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Terms of Reference]
+
== Forum Guidelines ==
 +
The [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7521 Forum guidelines] is a set of community rules which must be adhered to by users participating in Wikimapia's [http://wikimapia.org/forum/index.php forum].
  
== Forum guidelines ==
+
== Photo policies ==
 +
A photo (or photos, photograph(s)) are images that assist in describing places in Wikimapia that words cannot accurately express. We encourage you to upload photos that will help describe places, and make Wikimapia tags even more worthwhile. However, we do have some rules, mainly because Wikimapia does not wish to, nor allow its users to violate copyrights; nor should photographs and images be used to bypass Wikimapia's philosophy of [[Neutral Point of View]].
  
[http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7521 Forum guidelines]
+
At present the photos in Wikimapia stand by themselves, and there is no method to associate them with notes, nor with any associated copyright information. If you wish to add notes, then the best you can do is to add a comment that describes the photo and write your notes there. Note, however, that if you are a registered user then your name will be displayed beside the photo when it is enlarged (click on it), so that makes it a little easier to associate a photo with a comment.  
  
== Photo uploading/deletion policies ==
+
=== Photo uploading ===  
== Comments deletion policies ==
+
You are free to upload any photo you took yourself. If you want to contribute a photo you found on the web, however, you must first determine whether it is protected by copyright. If the website you got the photo from states that their content is copyrighted, you must gain permission to use that photo, or follow their usage guidelines. once you have uploaded a photo you grant WikiMapia license to use and distribute it according to the Wikimapia Terms of Reference.
Offensive, meaningless, talk between users, or unrelated comments will be removed by the Advanced Users or by the Wikimapia Team.
+
==Regarding Personal Residences==
+
  
* Koriakine's comments on personal residences: [http://wikimapia.org/forum/?t=1850&p=4 Feature discussion and requests / Private places/homes, page 5]
+
=== Photo deletion ===
 +
Personal photos (in close up), images hurtful to someone's feelings, pictures inciting national, religious or political discord, pornographic images, pictures advertising goods or services as well as images that are not relevant to the place itself should be deleted.
  
"I think the situation must be logical in this case: any object visible from satellite (or undegroound) or house with a street number must be on the map, whatever, private it is or not! Must be there any more information of the owner - a decision by owner of the house. By any request the private info may be cleared." [''sic''] [http://wikimapia.org/forum/?t=1850&goto=35418#goto35418 Koriakine's post is 13th on page 5]
+
== Comments deletion policies ==
 +
'''Offensive''', '''meaningless''', '''talk between users''', '''unrelated comments''', or '''comments written in the wrong language page''' (e.g. writing comments in French on the English page) will be removed by the Advanced Users or by the Wikimapia Team. If you find any comments that falls into this category, please report them for removal in this [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=1258 thread] of the Wikimapia forum, providing a link to the place where you found the inappropriate comments.
  
"If a house put on the map does NOT have an address added in the address box or the desciption box, should we keep it there or not?  The situatio is - take a look on Wikimapia layer, then yoo will se that if a house exist it must be on Wikimapia layer. Cluttering will not be a problem since soon we will get rig of RECTANGLES (but not very soon - there will be a transitional period)." [''sic''] [http://wikimapia.org/forum/?t=1850&goto=35769#goto35769 Koriakine's post is 22nd on page 5]
+
== Restrictions/banning policies ==
 
+
[[Category:Wikimapia Policy]]
+
== Restrictions/banning policies ("No penalty without a law") ==
+
 
<!-- Document under construction. The articles published herein are subject to discussion. Therefore, the publication of ideas are still to be considered unofficial until A) a consensus is reached between advanced users and B) a final draft is approved by the Wikimapia administration.  -->
 
<!-- Document under construction. The articles published herein are subject to discussion. Therefore, the publication of ideas are still to be considered unofficial until A) a consensus is reached between advanced users and B) a final draft is approved by the Wikimapia administration.  -->
Restrictions and banning policies are applied to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. For the purpose of simplicity, a user who commits violations shall be called an [[infringer]].  
+
Restrictions and banning policies are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. For the purpose of simplicity, a user who commits violations shall be called an [[infringer]].  
  
===Ban policy===
+
Banning is the act of restricting an infringer's account, and therefore the privileges it offers, by [[Advanced Users]] and [[Wikimapia Administrators]]. Although, Wikimapia Administrators reserve the right to ban any user, Advanced Users can only ban an infringer as per the ban reasons listed under section 4. of the Wikimapia Guidelines.
Banning is the act of restricting an infringer's account, and therefore the privileges it offers, by [[Advanced Users]] and [[Wikimapia Administrators]]. Although, Wikimapia Administrators reserve the right to ban any user, Advanced Users can only ban an infringer as per the ban reasons listed under section '''4. Users ban policy''' of the [[Wikimapia Guidelines]].
+
  
The Ban policy comprises of four core modules:
+
The Restrictions/banning policy comprises of four core modules:
 
* Wikimapia Guidelines
 
* Wikimapia Guidelines
 
* Terms of Reference
 
* Terms of Reference
Line 36: Line 34:
 
* Ban Moderation
 
* Ban Moderation
  
The Wikimapia Guidelines is the official documentation for Wikimapia and should be adhered to as the only enactment of legislation in addition to the [http://wikimapia.org/terms_reference.html Terms of Reference]. The Terms of Reference contains the Terms of Use, Copyright Notice and Privacy Notice and is an agreement notice which one must accept to abide by in order to use Wikimapia and its services.
+
=== Banning Guidelines ===
 +
The [http://wikimapia.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=70&t=7688 Banning Guidelines] is provided by the Wikimapia Administration to guide Advanced Users on the process of determining and banning an infringer.  
  
Please note, the interpretation of the Wikimapia Guidelines and the Terms of Reference should be literal (i.e. as is written) and not subjective. With this said however, there is no sure way to apply an absolute definition to the wordings of any written legislation and so there will always be a margin of vagueness or ambiguity involved. In situations where this is apparent, you should either use sound judgement or contact the Wikimapia Administration for clarification.
+
=== Banning Moderation ===
 +
[[Ban Moderation]] is a corrective procedure that must be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before a permanent ban is considered. Ban Moderation comprises of four actions, they are: Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban.
  
The Banning Guidelines is provided by the Wikimapia Administration to guide Advanced Users on the process of determining and banning an infringer.  
+
== AU Codex ==
 +
This [[AU Codex]] is a code of conduct for Advanced Users.
  
Ban Moderation, explained in detail below, is a corrective procedure that must be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before he/she is banned.
+
== Interpretation issues ==
 
+
Please note, the interpretation of Policies should be literal (i.e. as is written) and not subjective. With this said however, there is no sure way to apply an absolute definition to the wordings of any legislative document and so there will always be a margin of vagueness or ambiguity involved. In situations where you are unsure about an interpretation, you should:  
===Ban Moderation===
+
*use sound judgement
Ban Moderation comprises of four actions. They are Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban. To understand how each action works they have been divided into two phases. The first three actions are grouped under the Education phase. The fourth final Permanent ban action is grouped under the Expulsion phase.
+
*discuss the point with Advanced Users
 
+
*contact the Wikimapia Administration
 
+
{| border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="5" align="center"
+
| colspan="3" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Education'''
+
| colspan="4" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: center;" | '''Expulsion'''
+
|-
+
|bgcolor="green" style="text-align: center;"| <font color=white>'''1. Guidance'''</font>
+
|bgcolor="yellow" style="text-align: center;"| '''2. Warning'''
+
|bgcolor="orange" style="text-align: center;"| '''3. Temporary ban'''
+
|bgcolor="red" style="text-align: center;"| '''4. Permanent ban'''
+
|}
+
 
+
 
+
====Education====
+
The Education phase is a remedial process which aims to provide corrective assistance by way of educating an infringer. A few essential requirements for Education phase to be successful is for you to be friendly, patient, approachable. These qualities shall greatly benefit your communication and mediation skills.
+
 
+
Aside from extremely rare exceptions, you are required to adhere to the conditions listed under section '''1. Analysis''' and '''2. Recommendations for using banning system''' of the Banning Guidelines when communicating and handling an infringer regardless of his/her culpability.
+
 
+
=====1. Guidance=====
+
The Guidance action should always be perceived as the only one required to enlighten new, inexperienced and settled users. It is customary as well as necessary to communicate with an infringer by sending them a polite notice. A polite notice should:
+
# make them acknowledge the error they are committing, be it on the map or with another user
+
# show or prove to them why the error is incorrect by citing rules which have been violated
+
# provide a solution(s) for them to correct the error
+
# advise them to avoid making the same mistake again
+
# encourage them to ask questions about things they do not understand
+
# notify them that persistent infringements may incur a formal warning or even a ban
+
 
+
Infringers should also be given the benefit of the doubt depending on the level of their cooperation. You are more likely to see positive results with a communicative infringer than one who doesn't respond to messages. At the same time, an infringer who doesn't respond to messages shouldn't be deemed uncooperative if he/she hasn't had the opportunity to open their messages. Each case should be treated using common sense and sound judgement.
+
 
+
=====2. Warning=====
+
An infringer who repeats or commits further violations during or after the Guidance action is to be regarded as a repeat infringer. The repetition of errors or offences warrants the issue of a Warning action because the Guidance action by itself has proven inadequate. Additionally, serious infractions committed by first-time infringers shall also warrant a direct Warning action. Examples of behaviour that can result in a Warning action are:
+
*persistence in committing similar errors
+
*cancelling or reverting correct edits
+
*abusive conduct
+
Repeat infringers should be cautioned with your acknowledgement of further infringements committed by them. You should repeat the mediation techniques of the Guidance action with a more persuasive approach by emphasizing further failure to comply with the conditions set may result in a temporary or permanent ban.
+
 
+
A second polite notice sent during the Warning action is called a polite reminder. If a repeat infringer commits an infringement a third time or if an initial infringement is considered a serious violation, you may issue a final polite notice - called a final warning.
+
 
+
Warning actions are quite delicate matters and should be conducted with extra care. This action is critical in the Education phase and it can easily erupt into volatile situations if not handled correctly. Remember, calm communication is key.
+
 
+
=====3. Temporary ban=====
+
A temporary ban is an account restriction with variable time limits. An infringer's account can be imposed with a temporary ban if he/she has persisted with infringements despite being given ample warning.
+
 
+
As explained in the Banning Guidelines, you can choose to restrict certain functions for certain lengths of time during a temporary ban. The ban types and ban lengths are shown in the table below. Checks shows permutations which can be used whilst crosses show permutations that can't be used.
+
 
+
 
+
{| border="1" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0"
+
|-
+
!
+
! 6 hours
+
! 1 day
+
! 7 days
+
! 1 month
+
! Permanent
+
|-
+
! align="right" | Full
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
|-
+
! align="right" | Edit map
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
+
|-
+
! align="right" | PMs & forum posts
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Ok.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
+
| align="center" | [[File:Cross.png]]
+
|}
+
 
+
 
+
Please note that if you select the 'Edit map' or 'PMs & forum posts' ban types, you cannot set a ban length for 1 month or permanently. These two ban lengths can only be selected if you choose a full ban.
+
 
+
====Expulsion====
+
As the name implies, the Expulsion phase is to be used when the Education phase of Guidance, Warning and Temporary ban proves to be ineffective to rehabilitate an infringer. Aside from extremely rare exceptions, the Expulsion phase must only be reached after the failure of the Education phase, that is to say, you cannot directly ban an infringer permanently.
+
 
+
=====4. Permanent ban=====
+
If, after a temporary ban the user (the offender) has continued to make similar mistakes, it is necessary to apply a permanent ban.
+
 
+
== AU Codex ==
+

Latest revision as of 19:17, 9 April 2013

Contents

[edit] Wikimapia Guidelines

The Wikimapia Guidelines is the official legislation for Wikimapia and should be adhered to and regarded as the official regulations enactment in addition to the Terms of Reference.

[edit] Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference is an agreement notice which one must accept to abide by in order to use Wikimapia and its services. It also covers the Terms of Use, Copyright Notice and Privacy Notice in greater detail.

[edit] Forum Guidelines

The Forum guidelines is a set of community rules which must be adhered to by users participating in Wikimapia's forum.

[edit] Photo policies

A photo (or photos, photograph(s)) are images that assist in describing places in Wikimapia that words cannot accurately express. We encourage you to upload photos that will help describe places, and make Wikimapia tags even more worthwhile. However, we do have some rules, mainly because Wikimapia does not wish to, nor allow its users to violate copyrights; nor should photographs and images be used to bypass Wikimapia's philosophy of Neutral Point of View.

At present the photos in Wikimapia stand by themselves, and there is no method to associate them with notes, nor with any associated copyright information. If you wish to add notes, then the best you can do is to add a comment that describes the photo and write your notes there. Note, however, that if you are a registered user then your name will be displayed beside the photo when it is enlarged (click on it), so that makes it a little easier to associate a photo with a comment.

[edit] Photo uploading

You are free to upload any photo you took yourself. If you want to contribute a photo you found on the web, however, you must first determine whether it is protected by copyright. If the website you got the photo from states that their content is copyrighted, you must gain permission to use that photo, or follow their usage guidelines. once you have uploaded a photo you grant WikiMapia license to use and distribute it according to the Wikimapia Terms of Reference.

[edit] Photo deletion

Personal photos (in close up), images hurtful to someone's feelings, pictures inciting national, religious or political discord, pornographic images, pictures advertising goods or services as well as images that are not relevant to the place itself should be deleted.

[edit] Comments deletion policies

Offensive, meaningless, talk between users, unrelated comments, or comments written in the wrong language page (e.g. writing comments in French on the English page) will be removed by the Advanced Users or by the Wikimapia Team. If you find any comments that falls into this category, please report them for removal in this thread of the Wikimapia forum, providing a link to the place where you found the inappropriate comments.

[edit] Restrictions/banning policies

Restrictions and banning policies are applicable to users who infringe Wikimapia's policies. For the purpose of simplicity, a user who commits violations shall be called an infringer.

Banning is the act of restricting an infringer's account, and therefore the privileges it offers, by Advanced Users and Wikimapia Administrators. Although, Wikimapia Administrators reserve the right to ban any user, Advanced Users can only ban an infringer as per the ban reasons listed under section 4. of the Wikimapia Guidelines.

The Restrictions/banning policy comprises of four core modules:

  • Wikimapia Guidelines
  • Terms of Reference
  • Banning Guidelines
  • Ban Moderation

[edit] Banning Guidelines

The Banning Guidelines is provided by the Wikimapia Administration to guide Advanced Users on the process of determining and banning an infringer.

[edit] Banning Moderation

Ban Moderation is a corrective procedure that must be followed closely by Advanced Users in order to ensure an infringer is afforded exhaustive resources for rehabilitation before a permanent ban is considered. Ban Moderation comprises of four actions, they are: Guidance, Warning, Temporary ban and Permanent ban.

[edit] AU Codex

This AU Codex is a code of conduct for Advanced Users.

[edit] Interpretation issues

Please note, the interpretation of Policies should be literal (i.e. as is written) and not subjective. With this said however, there is no sure way to apply an absolute definition to the wordings of any legislative document and so there will always be a margin of vagueness or ambiguity involved. In situations where you are unsure about an interpretation, you should:

  • use sound judgement
  • discuss the point with Advanced Users
  • contact the Wikimapia Administration
Personal tools
Namespaces
Variants
Actions
Navigation
Toolbox