[Zero Two]

This guide exists so that moderation decisions are consistent across the team regardless of which staff member handles a situation.

Core principle
We moderate behaviour, not people. A user with 500 good posts who has one bad moment should be treated differently than a brand new account that opens with a rule violation. Context matters.

The action ladder
Start at the lowest appropriate action. Escalate only if the behaviour continues.

• Edit or remove content - for accidental rule breaks, off-topic posts in the wrong section, or minor issues. Leave a note explaining the action.
  
• Informal warning (PM only) - first time for most minor violations. Friendly tone. No formal warning point.
  
• Formal warning - for repeat minor violations or single significant ones. Adds a warning point. Short explanation of the rule broken.
  
• Temporary ban - when warnings have not changed behaviour, or for a serious single incident.
  
• Permanent ban - spam accounts, illegal content, doxxing, ban evasion.
  

When to loop in admin

• Any permanent ban decision
  
• Disputes involving other staff members
  
• Legal threats or complaints
  
• Anything you are genuinely unsure about
  

Documenting actions
All formal warnings and bans should have a note in the report queue with the reason and any context. This protects both the user and the moderator if an appeal is filed later.

Conflicts of interest
If you have a prior personal conflict with a user, do not be the one to handle their reports or issue warnings. Flag it in here and another staff member will take it.