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Vandalism, Spam, and General Misuse

Vandalism

There are two kinds of site vandalism: intentional and unintentional. Both kinds of site vandalism need to be edited as soon as possible. It should be easy to determine what is a malicious form of vandalism. Swear words, hateful speech, etc. in an article's content warrant the banning of a registered user. However, if you see that a user has created a new page and typed in a nonsensical stream of letters, it is possible that they are just experimenting with the site's editing capabilities. You should edit this immediately and if it was made by a registered user, offer to help them if they are curious about the site's various tools. Also see Minimizing Vandalism.

Spam

Spam is usually defined as unsolicited advertising in the form of an email or forum post. Similarly, a wiki can become prey to spammers. You probably shouldn't be too strict with the addition of external links by users, as long as the link is relevant to your site's subject and is placed in a respectful manner. However, completely irrelevant advertising (especially those of the "adult" variety) should be removed immediately and using your own discretion, may warrant a ban. Also see the Spam page.

General Misuse

General misuse is any kind of improper editing/additions to the site. Like unintentional vandalism, it is often due to a person's ignorance of wiki technology. As a moderator, it is your job to help those users in need learn about what a wiki is and how to use it properly. Another problem that falls under general misuse is poorly written content, which also needs your immediate attention and editing skills.

See also:
Minimizing Vandalism

jeremy_wetpaint	Latest page update: made by jeremy_wetpaint , Oct 12 2009, 6:24 PM EDT (about this update About This Update Edited by jeremy_wetpaint 4 words added view changes - complete history)
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Threads for this page

thechildrenoftherevo

swear words

Nov 6 2009, 10:34 PM EST by CryingDove

Thread started: Nov 6 2009, 9:47 PM EST Watch

I have been away from wetpaint for a few months, but recently tried to add new content to my site.

After I had saved the new page, I noteced that the swear words has been replaced with ****s. As I have older pages on my site with swear words intact, what is going on?

I appreciate that some people might find the use of such language offensive, but due to the nature of my site (mostly my own fiction writing), swearing is sometimes used, but always with respect, and always in context.

I do not use such language lightly, but would like to know why I can no longer use it at all.

If it is a case of not offending minors, then would it not be better to be able to place age restrictions on who can view a site?

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