Appeals Process
The appeals system works as a ladder, where if one appeal is denied on one level, one can try the next level above. It is strongly advisable to first appeal at the lowest level, then move progressively up, as this allows for more opportunities for the appeal to succeed, or to agree mutually acceptable solutions. The appeals ladders goes thus, with the Tribunal being the final level, after which there is no further appeal. Note also that the Tribunal only deals with infractions, ie. notes and warnings, while the lower levels of the ladder can deal with all types of moderation.
Appeals should be made first to the moderator who issued the infraction or to any other moderator on the site. However, should you wish to further appeal your infraction, the Praetorium is the first place you should go to. The Praetorium is a private area for you to appeal and discuss your infraction with moderation staff. This process is a recommended first step as it is faster than a Tribunal appeal (discussed in more detail further below).
The Praetorium guidelines and a description of it are as follows:
This forum provides a place for members to appeal warnings directly to Moderation Staff (Administrators and Moderators). Your appeal is private, which means other members will not be able to view your appeal thread. To open an appeal, simply create a thread requesting an appeal. Try to provide relevant information including an approximate time the infraction was given or which moderator gave it to you. After you have created the thread, a moderator will post the infraction and deliberations will begin. You may explain your position in the appeal thread.
After we have heard your side of the story, a thread will be created in a hidden forum and a vote will be initiated. Simple majority is needed to rule in any way. Once a decision has been reached, we shall inform you of the verdict and conclude the appeal.
Here are some general guidelines:
1. You may not appeal post deletions or notes. If you want to appeal a post deletion or a thread closure, please PM a Moderation Overseer explaining your case.
2. You may not appeal the same infraction twice.
3. You may not appeal probation.
4. After your appeal is concluded in the Praetorium, you may appeal in the Tribunal unless the infraction has been totally reversed.
5. All standard ToS rules apply in the Praetorium
It is our goal to conclude all appeals within a week, but please bear in mind that staff is composed of volunteers, many of which have additional site duties, so verdicts may be delayed. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to PM a moderator.
This post is subject to change at the discretion of the Moderation team.
Should you feel further review of your infraction is necessary, you may then appeal publicly to the Tribunal.
The Tribunal has a strict process to follow for appealing infractions, so please make sure you are familiar with it before initiating an appeal there. The threads listed below will provide you with the information you need to get started in the Tribunal.
