User:Mangojuice/IU

Username blocks

Wikipedia administrators are allowed to block users based on their username in some circumstances. Generally these blocks fall into one of three types:

1. Username blocks may be applied to users with usernames that are clearly unacceptable for use on Wikipedia. These blocks are typically indefinite "soft" blocks that allow the user to create a new account and edit anonymously. If you have been given a username block, please don't take it personally; it is meant to disable the username you chose, not to prevent you from contributing.
2. Preemptive blocks may be applied to users whose username makes it clear they intend to cause trouble, namely usernames obviously created for the purposes of trolling, contain harassment or personal attacks, or fitting the pattern of a banned user or known vandal. Such usernames are typically hard-blocked indefinitely without further discussion.
3. Conduct blocks with username component any block for a user's behavior may take their username into account. If the username is part of the problem, a block may be extended to an indefinite block, so as to disallow the username. Blockable conduct that may have a username component includes, but is not limited to disruptive or tendenitious editing, incivility or personal attacks, and disrupting Wikipedia to make a point.

Inappropriate usernames

Wikipedia does not allow usernames that are confusing, misleading, promotional or offensive.

The line between acceptable and unacceptable user names is based on the opinions of other editors, and you should not create new usernames for the purpose of trying to find this line. If your real name appears to be inappropriate but you wish to use it anyway, you can e-mail an administrator to work out a solution. Note that the criteria below, and examples further below, are applied to your signature as well.

Also, note that a username that is inappropriate in another language or one that represents an otherwise inappropriate name with misspellings and substitutions, such as a swearword in Leetspeak, may still be considered inappropriate.

These four points summarise the reasons that a username may be considered inappropriate under this policy.

1. Confusing usernames make it unduly difficult to identify users by their username.
2. Misleading usernames imply relevant, misleading things about the user.
3. Promotional usernames appear promote a group or company on Wikipedia, if the user promotes it.
4. Offensive usernames can be expected to make harmonious editing difficult or impossible.

The choice of an inappropriate username is remedied by an indefinite block on the username in most cases, so as to disable the use of that username. In some cases, the user will not be blocked, so as to allow them to gracefully abandon the name without being forced to do so, either by filing a request at Wikipedia:Changing username or by simply not using the account further.

The more borderline a username, the less important it is for it to be blocked, and the larger the potential for the block to be harmful in driving away a good contributor.

Usernames that are not inappropriate but which could still cause minor amounts of confusion or friction can be thought of as usernames that are bad ideas. Bad idea usernames should not be blocked, and users that choose them should not be forced to change them, unless the username actually causes a significant problem.

If you think that someone has chosen a bad username, but it has not been used inappropriately, the thing to do is to discuss the name with the user, and realize it is up to them to decide if they want to change names. Keep in mind that a user's choice of username is a personal choice, and while we want new users to succeed, it is best to avoid treating them harshly, and instead explain the issue and hope they will respond well. If multiple users have tried and failed to get a user to change their username after a good-faith attempt at discussion, it may be best to open a request for comment on the user's username; in some cases, the user may be, as a result, forced to change their username.

Choosing a good username

Try to make your username sound like it's a name for an individual person. Avoid usernames that make your account look like it belongs to a company or group: such usernames are often treated suspiciously (for good reason, we get a lot of spam). Similarly, avoid usernames that make it sound like you are here with a specific agenda. Try to make your username pronounceable to people who speak only English. Avoid extremely long, repetitive, or random usernames, they are annoying and can be confusing enough to be blocked. Avoid profanity or offensive language. Also, don't use someone else's real name.

In addition, there are some specific Wikipedia-related username issues. Your username may be blocked if it makes it look like you are an administrator here or occupy an official position; avoid terms like admin or administrator, bureacrat, steward, checkuser, oversight, and similar terms like "sysop" or "moderator." Also, your username may be blocked if it looks like a bot username, especially names that end in "bot;" such account names are reserved for approved bots.

Reporting inappropriate names

Unless a username is blatantly inappropriate, or you think it needs a preemptive block, do not report it unless the user has begun editing. Most usernames that are registered are never used.

Clearly blockable usernames should be reported at Wikipedia:Usernames for administrator attention (along with an explanation of the issue), and can be blocked on sight by any administrator. In cases of clear bad faith it is occasionally useful to disable account creation (such as attack usernames).

For usernames that may not be clear violations, it is best to treat them as "bad idea" usernames and discuss them with the user instead of reporting them.

Changing your username

Usernames can be changed by bureaucrats. You can request a name change at Wikipedia:Changing username. If you have few edits, it may be easier and quicker to simply register a new account with a different name.

Any talk pages that you have signed will still display your former username. If you feel strongly about personal information no longer being on visible pages on the site, you can edit these pages to remove your signature. (Your old signature will still appear in diffs and in earlier versions of the pages.)

Real names

You are allowed to edit under your real name, but you are not allowed to edit under the real name of a well-known living person unless either (1) you are that person, or (2) you aren't that person, but it is your real name, and you make it clear that you are not that person. Usernames that are real names of well-known people may be blocked until it can be confirmed that the user in question is using their real name. If you aren't famous, but share the name of a famous person, it is best to leave a note on your user page making this explicit.

If you are a well-known living person who is blocked for using your real name, please don't take offense! Realize that we block such usernames to protect you from being impersonated. If you want to use your real name to edit, it is fine, but you will need to prove you are who you say you are. The best way to do this is through Wikipedia:OTRS.

Company/group names

Many relatively unknown companies or groups attempt to use Wikipedia to promote themselves. Please don't do this. If you create an account with a username that matches your unknown company or group, it will almost certainly be blocked if you engage in promotional activity. Editing with a conflict-of-interest (such as a user editing about the company they own or work for) is not categorically disallowed: you may be allowed to make such edits if you learn the relevant Wikipedia policies first. However, even in such cases, it can be a problem if you choose to use your company or group name as your username, because even the use of that name can be seen as raising visibility for yourself.

Also, it is frowned upon in general for any company or group to have an account that represents the group. Wikipedia accounts are expected to be individual accounts.