After a good deal of discussion amongst OTRS participants and the WMFCC,
a conclusion was reached that unblock requests are an internal community
matter outside of the OTRS mission.
At present, the "contact us" page on the wiki as well as the text of the
block message encourage users to email info-en@ if they believe they
have been blocked unfairly. We would like to change this.
Previously, unblock requests were directed here, to wikien-l, which was
not a particularly effective solution because it drew people to this
list who were not necessarily positive contributors to it in all cases.
There were also some regrettable instances of blocked users being
treated in an unrespectful manner.
So now, instead, a new list has been set up specifically for unblock
requests. As it draws subscribers, the intent is to change the block
text and the "contact us" pages to direct mail there. Interested
Wikipedians may subscribe at:
http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/unblock-en-l
Experience has shown that the vast majority of requests will fall into
two categories:
(a) AOL and other proxy users who have never edited and don't understand
why they're accused of vandalism
(b) School users and proxy users from non-Western countries, who share a
proxy with a vandal and have no way to bypass it, and are asking to have
the proxy unblocked
The mailing list is open to anyone who wishes to join. Admins who are
familiar with blocking policy and concerned about giving blocked users
a fair hearing are particularly encouraged to participate.
Needless to say, it is hoped that those who participate will limit
themselves to only highly respectful replies even in those cases where
the unblock request is wholly without merit.
The Uninvited Co., Inc.
(a Delaware corporation)