Based on recent discussions and related to our changes in deletion policy, I'm proposing a simplification of rule II.5, Content Posting by Banned Users:
Proposed rule:
5. Content Posting by Banned Users: Users currently banned from the site may not submit new content to the site in any way. This includes articles, forum posts, and all other forms of content. Site members may not post content on behalf of a banned user.
a. Banned users may request anonymization of their articles, which will be carried out in accordance with the site's license.
b. Staff will consider allowing the posting of collaborations that were in-progress at the time of a user's ban on a case-by-case basis, provided at least one co-author remains unbanned and that any banned user(s) ceased work on the collaboration at the time of their ban(s).
Advantages of the new rule:
- Removes an unnecessary distinction between AHT and Disciplinary bans
- Includes all forms of content, not just articles, for all banned users
- Reflects that staff will no longer delete works at the request of their authors, irrespective of whether the authors are banned
- Makes it clear that anonymization is still an option, allowing banned users to disclaim their works if they so choose
- Addresses the occasionally-contentious issue of collaborations with banned users without allowing for rules-lawyering
In accordance with the site charter, this rule will be implemented directly if consensus can be reached on this thread; if not, a vote will be held. This discussion will go on for one week.
Edit log: Tweaked bullet point order