Todd Allen wrote:
That could be, but really, I think the templates serve that purpose fine if used properly.
Sorry I didn't say so explicitly, but I think the cookie-cutter warnings can be fine if used with care and consideration. I tend to reserve them for situations I'm pretty sure that people know what they're doing is wrong. Editors who are clearly trying I like to customize the message or just leave a personal note.
I was just arguing that treating first-time offenders as serious criminals can have long-term costs that are less obvious than the short-term wins. I suspect we agree on that.
There is a problem with people skipping directly to 3 or 4 level warnings too quickly, which are much harsher in tone and are intended for people who have ignored gentler warnings, and intended to convey "Hey, we asked nicely, now stop it or out comes the banhammer." I'll only give a 3 or 4 immediately in extreme, egregious cases. Often, a test1, spam1, or whatever, is all it takes to get someone to stop.
I agree completely.
William