[WikiEN-l] Don't template the newbies either

[William Pietri]

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