Scratchpad:Standard offer

When an editor gets hit with a siteban or an indefinite block, one of the things he or she usually wonders is where things go from there. Is there any way to return to good standing? Or are they on the outs forever?

The standard offer is not binding; it's just a set of parameters some Wikipedians believe in. But it may help to achieve consensus.

The standard offer
It's simple:


 * 1) Wait six months, without sockpuppetry (if applicable).
 * 2) Promise to avoid the behavior that led to the block/ban.
 * 3) Don't create any extraordinary reasons to object to a return.

How does it work?

 * Contact a willing administrator or experienced editor (via email or IRC).
 * If they agree a review is appropriate, they'll open a thread at an administrative noticeboard (WP:AN or WP:ANI).
 * Discussion usually takes a few days.

Apologies aren't necessary, just basic courtesy and a willingness to move forward productively.

This is not a get-out-of-jail-free card; this is not a policy or guideline, and administrators are not required to unblock you, especially if you do not provide any reason why you should be unblocked other than your avoidance of Wikipedia for six months. You should still provide a clear reason why you should be unblocked. Banned users may request that they go through the 2nd chance procedure, to show their ability to edit and improve articles according to Wikipedia's policies.

Eligibility
The standard offer applies to community-based indefinite blocks and bans in situations where things just didn't work out: normal people, short fuses, etc. It doesn't extend to extremes. Generally speaking, if law enforcement could have become involved then this offer doesn't apply.

Variations
The six-month threshold can be adjustable under special circumstances. If an editor shows an unusually good insight into the circumstances that led to the block, and sets out a credible proposal for how they will deal with those issues in future, then a return might be considered sooner.

On the other hand, if the indefinitely blocked or banned user continues to be especially disruptive then some may become unwilling to consider a return for a much longer time or, quite possibly, ever.

Banned users seeking a return are well-advised to make significant and useful contributions to other WMF-projects prior to requesting an en:return per this 'offer' as many unban-requests have been declined due to the banned user simply 'waiting' the six months out.