# Mayflower Moderation Manual ## Introduction This manual has been produced as a guide to help new and existing members of the moderation team in the execution of their duties. The manual contains guidance on procedures and instructions on how to use the many tools available to moderate effectively. ## Moderator Rules Moderators are chosen by the Head Moderator, and are all subject to the following roles: * Keep to the very rules in the environment(s) under moderation, set a good example * Moderation powers should not be abused or misused at any time, this includes for personal gain, such as using the watch command to pursue criminal suspects * Act fairly and without bias in each action made * Know when you should enlist the help of another moderator if your actions may contradict this * Keep any discussion of any moderation action concerns in the private Moderator channels * Ensure professionalism and maturity when dealing with moderation queries and actions * Report any issues you may have with the moderation team, and/or the Head Moderator. They will be able to give you a second opinion, or give you instructions on how to deal with the case. Breaking any of these rules may lead to loss of moderation powers. Moderation powers may also be removed for any reason by the Head Moderator and/or the Administration Team. ## Discord ### Jurisdiction The State of Mayflower Discord and all Discords for department purposes should follow the rules set forth in the `#discord-rules` channel in the State of Mayflower Discord. The State of Mayflower Discord is the only Discord which should contain channels accessible to the general public/citizens of Mayflower. It is for this reason that moderators in this server are handpicked by the development team for their dedication and commitment to the community. :::danger Some particularly severe offences may require cross-Discord action and should be referred to the administrative team for further review and action. ::: #### Department Discords Servers that can be found in the `#help-and-links` channel are allocated moderators via their own department hierarchy. These servers should not contain channels that allow the unrestricted public/citizens to chat/speak in. Other Mayflower-related Discords are to be moderated by the departments they represent. It is, therefore, the responsibility of department leaders to ensure these servers abide by the rules. Those found in violation of Discord rules in these department Discords should be dealt with by their superiors. Any concerns regarding decisions should be DM'd to Dobblo. ### Suggested Actions #### 1. Content that is Not Safe For Work is completely forbidden NSFW content includes nudity, intense sexuality, profanity, violence/gore or content others may find disturbing. Most violations of this will be deemed worthy of a permanent ban, discretion should be employed. #### 2. Be respectful to each member of the server This rule can often be covered by `Rule 5` when language comes to that level, however, this is most often applied during arguments between users. It is important to grasp the context of the situation to ensure moderation is being fairly applied to all offenders and identify whether rules are actually being broken or it's a joke both users understand. Offenders should be muted for an hour before being soft-banned and then permanently banned if they continue. #### 3. Spamming of any kind is not acceptable in any channel Spamming may include sending copy-pastas, repetitive messages, the same message over and over, large numbers of emoji, loud/obnoxious microphone noises, and mentioning a large number of users at a time. Users should be muted for an hour first before being permanently banned if they continue afterwards. #### 4. No excessive amounts of swearing Swearing is allowed within Mayflower Discords, but it should never reach obnoxious levels where a user appears to be using it in almost every message they send. Users should be muted for an hour first before being permanently banned if they continue following the ban. #### 5. No derogatory terms or other inappropriate language Derogatory terms are those which incite hate speech. Users using derogatory terms should first be muted for an hour with an attached reason, if they continue such language after they're un-muted or the language used initially was severe (e.g., n word), a permanent ban should be used. #### 6. No offensive Discord avatars or usernames Any avatars or usernames that would ordinarily be removed if they were posted in a text channel would be classed as offensive under this rule. Users should be kicked with the reason and instruction to change their picture before being permanently banned if they rejoin with the same avatar/username. #### 7. No advertising or Discord invites to other unrelated servers It's important that a Discord obtainable via the Roblox website only links to other "safe" and development-verified Discords. The Dyno bot automatically removes Discord invite links but users may still spread the individual codes. Users should be warned first via @ mentions before being soft-banned if they continue, further violations should be met with a permanent ban. :::info Invites and links that are found in linked websites sent on the Discord are allowed, this is most often used and sanctioned during the election campaigning process. ::: #### 8. No publishing of personal information Doxing is the public release of personal information against someone's will. This can range from profile pictures to extremes such as address and telephone numbers. Violations of this warrant a permanent ban, you should also contact an administrator for further action. #### 9. Use common sense Just a statement to think before you post. #### 10. Use the language we can moderate, English Generally all other languages should be moderated under this rule, mainly with verbal warnings before escalating under the usual procedures. Common phrases found in other languages such as "Bonjour", "Nein", "Bon voyage" etc. are exempt from this rule. The rule mainly should be applied when full sentences are formed in other languages. ### Commands | Command | Description | Usage | Example | | -------- | -------- | -------- | -------- | | ban | Bans the chosen user either permanently or for a specific amount of time | `?ban [user] [limit][reason] ` | `?ban [USERID] 1h NSFW Content` Bans User permanently with reason `NSFW Content` | | unban | Unbans the chosen user | `?unban [user] [reason] ` | `?unban [USERID] Ban appeal successful` Unbans User with reason `Ban appeal successful` | | softban | Kicks the chosen user and deletes 24 hrs of past messages | `?softban [user] [reason]` | `?softban [USERID] Spamming #general Kicks` User and deletes any messages sent 24 hours prior with reason `Spamming #general` | | kick | Kicks the chosen user | `?kick [user] [reason] ` | `?kick [USERID] Spamming #off-topic` Kicks User with reason `Spamming #off-topic` | | mute | Mutes the chosen user either permanently or for a specified amount of time | `?mute [user] [minutes] [reason] ` | `?mute [USERID] 1h Spam` Mutes User for 1 hour with reason Spam | | unmute | Unmutes the chosen user | `?unmute [user] [reason] ` | `?unmute @[USERID]` Unmutes user | ### Common Issues #### Invalid Discord invite Some users may report that an invite for a specific server is invalid or not working for them. You should first of all check yourself if the invite they are trying works for you. :::danger If the invite doesn't redirect you to the server it's registered to, it is invalid and you should contact an administrator to remedy the situation. ::: :::success If the invite does redirect you to the respective server, then the user is either banned from the server, has hit the maximum number numbers of Discord servers they can be a member of (100), or they are banned on another Discord account they're not telling you about (Discord bans by IP address too). ::: #### Spoilers Spoilers do not negate the moderation offences of their hidden contents. Implied content should also be moderated as if it is clearly stated, e.g. you're such a `n||ice person||` is read by other users as a certain other derogatory term and should be moderated as such. #### Rules in Direct Messages Some people may report that a user is sending them direct messages, via a Mayflower Discord server they are a member of, that are violating the Disord rules. In some circumstances, it may be valid for the offending user to have moderation action against them but it is important to identify the context of the situation before deciding on any action. Illegal activity should be permanently banned regardless of its location, administrators should be notified if action is undertaken like this or you are suspicious over the legality of a topic. #### Different Topic Channels The State of Mayflower server has more than one public channel, `#general`, `#off-topic`, `#leti` and `#justice`. It's important that the channel topic of each channel be respected at all times. You should consider letting user's know where their content should go before muting and progressively issuing harsher consequences. #### Screenshots Screenshots of Discord and Roblox are frequently shared in often to support someone's claim of a rule violation against another user. It's important to always take into account the ease of forgery, especially with Discord screenshots. If it's possible to, try verifying the validity of images yourself if the claim is in a public channel e.g. Checking `#discord-logs` for a deleted message. ## New Haven County The New Haven County game is to be bound by the rules found in the `#experience-rules` channel on the State of Mayflower Discord. Moderators are chosen by the development team and are also moderators of the State of Mayflower Discord. ### Cmdr Cmdr is an open-source command console enabling an interface between moderators and the New Haven County moderation system. The Cmdr interface is opened and closed by pressing the semi-colon `;` key. Commands are entered and auto-completed as you type them by pressing `TAB`. Pressing enter will execute the command. Pressing the up and down arrow keys will also navigate through your command history and allow you to quickly repeat old commands. :::info You can run the `help` command to list all commands available to you. ::: #### Argument Operators You can substitute player names with the following: | Operator | Meaning | | -------- | -------- | | `#USERID` | Player with the UserId USERID. | | `.` | "me", or the player who is running the command. | | `?` | A random single player. | | `*` | All players. | | `**` | "others", or all players who aren't the player running the command. | | `?N` | N random players. | | `#%TEAM` | All players on the TEAM team. | ##### Examples * `ban #8166491 Exploiting` - Bans a user with UserId `8166491` for "Exploiting" * `watch .` - Watch yourself * `watch ?` - Watch a random player * `notify * Hiya` - Notify all players with "Hiya" * `notify ?4 Hiya` - Notify 4 random players with "Hiya" * `notify %Citizen Hiya` - Notify all players on the Citizen team with "Hiya" ### Suggested Actions #### 1. Abide by the New Life Rule Players who kill themselves during a pursuit are still subject to the crimes they committed and should be treated as such (in line with rule 3). If targets are killed by another player then their crimes shall be forgotten and pursuits shall be called off. Officers, who to the best of their knowledge were aware of a "valid" death yet continued to pursue, should be treated by moderation with a temporary ban. #### 2. Do not exploit, use lag switch, or glitch Common exploits are detected automatically by the game and other more complicated ones are not. Anything exploit related (e.g., No-clipping, flying, and teleporting) should be dealt with via permanent bans. Lag switching, glitching vehicle and glitching through walls should be punished with temporary bans. #### 3. Do not reset or disconnect while in action Disconnecting while in handcuffs may also be referred to as `Leaving to avoid arrest.` If a user leaves while recently being under the custody of an officer, they will be presented with the option to arrest them post-leaving. This post-leaving option should be preferred to moderation action. Users who leave before such an option is available (e.g., before being placed into handcuffs) should be temporarily banned. #### 4. Do not spawnkill Spawnkilling is moderated when a player kills another player within a minute of them spawning. This should only be of concern, however, when the targeted player(s) are being prevented from moving away from the area. Temporary bans should be used in this situation. #### 5. Using alts to cheat moderation This rule states what it is. Due to the disposable nature of alternate accounts, it's recommended that users are permanently banned on the alternate account. Be very careful on identifying firm links between accounts before enacting any action. :::warning Failing to follow these guidelines can and most likely result in your position being `removed`. ::: #### 6. Abusing the game mechanics With alternate accounts, it's possible for two accounts under one user's ownership to be granted citizenship by the bot or by ICF. Therefore, it's not always appropriate to ban on-sight when a user may not be aware of the fact. Priority should be on removing the offending account's citizenship. In the case of mass-dispensing, this rule should be considered in conjunction with the records available in `#dispenser-logs` to those who have access to it. If you're in-game or have someone available in-game witnessing the dispensing take place. Take note of names of the names of any player's interacting with the offender, especially if the players seem like new/alt accounts. Accounts that appear to be used only for the purpose of mass-dispensing should be permanently banned as well as the account itself that is mass-dispensing. Discussion and action involving the selling and trading of accounts and items for cash, Robux or any other currency is permanently bannable. #### 7. Playing in a fair and responsible manner Barriers and other ploppables available to law enforcement should be used in a realistic manner that others expect them to be used in. They are not for boxing vehicles in and ending pursuits. They should also not be used for blocking pedestrian entranceways. Offenders of this rule should be temporarily banned. Due to ploppables being another in-game item, also remember that this rule may not necessarily be limited to those who can spawn the item themselves. #### 8. Abide by the Roblox Community Rules Any moderation action of this sort should be treated more passively. Users affected by any breaches of the community rules should be recommended to use the Roblox report feature. If a moderator happens to find any breaches of this in-game, a kick should be used first as a warning preceded by a temporary ban if the user continues. Obviously this depends on the severity. ## Game Commands | Soon | Soon | Soon | | -------- | -------- | -------- | | Soon | Soon | Soon | ### Common Issues New Haven County is far from perfect and contains many bugs that are always yet to be resolved. Here are some known issues that may influence your moderator decisions. #### Money farming Users often try to avoid the Roblox idle detection by moving their character every few minutes/seconds to stay in-game and continue to accumulate more money into their accounts. This is a consequence of the current design of the game and should be lessened in the future through game updates. Users should not be banned under any circumstances and should merely be kicked if the server also happens to be full. #### Alternate Accounts If there is sufficient evidence to link an account playing New Haven County to another under the same owner, it is suitable for the alternate account to be permanently banned **if the main account is also currently banned.** #### Search Warrants Due to lack of a reasonable, fair, and technically-achievable game mechanic to solve the issue, search warrants are to be dealt with by moderation in the case where a player is not willing to comply with a search warrant issued to them. In the case of this, players should be banned with a temporary ban (issued under rule 7) at most. With the search warrant to be executed as soon as their ban is over. **Do not permanently ban.** Temporary bans may be repeated if the player still refuses to comply after already serving a similar ban. The punishments stack up anyway. Search warrants should also be executed with minimum disruption to other players to the game (i.e., car dealerships should not be blocked off using ploppables). Law enforcement officers are not exempt from the rules during this process. #### Full servers If a server is full and an event has been organised by a State of Mayflower department (including legislature sessions), it may be tempting to kick Tourists to make room for attendees currently queuing. This is highly discouraged as it results in a bad experience for users, especially new ones in the case of Tourists. It also often requires more than one kick for every user intending to join. :::info It is recommended that organisers establish the event in the smallest server possible and only when essential attendees are all ready. ::: ## Procedure When performing moderation action, it's important to ensure you remain clear and professional in what your intentions are behind any action. If moderating on New Haven County, you should also be careful in how you phrase moderation reasons as your input will be filtered by Roblox and may become unreadable to a user who has had moderation action. Also be aware that these reasons are broadcast to the game server and its players a user is kicked or banned. ### Correct Usage :::danger tban `Dobblo` LTAA ::: :::success tban `Dobblo` Leaving to avoid arrest. ::: :::danger tban `Dobblo` ToS Violation ::: :::success tban `Dobblo` Violating Roblox rules. ::: Do not abbreviate moderation offences. Users may be new to the community and may not be aware of these shortened forms. :::danger tban `Dobblo` Violating Roblox rules, using the n word ::: :::success tban `Dobblo` Violating Roblox rules, derogatory language ::: :::danger ?mute `Dobblo` Stop Spamming the same message ::: :::success ?mute `Dobblo` 1h Stop spamming the same message ::: You have to find the balance between being too vague and too specific in your moderation reasoning. In the first example, stating what word triggered moderation action is too explicit in the context of Roblox, so it may be more appropriate to abstract it into derogatory language which can appear without issue on Roblox. :::danger ban `Dobblo` Excessive leaving to avoid arrest ::: :::success tban `Dobblo` Leaving to avoid arrest ::: Bans which are ordinarily temporary shouldn't become permanent just because a moderator wasn't there in the first instance of a rule violation. ### Moderation Evidence On the State of Mayflower Discord, the channel, `#mods-evidence`, is available for this purpose for both game and Discord offences. Pasting evidence of wrongdoings into this channel is not mandatory but it certainly helps other moderators when investigating appeals for your bans. Evidence should be posted in the format `USERNAME / REASON / (LINK TO) EVIDENCE` ASAP after moderation action has taken place. ## Appeals Unless a moderator immediately recognises their own mistake, all moderation action should be appealed using the [appeals form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdwRBIyTmqzV6l-2usmXoZSSKlRfZbGD2rqhbrHCg0aR6aWbw/viewform) before repealing a moderation decision. All users should be directed to this form upon requesting an appeal. The appeal form prevents someone from submitting more than one appeal per Google account per day. Appeals on bans made by cityWARE should be accepted only if they are the user's first exploiting-related ban and they provide admission and appear remorseful. cityWARE bans are designed to ban only when false positives are impossible, there is no way someone would receive a ban unless they were tampering with the game. Appeals should be responded to within 24 hours of their submission. It is not necessary to contact individuals following an appeal decision being reached as appeal decisions are reflected in `#appeal-logs`. You may discuss or question a user directly regarding their appeal if you wish or require additional information to aid the appeal process. :::danger If you were involved in moderating the appealing user, avoid the appeal and allow another moderator to make the decision. ::: ### Appeal and Rule Report Completion Process These steps must be followed while processing any appeals and rule reports on the **Moderation Appeals** and **Rule Reports** sheets within the moderation spreadsheet. 1. Enter your Roblox username in the **Moderator username** column of the submission --- 2. Investigate the appeal and look at the user's moderation history using commands such as ?modlogs for Discord moderation history * **If the user is accepting responsibility**, take into account the context surrounding their ban and how old any moderation is and if you believe enough time has passed and lessons learnt to warrant an unban * **If the user is not accepting responsibility**, look at the context surrounding the ban and any evidence that was provided at the time. Use Discord search to try to find the original command that issued the ban. Identify if there was any mistake or ambiguity off of the evidence provided at the time. * **If in doubt, ask other moderators for their opinion!** #### For Rule Reports 2. Investigate the rule report and try to identify if the evidence submitted is legitimate * Only accept video evidence for rule reports, screenshots can and have been manipulated in the past * **For LTAA reports**, identify if the user was successfully arrested by the reporter at around the time the report was submitted, check **#god-logs** to identify this! Decline the report if this is the --- 3. Enter the reasoning behind your decision in the **Notes** column 4. Enter your decision `Accepted` or `Declined` in the **Result** column of the submission 5. If you accepted the action, perform it (e.g., unban appealer, ban rule violator). Do this as soon as possible --- ## Questions or Concerns? This document is intended to evolve over time, DM Dobblo on Discord with any queries relating to this document, its usage, and if you weren't able to be helped. DM the same account if you also are having issues with an existing moderator's conduct.