Hi goSupermodels,
We have noticed a demand for more transparency and clearer details regarding the rules and how sanctions are implemented. We highly value your feedback and therefore decided that it is time for an update, with more information regarding sanctions and how they work.
Back in December 2023, we posted about "Sanctions and how they work." Since then, we've updated our rules and guidelines, so it's time for a fresh look. While some of the old info is still relevant, we want to ensure you have the most up-to-date details.
When we talk about sanctions, we're usually referring to Warnings and Time-Outs (TOs). However, our system also includes Mod Messages, Rule Reminders (RR), Last Warnings (LWs), and Bans. While a Rule Reminder isn't a sanction in itself, it’s logged in your sanction history and will be used in case we have to review your account due to new rule breaks.
We receive many questions via the Moderator inbox and Support, as well as discussions on the forums, especially around how long both TOs and Bans last. Hopefully, this post will clear things up!
Please note that we’re currently enforcing the rules more strictly than we’ve done in the past.
You can always request your sanctioning history by messaging the Moderator inbox or by emailing Support at gosupermodel@watagame.com.
Rule Reminders
A Rule Reminder is issued if you break a milder rule or when the violation isn't considered severe.
For example, your very first language-related rule break might result in a Rule Reminder, depending on the content and context. Rule Reminders are not warnings, but friendly reminders of the rules.
Warnings
A Warning is issued if you break a more serious rule.
For example, this could be using a censored word by circumventing it or being disrespectful towards other users.
Continued rule-breaking can lead to further consequences like a TO, longer TOs, LW, or even a ban. It's important to note that you can receive a Warning even if you haven’t previously received a Rule Reminder.
Time-Outs
A Time-Out is issued when you have either repeatedly broken the rules or committed a severe rule break where a warning isn't suitable.
You can receive a TO without a prior Warning if the rule break is severe enough.
Some rule breaks will always result in an immediate TO.
While rare, it’s possible to receive a longer TO (7-14 days) as your first sanction.
When on Time-Out, you can’t:
Send goMessages to other users.
Write posts or comments on the Forums.
Write posts or comments on the Friend Message Board.
When you receive a TO, it applies to you as a person and not just the model it was issued on. This means that you’re not allowed to be active on other accounts (alts) while on TO.
“Being active on another model” entails using different accounts to bypass your TO restriction, like posting on forums. You’re also not allowed to communicate via Sketzmo.
You can contact the Moderator Inbox if your time-out lasts for 3 days or less. For longer TOs, you'll be able to contact the Modbox once you have 3 days or less remaining. You can, however, always contact support at gosupermodel@watagame.com if you have any questions or concerns regarding your TO.
What Affects TO Lengths?
The length of a TO depends on both the rule you broke and your sanction history. This means that two users who break the same rule might receive different consequences.
For example, discrimination will always result in a TO on the first offence. A second instance of discriminatory behaviour may lead to a longer TO.
The different TO lengths are: 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days.
Moderators can only issue 3 and 7-day Time-Outs, and staff can give up to 14 days.
Last Warning
Last Warnings (LWs) are issued when a user has repeatedly broken the rules within a certain timeframe (typically six months), or if a single rule break is considered very severe.
LWs can last for 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, depending on the severity and frequency of your rule breaks.
The number of prior sanctions required for a LW also depends on the severity of the broken rules.
A LW can either apply to specific rules or all rules. If your LW is for a specific rule and you break an unrelated rule within your given timeframe, your LW won't be affected.
If your rule break is severe enough, you might receive a LW without any prior sanctions.
Although rare, permanent LWs can also be issued in exceptional situations.
Only Admins, Staff, and Moderator Supervisors can issue a Last Warning. Moderators cannot.
Sharing sanctions
Sharing your sanction(s) is only permitted to a certain degree. In general, it is allowed to discuss and express disagreements with our rules in a constructive manner. Here, it is important not to share your sanction message word for word, as you risk re-offending said rule break anew. If this were to happen, you are committing the same violation again and will risk being sanctioned again. Depending on the content that was sanctioned, the second offence may lead to harsher sanctions. If you are unsure whether what you're posting is aligned with the community rules, please reach out to the moderator inbox.
Who Gives Out Sanctions?
Moderators issues Rule Reminders, Warnings, and Time-Outs.
Staff (mainly Admin or Moderator Supervisors) also issue sanctions in more serious cases.
You can tell who sent your sanction by the signature: "goSupermodel Moderators" or "goSupermodel Staff/Admin/team."
Only Admins, and (rarely) Staff and Moderator Supervisors can issue Bans. Moderators cannot.
Before issuing a sanction, we always look for context, intention, and impact. The reason for your sanction will always be described in your sanction message. It will always include specifically what you did/wrote and what rules were broken. We also do our best to educate you on how to prevent further sanctions going forward.
If you experience that not being the case, please contact the moderator inbox for clarification or send a complaint to support.
What Happens If I Get Banned?
Most users are banned after receiving a LW, though this isn't always the case. During a ban, you will not be allowed on the platform, and all accounts will be deleted and banned.
Bans durations can be 3, 6, 9, or 12 months - or permanent.
The duration may change while you’re banned. For example, if you attempt to evade your ban or behave in ways that pose a safety risk to other users.
Creating new accounts during your ban (evading it) can result in a longer or permanent ban.
If the ban lasts for longer than 3 months, your account will not be restored. You’ll need to create a new one.
It’s possible to be banned without a prior LW, if your rule-break is severe enough.
If you repeat the same rule breaks after your ban is over, you may receive immediate LW or even a new ban.
In some cases, we may reevaluate a ban, as we believe in giving people second chances and supporting growth! However, this is not a guarantee, and each case is assessed individually. If you want us to reevaluate your ban, you have to contact support at gosupermodel@watagame.com
Can My Model Get Deleted Without a Ban?
Yes. If you create a troll account, use an inappropriate username, or start using an old inactive account to troll, your account may be deleted without any warning.
If this happens, you'll see a pop-up when trying to log in that says, "Your model has been deleted because…"
If your account has an inappropriate username but is neither new nor inactive, we will send a goMessage asking you to contact support for a name change within 14 days. If we don't receive an email within that timeframe, your model will be deleted.
Why Does Support Take So Long to Respond?
We have listened to your feedback and have recently improved our Support response times.
If you haven’t received a reply from us within 2 weeks after sending your email, please contact the Moderator Inbox with your ticket number. Your ticket number should look like this: #numbers
If you didn’t receive a ticket number, your email didn’t go through, and you’ll have to send a new one.
Also, if you've sent us a lot of information or have a long and complicated case, it may take more time for us to investigate thoroughly.
Please note that we might be behind on support during the holidays.
Sanctions Include: Warnings, Time-Outs (TOs), Last Warnings (LWs), and Bans.
Rule Reminders (RR) are not sanctions, but friendly reminders. They’re logged in your sanction history, just like normal sanctions.
Moderators and Staff always look for context, intention, and impact before issuing sanctions.
Receiving one Warning or TO doesn't mean your account is close to being banned, unless your actions were very severe.
You typically need a certain number of sanctions within about 6 months before receiving a LW (with exceptions). The number of sanctions depends on how severe the rules broken were.
A Last Warning doesn't mean your account is permanently "hanging by a thread." It's active for a specific time mentioned in your LW.
Users usually receive a Last Warning before a Ban, but this isn't always the case. Depending on the rule break, you might get banned before receiving a LW.
A ban message is always sent to the email under which your model is registered. If you didn’t receive a ban message, you have to contact support.
If you have questions about a sanction, ask the Modbox. If you want to appeal a sanction, contact Support at gosupermodel@watagame.com.
We will also answer your questions in this topic.
Regards,
