2 FAQ tagged with memail


Someone threatened me or threatened to harm themselves. What should I do?

Threats are not okay on MetaFilter. If you believe you are being threatened by another user, please disengage and contact the mods. Threatening or harassing users or mods over MeFi Mail or indirectly via profile page comments is potentially a bannable offense. You can block MeFi Mail on a per-user basis by scrolling to the bottom of a MeFi Mail from them and clicking "[Block this sender]" To unblock users you can go to your Contacts page on MeFi Mail and click "manage blocked senders" at the bottom of the page.

Threats of self-harm impact our ability to keep people's personal information private and are not okay on MetaFilter. There is a wiki page of resources for people who feel that they are in crisis or need professional help: ThereIsHelp. Suicide threats in comments, MeFi Mail, or on profile pages will be dealt with quickly. Please contact the mods if someone on the site appears to be threatening self-harm or suicide.

MetaFilter has limited ability to control harassment of MeFi members offsite, though if you believe that harassment is being committed by a MeFi member, please let us know.
(tags: ) June 4, 2012 - permalink - back to questions

What is being done to prevent bullying on MetaFilter?

We would like to have an atmosphere on MetaFilter in which bullying--specific and repeated harassment of another user with indimidation or silencing tactics--is not okay. Here are some things to know if you think you are being bullied or are witnessing bullying

1. Harassment over MeMail is a bannable offense. If someone is harassing you over MeMail, you can block them from sending you MeMail, and contact the mods and we will look into the situation and take action. (To block MeFi Mail on a per-user basis, scroll to the bottom of a MeFi Mail from the person you want to block, and click "[Block this sender]." To unblock users, go to your Contacts page on MeFi Mail and click "manage blocked senders" at the bottom of the page.)
2. Utilizing the Brand New Day option and continuing to harass users through a new username is likewise against the rules.
3. MetaFilter or AskMe comments that repeatedly target and harass specific users are not okay. Site policy issues ["Why isn't this person banned?"] need to go to MetaTalk or directly to the mods.

Keep in mind that in many cases refusal to respond is often the best path to take if you are in a one-off situation where you feel the mods need to step in. If you are in an ongoing situation with another user, we expect you to do your best to not engage with that user and/or bring your problems with their behavior to the mods.
(tags: ) November 14, 2011 - permalink - back to questions