Wikipedia's definition of a sockpuppet is "an online identity employed to mislead." On Wookieepedia, this deceptive practice typically manifests when a blocked user creates a different account to try and get around their block and keep contributing to the wiki. Wookieepedia has a strict ban on sockpuppetry, and administrators usually respond with the harshest possible consequences.
Below are some typical examples of sockpuppetry as it appears on Wookieepedia. Each of these is strictly forbidden and can lead to punishment from an administrator.
Wookieepedia usually applies the most severe penalties to sockpuppetry because it often involves users who are already blocked trying to circumvent that block or ban. Administrators should address sockpuppetry in the following manner:
- Any sockpuppet accounts used by blocked individuals will be permanently banned. The administrator has the option to extend the original block duration.
- IP addresses that are used to bypass a block will be blocked. Specifically, proxy IP addresses will be permanently banned. The administrator can also choose to extend the original block duration.
- Sockpuppet accounts that are used to give the false impression of widespread support for a single user's stance will be permanently banned. The administrator also has the option to block the offending user's original account.
- Any user found to be participating in meatpuppetry, whether they started it or are responding, will be blocked at the administrator's discretion.
- If a user is discovered making edits on behalf of a blocked user, they will be blocked at the administrator's discretion. Additionally, if a blocked user is found to be asking other users to do this, the administrator may extend their original block duration.
- If a user is found to be maintaining multiple accounts for harmless reasons, they will be informed about the Sockpuppet policy and advised to pick one account to use. The administrator may then permanently ban any secondary accounts to prevent potential abuse.
If users notice or suspect sockpuppetry, they should report it to the Wookieepedia administration. This can be done by leaving a message on an administrator's talk page, on the Administrators' noticeboard, or in the #admin-help channel on Discord.
Fandom has given the CheckUser extension to three Wookieepedia administrators. This tool allows them to find the IP addresses of registered user accounts in order to fight sockpuppetry, vandalism, and other disruptive behavior. Currently, the Wookieepedia administrators with this tool are DarthRuiz30, Grunny, and OOM 224. Users can also report sockpuppetry by directly messaging these administrators.